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COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
-----------------------------------------
COM-AND: Communications and integrated
communications accessories for the IBM PC
-----------------------------------------
COM-AND is distributed freely and may be copied by anyone for
any number of machines, for purposes of evaluation. The author
offers COM-AND and its accessory programs as a package, as
"shareware". If you USE the program a registration of $35.00 is
required. The author may be reached:
CABER Software
R. (Scott) McGinnis
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
PLINK, GEnie id: TARTAN
CIS id: 73147,2665
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
COM-AND version 2.6 is copyright 1989 CABER Software (R. Scott
McGinnis). All rights are reserved world wide, excepting redistri-
bution under the ShareWare concept. COM-AND is distributed freely
and may be copied by anyone for any number of machines, under the
ShareWare concept.
COM-AND is distributed as ShareWare. You may use COM-AND without
charge for the purposes of evaluating its usefulness to you. It is
suggested that this evaluation period be limited to a few days of
actual use. If you find COM-AND to be worth continued use, then you
are asked to pay for it. The payment is called a "registration
fee". Complete the included registration form and mail it with your
payment.
Registration of COM-AND includes all published accessory programs
(which currently are PC-VCO, CCHESS, CBRIDGE, and CCOLOR), and
several utilities (unPACKIT and unSTUFIT). Accessories and utili-
ties are published separately. One registration covers the use
of any and all of these programs.
By registering your copy of COM-AND (or any ShareWare product), you
are promoting and supporting the convenient distribution method and
free evaluation policy that brought you this copy of COM-AND.
If you have received this copy from a Users' Group, "Software
Library" or "SIG", and have paid a small fee (usually $3 to $10),
you have NOT acquired a registration or continued right to use
COM-AND. This fee was for the convenience of obtaining the diskette
with COM-AND on it. The fee does NOT apply to the registration fee.
You may NOT distribute COM-AND or its documentation in connection
with ANY commercial venture, product, publication or service without
written approval. COM-AND may not be disassembled or modified
without express written consent of its author.
COM-AND is supplied "as-is" with no warranties expressed or implied.
Neither CABER Software nor the author will be liable for any damages
or lost revenues incurred through the use of this program or any of
its accessories and utilities beyond the registration price paid.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
COM-AND version 2.6 is available as shareware through PLINK, GEnie,
UNISON, NWI, Delphi and CIS. COM-AND is also available through many
Bulletin Board systems. Individuals are welcome to download COM-AND
for purposes of evaluation.
Commercial users of COM-AND must register COM-AND with the author or
one of the individuals listed here. Site licenses (multiple copy
registrations) are available from:
CABER Software
R. (Scott) McGinnis
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
PLINK, GEnie, Delphi ID: TARTAN
CIS id: 73147,2665
Commercial users of COM-AND may register it with the author above or
through:
SupportWare
Mike Todd
P.O. Box 14927
Long Beach, CA 90803-1449
(213) 439-6104
In Japan, COM-AND may be downloaded as shareware from PC-VAN.
COM-AND is available in Japan as a commercial product tailored for
specific machines through:
Discotel Japan (Ciari Soft)
Kurakuen 3 ban-cho 2-50
Nishinomiya 662
Japan
Contact: Claude Ciari
Tel (0798)73-0052
PC-VAN NEC by Ciari
ID: CCIARI
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
Table of Contents
-----------------
I. Introduction .............................................. page 1
A. What is COM-AND ......................................... page 1
B. Version 2? .............................................. page 2
C. This document ........................................... page 2
II. Running the program ....................................... page 3
III. CRT Display ............................................... page 5
IV. Accessory Programs ......................................... page 7
V. Menu mode .................................................. page 9
VI. Commands: available in CRT and accessory modes ............. page 11
VII. Commands: CRT mode only .................................... page 14
VIII. Commands: Accessory only ................................... page 17
IX. Dialing (Alt-D, Alt-R and Alt-H) ........................... page 18
A. Dialing (Alt-D) ......................................... page 18
B. Dialing directory maintenance (Alt-D) ................... page 19
C. Redial (Alt-R) .......................................... page 20
D. Hangup (Alt-H) .......................................... page 20
E. A note on modem speed ................................... page 20
X. Macros (Alt-M and Alt-0/9) ................................. page 21
A. Revise entry (0-9) ...................................... page 21
B. Load a new file (Alt-M subcommand F) .................... page 22
C. Clear entries (Alt-M subcommand C) ...................... page 23
D. Execute entry (Alt-0 through Alt-9) ..................... page 23
XI. Encryption/Decryption (Alt-N) .............................. page 24
XII. Program Configuration (Alt-S, Alt-P, Alt-O and Alt-J) ...... page 27
A. Setup (Alt-S) ........................................... page 27
B. Communications Parameters (Alt-P) ....................... page 31
C. Options (Alt-O) ......................................... page 33
D. Colors (Alt-J) .......................................... page 40
XIII. File Transfer (PgUp, PgDn, Alt-F, F4) ...................... page 41
A. XMODEM Up/Download ...................................... page 43
B. YMODEM Up/Download ...................................... page 44
C. ZMODEM Up/Download ...................................... page 45
D. KERMIT Up/Download ...................................... page 46
E. CIS-B and Quick CIS-B Up/Download ....................... page 47
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
Table of Contents
-----------------
XIII. File Transfer (continued)
F. ASCII Upload ............................................ page 48
G. ASCII Download .......................................... page 50
H. File directory (Alt-F) .................................. page 51
I. Default download path (F4) .............................. page 51
XIV. Logging and Call-logging (F7, F9, Alt-U) ................... page 52
A. Disk logging [transcripting] (F7) ....................... page 55
B. Log hold [transcripting] (F9) ........................... page 55
C. Annotate call-log (Alt-U) ............................... page 55
XV. Miscellaneous Functions .................................... page 56
A. Default Drive:Subdirectory (F3) ......................... page 56
B. Keyboard display (F8) ................................... page 56
C. Chat mode (Alt-A) ....................................... page 56
D. Redisplay [backscreen] (Alt-B) .......................... page 56
E. Clear screen (Alt-C and received TOF) ................... page 57
F. Echo (Alt-E) ............................................ page 57
G. Blank line suppression (Alt-G) .......................... page 57
H. 43/25 line toggle (Alt-L) ............................... page 57
I. Kermit Parameters (Alt-K) ............................... page 57
J. Time and Alarms (Alt-T) ................................. page 58
K. Playback (Alt-W) ........................................ page 58
L. Program termination (Alt-X) ............................. page 58
M. Parity (hi-bit) mask (Alt-Z) ............................ page 59
XVI. DOS Gateway (Alt-F10) ...................................... page 60
XVII. Emulation (Alt-V) ......................................... page 61
A. Display Emulation ....................................... page 61
B. Translation ............................................. page 62
C. Remapping ............................................... page 63
XVIII. Script Language ............................................ page 64
XIX. Program Requirements ....................................... page 65
XX. Program and Author Information ............................ page 66
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories
Appendices
----------
A. Switches and Parameters .................................... page 67
B. COM-AND Error display ...................................... page 70
C. Files ...................................................... page 71
D. Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM) .................................. page 72
E. ANSI ,VT100, and VT52 sequences ............................ page 73
1. ANSI sequences .......................................... page 73
2. VT100 sequences ......................................... page 75
3. VT52 sequences .......................................... page 77
F. Vidtex and RLE files ....................................... page 78
1. Vidtex .................................................. page 78
2. RLE Files ............................................... page 79
G. External Protocol drivers .................................. page 80
H. Modem Configuration ........................................ page 82
1. DTR (Data Terminal Ready) ............................... page 82
2. CD (Carrier Detect) ..................................... page 82
I. Environment variables ...................................... page 83
1. COM-AND= ................................................ page 83
2. COMSPEC= ................................................ page 83
3. Other variables ......................................... page 83
J. Background operation ....................................... page 85
K. Encoded music .............................................. page 86
L. BIOS Comm Read/Write ....................................... page 87
M. MODEM Initialization ....................................... page 88
N. COM-AND's Backscreen ....................................... page 91
O. Customizing COM-AND ........................................ page 92
P. Command Index .............................................. page 95
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 1
I. Introduction
A. What is COM-AND?
COM-AND for the IBM PC and compatibles is a communications
program that may be used by itself, or with several integrated
accessory programs (which themselves may be used independent of
COM-AND). COM-AND provides standard comm program functions: a
dialing directory, macros, disk logging, binary and ASCII file
transfers, scripted execution and so on.
Four accessories are available for use with Version 2.6 of COM-
AND. These accessories are for use over conferencing services
such as People/Link's PARTY, GEnie's RTC and CIS's CB:
PC-VCO provides a way to 'see' and 'hear' people talking.
CCHESS supports chess games with another conference user.
CBRIDG supports bridge games with other conference users.
CCOLOR tracks conference users, coloring each speaker's
received text differently
These accessories are available uploaded separately, not as a
part of COM-AND's release. Please refer to the accessory
documents for more detailed discussions of their function.
COM-AND Version 2.6 executes as a CRT based comm program either
in 25 line text mode on a CGA or monochrome screen, or 25/43 line
mode on an EGA display. When an accessory is loaded through
COM-AND (or when COM-AND is loaded by an accessory), most of the
functions of COM-AND are available through the accessory.
COM-AND and its accessories (PC-VCO, CCHESS, CBRIDG, and CCOLOR)
may be copied freely and distributed to anyone for any number of
machines, for purposes of evaluation. The author offers COM-AND
as "shareware". If the program is USED, a registration of $35.00
is asked for the entire package.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 2
I. Introduction (continued)
B. Version 2?
Version 1 of this software was released more than three years ago
as PC-VCO. In other words, the accessory and communications pro-
gram were one program.
Creation of version 2.0 necessitated the splitting the original
software into two executable programs. From that point in time,
accessories have been released as individual programs, with this
or future versions of COM-AND as base.
Version 2.6 is the tenth release.
C. This document
This document describes the features of COM-AND, both standard
communications features and as much of the accessory program
features as may be appropriate. For the most part, however, the
discussion of accessory functions will be limited.
Accessories are released separately. For detailed discussions of
accessories, please refer to each accessory's documentation.
For details of the script language, please refer to the file
CASCRIPT.DOC included with this release. This document addresses
manual use of COM-AND.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 3
II. Running the program
Generally, COM-AND is invoked at the DOS prompt with the command:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"d>" COM-AND <options>
Where "d>" is the DOS prompt, and
<options> is/are (<parm> (<parm> ...))
and <parm> is either a switch or a parameter
Refer to Appendix A for a description of switches and parameters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
COM-AND could be invoked with a command such as:
"d>" COM-AND
to simply start COM-AND, or, for example, the command:
"d>" COM-AND DIAL 1
to dial dialing directory entry #1 as soon as COM-AND is loaded.
The command:
"d>" COM-AND /FSCRIPT
would be used to perform the commands contained in the file SCRIPT
(or SCRIPT.CMD or SCRIPT.ENF, whichever is first in the directory).
COM-AND requires no other file for its execution. It will create
a parametrization file, dialing directory, and macro definition if
none are present. If files (.DFT, .DIR, and .MAC) from previous
versions of PC-VCO (1.31 and before) are renamed COM-AND.* they
will be converted to the new format.
Note that once loaded, COM-AND does not require its executable disk
file again. No program disk need be retained in the default drive if
loaded from floppy diskette (though it will be needed again to change
the dialing directory, or macro, or accessory definitions).
Files used by COM-AND are discussed in Appendix C. Default pathing
of file names is discussed in Appendix I.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 4
II. Running the program (continued)
The first time COM-AND is loaded, it will use default settings (as
described in Appendix A). The comm port used as a default (COM1) may
on some machines be unusable as a serial port. If this happens, boot
the machine and reload COM-AND thusly:
"d>" COM-AND /I
The /I switch directs COM-AND to NOT issue a modem initialization
string. When COM-AND is loaded in this manner, the serial port is
unused until a character is to be transmitted.
The very first time COM-AND is used, perform the following:
1) Set the current subdirectory to the subdirectory where you will
install COM-AND... where previous versions have been installed.
DeARC the distribution files. Have a care not to overwrite files
you want to keep!
2) Load COM-AND (as above)
o Check Alt-P
.. Choose the COM port you use (1/2/3/4).
.. Default speed selection is not important if you always use
the dialing directory. But set it anyway.
.. Remember to save new settings.
o Check Alt-S
.. Modem parms are set for HAYES - you may want to change them.
.. The backscreen buffer size defaults to 4K. You can set it
up to 64K, for redisplay and transcripting.
.. Remember to save the new settings.
o Check Alt-O
.. Set flags the way you want them (e.g. exit query on, d*mned
advert off, and so on; Note BIOS/DIRECT and PCJr settings)
.. Remember to save new settings.
3) Review the accessories (F1).
You may review the contents of accessory definitions with the 'r'
subcommand. You may wish to add entries for a listing program and
editor.. perhaps PC-VCO... perhaps CCOLOR...
4) Exit COM-AND with Alt-X.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 5
III. CRT Display
When COM-AND is loaded, a pop-up informs that initialization is
occurring. Initialization of the modem is performed automatically
by COM-AND. The modem initialization string specified through the
Setup function (Alt-S) is issued to the modem when COM-AND is
loaded, after the modem port is set to the default rate, parity,
data and stop values specified (at run time or through Alt-P).
Other initialization includes: looking for a mouse, and loading
files (dialing directory, macro, and accessory definitions).
Once initialization is complete, the PC serves as a 24 (CGA and mono-
chrome) or 24/42 line (EGA/VGA) CRT. The first 24(42) lines are a
scrolling region for received text. The 25th(43rd) line is used for
program identification, status and keyboard display. Carriage
return/line feed combinations received cause the text area to scroll.
Text typed in at the keyboard is transmitted out the COM port. What
is received through the COM port is displayed on the screen. Special
escape sequences are performed by COM-AND (optional). Control char-
acters (except null) are displayed according to the IBM character set
(optional). Received characters may be masked to 7 bits (optional).
In order to connect to a host, the first step would usually be to
dial the phone number of the Network node you wish to access. For
example, with a Smartmodem, typing the following directs the modem
to dial the phone:
AT E1 DT 245-9110 <return>
This sequence instructs the Smartmodem to echo entry (E1) and dial
using tone dialing (DT) PLINK Chicago (245-9110) as a local call.
Modem initialization could be done between the E1 and DT as needed.
This sequence is automated in COM-AND through a dialing directory
(Alt-D). Phone numbers and parameters are maintained in the
directory. Services are called through the same Alt-D command.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 6
III. CRT Display (continued)
Many people prefer to make connection to a host with a script, how-
ever. Scripts for dialing and connecting to several popular services
are included with this release of COM-AND. A script is a 'program'
written for another program, in this case for COM-AND.
Whether the connection is made manually or through a script, every-
thing that happens appears in the text area of the CRT display.
The keyboard on the IBM PC provides ordinary typewriter-like keys and
other keys (e.g. F1, F2...). The 'other' keys are used by COM-AND
for control purposes, as the mention of Alt-D above shows. The Alt-
key, when held down while another key is pressed, is treated as a
special keystroke. Press Alt-D and a window pops-up displaying the
current dialing directory. Press F2 and a window pops-up displaying
the scripts available on the current subdirectory for execution.
The remaining chapters of this document describe the functions of
COM-AND as they may be manually invoked. A separate document
(SCRIPT.DOC) summarizes the scripts released with this version of
COM-AND. [An individual scripts may or may not have its own
document covering its use.] A separate document (CASCRIPT.DOC)
describes the script language and concepts.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 7
IV. Accessory Programs
Released with the 2.6 version of COM-AND are four programs that are
labelled 'accessories': PC-VCO, CCHESS, CBRIDG and CCOLOR. PC-VCO,
CCHESS, CBRIDG, and CCOLOR are programs in their own right, and may
be used with or without the COM-AND program (according to your pre-
ference in comm program).
Accessory programs are usually loaded with COM-AND for a special
purpose (such as PC-VCO: Visual Conferencing), after connection has
been established through COM-AND. When COM-AND is loaded as above
(i.e. "d> COM-AND"), accessories would be loaded 'on top' of
COM-AND through the F1 Menu.
However: the accessory program may be loaded first. When PC-VCO is
run from the DOS prompt without the '/P' switch, it looks for the
COM-AND program on the current subdirectory (or in the subdirectory
indicated by a 'COM-AND=' environment variable). PC-VCO will not run
without the '/P' switch unless it can find COM-AND. PC-VCO loads
COM-AND, and the F1 menu in COM-AND is made unavailable for use.
The integration of accessory programs into COM-AND means that:
(1) the accessory loads COM-AND if COM-AND isn't loaded already
(unless the accessory was loaded "/P"),
(2) COM-AND functions such as macros and dialing directory are
available in the accessory when COM-AND is loaded, and
(3) settings made in COM-AND carry over to the accessory when it
is loaded, and settings made in the accessory carry over to
COM-AND when the accessory terminates.
When an accessory program loads COM-AND, COM-AND is limited to the
use of just that one accessory (and no other, although it will gate-
way to DOS). When COM-AND is loaded first, a menu of accessories,
arranged somewhat like the dialing directory, is presented. One
accessory after another may be selected, each new accessory selec-
tion terminating the previous one.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 8
IV. Accessory Programs (continued)
An accessory is loaded by pressing F1, and selecting the entry you
wish to execute. [The F1 menu is available only on the CRT side,
only when COM-AND is loaded first.]
