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1992-01-18
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2,163 lines
T R T Y 4 0 0 0 . 1
for ZENITH Z-100 and IBM COMPUTER SYSTEMS
BY SKYLINE ASSOCIATES
JANUARY 1ST, 1992
The TRTY.EXE program is a split-screen, dual-port, Amateur Radio
communication control program. The specifications and the program were
developed after many years of Amateur Radio Teletype operational experience
on the Heath Computer Amateur Radio Teletype Net (14082.5 mcs, mark).
Features of TRTY.EXE 4000.1
Supports two serial ports simultaneously, in half or full duplex.
Control AMTOR, PACKET or RTTY communications, in a single or
any double combination.
Supports BAUDOT, with 4 shift levels, and 7 or 8 bit ASCII. Baud
rates 45 to 9600.
Software and Hardware handshaking.
Colors may be set for all text, background, and window borders.
Separate Radio call signs for each session.
Beep on recognition of call sign, and upon receiving an Alert Bell call.
Remote station may retrieve messages from a 'MailBox' of a station.
Operator may scroll through text previously shown but rolled off the
screen.
Operator may resend a received message, across bands, or modes.
Operator may edit text in one window while monitoring one or both
ports in other windows.
Operator may search a window for a 'character string' in a window.
Same program runs on IBM PC or ZENITH Z100, and Z100 with the ZPC IBM
emulator. The ZENITH requires 768k RAM.
Program may be configured for special requirements of Packet and
Amtor.
Software squelch programmable, with a 'DICTIONARY' type lookup.
MILITARY AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE (MARS) protocol requirements possible.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 2
CONTENTS pages/s
24/25th LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3RD AND 4TH LEVEL OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . 15
ALTERNATE PORT SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
AUTO 'SHUTOFF' OF THE TRANSMITTER. . . . . . . 4
BELL REMINDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
BREAK MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
COLOR CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CONFIGURATION MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CONFIGURING THE PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DEMODULATOR TYPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DISK I/O MENU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
DUAL SCREENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
EDITING TEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
END OF LINE SEQUENCES (EOL). . . . . . . . . . 8
ERROR INDICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
FANCY MARGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
FLOW CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
HERCULES MONITORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
HELP MENU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
HOT KEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
IBM SYSTEM CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
KANTRONIC KAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/28
LOGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MAILBOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16/24/25
MASTER CONFIGURATION FILE. . . . . . . . . . . 30
MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS MENU . . . . . . . . . . 15
PACKET/AMTOR OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
PARTNER CALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PICTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PK-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/28
PORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/13
PRINTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PROGRAMMABLE STRINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
QUICK TRIAL OF THE PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . 4
RECONFIGURING THE KEYBOARD . . . . . . . . . . 21
RELAY TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
RELAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15/16
REMOTE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
REMOTE WRU FUNCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
RS232 CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28/29
SCREEN SAVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SEARCH STRING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SENSITIVITY, software squelch . . . . . . . . 11
SESSIONS, defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SET PORT MENU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SHOW FILE USAGE MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SOFTWARE SQUELCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/14
ST-5, ST-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
STARTUP DIDDLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
STRINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/20
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
TIME ZONE and CALL SIGN. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TNC UNITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
TRTY PROGRAM OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
WIDTH, transmitted lines . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WINDOWS 3.0 . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
WINDOW MANAGEMENT MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
WRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/16
ZENITH SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/28
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 3
-:DISCLAIMER:-
Skyline Associates hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this
product, whether express or implied, including without limitation any
implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Skyline Associates cannot and will not be liable for any special,
incidental, consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data
or any other reason, even if Skyline Associates has been advised of the
possibility of such damages. The user of this program bears all risk as to
the quality and performance of the software.
-:TRTY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:-
The TRTY.EXE program is an MSDOS program and was developed to fill a
need in the Amateur Radio Communication Hobby. We tried to include as many
of the features that are needed for a basic Teletype Communication Program,
and then we added some. This program will function with either a ZENITH Z100
with at least 256k ram,or an IBM PC compatible computer. A command line
indicator is sometimes needed to assist in this system recognition. The
program will also work with the ZPC emulator, on the ZENITH Z100 with at
least 256k ram. A color monitor is desirable, but not necessary for the
program. Normal RTTY communication compatibility, with other mechanical and
electronic systems, has been maintained.
TRTY was developed primarily to control Irv Hoff's ST-5 or ST-6
MAINLINER RTTY demodulators. It of course will control the HAL ST-6 or
ST-6000 copies of Irv's fine demodulators. Any RTTY demodulator with
simuliar specifications will work just fine. A later addition to TRTY was
the features needed to control the PK232 and the KAM type units.
Many of the advanced features of TRTY will only work with another TRTY
using system. This program is not a trivial communication control program,
and takes some thought and effort to properly configure for use. The default
configuration allows normal Baudot use at 45.5 baud. Only a simple choice of
Com Ports is needed to start communicating..
Each serial port on an IBM or Zenith Z100 system is controlled from a
SESSION split-screen. SESSION 1 controls Port Com1 or Port A, and SESSION 2
controls Port Com2 or Port B. Each SESSION may be configured for Baud rate,
Baudot or ASCII, half or full duplex, and many other configurable items, to
tailor the program to your needs and communication system. Each SESSION
screen consists of two windows, a DIALOG window to show incoming data, and a
PRETYPE window, to buffer the outgoing data. These windows can be configured
to overlay, or appear side by side, or stacked , in a three or four window
display called DUAL mode. More on DUAL mode, later.
Typing errors are correctable in the pretype area, at any time, prior to
the characters being transmitted. An added feature is one that stops the out
put of characters from the pretype, 15 characters prior to being
transmitted. This allows for corrections of the last word or few words being
made. The pretype will be emptied when a Ctrl-g or Ctrl-v is entered into
the pretype, finishing the transmission.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 4
-:QUICK TRIAL OF THE PROGRAM;-
For those who are familiar with RTTY programs, and want to rush into a
first trial of TRTY, here are some basic directions. I assume you have a
demodulator unit attached, per connections given later in this document.
1. Of course, backup your copy of TRTY.EXE.
2. Call up the program, with TRTY.EXE and TRTY.HLP in the directory.
TRTY <cr>
3. The first screen, the LOGO, will clear if you hit a key.
4. The next screen is the operating screen, and is for COM 1
operating at 45.5 baud of 60 WPM Baudot.
A dull black screen with white characters. Colors come later.
Push F10 to start with SESSION 2, COM 2.
5. Type a message into the Pretype area, which is on the lower part of
the screen. I assume that you have your control unit on proper
port. Correct typing errors by backspacing, or use the arrows
keys, to move the cursor, and make the correction. The transmitted
characters are correctable up to about 15 characters prior to
transmission. The output will stop, and wait if the output catches
up to the input, with about 15 characters waiting. A Ctrl-g or v
will complete the transmission to the end of the pretyped data.
6. Hit Ctrl-X, (both keys at same time), and the message will be sent
out to the Session port. (Ctrl-X is a toggle, a second hit will
toggle the system back to 'RECEIVE)' The message will appear in the
upper window as each character is transmitted, with a 'GIMMICK' at
the left margin of each line, indicating 'Transmitted' lines.
7. To end the transmission, hit Ctrl-G, (sends NNNN's) and return to
the system.
8. To view the 'HELP' file, hit SHIFT-F1.
9. To return to the operation windows, hit F1 twice. If the HELP file
was not in the directory, the system will BEEP, hit F1 three times
to return to the operations window.
10. To 'EXIT' the program, at any time, hit Ctrl-C or ESC twice.
If you want to try Packet, Amtor, or ASCII communications, please be
patient, follow the configuration procedure, and then proceed. Now that you
have tried the program, got it to work, have fun configuring all the
possible features and colors. Enjoy the fun.
AUTO 'SHUTOFF' OF THE TRANSMITTER:-
The program has a timer that will shut off the transmitter, if the
program is left in the 'Sending' or 'transmit' condition, for more than one
minute without input from Pretype. This is intended to cut off stray
transmissions, or accidental activation of the 'TRANSMIT' switch. At the
end of the one minute inactivity, the station WRU (Who aRe yoU), will be
sent, and the transmitter turned off.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 5
-:CONFIGURING THE PROGRAM:-
All of the operator and system interfaces can/may/should be configured.
This configuration task is not difficult, so let's get started and learn at
the same time. Type out this document file, TRTY.DOC, to facilitate the
configuration and first use of the program. A sample configuration file is
shown at the end of this document. Comments are shown for help and your
information. They are not needed nor used by the program. If you include
such comments in your configuration file, they will be lost the first time
you save the file.
