Copyright: RCom V1.14f Copyright® 1994 Psion PLC


Contents

RCom V1.14f
Copyright © 1994 Psion PLC

About the RCom group

Using the RCom icons

RCom Setup

RCom

Backup

RPrint

About 3Link

Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

File transfer

Customising RCom

When you've finished using RCom and 3Link

Index


About the RCom group

The icons within the RCom group are for running the PC software that is used to link computers in the Psion Series 3, MC and HC ranges to a PC.

With the RCom application group you can:

•	transfer files between your Psion computer and the PC and control file transfer from either computer.

•	backup files on the Psion computer drives to the PC.

•	access files on the PC directly from your Psion computer, even from within applications, e.g. from within the Word Processor on a Psion Series 3/3a.

•	print from your Psion computer to a printer attached to the PC.

Before you use the icons in the RCom group, you must connect the PC and Psion computer, set up the link on the Psion computer, and set up the link on the PC with RCom Setup.

About 3Link

Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

Setting up the link on the Psion computer

RCom Setup

Using the RCom icons


About 3Link

The 3Link lead is used to connect a Psion Series 3/3a to a PC. It turns the expansion socket on the Series 3/3a into an industry-standard RS232 serial port. It is used in conjunction with the PC software called RCom.

The 3Link lead has both 9-pin and 25-pin connectors for connecting to different types of PCs. The PC half of the lead can be replaced by different leads for connecting to printers, modems, etc.

When the 3Link lead is in use:

•	The 3Link lead is powered by the Series 3/3a.

•	If your Series 3/3a is powered by batteries, using 3Link will reduce the battery life to some degree. When its battery power is too low to use 3Link, the Series 3/3a may turn off.

•	If you open an SSD drive door on the Series 3/3a, the PC cannot communicate with the Series 3/3a until you close it again. Although you should not lose any information, it is safest not to open an SSD drive door when 3Link is in use.

Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

Setting up 3Link on the Series 3/3a

Setting up RCom to use 3Link


Connecting a 3Link lead
Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

Before connecting the 3Link lead to the PC and Series 3/3a, fit the two parts of the lead together.

Connecting to the PC:

1 	Connect either the 9-pin or 25-pin plug (whichever fits) on the 3Link lead to a serial port on the back of your PC. Use the one that is labelled COM1, if it is available, if not use COM2.

2 	Make a note of the serial port that you have used - you will need this information when you set up RCom on the PC from the RCom Setup icon.

Connecting to the Series 3/3a:

1 	Turn the Series 3/3a off.

2 	Insert the small 6-pin plug on the 3Link lead into the expansion socket on the left hand side of the Series 3/3a.

You should now use the 'Remote link' option on the 'Special' menu in the System screen to set up 3Link on the Series 3/3a and then use the RCom Setup program to set up RCom on the PC.

Setting up the link on the Psion computer

RCom Setup


Setting up the link on the Psion computer
Setting the link on the Psion computer

Setting up the link involves telling the Psion computer that it is connected to the PC.

On the Series 3 / Series 3a:

1 	Turn the Series 3/3a on and move to the System screen.

2 	Select the 'Remote link' option on the 'Special' menu.

3 	Set the 'Remote link' line to 'On'.

4 	Make a note of the setting on the 'Baud rate' line - you will need this information when you use the RCom Setup program to set up RCom on the PC.

On the MC:

•	Select the Link icon on the Desktop.

On the HC:

•	Type LINK at the command prompt.

You should now use the RCom Setup icon to set up RCom on the PC.

RCom Setup


RCom Setup

RCom Setup is used to set up the link between your Psion computer and PC for file transfer, backups and printing. You can use it from its icon in the Program Manager whenever you wish to change any of RCom's existing settings.

There are four groups of settings that you can change in RCom Setup:

Communication settings - the Computer, Baud and Port

Drive map settings - letters to represent your Psion computers drives

Backup settings

Printing settings

When you use RCom Setup for the first time, you will see that it already has a number of settings. These are its initial or default settings.

You can reset all the settings in RCom Setup to their defaults by selecting the 'Defaults' button.


Communication settings

The Communication settings in RCom Setup tell RCom how to configure the link between the PC and Psion computer. They include details of the Psion computer you have connected to the PC, the PC port to which it is connected (COM port setting), and the Baud rate (communication speed) that you wish to use for the link.

To change the current settings:

1 	Select appropriate options for 'Computer', 'Baud' and 'Port' from the lists.

You should have noted the settings that you need to use when you followed instructions for:

Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

and

Setting up the link on the Psion computer

The setting that you choose for 'Computer' can change the 'Baud' setting. For a Series 3a and MC you should set 'Baud' to 19200; for the Series 3 and HC you should set it to 9600.

If you have used a non-standard port, see the instructions for:

Advanced COM port settings


Advanced COM port settings

You should use the advanced COM port settings in RCom Setup if you:

•	wish to connect the 3Link lead to a non-standard PC serial port.

•	wish to set the base port address and interrupt request line for the port to which the 3Link lead is connected.

To set advanced COM port settings:

1 	Select 'Other' from the 'Port' list in the RCom Setup screen.

2 	Enter the settings that you require for the 'Base I/O port address' and 'Interrupt request line' (in hexadecimal format).

The 'Base I/O port address' list contains a number of suggestions; you can select one of these options or type a new one. New options that you add automatically appear in the 'Port' list in the RCom Setup screen.

For more information, see your Windows User Guide, or the documentation provided with your communications card.


Drive map settings

When you use RCom commands on the PC, you use new PC drive letters to represent the drives on your Psion computer.

The link that exists between a new PC drive letter and a Psion computer drive is known as a drive map.

The 'Current drive map' list in the RCom Setup screen shows all the drive maps that are set up by default. These will probably be suitable for your use of RCom -  you can change them if they are not.

To change a drive map (letter that represents a Psion computer drive):

1 	Select the letter that currently represents the Psion computer drive from the 'Current drive map' list in the RCom Setup screen and use the 'Remove' button.

2 	Select the new letter that you wish to use from the 'Use drive' list, then select the Psion computer drive that you want it to represent from the 'For remote drive' list, and then use the 'Add' button.

The new drive map will appear in the 'Current drive map' list.


Backup settings

The Backup settings in RCom Setup determine what the RCom Backup program does - they set the backup area that will be used on the PC and the Psion computer drives that will be included in the backup. So before you use the Backup icon, you should make sure that the Backup settings in RCom Setup are appropriate for you.

To change the Backup settings:

1 	Type the PC drive and directory in which you wish to keep your Psion computer backups on the 'Backup path' line, for example C:\S3BAK

2 	Choose the Psion computer drives to include in your backups by selecting their check boxes from the 'Drives to backup' list. All the drives are selected by default. (To de-select a check box, simply click on it again.)

Psion computer drives are not shown in the 'Drives to backup' list unless they appear in the 'Current drive map' list (i.e. they are represented by new drive letters on the PC).


Printing settings

The Printing settings in RCom Setup are used by RCom's RPrint icon. So before you use the RPrint icon to print information from your Psion computer to a printer attached to the PC, make sure that the Printing settings in RCom Setup are appropriate for you.

To change the Printing settings in RCom Setup:

1 	Select the PC port to which the printer is attached from the 'Printer port' list.

2 	If your printer requires it, type the appropriate number of seconds for the 'Activity timeout'. If in doubt, try leaving the default setting.

