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The Pier Shareware 3
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The Pier Shareware Number 3 (The Pier Exchange) (1993).iso
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PAGER.DOC
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1993-06-08
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INTRODUCTION
The DPD (Data Processing Directions) Alphanumeric Paging Software
is designed to perform batch operation of message transmission from
a PC to a message carrier via a Hayes compatible modem. It is
written to transmit two fields per envelope: destination id and
message. A message is currently limited to four twenty character
lines. This accomplished by a menu driven software system that
permits simple selection of needed functions.
Functions are logically grouped to minimize screen switching and to
present routinely used functions together in a common selection
mechanism.
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Help
Context sensitive help is available for many screens and functions.
Pressing function key F1 will call up a help screen when one is
available. To exit from a help screen, press the ESC key. While the
help screens do not replace this manual, they are designed to
complement this manual to enable you to use the system.
Menus
When you first start the program, you will see a menu offering you
the basic system selections. In all menus you may select an item by
using the arrow keys to highlight the desired item or you may type
the first letter of the item. If there is more than one item
starting with the same letter, repeated entry of that letter will
cycle through the target items. Once properly positioned, press
enter to complete the selection.
Tables
A tables is a selection mechanism that permits adding, deleting,
and changing of data items. These functions are invoked by the
INSERT, DELETE and ENTER keys. Some tables will have a "locator"
field in the upper left hand corner of the screen. If the locator
field is present, entering data will position the selection bar on
the item containing data most closely matching the selection
criteria that you are entering. Other tables may offer filter data
next to the locator field. Entering data into this field will limit
the display of table data to items exactly matching the filter
item.
Forms
A form is a window that allows an individual record to be added,
changed or deleted. Forms are usually opened based upon a table
response. A form may be terminated and its effects reversed by
pressing CTRL-ESC.
Response Windows
A response window is a window that opens in response to some menu
selections. It will allow you to enter additional information to
control your requested process.
Navigation Keys.
Key Function
--- --------
Enter Accept Data in field
CTRL-Enter Accept Data in record
CTRL-Home Erase current field
CTRL-End Erase to end of field
Esc Cancel change to field
Insert Add new record
Enter char insert mode
Home Go to top of screen
Go to beginning of field
Pg Up Go to top of screen or scroll up one page
Delete Delete record or character
End Go to bottom of window
Go to last char of field
Pg Down Go to bottom of screen of scroll down one
page
Arrow Keys Move cursor.
The addition of pressing the control key while pressing one of the
above function keys alters the function of the key. CTRL-esc will
cancel changes and exit from a form, exit from a menu and response
box. If you can't seem to get out of a function, ESC. If that fails
try CTRL-esc. In the case of movement keys, the movement spans the
entire file. In a field, CTRL-home deletes the data in the field
while CTRL-end deletes the data from the cursor on.
INITIAL SETUP
There is a specific order in which the initial setup tasks must be
performed to insure proper system initialization.
Setup Steps
First:
Set up the terminals (the message distributor that you will
call) by selecting Configure System followed by System
Preferences. Prefix the phone number with dt or dp (see help
screens).
The modem init string contains the control sequences necessary
to cause the modem to function properly for dialing and task
initialization. It should include the AT code followed by the
codes to set no echo (E), quite mode off (Q0), numeric result
codes (V0) and extended result codes on (x4).
Leaving the modem init string blank will default to "AT E L3
Q0 X4 V0 &C1 &D2", which is the string that seems to work the
best. Your modem manual will offer you a complete description
of control commands. Note: if only one terminal is entered it
will be used automatically. If more than one is entered, you
will be prompted for which one prior to sending messages.
Second:
Set up the pagers by selecting Pager Setup. If you wish to
enter groups, they must be established (under the message and
group maintenance menu item) before they can be referenced by
the pager record.
To send a message:
Select Send a Message from the main menu. To write the message
select Compose a message. The help screens should offer enough
help to get you started. Just remember ESC gets you out of the
help function. If you elect to send the message later, it will
be queued to the message file as an open item ("snt flg" = O).
Selecting Send Messages from the message composer screen will
cause all messages (up to the count entered) to be sent to the
run time selected terminal. If you have entered messages that
should be directed to different terminals, it would be
necessary to limit the send by using the count. However, the
intent is that messages be sent now and directed to one
terminal.
Observations:
Since messages, in a given transmission, are directed to one
terminal; pagers on different terminals should NOT belong to
the same group.
Notes on operation:
There is a two second guard time before and after the modem
escape sequence (+++) yielding a four second delay prior to
dialing.
A low/hi tone indicates a timeout retransmission. Two high
tones indicate a successful operation.
When the program disconnects, it simply returns to the send
menu. If multiple messages were sent, examining the message
file (checking the "snt flg") will indicate the success of
failure of the transmissions. If only one message is sent, the
error indication will stay on the screen long enough to be
obvious.
Finally:
This is a shareware product. You are free to try it without
incurring any expense liability and you may copy the
distribution file and pass it on to others (please). However,
if you intend to use it you are obligated to pay for it. I am
asking eighteen dollars
Paying for it offers these advantages: 1) you will have a
clear conscience - knowing that you have helped a struggling
software developer survive another day, and 2) you will be
informed on how to get rid of the annoying commercial beep -
boop screen.
Please note: I am more that willing (even anxious) to hear
suggestions about product improvement or, if you are a
registered user and have problems, I will help you resolve
them by telephone or Compuserve Email.
NEW:
There is a "drone" version of the program available that
permits the sending of messages but has NO configuration
capabilities. Useful for satellite distribution.
Name:___________________________________
Address:________________________________
Compuserve ID:__________________________
How Obtained:___________________________
Make check payable to:
Data Processing Directions, Ltd.
1241 Walters Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21239-2827
410/323-6752
Compuserve ID:71076,1177