The F1 menu defines an accessory as:
o A title which is displayed in the menu
o A subdirectory for use during the accessory (optional)
o A script file to be performed (optional)
o A program to be loaded, along with parameters (optional)
An accessory to COM-AND, therefore, might be any COM-AND script, or
most any program, or both. You are not limited to the ones coded for
COM-AND. If you have a favorite editor that you'd like to use to
keep notes on-line, define it as an accessory... If you like to look
at READMAC (or GIF) graphics during conferences, define an accessory
for each of several favorite pictures...
To create a new entry, use the revise subcommand ("R"). You are
prompted for each of the above values. The subdirectory you
specified will be used as the default for all program and file
accesses when you invoke the accessory. The program name must be
given in full (e.g. XXX.COM or YYY.EXE). Batch files are not
executable as accessories (at this time); however, you may use
"COMMAND.COM /C FILE.BAT" to effect the execution of a batch file.
Accessories integrated into COM-AND (such as PC-VCO) permit switching
between CRT and accessory modes. A loaded accessory is terminated
with the "T" subcommand of F1, or by simply loading a new accessory.
COM-AND supports multiple accessory directory files. A new accessory
directory is manually selected with the 'F' subcommand of the F1
window. Note that the new file name is also reflected in the Alt-S
window (but isn't saved for the next time).
External protocol drivers may easily be implemented as accessories.
Refer to the Appendix G for a discussion of one such driver's
implementation as an accessory (DSZ for file transfers).
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 9
V. Menu mode
An easy way to get to know a new program is through a summary of
functions it provides. In COM-AND, the F10 key provides a command
summary. Like most communications programs, COM-AND ties its func-
tions to special keys (Alt-D for dialing, Alt-F for file directory,
and so on). This is done for purposes of speed... host services
charge by the minute... every keystroke counts!
However, beginning with version 2.5, almost every function of COM-AND
is available through a 'menu mode'. When COM-AND is run with the /V
switch (or if menu mode is set permanently through Alt-O, Options),
the top line of the screen will be given to a 'menu bar'. Each item
on the top bar may be selected in turn, and a menu pulled-down
listing functions. The equivalent keystroke is displayed for every
item in the pull-downs.
In menu mode, items from the top bar may be selected with the mouse,
or the cursor keys. Pulldown windows are opened in the same way.
Keystrokes active on the top bar (when no pull-down is open) are:
Mouse Keystroke Menu mode ON Menu mode OFF
--------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
Left motion Cursor left Top bar select Backspace sent
Right motion Cursor right Top bar select Space transmitted
Downward motion Cursor down Open pull-down It beeps
Upward motion Cursor up Open pull-down It beeps
Once an item from the top bar is 'opened' or 'pulled-down', the usage
changes slightly. Within a pulldown, keystrokes are:
Mouse Keystroke Menu mode ON
------------------- --------------- ---------------------------
Left motion Cursor left Open pulldown to left
Right motion Cursor right Open pulldown to right
Downward motion Cursor down Select next successive item
Upward motion Cursor up Select previous item
Left button click PgDn Select next successive item
Right button click PgUp Select previous item
Left double click Carriage rtn Execute selected item
Right double click ESCAPE Cancel window
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 10
V. Menu mode (continued)
Within function 'windows' (such as Alt-D dialing), the above key-
strokes and mouse actions have the same general meaning. [Only in
menu mode pulldowns do left/right motions/cursor keys open new
windows, however.]
At this point, a note on mouse usage seems appropriate... COM-AND
will use a Microsoft Mouse (or equivalent) if it finds one, if the
/M run-time switch is not set. Even for the miceless, left, right,
up, and down motions should be self-explanatory. However, mention
of 'buttons' and 'double clicks' requires some discussion.
The Microsoft Mouse has two buttons that may be pressed. COM-AND
implements the left button as PgUp and the right button as PgDn, as
shown in the table above. However, when a button is pressed, it is
not 'executed' immediately. COM-AND will wait for a short moment to
determine if the button is being pressed once, or twice in rapid
succession. A left 'double click' is taken as a carriage return, and
a 'right double click' is taken as ESCAPE. The interval after which
COM-AND takes a button press as a single press may be changed through
Alt-S, Setup.
All of this is to say that in any COM-AND window where there are
multiple items, one of which is to be selected, the cursor keys,
mouse up/down motions, and mouse buttons may be used to select an
item. [Every window where this is the case 'highlights' the current
selection.] A double click on the mouse left button will execute
the selection (just as a carriage return), and a double click on the
mouse right button will cancel the function (just as ESCAPE).
The menu mode of COM-AND allows all 'customary' functions, such as
dialing, hanging up, toggling disc capture, exiting the program, and
so on, to be performed entirely with a mouse (or the cursor keys
even). Of course, someone somewhere must have done the typing to
update the dialing directory, to define the macros...
But as stated at the outset, its an easy way to get to know the
program.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 11
VI. Commands: available in both COM-AND and Accessory
COM-AND provides the following command keys both on the CRT side, and
during an accessory:
F1 Switch between text (CRT) and accessory modes: As described
above, the F1 key behaves differently, according to the way
COM-AND was loaded. When COM-AND is directly loaded, F1
provides a menu of accessories and functions. When an
accessory loads COM-AND by default, the F1 key is restricted
to switching back and forth between CRT and accessory modes.
F10 Help screen: All currently implemented commands are summar-
ized on this screen. Any command may be executed directly
while this screen is displayed. The help screen displayed is
either by COM-AND or from the accessory, according to the
current mode.
Alt-F10 DOS Gateway: If sufficient memory is available, COM-AND
executes a shell program. This is normally a second copy
COMMAND.COM for full access to DOS while a communication
session is in progress.
Ctl-End Break: This sends a true 'break' signal.
Ctl-Prt Printer: Toggle (i.e. turn on/off) printing to LP1.
Alt-C Clear: Clear the text area of the screen.
Alt-D Dialing directory: Enter, change, execute, and print
dialing directory entries through the Alt-D menu.
Alt-E Echo: Toggle full/half duplex. [This function may also be
controlled through the dialing directory (echo on).] In full
duplex (echoplex), the host must echo back what is typed for
it to be seen. In half duplex, COM-AND echoes what is typed
immediately.
Alt-F File directory: A display similar to the DOS DIR command
command is displayed in a window.
Alt-G Blank line suppression: Toggle. COM-AND will suppress blank
lines (double spacing) if you wish. This may be made a pro-
gram default through the Alt-O options menu.
Version 2.6: 900426
COM-AND: IBM PC Communications and Accessories Page 12
VI. Commands: available in both COM-AND and Accessory (continued)
Alt-H Hangup: Hangup the phone.
Alt-I Program information: Author information. Propaganda.
Alt-M Macros: Define a macro for Alt-0 through Alt-9.
Alt-N Encrypt/decrypt a file: This function implements the
Federal Data Encryption Standard; secure but slow (I'll
work on that!). Encrypted files may be used as scripts.
Files cannot be encrypted/decrypted in place!!!
Note: Should the encrypted file be modified in any way, or
the password be lost, there is little chance of recovery.
Neither CABER Software nor the author will be liable for any
damages or lost revenues incurred through the use of this
function beyond the registration price paid for COM-AND.
Alt-O Options: Set controlling flags for COM-AND. Note that
although this menu may be used from either COM-AND or
accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings.
Alt-P Comm Parameters: Set baud rate, parity, number of data
and stop bits for use when COM-AND is initially loaded.
These settings are overridden by run-time switches. What-
ever the current setting, the dialing directory overrides.
Note: Although this menu may be used from either COM-AND or
accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings. Each
accessory has an Alt-P function as well accessible only when
the accessory is loaded with the '/P' switch.
Alt-R Redial the last number dialed: The program will redial the
last number dialed until the function is terminated (with
ESC), or connection is made.
Alt-S Setup: Define initial program values, such as Modem initial-
ization, the Modem Hangup sequence, and file names.
Note: Although this menu may be used from either COM-AND or
accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings. Each
accessory has an Alt-S function as well which may or may not
be accessible when COM-AND is loaded.
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VI. Commands: available in both COM-AND and Accessory (continued)
Alt-T Elapsed time: The time the program was loaded, and the time
the last call (Alt-D or Alt-R) was placed are displayed.
The 'last call time' may be reset. A real-time alarm may be
set (for one time use, or permanently).
Alt-U Annotate call-log: COM-AND will (if you wish) keep a log of
calls, hangups, disconnects and so on. You may enter free-
form notes into the log through this window.
Alt-X Exit the program: If the modem you use reports 'carrier'
and you exit without hanging-up, you will be asked if a
hangup is desired.
NOTE: a script may override the Alt-X function. When this
happens, after Alt-X is pressed (and after the hangup query
if it is needed) a script may start!
Alt-Z Parity mask: Toggle. The high bit mask is used only for
text received and displayed. It has no effect on file
transfers (XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT, and CIS-B).
Alt-0/9 Send a Macro: A string of characters defined through the
Alt-M command described above is transmitted.
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VII. Commands: CRT mode only
COM-AND provides the following command keys only in CRT mode:
F2 Execute a script: A window is opened to request the name of
the script file. The extension ".CMD" is attempted if the
given name does not have an extension, and the given name is
not found. Similarly, the extension ".ENF" will be tried.
F3 Set current drive:path: You may change the default disk
drive and path from within COM-AND using this feature.
The current drive:path affect uploaded files and file name
searches (Alt-F), when no qualification is provided.
NOTE: The F3 setting is retained even after COM-AND is
terminated.
F4 Set default drive:path for downloads: All download file
transfers (XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, KERMIT, CIS-B, ASCII,
logging, and RLE) will use this setting if the target file
name supplied (one way or another) does not specify the drive
and/or path.
NOTE: The F4 setting is retained for the next time COM-AND
is used. Each change to F4 is saved!
F5 ASCII upload: Files may be transferred to a system using a
simple 'send' (as if they were entered by hand). Transfer
may occur with or without a host prompt (some special char-
acter issued for every line). Transfer may be timed (paced)
in either case. Line feeds may or may not be suppressed.
Tabs may or may not be expanded as blanks, as you wish.
This function is also available through PgUp.
F6 ASCII download: This differs from transcripting in that no
extra characters are added to the file (such as line feeds
after received carriage returns, or an end-of-file byte).
Transcripting is intended to result in an ASCII edit file, or
a printed log. ASCII download may be used to save sessions
(or parts of sessions) exactly as received.
This function is also available through PgDn.
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VII. Commands: CRT mode only (continued)
F7 Logging or transcripting: Log received text to a disk file
or device. You specify the file to be used. If not empty,
new logging will be appended to the end of existing data.
You will next be asked if the backscreen (the last text
received) is to be saved. Logging need not be started before
an event that you wish to record.
What is logged is not exactly what is displayed on the
screen. If hi-bit masking is turned on, characters will be
logged with their high bit turned off. An ASCII end-of-file
is added when the file is closed.
Opening and closing the log marks the log with date and
time. Transcript marking may be turned off with the
Alt-O function. Log hold (below) does not mark the log.
F8 Toggle display of typed characters (for use with half duplex
connections, otherwise known as 'no echo'). The keyboard
display takes over the 25th (CGA) or 43rd (EGA) line.
F9 Hold the log: no entry will be made to the log from this
point until hold is turned off (by pressing F9 again) or the
log is closed. The fact that the log is held is displayed
on the status line.
PgUp Upload: A menu of all available protocols for file transfer
is displayed. One must be selected, and the upload then
proceeds as below (under "File Transfer").
PgDn Download: A menu of all available protocols for file
transfer is displayed. One must be selected, and the
download then proceeds as below (under "File Transfer").
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VII. Commands: CRT mode only (continued)
Alt-A Toggle split screen 'chat mode' on and off: The screen is
split in chat mode, one window for received text, and one
for typed. The size of the chat window is set through Alt-S
setup. Some accessories also support Alt-A.
Alt-B Redisplay (backscreen): You may review the backscreen
buffer page by page. Some accessories also support Alt-B.
Alt-J Set screen colors: You may set foreground and background
color values for the CRT screen, the status line, and menu
windows. Some accessories have their own Alt-J.
Alt-K Set KERMIT parameters: The values as supplied are suitable
for most systems. It is not recommended that you change
these settings unless you fully understand their meaning.
Alt-L Toggle EGA/CGA (43/25 line) modes: Some accessories have
their own Alt-L.
Alt-V Emulation: You may select terminal emulation, and enable/
disable translation and/or remapping through Alt-V. Note
that both translate and remap require prepared data.
Alt-W Playback: Display text from a file in the CRT screen area.
This may be used to set screen colors using ANSI controls
(overriding the screen colors set through Alt-J).
Alt = Menu mode: Alt-Equal toggles the menu mode interactively.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Note also functions defined above under "Commands: both modes".
---------------------------------------------------------------
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VIII. Commands: Accessory only
A discussion of accessory commands must properly be referred to the
accessory document. However, a few comments are in order here.
Each accessory must have an Alt-P function identical to COM-AND's
Alt-P Comm Parms Menu, to allow setting of default parameters. The
defaults have effect when the program is run 'piggyback' (the '/P'
switch) through the DOS gateway of another communications program.
Each accessory must have some kind of Alt-S setup command which
defines accessory-specific flags and values. In all accessories
currently released, the accessory setup function is available through
the 'Controls' pull-down. When the accessory is loaded '/P', the
Alt-S key is enabled to access the accessory setup as well. [When
loaded with COM-AND, Alt-S calls up COM-AND's Setup window.]
Each accessory integrated into COM-AND defines Alt-X as program
termination: not accessory termination, but process termination!
Use Alt-X from an accessory to terminate the accessory AND the
COM-AND program. Alt-X from COM-AND terminates COM-AND and any
loaded accessory. The F1 key is used to switch between COM-AND and
an accessory, and may be used to terminate the accessory without
terminating COM-AND.
As of version 2.6 of COM-AND, certain accessories will allow COM-AND
scripts to be performed while the accessory is active. This includes
scripts executed automatically through Alt-D dialing.
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IX. Dialing (Alt-D, Alt-R, and Alt-H)
A. Dialing (Alt-D)
. Dial from directory
The dialing directory is invoked with the Alt-D command, in
either CRT or accessory mode. After the directory window is
opened, an entry may be dialed by selecting the appropriate
number. The directory entry does not have to be on screen.
The entry number you give may be preceded or suffixed with a
long distance entry code (+,-,#,@). Whether you prefix or
suffix the code, the long distance entry string will PRECEDE
the dialed number. Timing commands (e.g. Smartmodem use of
"," to pause for a fixed time) may be included.
The modem dialing string specified through the Alt-S window
is issued; the long distance number (if given) is issued; the
telephone number is issued; and finally the dialing suffix
string specified through the Alt-S screen is sent.
Communications parameters are selected when the dialing direc-
tory entry is created. Each service requires certain settings
for comprehensible communications. However, one note: COM-AND
will change settings to 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit
when file transfer commences, if appropriate. When transfer
completes, previous settings are reinstated. You only need to
know what the specific service requires for conversational mode.
. Manual dialing (M)
From the Alt-D dialing directory, you may invoke manual dialing
with the command "M". You will be asked to enter a number to
be dialed. Enter the number you wish to dial; it will be
prefixed with the modem dialing string (specified through the
Alt-S window) suffixed with the dialing suffix, and issued.
Manually dialed numbers use the communications parameters in
effect at the time the number is dialed. The rule for comm
parameters is: The Comm Parms window (Alt-P) is overridden by
run-time parameters; the setting specified by the (last)
dialing directory entry used (if any) overrides both.
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IX. Dialing (continued)
B. Dialing directory maintenance (Alt-D)
. Revise entry (R)
A directory entry is revised with the "R" command. You will be
prompted for an entry number (you may use the command "Rn" too,
where "n" is the entry number). Answer each prompt as you want
the value to be. You may cancel the change at any prompt with
the ESC key. When all the prompts are completed you will be
asked whether the change is to be saved to disk. If you say no
the change will not be available the next time you use COM-AND.
. Delete entry (D)
A directory entry is deleted with the "D" command on the Alt-D
window. You will be prompted for the entry number (you may use
the command "Dn" too, where "n" is the entry number). The
chosen entry is displayed. If you answer "y" to the query, the
entry will be deleted in memory and on disk.
. Revise Long distance directory (L)
The Long distance directory is a directory within a directory.
Four entries may be created (labelled: "+", "-", "#", and "@")
and then used to prefix a dialing command (or to suffix).
The Long distance entry is free form. Any string that your
modem will accept may be entered. The Long distance directory
is pulled-up from the Alt-D window with the command "L". An
entry may be modified by selecting its label ("+","-","#","@").
. Print directory (P)
The dialing directory (current in memory) is printed from the
Alt-D window with the command "P". Printer output is directed
to the standard output device (PRN). You are prompted to ready
the printer. Strike any key except ESC to begin printing. ESC
cancels the request.
The printed directory is two pages, each of 50 lines (plus
heading). Top-of-forms (decimal 12) are issued at the start of
each page. Column headings are similar to the Alt-D headings.
