Libris Britannia 4/science library(b).zip/science library(b)/HAM_RAD/PACKET/3099.ZIP/README.DOC

Text File | 1991-04-19 | 40KB | 949 lines

                            ACUTERM REMARKS
                               REV 0.443
                          (REVISED 19-APR-91)

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IF YOU ARE READING THIS AFTER AUTOBOOTING, YOU MAY ABORT THE DISPLAY OF THESE
NOTES BY HITTING CTRL-C.  IF YOU WISH TO RUN ACUTERM, AT THE PROMPT CHOOSE TO
CONTINUE THE BATCH FILE.  OTHERWISE, CHOOSE TO TERMINATE THE BATCH FILE.

WARNING: IF YOU CONFIGURE ACUTERM INACCURATELY, ERASE \ACUTERM\CONFIG.STR
FROM THIS DISK BEFORE ATTEMPTING AN ACTUAL INSTALLATION.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

                                CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION:
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:

INSTALLATION OR UPDATE--SYSTEMS WITH NO HARD DRIVE:
INSTALLATION OR UPDATE--SYSTEMS WITH A HARD DRIVE:

GETTING ACQUAINTED--THE TERMINAL SCREEN:
GETTING ACQUAINTED--THE HELP SCREEN AND MAIN MENU:

OPERATING ACUTERM--LOGGING:
OPERATING ACUTERM--ID'ING:
OPERATING ACUTERM--READING FILES AND TRANSCRIPTS:
OPERATING ACUTERM--USING THE MINI-EDITOR:
OPERATING ACUTERM--USING TRANSCRIPT CAPTURE:
OPERATING ACUTERM--USING BEACON FILES:
OPERATING ACUTERM--USING BEACON CALL:
OPERATING ACUTERM--USING MORSE QSK LEVELS:
OPERATING ACUTERM--MACROS AND FILES FROM THE "HOT KEYS"
OPERATING ACUTERM--SPECIAL CHARACTERS:
OPERATING ACUTERM--CONTROLLING THE TRANSCEIVER:
OPERATING ACUTERM--RESETTING THE PK-232 FROM ACUTERM:
OPERATING ACUTERM--DATABASE AND ACCESSORIES:
OPERATING ACUTERM--TRANSLATING LOGS FROM ARIES AND LAN-LINK:

TECHNICAL TOPICS--SETTING UP A VIRTUAL DISK:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--MODIFYING THE BATCH FILE:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--USING PARAMETER FILES:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--PORTS AND INTERRUPTS:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--EDITING THE LOG:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--ACCESSORIES:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--AUTOMATIC CARRIAGE RETURNS:
TECHNICAL TOPICS--GLITCHES:

BULLETIN--THE MISSING EXCLAMATION POINT:

CLOSING REMARKS:

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HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:

   ACUTERM is a terminal program for the AEA PK-232, and is intended to run on
IBM compatible clones with DOS 3.0 or above.  It runs the PK-232 in the host
mode.

   It is suggested that you operate the PK-232 from COMM 1, and an ICOM or
KENWOOD transceiver interface from COMM 2.  Your printer should be connected
to LPT1.

   RS-232 cables must have at least five wires: DATA IN, DATA OUT, RTS, CTS,
and GROUND.

   The use of batteries in the PK-232 is highly recommended.  This will avoid
the parameter file (INITIAL.PAR) being loaded each time you boot the program.

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INSTALLATION OR UPDATE--SYSTEMS WITH NO HARD DRIVE:

   While ACUTERM was written primarily for use with hard drive systems, it is
possible to operate it from floppy-only systems.  To make that easier, this
distribution disk is provided in autobooting form.

   The log will be limited in size, and log searches will be very slow.  Non-
volatile storage of transcripts is not advised.

   To use ACUTERM in the autobooting mode, use DISKCOPY to make a working copy
of this distribution disk.

   Installation will go smoother if no configuration file \ACUTERM\CONFIG.STR
has been installed on the disk, by someone playing around.  Erase this file if
it exists.  Otherwise, you will not enter the configuration mode automatically
as described below.

   Before operating with the copy, you must strip all unnecessary files from
it, including these notes, to make room for your log.  Here's how:

o  Print or jot down this procedure.

o  If there are batteries in your PK-232, reset it using another terminal
   program, and immediately turn it off.  The PK-232 may also be reset by
   temporarily removing JUMPER J1 or the batteries.

