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1989-01-26
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Canine Express (K9X)
The New Generation Communications Package
(C) Copyright 1985, 1988 by Crater Rim Software
For the IBM Family of Personal Computers and Compatibles
Supplemental Documentation
December 20, 1988
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 (C) Copyright 1985,1988 by Crater Rim Software
K9X ShareWare Licensing Agreement
---------------------------------
For the sake of clarity, all references and restrictions to the use of
the K9X also apply to all of the associated support files INCLUDING the
K9Xmodem, Super8K, SuperK and Jbatch protocols.
K9X, its overlays and all of its associated support files are not public
domain software, nor are they free software. K9X is copyright (C) 1985,
1988 - the K9Xmodem, Super8K, SuperK and JBatch protocols are copyright
1987, 1988 by Crater Rim.
Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use K9X version
SW80 on a trial basis for the purpose of determining whether these
programs are suitable for their needs. The term of this limited license
is 30 days. Use of K9X, except for this limited purpose, requires
registration. Use of non-registered copies of K9X by any person,
business, corporation, governmental agency or other entity institution is
strictly forbidden.
Registration permits you to use K9X on a regular basis on a single
computer. A registered user may use the program on a different computer,
but may not use the program on more than one computer at the same time.
Registration also includes priority support on Underdog's MiniNet BBS.
Users need register only one version of K9X. Registration includes
licensed use of all upgrades.
All corporate, business, government or other commercial uses of K9X must
be registered. We offer quantity discounts and Corporate or site
licensing is also available.
No user may modify K9X in any way, including but not limited to
decompiling, disassembling or otherwise reverse engineering the program.
All users are granted a limited license to copy K9X version SW80 only for
the trial use of others subject to the above limitations, and also the
following:
K9X version SW80 must be copied in unmodified form, complete
with the file containing this license information.
Any and all K9X documentation must be included with the copy.
No fee, charge or other compensation may be accepted or
requested by any licensee.
K9X may not be distributed in conjunction with any other
product without prior arrangements with Crater Rim Software.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) may post K9X
version SW80 for downloading by their users only as long as the above
conditions are met.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 2 -
Distributors of public domain or user supported software may distribute
copies of K9X version SW80 subject to the above conditions only after
obtaining written permission from Crater Rim Software. Such permission
usually is granted. Please write or call for details.
ShareWare Software Discalaimer and Warranty
Crater Rim Software makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied,
including without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and/or
fitness for a particular purpose. Crater Rim Software shall not be
liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or
consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the
manner desired by the user. Crater Rim Software shall not be liable for
any damage to data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly
by use of the program.
IN NO EVENT WILL Crater Rim Software BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES,
INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE
PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.
See the Ordering section for more information on registration, corporate
licensing and similar topics.
WARNING: YOU MAY NOT USE EITHER VERSION OF K9X ON A REGULAR BASIS
WITHOUT REGISTERING THE PACKAGE.
K9X FEATURES
------------
* Combined VT100 and ANSI BBS Terminal Emulation Including full ANSI and
VT100 Cursor Positioning, Color and Music Support utilizing a
combination of internal ANSI processing and the DOS ANSI.SYS or
equivilant
* Ring buffered, interrupt driven, serial I/O.
* 24 file transfer methods
Single file transfer protocols
Xmodem Checksum (via K9X or internal SuperK)
Xmodem CRC (via K9X or internal SuperK)
Ymodem (1K Xmodem) CRC (via K9X or internal SuperK)
WXmodem (Windowed Xmodem) CRC (via built in SuperK protocol)
Underdog's ***FAST*** K9Xmodem (via built in SuperK protocol)
Underdog's ***FASTER*** Super8K (via built in SuperK protocol)
Jmodem (via special Jmodem module)
Qmxfer Ymodem-G for RBBS systems (via QMXFER or DSZ)
Zmodem Single file mode (via DSZ external module)
PC-Kermit (Standard and Sliding Window via external module)
Ascii with XON/XOFF
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 3 -
Batch mode file transfer protocols
Modem7 (Batch) Checksum
Modem7 (Batch) CRC
Telink CRC
Xmodem Checksum (via built in SuperK protocol)
Xmodem CRC (via built in SuperK protocol)
Ymodem (1K Xmodem) CRC (via built in SuperK protocol)
WXmodem (Windowed Xmodem) CRC (via built in SuperK protocol)
Underdog's ***FAST*** K9Xmodem (via built in SuperK protocol)
Underdog's ***FASTER*** Super8K (via built in SuperK protocol)
Jmodem (via built in Jbatch protocol)
DSZ Ymodem-G (via DSZ external module)
Zmodem (via DSZ external module)
CIS/B (via CIS external module)
Plus pre-programmed keys for Quick Download using any of the
supported protocols
Plus Totally Automated Downloading using special macro codes
* Full Function telephone dialing directory which permits list,
manual, name, entry # dialing along with FULL edit capabilities
including parity, data and stop bits, individual macro linking,
last date/time number was called, default protocol.
