index

RESPONSE SYSTEM  HELP INDEX

Copyright Information

Description of Response Software

Response Menus and Screens

Files Provided

Support Policy

Compuserve Registration

Disclaimer Agreement


Copyright Information

Registering this copy of Response software

Making copies of Response software

Distributing Response software


Description of Response Software

Purpose

Response Menus and Screens

Installation & Setup

Removal

Hardware Requirements

Operating System Requirements

Compatibility with other Applications

Network Environment


Response Menus and Screens

System Menu Screens

Owner Registration

Transmission of Registration

Ports

Phone Numbers

About

Function Menu Screens

Response Messages Setup Screen

Define Devices Screen

Define Actions Screen

Response Monitor Screen

Exact Time Retrieval

Compatibility

Help Menu Screens

How to use the Help system

Response Help Specific Instructions


Support Policy

COST AND DURATION OF SUPPORT:

VLSI Response System is supported free, for 90 days from the date you

register your product.  After that, you may optionally subscribe to the VLSI

extended support program, for a nominal fee. Information on  the extended

support program will be provided on request.

METHOD OF SUPPORT:

Support may be provided to registered owners via one or more of the following:

Mail,  Electronic Mail,  Voice Mail,  Computer Bulletin Board System, or  by

any other mutually agreed upon method. Electronic mail is generally the

best method, since it provides both prompt and documented description of

the problem and solution.

NATURE OF SUPPORT:

VLSI agrees to respond to questions and fix any program errors during the

support period. For problems involving a specific hardware or software

environment or feature, VLSI may choose not to modify the program. In that

case, if a problem is not resolved during the support period, VLSI shall offer

to refund the user's purchase price. Any known incompatibility with other

software or hardware, and major or unusual program limitations, will be

explicitly noted in the program documentation.


Compuserve Information

Compuserve Registration

Instructions For Electronic Registration via Compuserve:

1) Sign onto the CompuServe Information Service.

2) GO  SWREG.  This is the CompuServe on-line shareware

     registration facility.

3) Follow the instructions it gives for registering your  XTN.ZIP

    software.  CompuServe will automatically advise VLSI with all

    required registration information, and will properly charge your

    CompuServe account with the registration fee.

4) Compuserve does not provide a VLSI product registration number.

     VLSI will mail your number to you via CompuServe Mail.

5) If you want to obtain a registration number immediately, please

     register directly to VLSI using the Response Owner Registration Screen.


Disclaimer Agreement

DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT

Users of VSLI Response must accept this disclaimer of warranty:

VLSI Response is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all

warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the

warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The

author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential,

which may result from the use of VSLI Response.


Registering Response Software

Registering this copy of Response software:

If you plan to use this Response System software, we require that you register it.

If you have a modem ,select the  'Owner Registration'  menu to enter your information.

You may begin the transmission of your registration directly to VLSI, from that screen.

If you obtained your Response from Compuserve, your registration can be

completed using the Compuserve GO SWREG facility. If you choose this method,

you may go ahead and register directly with VLSI to get your registration number

more quickly, but be sure to select Compuserve under payment method.

If you cannot send electronically, print out or write your registration and mail to VLSI.

Please see the Response Registration screen.


Making Copies of Response Software

Making copies of Response software:

After you register your copy of Response software, you may make

copies for backup purposes.

You may make extra copies to distribute without charge to your associates. If you do

this, please distribute only the  xtn.zip  module, which contains all other modules.

Your copy will be assigned a unique number when you register it .


Distributing Response Software

Distributing Response software:

After you register your copy of Response software, you may make

extra copies to distribute without charge to your associates.

You may not resell the software without prior written agreement from VLSI.

Anyone who accepts a copy of the software is bound by the same rules.


Purpose

Purpose:

Virtual Logic Systems, Inc. develops innovative  computer programs which provide

user friendly,  remote control and automation  functions.

This software package contains the Response System software, and the Exact Time

Retrieval software  -  two important components of the growing world of VLSI systems.

Please register this software. You will be glad you did.


Installation and Setup

Installation & Setup:

Installation of VLSI Response software is accomplished as follows:

1) Make a new directory  -  C:\response

2) Unzip the  xtn.zip  file,  using a  pkunzip.exe  utility program,

      to the  new  C:\response  directory.

3) Using Windows, create a new program item in the group of your choice,

     specify the  C:\response\xtn.exe as the program

     and specify theC:\response\earth.ico file as the icon to use.

4) Run the C:\response\xtn.exe program from the newly created icon,

     or by specifying it under the run option of Windows Program Manager

NOTE:  More specific,  step by step installation instructions may be found in

the README.TXT file.