It is important to note that the editing of the HELP and CONFIGURATION
screens, from within TRTY, changes the screen, but does not change the files
or the TRTY program. These two screens must be SAVED, after editing, and
installed, to implement the changes. The remainder of the configuration
menus are actually changing the TRTY program configuration variables. These
changes must be saved in the TRTY.CFG file, (pushing F4) to become a
permanent part of the configuration file. I will point out this requirement,
as we progress through the configuration menus. Nothing you can do will
change the TRTY.EXE file that exists on the default device. A messed up
configuration file can be deleted, and a new start made, at any time.
The program can be configured completely with your ASCII editor, by
modifying the CONFIGURATION file. Unless you are familiar with the program,
a more successful configuration will result by starting with the MAIN menu,
from within TRTY.
One point of information, to exit the program for any reason hit CTRL- C
or ESC twice, and the program will close all files, return the ports to
their original initialization and exit to the operating system.
First, with TRTY.EXE and TRTY.HLP file in the directory, call the file
TRTY <cr>.
In most cases some 'WILD INTERRUPTS' will flash on the screen, as the
program determines the machine type.
The first configuration of the program will be the default configuration
from within the program. If the file TRTY.CFG exists on the drive, that will
be used to configure the program. The configuration file may have any
fname, and must be called on the COMMAND line.
In ALL cases it is necessary to identify the system type when the
ALTERNATE configuration file is called. Add 'IBM', 'ZEN' or 'ZPC' to the
command line, and the fname of a configuration file if other than TRTY.CFG.
The use of this program with the ZPC (by Heathkit), requires that the
command line have the form, 'TRTY ZPC [fname.cfg] <cr>'.
Call up the program, with any of the above commands, the system will
'BEEP' if no configuration file is present in the default directory. The
first window visible will be the LOGO of the TRTY.EXE program. Hit any key,
to proceed to the operation screen. The LOGO will still flash, even if
configured as 'N' in the 'OPTIONS" menu. We do not want anyone to forget the
name of this work of love.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 6
For this first configuration discussion, I will assume that there was no
TRTY.CFG file in the default drive/directory.
The second screen that pops up, is the SESSION 1 split window, with
borders around the upper or DIALOG1 window, and the lower PRETYPE1 window.
At the bottom of the window, on the 24th and 25th lines will be the
following:
_______________________________________________.............................
SESSION 1 Baud Rate 45.5 Bit Mode Baudot Log None Receiving Relay SSxx08:00
F1=Setup 1995 Available Buffers EE 12 Lines 12 1 gggg Pretype 1
_______________________________________________________________________|
' SESSION 1' means, this window is for control of PORT A, or Com 1.
PUSH F10 and the second window SESSION 2, will appear. Push F9,
and return to SESSION 1.
' Baud Rate 45.5 ' is the default baud rate.
' Mode Baudot ' means 5 bit Baudot code. Alternate setup shows in reverse
video. Hitting F3 Toggles the Alternate setup.
' Log None ' means that the logging function has not been set.
' Receiving' means the Port is set to receive. The default mode.
' SSxx' Presence means the squelch set Session 1and/or 2
The xx means XOFF HANDSHAKING has been received.
'08:00' is system time.
The line of 'dots' indicates that the remote ALERT feature is set, a
callsign, or name here, indicates who made the ALERT call. Lower-
case 'x's indicates that the feature has been reset by CTRL-q.
On the 25th line:
'F1=Setup' means, Push F1 to get the SetUp Menu.
'1995 Available Buffers' means, number of line buffers available.
Both incoming and outgoing data is buffered
in RAM, for each Session.
'EE' Presence means, Parity and Framing errors in SESSION 1 and/or 2.
'12 Lines' means, number of lines in the buffer with the active cursor.
'12' after 'Lines' means, line number of the active cursor.
'1' means, character number at active cursor line.
'gggg' GIMMICK shows when data is incoming, or outgoing, for each
SESSION. A flashing cross for incoming, and a musical note
for outgoing.
'Pretype1' indicates where the active cursor is located. Hit F2 to
toggle active cursor into/out of Upper or DIALOG window.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 7
Push F1 to view the MAIN configuration menus.
-:MAIN MENU:-
____________________________________________
| Main |
| 1. Help. (Shift-F1) |
| 2. Configure. (Shift-F2) |
| 3. Disk I/O. (Shift-F3) |
| 4. Window Management. (Shift-F4) |
| 5. Miscellaneous Options. (Shift-F5) |
| 6. Port Setup. (Shift-F6) |
| 7. Show file usage. (Shift-F7) |
| 8. Change constant (Shift-F8) |
| |
| Select a function from this list. |
|__________________________________________|
This is the Main Menu, and is the starting point to configure all of the
interface items and conditions. Screen colors, STRING lines and 'software
SQUELCH' dictionary 'WORD's are configured by editing the configuration file
itself. More on this file editing, later.
Pushing the number keys, 1-8 will pop up the appropriate menus. The
right hand listing of Shift-f keys, are the commands from the SESSION
windows, to go directly to the a specific menu, bypassing the MAIN menu.
Keep in mind the differences between editing the HELP and CONFIGURATION
files, and editing the other direct operating menu items, proceed with the
configuration. Let's start, assuming you know little about the program, in a
way that will enhance your learning process. If in doubt as to whether the
changes are saved, push the indicated keys and save the configuration. As
you finish configuring all the items in each menu, save the configuration.
Key F4 is usually the correct key.
-:CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8:-
Assuming that the MAIN menu is showing, PUSH number 8, 'CHANGE
CONSTANTS', and set up the items on that menu. After completing the
editing, PUSH F4 to bring up the 'WRITE FILE' menu. The default fname is
'TRTY.CFG', but any fname.cfg may be used, or the configuration may be saved
in each of several files. If 'TRTY.CFG' as a fname is appropriate hit <cr>,
and the configuration file will be saved.
TIME ZONE and CALL SIGN are the usual items and are self explanatory.
The FANCY margin is the special character string that you might want to
have inserted at the start of each line of data, as you send messages. Any
characters, or even a callsign may be used. The 'FANCY MARGIN' is made
active in Menu 5, item 5, by toggling the default 'N' to 'Y'.
If you would like to have lines you transmit start with your callsign,
hit key #3, and the EDIT CONSTANT submenu will appear. The default fancy
margin of '-' will be over the flashing cursor. Type in your call, W0xxx,
with a space of two following and hit the <cr>, the menu #8 will reappear.
Set the item in menu #5 to 'Y' and your call will be sent at the start of
each line sent. Any other string can be programmed as a fancy margin, your
choice. If no fancy margin is desired, don't set it to 'Y'.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 8
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
END OF LINE SEQUENCES (EOL):-
This controls the sequence sent whenever a new line is started from the
transmitted text. It is triggered by the RETURN key, automatic wrap of a
line being entered into the buffer, or by a NEWLINE (0AH, same as LINE FEED)
character from a disk input file. Baudot allows CARRIAGE RETURN (C), LINE
FEED (N), LETTERS (L), or FIGURES (F). ASCII allows CARRIAGE RETURN (C) and
LINE FEED (N). ASCII mode will ignore any other end of line characters. If
left blank, the default sequence is CCN. After configuring the items in this
menu, hit F4, to save the configuration. Follow instructions on the
following 'EDIT CONSTANTS' screen, replacing the default CCN with what you
need. The use of C,N,L and F are unique to the EOL sequences, do not use nor
confuse them with similarly named commands in the STRING setup. Sorry if it
is a cause of confusion.
RELAY TIME OUT:-
This item is the number of seconds that a message will be allowed to
remain in the Pretype, during a remote Relay. Usually set to twenty minutes
(1200 seconds), limiting the total time for a relay to ten minutes receive,
and 10 minutes to resend the message. Default is one hour (3600 seconds).
STARTUP DIDDLES:-
This is set to the number of Startup Diddles, sent as the first line of
a transmission. They are Letters Characters, and are defaulted to 32, for
use by mechanical Teletype units to get synchronized. Must be enough to open
the Autostart of users Demodulators. Not less than about 10 is recommended.
WIDTH:-
Sets the width of the transmitted line, can be up to 80, but 72 is
recommended, mechanical Teletype units are limited to 72 character lines.
PARTNER CALL:-
Place the callsign or other string, that is used regularily, in this
menu by hitting key #9. This 'PARTNER' call or string, of up to 12
characters, can be called in a STRING with a '\Z' as shown in STRING(Z)
number 26, on page 31 of this document.
During normal operation, the 'PARTNER CALL' can be modified by hitting
Ctrl-r, after positioning the cursor on or just after the word you want to
place in the PARTNER string. Everything back to the preceding blank or CR,
is put into the 'PARTNER' string (up to 12 characters). If the cursor is at
the start of a line or after two blanks the string is not inserted. You can
type a callsign of string, hit Ctrl-R, then backspace to erase the word
before going on. The word is moved to the 'PARTNER' string and is no longer
dependent on what is in the location that you got it from.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 9
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
USER PROGRAMMABLE STRINGS:-
The default Constants, Start-Up String,(item A), End Of Transmission
(item B) and WRU String (item C) may be reconfigured for special
requirements, such as Packet and Amtor. The default numbers 1, 2 and 5, are
for 'normal' RTTY operation.