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IX. Dialing (continued)
B. Dialing directory maintenance (continued)
. Load file (F)
A new dialing directory may be loaded with the 'F' command at
any time. Note that when you change the directory file, the
change also is reflected in the Alt-S window (but isn't saved
for the next time unless you save the values in Alt-S).
C. Redial (Alt-R)
The last dialing directory entry used to dial (or manual number
as entered) may be recalled and redialed. The redial sequence
cycles. It waits for the "Connect string" (as specified through
the Alt-S window) for a fixed period, then resets the modem using
the "Escape string" and tries again. Time spent redialing is
updated every time a redial is attempted.
You may force a new attempt with the space-bar. You may change
the delay interval by pressing the END key: you will be prompted
for a new value (in seconds).
D. Hangup (Alt-H)
The connection (if any) may be interrupted and the "Hangup string"
(specified through the Alt-S window) issued (or DTR dropped,
according to your Alt-O preference), using the Alt-H command.
One note about Alt-H hangup: According to your modem and your
setup of COM-AND, it is possible that the connection may not be
properly broken. A second Alt-H may or may not finish the job.
Modems configured to follow DTR always respond to dropping DTR.
Through Alt-O, you may opt to re-initialize the modem after
hangup. The re-initialization will take some time, but insures
that the modem is left in a uniform state.
E. A note on modem speed
Some new modems connect to the PC at one speed and connect to the
host at a second speed. If you use a modem of this type, remember
to set the speed in the dialing directory to the speed used modem-
to-PC. Usually this is a higher rate.
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X. Macros (Alt-M and Alt-0/9)
A. Revise entry (0-9)
COM-AND is distributed with an empty Macro directory. Entries are
displayed and modified through the Alt-M command. A macro entry
is any string of text which is to be transmitted on-line with one
keystroke. Carriage returns may be embedded in the string (as
exclamation points "!" ... Exclamation points themselves must be
entered doubly: "!!"). Control characters may be embedded in the
string (represented as caret/letter "^x" ... ^a = 1, ^b = 2, and
so on... Carets themselves, too, must be doubled: "^^").
The macro definition window is invoked with Alt-M. Select the
entry number to be revised by entering its number (0...9). You
will be prompted for the new entry.
One interesting note: COM-AND keystrokes may be programmed into
macros themselves. For example, the macro:
"^@<SOURCE!"
actually invokes the F2 (execute script) window, and passes the
name "SOURCE" with a terminating carriage return to the F2 window.
The ^@ indicates that the following character is to be interpreted
as an 'extended keystroke', i.e. not-ASCII. The extended charac-
ter set is:
Macro seq Key Macro seq Key Macro seq Key
--------- --- --------- ----- --------- -----
^@; F1 ^@^^ Alt-A ^@1 Alt-N
^@< F2 ^@1 Alt-B ^@^X Alt-O
^@= F3 ^@. Alt-C ^@^Y Alt-P
^@> F4 ^@ (space) Alt-D ^@^P Alt-Q
^@? F5 ^@^R Alt-E ^@^S Alt-R
^@@ F6 ^@! Alt-F ^@^_ Alt-S
^@A F7 ^@" Alt-G ^@^T Alt-T
^@B F8 ^@# Alt-H ^@^V Alt-U
^@C F9 ^@^W Alt-I ^@/ Alt-V
^@D F10 ^@$ Alt-J ^@^Q Alt-W
^@I PgUp ^@% Alt-K ^@- Alt-X
^@Q PgDn ^@& Alt-L ^@^U Alt-Y
^@u Ctl-End ^@2 Alt-M ^@, Alt-Z
Note, too, that Alt-A (requiring "^^") is unprogrammable.
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X. Macros (continued)
A. Revise entry (continued)
In the above example, the F2 key was represented by "^@<". When
the F2 key is pressed a window is opened and a search for all
files *.CMD and *.ENF takes place. In simpler terms, pressing the
F2 key takes TIME. COM-AND defines the ASCII value 255 as a short
cut to execute a script or script statement. The macro:
" SOURCE!"
where the first character (displayed as blank) is ASCII 255, will
perform the same sequence... without opening the F2 window.
DOS provides an obscure method for entering characters by their
ASCII value. To enter the ASCII value 255: hold down the
Alt-key, type '2' on the numeric pad, then type '5' on the numeric
pad, then type '5' again on the numeric pad, and finally, release
the Alt-key. The Alt-key must be held for the duration of the
2-5-5. The numeric pad must be used.
If the first character following the 255 is ".", the text will be
executed as a single script command. Otherwise, the text is
interpreted as a script file name to be executed. In this way
single script statements or entire script files may be tied to a
macro key (Alt-0 through Alt-9).
B. Load a new file (Alt-M subcommand F)
When COM-AND is loaded, the Macro Definition file as named through
the Alt-S setup menu is loaded. You may load a different file of
macros after that point with the (F)ile subcommand of Alt-M. Note
that when you change the macro definition file, the change also is
reflected in the Alt-S window (but isn't saved for the next time
unless you save the values in Alt-S).
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X. Macros (continued)
C. Clear entries (Alt-M subcommand C)
You may clear all macro definitions in COM-AND's memory (but not
in the current file) with the (C)lear command. To clear the file,
make blank entries (blank, <cr>) for 0-9.
D. Execute entry (Alt-0 through Alt-9)
Macros are issued with the commands Alt-0 through Alt-9, outside
of Alt-M. The entry indicated by the number will be immediately
issued. What happens after that is strictly up to what you've
entered, the service you're on, and the people around you.
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XI. Encrypt/Decrypt (Alt-N)
Beginning with version 2.2, COM-AND performs file encryption and
decryption. COM-AND encrypted script files are automatically
recognized and decrypted in memory. Dialing directory, Macro
definition and Accessory definition files are not automatically
decrypted, but might be decrypted and reloaded through a script.
COM-AND implements three encryption methods:
o full Federal Data Encryption Standard; the DES algorithm in
software is not fast but may be considered fairly secure. The
DES is appropriate for files you wish to exchange publicly,
but wish to secure. However, it is SLOW.
o a simple encryption method; this method is appropriate for
script files which you plan to keep on your own machine, and
only wish to protect from casual perusal (e.g. passwords).
o a one-way encryption method; this method is only for scripts.
No password is required for this encryption. When a script
file encrypted this way is encountered, no password prompt is
issued to the screen. COM-AND will not decrypt one-way encrypted
files from Alt-N.
The Federal Data Encryption encodes data in 64-bit 'chunks'; each
bit of each byte goes through many transformations, and may end up
anywhere in the 64-bit area. The simpler methods also encodes
in chunks, but do not 'smear bits'.
DES encryption is most secure. 'Simple' encryption is less secure.
One-way encryption is least secure (it is present because transparent
script decryption was requested).
Encrypted files are slightly larger that the original file. Infor-
mation as to true file size, file date/time and CRC checking is added
to the file. When the file is decrypted, the method used to encrypt
is recognized automatically, and the file is restored to its original
size, date and time. The decrypted file is deleted immediately if
a CRC check fails.
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XI. Encrypt/Decrypt (continued)
When you encrypt or decrypt a file (or when the script processor
recognizes an encrypted file with the exception of one-way encryp-
tion) you will be asked for a password. COM-AND accepts up to 32
characters for the password, and uses them to derive a 'key' for
the file. The password you supply is not the decrypting key. For
maximum protection, it is recommended that you use the full 32
characters for the password.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
However, you must be able (somehow) to remember the password. Should
you lose the password, or if the encrypted file is modified in any
manner, there is very little chance of recovering the data. Neither
CABER Software nor the author will be liable for any damages or lost
revenues incurred through the use of this function beyond the
registration price paid for COM-AND.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Encryption and decryption must be performed from one (input) file to
another different (output) file. Do not attempt to encrypt or
decrypt a file over itself. If there is insufficient space on the
target disk for the file, you will be told, and allowed to select a
new target disk or diskette or to abort.
Alt-N invokes a menu allowing selection of Encryption or Decryption.
You will be prompted for each required parameter. When the process
begins, a display similar to file transfers provides an estimate for
the time required and a measure of its performance.
The COM-AND script processor searches for the extension ".ENF" as
well as ".CMD". The script processor searches first for the given
file name. If no match is found it then searches for the same file
name with the extension ".CMD". If no match is found the second
time, it searches for the same file name with the extension ".ENF".
[If the name was unqualified with drive:subdirectory and if there
is a COM-AND= environment variable, another three searches will be
performed on the drive:subdirectory indicated by the COM-AND=
variable.]
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XI. Encrypt/Decrypt (continued)
Thus, if you wish to encrypt a script file with no extension or with
the extension ".CMD", you must use one of two strategies:
o encrypt the file using a DIFFERENT name... and use the
different name when invoking the script (F2)... or
o encrypt the file to the same name with the extension ".ENF"
and then delete the original (after backup of course).
It is suggested that either the 'simple' method or 'one-way' method
be used to encode script files. Script files encoded with these
methods are decrypted and executed transparently... there will be
perceptible delays if the DES encryption is used for a large script.
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XII. Program Configuration (Alt-S, Alt-P, Alt-O, and Alt-J)
A. Setup Screen (Alt-S)
1. Modem control
. Modem initialization string
The modem initialization string is issued when COM-AND is
first loaded. It is not issued when the port is changed
during execution. If blank, it will be ignored. Carriage
returns and control characters are specified as with macros.
Refer to Appendix M (Modem Configuration) for examples.
. Modem dialing prefix
The Modem dialing prefix commands the modem to begin a
dialing sequence. It is followed by a number from the
dialing directory (and long distance string, if specified).
. Modem dialing suffix
The Modem dialing string terminates each dialing command.
For Hayes type modems it should be a "!" (translated by
COM-AND to be a <cr>). It may be any string appropriate to
your modem. Carriage returns and control characters are
specified as with macros.
. Hangup string
The hangup string is issued through the Alt-H command (after
a modem escape is issued), if "drop DTR" is not set in Alt-O.
Carriage returns and control characters are specified as
with macros. Delays of 1/2 second each may be specified
with a tilde (~) (see "modem delay char" below).
. Escape string
The modem escape is issued before the hangup string (Alt-H),
and before each redial (Alt-R). Delays of 1/2 second each
are specified with a tilde (~). Carriage returns and
control characters are specified as with macros.
. Connect string
The connect string is used by the Alt-D dial and Alt-R redial
commands to determine when connection has been made.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
A. Setup Screen (continued)
2. Files
All files specified here are searched under the current
drive:subdirectory, and under the drive:subdirectory
indicated through the COM-AND= environment variable, unless
the name given is explicitly qualified.
. Call-log file name
The call-log file name determines the file to be opened
to receive call-logging (if call-logging is enabled, see
below, Alt-O Options).
. Dialing directory
The dialing directory file is used to initialize the
program's dialing directory. The current dialing directory
may be changed at any time from within COM-AND.
. Macro Directory
The macro directory file is used to initialize the
program's macro definitions. You may change the current
macro definition at any time from within COM-AND.
. Accessory directory
The COM-AND accessory function F1 requires a file to contain
definitions for accessories. You may have several files of
definitions and change at any time from within COM-AND.
. RLE temporary file
COM-AND will recognize RLE graphics images when they are
encountered in the received stream, and buffer the image to
disk. This file name specifies the temporary file name.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
A. Setup Screen (continued)
3. Timings and Values
. Backscreen buffer size
Up to 64K for the backscreen buffer may be selected (or turn
it off altogether by setting it to 0K). This buffer is used
by the Alt-B redisplay, and by the F7 transcript command.
. Break delay
COM-AND issues a true break through the Ctl-End key. The
duration of the break is controlled here. "Break delay"
specifies the number of milliseconds the comm line is held.
. Alarm duration
The alarm duration value gives the number of seconds the
alarm tune sounds when a function is terminated. Set this
to zero to inhibit the special termination alarm.
. Modem char delay
The modem char delay gives the number of milliseconds COM-
AND delays after each character of a modem control sequence
(e.g. dialing, hangup, initialization). Certain modems
require their control sequences be enunciated slowly.
. Reconnect delay
The interval between Alt-R redial (and scripted dialing)
attempts is established here. 45 seconds is recommended for
long distance dialing. 30 seconds is usual for local calls.
. Chat Window
The size of the lower window of chat mode (where what you
type appears) may be changed. The size of the chat window
is limited to between 2 and 10 lines.
. Bell tone
COM-AND implements its own bell sound. You may set the tone
to any frequency (in Hz) that pleases.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
A. Setup Screen (continued)
3. Timings and Values
. Mouse vertical sensitivity
The vertical sensitivity of the mouse may be set here.
The higher the value used, the less sensitive the mouse.
The most sensitive value is 0.
. Mouse horizontal sensitivity
The horizontal sensitivity of the mouse may be set here.
The higher the value used, the less sensitive the mouse.
The most sensitive value is 0.
. Mouse double click interval
The double click interval of the mouse may be set here.
When a mouse button is pressed twice within this interval a
different action is taken than when it is only pressed once.
. Modem delay character
The modem delay character defaults to a tilde (ASCII 126).
It represents a 1/2 second display in strings sent to the
modem (above) and strings sent with the script command
TRANSMIT. It may be redefined here if you wish.
. Xfer Screen Update Interval
At 9600 baud and above, the time taken to paint the status
screen becomes a signifigant percentage of the overall time
required for a file transfer. Setting the screen update
interval to '5' will have a visible impact even at 2400 baud.
4. Save
You may change values for one execution of COM-AND, or you
may change them for all subsequent executions of COM-AND. If
you save values, the values you've saved will be set the next
time you use COM-AND.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
B. Communications Parameters (Alt-P)
1. Rate + Parity + Data bits + Stop Bits
Baud rate, parity, number of data bits and number of stop bits
are specified in combination through the first selections of
the Alt-P window. These selections are the only way to specify
baud rate through this window. Other parameters (parity, data
bits, and stop bits) may be set individually (below).
Do not change the current setting after you've connected to a
service. XMODEM and YMODEM and ZMODEM transfers can and do
change to no parity (if necessary), but you shouldn't.
2. Parity, Data bits and Stop bits
Individual settings for parity, number of data bits and number
of stop bits comprise the next items of this menu. You also
set these values when you create a dialing directory entry.
Again: do not change the current setting after you have
connected to a service. The settings on this screen are
effective mostly when the program is initialized. The dialing
directory (if used) overrides the current setting.
3. COM ports
The last items on this menu are the candidates for COM ports.
Select the appropriate port for your modem. This item is
usually selected once, and then left alone.
NOTE: If your computer is equipped with fewer than four COM
ports, an attempt to configure a missing port results in the
report that the port speed is 115k baud. When a board is added
with the additional port (e.g. an internal modem set to work
as COM3 or COM4), COM-AND will recognize it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All parameters may be set through the command parameters.
These parameters override the Alt-P default settings. Example:
"d>" COM-AND COM3 1200 DATA8 STOP1 NONE
Refer to Appendix A for the list of run-command parameters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
B. Communications Parameters (continued)
4. Save
Current settings for the next execution of COM-AND are saved
through the "Save" selection. Settings are saved to disk.
5. Set Base/IRQ
COM-AND defaults the four supported comm ports to the values:
COM1: base address: 0x3f8, interrupt request # 4
COM2: base address: 0x2f8, interrupt request # 3
COM3: base address: 0x3e8, interrupt request # 4
COM4: base address: 0x2e8, interrupt request # 3
These may be changed through a submenu of the Alt-P menu.
Select 'Set Base/IRQ', and the submenu is opened. Current
values are displayed. Select a port and you will be prompted
for new values.
Each port's base address is limited to the values 0-1023 (or
0 - 0x3ff). Each port's interrupt request number is limited
to the values 0-7.
The default values are appropriate for most applications.
Most people will never need to change these settings. How
ever, should you need to do so, the capability is available.
DO NOT CHANGE these assignments unless you are sure you have
need to do so, and have the correct values at hand. If you
do not save the changes, COM-AND will revert to the defaults
the next time it is loaded (after Control-Alt-Delete, for
example!).
If COM-AND is directed to use a comm port address that, in
fact, does not exist, the result may range from: nothing
happening whatsoever, to complete machine lockup (if there IS
in fact a device at that address able to respond to interrupt
requests). It is recommended that new settings be tried before
saving.
The meaning of the 'names' COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4, as far
as COM-AND is concerned, are determined simply by these
assignments.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O)
1. Settings otherwise available
. Echo (also Alt-E)
Some services turn around what you type so that you see it
(full duplex or echoplex), and some don't (half duplex).
You may force COM-AND to display what you enter in the CRT
window by toggling echo. Setting echo on (through the Alt-O
window) will turn echo on now. Saving it will cause echo to
be turned on the next time you run COM-AND. Echo is toggled
dynamically with the Alt-E command.
. Parity mask (also Alt-Z)
You may mask parity from received text by setting the parity
mask on permanently through the Alt-O window. I've found
this to be useful; mandatory when I've needed it. Parity
masking is toggled dynamically with the Alt-Z command.
. Keyboard display (also F8)
Some talk systems are more friendly when what you type is
not mixed in with what you receive. Turning system echo off
(if the system echoes key-entry) is accomplished in a number
of ways (note that this is different from Alt-E above), each
unique to the particular system.
However, all of a sudden there is a new problem: you don't
see what you're typing! Keyboard display in COM-AND is one
attempt to solve this problem. What you type will be
displayed on the status line when keyboard display is turned
on. You may enable it on permanently through this option.