3 	Select the speed at which information should be transferred for printing from the 'Baud rate' list. The maximum Baud rate that you can set is 9600. The setting that you choose must match the setting in the 'Printer setup' on the System screen of your Psion computer.

Printer ports

Activity timeout

Using RPrint


Printer ports

A printer can be connected to the PC's parallel or serial port, or be on a network.

To find out which port your printer is connected to:

•	If the printer is on a network, move into the Windows Control Panel, select its Printers icon, and look at the 'Installed printers' list to find out which port the printer is connected to.

•	If your PC is directly connected to the printer, you can take a look at the back of your PC and look at the label above the port to which the printer is connected.


Activity timeout

The 'Activity timeout' printing setting in RCom Setup specifies the amount of time that the PC can remain connected to the printer without printing before the connection is automatically broken.

It is normally only required for printers that are connected to a PC port via a Local Area Network (LAN) which requires the connection to the printer to be opened and closed between print jobs. However, it is a good idea to set an activity timeout even if your printer is directly attached to the PC.

Printer ports


RPrint

The RPrint program allows you to print information from your Psion computer to a printer that is attached to the PC. It takes its settings from RCom Setup.

To print a file:

1 	Check that the printing settings are correct in RCom Setup. Note the 'Baud rate' for printing setting, you will need this information later when you set up printing on the Psion computer. Double click on the RPrint icon in the Windows Program Manager.

2 	Use the 'Printer setup' option on the Psion computer and set the 'Printer device' to 'Serial'. Set the same 'Baud rate' for printing as you set in RCom Setup. (On the Series 3, 'Baud rate' is one of the serial characteristics.)

3 	Make sure that any link software on the Psion computer is not running. For example, on the Series 3/3a, you should set the 'Remote link' option in the System screen to 'Off'.

4 	Open the file that you wish to print on the Psion computer.

5 	Use the application's 'Printer setup' option to set the model of the printer that is attached to your PC.

6 	Use the application's 'Print' option to print the file.

Printing problems

Setting the Printing settings


Printing problems

If RPrint reports printing problems:

•	Try reducing the 'Baud rate' for printing on the PC and the Psion computer.

To reduce the Baud rate for printing:

1 	Reduce the 'Baud rate' setting for printing in the RCom Setup screen to 4800.

2 	Use the 'Printer setup' option on the System screen (or Desktop) of the Psion computer and reduce the 'Baud rate' for printing setting to 4800. On the
Series 3, 'Baud rate' is one of the serial characteristics.

3 	Then try printing the file again.


Using the RCom icons
Using the RCom application icons

You can use the RCom icons at any time, as long as the PC and Psion computer are connected, the link is set up on the Psion computer and the settings are correct in RCom Setup on the PC. You do not need to exit any applications or reboot, and do not need to have any memory-resident programs loaded on the PC.

RCom multi-tasks properly under Windows, and runs in the background.

You do not need to close down any open files before using RCom to copy or backup files as it will close down any open files automatically as appropriate. (Copying files or backing up only fails when a file cannot be closed down for some reason.)

Connecting the 3Link lead

Setting up 3Link on the Psion computer

RCom Setup


Connecting the 3Link lead

Before connecting the 3Link lead to the PC and Series 3/3a, fit the two parts of the lead together.

Connecting to the PC:

1 	Connect either the 9-pin or 25-pin plug (whichever fits) on the 3Link lead to a serial port on the back of your PC. Use the one that is labelled COM1, if it is available, if not use COM2.

2 	Make a note of the serial port that you have used - you will need this information when you set up RCom on the PC from the RCom Setup icon.

Connecting to the Series 3/3a:

1 	Turn the Series 3/3a off.

2 	Insert the small 6-pin plug on the 3Link lead into the expansion socket on the left hand side of the Series 3/3a.

You should now use the 'Remote link' option on the 'Special' menu in the System screen to set up 3Link on the Series 3/3a and then use the RCom Setup program to set up RCom on the PC.


Setting up 3Link on the Psion computer

Setting up the link involves telling the Psion computer that it is connected to the PC.

On the Series 3/3a:

1 	Turn the Series 3/3a on and move to the System screen.

2 	Select the 'Remote link' option on the 'Special' menu.

3 	Set the 'Remote link' line to 'On'.

4 	Make a note of the setting on the 'Baud rate' line - you will need this information when you use the RCom Setup program to set up RCom on the PC.

On the MC:

•	Select the Link icon on the Desktop.

On the HC:

•	Type LINK at the command prompt.

You should now use the RCom Setup icon to set up RCom on the PC.


RCom

About RCom

Displaying and exiting the RCom command line

About RCom commands

RCom command reference

Example uses of RCom commands


Topic1
About RCom

The RCom icon runs the RCom program, displaying the RCom command prompt in a DOS-type window.

When the PC and Psion computer are connected, the link is set up, and the RCom command prompt is displayed you can:

•	enter RCom commands to transfer files to and from the PC, and manipulate files and directories on the Psion computer.

•	use the menu options (or commands) on the Psion computer to transfer files to and from the PC.

•	format and compress SSDs in the Psion computer's drives from the PC.

The Psion computer drives are represented by the new PC drive letters that are set up in RCom Setup.

Connecting a 3Link lead to a Series 3/3a

RCom Setup

Displaying the RCom command prompt

RCom commands


Command prompt

To display the RCom command prompt:

•	Double click on the RCom icon in the Windows Program Manager.

The RCom command prompt appears in a DOS-type window. The prompt is similar to DOS; however it always has a right-pointing chevron to remind you that you are not using DOS itself.

When the RCom command prompt is displayed, you can:

•	Enter RCom commands on the PC to transfer information between the PC and Psion computer.

•	Use the menu options (or commands) on the Psion computer to transfer information between the PC and Psion computer.

When you've finished with the RCom command prompt:

1 	Type QUIT at the command prompt to exit RCom.

2 	Use the 'Remote link' option (or command) on your Psion computer to turn off use of 3Link. It is important to do this - if you don't you will have less internal memory available and you will waste battery power.


Command reference

ATTRIB

Displays or changes file attributes.

BACKUP

Backs up a Psion computer drive to the PC.

BREAK

Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.

CALL

Calls one batch program from another without stopping the first program.

CD,CHDIR

Displays the name of, or changes the current directory.

CLS

Clears the screen.

COMPRESS

Compresses a remote Flash SSD by copying the files to the PC, formatting the SSD, then copying the files back.

COPY

Copies one or more files to another location.

DATE

Displays or sets the system date.

DEL,ERASE

Deletes one or more files.

DIR

Displays a list of the files and subdirectories in a directory.

ECHO

Displays or hides messages when batch programs are running.

EQUALISE

Makes the files in two directories the same by copying missing files, or files of a later date, between the directories.

EXIT

Exits the currently running batch file or the RCom command line.

FIND

Searches for a text string in one or more files.

FOR

Runs a specified command for each file in a set of files.

FORMAT

Formats a Psion computer disk.

GOTO

Directs RCom to a labelled line in a batch program.

HELP

Provides Help information for RCom commands in the RCom command prompt window.

IF

Performs conditional processing in batch programs.

LABEL

Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.

MEM

Displays the amount of used and free memory on your computer.

MD,MKDIR

Creates a single directory or multi-level directory structure.

PATH

Displays or sets a search path for executable files.