These strings, 1-9, are in addition to A-Z for each session. The
strings are fixed and can not be changed, as they are reserved for use by
the program.
STRING Value Normal Use
______ _____ ___________________________________________
1 "\D" Plays 'diddles' at startup. This gives the
same function as normal startup.
2 "\J" Plays 'line-feed', before going to receive
from transmit. This gives the CTRL-V.
3 "\$03\M" Plays Control-C, then "X", then carriage
return. Makes PK232 go to transmit mode.
4 "\$04" Plays Control-D, makes PK232 go to receive.
5 "\J\U\C \K\Y\J" Plays WRU (Who aRe yoU) message
followed by line feed.
6 "\J\U\C \K\Y\J\R" Plays WRU message followed by Ctrl-V.
7 to 9 Reserved for program and future use.
From the "Constants Menu, #8" these or other programmable strings can be
chosen for the functions of Start-Up, End of Transmission (EOT), or WRU.
Configure new strings for these functions in the "EDIT Config" menu, #2",
and call for that string in the setup in menu #8. For instance, configure
STRING(x), in the Session being configured, as follows, for all SPACES at
Start-Up.
STRING(x) " "
Then in menu #8, edit in the STRING letter given to the above new
Start-Up string, as the letter for Config Item "A". This string will then
be sent in placed of the default Start-Up string #1.
Continue for the remainder of needed customization of the strings.
The string functions for these menu #8 items are:
\C place callsign of current SESSION here.
\D works only in the Start-Up String, and consist of blanks.
\G works only in Strings(a-z), just BEEPS here.
\J linefeed.
\K Puts "DISK" in string if copying to disk.
\M carriage return prior to next characters or words.
\R stop sending, same as Ctrl-V.
\U puts 'Time-stamp' in string (works in any string).
\Y puts "Relay" in string if RELAY MODE enabled.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 10
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
To assure a complete understanding of the above strings and controls,
here are some additional points of information.
1. 'Startup' is played when Ctrl-X is hit while in the 'RECEIVE' mode.
The string is sent to the connected unit before any data in the
pretype is sent. The default #1 is for normal RTTY, #3 for Packet.
2. 'EOT' string is sent when Ctrl-v is encountered in the pretype buffer
while transmitting, to allow the command, ' return to receive', to
be sent to the TNC type units. (normally the 'RETURN TO RECEIVE
AFTER EMPTYING BUFFER' command if your TNC unit supports such a
command.) #2 for RTTY, #4 for Packet.
3. The 'WRU' string is sent (preceded by the 'STARTUP' string) when
Ctrl-W is hit on the keyboard or in response to a remote WRU
request (callsignZW, :TIME, :xDISK or any other place where the proper
response to a remote command is the WRU sequence).
4. The strings may be customized for your unit commands using STRING(a)
through (z) configured as normal strings for the proper SESSION or you
may use strings #3 or #4, which are for the PK-232.
5. To disable the 'STARTUP' and 'EOT' strings, designate a 'NON-EXISTING'
STRING letter in the menu selection.
Note:-
In this document, the letters 'WRU' refer to the message that is shown
or sent in response to a remote request of 'callsignZW'. The message
normally consists of the 'TIME, DATE and Callsign' of the sending station,
plus the words 'Disk and/or Relay'. The latter two indicates the status of
the sending station. See the 'HELP' file for local key command to send the
'WRU'.
(remainder of page left blank for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 11
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
SENSITIVITY ITEM D:-(part of Software Squelch)
Software squelch is provided by TRTY, if so configured, to overcome the
limitations of TNC packet and Amtor units. Some RTTY demodulators also have
limited ability to open or close the Autostart or squelch, for a
signal/no-signal condition. Software Squelch mode is activated in Menu #5,
which will be done later, the main discussion will be done here.
Three methods of opening the Software Squelch are provided.
1) by receiving a number (x) of repetitive characters.
2) by matching incoming characters or 'WORDs' to a listing of 'WORDs'
in a configurable dictionary in the configuration file.
3) when switching from 'Sending to 'Receiving', to allow fast break in.
The Software Squelch is toggled 'Y/N' in the Port Set-Up menu, #6. The
two number setting for the software squelch is set in the menu #8D. The
following software squelch functions are only operational, if the above is
set to 'Y'.
SENSITIVITY:-
Hit key 'D', bringing up the Edit Constant menu, with 4 10 as default.
The first number is the number of received characters that will 'open'
the squelch. If set to 4, then 4 diddles or 4 a's, or 4 b's, etc. will
'open' the squelch. The normal number of 'diddles' was 32, in 'old time
RTTY', but can be any number. Set this to 99, to effectively open the
Software Squelch only upon receiving WORDs in the squelch dictionary.
The squelch will open when 'WORD' strings, configured in a dictionary
(case insensitive) added to the Configuration file, are received. The
strings may contain any number of characters up to 7. The squelch dictionary
will accept over 750 WORDS (more if short words). The configuration file
would have the following type of entries for each word:
WORD "abcd"
WORD "W0NW"
WORD "Tom"
WORD "de" (reverse slant C for 'preceded by a carriage return')
WORD "FROM" (reverse slant N for 'preceded by a line feed')
The default dictionary, with software squelch, will have the following
additional 'WORDS' forced into it, by the program, if you do not include
them.
WORD "\Ccallsign" (carriage return callsign)
WORD "\Ncallsign" (linefeed callsign}
WORD "callsign" (the above N and C are from the EOL command
characters)
This is done to assure that any remote command such as 'callsignZL' or
'callsignZW' will be recognized.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 12
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
The dictionary is usually added at the end of the configuration menu,
following the last item. The same dictionary works for either session.
These 'WORDs' can be added from the configuration editing menu, or with an
ASCII editor.
Squelch is closed 4 methods:
1). lack of signals for x seconds, set by SENSITIVITY's second number.
2). receipt of 4 N's at the end of a transmission.
3). by parity or framing errors on the port UART. The receipt of 4 or
more framing errors in 2 seconds is the threshold used in TRTY.
4). One last squelch closing method is a SPACE signal of more than
one character length. This program provides such a signal as the
command to' end a transmission' (Ctrl-G or Ctrl-V) is completed.
Parity errors are detected when the characters lack parity that conforms
to the configured parity of Menu #6.
Framing errors are those that are detected when a received character
does not have the proper number of start, mark, space or stop bits.
Normally, 'open' squelch consists of garble that seldom has properly framed
characters, and thus is a good way to indicate a need to close the squelch.
SENSITIVITY's second number is the number of seconds of 'no characters
received' that will 'close' the squelch, and stop printing to the monitor.
An 'E' shows on the 25th line when either a Parity or a Framing Error is
detected on a Session Port, one for each Session. These errors are detected
and indicated, whether or not the Software Squelch is set for that Port. The
error indications are reset after 10 seconds.
'HOT KEYS' are provided for fast control of the software squelch.
For IBM type keyboards. .
ALT-J toggles squelch mode enabling.
ALT-K opens the squelch.
ALT-L closes the squelch (if enabled).
For Zenith Z100 type keyboards.
Ctrl-K,J (two key sequence) toggles squelch mode enabling.
Ctrl-K,K (two key sequence) open the squelch.
Ctrl-K,L (two key sequence) sets the squelch (if enabled).
(on these, it makes no difference whether it is Ctrl-K then
Ctrl-L or Ctrl-J of Ctrl-K then J. The result is the same.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 13
CHANGE CONSTANTS MENU #8 continued:-
SEARCH STRING:-
Item E in menu #8 is the "string" to be used in a search of the active
window. Type a string here, such as W0NW, and then use Ctrl-Shift-"minus",
(Ctrl-Shift--) to find the string 'W0NW' in the buffer for that window with
the active cursor. The minus is the keyboard '-' not the keypad '-'...
That was some task, wasn't it? Might get easier as we learn more about
the program.
-:SHOW FILE USAGE MENU #7:-
Item 7 is a menu to show files open for reading and writing, for each
window. This menu is seldom used, it is for information only.
Item 6 is the PORT configuration menu, push number 6 and continue.
-:SET PORT MENU #6:-
When items are selected in the PORT menu, the possible configurations
will change/toggle on the 24th line, indicating the new configuration. Prior
to a first configuration, the default for the Port is 'Receiving'.
If you want to use only one screen, or Session, of the program, use
Session 1 for Com1 and Session 2 for Com2. The unconfigured Session will not
affect the other Com port. If you are configuring the program for DUAL-PORT,
configure SESSION1 port, then hit F10, and configure SESSION2. Note the
SESSION being configured will be shown on the 25th line. F9 and F10 will
toggle between sessions. Switching sessions may be done at any time, and
only one F4, 'Save Configuration' will be needed.