Keyboard display may be toggled dynamically with F8.
. Chat mode (also Alt-A)
Chat mode is another attempt to allow you to see what you've
typed when echo has been turned off. Instead of just one
line of keyboard display, chat mode allows you to see the
last few (up to 10) lines you have typed. Chat mode is
toggled dynamically with Alt-A.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
1. Settings otherwise available (continued)
. Blank line suppression (also Alt-G)
You may enable blank line suppression on when COM-AND is
loaded, through this selection. Blank line suppression is
dynamically toggled with Alt-G.
. In/Out Translate (also Alt-V)
You may turn on in/out character translation on when COM-AND
is loaded, through this option. Note that the file COM-AND.
XLT must be prepared prior to the use of this function.
COM-AND.XLT is prepared with the script XLATE.CMD.
. Remapping (also Alt-V)
You may turn on keyboard remapping on when COM-AND is loaded,
through this option. Note that the file COM-AND.RMP must be
prepared prior to the use of this function. Please refer to
to the script REMAP.CMD and its documentation REMAP.DOC.
2. Settings available only through Alt-O
. Nondestructive Backspace
You may toggle a destructive/nondestructive backspace func-
tion through this option. Nondestructive backspaces are not
required by many systems, but now and then it comes up.
. Backspace sent as delete
You may toggle the character transmitted as a backspace func-
tion through this option. Either backspace (decimal 8), or
delete (decimal 127, a.k.a. rubout) may be transmitted.
. CR -> CRLF received
You may toggle a CR/CRLF on received CR function through this
option. Most systems generate a CR and a LF to terminate a
line, but a few only generate a CR.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)
. Alarm noise
An alarm tune (of sorts) sounds when the Alt-R redial makes
connection, and when file transfer is complete. The noise
is also played when certain error conditions occur.
When disabled, the alarm window is held open without noise.
The duration of the noise (or noiseless pause) is controlled
through Alt-S Setup.
. Exit query
Some people disdain the query "do you really and truly mean
it" when they type Alt-X. Some feel it mandatory. COM-AND
is distributed with exit query disabled. You may enable it,
if you're so inclined, through this Alt-O selection.
. Mark transcript
COM-AND will mark every disk transcript taken (beginning and
end) with the date and time. You tell COM-AND not to mark
further transcripts through this Alt-O selection.
The transcript function also has the capability to add the
backscreen (the full backscreen buffer's worth) to the
transcript. Turning transcript marking off means that there
will be no delimiter between the backscreen and transcript.
. Initial advertisement
When COM-AND was distributed, the Information screen (Alt-I)
was set to be displayed when the program was run. You turn
the display off through this Alt-O setting.
. Use BIOS for screen saves
You may set BIOS screen accesses permanently through this
option. COM-AND defaults to direct screen buffer reads and
writes. Some machines (and environments, like Windows)
require this option be set. See also Appendix J on multi-
tasking, and "Use DOS for screen writes", below.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)
. Use DOS for screen writes
You may set DOS screen writes permanently through this
option. When received text is written through DOS, ANSI.SYS
or other console driver is invoked (if you turn all emulation
off). See also Appendix J on multi-tasking, and "Use BIOS
for screen saves", above.
. Display control characters
COM-AND permits displayable control characters to be dis-
played (as many BBS's use them). You may turn this feature
off and on through Alt-O according to the system you use.
. Software flow control (XON/XOFF)
COM-AND supports software flow control using the XON/XOFF
discipline for receipt and for ASCII sends. You may enable
and disable this feature according to the system you use.
. Hardware flow control (unidirectional)
COM-AND supports a hardware flow control, raising RTS before
transmitting and waiting for CTS. This function may be
permanently established here, according to your modems needs.
. RTS Flow control (bidirectional)
COM-AND supports a second manner of hardware flow control,
raising RTS when able to receive and waiting for CTS before
transmitting. This function may be permanently established
here, according to your modem.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)
. Drop DTR to hangup
COM-AND disconnects either (1) by dropping DTR momentarily or
(2) using the hangup escape sequence specified in the Alt-S
setup. Only use the first method if your modem is configured
to follow DTR (see Appendix M, Modem Configuration).
. Re-initialize modem after HANGUP
COM-AND will, or will not retransmit the modem initialization
string (Alt-S above) after a HANGUP is performed. If modem
settings are altered for individual hosts, reinitializing
after HANGUP ensures that the modem is always in a proper
default state.
. Call-logging
COM-AND logs successful connections, hangup, carrier drop-
outs, file transfers and file encrypt/decryptions to a
call-log when call-logging is enabled. The name of the
current call-log is declared through Alt-S.
. Screen clock
COM-AND will display the current time (as "hh:mm:ss" if no
connection is known, and as "hh:mm (hh:mm)" showing current
time and time since connection) on the status line when the
Alt-O screen clock is enabled.
. Suppress bells
COM-AND will suppress bell characters received if this option
is enabled.
. Menu mode
COM-AND supports a menu mode allowing most all customary
functions to be performed with a mouse. This mode may be
set permanently here (interactively toggled with Alt equal).
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)
. Respect CD
COM-AND monitors carrier detect unless you turn the function
off through Alt-O (or the /T run-time switch). Carrier
detect (CD) is monitored during file transfers and after
successful connection through the dialing directory.
. PCJr (disk I/O suspends comm)
PCJr mode suspends the comm line (with an X-OFF) during disk
I/O. You may set/reset PCJr mode through this option.
. Capture/Display RLE files
COM-AND recognizes RLE files as they are received, and cap-
tures them to disk while displaying them (if you have EGA
or CGA). It may be permanently enabled it here. See also
Appendix J on multi-tasking.
. Allow MUSIC
COM-AND will play music escape sequences when received if
this function is enabled. Music escape sequences are of the
form: "ESC,[,M,<BASICA encoded string>,^N".
. Allow REMOTE
COM-AND implements a REMOTE function performing script
commands received over the communications line. REMOTE
sequences are of the form: "ESC,^,<script command>,<cr>".
. Slow output
COM-AND performs file transfers at an unusually high speed.
The technique is called 'interrupt driven writes'. Some Net-
work modems fail when pressed so hard. This option may be
used to slow COM-AND file transfers down a bit.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
C. Options (Alt-O) (continued)
2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)
. ZMODEM auto download
COM-AND will start a ZMODEM receive under the host's control
when this option is enabled. It may be disabled to avoid
false triggers (for example, by "friends" in CB/chat).
. ZMODEM recovery
The ZMODEM protocol defines a 'recovery' function for down-
loads. When the file being received already exists, and this
option is enabled, the transfer picks up at the end of the
file (presumably where a failed transfer ended). [The prev-
ious transfer may have used any protocol (!).] When disabled,
ZMODEM downloads go to a unique file name each time.
3. Save
Values set through this screen are not automatically saved
to disk. Values set through this screen are immediately
used by COM-AND. To configure COM-AND to have the same
settings the next time it is loaded, you must save them with
the "Save" selection of the Alt-O menu.
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XII. Program Configuration (continued)
D. Colors (Alt-J)
You may set foreground and background colors for
(1) the CRT text area,
(2) the status line, and
(3) main menus (queries are set to black on white for
contrast).
The color names are those used in the IBM Technical Reference;
if you have different names for some of the color values, I
apologize. My wife and I have argued for years over 'beige'.
If the "Use DOS for screen writes" option is set, then the text
colors selected above will be ignored. If this option is set,
and the internal ANSI emulator is not turned off, then no color
at all (beyond your DOS configuration) is available for text.
Like other option menus, you may experiment with settings.
Unless you save your settings, they are lost when the program
terminates.
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XIII. File Transfer (PgUp, PgDn, Alt-F and F4)
COM-AND supports several file transfer methods, to and from your PC.
Transfers to your PC are called downloads (down from the host). File
transfers from your PC are called uploads (up to the host). The file
transfer methods currently implemented are:
o XMODEM (Windowed, CRC and checksum)
o YMODEM (BBS YMODEM, a.k.a. XMODEM1K)
o Batch YMODEM (True YMODEM (tm), and YMODEM-G)
o ZMODEM (batch)
o KERMIT (Windowed or not windowed)
o CIS-B (classic and Quick (B+), for CompuServe)
o ASCII (without error checking)
To begin a transfer, on the CRT side of COM-AND you must tell the
host (system) that it is to begin a transfer. Each system is diff-
erent in this respect. Once the host is ready to start the transfer,
begin the transfer in COM-AND.
The transfer is started in COM-AND with the PgUp key (for upload) or
PgDn key (for download). The items on the menu presented are
explicit; if you select CRC XMODEM, Windowed XMODEM will not be used,
even if the host supports it. The definition of CRC XMODEM allows a
'drop' into checksum XMODEM, on the other hand, if the host doesn't
support CRC.
Each system you might wish to use has an optimal transfer method.
Select the method from the menu. According to the transfer method
selected, you may then be queried for a file name (or wildcard
template in the case of KERMIT, ZMODEM and Batch YMODEM uploads).
At this point, COM-AND takes over the transfer. With the exception
of ASCII transfers, the sequence is usually:
o Synchronize with the host
o Negotiate parameters for the transfer
o Transfer a file or files
o Report error or completion of transfer
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
COM-AND displays an estimate of the time required for the transfer
(for downloads the estimate is for 30K chunks, unless the protocol
provides the true file size). The transfer rate (in terms of bytes
per second actually delivered) and efficiency (in terms of percent of
maximum linespeed) is computed and displayed every few seconds.
The download statistics window displays:
. the file name of the file being transferred,
. the method
. the time so far,
. the file size so far,
. the number of blocks received,
. the number of errors encountered,
. a description of the last error encountered.
. an estimate for the transfer time (to the nearest 30K interval,
unless the protocol supplies the true file size)
. and the efficiency of the transfer (percent linespeed)
The upload statistics window displays:
. the file name of the file being transferred,
. its size,
. the method
. the number of blocks being transferred,
. the time so far,
. the number of blocks sent,
. if windowing the current 'window' size
. the number of errors encountered,
. a description of the last error encountered.
. an estimate for the transfer time
. and the efficiency of the transfer (percent linespeed)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Protocols are not available through accessory programs.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
A. XMODEM Up/Download
Files may be transferred to/from a system that accepts checksum,
CRC, or Windowed XMODEM, using COM-AND.
When you request XMODEM upload, you are asked for a file. Once
the file's existence has been assured, COM-AND begins protocol
negotiation with the host system. One of the possible protocols
will be negotiated, according to your choice and the host's
implementation. Up to 60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation.
If that time is exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it,
of course.
When you request XMODEM download, you are asked for a file name.
Once the file has been created (you will be queried for a purge if
it already exists), COM-AND begins protocol negotiation with
the host system. One of the possible protocols will be negotiated
according to your choice and to the host's implementation. COM-
AND drops through WXMODEM after 24 seconds. COM-AND drops through
CRC XMODEM after 24 seconds. If the host does not acknowledge CRC
XMODEM, then finally, CHECKSUM is requested. Up to 100 seconds
are allowed for the negotiation. If that time is exceeded, the
transfer fails. You may restart it, of course.
COM-AND is intended primarily for users of networks and services
available through the networks. For this reason, COM-AND
implements what is referred to as "relaxed XMODEM". The networks
introduce timing delays into file transfers that the original
XMODEM standard did not contemplate. However, the relaxed XMODEM
works quite well with BBS's that expect strict XMODEM.
Because COM-AND is intended for a network environment, a new
XMODEM variant: Windowed XMODEM or WXMODEM is implemented.
WXMODEM was designed to accommodate network delays and maximize
performance. It also accomodates network flow control (XON/XOFF).
WXMODEM gives approximately 35% faster transfer rates in network
environments. For details about WXMODEM refer to Appendix D.
COM-AND changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits, no
parity, and 1 stop bit when XMODEM begins. It restores settings
to their original state after XMODEM completes.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
B. YMODEM Up/Download (BBS YMODEM and Batch YMODEM/YMODEM-G)
Files are transmitted/received using one of several YMODEMs:
. simple YMODEM (Bulletin Board YMODEM, also known as XMODEM1K,
different from True YMODEM (tm))
. Batch YMODEM (properly named "True YMODEM (tm)")
. Batch YMODEM-G (a streaming version for special connections)
When one of the YMODEM uploads is selected, you are asked for a
file (or in the case of Batch YMODEM and YMODEM-G, a wildcard
template). Once the file's existence has been assured, COM-AND
begins protocol negotiation with the host system. Up to 60
seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If that time is
exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it, of course.
When a simple YMODEM/XMODEM1k download is selected, you are asked
for a file name. Once the file has been created (you will be
queried for a purge if it already exists), COM-AND begins proto-
col negotiation with the host system. Up to 60 seconds are
allowed for the negotiation. If that time is exceeded, the trans-
fer fails. You may restart it, of course.
When a Batch YMODEM or YMODEM-G download is selected, you will NOT
be asked for a file name. The host supplies the name(s). For
this reason, if the supplied name duplicates one on your default
download subdirectory, the file name will have its last character
(usually the extension) changed to '$'.
YMODEM (in all its variants) is more efficient in a networked
environment than simple XMODEMs (CRC and checksum) simply because
it transfers longer blocks of data at a time. However, YMODEM is
subject to the same problems (lack of flow control, for one) that
XMODEM users know well in networked environments.
Variations on YMODEM abound. The various namings of this protocol
proliferate; even YMODEM's developer has changed his naming of the
protocol; thus COM-AND uses the most common names (and the name
given it by the developer in its original specification).
COM-AND changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits, no
parity, and 1 stop bit when any YMODEM begins. It restores
settings to their original state after YMODEM completes.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
C. ZMODEM Up/Download
When ZMODEM upload commences, a wildcard template is requested
(for example, FILE*.ASM). Once the (first) file's existence has
been assured, COM-AND begins protocol negotiation with the host
system. Up to 60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If
that time is exceeded, the transfer fails.
COM-AND detects and automatically begins ZMODEM receive when the
'auto' option of Alt-O is enabled. If this option is disabled,
the ZMODEM receive must be manually started.
When a ZMODEM download begins, you will NOT be asked for a file.
The host supplies the name(s). ZMODEM defines a recovery mode
(which is enabled/disabled through Alt-O). When recovery is
disabled, and the supplied name duplicates one on the default
download subdirectory, the file name will have its last character
(usually the extension) changed to '$'. When recovery is enabled,
and the name supplied duplicates one on the default download sub-
directory, the transfer begins at the old end-of-file. Presum-
ably, the file is there as the result of a failed transfer.
On download, once the file has been created (or opened if recover-
ing) COM-AND begins protocol negotiation with the host system. Up
to 60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If that time is
exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it, of course.
ZMODEM is more efficient in a networked environment than XMODEM
(CRC and checksum) for several reasons. First, ZMODEM transfers
longer blocks of data at a time (up to 1024 byte blocks). Second,
ZMODEM was designed to accomodate software flow control (XON/XOFF)
as used by many hosts and networks. Third, ZMODEM sends contin-
uously, until the receiver detects an error (streaming).
COM-AND does not implement some of the 'management' and 'trans-
port' options intended for batch and automatic operation. COM-AND
does not implement ZMODEM fall-back to YMODEM or XMODEM either.
COM-AND changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits, no
parity, and 1 stop bit when ZMODEM begins, and enables soft flow
control. It restores settings to their original state after
ZMODEM completes.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
D. KERMIT Up/Download
The KERMIT protocol was developed at Columbia University and has
been very popular at many computer sites. Files may be trans-
ferred to and from a system that accepts KERMIT or Super KERMIT,
using COM-AND.
When you request KERMIT upload, you are asked for a file template
(e.g. *.EXE). Once the first file's existence has been assured,
COM-AND begins protocol negotiation with the host system. Up to
60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If that time is
exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it, of course.
When you request KERMIT download, you will NOT be asked for a
file name. The host supplies the name. For this reason, if the
supplied name duplicates one on your default download subdir-
ectory, the file name will have its last character (usually the
extension) changed to '$'. Once the file has been created,
COM-AND begins protocol negotiation with the host system. Up
to 60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If that time is
exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it, of course.
KERMIT has grown in many directions over the years. Originally
it was a 7-bit protocol. Extensions were added to accomodate
8-bit data, and to negotiate the 'width' (7 or 8 bits) of the
transfer. Extensions have been added to support a simple data
compression method (run length encoding). Extensions have been
added to accomodate windowing (called Super KERMIT).
COM-AND supports all KERMIT facilities through the windowing
extensions. COM-AND will negotiate window lengths of up to 8.
COM-AND does not support the (later) large block size extension.
COM-AND will attempt to negotiate an 8 bit data path if you have
set your comm parameters 8N1. COM-AND does not (now) change
parity and data bits settings for the transfer.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
E. CIS-B and Quick CIS-B Up/download
The CIS-B protocol was developed at CompuServe and is their
protocol 'of choice'. Files may be transferred to and from
CompuServe (CIS) using COM-AND.
When you initiate CIS-B on CIS either sending or receiving), you
tell CIS the name of the file to be transferred to/from your PC.
CIS will then instruct COM-AND to open that file. Once the file's
existence has been assured, COM-AND begins protocol negotiation
with CIS. Up to 60 seconds are allowed for the negotiation. If
that time is exceeded, the transfer fails. You may restart it,
of course.