PAUSE

Suspends processing of a batch program and displays a continue prompt.

PROMPT

Changes the RCom command prompt.

QUIT

Exits from the RCom command line to Windows, even from within nested batch files.

RD,RMDIR

Removes (deletes) a directory.

REM

Labels comments (remarks) in batch files or CONFIG.SYS.

REN,RENAME

Renames one or more files.

RESTORE

Restores files that were backed up using the RCom Backup program or BACKUP command to the Psion computer.

SET

Displays, sets, or removes MS-DOS environment variables.

SHIFT

Shifts the position of replaceable parameters in a batch file.

SUBST

Associates a Psion computer drive with a new (virtual) PC drive letter.

TIME

Displays or sets the system time.

TREE

Graphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.

TYPE

Displays the contents of a text file (for viewing not editing).

VER

Displays the version number of RCom.

VERIFY

Tells RCom whether to verify that files are written correctly to a disk and display the status of verification.

VOL

Displays the volume label of a disk, if one exists.

XABB

Displays, sets, or removes abbreviations for commands.

XCOPY

Copies directories, their sub-directories and files.

XR,XRECALL

Displays the command line history or recalls a command line.

XSERVER

Makes RCom enter the server mode.

XSTAT

Displays the status of the link between the Psion computer and PC and sets the errorlevel.

XSTOP

Stops programs which have files open on a Psion computer drive.

XWAIT

Wait until the link has been established with the Psion computer or until a specified time.


ATTRIB command

Displays or changes file attributes.

    ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A] [+S | -S] [+H | -H]
           [[drive:][path]filename] [/S]

+   Sets an attribute.

 -   Clears an attribute.

R   Read-only file attribute.

A   Archive file attribute.

S   System file attribute.

H   Hidden file attribute.

/S  Processes files in all directories in the specified path.


BACKUP command

Backs up a Psion computer drive to the PC.

    BACKUP source-drive: destination [/A] [/F] [/M] [/V]

source-drive:    Specifies the Psion computer drive to back up.

destination       Specifies the path of the backup area to use on the PC.

/A                       Disables the archive function of BACKUP.

/F                       Forces all files to be copied (including unchanged files).

/M                      Clears the modified bit for any files backed up.

/V                       Verifies that new files are written correctly.

The destination path specifies a directory on the PC, e.g. C:\S3\A

If the destination directory does not exist, it is created automatically.

Backup performs an incremental copy of the Psion computer's drives. The first time you backup, all files on the specified Psion computer drive are copied to the PC; in later backups, only files that have changed since the previous backup are copied.

Files from previous backups which are no longer on the remote drive are placed in an \@ARCHIVE sub-directory of the destination directory, e.g. C:\S3\A\@ARCHIVE

BACKUP uses a separate backup scheme than those are built into the Psion computers.

Using BACKUP for custom backups


Using BACKUP for custom backups

You can use the BACKUP command from the RCom command prompt to:

•	backup a single Psion computer drive.

•	backup a combination of Psion computer drives that is not specified in RCom Setup.

•	backup files to a different area on the PC than the one specified in RCom Setup, for example to backup all files, regardless of whether they have changed.

To use the BACKUP command:

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt.

2 	Type BACKUP then the letter that represents the Psion computer drive that you wish to back up, then the area on the PC in which you wish to create the backup. For example,

   BACKUP I: C:\S3BAK\I

This backs up the Psion computer's internal drive (represented by the new drive letter I:) to the C:\S3BAK\I backup area on the PC.

BACKUP command


BREAK command

Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking. CTRL+C can be used to stop a program or an activity.

    BREAK [ON | OFF]

Type BREAK without a parameter to display the current BREAK setting.


CALL command

Calls one batch program from another without stopping the first program.

    CALL [drive:][path]filename [batch-parameters]

[drive:][path]filename   Specifies the location and name of the batch program to call.

batch-parameters        Specifies any command-line information required by the batch program.


CHDIR command
CD,CHDIR command

Displays the name of, or changes the current directory.

    CHDIR [drive:][path]
    CHDIR [..]
    CD [drive:][path]
    CD [..]

..   Specifies that you want to change to the parent directory.

Type CD drive: to display the current directory in the specified drive.

Type CD without parameters to display the current drive and directory.


CLS command

Clears the screen.

    CLS


COMPRESS command

Compresses the contents of a Flash SSD by copying the files to the PC, formatting the SSD and then copying the files back to the SSD.

    COMPRESS source-drive: destination [/R] [/N] [/V]

source-drive:      Specifies the Psion computer drive to compress.

destination         Specifies the PC path to hold a copy of the SSD.

/R        Copies only those files which are different from those in the destination path.

/N        Specifies COMPRESS to proceed without confirmation.

/V        Verifies that new files are written correctly.

The destination path specifies a directory on the PC, e.g. C:\S3\A

If the destination directory does not exist, it is created automatically.

If files already exist in the destination directory, they are overwritten if they have corresponding files of the same name on the SSD, and are placed in an @ARCHIVE subdirectory if they do not, e.g. C:\S3\A\@ARCHIVE

COMPRESS is equivalent to BACKUP, then FORMAT, followed by RESTORE. So it is a good idea to use your normal backup directory as the destination.

About COMPRESS

Compressing and backing up a Flash SSD


About COMPRESS

•	COMPRESS is similar to performing a BACKUP, FORMAT, and RESTORE on the specified Psion computer drive; it does not reclaim the space taken by deleted records in Database and Agenda files.
To reclaim the maximum amount of space: open Database and Agenda files on the Psion computer and compress them before using RCom's COMPRESS command. (Note that you cannot compress files on a Flash SSD on Psion computers - you must copy them to its internal disk.)

•	Copies of files on the PC are not deleted automatically when the COMPRESS process is finished.

•	If files already exist in the PC directory that you specify on the COMPRESS command line, they are overwritten if they have corresponding  files of the same name on the Psion computer, and are moved into an @ARCHIVE subdirectory if they do not.

•	COMPRESS, unlike BACKUP, copies the whole disk by default; it does not copy just the files that have changed.

•	If you specify your normal backup area on the COMPRESS command line in order to compress and back up at the same time, you can use the /R switch at the end of the COMPRESS command line to copy just the files that have changed since the last backup to the backup area on the PC.
Important:
If you have only deleted one or more entries in a Database or Agenda file since the last backup or compress, the deleted entries will reappear after the compress process when you use the /R switch. (This is because COMPRESS cannot tell that the files have changed since the last backup, and so will not copy them to the backup area on the PC. This means that the original copy of the files will be restored to the Flash SSD, complete with the entries that you had deleted.)


Compressing and backing up an SSD
Compressing and backing up SSDs

Since the files on a Flash SSD are copied to the PC as part of the COMPRESS process, you can do a backup of files on the Flash SSD at the same time as compressing the disk by specifying your normal backup area on the COMPRESS command line.

For example, if you normally back up to C:\S3ABAK on the PC, you might use the command:

    COMPRESS L: C:\S3ABAK\A

to compress files on a Flash SSD in the Psion computer's A: drive (represented by the letter L: on the PC) and update the copy of the files in the C:\S3ABAK\A backup area at the same time.


COPY command

Copies one or more files to another location. It can also be used to combine (append) files.

    COPY source destination [/A | /B] [/V]

source            Specifies the location and name(s) of the file(s) to be copied.

destination     Specifies the location and/or name(s) for the new file(s).