When the 'Change Log Option' is first configured, a WRITE FILE menu will
appear. No fname will be shown. Hitting <cr> will force a default fname
consisting of MONth, DAy and Session number (NOV29Sx) with an extension of
.001. If you insert a fname of your choice, such as 'A:\MYLOG' ,do not use
an extension, as the program will assign .001, and increment that as new
log files are created on that same day.
The default LOGNAME shown in the CONFIGURATION FILE will be "*", which
is shorthand for the MONth-DAy-Session fname. If you want to log to other
than the default drive, type a '*' and then the drive letter, such as '*A'
(with out the quotes, or course), and the log will be written on drive A:,
with the fname of 'NOV29S1.00x'. No colon is needed after the drive name.
When you type the 'A' following the '*', the menu will blank out for a
moment, and then the SET PORT menu will reappear. Hit F4, to save the
configuration. Any other fname can be shown as 'drive:\fname'. The size of
the log file is set directly by editing the CONFIGURATION file, itself, and
is set by default at 5000 characters.
Dialog Mode should be set to 'Receiving' for half-duplex BAUDOT. For
ASCII communications set the mode to 'Full-Duplex'or 'Full-Echo'.
'Stop Bits' default is 1.5 for BAUDOT, and 1 for ASCII. Change to other
possible settings by hitting key #6.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 14
SET PORT MENU #6 continues:-
'Parity' should be set to the need of the system. Parity can be set for
BAUDOT communications, but is normally set to 'NONE'. For ASCII data, the
parity can be set to ODD or EVEN, and two additional settings of STUCK ODD
and STUCK EVEN. These last two settings mean that the parity bit is set to
either a binary 1 for ODD or a binary 0 for EVEN, and does not change.
Flow Control is set for one of the following types by toggling key #8:
None No flow control.
Xon/Xoff Software flow control.
RTS/CTS Hardware flow control.
DTR/DSR Hardware flow control.
'Software Squelch' should be toggled to 'Y', if the function is needed.
Hit key #9 to toggle from 'N' to 'Y'. A complete discussion of the SOFTWARE
SQUELCH feature is available starting on page 9 of this document.
Only the Log option is common to both the ALTERNATE and PRIMARY Port.
Push F4 to Save the configuration.
ALTERNATE PORT SETUP:-
There are times when it is necessary or desirable to quickly reset the
mode and baud rate for a Session, shifting from 45.5 Baudot to 110 (or
whatever) ASCII. This could be to copy a signal that is not being copied at
the set mode and baud rate. TRTY provides an ALTERNATE PORT SETUP and a
'HOT' key to rapidly switch between two predetermined conditions for each
SESSION..
If you wish to configure for an ALTERNATE PORT Mode and baud rate, for
each SESSION, push F3, and program an alternate setup, using the same items
in the menu. The mode items will be shown in reverse video. The program
has this capability, maintaining an alternate setup for each port, callable
by F3. Make sure that the setup you desire for the normal start up of the
program, is showing on the 24th line prior to saving the setup. Push F3, set
ALTERNATE port setup. Note that BAUDOT or ASCII is in reverse video. Save
the port setup/s by pushing F4. Hit F3 to return to the normal operation
setup.
Push F4 to Save the configuration.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 15
-:MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS MENU #5:-
Bring up the MAIN menu, hit the number 5, for the 'MISCELLANEOUS
OPTIONS' menu.
Some of the "MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS' can be configured for each SESSION
and some are items applicable to both SESSIONS. Switch SESSIONS, if both are
being configured, and save with F4. Always return to the SESSION screen
that you wish to be the default or start up screen, prior to saving the
configuration because the start SESSION is part of the configuration record.
3RD AND 4TH LEVEL OPERATION:-
One of the features of this program is called "3rd and 4th level
BAUDOT". This is a programming method of sending and receiving the full
ASCII character set over a BAUDOT channel. This program always transmits
with 3rd and 4th level characters, and is always available. The program
automatically sends a 'Blank-Figs', or a 'Blank-Ltrs', to make the 3rd and
4th shifts. Both sending and receiving stations must be using this or a
compatible program, to show the ASCII, when sending BAUDOT.
Unlock the "CAPS LOCK", to send lower case data, to be received on a
system using this same TRTY program. The print on a TTY machine, or on a
monitor (with other than this program), will show as if it were normal
Baudot. Of course, normal ASCII at 100 WPM can also be used, if desired.
3rd and 4th level 'receive' is set as a configuration item and may be
set on or off for each session.
BREAK MODE:-
Setting item 2 to 'Y', shortens the startup 'DIDDLES' and changes the
CTRL-G, for end of transmission to '-BK-' for fast break-in. This mode
should only be used when you are indeed working 'fast-break-in'. Many RTTY
demodulators will not open the squelch on the short number of start-up
diddles.
RELAY:-
TRTY features the ability to control a remote TRTY using station to
retransmit a message to a third or more stations. This mode is called
'RELAY' mode, and is set ON by item 3 in the Options #5 menu. The word
'RELAY' appears on the 24th line, when the mode is active.
In the "RELAY" mode, there is a timer to prevent untransmitted relay
messages to linger in the Pre-type buffer. This timer can be set up to one
hour in length, which prohibits any relay message longer than 1/2 the set
time. If the timer expires, the relay message is cleared and the relay
function is armed for another usage. The default time out is 3600 seconds,
one hour, which may be changed in the configuration record. A time less
than 1200 seconds (twenty minutes total) is near the lower limit for
practical use of the relay function. If a relay has been initiated by a
remote station, and the command to the station to execute the relay has not
been received, this time out will clear the Pretype buffer, and allow normal
station operation. This timer is set in CONSTANTS MENU #8, item 6.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 16
MISCELLANEOUS MENU #5 continued:-
NOTE: To use the relay system, follow these steps:
1. Send call of station having a RTY or TRTY program operational
with the capital characters ZC, appended to the call of the relay
station.
callsignZC <ret> (puts relay station into RELAY MODE)
callsignZC <ret> (send a second time to assure reception)
2. Send normal message to station: "W0NW de W0SE etc."
3. Send <ret> then "four N's" and a <ret>. Do not use Ctrl-G.
4. Send call of station being used for relay, with ZR appended.
callsignZR (tells relay station to relay)
5. Hit CTRL-V to leave the air immediately
6. Watch relay being made.
WRU on CALLSIGN:-
Item 4 in this menu has a four-way toggle. Consecutive hits of the 4 key
will toggle the 'WRU on CallSign only' from Yes to No, and a second item, ZF
from ON to OFF.
If set to "Y" , for each session, the WRU will not respond to the :DISK
of :TIME command, but only to callsignZW.
The 'ZF' is the control for the 'MAILBOX' feature of TRTY. If set to
'ON', then the station will respond to a remote command of
'callsignZFfname', by sending that file from a subdirectory in the default
directory named 'BOX', if it exists. Because TRTY can not read the actual
directory of subdirectory 'BOX', in our net we normally have a file named
'DIR', which contains the fnames of any files in the directory 'BOX'. That
way, a call to the station, with 'callsignZFDIR', will transmit the listing
of files in the station 'BOX' directory. Any prearranged scheme can be
implemented, to alert callers to a message awaiting delivery. If no local
subdirectory exists called 'BOX' or no 'called for fname' is in the
directory, the responding system will just send the local 'WRU' response.
The subdirectory must be named 'BOX'
FANCY MARGIN:-
Setting item 5 to 'Y' means, send 'FANCY MARGIN' (the string set in Menu
8 above), at the beginning of each AUTOWRAPed line. \Sx in the FANCY margin,
will call up STRING(x). This allows any STRING as a FANCY margin.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 17
MISCELLANEOUS MENU #5 continued:-
PICTURES:-
In the "PIX MODE", the "UNSHIFT ON SPACE" is disabled. The shift stays
the same as it was before the space. A <CR> does not line feed. When sending
long PIX files, a pause will be initiated at ten minute intervals, asking if
a 'station identification line should be sent?'. This can be bypassed by
suitable response to the query. A PIX file will not be seen as sent, or as
printed on a teletype printer, because of the inability of the monitor to
overprint a character. The PIX file will be sent to a file, as received, so
that it may be later be played back to a mechanical printer, for proper
viewing.
DUAL SCREENS:-
One item called 'DUAL' in the 'MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONS' menu requires
special explanation. This item makes possible the viewing of both SESSIONS
on a split screen of either three windows, or four. The DUAL windows may be
configured as three windows, with two dialog windows, and the PRETYPE
windows overlaid, or as four windows, with the DIALOG and PRETYPE windows in
each quadrant of the screen, or four windows from top to bottom of the
screen. A setting of 'DUAL=3", will allow the PRETYPE windows to be
overlay, and activity on one PRETYPE window will not bleed through to the
overlay window. A setting of 'DUAL=4' will make the PRETYPE windows
transparent, and activity in either window will show. The placement and size
of the windows is done in the 'WINDOW MANAGEMENT' menu.