When using VIDTEX emulation in COM-AND, it is not necessary to
manually select PgUp/PgDn to send and receive files. COM-AND
recognizes CIS's instructions to begin a protocol transfer once
you have instructed CIS as to the transfer under this emulation.
A variant of CIS-B known as Quick-B (B-Plus) is also available in
COM-AND. Quick-B supports limited windowing and larger block
lengths. It also changes the quoting mechanism to optimize binary
transfer. Both CIS-B and Quick-B (B-Plus) are available.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
F. ASCII Upload (PgUp, and F5)
Files may be transferred to a system using a simple 'send' (as
if entered by hand). When ASCII upload is requested, you are
prompted for a file name. Once the file has been opened, you
are prompted with a small menu with various options:
. Host prompting
Transfer may occur in one of two ways:
1) with a prompt from the host (some special character) or
2) without a host prompt for every line.
If 'Host prompting' is set 'On', you will be asked for the
prompt character (either an ASCII or a control character).
The prompt character is entered as you see it, unless it is
a control character (e.g. enter ^J for a line feed).
. Send linefeeds
Line feeds may be suppressed during the transmission. ASCII
text files contain line feeds that you (usually) do not send.
. Expand tabs
Similarly, tab characters may or may not be expanded during the
transmission. ASCII text files contain tabs that you (usually)
want to expand before transmission.
. Stop at control-z
You may specify that the transfer is to terminate when an
an end-of-file character (control-Z) is encountered. This is
the case in most ASCII files.
. Respect XON/XOFF
ASCII upload uses the default XON/XOFF setting established
through Alt-O. You may change the setting here temporarily for
the transfer here.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
F. ASCII Upload (continued)
. Expand blank lines
You may choose to expand null lines to a blank line. This is
convenient on some BBS's.
. Line pacing
You may choose to send lines of text with fixed delays between
lines. This is needed on some systems. You may set the delay
in intervals of 1/10th of a second.
Transfer is, in all cases, paced (timed). Transmission begins at
maximum speed. You may alter the pacing with the Ctl-PgUp and
Ctl-PgDn keys during the transmission. Ctl-Home will increase
the speed to its maximum. Ctl-End decreases the transmission
speed to its minimum. ESC or F1-F10 will terminate the send.
The ASCII send function in COM-AND responds to XON/XOFF sequences
transmitted by the host (if this feature is enabled). When an
XOFF is received, COM-AND waits up to 30 seconds for a subsequent
XON to be received. Transmission is suspended while COM-AND
waits. Transmission resumes after 30 seconds, or after COM-AND
receives an XON.
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: When host prompting is specified, the first line is sent and
then COM-AND waits for a host prompt. Should the prompt from the
the host be lost (inadvertently, of course), the left arrow key
(or function key (F1-F10)) will send the next line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: When host prompting is specified, COM-AND 'looks ahead' in
the file being transmitted. COM-AND does not wait for a prompt
when end-of-file follows after the last carriage return (and
linefeed if linefeeds aren't being transmitted).
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
F. ASCII Upload (continued)
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: When stop-on-control-z is specified, COM-AND transmits
a carriage return on end-of-file (if a carriage return was not
the last character transmitted).
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The percent transmitted will be incorrect when the file
being transmitted is small (less than 1000 bytes). Don't be
surprised. I was. Sorry 'bout that.
G. ASCII Download (PgDn, and F6)
ASCII downloads differ from transcripting in that no extra
characters are added to the file (e.g. line feeds after received
carriage returns, and end-of-file are added when transcripting).
Transcripting is intended to result in an ASCII edit file (or a
printed log). ASCII downloads may implement binary transfers.
XON/XOFF flow control is performed during an ASCII download
according to the current Alt-O setting.
Anything you type while the download function is being performed
will be sent to the host system also. ESC or F1-F10 terminates
the receive function and closes the capture file.
COM-AND special functions (macros, scripts etc) are not available
during an ASCII receive.
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XIII. File Transfer (continued)
H. File directory (Alt-F)
A directory of files on any legitimate disk may be requested with
the Alt-F command. A search mask is requested. Enter one just as
you would with the DIR command of DOS. For example:
D:*.TXT
specifies all files with the extension "TXT" from the "D" drive.
File names and modification dates are displayed, 20 at a time.
When the list is exhausted, the amount of free space remaining on
the specified drive is displayed.
Should you wish a directory search of a subdirectory, you must
enter a full file mask. The mask:
C:\TEMP
specifies a search on the root directory for a file named TEMP
with no extension. If you wish to search the TEMP subdirectory
of the root directory, enter:
C:\TEMP\*.*
I. Default download path (F4)
All file receive functions of COM-AND write to a default path,
unless the given file name is qualified (with a drive and/or
path). The default drive:path is set through the F4 function.
Please note that this setting is automatically saved for the next
use of COM-AND. No "do you wish to save this setting" prompt is
used here - the setting is permanent until next changed.
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XIV. Logging and Call-logging
COM-AND supports two methods of logging activity for later review.
The two methods are transcripting and call-logging. The transcript
records every character of received text... the call-log records
calls made through the dialing directory, hangups, carrier dropouts,
file transfers, accessory programs, and file encryption/decryption.
Generally speaking, the transcript function is invoked when you wish
an exact record of everything you've seen (COM-AND even allows you
to transcript text seen BEFORE transcripting is turned on). It is
not used all the time. The call-log is enabled once, and left to
record all system activity.
A transcript is an ASCII file recording all text you captured. The
only discussion of its contents needed is to point out that COM-AND
marks the time of transcript start and end, unless you direct other-
wise (through Alt-O, transcript marking).
The call-log, however, requires some further discussion. The call-
log is an ASCII file too. The call-log contents are fixed in format.
An example of such a log might be:
COM-AND loaded
CONNECT: CIS 2400 (chicago) 2400,E,7,1,COM2;ATDT263-5636
Dnl BAROQUE.BAS 7552 ( 0:00:32) 98.3% QuickB 0 errs
DISCONNECT ( 0:02:33)
CONNECT: Source (Chi) C S15 1200,N,8,1,COM2;ATDT938-0600
Dnl YES.BAS 2008 ( 0:00:27) 64.3% Super KERMIT 1 errs
DISCONNECT ( 0:04:57)
CONNECT: Scintillation 2400,N,8,1,COM2;ATDT953-4922
Dnl MAZE.ARC 34816 ( 0:02:36) 92.9% YMODEM (chk) 0 errs
CARRIER dropped: ( 0:06:02)
COM-AND exited ( 0:14:57)
COM-AND loaded
* Annotation line entered through Alt-U
* I'm going to encrypt/decrypt a file for demonstration
ENCRYPT: COM-AND.EXE to ENCRFILE 154567 ( 0:00:17)
DECRYPT: ENCRFILE to DECRFILE 154568 ( 0:00:11)
COM-AND exited ( 0:02:33)
ACCESSORY: PC-VCO Maug mode: PC-VCO.EXE /2/m/s
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XIV. Logging and Call-logging (continued)
In the above example, the timestamp from each line has been removed
to make it more easily read in document form. Each line of the
call-log is discussed below.
o COM-AND loaded
The "COM-AND loaded" line is issued to timestamp the time COM-AND
was invoked from DOS. This is only logged, of course, when call-
logging had been previously enabled.
o CONNECT: <name> <commparms> ;<dialing string>
The "CONNECT" line is logged when a connection has been made
through the dialing directory (Alt-D, Alt-R, and script DIAL and
MANUAL commands). <Name> is taken from the dialing directory.
<Commparms> record the current setting and port after connection.
<Dialing string> records the dialing sequence passed the modem.
o Dnl <file name> <size> <time> <eff>% <method> <errs>
Upl <file name> <size> <time> <eff>% <method> <errs>
The "Dnl" and "Upl" lines record downloads and uploads (performed
through PgDn, PgUp keys, and script GETFILE, SENDFILE commands).
<Size>, <time>, <eff>, <errs> and <method> record the file size,
transfer time, efficiency of transfer, count of errors, and method
used (XMODEM, CISB etc). Errored transfers are also recorded,
with "error = nnn" in place of <size><time><eff%>. COM-AND error
numbers are listed in an appendix of the document CASCRIPT.DOC.
Note that ASCII file transfers are not call-logged.
o DISCONNECT (<time>)
The "DISCONNECT" line records a manual hangup (Alt-H). If a
connection is known, the time since the connection was made is
recorded.
o CARRIER dropped: (<time>)
The "CARRIER dropped" line records a loss of carrier when a
connection is known. The time since the connection was made is
recorded.
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XIV. Logging and Call-logging (continued)
o * <annotation>
Annotation lines (added through Alt-U) are delimited with
asterisks (note that lines written to the call-log through the
script CLOG statement are not necessarily delimited).
o ENCRYPT: <fromfile> to <tofile> <size> (<time>)
DECRYPT: <fromfile> to <tofile> <size> (<time>)
The "ENCRYPT" and "DECRYPT" lines record successful file encryp-
tion and decryption (Alt-N and script ENCRYPT, DECRYPT commands).
<Fromfile>, <tofile>, <Size>, and <time> record the files used,
file size, and processing time. Errored encryption and decryption
attempts are not recorded.
o COM-AND exited (<time>)
The "COM-AND exited" line is issued to timestamp the time COM-AND
terminated. The total time COM-AND was in use is recorded.
o COM-AND exited (CONNECT=<time>) (<time>)
This form of the "COM-AND exited" line is issued to timestamp the
time COM-AND terminated, when a connection is known. The time
since the connection was made is recorded as well as the total
time COM-AND was in use is recorded.
o ACCESSORY: <F1 menu name> <program invocation>
The "ACCESSORY" lines record a program loaded by COM-AND through
the F1 Accessory menu (accessory entries which do not load a pro-
gram are not recorded). The entry name and the program invoca-
tion are logged. Accessory terminations and process creation
errors are not logged. Accessories that are simply script files
are not logged.
Keyboard commands relating to logging and call-logging follow on the
next page.
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XIV. Logging and Call-logging (continued)
A. Disk logging [transcripting] (F7)
You may transcript what you receive to a disk (or PRN) with the
"Disk logging" function. The transcript will be marked with the
date and time it began and ended if transcript marking is set on
through the Alt-O screen.
COM-AND keeps the last characters received in a buffer for back-
screen (or redisplay). The size of the buffer is adjustable
through Alt-S. When you invoke transcripting, you will be asked
if the backscreen is to be saved first. If you respond "Y", the
backscreen will be written to the transcript file before the
"BEGIN" mark (if marking is enabled). F7 is a toggle (press it
a second time to terminate logging.
B. Log hold [transcripting] (F9)
The transcript may be suspended with the F9 toggle. The logging
status is displayed on the status line (if KBD buffer hasn't been
enabled). When the log is held, what is received is not copied to
the transcript. No mark is made to show that the transcript was
held. This key is a toggle (press it again to resume logging).
C. Annotate call-log (Alt-U)
Notes may be made directly to the call-log (not the transcript).
When Alt-U is pressed, COM-AND tests to determine if the call-log
if active. If it is not active you will be asked if you wish to
open a call-log. However, the call-log will be closed when you
exit COM-AND and not reopened the next time, unless you save the
option through Alt-O.
The Alt-U window allows you to enter a line at a time to the call-
log. Each line will be delimited with an asterisk ("*") in the
call-log. When you press <cr>, the line is written to the
call-log. The last three lines so entered are displayed for
convenience.
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XV. Miscellaneous Functions
A. Default Drive:Subdirectory (F3)
You may change the default drive:subdirectory at any time through
the F3 window. This affects files uploaded but not files down-
loaded (see File Transfers). When the program terminates, you
will be left on the selected drive:path.
B. Keyboard display (F8)
Some talk systems are more friendly when what you type is not
mixed in with what you receive. Turning echo off (if the system
echoes key-entry) may be accomplished in a number of ways (note
that this is different from program echo, Alt-E, above).
However, all of a sudden there is a new problem: you don't see
what you're typing! Keyboard display in COM-AND is one attempt
to solve this problem. What you type will be displayed on the
status line when keyboard display is turned on.
Keyboard display may be set on permanently through the Alt-O
options window.
C. Chat mode (Alt-A)
Chat mode is another attempt to make typing more friendly when
what you type isn't echoed by the host. A 'chat window' of 2-10
lines may be opened just above the status line. The last few
lines you've typed are displayed there.
Chat mode may be set on permanently through the Alt-O options
window.
D. Redisplay [backscreen] (Alt-B)
COM-AND saves the last characters received for redisplay (up to
the buffer size set through Alt-S). When you request redisplay,
the screen is cleared and the first page of the backscreen buffer
is presented. You may page backwards and forwards using the
'PgUp' and 'PgDn' keys. Pages begin with the oldest receipt, and
continue to the point where the redisplay was requested.
The 'End' key will find the last page of the redisplay. You will
see each page as it is displayed. You may stop the search for
the end of the buffer by pressing any key. Exit redisplay with
the ESC key.
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XV. Miscellaneous Functions (continued)
E. Clear Screen (Alt-C and received TOF)
The command Alt-C entered at the keyboard will clear the screen.
Similarly, when the host sends a control-L (^L or decimal 12) the
screen is cleared.
F. Echo (Alt-E)
COM-AND writes keypresses directly through the COM port. Some
services turn around what is sent so that it is visible (full
duplex or echoplex) and some don't (half duplex). You may force
COM-AND to display what you enter in the CRT window by toggling
echo. Setting echo on through the Alt-O window will turn echo on
now, and the next time you run COM-AND.
Echo is set through the dialing directory and permanently through
the Alt-O options window. The dialing directory overrides this,
of course.
G. Blank line suppression (Alt-G)
Blank lines may be suppressed from the display if you wish. This
is especially useful where double spacing is done in a conference
area.
Blank line suppression may be set permanently through the Alt-O
options window.
H. 43/25 line toggle (Alt-L)
If you have an EGA adapter, you may have 43 line screen displays.
If you enter COM-AND from a 43 line screen, COM-AND automatically
displays in 43 line mode. Alt-L may be used to toggle 25 line/43
line modes during COM-AND.
Do not use Alt-L during VIDTEX sessions on CIS. CIS will not use
the new setting.
I. Kermit parameters (Alt-K)
The parameters that COM-AND will use during the KERMIT negoti-
ation may be changed and saved using the Alt-K menu. It is not
recommended that you change these values unless you understand
their meaning completely. The supplied defaults are suitable for
most KERMIT installations.
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XV. Miscellaneous Functions (continued)
J. Time and alarms (Alt-T)
The time elapsed since the program was started, and since the
last Alt-D dialing command or Alt-R is displayed through the
Alt-T window. The 'last call' time may be reset (if you are
actually connected) manually here (or through a script). An
alarm may also be set here, either for the single session or
permanently (every time you use COM-AND). When the alarm is
triggered, a pop-up window and noise announce the fact.
K. Playback (Alt-W)
You may display the contents of a file in the CRT area with the
Alt-W Playback command. You will be asked for a file name. The
contents of the given file will be written to the text area as if
the text were being received.
Playback is paced (timed). It begins at minimum speed. Alter
the pacing with the Ctl-PgUp and Ctl-PgDn keys. Pause the
playback with the space bar. Cancel the display with ESC.
L. Program termination (Alt-X)
COM-AND is exited (and returns to DOS) through the Alt-X command.
The usual query "are you sure" is issued if "Exit query" is
turned on with the Alt-O selection.
When you exit COM-AND, unless you ran COM-AND with the /P switch
(piggyback), you will be queried if a hangup is to be performed if
carrier is still reported by the modem. [If piggyback was set,
you will not be queried.]
NOTE: a script may override the Alt-X function. When a script
has done this, after Alt-X is pressed (and after the hangup query
if it is needed) a new script may start!
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XV. Miscellaneous Functions (continued)
M. Parity (hi-bit) mask (Alt-Z)
You may mask parity from every received character by setting
the parity mask on permanently through the Alt-O window. I've
found this to be useful, mandatory when I've needed it.
Some services require you to logon with 8 data bits, no parity, if
you intend to download (or upload files). When there is an X.25
network between your PC and the service, certain characters (such
as backspace may be transmitted with parity on, regardless of your
setting). In these cases, parity masking is very nice to have.
Toggle the current parity mask setting with Alt-Z.
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XVI. DOS Gateway (Alt-F10)
COM-AND provides a gateway to a DOS shell through the Alt-F10 key.
The DOS gateway requires a few preliminaries, however.
. There must be sufficient memory for the current DOS shell
(COMMAND.COM usually), COM-AND, and a second DOS shell. If there
isn't, the Alt-F10 will be rejected for 'insufficient memory'.
. There should be an environment variable 'COMSPEC' that points to
the DOS shell to be loaded by Alt-F10. If this variable is
missing (has been deleted), COMMAND.COM on the default drive,
root directory will be used (if present).
When the DOS gateway is entered, you will be able to execute any
DOS function that the shell supports. Memory available to that
shell will be decreased by the presence of COM-AND still running.
You return to COM-AND by exiting the DOS shell. If the shell
is COMMAND.COM, type the command 'EXIT' to return to COM-AND.
------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: In order to make full use of the DOS gateway, you should
provide yourself with the capacity for more open files than the
default. The number of files that may be open at one time is
increased by editing the file CONFIG.SYS on the root directory of
your boot disk, adding (or changing) a line: "FILES=n", where n
is a number from 1 to 20. At least 12 is recommended. Refer to
your DOS manual for particulars.