Up to 9500 entries - user configurable, with full expansion/compression
support
* User configurable menu and text colors, modem setup and buffer sizes
* User configurable overwrite of duplicate files during download
* User configurable save aborted downloads
* Up to 32K memory buffer for FAST files transfers
* Pre-programmed command key for ASCII auto uploading of
PreFabricated Messages
* Pre-programmed command key for linking to external CIS/B terminal
emulator with CIS/B transfer protocol
* Pre-programmed command key for linking to external IXEC PC-Pursuit
Interface
* User-configureable baud rate locking for high speed modem connects
* Special dialing directory prefixes for specifying special pre-dial
commands and settings to high speed modems.
* Macro script language for automated logon supporting
universal "look for/send"
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 4 -
special "what if" look for/send
auto link to CIS/B external module
auto link to ICEX External PC-Pursuit Interface
ability to specify multiple execution of macro lines
ability to use/send special control characters for
carriage return, delay, etc.
ability to load pre-fabricated filelists for automated
download processing
* Pre-programmed command key to disable universal macro "look for/send"
* Pre-programmed command key to disable logon macro
* Session logging/capture to printer and/or disk.
* Full Novice Command Gateway Menu System or Expert Alt-Key command set
support
* Menu-driven commands
* Full display of all K9X flag settings
* Macro-key definition for constructing and holding often-used text
sequences.
* Full Access DOS Shell without loss of carrier
* Default DOS Shell Command link to another application
* Full file finding capabilites
* Full file and directory display with transfer times
* Screen dumps to a file or printer
* Customizable modem support at 300/1200/2400/4800/9600/19200 bps for
both COMM 1 and COMM 2
* Automatic change of baud rate with smart modems.
* User configureable baud locking for high speed modems
* Dialing session and total session elapsed time counters.
* Call Log including number dialed, session start, session end, elapsed
session time, total long distance elapsed times, total downloads - both
files and total bytes
* Upto 800 line internal capture buffer which may be viewed at any time.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 5 -
* Define up to 20 dialing directory entries for queue dialing upon
startup with optional automatic session logging.
* Linking with K9XEVENT for automated execution at specified times
* Cut and Paste feature to save selected text to file
* Mark and Save upto 24 filenames for automatic downloading with full
editing, addition, deletetion, loading of pre-fabricated lists, saving
of marked filenames to file
* Mark and Save upto 24 filenames for automatic uploading with full
editing, addition, deletetion, loading of pre-fabricated lists, saving
of marked filenames to file
* User defined default download path
* User defined default upload path
* Automatic upload file finding using internal system drive configuraion
table which accepts upto 99 fully configureable drive:\paths
* User defined Multitasking Hook for Time Slicing while operating in a
multitasking environment under TaskView, DesqView or TopView
multitasking/windowing systems.
The multitasking time slicing feature allows you to run K9X within a
partition with a minimum of system slowdown. K9X monitors both the
the comm port and local keyboard for input. If no input is present,
K9X will relinquish the remainder of the cpu time slice back to the
the multitasker. Note that this feature is only active during normal
user and/or local keyboard input. It is NOT active during files
transfers.
* Compartmentalized setup to keep directory clutter to a minimum
* Built in BBS type Macro/Message Editor
* Memory requirements: a minimum of approximately 160K
K9X FILES
---------
K9X.COM Main program
K9X.000 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.001 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.002 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.003 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.004 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.005 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.006 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.007 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.008 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 6 -
K9X.009 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.010 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.011 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9X.012 Overlay file required by K9X.COM
K9XCNF.COM K9X Configuration Utility
K9XCNF.000 Overlay file required by K9XCNF.COM
KTREE.COM K9X Drive Configuration Utility
JBA.COM Custom Jmodem Protocol driver
DSZ.COM Zmodem Protocol - Older version supports Ymodem-G
PC-KERMIT.EXE Optional Kermit Protocol
KERMIT.BAT Required for use of PC-KERMIT.EXE
B&W.CNF Premade K9X Configuration file for Black & White
COLOR.CNF Premade K9X Configuration file for Color
MININET.K9X Sample Logon Macro for Underdog's MiniNet BBS
RBBS.K9X Sample Logon Macro for RBBS
PCBOARD.K9X Sample Logon Macro for PCBoard
PCP.K9X Sample Logon Macro for PC-Pursuit
AUTONET.K9X Sample Automated Macro for Underdog's MiniNet BBS
AUTODOWN.K9X Sample AUTODOWN files list
K9XSUPP.DOC This File
LICENSE.K9X Seperate License and Ordering Information
MAILER.K9X Easy printout order form
Files K9X/K9XCNF/KTREE will create (if not found):
K9XDRIVE.TBL Drive Configuration Table
K9X.CNF Standard System Configuration File
K9X.P Phone Directory
K9X.PRE Phone Prefix Definitions File
CALL.LOG Log file for all numbers dialed
K9X.KEY Function Key Macro File - this file will be
created if any Macros are defined. If it
exists when K9X is started, it will be read
into memory.
K9X Environment
---------------
When K9X starts up it looks for its overlay and support files in the
current directory. However, you may want to invoke K9X from other
directories as well. In that case you can set the DOS environment
variable K9X to the name of the directory containing the K9X overlays,
and use the DOS PATH statement to ensure that the selected directory is
searched when you invoke K9X by name.