SCREEN SAVER:-
Set item to 'Y' to blank or save the screen, after 10 minutes of 'no
input' to any window. Hit any key to refresh the window. Any received data
will un-blank the window. Saver action is erratic with Software Squelch.
PRINTER:-
The printer may be programmed to print only one of the two sessions. If
the printer has been programmed and not made ready, the program will hang
up, not indicating what the problem is, when printing is called.
BELL REMINDER:-
This feature has
To set or check the status of the MODE, hit Ctrl-q. The lower right line
will show dot's for 'Y' as it turns 'ON'. If already active, the line will
turn to x's as it is turned OFF.
Hit ctrl-q to set the MODE to 'Y'or 'N' as desired.
If Ctrl-q is hit while the 'Bell Reminder' is enabled, during normal
operations, there are two possibilities:
1. Any beeping reminders (see explaination) are cleared.
2. If no outstanding reminders, it disables the function.
Push F4 to Save the configuration.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 18
-:WINDOW MANAGEMENT MENU #4:-
If want or need to change the default window arrangement, and have set
either DUAL=3 or DUAL=4 in the OPTIONS menu #5, call up the 'WINDOW
MANAGEMENT' menu from the MAIN menu.
1). Configure the window placement and size by selecting the appropriate
window, (the cursor will move to the selected window).
2). Move the borders with the ARROW KEYS.
3). Save the configuration by hitting F4.
The number and placement of the windows should be in accordance with the
previous setting for DUAL. By moving the borders off screen, the maximum
lines and line length can be achieved. 80 character line lengths are
possible, but undesirable when the signals are printed by a Teletype
machine. There are some who still use the old mechanical systems, for
communications and monitoring. The 72 character line length is the
preferred length.
One of the more popular window arrangements is to have DIALOG 1 window
sized to occupy the upper third of the screen, DIALOG 2 window in the second
third of the screen, and the PRETYPE for both windows in the last third. In
this way, both incoming windows can be seen, and the active PRETYPE will be
switchable to SESSION 1 or 2, in the lower part of the screen.
Any other preferred arrangement can be used, even with each of the four
windows occupying a quadrant of the screen. Let your preferences be your
guide.
-:DISK I/O MENU #3:-
Item 3 in the MAIN menu, is used to READ, WRITE files and to view a
directory. Experiment with this item after finishing the configuration of
he program. The window with the cursor, is the active read/write window, and
is the window that will be written to a file, of where a file will be shown.
(remaining lines left blank for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 19
Hit number 2, from the MAIN MENU, and the following menu will popup.
-:CONFIGURATION MENU #2:-
___________________________________________
| Configure |
| 1. Edit Configuration File. |
| 2. Read Configuration File. |
| 3. Write Configuration File. |
| |
| 4. Reconfigure Keys. |
| 5. Toggle Sample Colors. |
| |
| F2 Install and Run Configuration. |
| |
| F4 Create Configuration File from |
| Installed Configuration. |
|_________________________________________|
The first time you try this, without a TRTY.CFG file on the default
drive, the program default configuration will be shown. If TRTY.CFG exists
on the drive, that will be shown. If fname.CFG file has been called from
the COMMAND line, that will be shown.
Hit key #1 to Edit the Configuration file. The file that is on view
is the current program configuration. Add new items, or change those
required.
The WINDOW COLORS and the PROGRAMMABLE STRINGS can be added to the
configuration file ONLY from this menu, or with an ASCII editor.
COLORS CONFIGURATION:-
The default colors for the menus and screens are a white foreground and
a black background. (white characters on a black screen) The colors, or
intensity levels on a monochrome screen, are shown as numbers, on the bottom
of the screen, when the CONFIGURATION file is viewed.
All colors are possible, space precludes showing all colors. Try color
numbers that fall between the numbers shown. An EGA or VGA screen can be
very colorful. To change the colors of the text, background or borders of
any window, edit the configuration record directly, adding the color
keywords and numbers to each window section. Each window must be configured
separately.
See the MASTER CONFIGURATION FILE, at the end of this document for
proper placement of the 'key words' for window color configurations.
Keywords in configuration file require the number of the color shown at
the bottom of the screen to display that color.
In these items, the 'n' indicates one of the color numbers.
COLOR2425 n Sets color for 24th and 25th lines. Try 4.
COLOR_HI n Sets color for variable data on screen. Try 11.
COLOR MENU n Sets menu colors. Try 12.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 20
CONFIGURATION MENU #2 continued:-
Add the following KEY WORDS and numbers for each window color.
BACKGROUND n Sets background color for windows. n must be 0-7.
FOREGROUND n Color of the normal text, and GIMMICK on 25th line.
HIGH_LITER n Color for 'BLOCK' identification.
BORDER n Color for border of window.
MOVE_BORDER n Color for border when being moved in WINDOW menu.
PROGRAMMABLE STRINGS:-
This program allows 26 callable STRINGS to be programmed, for each
SESSION, and to be called with the 'CTRL-A' command. See the examples in the
configuration file at the end of this document. The number of characters in
a STRING, including the STRING name may not exceed 80 characters. Use your
normal ASCII editor or edit the configuration record directly from within
the TRTY program.
Format control, for data in the STRINGS, is done by including the
following control characters along with the data. The STRINGS may consist of
just control characters. Be sure in enclose the STRINGS in double quotes.
"\C" means Put current SESSION callsign in STRING. In EOT strings
this means 'CARRIAGE RETURN', sorry about the two
different command actions.
"\D" means play 'diddles', how many set in menu #8.
"\G" means play 4 N's and end transmission.
"\K" means Insert "Disk", if copying to disk.
"\M(or m)" means Insert CR here. Note:- In these strings 'M' means CR.
Actually means, insert CR prior to next characters.
"\J(or j)" means Insert LF here. Note:- In these strings 'J' means LF.
Actually inserts the EOL sequence from menu #8,4.
"\N(or n)" means Insert NNNN , do not end transmission.
"\Sx" means Play STRING(x) here. Only four "Plays" in a row.
"\\" means Send ESCAPE character.
"\L" means Insert Fancy Margin.
"\$xy" means Send out hex characters x and y. x and y must be
one of 0123456789ABCDEF. y is optional. Invalid
characters will be put out as is, and not as hex.
Hex FD,FE, and FF are not allowed.
"\R(OR r)" means Stop Sending when this point is reached in string.
Same as CTRL-V, end with no N's..
"\T(OR t)" means Turn on transmitter when reached in string, if
transmitter is not already turned on.
"\U" means Insert "Time Stamp", works in any string.
"\Y" means Insert "Relay", if relay mode is enabled.
"\Z(OR z)" means Insert the 'PARTNER' string from menu 8.
These control sequences are intended to reduce the number of keystrokes
needed in normal RTTY communications, and for Macro sequences in Packet and
Amtor communications. Experiment with these controls, see the examples in
the file at the end of this document.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 21
CONFIGURATION MENU #2 continued:-
After Editing the file, remember that only the file in RAM has been
changed, the file on the disk must be saved. Following these steps to save
and implement the new configuration.
1. Hit F1, to return to the 'Configure' menu.
2. Hit key #3, to save the new configuration file. Hit <cr>.
The default fname is 'trty.cfg'. If you wish to change the fname,
do so prior to hitting key #3.
3. Hit F1, to return to the 'Configure' menu.
4. Hit F2, to install the new configuration.
CAVEAT:- Do not hit F4 to 'Save the installed file', before you hit F2
to install the new file. You will lose the new configuration.
ERROR INDICATIONS:-
If an unacceptable character or number has been edited into any of the
KEYWORDS of the configuration file, in most cases, the program will stop at
this point, with the configuration file on the screen. The unacceptable
line will be shown in reverse video, and the problem listed at the bottom of
the screen.. Hit any key, edit the the character or number and resume the
procedure on line #3 above.