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XVII. Emulation (Alt-V)
COM-AND performs various terminal emulations. COM-AND defines
'terminal emulation' as three individual functions:
o Display emulations
o Translations of received and transmitted characters
o Keyboard remapping
All three functions are controlled through the Alt-V menu. However,
translations and remapping require preparation external to COM-AND.
A. Display emulation
COM-AND supplies five display emulations: TTY, ANSI, VidTex,
VT100, and VT52 in the current program. Display emulations are
selected through Alt-V. The setting is enabled as soon is it
selected. Save the setting if COM-AND is to use the setting
every time it is loaded.
. TTY is appropriate for most BBSes and host systems. What is
received is displayed and what it typed is sent.
. ANSI is appropriate for some BBSes and some host systems.
The host is given considerable control over cursor positioning
and display colors. [Details of ANSI display sequences are
discussed below in Appendix E.]
. VidTex is appropriate only for the CompuServe (tm) system.
The mode MUST be set before logging onto CompuServe if you
wish to use this mode. CompuServe does not allow you to
change 'modes' after logging on. [See Appendix F.]
. VT100 and VT52 emulations are appropriate only for certain
host systems and communications applications. [Details of
VT100/VT52 display sequences are discussed in Appendix E.]
Display emulation in COM-AND only refers to COM-AND's response
to certain control sequences received from the host. Selection
of a display emulation has no effect on character translation
or on keyboard remapping.
Character translation and keyboard remapping must be specified
independently (see the following).
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XVII. Emulation (continued)
B. Translation
COM-AND will translate characters both incoming and outgoing
if you wish. Characters are translated immediately upon receipt,
and just before transmission, using two tables (one incoming and
one for outgoing) supplied in the file COM-AND.XLT.
When translation is enabled, the only cases where characters are
NOT translated is within the binary protocols (XMODEM, YMODEM,
KERMIT, and CIS-B), and when modem commands are issued.
The file COM-AND.XLT is a binary file. It must be supplied by
you. COM-AND.XLT consists of two tables: each 256 bytes in
size. Within a table, the 'nth' byte contains the translation
for the character of value 'n'. Within the 'incoming' table, you
are translating character with value 'n' received, to something
else (hopefully ASCII). Within the 'outgoing' table, you are
translating a character (probably ASCII again, e.g. a keypress)
of value 'n' into something else.
On the incoming side, translating a character to a null
effectively causes that character to be ignored by COM-AND.
Obviously, the creation and maintenance of such a file is quite
an effort. It requires an ASCII table t'boot! A script, XLATE.
CMD is supplied to serve to format, display and edit the tables.
You'll still need the ASCII table, however. [Within the PC, all
characters are treated as ASCII (as defined by IBM of course).]
Translation is enabled and disabled through Alt-V (it may also be
enabled or disabled through the XLATE.CMD script). The table(s)
may be edited at any time. The new values are not used by
COM-AND until translation is re-enabled (turned ON) after the
changes were made.
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XVII. Emulation (continued)
C. Remapping
To complete the overall function of 'emulation', COM-AND provides
an internal 'keyboard remapping' function. Remapping makes COM-
AND see a keystroke as another keystroke or even a string of
keys. When a remapped key is pressed, COM-AND sees the key(s)
that redefine it instead.
Remaps allow the COM-AND to provide a keyboard similar to a term-
inal being emulated. One immediate difficulty presents itself,
however... within COM-AND, certain keys have certain meanings
(e.g. F1 for a help screen, Alt-F10 for shell-to-DOS and so on).
When you redefine a key that COM-AND uses, either some other key
must be redefined to replace it or the function in COM-AND is
lost while the remap is in effect.
Remaps only affect actual keystrokes when pressed; they do not
have any affect on characters within the binary protocols
(XMODEM, YMODEM, KERMIT, and CIS-B), or script TRANSMIT text.
Remaps are specified through a binary file, COM-AND.RMP. It must
be created outside of COM-AND. COM-AND.RMP consists of one
table, defining keys that are remapped and their new value(s).
Needless to say: the creation and maintenance of such a file is
more effort than dealing with the translation tables! A script,
REMAP.CMD is supplied to create a suitable COM-AND.RMP file.
REMAP.CMD compiles a simple language for remapping. Keys (such
as F1) are given 'names' (Function key F1 is 'F1'). A simple
syntax is defined to redefine any key COM-AND can detect.
REMAP.CMD expects a source file prepared with a text editor (like
a script). It compiles the source file into COM-AND.RMP. Sample
remaps (in source form) are provided in REMAPS.TXT.
Remapping is enabled/disabled through Alt-V (also through the
REMAP.CMD script and Alt-O). The table may be reconstructed at
any time; the new table is not used by COM-AND until remapping is
enabled again (turned ON) after the changes were made.
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XVIII. Script Language
A script automates certain manual tasks, and allows COM-AND to run
unattended (if the script has been tested (!!!)). Scripting is
invoked in several ways:
o when COM-AND is loaded:
.. COM-AND.CMD, if found in the current directory or the
subdirectory indicated by the 'COM-AND=' environment
variable, is executed immediately;
.. the /F switch in the run command specifies a script to
be executed immediately (after COM-AND.CMD, if present);
o interactively (F2)
o attached to a dialing directory entry
Script commands are read by COM-AND from an ASCII file (word pro-
cessor files are not usually ASCII files (!)). Programmer's text
editors and EDLIN (provided with DOS) may be used to create and
modify a script file. If you use a word processor to update a
script, be sure that the particular word processor will output an
ASCII file (often called non-document format, perhaps even ASCII).
Once a script begins, execution of COM-AND is automatic, driven by
the script. However, the ESC key may be used to terminate most
scripts at any time. During dialing, two ESCs are needed...
one to terminate the dial function, and the second to end script.
Generally, a script takes the form:
<perform some action>
<wait for an identifiable response>
<perform some action... and so on...
For example, a script might dial a number listed in the dialing
directory and wait for the "ID = " prompt from the dialed host.
The scripts included with COM-AND provide examples of such simple
scripts. However, the COM-AND script language is not limited to
just such tasks... programs may be loaded and passed parameters,
screen windows may be opened and scrolled... A nontrivial BBS has
been written as a COM-AND script, and is provided with the
distribution for the interested (and intrepid!).
Documentation for the COM-AND script language is presented in the
separate document CASCRIPT.DOC.
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XIX. Program Requirements
This program will only function on an IBM PC or DOS compatible
machine. COM-AND does direct-to-screen buffer fetches and stores
(unless BIOS screen updates are directed using the /C switch or the
Alt-O options menu).
Note that COM-AND is TopView aware even without the /C switch or
Alt-O option.
COM-AND supports MDA, CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules. COM-AND supports
a Microsoft Mouse if one is available.
COM-AND disk I/O is done through the 'Handle' oriented I/O routines
added to DOS 2.0. Therefore DOS 2.0 is a minimum requirement.
COM-AND (Version 2.6) requires 251K for itself. You need 384K
minimally to use COM-AND and the DOS Gateway, and more to take
advantage of accessories.
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XX. Program and Author Information
This program was written using Microsoft Macro-Assembler. The
author likes assembler. Assembly language is an entirely
appropriate vehicle for some of the program, and a not-inappro-
priate vehicle for the rest of it. Everything, in moderation...
COM-AND has been written by, and is supported by R. Scott McGinnis
of Chicago (CABER Software), Illinois. My PLINK and GEnie IDs are:
TARTAN. My CIS ID is 73147,2665. Comment and suggestions (and
criticism in moderation) are welcomed:
CABER Software
R. (Scott) McGinnis
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
I want to thank the sysops on GEnie, Paul Homchick, David Kozinn
and Charles Strom for their support of this program in its early
days (known as PC-VCO). Their opening an RTC just for PC-VCO made
it possible to reach a wide audience quickly and to gather comments
and criticism from people using the program.
I also thank my wife, Elizabeth, who supported this effort and
doesn't laugh at me (except for the time I tried to squeeze between
a grape arbor and a board fence...). She has been my companion and
partner for many years and I am grateful.
This program (Version 2.6) may be distributed freely along with its
accessories with the caveat that the Author information displayed at
program termination is not removed. If the program is USED after a
reasonable evaluation period, a registration of $35.00 is required.
PROCOMM, PCPLus, and ASPECT are trademarks of the DataStorm cor-
poration. DSZ is a trademark of OMEN Technology. Windows is a
trademark of the MicroSoft Corporation. DesqView is a trademark
of the QuarterDeck Corporation. Smartmodem is a trademark of the
Hayes Corporation.
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A. Switches and parameters
Program Switches:
/A 'Chat mode': COM-AND may be set to default to the chat mode
split screen through the Alt-O options menu. However, you may
wish to turn chat on for some systems and off for others. The
/A switch allows the decision to be made through a batch file.
/B 'Black and White mode': COM-AND may be set to use or not use
colors on-screen with the Alt-J Colors menu. /B on the command
line is an expedient way to turn colors off temporarily.
/C 'Compatible': COM-AND normally does direct screen buffer reads
and writes for its pop-up menues. The /C switch forces COM-AND
to use BIOS for all such references (e.g. when under WINDOWS).
/E 'no EGA': Turn off EGA support (forcing 25 line mode when COM-AND
is entered in 43 or 50 line mode).
/F 'Execute script': The /F switch followed by a legitimate file
name (for example /FPLINK.CMD) will cause the designated file to
be used as a script after COM-AND is loaded. Note that a file
name extension of .CMD will be added if none is given and the
name as-is is not found.
/G 'Blank line suppression': Blank lines are used to double space
on some systems. Alt-G toggles a blank line suppression feature
interactively. /G in the run command turns the feature on when
COM-AND is loaded. This feature may also be set through Alt-O.
/I 'No Init': inhibit the modem initialization string from being
transmitted at run-time.
/J 'PCJr': Set PCJr mode for streaming transfers (logging, WXMODEM,
CIS Quick-B, and Super KERMIT) if you have a PC-Jr.
/K 'KBD Buffer': Turn on KBD buffer.
/L 'EGA mode': Set 43 line mode on upon entry. This feature is
automatic if COM-AND is entered from a 43 line screen. This
feature may be toggled within COM-AND with Alt-L.
/M 'No Mouse': Turn off MOUSE support (e.g. when running under
WINDOWS or DesqView).
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A. Switches and Parameters (continued)
/P 'Piggyback': COM-AND will open the COM port in such a manner as
to retain another program's already opened line. When COM-AND
is exited, the previous state is restored.
/R 'Report Receive Errors': This switch causes all receive errors
to be reported. During testing, certain nodes of certain net-
works consistently reported framing errors. The apparent error
did not interfere with communications so report of it was
suppressed.
/S 'Hardware flow control': This switch causes a more robust disci-
pline to be used when transmitting characters. When this switch
is set, RTS is turned high before each write and response (CTS)
awaited. A timeout of 20 seconds is imposed.
Certain modems will not work with this discipline (though the
Hayes Smartmodem for one seems happy as a clam). Other modems
or interconnects require it. The option may be set permanently
through Alt-O.
/T 'Carrier override': This switch forces COM-AND to ignore the
carrier detect sense reported by the MODEM. COM-AND tests the
carrier detect sense during all file transfers, and through the
script processor. A few modems apparently cannot (???) report
carrier detect. This switch allows COM-AND to be used on those
modems (to perform file transfers).
/V 'Menu mode': This switch forces COM-AND to initialize in menu
mode. The top line menu comes up after initialization.
/W 'Slow transfers': This switch forces COM-AND to slow down its
file transfers. COM-AND uses interrupt driven writes for file
transfers... which is too fast for some network modems (!).
This switch allows COM-AND to be used on those modems (to per-
form file transfers).
/X 'Debug mode': This switch enables certain resident debugging keys
(such as Ctl-F2, which writes a dump of memory to disk). I do
not recommend you use it. I document it only for the curious.
/Z 'REMOTE commands': This switch allows COM-AND to perform script
commands received through the sequence: "ESC ^ <text> <cr>".
This switch overrides the Alt-O setting.
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A. Switches and Parameters (continued)
Program parameters:
COM1 COM-AND uses the COM1 port
COM2 COM-AND uses the COM2 port
COM3 COM-AND uses the COM3 port (base addr 3e8h)
COM4 COM-AND uses the COM4 port (base addr 2e8h)
300 COM-AND uses port at 300 baud
1200 COM-AND uses port at 1200 baud
2400 COM-AND uses port at 2400 baud
4800 COM-AND uses port at 4800 baud
9600 COM-AND uses port at 9600 baud
19K COM-AND uses port at 19.2K baud
38K COM-AND uses port at 38.4K baud
56K COM-AND uses port at 56.6K baud
115K COM-AND uses port at 115K baud
EVEN COM-AND uses port with even parity
ODD COM-AND uses port with odd parity
NONE COM-AND uses port with no parity
DATA7 COM-AND transmits/receives 7 data bits
DATA8 COM-AND transmits/receives 8 data bits
STOP1 COM-AND uses and expects 1 stop bit
STOP2 COM-AND uses and expects 2 stop bits
DIAL <n> After initialization, COM-AND dials directory entry
<n>, using the rate, parity, data and stop bits as
specified.
Program switches require no delimiters. Parameters must be
preceded by a blank (in succession). For example:
A> COM-AND 1200 Run the program at 1200 baud
A> COM-AND /L1200 43 line mode, 1200 baud
A> COM-AND /L 1200 43 line mode, 1200 baud
Program defaults are: "d"> COM-AND COM2 300 EVEN DATA7 STOP1
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B. COM-AND Error display.
One command not listed in the F10 help display is Alt-Y. This
command displays RS232 and file errors encountered. RS232 errors
list both the last error condition recorded and a count of errors.
RS232 errors are:
Receive error. The hex value represents:
Bit 0: Shouldn't occur in display, but what do I know.
Bit 1: Overrun. Indicates that a character in the 8250
Receive buffer was not read before the next character
was received. This program enables interrupts to read
the COM port.
Bit 2: Parity error. Indicates that the parity of the
received character does not match that specified.
This bit report is normally suppressed, but may be
enabled with the /R switch.
Bit 3: Framing error. Indicates that the character received
lacked a valid stop bit.
Bit 4: Break interrupt. Not too many systems send a break.
Other bits of the LSR of the 8250 are masked off.
Send error. The hex value represents:
Bit 7: A timeout occurred in one of three places:
. Waiting for DSR to go true
. Waiting for CTS to go true
. Waiting for the transmit holding register to clear
The first two conditions are normally suppressed,
but may be overridden with the /S switch.
Other bits are masked out. There is serious trouble (or my over-
sight) if anything but Hex 80 is reported.
Buffer overflow.
This program uses an interrupt service routine to read the
COM port. The ISR fills a 4096 byte buffer. The application
takes characters out of the circular receive buffer one by
one. Buffer overflow may occur when the application is
suspended; for example when a menu is pending attention, and
flow control is not enabled.
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C. Files
COM-AND expects the following files on the default drive/subdirectory
(or COM-AND= environment variable specified drive/subdirectory):
COM-AND.DFT Parameter save area (Alt-S, Alt-O and Alt-P)
COM-AND.DIR Dialing directory (change name in Alt-S)
COM-AND.MAC Macro definition (change name in Alt-S)
COM-AND.ACC Accessory definitions (F1) (change name in Alt-S)
COM-AND will create the .DFT file at load-time if not found. COM-AND
will automatically update the .DFT file if the program version number
is different from the .DFT file version number.
COM-AND will create if not present (filling with default values):
an empty dialing directory, and empty macro definition, and an empty
accessory definition. Different versions of COM-AND will require
different structures to the .DFT file... previous versions (with the
exception of 1.0) will be accepted; however when a new major (e.g.
1.0, 2.0, ...) is released the previous .DFT file probably should be
purged (and recreated by COM-AND).
COM-AND also uses:
COM-AND.XLT Translation tables; see XLATE.CMD script
COM-AND.RMP Keyboard remapping table; see REMAP.CMD script
COM-AND.LOG Default call-log file
COM-AND.TUN Tune file (if present; ASCII file, PLAY data)
COM-AND.CMD Automatic script (if present, executed at init)
COM-AND.RLE RLE save file (used during receipt of RLEs)
The ".RLE" and ".LOG" file names may be changed through the Alt-S
(Setup) Menu. COM-AND currently implements the rule for file names:
If the given file name carries a drive spec (i.e. C:) or path
(subdirectory), the name is taken 'as is'. If neither is provided
the default drive and subdirectory are added to the file name.
COM-AND will share Dialing Directory and Macro Definition files with
PROCOMM 2.4.2 and before. In this case the subdirectory on which
these files may be found must be specified through the Alt-S func-
tion, and the values saved for subsequent executions. COM-AND's
updates to these files will be acceptable to PROCOMM, and PROCOMM's
to COM-AND (true at least through Version 2.4.2 of PROCOMM).
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D. Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM)
In June, 1986, Peter Boswell of PLINK issued a specification for
an XMODEM protocol variant called Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM to its
friends). WXMODEM was designed primarily to overcome delays that
are imposed by the X.25 networks. X.25 network delays are mostly
imperceptible to conversational users of the networks... however,
people performing file transfers might expect to see up to 50% of
the transfer time eaten up in these delays!