You've named your K9X directory "K9X", located on drive C
Add these statements to your AUTOEXEC.BAT
PATH C:\K9X
SET K9X=C:\K9X
K9X Menu Systems
----------------
Menu selections may be made in either of 2 ways:
1. Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice - then hit [ENTER]
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 7 -
In cases where a Yes or No response is required, K9X will default
to [ENTER] being the same as answering Yes. If you are not sure
your natural choice should ALWAYS be NO!
In all other cases, the highlighted selection is the current
default setting and should not be changed unless you know for
sure it needs to be changed. Simply hit [ENTER] for the
highlighted, default setting.
2. Type the first letter of your choice
Special Control Characters
--------------------------
When a modem string containing control characters is written to a
file, all the embedded control characters are converted to the marker
character format. On the other side of the coin, when a modem string
containing control characters is read from a file, the characters are
converted back to control characters.
In any case, check your modem manual for the correct modem settings when
defining any and all of the modem interface values.
There are special control characters available to aid in the creation of
your default modem strings:
vertical bar | (not a colon) will send a carriage return.
tilde ~ (not a double quote) will pause about 30 seconds plus
the built-in 30 second delay for a total of about one
second.
There is a built in delay between characters (about 30
seconds). Under normal circumstances, you should not
have to use the tilde delay character in your strings.
caret ^ (shift 6) will send the Ctrl equivilant of the
character immediately following it.
example: entering '^G' in a string results in a single
character (the control-G bell character) being
entered in the string.
\ Entering a single backslash will default your input to
a null (empty) string.
The character difinitions for each of the editing control characters are
held in K9X.CNF under the titles:
FC= vertical bar (|) character
FD= tilde (~) character
FM= caret (^)
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 8 -
In an effort to clean up the K9X directory, I have assigned several
subdirectories to hold the various K9X support files. All of the modules
are set up to look for the support files (and place any work files) into
their assigned subdirectory. Additionally, you do not have to specify the
path of a filename if that filename is in its assigned subdirectory.... As
is the case with most filename prompts, you may over-ride the K9X internal
file finding capabilities by including the full drive:\path\ with the
filename. As stated in the K9X docs, K9X looks for a colon as the second
character of your input string. If a colon is present, K9X assumes you
have specified a full drive:\path\filename instead of just a filename and
will not use its own file finding.
Here's the K9X directory set up and file placement:
Directory of C:\K9X
SUPP <DIR>---------- Directory of C:\K9X\SUPP
LOGS <DIR>----+ MACROS K9X (all macros/.MES)
K9X COM | K9X CNF
K9X 000 | K9XDRIVE TBL
K9X 001 | K9X P
K9X 002 | K9X PRE
K9X 003 | K9X KEY
K9X 004 |
K9X 005 |
K9X 006 +---- Directory of C:\K9X\LOGS
K9X 007 0724 88 (session logs)
K9X 008 CALL LOG
K9X 009 COLLECT TXT
K9X 010 K9XNOTES
K9XCNF COM Any "read in" files for K9X
K9XCNF 000 quick down/cut and paste
JBA COM
KTREE COM
DSZ COM
KERMIT EXE
QMXFER COM
CIS EXE
ICEX EXE
Step 1 - Create a K9X directory on your hard drive by issuing the DOS
commands: CD\
MD K9X
Step 2 - Set the K9X Environmental Varable by issuing the DOS command:
SET K9X=C:\K9X
Step 3 - If you already have a DOS Path Environmental Statement, add
C:\K9X to it... If not, issue the DOS command: PATH=C:\K9X
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 9 -
Note: You should include items 2 and 3 above in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file so that these variables are automatically set each time
you boot up your system. You will have to add the line
DEVICE=ANSI.SYS
to your CONFIG.SYS file also.
Step 4 - Log into your new K9X directory and make two new subdirectories
within the K9X directory. Issue the DOS commands:
MD SUPP
MD LOGS
Step 5 - Copy all of the K9X files into it.
Step 6 - I have included two K9X configuration files for your convenience.
You may however, start up K9XCNF at the DOS prompt and create a
totally new K9X configuration file. If this is done, K9XCNF will
automatically place the new K9X.CNF in the SUPP subdircetory.
If you are running an RGB/CGA system issue the DOS commands:
REN COLOR.CNF K9X.CNF
DEL B&W.CNF
If you are running a Mono system issue the DOS commands:
REN B&W.CNF K9X.CNF
DEL COLOR.CNF
Now issue the DOS commands:
COPY K9X.CNF SUPP
COPY *.K9X SUPP
COPY K9X.PRE SUPP
DEL K9X.CNF
DEL *.K9X
DEL K9X.PRE
Step 7 - Run KTREE so that the Drive Configuration Table for your system can
be created.
Step 8 - Run K9XCNF and check all of the settings so that they conform with
your particular setup. If you do not know what a setting should be
for your particular setup, just leave the default setting intact.
In most cases, the defaults will work just fine! In any case, the
following is a list of the default settings as contained in both
COLOR.K9X and B&W.K9X. In all cases, the B&W.CNF default colors are
all lightgray on black (b&w). K9XCNF will automatically update the
K9X.CNF when you exit that utility back to DOS.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 10 -
Parameters
----------
K9XCNF.COM allows you to set/reset the K9X default parameters. The default
parameters are saved in the file K9X.CNF.
