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TANDEM.DOC
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1987-11-22
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T A N D E M
----------------------------------------------------------------
THE TANDEM REMOTE SYSTEM 870829
------------------------
The TANDEM remote system does what other modem programs cannot
do. It allows you to run virtually all PC-DOS software from a
remote location; Home-Office, School, Classroom, Factory, etc.
Even run those pesky programs that bypass the operating system
and write directly to the screen memory. You can also operate
PC-DOS from a dumb terminal. TANDEM will do what the CTTY
command and many modem program SHELL or GATEWAY commands
promise, but fail to deliver.
TANDEM is broken down into several modules to provide greater
flexibility. There are four functional levels. The lowest
level is a fully interrupt driven replacement for the serial
port drivers (COM1, COM2) in the ROM BIOS. This is the
ICOM12.COM module on your diskette. The next level interfaces
the selected serial port with the keyboard and screen memory.
When TANDEM is used with a dumb terminal (H/Z-19 or VT-52),
these modules provide key code and character graphic
translation. The modules are identified on your diskette as
follows: RHSTKBtp.COM and RHSTSCtp.COM. Where t= C or H
indicating a remote computer or H/Z-19 terminal, and p= the
serial port number, 1 or 2. The third level is required only
when the TANDEM system is used in conjunction with a modem.
The HMODEM.EXE file is the host modem program that provides
password protection and modem control for the host system.
RMODEM.EXE is a remote modem program for use on the remote
computer system. The fourth level is the PC-DOS operating
system and all of its applications software.
The TANDEM remote system is warranted to be free from copying
defects when shipped. There are no other warranties, expressed
or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
application. In no event will Louis E. Wheeler be liable for
consequential damages even if advised of the possibility of
such damages. This software has been thoroughly tested, but
there may be bugs for which Louis E. Wheeler cannot be held
responsible. No liability or responsibility is assumed to the
customer or any other person or organization for any
application or use of this software or documentation sold or
distributed by Louis E. Wheeler or any dealer.
GETTING STARTED
---------------
Before attempting to run the TANDEM system, it is suggested
that you do the following:
1. Format a blank diskette and make a COPY of your original
diskette. Then store your original in a safe place (just in
case).
2. Using the copy you have just made, COPY the COMMAND.COM
file from your boot diskette onto the TANDEM working diskette.
3. Run the MAKEBAT program. MAKEBAT will create two batch
files that will make it easier to run the TANDEM system. You
will be asked to indicate whether you are running TANDEM with a
remote computer or H/Z-19 terminal. You will also be asked to
select a serial (COM) port and the baud rate at which your
modem will be operated.
4. After running MAKEBAT, make a second COPY of this
diskette. It will be useful to have two copies, one for the
host computer, and one for the remote computer.
5. Using any ASCII text editor, create a file called
PASSWRDS.DAT that contains a list of (up to 10) passwords that
are to allow access to your host computer. Each password must
be on a separate line and can be entered using any printable
character and may contain up to 80-characters. If you wish,
the password file can be created using the COPY command as in
the following example:
A:>COPY CON: PASSWRDS.DAT <RETURN>
JOHN SMITH<RETURN>
BOB JONES<RETURN>
BJ345-77XJ<RETURN>
^Z<RETURN>
Any of these three passwords, (JOHN SMITH, BOB JONES,
BJ345-77XJ, will permit access to the host computer from a
remote location.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
----------------------
For the host computer:
1. Turn on your equipment (including your modem) and boot
the computer in the normal way.
2. Place one of the diskette you have created (see GETTING
STARTED) in drive A: and "log" onto this drive.
3. At the A:> prompt, enter the command HOST and press ENTER
(or RETURN) to execute the HOST batch file.
4. The programs (or commands) in the batch file will be
executed. The HMODEM program will initialize your modem and
ready it for auto-answer at the selected baud rate. Your
screen will clear and the host computer will then be ready to
accept calls.
5. If you wish, you can continue to use the host computer
from its local keyboard by first typing OK and a RETURN (or
ENTER), then type CONNECT followed by a RETURN (or ENTER). The
rest is as though you were operating from a remote computer or
terminal. This technique can also be used to determine if the
host system is functioning correctly. Note: the words OK and
CONNECT must be entered using capital letters.
For the remote computer:
1. Turn on your equipment (including modem) and boot the
computer in the normal way.
2. Insert the TANDEM diskette in any disk drive and enter
REMOTE to execute the REMOTE batch file.
3. The programs (or commands) in the batch file will be
executed. The RMODEM program will then ask you to enter the
modem dial command. An example, for most modems, would be as
follows: ATDT 488-1234 <RETURN> assuming your phone number is
488-1234. Refer to your modem manual for details.
4. When the host system answers the phone, the host system
will clear your screen and ask you to enter a password. Enter
one of the passwords from the PASSWRDS.DAT file you created
earlier, followed by a RETURN (or ENTER).
5. If you have entered the correct password, the TANDEM
prompt, TANDEM:>, should appear on your screen. There are four
commands that are accepted from the TANDEM prompt: CLS, DIR,
DOS, and BYE.