/A                    Indicates that the files to be copied are ASCII text files.

/B                    Indicates that the files to be copied are binary files.

/V                    Verifies that the new files are written correctly.

To append (combine) files, specify multiple files for the source (e.g. with wildcards) and a single file for the destination.


DATE command

Displays or sets the system date.

    DATE [date] [/D]

/D    Displays the date without the prompt for a new date.

Type DATE without parameters to display the current date setting and the prompt for a new date.

For information about setting the system time, see:

Setting the system time


TIME command

Displays or sets the system time.

    TIME [time] [/D]

/D   Displays the time without the prompt for a new time.

Type TIME with no parameters to display the current time setting and the prompt for a new one. Press ENTER to keep the same time.

For information about setting the system date, see:

Setting the system date


DEL command
DEL,ERASE command

Deletes one or more files.

    DEL  [drive:][path]filename [/P] [/N] [/D] [/S] [/V]                                        [/W]

    ERASE [drive:][path]filename [/P] [/N] [/D] [/S] [/V]                                        [/W]

[drive:][path]filename     Specifies the file(s) to delete. (Specify multiple files by using wildcards.)

/P      Prompts for confirmation before deleting each file.

/N      Sets DEL not to query before deleting all files. (Be careful with this switch!)

/D      Deletes empty subdirectories.

/S      Deletes files in subdirectories.

/V      Displays each file as it is deleted.

/W     Prompts for confirmation before starting the delete process.

About RCom commands


About RCom commands

•	RCom has a number of DOS commands which perform similarly to their DOS counterparts, e.g. COPY, DEL, FIND, PATH and XCOPY.

•	RCom's DEL command is able to delete files in subdirectories of a specified directory, unlike the DOS DEL command. To do this, type the /S switch at the end of the DEL command line.

•	RCom also has the following commands which are not equivalent to any DOS commands: BACKUP, COMPRESS, EQUALISE, QUIT, XABB, XR, XRECALL, XSERVER, XSTAT, and XWAIT.

•	The non-DOS file copying commands, like BACKUP and EQUALISE, use XCOPY's functionality in order to copy files.

•	RCom can run batch files of commands. These will usually look just like DOS batch files - they may even be DOS batch files as RCom's commands are so similar to DOS commands.

•	RCom commands can be run from ordinary DOS batch files. E.g., the line  RCOM /W /C DIR I:\*.*  in a batch file will run the RCom command prompt, wait for the link to be established (the /W switch), perform a directory listing of the Psion computer's internal drive and then exit RCom (the /C switch).

•	RCom reports errorlevels after each commmand. You can use the DOS-standard IF command (i.e. IF ERRORLEVEL...) to test the success or otherwise of the previous command. The values returned are not quite the same as in DOS - in general the only values returned are 0 for success and 1 for failure.

For more information, see the

RCom command reference

and help on the individual RCom commands.


DIR command

Displays a list of the files and subdirectories in a directory.

    DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/P] [/W]
        [/A[[:]attributes]]
        [/O[[:]sortorder]]
        [/S] [/B | /I] [/L]

[drive:][path][filename]    Drive, directory, and/or files to list.

/P          Pauses after each screenful of information.

/W         Uses wide list format.

/A         Displays files with specified attributes. Attributes:
             D   Directories                R   Read-only files
             H   Hidden files               A   Files ready for archiving
             S   System files              -    Prefix meaning

/O         Sorts and lists files according to the specified sort order.
             Sort orders:
             N   By name (alphabetic)         S   By size (smallest first)
             E   By extension (alphabetic)   D   By date & time (earliest first)
             G   Group directories first         -    Prefix to reverse order

/S         Displays files in the specified directory and all its subdirectories.

/B         Uses bare format (no heading information or summary).

/I           As for /B but displays file attributes.

/L          Uses lowercase.

Switches may be preset in the DIRCMD environment variable. Override preset switches by prefixing any switch with a hyphen(-), e.g. /-W


ECHO command

Displays or hides messages when batch programs are running, or turns command-echoing on or off.

    ECHO [ON | OFF]
    ECHO [message]

[message]    Specifies the text to display.

Type ECHO without parameters to display the current echo setting.


EQUALISE command

Makes the files in two directories the same by copying missing files and files of a later date between the directories.

    EQUALISE [drive:][path][filename1]                                       [drive:][path][filename2]] [/S]

/S    Specifies that sub-directories will be included.

This makes the two directories exactly equal in file contents.

Using EQUALISE to restore missing files


Using EQUALISE to restore files

You can use the EQUALISE command to make the contents of a directory on the Psion computer the same as the contents of a directory on the PC, and vice versa. You may wish to do this to restore files that you have deleted from your Psion computer without having to restore all the files in your backup area on the PC.

This example makes the files in the \WRD directory of an SSD in the A: drive of a Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter L: on the PC) the same as those in the C:\S3ABAK\WRD directory on the PC:

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt.

2 	Type:

   EQUALISE L:\WRD C:\S3ABAK\WRD

If you are not equalising files between a directory on the Psion computer and its backup area on the PC, be sure not to have different files with the same name in each directory - the file with the most recent date will overwrite the other file.

You can type /S at the end of the EQUALISE command line to equalise files in subdirectories of the specified directory.

EQUALISE command


EXIT command

Exits the currently running batch file or the RCom command line.

    EXIT


FIND command

Searches for a text string in one or more files.

    FIND [/V] [/N] [/I] [/R] [/S] "string"                               [drive:][path][filename]

/V            Displays all lines that DO NOT contain the specified string.

/N            Adds the line numbers of displayed lines to the display.

/I              Ignores the case of characters when searching for the string.

/R            Allows wildcards in the string.

/S            Finds the string in sub-directories as well.

"string"  Specifies the text string to find.

[drive:][path]filename   Specifies the file(s) in which to search. May contain wildcards.

For wildcarded strings:

  "FRED*" finds FRED at the beginning of lines.
  "*FRED" finds FRED at the end of lines.
  "*FRED*" finds FRED anywhere in a line.
  "*FRED*JIM*" finds any line containing FRED and JIM.
  ? can be used to match with any single character.
  * can be used to match zero or more characters.


FOR command

Runs a specified command for each file in a set of files.

   FOR %variable IN (set) DO command [command-parameters]

  %variable                   Specifies a replaceable parameter.

  (set)                            Specifies a set of one or more files. (Wildcards may be used.)

  command                   Specifies the command to carry out on each file.

  command-parameters     Specifies parameters or switches for the specified command.

To use the FOR command in a batch program, specify %%variable instead of %variable.


FORMAT command

Formats a Psion computer disk.
Important: Formatting deletes all the information on the disk! Be sure to back up any information you require before using the FORMAT command.

    FORMAT drive: [/V[:label] | /L] [/N]

/V[:label]    Specifies the volume label of the disk to be formatted.

/L                Retains the current volume label of the disk.

/N               Sets FORMAT not to ask for confirmation before formatting the disk.


GOTO command

Directs RCom to a labelled line in a batch program.

    GOTO label

label    Specifies the text string used as the label in the batch program.

Note: to insert a label in a batch program, type the string on a line by itself, followed by a colon (:).


HELP command

Provides Help information for RCom commands within the RCom command prompt window.

    HELP [command]

command-name    Specifies the command for which to display help.

Type HELP without a command for the full list of RCom commands.