Asynchronous communications lines do not suffer these same delays.
When someone accustomed to Bulletin Boards (dialed through a direct
phone line) enters the network environment, the 'feel' of file
transfers is found to be entirely 'too slow'. The difference is
entirely in the network (and many times intervening satellite hops).
Windowed XMODEM also accomodates the requirements of new services
such as PC Pursuit... allowing XON/XOFF flow control to be exer-
cised by the network during a binary file transfer (this is not
possible with XMODEM, as transparency is required). Flow control
allows higher data rates to be supported while retaining existing
network interconnects.
Windowed XMODEM was implemented on PLINK in September, 1986. Many
comm programs on many different machines have been modified or
written to implement WXMODEM for PLINK communications. The differ-
ence in throughput between CRC XMODEM and WXMODEM is astounding.
I measure at least 35% and sometimes as much as 40% improvement in
transfer times over CRC XMODEM. In real terms, this means the diff-
errence between 24 minutes and 40 minutes for a download of the same
(approximately 120K) file at 1200 baud.
Windowed XMODEM is still a new protocol. Its developers discovered
quite a few practicalities not addressed in the original specific-
ation during its implementation. However, WXMODEM is now available
on Delphi, and for various BBS's (TCOMM, and RBBS for example).
For the technically inclined, the Windowed XMODEM specification will
be found on many bulletin boards and most systems as WXMODEM.ARC. An
excellent analysis of XMODEM problems in an X.25 environment was also
published (electronically) by Peter Boswell. In the latter paper,
Peter quantifies exactly the delays and their predicted overhead in
an X.25 environment.
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E. ANSI, VT100, and VT52 graphics
1. ANSI sequences
COM-AND is capable of displaying ANSI graphics on the CRT side.
ANSI graphics are used by some services and Bulletin Boards to
enrich the display through screen formatting and colors.
Beginning with Version 2.0 of this program, ANSI graphic software
is entirely contained within COM-AND. Any errors in implementa-
tion must be addressed to this developer. COM-AND implements the
ANSI sequences as follows:
ESC,'[#;#H' CUP: Cursor position; 1st #=row, 2nd=col
ESC,'[;#H' CUP: Alternate cursor position to col
ESC,'[#H' CUP: Alternate cursor position to row
ESC,'[H' CUP: Alternate cursor position to home
ESC,'[#;#f' HVP: Horiz/Vert pos; 1st = row, 2nd = col
ESC,'[;#f' HVP: Alternate horiz/vert pos to col
ESC,'[#f' HVP: Alternate horiz/vert pos to row
ESC,'[f' HVP: Alternate horiz/vert pos to home
ESC,'[#A' CUU: Cursor Up # rows
ESC,'[#B' CUD: Cursor Down # rows
ESC,'[#C' CUF: Cursor Forward # cols
ESC,'[#D' CUB: Cursor Backward # cols
ESC,'[6n' DSR: Device status rpt (rtns CPR)
ESC,'[#;#R' CPR: Cursor position rpt (1st=row, 2nd=col)
ESC,'[s' SCP: Save cursor position
ESC,'[u' RCP: Restore cursor position
ESC,'[#J' ED: Erase display (# = 0,1,2)
ESC,'[#K' EL: Erase line (# = 0,1,2)
ESC,'[&m' SGR: Set graphics rendition (&-> #[;#...])
ESC,'[=#h' SM: Set mode
ESC,'[?7h' SM: Set mode
ESC,'[=#l' RM: Reset mode
ESC,'[?7l' SM: Reset mode
The only sequence defined in ANSI.SYS (the device driver that
supplies ANSI emulation) that is not implemented in COM-AND is:
Esc,'[...p' KKR: Keyboard key redefinition.
I am considering implementing this sequence, with a menu to sup-
port it as a 'different' sort of Macro facility. I'd like to hear
comments from people reading this.
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E. ANSI, VT100 and VT52 graphics (continued)
1. ANSI sequences (continued)
Under MS-DOS/PC-DOS, ANSI graphics are usually performed by the
ANSI.SYS device driver. Replacements for ANSI.SYS are available
on all the systems and boards, offering increased functionality
and additional utility. For example, the FANSI device driver
(sold by Hersey Micro Consulting) offers:
. improvements in screen display speed,
. considerably more control sequences than ANSI.SYS,
. DEC VT100 emulation (which therefore is available to you in
COM-AND if you use FANSI and turn DOS screen on),
. a backscreen function which pages last-to-first,
. one finger typing,
. increased typeahead buffer size,
. and many many other functional enhancements
The implementation of ANSI within COM-AND does not negate any of
the above features (except perhaps terminal emulation).
In order to use ANSI.SYS or any of its replacements through COM-
AND, you must have a device driver installed in your DOS. All
that is required is that the line:
DEVICE=ANSI.SYS
be added to the file CONFIG.SYS on the root directory of the boot
disk, and the PC rebooted (Ctl-Alt-Del). If there is no file
named CONFIG.SYS on the root directory of your boot disk, create
one containing the line above (see also the note on DOS gateway),
and then reboot.
Other device drivers, as FANSI mentioned above, will have their
own installation requirements. Refer to the documentation for the
device driver you wish to use for instructions.
Once you've installed the ANSI device, you must turn COM-AND's
ANSI and VIDTEX emulation off through the Alt-V menu. You must
also turn on 'DOS screen writes' through Alt-O. With ANSI and
VIDTEX off, and DOS on, all received text is routed through the
ANSI device.
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E. ANSI, VT100, and VT52 graphics (continued)
2. VT100 sequences
COM-AND is accepts a subset of VT100 escape sequences in display
emulation. VT100 emulation is available through the Alt-V option
'VT100' (or in a script, 'EMULATE VT100').
The VT100 was created to be an ANSI terminal. The difference
between COM-AND's VT100 and ANSI modes is minor. There are the
following differences to the above ANSI sequences:
o Erase display does not position to home in VT100
o Erase line does not position to beginning of line in VT100
In addition to the ANSI sequences above, COM-AND VT100 emulation
also adds the following sequences:
ESC,'[?2l' Switch to VT52 mode
ESC,'<' VT52: Change to VT100 (redundant)
ESC,'>' Keypad numeric mode
ESC,'=' Keypad application mode
ESC,'7' Save cursor and attributes
ESC,'8' Restore cursor and attributes
ESC,'#3' Set cursor line to DH DW top half (literal '#')
ESC,'#4' Set cursor line to DH DW bot half (literal '#')
ESC,'#5' Set cursor line to SH SW (literal '#')
ESC,'#6' Set cursor line to SH DW (literal '#')
ESC,'#:' Set cursor line to DH SW top half (literal '#')
ESC,'#;' Set cursor line to DH SW bot half (literal '#')
ESC,'[#;#r' Set scrolling region
ESC,'[?#l' Reset (parameter controls)
ESC,'[?#h' Set (parameter controls)
ESC,'[>#l' Reset (parameter controls)
ESC,'[>#h' Set (parameter controls)
ESC,'[20l' Reset LF to new ln (unused)
ESC,'[20h' Set new line mode (unused)
ESC,'[#q' LED controls (unused)
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E. ANSI, VT100, and VT52 graphics (continued)
2. VT100 sequences (continued)
COM-AND's VT100 emulation Displays from one of two character sets,
designated G0 and G1 in VT100 nomenclature. The identity of each
set and the current controlling set is determined through the
following sequences:
ESC,')A' Designate UK set as G1
ESC,')B' Designate ASCII set as G1
ESC,')0' Designate graphics set as G1
ESC,')1' Designate Alternate char set as G1
ESC,')2' Designate special graphics as G1
ESC,'(A' Designate UK set as G0
ESC,'(B' Designate ASCII set as G0
ESC,'(0' Designate graphics set as G0
ESC,'(1' Designate Alternate char set as G0
ESC,'(2' Designate special graphics as G0
SI (15) Shift in (use G0 char set)
SO (14) Shift out (use G1 char set)
COM-AND implements the UK set identically to ASCII at this time.
The graphics set, alternate set and special graphics sets use an
approximation from the high order characters (128-255).
Finally, COM-AND supports these inquiry sequences:
ESC,Z Report identity
ESC,'c' Report device attributes
ESC,'0c' Report device attributes
The response to these three 'report' sequences above is the same
in all cases: VT100 without a printer (which is ESC,'[?1;2c').
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E. ANSI, VT100, and VT52 graphics (continued)
3. VT52 sequences
COM-AND is capable of accepting VT52 escape sequences as well.
CIS in VIDTEX mode uses a mix of ANSI, and VT52 sequences to
format the screen.
Beginning with version 2.3 of this program, VT52 cursor control
is available if the Alt-V option 'VT52' is enabled (or in a
script, 'EMULATE VT52'). COM-AND implements the following VT52
sequences:
ESC,'A' CUU: Cursor up
ESC,'B' CUD: Cursor down
ESC,'C' CUF: Cursor forward
ESC,'D' CUB: Cursor backward
ESC,'H' CUH: Cursor home
ESC,'J' ES: Erase from cursor to end of screen
ESC,'K' EL: Erase from cursor to end of line
ESC,'Yrc' CUP: Horiz/Vert pos; r= row+32, c= col+32
ESC,'j' CS: Clear screen and home cursor
ESC,'<' VT100: Switch to VT100 mode
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F. Vidtex and RLE files
1. Vidtex
COM-AND emulates a 'VIDTEX' screen mode as an option. Vidtex
is a special service of CompuServe (CIS). It is enabled:
o Alt-V (set VIDTEX screen mode ON), or
o script "SET ENQ CISB" or "EMULATE VIDTEX" statements
Vidtex screen mode provides several features to the CIS user:
o Screen displays are formatted to appear 'full screen'. If
color is available, it is used. The current screen size is
known to CIS as well.
o File transfers are automatic. CIS asks the name a file is to
take on your machine, and then prompts COM-AND for the
transfer. PgDn and PgUp are not needed.
o RLE files are displayed automatically.
There are several drawbacks to the VIDTEX screen mode, too:
o CIS assumes you are going to use Quick-B for file transfers.
It doesn't ask for alternatives.
o Alt-L screen size may not be toggled during a VIDTEX session.
The screen size at the time of logon is reported to CIS, and
there is no method (now) to report a change of size.
o Vidtex control sequences are captured (along with text) when
transcripting. These are easy to edit out, but distracting.
Again, VIDTEX can't be turned off easily during a session.
o Other systems may from time-to-time use the ENQ character for
special functions. You should ensure that VIDTEX mode is off
when you use such a system.
CIS inquires the capability of a communication program with the
sequence: ESC,'I'. COM-AND responds (in VIDTEX mode) with:
#IBX,SSyx,AC/CA/CC,GH,GM,PB,DT,+<checksum>
The SS parameter specifies screen size. The AC/CA/CC choice is
made according to whether color is set through Alt-J.
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F. Vidtex and RLE files (continued)
2. RLE files
Although created on CompuServe, RLE (run length encoded) graphics
files have been popular for some time on the services and BBS's.
One reason is because the format is not machine specific. Most
any flavor of PC having a graphics display may view and create
graphics images in RLE format.
The resolution is limited (256 horizontal pixels by 192 lines).
RLE images are monochrome (although I know that there are some
people who've experimented with color information embedded in RLE
files). But RLE files do provide one medium of graphics exchange
between differing personal computers.
RLEs are encoded as 7 bit ASCII data. Normally, an RLE file would
be viewed through something like an ASCII download. [PLINK, for
one, has trouble with this. It backscans text lines, removing
blanks. That is death for an RLE graphics image.]
COM-AND recognizes RLE control sequences when they are encountered
in the stream of received text. When COM-AND encounters an RLE
sequence, it attempts to switch to graphics mode. If successful,
COM-AND then displays the image as it is received, and buffers the
image in a temporary file. Upon completion of the image, COM-AND
prompts for a save file name. You may ignore the save step, and
throw away the picture in good conscience, as you now know what it
shows. Or you may of course opt to save it for later playback.
You may disable this feature of COM-AND through the Alt-O options
menu.
---------------------------------------------------------------
CIS Users NOTE: CIS 'tests' your terminal program each time you
request an RLE viewing. COM-AND responds to the test only if you
have set emulation to 'VIDTEX' or used the equivalent script
statement.
If the option is not enabled, CIS will tell you "Your terminal
program is not equipped ... do you wish to proceed?" If you
answer "Y", CIS will send the RLE file, and COM-AND will display
it nicely.
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G. External protocol drivers
COM-AND supports external protocol drivers through its F1 (access-
sories) menu. You may edit the entries in the F1 menu to load and
execute just about any program you might wish (and have memory for).
If you limit the F1 entries to simple script invocations, you may
also use the script name through F2.
For example, you might wish to add ZMODEM or True YMODEM (tm)
capability to COM-AND. You may do this with Chuck Forsberg's
DSZ.COM program. DSZ is a module that may be run from within other
comm programs to perform ZMODEM transfers (and X/Ymodem transfers
too). DSZ is revised quite often (to expand its function), and is
available on most systems.
For downloading purposes, no script is needed to invoke DSZ. How-
ever, as mentioned above, the F1 entry will be coded to use a script
to allow the same script to be manually invoked through F2. The file
name used for the downloaded file will be determined by the sender.
Revise an F1 entry (with the 'r' subcommand) as follows:
Name: Download using YMODEM
Subdirectory: (whatever subdirectory your DSZ occupies)
Program: (leave this field blank)
Script: DSZDOWN.CMD
The script DSZDOWN.CMD might be written:
------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARMS S1 ; read current settings
S2 = "DSZ.COM port " * S1(14:14) * " rb " ; Ask for YMODEM rcv
RUN S2 ; Load and run DSZ
------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: change " rb " to " rz " for ZMODEM
------------------------------------------------------------------
DSZ requires a file name for uploading. You can accomplish this by
editing the F1 menu as follows, and creating a script.
Name: Upload using YMODEM
Subdirectory: (whatever subdirectory DSZ/DSZUP occupies)
Program: (leave this field blank)
Script: DSZUP.CMD
An example script DSZUP.CMD follows on the next page.
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G. External protocol drivers (continued)
The script DSZUP.CMD might be written:
------------------------------------------------------------------
MESSAGE "^MEnter the upload file name: "
GET S0 ; Read keyboard
COMPARMS S1 ; read current settings
S2 = "DSZ.COM port " * S1(14:14) * " sb " * S0 ; ask for YMODEM
sb" RUN S2 ; Load and run DSZ
------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: change " sb " to " sz " for ZMODEM
------------------------------------------------------------------
DSZ defaults to COM1 and your current baud rate. The above scripts
adjust for the comm port you're using. The above scripts (or better)
are included in the SCRIPTS.ARC file released with COM-AND.
NOTE: DSZ is user supported. If you use it, please register it!
DSZ may be found on most bulletin boards, and on every major system.
Registration information is provided with every release of DSZ.
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H. Modem Configuration
COM-AND default values do not require your modem to be configured
in any particular manner. However, certain features cannot be used
unless you configure your modem before you use COM-AND.
1. DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
COM-AND, by default, hangs up using the command sequences defined
through the Alt-S setup (hangup and modem escape). However, you
may alternately select 'Drop DTR to hangup' through the Alt-O
options. Dropping DTR is the only way to hangup certain modems,
and is generally much faster than the command sequences.
Most Hayes compatible modems allow configuration of the DTR sense
through a switch-block. If you wish to use DTR to hangup, be sure
that your modem follows the DTR signal. Refer to the documenta-
tion provided with your modem to be sure that option switches are
set appropriately.
2. CD (Carrier Detect)
COM-AND (presently) uses the CD sense line for several purposes.
The 'CONNECTED' test supported in the script language, test for
carrier detect upon exit, and the file transfer protocols all
require that the modem report carrier detect. True carrier detect
is the only way to determine if you are 'on-line' or 'off-line'.
Many Hayes compatible modems are sold with a carrier detect
override (in other words the modem reports carrier detect all the
time). When carrier detect is overridden, COM-AND cannot detect
when carrier is lost during a file transfer or whether to ask if
you want to hangup when you exit to DOS.
Be sure that the modem is reporting true CD (instead of it just
saying 'yes'). Most Hayes compatible modems allow configuration
of the CD sense through a switch-block. Refer to the documenta-
tion provided with your modem to be sure that option switches are
set appropriately.
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I. Environment variables
COM-AND uses environment variables to default files names. Two
environment variables are relevant to COM-AND. The "COM-AND='
environment variable specifies a default path for certain file names,
and "COMSPEC=" specifies the shell program name.
1. COM-AND=
COM-AND searches the current subdirectory and then the subdirec-
tory indicated by the environment variable "COM-AND=" (if
present) for the following files:
. COM-AND.DFT (Default settings and values)
. COM-AND.DIR (Dialing directory)
. COM-AND.MAC (Macro definitions)
. COM-AND.ACC (Accessory definitions)
. COM-AND.RMP (Remap definition)
. COM-AND.XLT (Translate tables)
COM-AND also uses this environment variable searching for script
file names. However, script files are also searched using (a) the
supplied extension, (b) the extension ".CMD" and (c) the extension
".ENF" (for encrypted files). So, the search for script files is
a little bit longer than the search for the above files.
COM-AND accessories use the "COM-AND=" environment variable to
find COM-AND.EXE when they are loaded without COM-AND. For this
reason it is recommended that COM-AND.EXE be in that subdirectory.