DVORAK KEYBOARD ANYONE? or RECONFIGURING THE KEYBOARD:-
Each key or key combination can be remapped by hitting number 4, from
the CONFIGURATION menu. If you would like to exchange the functions of the
key combinations CTRL-W and CTRL-U, (WRU sent with the CTRL-U, in place of
CTRL-W and 'unmark the MARKED BLOCK sent by CTRL-W), call up the RECONFIGURE
KEY menu. As requested by the menu, hit the CTRL-U combination, as the key
combination to be remapped, and at the next menu, hit the CTRL-W
combination. Both the CTRL-W and CTRL-U will now send the WRU, so go back to
the RECONFIGURE KEYS menu, and hit CTRL-W at the first menu, and CTRL-U at
the second menu. The configuration is now reversed for the two keys, and has
replaced the default mapping in the program. Be sure to save the file by
hitting F4, to make the exchange a part of the configuration file. Install
the change by hitting F2. Any letter key, number key, or control
combination can be remapped with this feature. The sequence of keys is
important, first the key to be remapped , and then the function to be
redirected, then F4 to save the installed configuration. Make sure you
redirect both key control sequences, or there will two keys doing or
printing the same thing.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 22
-:HELP MENU #1:-
The remaining configuration menu is the HELP menu. Hit key #1, from the
MAIN menu, the HELP MENU will appear, if the TRTY.HLP file is on the default
drive. This file may be edited/written either from this menu, or by use of
any ASCII editor. The format of the Help file is not fixed, and can be
customized as desired. If any the Keyboard Keys are redirected, changes to
the HELP file should be made to indicate the latest options.
In case the HELP file has not accompanied the program and DOC file, here
are the items typically contained in a HELP file. The HELP fname must be
TRTY.HLP, to be callable by the HELP file menu in TRTY.
KEY Function
---------- --------------------------------------------------------------
F1 Activate function menus.
F2 Toggle from pretype to dialog and vice versa.
F3 Toggle alternate port setup.
F4 Write new configuration file configuration from menus.
F5 Force disk write and start new log file.
F6 Place a control key in text.
F7 Force Relay recording to start. (Clear Pretype buffer.)
F8 Zoom/UnZoom Window with cursor.
F9 Select Session 1.
F10 Select Session 2.
S-F1 Help screen.
S-F2 Configure screen.
S-F3 Disk I/O menu.
S-F4 Window management menu.
S-F5 Miscellaneous options menu.
S-F6 Port Setup menu.
S-F7 File usage display menu.
S-F8 Change constants menu.
Ctrl-^ (Ctrl Shift 6) Copy BASE to ALTERNATE port setup for session.
Ctrl-a Select (A-Z) string and place at end of text.
Ctrl-b Mark first or last line of block. (one block at a time.)
Ctrl-c Two times in succession causes program to terminate.
Ctrl-d Delete the block marked by Ctrl-b.
Ctrl-e Erase active window.
Ctrl-f Re-send last transmission or Force 'Relay' to play.
Ctrl-g Mark end of text with NNNN and Ctrl-v.
Ctrl-h Back space.
Ctrl-i Tab.
Ctrl-j Line feed. Also causes line to be inserted when editing.
Ctrl-k Not used, for IBM systems, used for ZENITH systems, see below.
Ctrl-l New line with fancy margin.
Ctrl-m Carriage return.
Ctrl-o Toggle Port On/Off.
Ctrl-p Not used.
Ctrl-q Toggle Set/Reset Remote Bell Reminder.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 23
HELO MENU #1 continued:-
Ctrl-r Modify 'PARTNER' call. Place active cursor at end of string.
Ctrl-s Not used.
Ctrl-t Place time and date at cursor.
Ctrl-u Unmark the marked block.
Ctrl-v Mark 'end of text' and end tramission with out NNNN's at mark.
Ctrl-w Play WRU message.
Ctrl-x Toggle transmitter ON/OFF. RS232 pin #4 goes Plus, ON.
Ctrl-y Move marked block and insert following line cursor is on.
Ctrl-z Copy block and insert following the line cursor is on.
Ctrl-\ Place Bell in text. (Ctrl-reverse slash).
Home Beginning of line. Top of window. Top of file.
Cursor keys. Up,down,left,right as marked. (May also force scrolling)
Ctrl-Shift-'-' Search buffer of window with cursor,using 'keyword' from
menu #8, item 'E'. (keyboard minus)
Esc Two times in succession causes program to terminate.
The following keys are unique to the IBM PC.
Ins Toggle insert mode.
Del Deletes a character.
PgUp Scrolls window up one page.
PgDn Scrolls window down one page.
End End of line. End of screen. End of file.
Ctrl-Bksp Deletes a line.
ALT-J Toggles SOFTWARE squelch mode enabling.
ALT-K Opens the squelch, if enabled.
ALT-L Closes the squelch, if enable
The following keys are unique to the Z100.
Ichr Toggle insert mode.
Shift-Ichr Deletes a character.
InsLine Insert a line. (Same as Ctrl-j.)
DelLine Deletes a line.
F0 End of line. End of screen. End of file.
F11 Scrolls window up one page.
F12 Scrolls window down one page.
Help Help.
Ctrl-K,J Toggles squelch mode enabling. (two key sequence)
Ctrl-K,K Opens squelch. (two key sequence)
Ctrl-K,L Closes Squelch. (two key sequence)
(on these, it makes not difference whether it is Ctrl-K
then Ctrl-J or Ctrl-k then J. The result is the same, and
not case sensitive)
(remainder of page left blank for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 24
-:REMOTE CONTROL:-
Assuming two TRTY using stations are in communication, this version of
TRTY.EXE (3003.2) will respond to following commands if preceded by a CR and
a LF, and the Pre-type buffer of the called station, is clear or empty.
COMMAND by sending Action at (callsign) receiving station.
station.
callsignZAyyyyyy - Resets a 'callsignZBzzzzzz' reminder where
the yyyyyy matches the zzzzzz described below.
The 'callsign' station will respond with the
WRU, to acknowledge receipt of the command.
If no match is found, the reset is ignored.
callsignZBzzzzzz - Sets remote bell reminder with zzzzzz displayed
on remote screen. The 'callsign' station will
respond with the WRU, to acknowledge receipt
of the command. The 'zzzzzz' indicates text of
1 to 6 characters, which is displayed on the
right end of the dividing line in the dots, above
the pretype area.
Example for 'zzzzzz': Your Call or name.
Each session can store and display up to two
different 'zzzzzz' strings. If duplicate 'zzzzzz'
strings are received, the second is ignored.
callsignZC - Set RELAY station to copy incoming messages. See page
#15 for complete discussion of the 'RELAY' function.
callsignZD - Write receive buffer of 'callsign' station, to disk.
callsignZFfilename - When received by the station 'callsign', the
file name is retrieved from the sub-directory
'BOX' in the default directory and is transm-
itted by station 'callsign', followed by the
WRU of the station. If the file does not
exist, the 'callsign' station will send it's
WRU. This is also known as a MAILBOX, as the
fname could be the callsign of a remote
station, for a file left there for later
transmission.
Not performed if the station has anything in
pretype, and not performed if the receiving
station has the function disabled. This can
be set or disabled directly in the config
file, or by toggling the item, in the WRU
setup, Menu #5.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 25
REMOTE CONTROL continued:-
Using the COMMAND callsignZFfilename:-
Make a sub-directory in the default directory (the one with TRTY), with
a name of 'BOX'. This sub-directory is where the ZF command looks for
files. I suggest that one of the files be named 'DIR', and include the
fnames of all the files in the sub-directory 'BOX'. Then a calling station
can call for the file 'DIR', and find out what files are available. Make up
the files using MAIN MENU item #3 (Disk I/O) and write a file from the
Pretype area. Be sure to have the message ready in Pretype before writing to
a file. When the Write function is called from the Disk I/O menu, put in
'BOX\filename', as called for and hit <cr>. That will write the pretyped
file to the BOX directory, with that filename.
callsignZR - Request to relay station to Relay message, with VIA etc.
See page #15 for complete discussion of 'RELAY'.
callsignZP - Replay previous transmission, WRU if pretype empty.
callsignZW - Play WRU
callsignZLcallsign - Inquire remote station status. See page #25.
End sequence with CTRL-G (NNNN).
callsignZMcallsign - Relay station call to Remote. See page #25..
Automatic response from relay station to
activate remote, unheard station.
:TIME - Play all WRU'S
:DISK - Play all WRU'S if in DISK COPY
:xTIME - Play x call area WRU's (use 0 to 9 for x)
:xDISK - Play x call area WRU's (use 0 to 9 for x)
(remainder of page left blank for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 26
-: REMOTE WRU FUNCTION:-
To determine if a remote station is active, when you can not hear the
station on a direct path, the REMOTE WRU function is available. The
function will only work when a version of the RTY.EXE or TRTY.EXE program is
in use at all stations involved. By the use of specific "Z" signals, a
remote, but unheard station, can be triggered to send its WRU, through a
RELAY station, and thus be heard by the originating station.
Following is the procedure to activate this feature:
(assuming the Relay Station can hear both other stations)
------------ ----------- -----------
: Your : : Relay : : Remote :
: Station :----\---: Station :-----\----: STATION :
: : : : :(unheard):
------------ ----------- -----------
Callsigns:
aaaaa bbbbb ccccc
Action: Comments:
aaaaa Sends: Calling station
bbbbbZLccccc<ret> Request bbbbb to call ccccc's WRU
bbbbb Automatically Sends: Response from bbbbb
cccccZMbbbbb Ask ccccc to relay WRU to bbbbb
-
ccccc Automatically Sends: Response from ccccc
bbbbbZC Set relay at bbbbb
WRU for ccccc Normal WRU from ccccc
bbbbbZR Request bbbbb relay
-
bbbbb then relays the WRU of ccccc, for all to hear, including aaaaa.