Removal

Removal:

De-installation or removal of the  Response software is accomplished by

1) Delete all files in the  C:\response  directory.

2) Remove the  C:\response  directory itself.

3) Delete the Windows Program Item for the C:\response\xtn.exe program.


Hardware Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

IBM PC AT or compatible.

2 megabytes of memory.

2 megabytes of hard disc storage.

386  or 486 cpu.

Serial communications port.

External or internal modem.

Color or monochrome monitor.

VGA board with resolution of 640 x 480 recommended, but at least EGA.

Mouse.

Optional external sensor and remote controlled power switch (sold separately)


Operating System Requirements

Operating System Requirements:

Microsoft Windows 3.1 or greater.

MS DOS 5.0 or greater.


Compatibility with other Applications

Compatibility with other Applications:

VLSI Response software is fully compatible with other applications which run

in the Microsoft Windows environment.


Network Environment

Network Environment:

VLSI Response software is compatible with all popular LAN / WAN systems.


RESPONSE SYSTEM Module

This module provides an excellent, home or office remote response system.

The basic system can be triggered by a variety of different sensing devices.

For example, a motion detector, light sensor, or metal detector can be used.

RESPONSE is an  EVENT DRIVEN SYSTEM  but it also includes all the

capabilities of earlier systems technologies, which were only schedule driven.

When a trigger event occurs, the system automatically turns on the computer,

sequentially performs a list of command actions you have predefined. It

calls up to 5 user specified phone numbers, and relays prerecorded files

containing voice, data or other documents   to each of the 5 destinations.

Response provides remote control of a variety of X-10 compatible devices,

whenever the system is triggered. You can  instantly activate  lights, locks,

appliances, cameras, intercom, security system, air conditioning,  etc.

All controllable devices are UL listed, utilizing state of the art electronics.

Optional accessories include multiple sensors, remote controlled switches,

security devices, television and radio monitoring equipment, and many others.

NOTE:  Please contact VLSI via phone or fax if you are interested in optional hardware.


Stored Settings

Stored Settings:

After you complete your registration, and each time you make changes to any settings

you use on the Response System, these settings are saved in the file  named............

C:\response\xtn.set.  If this file is moved from its original directory, or accidentally

deleted, your system will create a new file and revert to the original default settings.


Files Provided

xtn.zip  -  Master distribution file containing all other files. This file is

in PKZIP (packed) format.

xtn.set  - Owners data and stored setting preferences - created automatically

the first time you run the xtn.exe program.

xtn.exe  - The Response software executable binary program

to run under theWindows platform.

xtn.hlp  -  executable help text file

vbrun300.DLL  -  MS Interpreter. Obtain this file separately from Compuserve or VLSI.

threed.vbx  -  graphic object file

cmdialog.vbx  -  common dialog object file

grid.vbx  -  grid dialog object file

mscomm.vbx  -  communication dialog object file

earth.ico  -  graphic earth icon

readme.txt  -  text file containing current comments about the Response software,

          and initial installation instructions.


Registration and Owner Information

Owner Registration - Information Screen

           This screen is for entry of your personal information.  After you

           complete this screen, your information is automatically retained

           for you on your system. When the Response registration process

           is completed you will see your unique Response registration number.

           This will appear on your screen if you complete your electronic

           registration. If you mail in your registration, you will be notified

           of your registration by postcard.  A few notes...

          Your Name:        Enter your first name, middle initial, then your last name.

           Company:          Enter company information only if you are using the package as

                                         part of your work.

           State:                   Enter the 2 character abbreviation for your state. Or enter the full

                                         name of your province if you live outside the U.S.A.

           Time Zone:       Enter the time zone you want the Exact Time system to use when

                                         retrieving the National Institute of Standards exact time for display.

           Phone:                Enter your area code and phone as for example 612 770-8937.

           Payment:           Select the credit card you want to charge your registration fee to.

                                         If you select mail-in payment VLSI will expect receipt of your

                                         check within 5 working days.  Select Compuserve only if you

                                         registered your software through the Compuserve GO SWREG facility.

           Credit Card#     Enter your credit card number as shown on the face of the card.

           Expiration:         Enter the month and year shown as the expiration date on the card.

           Date Installed: This is determined automatically by the software during setup.

           Time Installed: This also is determined by the software during setup.

           Option Boxes:  Click the option boxes you are interested in. Note that some items

                                         may not be immediately available. Your credit card will be charged

                                         the $25.00 Response registration fee and separate charges will be

                                         shown for optional hardware purchases..

            Transmit Registration  COMMAND BUTTON - Click to prepare the system for

                                        electronic registration. When you click, another screen will

                                        appear which will reflect the on-going communications status.