In all cases, the default value will be displayed to you either by the way
of a highlighted (inverse video) menu selection or a bracketed value
([200]). You can either enter one of the letters to select a new setting,
or use the arrow keys to move the highlighted cursor to a new setting and
then hit the enter key.
CTS and DTR Monitoring
----------------------
All questions requiring a Yes or No response default to... ENTER=Yes.
This means that hitting your RETURN or ENTER key is the same as if you hit
the Y key. This is especially important during setup as there are two
questions asked which, by answering Y or ENTER, may very well render your
present configuration of K9X in-operable! The first question concerns the
monitoring of the CTS line. If you are not sure if your system/modem is
capable of supporting the CTS line, be SURE to hit N. The same holds true
for the monitoring of the DSR line. Again, if you are not sure, hit N.
This will practically guarantee that K9X will at least get you to a menu!
Once you have reached the menu you may then go in and try setting first the
CTS line montioring and then the DSR line monitoring. Be sure to test the
first setting before activating the other. If you find that activation of
one or the other causes K9X to freeze up on you, you can load K9X.CNF into
your text editor and modify the appropriate entry or delete the K9X.CNF
file and start up K9XCNF again. By having these lines monitored, your
dial/redial cycle time will be cut drastically. If you find that your
system can handle the monitoring of the CTS line but balks at monitoring
the DSR line, the elimination of the modem hangup string (MH= below) will
deliver the same results.
K9X.CNF Format
--------------
The format of the file K9X.CNF is as follows:
In columns 1-2 of each record is a code to identify a parameter.
After the parameter is an "=" sign.
Following the "=" the value of the parameter appears.
All flag settings are set to a number variable representing the logical
1=yes (set) and 0=no (not set).
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 11 -
Notes on Some of the Configuration Paramters
--------------------------------------------
Modem Initialization String ATE0Q0X1V1S7=60S0=0|
K9X must have word responses sent to the console in order to know what is
going on with the modem. The default modem strings are defined for Hayes
and Hayes compatible (USR, CTS, etc) modems. If you have a 2400baud
modem, you will want to change the values for the M and X settings to M3
and X6 in order to take advantage of K9X's advanced dial progress
capabilities.
The default modem init settings are:
E0 - Echo Off
Q0 - Send Modem Result Messages
V1 - Word Messages Mode
X1 - Advanced Result Codes (CONNECT, CONNECT 1200)
M0 - Speaker Off
S7=60 - Wait 60 seconds for carrier detection
S0=0 - Do not autoanswer
Modem Dial String ATDT
This is the modem attention string K9X uses when dialing a number. K9X
attaches the phone number to the end of this string when performing a
dial.
Function Key Carriage Return Character
This parameter holds the character K9X is to interpret as a carriage
return within the Function Key Macros, Modem Strings and Dialing Directory
Macros. The default is the vertical bar (NOT the colon). When K9X
encounters this character in any of the command strings, it automatically
sends out a carriage return in place of this character.
Function Key Delay Character
This character works identically to the vertical bar except that it is
interpreted by K9X as a delay. When K9X encounters this character in any
of the command strings, it will pause approximately 30 seconds before
sending the remainder of the command string. The default is the tilde
(not a double quote).
Function Key Wait For String Character
The single quote ` is another special control character used specifically
in the dialing directory macros ("Send" field). It is used before and
after a string of charcaters that K9X is to wait to receive before it
continues sending the next portion of the command string.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 12 -
Function Key Escape Character Marker
The Escape Character Marker is used to signal K9X that the next character
in the command string is to be converted into a control character. For
instance, the presence of a ^G in a command string will be interpreted and
converted to ASCII code 007 (bell character). When K9X reads in the
command strings from its support files (K9X.CNF, K9X.KEY, K9X.P, etc.), it
converts all ^ characters to their actual ASCII code equivilants. When
K9X writes out the command strings to its support files (K9X.CNF, K9X.KEY,
K9X.P, etc.), it converts all control characters to the equivilant ^
character. In the ^G case above, when writing to file, K9X will write ^G
when reading from file, K9X converts the ^G to 007.
Default Transfer Protocol
Although you may change the default protocol during your session... and
the changed protocol becomes your new default... unless you re-write a new
K9X.CNF file, the value held by this parameter will remain the default
each time K9X is started.
Use Auto Filefinding
K9X has the capability of automatically locating files you select for
uploading.
If this option is Enabled, K9X will first search your current logged
drive:\directory for the file you requested. If it is not present there,
K9X will then check the default upload path, if one has been configured
within K9X.CNF, and lastly, K9X will use the directory names held in
K9XDRIVE.TBL to locate the file.
K9X will use either a full drive table search or the modified, categorized
search as defined in K9X.CNF (and described in K9X.DOC)
If this option is disabled and ...
a drive:\directory is specified with the filename:
K9X will only look for the file in the specified drive:\directory
no drive:\directory is specified with the filename:
K9X will search the current logged drive:\directory
if a default upload path has been configured into K9X.CNF, K9X will
search the default upload path for the file.