-
No operator intervention is required at any station, other than at the
originating station. The remote stations must have RELAY mode "ON", and
each Pre-type buffer empty.
(remainder of page left blank for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 27
-:EDITING TEXT:-
Text can be edited, deleted and/or moved from any window to any other
window. The feature is useful when you want to or need to manually relay
data or notes from one station or SESSION to another.
Move the cursor to the window with the data to be edited, by hitting F9
of F10, for the SESSION, and F2 to put the cursor in the window with the
data.
Hit Ctrl-B at the start and finish of a block to be moved, move the
cursor to the place in the window to receive the text, and hit either Ctrl-Y
or Ctrl-Z and the data will be moved or copied. (see HELP file for control
key action) Note that the blocked data, is highlighted in the color
configured as 'HIGH_LITER n" for that window, in the configuration file.
-:SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:-
This version of TRTY requires 300k or more of RAM, and version 2.0 or
higher of PC-DOS or MSDOS. The FILES parameter in the CONFIG.SYS file should
be reviewed. This program can use as many as four files at one time.
FILES=20, BUFFERS=20 are suggested. Some versions of MSDOS and some IBM
system copies may give trouble, not all combinations and systems have or can
be tested.
The program will start in a default mode, or in the configuration called
in the TRTY.CFG record. Other configuration files may be called on the
command line. I.E., TRTY IBM MYCONFIG.CFG <cr>.
As mentioned earlier, TRTY is primarily a control system for RTTY
demodulators of the ST-6 MAINLINER type, and has been updated to be useful
with the PK232 AND KAM units.
-:PACKET/AMTOR OPERATION:-
Because users have the most trouble getting PACKET and AMTOR properly
configured, I am including a detailed discussion of this area.
Four handshaking modes are available. None, DTR/DSR, RTS/CTS and
software XON/XOFF. An 'x' will be shown, just before the TIME display, on
the 24th line, when an XOFF has been received. Normally this will be reset,
as the XON is received from the external unit. The 'x' can be reset by
hitting F6 and then letter 'Q', if the system hangs up with no XON.
Data may be held in the Pretype buffer, while using either of the
Duplex modes, until ready to send it, by hitting CTRL-X. This turns
the system to 'Receiving' while filling the Pretype. Send the data by
hitting Ctrl-x.
If you want to have the system start in the 'Duplex' mode with the
system in the 'Receiving' condition, then save that configuration, by doing
so while in the 'Duplex Receiving' condition.
The configuration file will have the Key words 'FULL-RECEIVE' and
'ECHO-RECEIVE' in the appropriate Session areas, to indicate the above
condition.
One of the common problems when using a TNC, is the EOL requirement of
the TNC's. RTTY and the default, is two carriage returns and a line feed,
(CCN), where the TNC normally require just a carriage return (C). Set the
EOL properly, or experiment until you get it to work.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 28
PACKET/AMTOR OPERATION continued:-
The TRTY program has been tested on packet nets, with the TNC-1, TNC-2
and with the Kantronics KPC-2400. Make sure that the serial cable lines
connect the proper inputs and outputs, especially if using hardware
handshaking. The use of DTE and DCE serial port configurations, can cause
some connection problems. I have found that with the ZENITH Z100, the
following unique cable changes are necessary to get hardware handshaking to
work with the Kantronics KPC-2400. Set TRTY to DTR/DSR handshaking.
J1 RS-232 ports. J2 RS-232 ports.
Z100 TNC Z100 TNC
PIN PIN PIN PIN
1 1 Ground 1 1 Ground
2 < 3 RXD 2 > 2 TXD
3 > 2 TXD 3 < 3 RXD
20 < 5 CTS 6 < 5 CTS
6 > 4 RTS 20 > 4 RTS
7 7 Ground 7 7 Ground
4 (open at J1) 8 (open at J2)
(Normally Pins 1 and 7 are tied together on both plugs)
No other wires or jumpers connected in the cable. 4 on J1 and 8 on J2
"MUST" be open (no connection). (Due to the 2661 UART having to have the CD
signal in a spacing condition to receive signals)
For the above unique arrangement with the Z100, Set handshaking in TRTY
for DTR/DSR if Hardware Handshake is to be utilized. (Note that CTS/RTS of
the TNC go to DTR/DSR of the Z100, fooling the TNC into thinking it is
seeing CTS/RTS handshake.)
For IBM and compatibles the following is usually standard
DTE DCE DTE DCE
IBM DB-25 To TNC DB-25 IBM DB-9 To TNC DB-25
Pin 1 Ground Pin 1 Ground Pin 1 CD Pin 8 CD
Pin 2 TXD > Pin 2 TXD Pin 2 RXD < Pin 3 RXD
Pin 3 RXD < Pin 3 RXD Pin 3 TXD > Pin 2 TXD
Pin 4 RTS > Pin 4 RTS Pin 4 DTR > Pin 20 DTR
Pin 5 CTS < Pin 5 CTS Pin 5 Gnd Pins 1 & 7
Pin 6 DSR < Pin 6 DSR Pin 6 DSR < Pin 6 DSR
Pin 7 Ground Pin 7 Ground Pin 7 RTS > Pin 4 RTS
Pin 8 CD < Pin 8 CD Pin 8 CTS < Pin 5 CTS
Pin 20 DTR > Pin 20 DTR
Above is actually to Kantronics TNC DB-25 but with signal names and
directions (< >) you can figure out the connections to you particular TNC if
different from the Kantronics.
See the included documents and configuration files for KAM and PK232
units. These are furnished by users, and have been working for them.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 29
-:IBM SYSTEM CONNECTIONS:-
Follow are the requirements and connections for the normal RTTY units,
such as the ST-5, ST-6 and DT600 type units.
The input and output levels from IBM compatible systems are RS-232
levels, +5/-5 volts. The input/output levels of older type Terminal Units,
may be TTL levels, and not compatible with computer systems. The levels
must be converted to a common standard, either at the computer system or the
terminal unit interface. There are integrated chips available to change
levels from and from TTL levels, and most usually is done in the Terminal
Unit.
DTE Connection to DTE Connection to
IBM DB-25 TU IBM DB-9 TU
Pin 1 Gnd Gnd Pin 3 TXD > Send Data
Pin 2 TXD > Send Data Pin 2 RXD < Receive Data
Pin 3 RXD < Receive Data Pin 7 RTS > Push To Talk
Pin 4 RTS > Push To Talk
*****IMPORTANT******
Unless the TU specifically states it's terminal interface is RS-232
signal levels - - - - Do not attempt to hook your RS-232 Computer connectors
directly into the older Terminal Units without level converters to match the
RS-232 and Terminal Unit requirements.
(again, for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 30
-:MASTER CONFIGURATION FILE:-
The following pages consists of a Master Configuration File, showing all
the possible configuration items, and most of the possible variations. Use
this listing to compare with the program configuration file, to better
understand and configure the line items.
Order of 'key words' or items for each window not critical, and are not
case sensitive. Spelling and arguments are critical.
Keywords:- Comments:-
NOLOGO /* Prevents logo from showing at program startup.
/* For autostart from cold REBOOT, and AUTOEXEC.BAT,
/* configure to LOGO=N in OPTIONS menu.
DUAL 3 (or 4) /* Screen setup for viewing both ports at same time.
/* Requires setting borders to non-overlap condition.
/* Three windows, from top to bottom of screen or
/* Four windows, side by side or tiled on screen.
/* Delete for separate screens.
SAVE_SCREEN /* Blanks screen after period of inactivity.
/* Data is not lost.
/* Delete for not save screens.
COLOR2425 4 /* Color of items on the 24th and 25th lines.
COLOR_HI 11 /* Highlight color of configured items.
COLOR_MENU 12 /* Base color of menus.
DELAY_A 1000 /* Delay count for Ctrl-A when calling STRINGS(x).
SESSION1 /* Controls PORT A or COM1.
CALL XXXXXX /* Call sign for Port A or COM1.
ZONE "CST" /* Could be UTC, CDT, EDT, etc.
RELAY_TIMER 3600 /* Relay timeout seconds. Time the RELAY can be tied
/* up in any one relay. Reset clears Pretype.
STARTUP 32 /* Number of diddles when transmitter turns on.
MARGIN "' " /* Text for Fancy Margin.
RELAY /* RELAY mode active for BASE PORT SETUP.
NOFANCY /* Suppress Fancy Margin. Default = FANCY.
WIDTH 72 /* Line length for communication.