                                        When the communication status screen appears, click the

                                        'Start Registration Transmission' command button.

            Print Registration COMMAND BUTTON -  Click to print hard copy of the

                                        registration data. This is only necessary if you are unable to

                                        send your registration electronically over your modem, or if

                                        you wish to retain a paper record of your registration information.

            OK - Return to Main COMMAND BUTTON - Click to go back to the Main screen


Transmit Registration

            This screen monitors and displays the status of the electronic registration

             process, as it occurs over the phone. You will be seeing ( if you read super fast )

             the data your computer transmits to the VLSI computer, and the VLSI computer's

             response. If data communication problems occur, a message box will appear to

             let you know the specific problem encountered. When you successfully complete

             the registration, the VLSI computer will display your unique registration number

             back on your screen. The number will be reatined automatically for later reference.

             Start Registration Transmission  COMMAND BUTTON  -  Click to actually start

                                 the electronic registration process via your modem and the VLSI

                                 data center.

             OK - Return to Main COMMAND BUTTON - Click to go back to the Main screen


Port Settings Screen

             The system selected default settings are correct for  both the Response software

             and the Exact Time retrieval software. They need not be changed.

              You may need to modify the modem initialization string for your particular modem.

            This screen provides access to the serial communication port settings you may

            use to prepare your computer for communications with your modem. In order to

            change any settings, just click the appropriate box..... the next available setting

            will toggle into view.  The setting shown is the setting in effect. Clicking one of

            the COM ports selects that port as the port to use for communications with your

            modem. The Status, Handshake, Term and Protocol columns are not used for

            the Response applications included in this introductory software. Refer to manual

            that came with your modem on questions regarding initialization commands.

            The defaults shown will work on most hayes compatible modems.

            Reset Ports COMMAND BUTTON  -  Restores settings for all ports to the state

                                        at the beginning of the current session.

            Use Defaults - Resets all ports to the VLSI default settings.

            OK - Return to Main COMMAND BUTTON - Click to go back to the Main screen


Phone Numbers Screen

            This screen provides access to the telephone dialing sequence needed when your

             computer modem dials out to contact VLSI for registration, or to retrieve the exact

             time from the National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST ).

             The times you may probably need to change these numbers are:

                                     a)  If your modem will be originating a call to NIST for exact

                                          from within area code 303, then remove the 1 and/or 303 from

                                          the number shown in the box.

                                     b) If your modem will be originating a call to VLSI for registration

                                          from within area 612, then remove the 1 and/or 612 from the

                                          number shown in the box.

                                     c) If your modem will be calling from within a private exchange,

                                          you may need to add access digits in front of the number

                                          shown, and possibly additional digits following the number

                                          shown in the box.

            Reset to Defaults COMMAND BUTTON - Resets phone numbers to original settings.

            OK - Return to Main COMMAND BUTTON - Click to go back to the Main screen


About VLSI

About VLSI Screen

           This screen shows the Response software version and VLSI's  mailing address.


Exact Time Retrieval Screen

            This screen monitors the exact time retrieval from the National Institute of Standards

            and Technology (NIST). This agency was formerly known as the National Bureau of

            Standards.

            Background Information: Exact time and frequency broadcasts are provided by the

            National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. government.

            The time  as broadcast from Boulder Colorado is accurate to within one part in

            100 billion at all times. The time clocks commonly in use today  in our  PC's are

            typically much less precise.  If the PC is to be relied upon for time accuracy, its

            time clock should be periodically calibrated to agree with the NIST cesium clocks.

            The Response software you are running, includes an exact time retrieval function

            which will properly calibrate your PC's time clock to the precise standard provided

            by the NIST. This program is accurate to the second - higher accuracy than is used

            by most applications.

           A detailed technical reference (20 pages) covering the time and frequency service

           is now available through VLSI for a nominal handling charge of $10. Just write VLSI

            at the address shown in the About menu, mentioning the detailed technical reference.


Response Call Setup Screen

Response Messages Setup Screen

The Response System provides an automated message (file) relay service to the

phone numbers you specify.   When a trigger event occurs,  your computer system

automatically begins execution of the relay procedure. Any Windows compatible

sound, voice, or other files you designate are retrieved  and immediately sent

to the phone numbers you specify in your call setup screen.

Phone number column  -  Enter the telephone number you want the RESPONSE

system to call when the system is triggered.

Message column  -  Type the full path name of the file you want sent to the destination.

For Sound Files:  If you do not have the hardware needed to create digitized,

Windows compatible sound files, VLSI will create them for you.  All you need to do is

call VLSI,  and leave your complete message on  the VLSI answering system.