CLS - clears the screen and re-displays the TANDEM prompt.
DIR - display the currently logged drive directory.
DOS - accesses the PC-DOS operating system. You may enter
any command or run any program just as you normally would if
you were sitting at the host computer console keyboard. With
two exceptions, all keys are functional. The Control-NUMLOCK
(to freeze the screen when scrolling) and the
Control-Alternate-DELETE (system reset) keys do not function.
{If you are using an H/Z-19 terminal, hitting the ESCAPE key
and then a Control-(A thru Z) key will produce the equivalent
of the Alternate-(A thru Z) keys, this provides for the
alternate key codes not available on the terminal.} Before
signing off, enter EXIT and a RETURN at the PC-DOS prompt.
This will take you back to the TANDEM prompt.
BYE - informs the host system to hang up the phone (modem).
and get ready to receive the next call. You should turn off
the remote modem and hang up the phone. See your modem manual
for instructions on how to cause your modem to hang up.
For direct connection via RS-232C cables:
1. Connect any two IBM-PC compatible computers together
using a "null modem" cable. Designate one of the computers as
the "host" computer and the other as the "remote" computer.
On the "host" computer:
2. Insert a TANDEM diskette in drive A:, and log onto the
drive.
3. Run the ICOM12 program.
4. Set the baud rate on the desired COM port using the
PC-DOS "MODE" program. Refer to your PC-DOS manual for
instructions on how to use the MODE program.
5. Select and run one of the keyboard interface programs,
RHSTKBC1 for COM port 1, or RHSTKBC2 for COM port 2.
6. Similarly, select and run one of the screen interface
programs, RHSTSCC1 for COM port 1, or RHSTSCC2 for COM port 2.
7. Run the DIRECT program to enable the screen interface.
On the "remote" computer:
8. Insert a TANDEM diskette in any drive and log onto the
drive.
9. Execute the REMOTE batch file. When the RMODEM program
asks you to dial the phone, just enter CLS to clear the screen.
You should now see the same information displayed on the "host"
and "remote" computer screens. Both the "host" and "remote"
keyboards should also be active and the host computer can be
controlled from either.
PROBLEM PROGRAMS
----------------
Virtually any PC-DOS command will work and any program can be
controlled from a remote computer or terminal. However, there
are a few exceptions. The programs that will not function
properly are those that fall into one or more of the following
categories:
1. Those programs that manipulate the COM ports. Such as a
modem program.
2. Those programs that assume direct control of the
keyboard. The QuickBASIC screen editor is one example. Most
word processing programs tested do not exhibit this problem.
3. Those programs that improperly use the timer tick
interrupt (INT 1C). Some "Pop-Up" clock programs fit this
category. However, they will function correctly if they are
loaded prior to starting the TANDEM system.
4. Those programs that use dot addressable graphics.
Programs that use character graphics are okay.
5. Programs that use animation (usually games) may not
perform satisfactorily.
FILES ON THE DISTRIBUTION DISKETTE
----------------------------------
The following files should be on your distribution diskette,
should any of the files be missing, write and request a
replacement diskette.
1. ICOM12.COM Replacement for INT 14.
2. RHSTKBC1.COM Keyboard, computer, COM1.
3. RHSTKBH1.COM Keyboard, H/Z-19, COM1.
4. RHSTKBC2.COM Keyboard, computer, COM2.
5. RHSTKBH2.COM Keyboard, H/Z-19, COM2.
6. RHSTSCC1.COM Screen, computer, COM1.
7. RHSTSCH1.COM Screen, H/Z-19, COM1.
8. RHSTSCC2.COM Screen, computer, COM2.
9. RHSTSCH2.COM Screen, H/Z-19, COM2.
10. HMODEM.EXE Host modem program.
11. RMODEM.EXE Remote modem program.
12. MAKEBAT.EXE Program to create .BAT cmds.
13. DIRECT.EXE Program for direct connect.
14. PASSWRDS.DAT Example password file.
15. HOST.BAT Sample host batch file.
16. REMOTE.BAT Sample remote batch file.
17. TANDEM.DOC These instructions.
18. READ-ME A note to the user.
DISTRIBUTION and UPDATES
------------------------
This first version of TANDEM is being distributed at the very
low, low cost of only $6.oo -- which we hope will cover our
expenses.
If there is sufficient interest in the TANDEM system, an
expanded version will be produced having advanced features,
such as file transfer between host and remote, improved
password checking, etc. The updated version will be priced at
$2O.oo, still a very low cost.
For those of you who would like to see how TANDEM works, or
would like to customize TANDEM for your specific requirements,
the complete source code will be made available for a nominal
charge of $4O.oo.
To order the latest version, or a copy of the source code, send
your check or money order along with a note indicating the
items you are requesting, to: Louis E. Wheeler
P.O. Box 888
Oceano, CA 93445
California residents, please add 6% for sales tax. Site
licenses are available.
We would also like to hear if you encounter any problems (bugs)
or have any suggestions for improving our product.
We sincerely hope that TANDEM serves you well.