Text Mode
When K9X starts up, it will automatically determine what type of display
card is being used. If you are using a MonoChrome card and monitor, K9X
will set this parameter to M. If K9X finds a CGA or EGA card installed,
it will set this parameter to C. Due to the extensive windowing and
screen overlaying in K9X, monochrome system users may find that the window
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 13 -
borders will appear momentarily in the upper right side of their screen
but the menu items will appear in the upper left side of the screen. Be
aware that K9X still functions normally, it's just that the window
displays are not positioned properly. I am presently working on a CGA
emulator for monochrome system users which will correct this problem.
Text Background = Black
This value is quasi-hardcoded to the black background setting as there
isn't any way to change the setting from within K9X. You may however, use
a text editor to change the setting in K9X.CNF. If you do change it in
this manner, the background may not be reset after receiving ANSI color
escape sequences from the host computer.
The default menu frame background color is hard coded to black.
Modem Carrier High Flag
This flag is used in the dialing section to determine the presence of a
carrier. If this flag is set to No, then K9X will not check for the
presence of a carrier. If it is set to Yes, K9X will make the
determination after actually checking for the existance of a carrier.
It should be noted that this flag is defaulted to No only to insure your
being able to check out your other default settings after initially
configuring K9X. Once it has been established that everthing else seems
to be working properly, you should set the flag to Yes and attempt a dial
out. If K9X is able to perform the dial, then enter the utilities section
and select the Write .CNF file option in order to save the new flag
setting.
The same is true of the other flag settings (those defaults that require a
Yes or No response). You should set and test each flag so that you can
determine the best settings for your particular setup.
Direct Screen Write Flag
K9X has the ability to write directly to the system screen buffer. Direct
screen writes most assuredly speed up the screen updates... however, you
may find that you will have to specify NO here if you use K9X in a
multitasking environment. With a little bit of practice, you will be able
to set this paramter to YES and use K9X in a multitasking environment.
I have been operating in a multitasking environment ever since I started
working on a PC and my K9X.CNF is set to do direct screen writes. In the
cases where I am online to another system, most if not all of my attention
is focused on the session. I use K9X in my primary partition and switch
to a background partition to do other 'jobs' while online. On rare
occasions, K9X will restore a saved screen when I am working in the
background - thus replacing that application's screen with the restored
screen! When this does happen, it's usually a simple process of typing a
character in the other application to have that application restore its
screen.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 14 -
Conversely, simply hitting [ENTER] in the K9X partition usually triggers
the host to send a prompt line, thus restoring my 'place' in the session.
Check CTS Flag
When using Zmodem, Zmodem Batch or Zmodem's Ymodem-G... the DSZ "handshake
both" parameter is added to the command line ONLY IF you have set the
Check Clear to Send parameter in your K9X.CNF. Be sure to set the Check
Clear to Send to ON... Startup K9XCNF, select the M)iscellaneous option,
then Check Clear to Send, and finally, back your way out to DOS by hitting
the Enter key.
On the other hand, if your system requires the "handshake slow" parameter,
set the Check Clear to Send to OFF, rename DSZ.COM to ZMODEM.COM, and
create DSZ.BAT as:
echo off
zmodem %1 %2 %3 %4 hanshake slow %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
^Z
If you are not sure if your modem supports CTS monitoring, be sure to enter
N to the K9X prompt.
Check DSR Flag (not set)
If you are not sure if your modem supports DTR monitoring, be sure to enter
N to the K9X prompt.
Default DOS Command
Along with the Alt-J DOS shell command, K9X has a default DOS Command
which is executed via the ^Home key combination. This parameter holds the
command string you want K9X to execute when the ^Home key combination is
pressed. The format for entering this paramter is outlined under the
^Home definition. If no command string is specified here, the ^Home key
combination will work identically to the Alt-J DOS Shell command.
DOS Command Format and Control Character
----------------------------------------
There is a special character that you may use within this command.. It
is the vertical bar | (not a colon : ) and it signals K9X that you wish
to add additional information to the default DOS command before the
default DOS command is executed... It goes something like this:
You set you default DOS command to PKXARC|
When you activate the default DOS Command via [^Home], K9X will prompt
you for the remainder of the command. You may then enter /V or /T or
whatever other command you wish to pass to PKXARC.
You set you default DOS command to ED | (PC-Write)
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 15 -
When you activate the default DOS Command via [^Home], K9X will prompt
you for the filename to be edited.
Your input would be: abc.doc
UNDERSTAND that K9X deletes the vertical bar and replaces it with the
remainder of the command. So, if the initial command requires a space
between it and the program name, and you haven't provided for it in your
default DOS command, be sure to enter it. If you do not need to add to
the default DOS command, do not include the vertical bar. If you have
added the | to your default DOS command but do not require an additional
input 'this time', just hit [ENTER].
Note: The program you call via this command does not have to reside in
the same area (diskette or directory) as K9X Just be sure it is in
the DOS path. Note that you save alot of the 65 character limit
by placing the secondary program in the DOS path!