The message must include your name and product registration number, followed by the

actual analog sounds you will want sent.  VLSI will edit and encode the sound you send

so that it is usable by  the Response System. Limit your message to  one minute or less.

There is a nominal charge of $20 to digitize your sounds  and return a data file to you.

After VLSI has accepted and edited your sound you will be contacted, and the

sound you left will be transmitted  back to you  in the form of a file. Then you can

put the path name where you store the file in the message column.

An example might look like this:

                           Phone Number                   Message

                               770-8937                            FILE:C:\response\mysound.wav

          or                 555-1212                            FILE:C:\response\emergenc.wav

For Voice Messages:  VLSI can store voice or other sound messages for you.

When VLSI edits and digites your message, it will assign a unique message number.

Then, when your system is triggered you can have it call VLSI.  VLSI will in turn, call the

phone number you indicate in the phone column, and play the numbered message over

the phone to the call recipient.  To use this system, just call VLSI and leave your complete

sound or voice message on the VLSI answering system.

The message must include your name and product registration number, followed by the

voice message or sound you will want sent.  VLSI will edit and encode your message

so that it is usable by  the Response System. Limit your message to  one minute or less.

There is a nominal charge of $20 to convert your sound and store it for retrieval

After VLSI has accepted and edited your message you will be contacted, and the unique

voice message number will be given to you. Then you can complete the message column

and enter the voice message number.

An example might look like this:

                           Phone Number                   Message

                           1-612-770-8937                   VLSI VOICE MESSAGE # 1234-030


System Mode Button  -  Click the button to change the mode from on to off  or  off to on.

When Mode shows OFF - The Response System will NOT automatically activate.

When Mode shows ON -  The Response System activates when triggered.

Your PassKey Code  -  Enter any code you want the Response System to require

before the cancellation of a triggered event is allowed. You will be required to

remember and enter this code, to prevent the system from performing the dialing

functions, whenever a trigger event occurs.  If you do not enter this code in time,

and exactly correctly, the Response dialing will proceed.

Grace Delay Seconds  -  Enter the number of seconds you want the Response

System to wait, after receiving a trigger, but before starting the calling.  This would

be the amount of time you will have to get to your computer, and successfully enter

your PassKey Code from above. Allow adequate time for this.  Of course, be sure

to remember to go to your computer and enter your code, to prevent false alarms.

Return to MAIN  -  Click to return the program back to the main screen.


Define Devices Screen

This screen is used to tell  the Response System, what  name you want to give each

device you have,  and associate those names with valid device/unit codes  Then in

later screens it will only be necessary to use the device name,  rather that having to

remember all your device codes.

To define a device:

1) In the Device/Unit code box, click a device that you want to give a name to.

     The device codes shown are standard codes and cannot be changed.

2) In the lower right box, overtype the name you want for the device code. For

     example, you might want to name  device code A / 01 Bob's Office Lights,

     so click A / 01, and type  "Bob's Office Lights" in the lower box.

3) Repeat this for all devices you want to assign a name to. When you leave

     this screen, all the changes you made will be retained for future use.

OK - Return to MAIN  -  Click to return the program back to the main screen.


Define Actions Screen

This screen is used to describe the actions the Response System is to take when

the system is triggered.

To ADD a new action:

1) Type a brief description of the action in the lower action description box.

      For example, you might enter  'Turn on siren', or  'Turn off floodlights'.

2) Click a device name from the lower center device name selection list. These

     are the device names you set up on the  'Define Devices' screen.

3) Click a device action from the lower right action selection list. These are the

     valid standard action codes. You may select any one from the list.

4) Click the  'Add New Action'  button. The action will be added to the upper

     action boxes.

5) Repeat the above steps for all actions you want to define. When you exit

     this screen, the updated list in the upper box will be retained.

To DELETE an action:

1) Click the line in the Action Description box you want to delete.  It will be

     selected and displayed in the lower boxes.

2) Click the  'Delete Action'  button. The selected action will be deleted from

     the upper action list.

3) Repeat the above steps for all actions you want to delete. The updated list

     in the upper boxes will be retained when you exit this screen.

To send an IMMEDIATE ACTION to a device via a device controller:

1) Click the line in the Action Description box you want to send.

2) Click the Immediate Action button.  The action code will be sent

     immediately out the port you have selected.on the  'Ports'  screen.


Response Monitor Screen

The purpose of this screen is to display the progress of events when the Response

System has been triggered.  It is also used to perform a test response scenario with

using your settings. As each step of the response is performed, it is logged,

and displayed in the status box.


Compatibility Screen

COMPATIBILITY

The purpose of this screen is to show the wide variety of systems on the market

that the VLSI Response System is designed to interface with.

Also shown is a list of the many types of hardware that are available for use with

the Response System.