IF command

Performs conditional processing in batch programs.

    IF [NOT] ERRORLEVEL number command
    IF [NOT] string1==string2 command
    IF [NOT] EXIST filename command

NOT                  Specifies that RCOM should carry out the command only if the condition is false.

ERRORLEVEL number  Specifies a true condition if the last program run returned an exit code equal to or greater than the number specified.

command           Specifies the command to carry out if the condition is true.

string1==string2  Specifies a true condition if the specified text strings match.
                              Note: strings can be literal strings or batch variables, e.g. %1

EXIST filename    Specifies a true condition if the specified filename exists.


LABEL command

Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.

    LABEL [drive:][label]


MEM command

Displays the amount of used and free memory on your computer.

    MEM


MD command
MD,MKDIR command

Creates a single directory or multi-level directory structure.

    MKDIR [drive:]path
    MD    [drive:]path


PATH command

Displays or sets a search path for executable files.

    PATH [[drive:]path[;...]]
    PATH ;

Type  PATH ;  to clear all search-path settings and direct RCom to search only in the current directory (i.e. the default path).

Type PATH without parameters to display the current path.


PAUSE command

Suspends processing of a batch program and displays the message
"Press any key to continue...."

    PAUSE


PROMPT command

Changes the RCom command prompt.

    PROMPT [text]

text    Specifies the new command prompt.

Type PROMPT without parameters to reset the prompt to the default setting of C:\>

The prompt text can contain normal characters and the following special codes:

  $Q    = (equal sign)
  $$     $ (dollar sign)
  $T     Current time
  $D    Current date
  $P    Current drive and path
  $V    RCom version number
  $N    Current drive
  $G    > (greater than sign)
  $L     < (less than sign)
  $B    | (pipe)
  $H    Backspace (erases previous character)
  $E    Escape code (ASCII code 27)
  $_    Carriage return and linefeed


QUIT command

Exits from the RCom command line to Windows, even from within nested batch files.

    QUIT


RD command
RD,RMDIR command

Removes (deletes) a directory.

    RMDIR [drive:]path
    RD    [drive:]path

Note: the directory must be empty except for the . and .. symbols.


REM command

Labels comments (remarks) in batch files or CONFIG.SYS.

    REM [comment]

comment    The comment text string.


REN command
REN,RENAME command

Renames one or more files.

    RENAME [drive:][path]filename1 filename2
    REN    [drive:][path]filename1 filename2

Note that you cannot specify a new drive or path for the renamed file(s).


RESTORE command

Restores files that were backed up to the PC using the RCom Backup program or BACKUP command to the Psion computer.

    RESTORE source destination-drive: [/F] [/N] [/L]

source                  Specifies the source path on the PC in which the backup is stored.

destination-drive:    Specifies the remote drive on which to restore the files.

/F                         Restores the files after formatting the destination-drive.

/N                         Specifies the format to proceed without confirmation.

/L                          Restores only newer files.

/V                         Verifies that new files are written correctly.

For example, if backup L: C:\S3\A was specified, then the backup can be restored with RESTORE C:\S3\A L: (where the A: drive on the Psion computer is represented by L: on the PC).

Example uses of RESTORE


Using RESTORE to restore files from PC

You can use the RESTORE command to copy files that you backed up to the PC back to the Psion computer.

This example restores backed up files from the backup area C:\S3BAK\A on the PC to an SSD in a Psion computer's A: drive (represented by the new drive letter L: on the PC):

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt.

2 	Type:

   RESTORE C:\S3BAK\A L:

You can type /F at the end of the RESTORE command line if you wish to format a Psion computer drive before copying files to it.

RESTORE command


SET command

Displays, sets, or removes MS-DOS environment variables.

    SET [variable=[string]]

variable    Specifies the environment-variable name.

string       Specifies a series of characters to assign to the variable.

Type SET without parameters to display the current environment variables.


SHIFT command

Shifts the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program.

    SHIFT


SUBST command

Assigns new (virtual) PC drive letters to represent Psion computer drives.

    SUBST [drive1: [drive2:]path] /O
    SUBST drive1: /D

drive1:            Specifies the new PC drive that you wish to represent the Psion computer drive.

[drive:2]path    Specifies the Psion computer drive that you wish to be represented by the new PC drive.

/D                  Removes the substitution of a new (virtual) PC drive for a Psion computer drive.

/O                 Overrides the check for the existence of [drive2:]path.

Type SUBST without parameters to display a list of the current PC drives that are set to represent Psion computer drives.


Topic1
TREE command

Graphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.

    TREE [drive:][path] [/F] [/A]

/A   Uses text characters rather than graphic characters to show the lines that link directories.

/F   Displays the names of the files in each directory.


TYPE command

Displays the contents of a text file (for viewing not editing).

    TYPE [drive:][path]filename /P /S

filename    May be wildcarded.

/P             Pauses after each screenful of information.

/S             Displays files in the specified directory and all its subdirectories.

If the filename is wildcarded or /S is requested then /P is assumed.

At the ---More--- prompt, ^Z can be used to continue with the next file.


VER command

Displays the version number of RCom.

    VER


VERIFY command

Tells RCom whether to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk and displays the status of verification.

    VERIFY [ON | OFF]

Type VERIFY without a parameter to display the current VERIFY setting.


VOL command

Displays the volume label of a disk, if one exists.

    VOL [drive:]


XABB command

Displays, sets, or removes abbreviations for commands.

    XABB [abbreviation=[string]]

abbreviation   Specifies the abbreviation name.

string               Specifies a series of command characters for the abbreviation.

Type XABB without parameters to display the current abbreviations for commands.


XCOPY command

Copies directories, their subdirectories and files.

XCOPY source [destination] [/A | /M] [/D:date] [/P]
      [/S | /E]] [/V] [/W] [/G /H] [/R]

source        Specifies the directories and file(s) to copy.

destination  Specifies the location to copy to and/or name of any new files.

/A              Copies files that have the archive attribute set, without changing the attribute setting.

/M              Copies files that have the archive attribute set and turns off the archive attribute.

/D:date     Copies files changed on or after the specified date.

/P              Prompts you before creating each destination file.

/S              Copies directories and subdirectories, except empty ones.

/E              Copies all subdirectories, even if empty.

/V              Verifies each new file.

/W             Prompts for confirmation before performing the XCOPY.

/G              Copies system files as well.

/H              Copies hidden files as well.

/R              Refreshes the target directory.


XR command
XR,XRECALL command

Displays the command line history or recalls a command line.

    XRECALL [number]
    XR      [number]

number        Specifies the command line to be recalled.

Type XRECALL or XR without parameters to display the command line history.


XSERVER command

Makes RCom enter the server mode.

    XSERVER [/Q]

/Q     Stops the display of statistics.

Stops RCom from receiving keyboard commands and displays additional statistics.

^C will exit RCom.


XSTAT command

Displays the status of the link between the Psion computer and PC and sets the errorlevel.

    XSTAT [/Q]

Always sets the errorlevel to:

   0 - The link is established.
   1 - Waiting for a physical connection.
   2 - In the process of establishing the link.
   3 - In the process of disabling the link.
   4 - Remote link is disabled.

/Q    Disables the display of the status, so that XSTAT /Q can be used just to set the errorlevel.


XSTOP command

Stops programs which have files open on a Psion computer drive.

    XSTOP drive:

drive:    The Psion computer drive to be stopped.