This DOS command option is in ADDITION to, and completly independant of,
the optional DOS command you may enter when activating the Jump to DOS
(Alt-J) feature.
When using the DOS Shell and DOS Command options... Be sure you have
enough memory to start up another application. The easiest way to do
this is to start up K9X, issue the Drop to DOS command either through
the Command Gateway Menu of the Expert Alt-J key combination, then run
the DOS utility ChkDsk. It will report the amount of memory you have
available to run other programs from within the DOS shell. If you do a
direct exit to DOS via the DOS shell, be sure to type the word EXIT to
get back to K9X.
Default Download Path
If the download path is blank, K9X will write
downloaded files to the current logged drive and directory. If a download
path is specified, K9X will prefix the download filename with the download
path
Download path conventions:
Be sure to include all the normal DOS punctuation conventions
(including the last backslash) in the form:
C:\MININET\K9X\DOWNLOADS\FOO\BAR\YOU\ME\TODAY\NOW\
If you don't use directories/subdirectories, you may either enter a
single backslash, which will disable the download path completely, or
you may enter a single drive letter in the form B:\ which will direct
all downloads to in this case, drive B
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 16 -
Number of dialing directory pages
The K9X.P dialing directory is a varaible length random access file which
has a maximum size of 2 to 500 pages with each page containing 19 entries.
Initially, K9X creates a 2 page (38 entry) dialing directory which
contains the numbers of the Dog's MiniNet nodes and the remaining entries
are blank. Each consecutive time K9X is started up, it will use the value
held here and make sure the dialing directory holds at least this number
of pages. If the size of K9X.P is smaller than this parameter value, K9X
will expand K9X.P to the proper number of entries... K9X will ONLY
RECOGNIZE the number of pages indicated by the value of this parameter. A
full 9500 entry directory is about 1.5 megabytes in size so BE SURE to
read the information in the Dialing Directory Section BEFORE changing this
value!
Border Color
If you are using K9X on a color system, the border color will be black
upon starting K9X and as long as there is no carrier detected. The border
will change to the color you specify here as soon as carrier is present
and will remain set until carrier is lost. If you are using Mono, both
the no carrier and carrier border colors will be black. I added this
option so that you will have a 'quick glance' way of verifying that you
have connected (or are still connected).
If you start up a program, via the DOS shell, which resets the border
color, K9X will set it back to the defined color upon re- entering K9X.
Session Log upon startup (not set)
You may specify whether or not you want K9X to activate the automatic
session logging upon startup... and save the setting to K9X.CNF via
K9XCNF.COM. The old command line L parameter now serves the function of
overriding the setting read in from K9X.CNF
If the K9X.CNF setting is to activate session logging, an L on the DOS
command line will de-activate session logging.. conversely, if the K9X.CNF
setting is to NOT activate session logging, an L on the DOS command line
will activate session logging. The L command line switch may be included
at any time. K9X will accept the L switch and a full 10 dialing directory
entries in any order on the command line.
Upon opening a session log file...
K9X writes a space character to the file, closes the
file and then reopens it. Additionally, K9X will close, flush and
reopen a session log after each session dis- connect. In the past, K9X
did not flush the capture buffer until you exited the program to DOS.
This is fine during "normal" sessions but if you had to exit the program
abnormally (via "Red Switch" reboot or otherwise), all previously
captured data would be lost. This new feature assures that a minimum of
data is lost under adverse conditions.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 17 -
Reset modem to follow connect baud
K9X now supports 19200bps and allows you to "lock" the baud rate to the
default startup rate (19200 for HST).
There are two new prefix codes available, both deal with the sending of
modem reset codes prior to dialing, so that you can mix and match 9600,
19200, 2400 and below, MNP and non-MNP systems.
The \ and / codes are now valid prefixe codes. They only work in
conjunction with the sending of modem commands just prior to dialing so
that you can selectively call various systems using different modem
settings.
In prior versions of K9X, the only way to use a prefix (or postfix) was to
enter the dialing directory and specify the prefix/postfix along with the
dialing directory entry. With this version, K9X will allow you to include
any of the prefixes and/or postfixes directly in the Dialing directory
entry phone number OR specify them along with the dialing dircetory entry
number on the DOS prompt, in the list dialer, or within the dialing
directory itself. For the 9600 numbers, it is easiest to simply include
the prefix code with the phone number...
Additionally, there are two special codes... the 0 and 1 which dictate the
toggling of the auto-reset baud rate to follow the called system.
The easiest way to explain all of this is to run you through the new
setup.
1) Run K9XCNF from the DOS prompt and reset your baud rate to
19200
2) Go into the Misc section and set the Reset Baud toggle to
(N) Check also that the Check Clear to Send and Check Data
Set Ready are Set to (N)
3) Go into the modem init section of K9XCNF and set your
modem init string to ATZ|
4) Exit K9XCNF (which will update K9X.CNF automatically).
5) Start up K9X and if you are not already using it, get into
Expert mode by typing T, X at the K9X Command Gateway
menu.
6) Type ATI5 and hit Enter. Verify your HST Nram settings to
the following
USRobotics Courier 9600 HST NRAM Settings....