   (You may normally skip this step, unless you have difficulty establishing
   communications between ACUTERM and the PK-232.)

o  Put the working copy (not the original!) of the distribution disk in your
   DRIVE A:.

o  If you are already using an older version of ACUTERM, put your old working
   disk in DRIVE B:.  Your log and customized files will be copied to the new
   working copy automatically.

   If not, use any text editor to replace my call and selcal with yours in the
   file \ACUTERM\FILES\INITIAL.PAR on the copy of the distribution disk.

o  Turn the PK-232 on.  (If you have reset the PK-232, the BAUDOT light should
   be on, indicating that the PK-232 is beginning the autobaud sequence.)

o  Reset your computer.  Hit ENTER until the display of these notes is over.
   ACUTERM will then autoboot from DRIVE A:.

o  The first time that you use ACUTERM 0.443, if there is no CONFIG.STR file,
   it will ask you questions about your setup.  It is best to avoid initial
   complications, so you should select:

   --DRIVE A:\ACUTERM for LOG ACCESS.
   --DRIVE C:\ACUTERM for TRANSCRIPT ACCESS. (This RAMDRIVE is already set up.)
   --The correct COMM PORT for the PK-232.  PORT 1 is highly recommended.
   --NONE for TRANSCEIVER INTERFACE PORT.
   --FULL INITIALIZATION.
   --DOS SCREEN WRITING.
   --THE NUMBER ON YOUR DISK LABEL for your REGISTRATION NUMBER. (No
     registration number is required to evaluate the program.)

   When in doubt, accept the defaults by hitting ENTER.  If you make a mistake,
   leave the configuration session by hitting ESC, and enter it again by
   hitting CTRL-F1.

o  IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY ENTERING OR RE-ENTERING CONFIGURATION, RESET THE
   COMPUTER, ERASE \ACUTERM\CONFIG.STR, AND REBOOT.

o  ONCE YOU ENTER THE TERMINAL MODE, YOU MAY RECONFIGURE BY HITTING CTRL-F1.

o  After you have answered all the questions, ACUTERM should coax the PK-232
   into communication.

o  When initialization is completed, hit F1 to bring up the main menu.  Select
   BATCH FILE using the up/down cursors, and hit ENTER.

o  A batch file menu will appear.  Select INSTAL_A.BAT to remove all
   unnecessary files and to make room for your log.

   Whenever asked whether you want to erase or delete files, respond "Y".

   If you have an old ACUTERM disk in DRIVE B:, INSTAL_A.BAT will then copy
   all necessary files from your old disk to your new one, including your log,
   customized calls, brags, and reference files.

o  You are now ready to use ACUTERM.  Most of the information you need is on
   the on-screen prompts and the help screens (F1), with some supplementary
   remarks in these notes under OPERATING ACUTERM.

o  To boot up ACUTERM again, just put your working copy of the disk into your
   DRIVE A: and reset your computer.

o  A good idea from K3JD: insert the commands DATE and TIME in the AUTOEXEC
   file to encourage you to set your computer's clock.

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INSTALLATION OR UPDATE--SYSTEMS WITH A HARD DRIVE:

   The following remarks assume installation in HARD DRIVE C:.  If ACUTERM is
installed in HARD DRIVE D:, run INST_D.BAT instead of INST_C.BAT.  If still
another drive, X, create an INST_X.BAT file patterning it after INST_D.BAT.
Make sure that no \ACUTERM\CONFIG.STR file is on the floppy.

   To install ACUTERM 0.443 onto your hard drive:

o  Print or jot down this procedure.

o  Boot up your computer on its own DOS.

o  If there are batteries in your PK-232, reset it using another terminal
   program, and immediately turn it off.  The PK-232 may also be reset by
   temporarily removing JUMPER J1 or the batteries.

   (You may normally skip this step, unless you have difficulty establishing
   communications between ACUTERM and the PK-232.)

o  Put this distribution disk in your DRIVE A:.

o  Turn the PK-232 on.  (If you have reset the PK-232, the BAUDOT light should
   be on, indicating that the PK-232 is beginning the autobaud sequence.)

o  Type A:\INSTAL_C.BAT (or A:\INSTAL_D.BAT, etc.) and hit enter.  Whenever
   asked whether you want to erase or delete files, respond "Y".

o  ACUTERM 0.443 will finally boot up and ask you for configuration choices.

o  NEW USERS:

   It is best to avoid initial complications, so select:

   --The hard drive that ACUTERM is installed in for LOG ACCESS.
   --The hard drive that ACUTERM is installed in for TRANSCRIPT ACCESS.
   --The correct COMM PORT for the PK-232.  PORT 1 is highly recommended.
   --NONE for TRANSCEIVER INTERFACE PORT.
   --FULL INITIALIZATION.
   --DOS SCREEN WRITING.
   --THE NUMBER ON YOUR DISK LABEL for your REGISTRATION NUMBER. (No
     registration number is required to evaluate the program.)