Refer to your DOS manual (the SET command) for information about
environment variables and how to create them. As an example, you
might place COM-AND in the C:\COM-AND subdirectory. You should
then add the following line to your c:\AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
SET COM-AND=C:\COM-AND
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I. Environment variables (continued)
2. COMSPEC=
COM-AND uses the environment variable "COMSPEC=" to identify the
shell program to be used when Alt-F10'ing or executing the SHELL
script command. This environment variable is already set in most
installations.
3. Other variables
COM-AND's script language allows access to environment variables
through the ENVIRON statement. Scripts written for COM-AND may
therefore be sensitive to environment variables.
The script statement "EBL" and EBLSET" look for a 'BATINT='
environment variable to set the (hex) interrupt number for EBL.
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J. Background operation
COM-AND may be used as a background process with several of the
available multi-tasking operating environments. In particular,
file transfers are bufferred, and send is interrupt driven to
provide maximum efficiency when used as a background processor
(which of course means more efficiency in foreground mode, too).
COM-AND has been made 'shadow-buffer' aware... if an operating
environment such as DesqView or Windows establishes a shadow-buffer
for the screen, COM-AND uses it. Thus, COM-AND does not need to be
flagged as "writing directly to the screen" under such environments.
The only exception to this is RLE displays in interactive mode (RLE
displays are inhibited during the script processor). RLE displays
switch the screen from text to graphics modes; during RLE display
all access to the screen is performed using BIOS write-pixel calls
However, you should turn RLE displays off (through Alt-O) if you
plan on using COM-AND regularly in background mode, and view RLEs.
The distribution of COM-AND includes a PIF file for Windows and a DVP
file for DesqView.
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K. Encoded music
Beginning with version 2.3, COM-AND uses encoded music strings for
several different purposes:
. If the file COM-AND.TUN exists on the default drive:subdirectory
(or on the COM-AND= drive:subdirectory), and it contains a valid
encoded music string (not to exceed 40 notes), COM-AND will use
the encoded string for its alarm.
. The alarm tune may be changed with a "SET TUNE" command through
a script file. The new alarm tune holds until it is changed,
or until COM-AND is terminated.
. A script may PLAY an encoded music string during its execution
(up to 80 notes).
. An escape sequence to play music has been implemented (for some
RBBS boards). The escape sequence is "ESC [M <music string> ^N"
allowing up to 255 characters for the <music string>.
The script ALARM.CMD is included with this release. ALARM contains
a number of simple melodies that may be substituted for the alarm
tune. The ALARM script allows the tunes to be sampled, and one may
be selected permanently (if it doesn't hurt the ear...). Permanent
selection means that the script creates a file, COM-AND.TUN which
will be used by COM-AND every time it is loaded.
Syntax for music statements will be found in an appendix to the
CASCRIPT.DOC document. The interested reader is referred there.
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L. BIOS com Read/Write
Beginning with version 2.3 of COM-AND, BIOS read/write comm port
calls are intercepted by COM-AND. When the port number matches
the comm port currently opened by COM-AND, COM-AND makes available
its interrupt driven read/write procedures. Only read/write
are supported. Open (change parameters) and status are stubbed.
COM-AND's interception of BIOS comm port calls opens some doors for
the wary. For example, the following script is useful:
KFLUSH ; Clear the keyboard buffer
STACK "CTTY COM2:!" ; Stack a cmd for DOS
SHELL ; Shell-to-DOS
After the shell-to-DOS, DOS functions are available through the comm
port. If COM-AND had previously established a connection through the
modem (dialed another PC, or used the CONNECT script to answer the
phone), then DOS would be available to the caller! [Note that only
very-well-behaved programs may be used through this link. A program
that writes to screen memory or intercepts keyboard interrupts WILL
NOT be available, and will make it difficult to terminate remotely.]
Programs using no more communications support than that provided by
BIOS may use COM-AND's communications, and act as accessories. Such
programs, when loaded through the accessory menu (or DOS Gateway)
take advantage of COM-AND's communication support (and XON/XOFF flow
control).
The author would be interested in hearing of any applications
developed to use this feature, and would be interested in discussing
its future refinement.
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M. Modem initialization
COMMON MODEM PARAMETER INITIALIZATION VALUES for USE WITH COM-AND
and OTHER COMMON COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS, by Jim Aspinwall
-----------------------------------------------------------------
As a user of computer modems and communications software, you should
be aware of several aspects that affect your modem, your software,
and successful on-line operation.
It seems that the most common problems we have encountered have to
do with how or if the modem reports back on the status of the
Carrier Detect (DCD or CD) signal. That is, whether or not you are
on-line, connected to another modem. Also, how the modem responds
to the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) signal from the terminal or PC.
In many cases the modems we use have default or factory configura-
tions that cause DCD to indicate that you are on-line at all times,
even if there has been no connection made; and the modem acts like
the terminal or software is active all of the time.
This situation does not always prohibit proper communications, but
it does make some operations inefficient, or causes error messages
that are inaccurate. Setting these and other parameters to the
values we have shown below, or equivalent values specific to your
modem, have resulted in very successful on-line operations for a
great many users.
You must also correlate some of the modem values to corresponding
values in your communications software. One value of particular
note is the modem's S7 register. The value in this register sets
how long the modem waits for a carrier after dialing a call. Most
modems use 40 seconds as a default. It is likely that your com-
munications software also provides a Wait-For-Carrier parameter
for its operation.
If these two values are different, you may get unexpected results in
originating calls. Either the modem hangs-up before the call is
established while the software is still waiting, or the software
aborts the call origination before enough time has elapsed. Setting
the parameter at the modem S7 register does not set the value in
your software, and setting the value in the software does not reset
it for the modem. There are a few other parameters that may exhibit
this difference, so you should read the modem and software documen-
tation carefully.
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M. Modem initialization (continued)
As annoying as it may seem to issue YET ANOTHER reminder about doc-
umentation, it IS very helpful to read through it all, even if you
think you will not understand or need it all, at first. Once you
have become familiar with what information is where you will be able
to recognize problems and their solutions as they arise. Many
veteran users are pleasantly surprised
Product R&D Corp.: (per Charlie)
-----------------
AT&C1S7=60S11=40V1X1
MICROCOM 9624c: (per Mike, modified 891103)
--------------
Modem Init: ATE1\C1\G0\J1\K5\N3\Q0&T5\V1V1\X1S0=0^M
Dial Command: AT\N3DT
Alt-P: 9600,N,8,1,COM1
Alt-O: Keyboard=ON
Drop DTR=ON
Alt-S: Break Delay=250 ms
Alarm Duration=3 sec
Everex 2400 internal (older style?): (per Jim)
-----------------------------------
Switches 1 and 2 - as appropriate for COM 1,2,3 or 4
Switches 3,4,5 - OFF (default)
String = AT&D2S7=60^M (the &D2 sets proper DTR, can also be done
with S21=48 or S21=112 (default=96))
Leading Edge 2400B half-size internal: (per Jim)
-------------------------------------
Switches 1 and 2 - COM 1,2,3,4 selection
Switches 3,4,5,6 - OFF - default
String = ATS7=60X3^M (there are no &... settings and no S21, DCD
and DTR are set by switches)
Practical Peripherals 2400 half-size internal: (per Jim)
---------------------------------------------
Switch on rear selects COM 1 or 2
String = AT&C1&D2L0X3^M (S21=117 is another way of doing &C1&D2)
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M. Modem initialization (continued)
Everex, Evercom 24+ (MNP): (per Mike)
-------------------------
Modem INIT string: AT\N3\Q1\K5\V1\X1\C1^M
Dialing Prefix: AT\N3DT (\N3 forces the modem to MNP)
Break Delay: 250 ms
Drop DTR on Hangup: ON
Ven-Tel Pathfinder 18k: (per Jim)
----------------------
Init String: ATS0=0S7=60S51=5S52=1S53=1S58=2S66=1S95=2&W^M
AutoAnswer Off/Wait 60secs for carrier/Serial Port at 19,200
DTR active/DCD active/Hardware handshake/Lock Serial Port/Auto MNP
With these settings set into the modem and written (&W) once the
user can recall them (INIT) using AT&E^M, instead of the entire
string. It is handy to place this string in a comm. program macro
for later use, should the modem get reset to factory values or
other events change the desired settings.
FACTORY Jim's Function and Notes
DEFAULT Usage about settings
------- ----- ------------------
S0=1 S0=0 This depends on ORIG/ANSWER side
S7=40 S7=60 Longer for some calls/systems...
S45=0 S45=0 Keep disabled (0) for secure/support operations
S50=0 S50=0 Auto-speed (starts high, allows other uses)
S51=4 S51=5 19,200 VS. 9600 SERIAL LINE
S52=0 S52=1 DTR must be active...
S53=0 S53=1 DCD must be active...
S58=3 S58=2 Hardware handshake is faster
S61=45 S61=0-255 Speaker volume, =<45 is best.
S66=0 S66=1 Lock serial speed, flow control
S95=0 S95=2 Auto-reliable MNP mode
S110=255 S110=255 Compression depends on other side
S110=1 To control remote's compression ON
S111=255 S111=255 Protocol depends on other side
S111=10 KERMIT 8,n,1
S111=20 XMODEM
S111=30 UUCP
Note : Only items with remarks need to be changed and re-written
to the EEPROM ( with &W) vs. factory defaults. ATZ recalls all
parameters to Factory defaults. AT&E recalls EEPROM values.
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N. COM-AND's Backscreen
This is not a defense. It is offered in the way of a useful
explanation, and even offers a solution to a problem (I hope!).
COM-AND implements the 'backscreen' function (Alt-B) in an unusual
manner. Unlike most backscreen capable applications, when COM-AND's
backscreen is invoked, the oldest text in the backscreen buffer is
displayed. Most backscreen functions display the most recent text
first, allowing immediate access to what has scrolled off screen.
Further, COM-AND only pages through the backscreen. You cannot
scroll its backscreen line-by-line.
COM-AND's unusual backscreen is determined by three factors (ignoring
its author's limitations, please). The factors are:
o COM-AND allows the unformatted capture of text that has
scrolled off the screen (with only the edits imposed by
transcripting).
o COM-AND's backscreen is available to its accessories. The
text is displayed as if it had been received by the accessory
itself. Similarly, text received during an accessory is
available later to COM-AND, and displayed as if COM-AND had
received it.
o Other products may be used with COM-AND to provide a more
usual manner of backscreen.
The author would be pleased to discuss the tradeoffs implied by (1)
dropping the capture buffer feature and accessory backscreen, or (2)
implementing two backscreen buffers, one for capture, and another for
display.
For those who absolutely require a backscreen that displays the most
recent text first, the author recommends FANSI heartily. FANSI is
discussed above (Appendix E). FANSI is available commercially from
its developer. Buyers are given instruction on the use of its
backscreen. FANSI is so generally useful, that this author finds it
difficult to use a machine without it.
With FANSI (or some other backscreen capable system utility),
COM-AND offers the best of both worlds: immediate access to the
oldest bufferred text (with capture), and immediate access to the
most recent.
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O. Customizing COM-AND
Several methods are immediately available to customize COM-AND for
particular purposes. Some script authorship is required, but the
result a communications program tailored to an exact application.
Beyond customization of the existing COM-AND product, other custom-
izations are possible and negotiable.
1) COM-AND initialization
When COM-AND is loaded, it performs an initialization process
(opening the comm port, sending an init string, opening files, and
so on). After initialization, a shareware advertisement is dis-
played (unless turned off in Alt-O). After the advert, if a
script named COM-AND.CMD is found in the current default subdirec-
tory OR the "COM-AND=" environment variable indicated subdirec-
tory, that script is executed.
A simple COM-AND.CMD script may be created to display an opening
screen, set options and values to your preference, and to offer an
initial menu. For example, a menu might be offered making func-
tion key F1 dial a certain number, function key F3 enter COM-AND
proper and function key F5 exit COM-AND back to DOS.
2) COM-AND termination
When COM-AND is terminated (either by Alt-X or through the script
statement "BYE"), COM-AND tests for carrier (may be turned off by
Alt-O or "SET CDRESPECT OFF"). If carrier is found (if tested), a
prompt for hangup is issued. After the carrier test, COM-AND
tests to determine if an "exit script" has been established. If
an exit script has been named, COM-AND attempts to execute it.
Exit scripts are defined through the script statement "SET EXIT".
If the indicated file does not exist, COM-AND terminates. If the
indicated file exists, COM-AND executes it as a script.
Upon Alt-X then, COM-AND may be customized to provide a menu of
choices (e.g. dial another system, and a list of systems). When
established, the exit script determines if COM-AND is actually to
terminate, or to continue.
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O. Customizing COM-AND (continued)
3) DOS after COM-AND
An interesting feature of COM-AND's script language is the state-
ment "STACK". STACK places a string into the BIOS keyboard
buffer. An exit script might easily offer selections that invoke
other programs through DOS. For example, the script:
SET TTHRU OFF ; Turn off script typethrough
STACK "DIR *.*!" ; Set-up to execute a DOS DIR cmd
BYE ; Terminate com-and and do a DIR
terminates COM-AND (without hanging up... be careful), and
executes a DIR *.* through DOS. More interesting things might
be found, I'm sure, to do with DOS.... but the point is made.
4) Keyboard remapping
COM-AND maps the Alt'd and function keys on the PC keyboard in a
manner consistent with (the author's experience of) common usage.
Other maps for the PC keyboard may well be imagined. The keyboard
remap function (available through the REMAP.CMD script) makes it
very possible to change the assignments.
As the simplest example, COM-AND's F10 help window might be con-
sidered inadequate (the author thinks it is...). To change this
sad state of affairs, the following remap might be created:
F10 = 255 "HELP" CR
This remap says in effect: When the F10 key is pressed, COM-AND
will see the character with value 255, the characters "H" "E" "L"
and "P", and a CR. 255 as a character is documented above under
Alt-M Macros. The character 255 in COM-AND has the same function
as F2 (run a script), but does not pop up a window and search the
drive for all files *.CMD and *.ENF. "HELP" would be interpreted
by the 255 function as a script name (either HELP., HELP.CMD or
HELP.ENF on the default or COM-AND= subdirectory). The CR causes
the 255 function to execute the script named HELP.
So... one might write one's own help window (see the help screens
in FILEMGR or LEARN), call it HELP.CMD, put it in the COM-AND=
subdir, and never see the author's idea of a HELP summary again.
It might be paginated, indexed, what-have-you.
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O. Customizing COM-AND (continued)
5) Functional customization
The author of COM-AND will customize a version of COM-AND for
anyone licensing 30 or more copies of COM-AND (site license).
This customization is limited to:
. Alt-I Information screen: 10 lines of the program informa-
tion screen are devoted to a description of COM-AND and its
accessories in the 'standard' edition. CABER Software will
encode any information a licensee (meeting the quantity
restriction) requests in this space. CABER Software will
retain the last lines of the window for itself.
. Copyright statement upon termination: CABER software will
change the program termination notice from:
"Freely redistributable; R. Scott McGinnis <date>"
to "Licensed from CABER Software (all rights reserved),
<date>, by: <licensee name>"
. Customization is limited to the current version of COM-AND.
The same customization, applied to later releases of COM-AND
may be had from CABER Software upon request, for a fee of
$15.00 each release. CABER Software will not automatically
update customized versions.
Other functional customizations are negotiable.
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P. Command Index
------- Commands available in CRT and Accessory -------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Key Meaning Page
--------- --------------------------------------------- -----
F1 Switch between CRT and Accessory. 11,7-8
F2 Perform a script 14,64
F3 Set current disk/subdirectory 14,56
F4 Set default download disk/subdirectory 14,51
F5 ASCII upload. 14,48
F6 ASCII download. 14,50
F7 Toggle logging (transcripting). 14,55
F8 Toggle display of typed characters. 14,56
F9 Toggle Log hold. 14,55
F10 Help screen. 11
Alt-F10 DOS Gateway. 11,60
Alt-A Toggle chat mode (on CRT screen) 16,56
Alt-B Redisplay (backscreen). 16,56
Alt-C Clear the screen. 11,57
Alt-D Dialing directory. 11,18-19
Alt-E Toggle echo (full/half duplex). 11,57
Alt-F File directory. 11,51
Alt-G Toggle blank line suppression 11,57
Alt-H Hangup. 12,20
Alt-I Program information. 12
Alt-J Set screen colors 16,40
Alt-K Set KERMIT parameters 16,57
Alt-L Toggle 25/43 line modes 16,57
Alt-M Define a macro for Alt-0 through Alt-9. 12,21
Alt-N Encrypt/Decrypt a file 12,24
Alt-O Set program options. 12,33-40
Alt-P Comm Parameters. 12,31
Alt-R Redial the last number dialed. 12,20
Alt-S Setup. Define initial program values. 12,27-30
Alt-T Elapsed time. 13,58
Alt-U Annotate call-log 13,55
Alt-V Emulation, Translate, and Remap 61
Alt-W Playback 16,58
Alt-X Exit the program. 13,58
Alt-Y Error information. 70
Alt-Z Toggle parity mask. 13,59
Alt-0/9 Send a Macro. 13,21
PgUp Begin an upload 15,41-51
PgDn Begin a download 15,41-51
Ctl-End Send a Break. 11
Ctl-PrtSc Toggle printer (LP1) 11
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