DIAL=HUNT M=0 X=4 F=1 B=0
BAUD=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 18 -
&A1 &B1 &G0 &H3 &I0 &K0
&M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1
S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008
S06=002 S07=030 S08=002 S09=006
S10=007 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000
S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017
S23=019
7) Type ATI4 and hit Enter. Verify your HST Current settings
to the following
USRobotics Courier 9600 HST Settings....
C=1 E=1 F=1 M=0 Q=0 V=1 X=4 B=0
BAUD=19200 PARITY=N WORDLEN=8
DIAL=HUNT ON HOOK TIMER
&A1 &B1 &G0 &H3 &I0 &K0
&M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1
S00=000 S01=000 S02=043 S03=013
S04=010 S05=008 S06=002 S07=030
S08=002 S09=006 S10=007 S11=070
S12=050 S13=000 S14=000 S15=000
S16=000 S17=000 S18=000 S19=000
S20=000 S21=010 S22=017 S23=019
8) The two new prefixes may be set up to include any standard
Modem commands. As I stated earlier, there are two codes
which can be used at the start of the prefix string which
signals K9X as to the status of the Reset Baud Flag
status. Starting the prefix with a one, set the Reset Baud
to true, thus enabling K9X to adjust its baud rate with
that of the system it is calling. Starting the prefix
with a 0 (zero) set the Reset Baud Flag to false, thus
instructing K9X to leave the baud rate set to whatever the
DEFAULT baud rate was upon initial startup (19200). Here
is a sample of my prefix string for the backslash \
1AT&M&A&H&B&R1
As you can see, the 1 at the start of the prefix string
enables K9X' Reset Baud Flag and the remainder of the
string resets the modem to the proper settings to connect
with a non MNP, non HST system.
The last step in the process, is the go into your K9X
dialing directory and edit each non-HST/non-19200/non-MNP
entry phone number to include a backslash as a prefix.
For instance, your entry for calling my system would have
the phone number as:
\1-206-725-9233
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 19 -
When K9X prepares a number to be dialed, it looks for the
two special prefix codes. If one is present, K9X sends
the secondary modem init string, and then dials the
number. Upon completing the call, and preparing the next
number to dial, K9X once again looks for one of the
special prefix codes. If one is present, it sends that
string to the modem... If the new (second) number to dial
does not have a special prefix code, K9X automatically
resets the modem to the default startup settings... In
other words, you do not need a separate modem init prefix
to reset your modem after you have connected with a non
HST system. K9X handles that automatically.
Lastly, you may gang the prfixes with any of the standard
prefix codes just as long as the special modem string
prefix code is the first one to be encountered.... The
only restriction here is the 15 character limit of the
dialing directory entry which can be overcome be simply
removing one (of all of the spaces/hyphens) from the phone
number. Example...
Let's say you already use the + prefix to dail my system.
You can gang your present phone number prefix with the \
or / by simply including the \ or / as the first
character...
+1-206-725-9233 becomes \+1206-725-9233
Use QMXFER Ymodem-G
I have modified K9X to use the external QMXFER.COM module (the one used on
RBBS systems) for the use of the Qmodem type Ymodem-G.
You may specify (via K9XCNF) which Ymodem-G you wish to use. Your choices
are either DSZ's Qmodem type Ymodem-G or QMXFER. The default is QMXFER as I
have found DSZ to be a little less compatible when talking to the QMXFER
module used by RBBS and others. Note that the DSZ Qmodem type Ymodem-G is
not to be confused with DSZ Ymodem-G. These are two different animals...
and this option only effects the Qmodem Ymodem-G (Q) protocol.
Multitasking Hook
The Alt_H command key (and its equivilent in the Command Gateway Menu
system) have been assigned as a toggle to Hook into multitasking If Alt_H
is set, K9X will release the clock ticks if no activity is found at either
the comm port or the local keyboard. If Alt_H is not set, K9X will
operate single application mode, not acknowledging any multitasking. You
may operate K9X in a mutiltasking environment regardless of the status of
the Alt_H toggle. I have included this toggle to eliminate some of the
sluggishness in K9X when it is run in a multitasking environment where
another application is accessing another comm port. If you are running a
BBS in the background, try it... you'll like it! This toggle status is
also saved in your K9X.CNF file.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 20 -
Use SuperK protocols
Facility has also been made to allow you to sepcify if K9X should use the
internal Xmodem Checksum, Xmodem CRC and Ymodem (1K Xmodem) protocols or
those supported in SuperK. The Alt_3 expert command key (and its
equivilent in the Command Gateway Menu System) will toggle this option.
The setting of this toggle is also stored in K9X.CNF so you can "set and
forget it"! The Jmodem Batch and SuperK protocols are handled in the same
manner as described in then Zmodem Batch section above.
All 14 of the SuperK and JBatch protocols have been written directly into
K9X. You will no longer need SuperK.COM or JBatch.COM... The JBA.COM
module is still required! The impact of this change is the substantial
decrease in the overall memory requirements of K9X by eliminating the
JBatch 105K DOS Shell requirement!