EOL CCN /* For Custom end of line sequence.
/* C = CR, L = Letters, N = LF, F = Figs (for BAUDOT)
/* C = CR, N = LF ( for ASCII)
PIXON /* Run this session in Pix mode. Delete for normal use.
BREAK /* Set break mode. Nothing for normal RTTY.
WRUONLY /* Play WRU only when CallsignZW is received.
/* Nothing for WRU on :TIME, :DISK or callsign requests.
BPS 45.5 /* Baud Rate for Port A (COM 1)
BAUDOT /* Mode will be Baudot
STOPS 1.5 /* 1.5 Stop Bits, can be 1, 1.5 or none. (1.5 for BAUDOT)
LOGBOTH /* Option for disk logging. LOGTX, LOGRX, LOGNONE
LOGNAME "*d" /* Disk File name for logging generated by system.
/* The log drive for the system generated fname is "d",
/* and may be inserted directly in the config file.
LOGSIZE 5000 /* Size of log file. (Will be approximate.)
RECEIVE /* Port A Dialog Mode after configuration is set.
/* Could be SENDING, RECEIVING, FULL DUPLEX, FULL-RECEIVE
/* FULL-ECHO or ECHO-RECEIVE.
STUPSTR "1" /* Default startup string.
EOTSTR "2" /* Default End Of Transmission string.
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 31
MASTER CONFIGURATION FILE continued:-
WRUSTR "5" /* Default WRU. ***These same items will appear in
other window areas as you configure them configured.***
SENSITIVE 4 10 /* Default sensitivity for software squelch.
SQUELCH /* Squelch ON.
RELAY /* Relay mode enabled for BASE PORT SETUP.
/* Nothing for no relay mode.
XON /* Turn on XON/XOFF handshaking. Nothing for OFF
NOLEVEL34 /* Suppress receiving of 3rd and 4th level BAUDOT.
/* Delete for receiving 3rd and 4th level BAUDOT.
/* Program always sends 3rd and 4th level BAUDOT.
PARTNER "nnnnn" /* Partner call for BASE SETUP. See DOC file.
ALTERNATE /* Sets program to config ALTERNATE PORT.
RELAY /* Relay active for ALTERNATE PORT SETUP.
ZONE "UTC" /* Alternate ZONE
STARTUP 32 /* Startup diddle number.
MARGIN " . " /* Alt FANCY MARGIN.
EOL CCN /* Alt End Of Line.
BPS 45.5 /* Alt Bits Per Second.
BAUDOT /* Alt Mode.
STOPS 1.5 /* Alt Stop Bits.
RECEIVE /* Mode shows here, as shown above.
STUPSTR "1" /* Start up string default.
EOTSTR "2" /* End Of Transmission string default.
WRUSTR "5" /* WRU default string.
SENSITIVE 4 10 /* Default Sensitivity numbers.
PARTNER "nnnnn" /* Partner call for ALTERNATE SETUP.
ALTERNATE /* Resets to BASE SETUP, after config Alternate Port.
/* If the file retrieval ZF has been set 'Off', then
/* the words ZFOFF will follow this word ALTERNATE.
/* The indicators for Alert Bell will also follow this
/* word ALTERNATE, and be, as appropriate, BELLMIND or
/* NOMIND. This feature is set in the options menu, #5
/* from the MAIN menu.
/* Each Session may have 26 Strings available on Ctrl-a, plus a letter.
/* Customize as desired, but only one line per STRING.
STRING(A) "This is the first of a possible 26 strings."
STRING(B) "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog's back. 0123456789"
STRING(C) "RYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRY"
STRING(D) "Each string must fit on one line of the configuration file."
STRING(E) "The lines of each string must be enclosed in double quotes."
STRING(F) "The strings are selected by typing Ctrl-a and then"
STRING(G) "the letter in parentheses."
STRING(H) "This is the eighth string."
STRING(I) "\jString nine" /* Line feed prior to line input. (\j)
/* \j may follow the line for Line feed after the string.
STRING(J) "\m\jString ten" /* CR, LF prior to line, (\m\j)
/* \m\j may follow the line for action after line.
STRING(K) "String eleven\n" /* Send NNNN after line. (\n)
STRING(L) "String twelve\sA" /* Play STRING(A) after line. (\sx)
STRING(M) "String thirteen" /* Format controls are not case sensitive.
STRING(N) "String fourteen\C" /* Place current session callsign in string.
STRING(O) "String fifteen\$xy" /* Send hex chars xy in string. ($xy)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 32
MASTER CONFIGURATION FILE continued-
STRING(P) "String sixteen\R" /* Stop sending, same as Ctrl-V. (\R)
STRING(?) "\TString Q to Y" /* Turn on transmitter at this point.(\T)
STRING(Z) "String twentysix\Z" /* Insert PARTNER string here.
SESSION2 /* Configure as shown above for PORT B, or COM2.
/* Items as appropriate for SESSION 2.
ALTERNATE /* As above in SESSION 1.
etc etc etc (note, beginning and ending word ALTERNATE, to ALT mark setup.
ALTERNATE /* As above for SESSION 1.
/* Each Session may have 26 strings available. Following for Session TWO.
/* with same restrictions as shown in Session ONE.
DIALOG1
TOP 2 /* Screen row of top of this window (Possible 1-21)
BOTTOM 16 /* Bottom line of DIALOG1 window. (Possible 3-23)
LEFT 2 /* Left side of border. Moved with Window menu. (1-78)
RIGHT 79 /* Right side of border. Moved from Window menu. (3-80)
BACKGROUND 6 /* Color of background, colors 0 to 7.
FOREGROUND 7 /* Color of text and GIMMICK in this window.
HIGH_LITER 112 /* Color of high lighted text in this window. Ctrl-B.
BORDER 15 /* Color of border.
MOVE_BORDER 240 /* Color of border being moved by WIndow Management.
PRETYPE1 /* Screen config in same order as above.
BOTTOM 22 /* Can have same items as PRETYPE window above.
DIALOG2 /* Can have same items as DIALOG window above.
LEFT 2 /* Can have same items as DIALOG window above.
PRETYPE2 /* Can have same items as PRETYPE window above.
RIGHT 79 /* Same song, second or more verse.
REMAP xx yy /* Remap key (control-x) xx to yy.
REMAP yy xx /* Remap key (control-y) yy to xx.
/* The REMAP lines appear if keys have been remapped.
PRETYPE1 /* Cursor placement upon callup of program.
WORD "de" /* Search string for software squelch.
WORD "Tom" /* Search string for software squelch, used by both
/* Sessions if both configured for Squelch..
WORD "from" /* Words are not case sensitive.
WORD etc.. /* As many as 750 seven character dictionary.
WORD "/Ccallsign" /* Default by program when using Software Squelch.
WORD "/Ncallsign" /* Default by program when using Software Squelch.
WORD "/callsign" /* Default by program when using Software Squelch.
/* The above three WORDs are written to the Configuration
/* file, when the file is saved in Software Squelch Mode.
(same song and verse, for readability)
... . TRTY OPERATIONS MANUAL - Page 33
-:ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:-
1. Source code will NOT be made available.
2. Buffer space will always be available, for any need. If the buffers
all get filled, then the buffers will FIFO, and the oldest data will be
lost. The available buffers are divided, by the program, half to each
SESSION. Clear the buffers, for each window, when no longer needed, by
hitting CTRL-E. At startup, the program claims as many lines of buffers as
the RAM will allow, up to about 2000 lines.
3. This program is not compatible with the Hercules monitors, for two
reasons. One is that none of the developers had a Hercules system, and
secondly, we did not feel like winging it. There are simulators that
will allow HERCULES systems to use this program. SIM-CGA is such a program,
and is available on many BBS. It is included in the ZIP package for TRTY.
4. The program is written in 'C', and has taken about six years to reach
this level of performance. It was written by Perry Taylor W0SE, a top
programmer, and tested by a great group of 'DEBUGGERS", and 'BETA TESTERS'.
The TRTY program is based on an older program, developed by the same group,
called RTY.COM.
6. Yes, TRTY is Windows 3.0 friendly, PIF and ICO files are provided.
5. The net members who did the majority of the testing are:-
KG6YY, Peter Ellena, Paso Robles California
W5ESX, T.H. Bright, Midwest City, Oklahoma
W8EXG, Paul Wood, Griffin, Georgia
W0LTO, 'Abe' Rademaker, West Union, Iowa
W0NW , Tom Vinson, Pine Island, Minnesota
W0SE , Perry Taylor, Waterloo, Illinois
To these good friends, and very dedicated Amateur Radio Teletype
operators, We give a most heartfelt THANKS. They spent many hours, off
and on the air, digging out the bugs and testing the many versions of TRTY.
All computer programs have bugs, We hope we have found the most obvious and
destructive ones. We give no warranties, just wish all a good time.
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