XWAIT command

Waits until the link has been established with the Psion computer or until a specified time.

    XWAIT LINK | +HH:MM | HH:MM [/Q]

Waits until the specified event has occured:

LINK          The link is established.
+HH:MM    Wait for HH:MM hours and minutes from now.
 HH:MM      Until the time HH:MM (always in the future).

 /Q             Stops the display of messages.

Note: ^C cancels the XWAIT command.


Example uses of RCom commands

Using BACKUP for custom backups

Using RESTORE to restore backed up files from the PC

Using EQUALISE to restore missing files

Using COMPRESS to reclaim space on a Flash SSD

Compressing and backing up a Flash SSD at the same time

Using COPY to transfer files

Using XCOPY to transfer a directory and its contents

Using FORMAT to format an SSD


Using COMPRESS to reclaim space

If you use Flash SSDs, you may wish to use COMPRESS to reclaim space on the disk when it becomes full.

This example compresses the information on a Flash SSD in the A: drive of a Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter L: on the PC):

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt.

2 	Type  COMPRESS L: C:\TMP

3 	When prompted, type  Y  to confirm formatting the SSD.
This copies all the files on the Flash SSD to C:\TMP on the PC, formats the Flash SSD and then copies back all of the files from C:\TMP to the Psion computer.

4 	Type  DEL C:\TMP\*.*  to delete the copies of files on the PC.

You can type /N at the end of the COMPRESS command line to turn off confirmation of formatting.

Compressing and backing up a Flash SSD

About COMPRESS

COMPRESS command


Using COPY to transfer files

You can use the RCom COPY command to transfer files to and from the PC.

Example 1:

This example copies the file MYDOC.TXT from the \WRD directory on the internal disk of a Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter I: on the PC) to the \WRD directory on the C: drive of the PC:

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt and make sure that the 'Remote link' is set to 'On' on the Psion computer.

2 	Type

   COPY I:\WRD\MYDOC.TXT C:\WRD

Example 2:

This example copies the file TABLE.WKS from the \SPR directory on the PC to an SSD in the B: drive of a Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter R: on the PC):

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt and make sure that the 'Remote link' is set to 'On' on the Psion computer.

2 	Type  COPY C:\SPR\TABLE.WKS R:\SPR

   COPY C:\SPR\TABLE.WKS R:\SPR

COPY command


Using XCOPY to transfer a directory

You can use the XCOPY command to copy a directory, its subdirectories and its files to and from the PC.

This example copies the directory \WRD, including its subdirectories and files, from an SSD in the A: drive of the Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter L: on the PC) to the PC:

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt and make sure that the 'Remote link' is set to 'On' on the Psion computer.

2 	Type

   XCOPY /S L:\WRD\*.* C:

XCOPY command


Using FORMAT to format an SSD

You can use the FORMAT command to FORMAT an SSD in a Psion computer drive from the PC.

This example formats the SSD in the B: drive of a Psion computer (represented by the new drive letter R: on the PC):

1 	Use the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt and make sure that the 'Remote link' is set to 'On' on the Psion computer.

2 	Type

   FORMAT R:

FORMAT command


Default
Backup

The Backup program (from the Backup icon) backs up all the Psion computer drives that are specified for backing up in the RCom Setup program to the PC. The backup area that is used on the PC is also set in the RCom Setup program.

Before backing up

Before you use the Backup program, it is a good idea to turn off any "automatic switch off" feature on the Psion computer to prevent it switching itself off. If it switches itself off during your backup, RCom exits and returns you to Windows.

On the Series 3, for example, you can do this with the 'Auto switch off' option on the 'Control' menu in the System screen.

Backing up more than one Psion computer

Two people can backup information from their Psion computers to the same PC by specifying different backup areas. The first person uses the Backup icon, while the second uses the BACKUP command from the RCom command prompt and specifies a different backup area to the one set in RCom Setup.

About Backup

BACKUP command


About Backup

•	The Backup icon runs RCom with suitable commands for backing up the Psion computer drives you specified in RCom Setup. This is an entirely  separate backup scheme than any that are built into the Psion computers.

•	Backup performs an incremental copy of the Psion computer's drives. The first time you backup, all files on the specified Psion computer drive are copied to the PC; in later backups, only files that have changed since the previous backup are copied.

•	If the backup area specified does not already exist on the PC, it is created automatically.

•	If you have copies of Psion computer files in the backup area on the PC which no longer exist on the Psion computer, Backup archives them into an @ARCHIVE subdirectory of the backup area. For example, files in the backup area C:\S3BAK\I would be archived into C:\S3BAK\I\@ARCHIVE
If you ever have to restore backed up files (which you would do with the RESTORE command), this archived area would not be restored to the Psion computer.

•	You can backup your Psion computer drives without archiving files by using the BACKUP command from the RCom command prompt.

BACKUP command


File transfer

The Psion computers' internal disks and SSDs use an MS-DOS compatible file structure, the same as that used on disks for IBM PCs and compatibles.
You can transfer files between a Psion computer and PC in the following ways:

•	Using the RCom Backup icon to copy files on the Psion computer drives specified in RCom Setup to the PC.

•	By running the link software on the Psion computer (e.g. by setting 'Remote link' to 'On' on the Series 3/3a), selecting the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt on the PC, and then entering RCom commands to transfer and manipulate files.
The drives on the Psion computer are represented by the new PC drive letters that are set up in RCom Setup.

•	By running the link software on the Psion computer (e.g. by setting 'Remote link' to 'On' on the Series 3/3a), selecting the RCom icon to display the RCom command prompt on the PC, and then using the menu options (or commands) on the Psion computer to transfer and manipulate files.
The drives on the PC are automatically available whenever you select or enter a drive or file path. They are shown or entered as "REM:: drive" ("REM::" stands for "remote"); for example, the PC's C: drive would be shown or entered as REM:: C:

File formats for file transfer

RCom Setup

Using the Backup icon

Using RCom commands


File formats
File formats for file transfer

Saving and opening plain text files

The Psion Word Processor and Database both save files in their own special formats. Both, however, can save and open plain text files. Plain text files are suitable for use in programs on the PC, as most similar programs can themselves use plain text.

Word Processor files and plain text

Database files and plain text

Printing to a plain text file on the Series 3/3a

You can print a Series 3/3a Database, Agenda or Word Processor document to a plain text file, which you can then transfer to the PC and use with PC applications:

1 	Use the Series 3 'Printer setup' option ('Printer' option on the Series 3a) in the System screen, and set the 'Printer device' to 'File'. If you wish to, you can also enter the name of the file to print to on the 'File : Name' line, otherwise it will be  P.LIS. To find out where the file will be created, highlight the 'File: Name' line and press Psion-Tab.

2 	Open the Database, Agenda or Word document, and use the application's 'Print setup' option to set the 'Printer model' to 'General'.
Important: in Word, set the 'Text file type' line in the 'Set preferences' dialog to 'Line' to wrap each paragraph of text. Otherwise each paragraph will be printed as a single line of text.

3 	Use the 'Print' option to print the file.

You can then transfer the file to the PC.

Transferring files to the PC


Word Processor files

The Psion Word Processor application recognises plain text files and can open them directly. When the file is next saved in the Psion Word Processor - and this will happen automatically if you change to a different file - it will be saved in the Psion Word Processor format, complete with style and emphasis information.