   When in doubt, accept the defaults by hitting ENTER.  If you make a mistake,
   leave the configuration session by hitting ESC, and enter it again by
   hitting CTRL-F1.

o  In hard drive systems, DRIVE C:\ACUTERM is the recommended initial choice
   for TRANSCRIPT ACCESS.  After you get ACUTERM running, it is strongly
   recommended that you set up a virtual disk for transcript handling.

   See:

   TECHNICAL TOPICS--SETTING UP A VIRTUAL DISK:

   and

   TECHNICAL TOPICS--MODIFYING THE BATCH FILE:


o  IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY ENTERING OR RE-ENTERING CONFIGURATION, RESET THE
   COMPUTER, ERASE \ACUTERM\CONFIG.STR, AND REBOOT.

o  ONCE YOU ENTER THE TERMINAL MODE, YOU MAY RECONFIGURE BY HITTING CTRL-F1.

o  After you have answered all the questions, ACUTERM should coax the PK-232
   into communication.

o  Now you are ready to use ACUTERM.  Most of the information you need is on
   the help screens (F1), with some supplementary remarks in these notes under
   OPERATING ACUTERM.

o  To run ACUTERM the next time, call \ACUTERM\AT.



o  OLD USERS:

   The CUSTOM.DTA file is no longer used and may be erased.  Brag and other
   files with the extension ".FEC" have been changed to ".AMT".

   If you have been using ACUTERM 0.420 or later, but have never entered a
   registration number, enter it.  The number is the last entry in the
   CONFIGURATION sequence (CTRL-F1).  No number is required to evaluate the
   program.

   You have probably already created a VDISK or RAMDRIVE, so feel free to
   indicate that drive for TRANSCRIPT ACCESS.

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GETTING ACQUAINTED--THE TERMINAL SCREEN:

   In the TERMINAL or MONITOR modes, where you will spend most of your time,
the upper two thirds of the screen is the TRANSCRIPT of your QSO or reception.
The line at the bottom of the TRANSCRIPT screen is a PROMPT line that usually
tells you about your principal options at any particular time.

   Below the TRANSCRIPT screen is a three line LOG.  Depending on your setup
and equipment, most or all of the information on the left will be entered
automatically.  The fields of the top line of the LOG are indicated by the
PROMPT, the second line is usually for station information, and the bottom line
is usually for personal information.  However, the only mandatory protocol
is that a callsign appear where indicated.

   Below the LOG is a STATUS line that tells you the date, time, and PK-232
parameters of interest.  Parameters are generally changed by hitting the cursor
keys indicated by arrows, or the ALT keys indicated by the first letter in
the parameter.

   Below the STATUS line is a three line typing MONITOR.


GETTING ACQUAINTED--THE HELP SCREEN AND MAIN MENU:

   Read the HELP screens with F1 or ESC, noting that they contain a slider
main MENU.

   On monocolor systems, the NO CHANGE menu selection should be brighter than
the others.  If all entries are of equal brightness, adjust the brightness and
contrast of your monitor.  If only the selected entry is visible, insert the
command:

        MODE BW80

at the beginning of AT.BAT.

   Move from one menu selection to another with the UP/DOWN cursor controls.

   Select BAUDOT, hit ENTER.  When you re-enter the terminal mode, the status
information will change to indicate BAUDOT.  Hit the up and down cursor
controls, and verify that the baud rate changes on the screen.

   Now hit F1 or ESC again, and note that the HELP information now pertains
to the BAUDOT mode.

   The information surrounding the MENU is different in each mode, and
together with that in prompts, is all you need to know to operate ACUTERM.

   Note that you can enter command keys while still in the HELP mode.

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OPERATING ACUTERM--LOGGING:

   The best way to learn the logging system is by using it, guided by the
help screens and prompts, until you have tried all the options.  The key
things to remember are:

        o Sign-in with ALT-F8.

        o Enter/Exit editing with F8 as information comes in.

        o Search with F7.  Tap F7 to find all matches.  If you find an old
          log entry with information that you would like to copy to the
          new one, hit ALT-C.  Tap until all entries are found, or hit ESC,
          to return to the TERMINAL mode.

        o Refresh the sign-out time at the end of the QSO by tapping F8 twice.

        o Store the log entry with ALT-F8.  Hit ALT-F8 again when you want to
          start a new one.