With the inclusion of the SuperK protocols, K9X.CNF now includes the
default colors for each of the ex-external protocols, the transfer results
logfile name, "Save Aborts" and "Overwrite" flag settings. These options
are accessed via K9XCNF and are stored within K9X.CNF
The new K9X.CNF paramters are:
SuperK Xmodem Colors
SuperK K9Xmodem Colors
SuperK Ymodem Colors
SuperK SuperK Colors
SuperK Universal Colors
SuperK/Jbatch overwrite flag
SuperK/Jbatch save aborts flag
SuperK/Jbatch logfile (saved in SUPP subdirectory)
As is the case with all K9XCNF string inputs, the transfer results
file name may be nulled out by inputting a backslash for its name.
Without a logfile name, K9X will not write any results to a logfile.
In addition, the K9XDRIVE.TBL file holds:
Default Upload Path 29 characters maximum length
Use Auto File Find flag
Colors for file finding display
Display transfer times flag
Display 1200 baud transfer times flag
Display 2400 baud transfer times flag
Display 9600 baud transfer times flag
Display times on all files or just .ARC files flag
Do a full drive list or modified search flag
Total number of paths (99 maximum)
99 Path Name Strings each path name 29 characters maximum length
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 21 -
Writing a NEW K9X.CNF
---------------------
The K9X.CNF configuration file is written each time you exit K9XCNF. If you
have accessed K9XCNF via the Alt_P command (or the Command Gateway Menu
System equivilant) K9X will re-read and reset all paramters except the Comm
Port. If you have changed the Comm Port, you will have to exit and restart
K9X in order to access a different port.
If you are currently running an earlier registered version of K9X, be sure
to run K9XCNF at the DOS prompt so that the new K9X.CNF paramters will be
written to your current K9X.CNF
Step 10 - Issue the DOS command: K9X and Enjoy!
Using K9X Command Gateway
-------------------------
After initialization is complete, K9X enters Command Gateway Menu System.
You will not be able to exit the menu system (and enter terminal mode)
until a carrier is detected (or you select the Toggles option and toggle
the Expert mode to On).
The highlighted menu default choice while offline is Dial a Number as this
is the normal course of events. K9X will automatically switch to terminal
mode as soon as communications is established with another system.
While online to another system, the [Home] key will give you access to the
menu system. Your highlighted default will have switched to Download a
File as that too, is the normal course of events!
K9X Expert System
-----------------
Along with the 'Command GateWay' menu system, K9X also allows the
experienced user to toggle an expert mode in which all commands are entered
via special command key sequences. When in expert mode, the [Home] key
will display a command summary screen.
All of your local commands are presented via windows which overlay whatever
text is already on the screen. When you exit a window, the underlying text
will re-appear without modification. I've positioned all/most of the
windows in the upper right corner and have also tried to keep them as small
as possible - first for conformity and second to allow you to see as much
of the underlying data as possible when you are working within a window.
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 22 -
Transferring Files
------------------
When uploading and downloading, you do not have to input a protocol prior
to starting the transfer. K9X will use the default transfer protocol as
set via the dialing directory entry. If you are dialing manually, K9X will
use the default from the previous call. Use Alt_W if you want to change
your protocol from the defaulted value. If you change your protocol, the
new setting will remain in effect until you dial another number or change
it again manually.
In ALL cases, you may preceed your input with a full drive and path.
Supplying a drive and path along with the filename will override the K9X
filefinding capabilities if they are active.
Zmodem
------
Note that registration of K9X (or any other communications program) does
not automatically give you registered rights to Zmodem! As is the case
with K9X, if you are using the Zmodem protocol on a regular basis, you MUST
register your copy with the author! Note that K9X passes all of the
required parameters to DSZ. Please refer to the Zmodem Documentation for
further information on the Zmodem DSZ features.
PCKermit
--------
PCKermit is another external protocol module. Although there are a number
of BBS systems which support this protocol (MiniNet included), I've
included the Kermit protocol for those users who communicate with mainframe
and mini computers.
I strongly urge you to use a protocol other than Kermit if the system you
are dialing supports them. Timing tests have shown that transfers using
Kermit may consume upto twice as much time as other protocols supported by
K9X.
Although there are later versions of PCKermit available, my tests have
revealed that the version I have included with the K9X package seems to be
the most reliable. The PCKermit module supports both standard and windowed
Kermit transfers.
Note that the batch file, KERMIT.BAT is required when using PCKermit as
KERMIT.BAT passes the filename and other parameters to PCKERMIT.
KERMIT.BAT
----------
echo off
if %1 == R pckermit -l com%2 -b %3 -m 31 -p n -r -a %4 -c
if not %1 == R pckermit -l com%2 -b %3 -m 31 -p n -w -s %4 -c
Canine Express (K9X) v8.00 Page - 23 -
Acknowledgements
----------------
Turbo Pascal is a trademark of Borland International Inc.
IBM, PC-DOS, PC, XT, AT and PCjr are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corp.
MS-DOS is a trademark of MicroSoft Corp.
Hayes is a trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc.
USR is a tradmark of U.S. Robotics Inc.
CTS is a tradmark of CTS Fabri-Tek/DataComm Products Inc.
TaskView is copyright Sunny Hill Software
DesqView is copyright QuarterDeck Office Systems
TopView is copyright International Business Machines Corp.