To use a Psion Word Processor document in a program on the PC:

•	Use the Word Processor's 'Save as' menu option (or command) and set the file type to 'Text'. This will save the file as plain text.

You can then transfer the file to the PC and use it in PC applications.

Rich Text Format files

You can also exchange files in Rich Text Format (RTF), which includes style information. You can then use the file in Microsoft Word on a PC, or in any other program that can read and save RTF files.

RTF drivers that enable your Psion computer to utilise RTF files are supplied on the RCom installation disk. See the RCom booklet supplied with the disk for information on installing the RTF drivers, or see the README.TXT file in the appropriate directory on the disk for more information.


Database files

Psion Database files are saved in their own special format. However, the Database recognises plain text files, and can open and save plain text files.

To save a Psion Database file as a plain text file:

•	Use the Psion Database's 'Save as' menu option (or command), and set the 'File type' to 'Text'.
If each line of an entry in the plain text file starts on a new line, and entries are separated by a blank line, leave 'Delimiter' set to 'Newline' .
If each entry in the plain text file appears on a single line, set 'Delimiter' to the character that is used to separate lines in the entry, e.g. a comma.
This will save the file as plain text.

You can then transfer the file to the PC and use it in PC applications.

To open a file of plain text entries in the Psion Database:

1 	Create a new database file (with the 'New file' option).

2 	Use the 'Merge in' option and set the 'Merge in' line of the dialog to 'Text'.
If each line of an entry in the plain text file starts on a new line, and entries are separated by a blank line, leave 'Delimiter' set to 'Newline' .
If each entry in the plain text file appears on a single line, set 'Delimiter' to the character that is used to separate lines in the entry, e.g. a comma.

Note: A forced end-of-line, as produced when you press Shift-Enter in the Psion Database, is represented in the plain text file by the ASCII character code 21. A phone symbol is represented by the ASCII character code 5.


Customising RCom

You can edit the RCOM.INI file from which RCom and RPrint take their default settings to customise the way that RCom and RPrint work. It is copied to the PC as part of the RCom installation process and is stored in the root of the directory in which you installed RCom.

You can also create a batch file of RCom commands called AUTORCOM.BAT in the root of the directory in which you installed RCom to change RCom settings. For example, you might wish to use the XABB command in the AUTORCOM.BAT file to set up command abbreviations that you like to use. RCom will automatically run this file after it has taken its default settings from the RCOM.INI file.

You can edit the RCOM.INI and AUTORCOM.BAT file with the Windows Notepad or Write applications, a program editor, or a DOS editor.

If you wish to use RCom with two different setups, for example, you can create another copy of RCom in a separate directory on your PC. You must copy the following files from the original directory in which you installed RCom into the new RCom directory:

RCOM.EXE
AUTORCOM.BAT
RCOM.INI
RCOM.RSC
RPRINT.EXE (if you wish to run RPRINT with a different setup)

You can then edit the RCOM.INI file in the new RCom directory and specify different default settings for RCom than those used for RCom in the original directory. You can also create an AUTORCOM.BAT file in the new directory. RCom will then run with two different setups, according to which directory you run it from.


Exiting RCom

When you have finished using RCom to link your Psion computer and PC:

1 	If the RCom command prompt is running, type EXIT to exit RCom. If you have only been using the Backup or RPrint icon, you do not need to exit RCom.

2 	Turn off use of the link on the Psion computer. On the Series 3/3a, for example, you can do this by setting the 'Remote link' option on the 'Special' menu in the System screen to 'Off'. It is important to do this otherwise:

•	You will have less internal memory available on your Psion computer.

•	You will waste battery power. When the link is set up and the Psion computer and PC are connected, the Psion computer uses several times more power than normal. Even when the 3Link lead is removed, the Psion computer uses slightly more power than normal.