   As long as the call area of the log is blank, no entry will be stored in the
log.  This means that a log entry can be aborted by just rubbing out the call.
You can do this with the space, backspace, or the erase-edit-field key, F5.

   You don't have to worry about losing a log entry if you forget to store it
prior to quiting the program.  Log entries are stored automatically on exit.

   ALWAYS USE THE QUIT SELECTION ON THE HELP SCREEN TO END AN OPERATING
SESSION!


Searching:

   You can search for the currently active call by hitting F7.

   You can look for any call by hitting CTRL-F7 and entering the call or prefix
to be searched for in the box.

   Note that ACUTERM searches by looking for a partial match.  This is
advantageous in that you can search for all entries with a certain prefix by
just typing in the prefix.  For example, the search will turn up all YV
stations by typing in "YV".  However, a search for N8BA will also turn up
N8BAA, N8BAB, etc.

   You can flip through the log manually by hitting ALT-F7 from the terminal
mode, and use the up/down cursors to read entries.

   You can jump back and forth between flipping and searching.

   If log searches are slow, and there is quite a bit of head activity, run one
of the commercial programs that reorganizes your hard drive, such as the
COMPRESS utility in PC-TOOLS.


Editing:

   Editing an old log entry is accomplished by displaying the old entry, either
by searching or flipping, hitting F8 to edit, and hitting ESC to store the
edited entry.

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OPERATING ACUTERM--ID'ING:

   Once you have entered your QSO partner's call in the log, the F2 keys may be
used for ID macro's in the following way:

        o  F2 =     ID     : Used principally at beginning of transmission,
                             but may be used anytime:
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA..
                             or
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA =

        o  ALT-F2 = ID + AR: Used to terminate a transmission and includes
                             the +? or CTRL-D:

                             YV1AQE DE N8BA KN
                             (CTRL-D)
                             or
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA
                             +?

        o  SHFT-F2= ID + SK: Used to terminate a QSO:
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA
                             CLOSING AT 23:00 UTC...SK
                             or
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA
                             BREAKING LINK 23:00 UTC...SK
                             or
                             YV1AQE DE N8BA SK

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OPERATING ACUTERM--READING FILES AND TRANSCRIPTS:

   The same scheme is used to read the transcipts and to read files.  Only the
entry method is different.  To read what has gone off the top of the screen,
engage the transcript reader with the PAGE UP key, and do the obvious things
with the up/down cursors and PAGE keys.  Use ESC to exit.

   To read files, select READ FILES or hit SHIFT-F3.  Choose your file from
the directory presented.

   Once you are reading a file or transcript, a number of features are shown
on the prompt.  These include editing the screen and saving it as the same or
a different file, loading the transceiver and ARQ/CONNECT boxes (provided the
cursor line has the required format), printing, etc.

   If you want to cut out something and make it a file, hit ALT-E to enter the
MINI-EDITOR.  See the next section of these notes.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--USING THE MINI-EDITOR:

   The same editor is used for editing the log, the transcripts, files, and
QSL labels.  In the non-log roles, the TAB's have a normal function.  In the
log, the TAB and SHIFT-TAB move you from field to field.  In all applications,
F5 clears the screen.

   ACUTERM's internal file editor is intended for writing brief messages,
making changes to short files, or creating excerpts from longer files and
saving them under a different name.  Only what you see on the screen is
saved.

   DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE EDITOR TO CHANGE A FILE THAT RUNS OFF THE
SCREEN--YOU WILL LOSE WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE.  WHEN EXCERPTING FROM A LONG
FILE, MAKE CERTAIN YOU CHANGE THE NAME WHEN SAVING!

   To use the mini-editor to change a file, display the file by choosing READ
FILES on the help screen and selecting the file.

   To edit the file, hit ALT-E.  If you want to remove everything that is
currently there, hit F5.  Use the cursors to move around and enter text,
then hit ESC to end the editing.

   A box will then appear with the file name in it.  If you want to save
the edited file under that name, hit ENTER.  If not, type a new name over
the old one and hit ENTER, or--if you decide to abort--hit ESC.

   These steps are suggested by the prompts on the screen.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--USING TRANSCRIPT CAPTURE:

   While the transcript file system provides a way to cut out screens and
make them files, longer transmissions can be recorded using the TCAPTURE
function.  This is toggled with the ALT-T key.