Index

#

@ARCHIVE subdirectory

3Link - connecting

3Link

A

Abbreviations for commands

About Backup

About COMPRESS

Activity timeout

Appending files

Archive attribute

Archive subdirectory

Archived files

Archiving of files

ATTRIB command

Automatic switch off

AUTORCOM.BAT file

B

Backed up files - restoring

Background information

Backing up multiple Psion computers

Backing up single Psion computer drives

BACKUP command

Backup icon

Backup path

Backup program

Backup settings

Base I/O address

Batch files

Batch programs

Battery power

Baud rate - setting

Baud rate for link

Baud rate for printing - maximum value

Baud rate for printing - setting

Baud rates for different Psion computers

BREAK command

BREAK setting

C

CALL command

Calling batch files

CD command

Changing RCom settings

Changing the current directory

Changing the RCom command prompt

CHDIR command

Clearing the screen

CLS command

COM port settings - advanced

COM port settings

COM ports

COM1

COM2

Combining files

Command abbreviations

Command echoing

Command line - displaying

Command line - exiting

Command line - recalling

Command line history

Command prompt - changing

Command prompt

Command quick reference

Commands

Comments in batch files

Comments in CONFIG.SYS

Communication settings

COMPRESS command

Compressing and backing up Flash SSDs

Compressing Flash SSDs

Computer setting

Conditional processing in batch programs

CONFIG.SYS - comments in

Connecting the 3Link lead

Contents of Help

CONTROL+C checking

COPY command

Copying directories

Copying files - verification

Copying files in directories and subdirectories

Copying files

Copying missing files

Copying subdirectories

Creating directories and subdirectories

Current directory

Current drive map

Custom backups

Customising RCom

D

Database files - transferring

Database files

Date - viewing and setting

DATE command

Default settings for RCom

DEL command

Deleting a directory

Deleting command abbreviations

Deleting files and empty subdirectories

Deleting files in directories and subdirectories

DIR command

Directories - creating

Directories - displaying the structure

Directories - removing

Directory - changing

Directory list

Directory structure

Disconnecting the 3Link lead

Disk drives

Disk label - creating, changing and deleting

Disk label - viewing

Displaying command abreviations

Displaying directory lists

Displaying directory structure

Displaying environment variables

Displaying text files

DOS batch files

DOS commands

Drive letters

Drive map

Drives to backup

E

ECHO command

Environment variables

EQUALISE command

Equalising files in two directories

ERASE command

Erasing files in directories and subdirectories

Errorlevel - setting

Errorlevel and conditional processing

Example uses of RCom commands

Executable files

EXIT command

Exiting RCom

Expansion socket

F

File attributes in a directory list

File attributes

File formats for file transfer

File list - displaying

File structure

File transfer

File types

Files - displaying contents

Files - renaming

Files - restoring

FIND command

Finding text in files

Flash SSDs

FOR command

FORMAT command

Formatting a Flash SSD

Formatting and compressing a Flash SSD

G

GOTO command

H

HC computer

HELP command

Hidden file attribute

I

Icons

IF command

Interrupt request line

L

LABEL command

Labelling disks

Labels - displaying

Labels in batch files/programs

Letters that represent remote drives

Link - waiting for

Link status

M

MC computer

MD command

MEM command

Memory - used and free

Messages

Microsoft Word files

Missing files

MKDIR command

N

Networked printers

Non-standard serial ports

O

Open files on the Psion computer

P

Parameters in batch programs

PATH command

PAUSE command

Pausing batch programs

PC port - setting

PC ports - non standard

Plain text Database files

Plain text files - transferring

Plain text Word processor files

Port setting

Powering the 3Link lead

Printer device

Printer ports

Printer setup on Psion computer

Printing problems

Printing settings

Printing to a plain text file

Printing

Problems with printing

Prompt - changing

PROMPT command

Psion computer type

Q

QUIT command

Quitting RCom

R

RCom application group

RCom application icons - using

RCom command prompt

RCom command reference

RCom commands

RCom icon

RCom introduction

RCom programs

RCom settings

RCom Setup

RCom version

RCom

RCOM.INI file

RD command

Read-only attribute

Recalling a command line

Reclaiming space on a Flash SSD

REM command

REM:: drives

Remarks in batch files

Remarks in CONFIG.SYS

Remote computer

Remote drives

Remote link - waiting for

Remote link status

Removing a directory

Removing command abbreviations

Removing environment variables

REN command

RENAME command

Renaming files

Representing Psion computer drives

RESTORE command

Restoring backed up files

Restoring files in single directories

Rich Text Format drivers

Rich text format files

RMDIR command

RPrint icon

RPrint program

RS232 serial port

RTF drivers

RTF files

Running commands on files

S

Screen - clearing

Search paths

Searching for executable files

Searching for text

Serial port settings

Serial ports

Series 3 computer

Series 3a computer

Server mode

SET command

Setting command abbreviations

Setting environment variables

Setting the date

Setting the errorlevel

Setting the time

Setting up 3Link on the PC

Setting up 3Link on the Psion computer

SHIFT command

Shifting parameters in batch programs

Sorting files in directory lists

SSD drive doors

Statistics

Stopping programs on the Psion computer

Subdirectories - creating

SUBST command

Substituting Psion computer drives

Suspending batch programs

Synchronising directories

Synchronising files in two directories

System date

System file attribute

System memory

System time

T

Text files - viewing

Time - viewing and setting

TIME command

Transferring files

TREE command

TYPE command

U

Using BACKUP for custom backups

Using COMPRESS to reclaim space on Flash SSDs

Using COPY to transfer files

Using EQUALISE to restore files

Using FORMAT to format a Flash SSD

Using RCom

Using RESTORE to restore files from the PC

Using XCOPY to transfer directories and files

V

VER command

Verification of file transfer

VERIFY command

Version number of RCom

Viewing text files

VOL command

Volume label - displaying

Volume labels of disks

W

Wait until

Word files

Word processor files - transferring

Word processor files

X

XABB command

XCOPY command

XR command

XRECALL command

XSERVER command

XSTAT command

XSTOP command

XWAIT command


Archiving of files

Files on the PC are automatically archived by the Backup program, BACKUP command and COMPRESS command where appropriate in order to maintain an exact copy of the specified Psion computer drive on the PC.

The Backup program and BACKUP command archive files that are present in the backup directory specified on the PC, but which are no longer present on the Psion computer drive when the backup is initiated. Files archived by the Backup program and BACKUP command are stored in an @ARCHIVE subdirectory of the specified backup area on the PC.

The COMPRESS command archives files that it finds in the PC directory specified on the COMPRESS command line if they are not present on the SSD in the Psion computer drive when the compress process is initiated. Files archived by the COMPRESS command are stored in an @ARCHIVE subdirectory of the PC directory specified on the COMPRESS command line.

About Backup

About COMPRESS


Automatic switch off

The automatic switch off feature on a Psion computer prevents power being wasted when the machine is not in use.

This feature should be disabled before using the Backup program or BACKUP command to back up files from the Psion computer to the PC. If the Psion computer switches itself off during a backup, RCom exits and returns you to Windows.

To disable the automatic switch off on a Series 3/3a:

•	Select the 'Auto switch off' option on the 'Control' menu in the System screen and set the 'Auto switch off' line to 'No'.


Batch programs
Batch programs or files

A batch program (or file) is an executable file that contains one or more commands. When you run the batch program, the commands are carried out as if you had typed them at the command prompt.

RCom can run batch programs. Batch programs for RCom will usually look just like DOS batch programs - they may even be DOS batch files as RCom's commands are so similar to DOS commands.

RCom commands can also be run from within a DOS batch file. For example, the line:

RCOM /W /C DIR I:

in a DOS batch file will run the RCom command prompt, wait for the link to be established (the /W switch), perform a directory listing of the Psion computer's internal drive and then exit RCom (the /C switch).

RCom commands which you may find useful in batch programs include the CALL, ECHO, FOR, GOTO, IF, PATH, PAUSE and SHIFT commands.

RCom command reference

About RCom commands


Disk drives

When you use RCom commands on the PC, the disk drives on the Psion computer are represented by new (or virtual) drives on the PC. The drive letters that represent the Psion computer drives are specified in RCom Setup.

You can also change the letters that represent the disk drives on the Psion computer from the RCom command prompt with the SUBST command.

RCom Setup

SUBST command


Flash SSDs

You can use Flash SSDs for extra storage space with your Psion computer. When you delete information from a Flash SSD, it is rather like crossing out old notes in a notebook: the information is no longer there, but the space that it occupied is still used.

When a Flash SSD becomes full, you need to reclaim some space on the disk before you can continue to use it. The RCom COMPRESS command allows you to compress the information on a Flash SSD in a Psion computer drive from the PC.

Since the COMPRESS command copies the information from the Flash SSD to the PC as part of the compress process, you can compress a Flash SSD and back up the information that it contains at the same time by specifying your normal backup area on the COMPRESS command line.

RCom's FORMAT command allows you to format (wipe clean) a Flash SSD in a Psion computer drive from the PC.

Using COMPRESS to reclaim space on a Flash SSD

About COMPRESS

Compressing and backing up a Flash SSD

Using FORMAT to format a Flash SSD


RCom introduction
Introduction

RCom is the PC software that is used to link a Psion computer to a PC. It allows you to open and manipulate files on the Psion computer from the PC, and vice versa, and print information from the Psion computer to a printer that is attached to the PC. With RCom, you can control the communication link from either computer.

When you use RCom commands on the PC, the Psion computer's drives are represented by new (virtual) PC drive letters that are set up in the RCom Setup program. The representation of a Psion computer's drive by a new drive letter on the PC is known as a drive map.

When you use menu options (or commands) on the Psion computer, the PC's disk drives are automatically available. They are shown with their drive letter preceded by REM:: ("REM::" stands for "remote").

In order to use RCom commands, or the menu options (or commands) on the Psion computer, for file transfer between the Psion computer and PC you must set up the link on the Psion computer and display the RCom command prompt on the PC. In order to use RCom's Backup program, you simply need to set up the link on the Psion computer.

Displaying the RCom command prompt

Setting up the link on the Psion computer


Serial ports

Modern PC ATs have 9-pin sockets on serial (or COM) ports; older ones have 25-pin sockets.

If you have just one serial port, its name is usually COM1; a second serial port would be called COM2, and so on.

You can connect the 3Link lead to any of the PC's serial ports, including non-standard ones. You simply have to set the port that you have used in the RCom Setup communication settings to tell RCom which port you have used. If you have used a non-standard serial port, select 'Other' from the 'Port' list and enter the 'Advanced COM port' settings appropriately.

You can print to a printer attached to any of the PC's serial or parallel ports from the Psion computer with the RPrint program. All you need to do is to set the port that the printer is attached to in the RCom Setup printing settings to tell RCom which port the printer is attached to.

RCom Setup

RPrint


T.B.S

To Be Specified