   When you exit TCAPTURE, the program asks you to enter the file name where
the captured transcript should be stored.  A pre-name is provided; use it
if you wish, or type over it.  If you rub out, or clear with F5, the pre-name,
or hit ESC, you can leave the capture function "open", and resume capturing
to the file later.

   Once a capture file is "closed", you can no longer add to its contents with
the TCAPTURE function.

   If you give TCAPTURE a file name that already exits, it is rejected.
Your captured material is not lost.  Simply enter and exit TCAPTURE again,
and give it another file name.

   Un-named captured material is retained when you turn your computer off.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--USING BEACON FILES:

   The HELP screens desribe a BEACON CQ and sending a file as a BEACON.  What
does BEACON mean?  It means that the CQ or other file will be sent repetitively
until you hit the DELETE key or the file has been sent 10 times.  In AMTOR, the
transmissions will be aborted automatically if your station receives an ARQ or
FEC transmission.  The files are sent with the listening time that you selected
during configuration.

   This feature is intended for sending a string of CQ's, or for repetitively
calling another station.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--USING BEACON CALL:

   The BEACON CALL is engaged with the CTRL-F2 key, and causes a beacon to be
sent, calling the station currently logged.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--USING MORSE QSK LEVELS:

   You can change the QSK level by tapping ALT-Q.  Level 0 is the conventional
one where you put the PK-232 into the transmit mode with ALT-X, and put it
into the receive mode at the end of your transmission by ending it with
CTRL-D or ALT-F2.

   Level 1 is identical except that XMITOK is turned off, so that the PTT line
is not keyed.  This allows you to activate your transmitter with VOX or use
full or semi-break-in.    By doing this, your transceiver will receive during
pauses, allowing you to copy by ear, while your PK-232 stays in the transmit
mode.

   Level 2 is automatic.  The PK-232 will go into the transmit mode whenever
you type something, and automatically go back into the receive mode when its
buffer is empty.  No ALT-X is necessary, nor are CTRL-D's.  XMITOK is off
during transmit, so your transmitter must be in the semi- or full-break-in
mode.  This mode is fine for casual conversations, but you probably would not
want to use it for contests.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--MACROS AND FILES FROM THE "HOT KEYS"

   Hitting ALT-0 allows you to set up as many as five macros, and four hot
files.  The macros can be up to 3 full lines of text, and are sent when you
depress ALT-1/5.  These files are intended for "HELLO, MY NAME IS BILL ...",
alternate BRAG FILES, and contest exchanges.

   The hot files are accessed from ALT-6/9.  If the name of a file ends with
the ".BAT" extension, it is run.  Otherwise, it is displayed.  This provides
an opportunity to use your main menu program, disk utility, or propagation
forecasting software with one key stroke.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--SPECIAL CHARACTERS:

   Certain special characters will be translated during sending if imbedded
in files or macros.  These characters have no special meaning if typed directly
from the keyboard.  When imbedded in files or macros, the special characters
are expanded to have the following meanings:

CTRL-C      = YOUR CALLSIGN
CTRL-S      = YOUR SELCAL
CTRL-L      = THE CURRENT LOG NUMBER
CTRL-O      = THE OTHER STATION'S CALL
CTRL-N      = HIS/HER NAME
CTRL-Q      = HIS/HER QTH
CTRL-R      = HIS/HER RST
CTRL-F      = FORCES CARRIAGE RETURN

   Of course, the special PK-232 character CTRL-T continues to be the TIME and
does not have to be imbedded in a file to have that meaning.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--CONTROLLING THE TRANSCEIVER:

   The transceiver control functions are as follows:

o  F9 and F10 control the RIT.  Shift-F10 clears the RIT.  (Kenwoods only.)

o  Alt-F9 and ALT-F10 control the main frequency. (Kenwoods only.)

o  SHIFT-F9 tunes the transceiver to the current log entry from the terminal
   mode.

o  ALT-X tunes the transceiver from non-terminal modes.

   Note that the READ FILES function provides a prompt for loading the
transceiver from text files, and that the log reading functions (ALT-F7,
CTRL-F7, etc.) allow you to load the transceiver from a log entry.

   The format of a text file entry for loading the transceiver is illustrated
below:

 14.079.00/ 14.079.00 LSB  AMT  KR4P       LEE        PALM BAY, FLORIDA
 14.077.00/ 14.077.00 FSK  AMT  YV1AQE     WILLY      MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA
 14.115.00/ 14.115.00 LSB  PAC  AA6OK
 28.187.00/ 28.187.00 LSB  PAC  KR4P V YV1AQE


════Fa════╧════Fb════╧MDtx╧MDpk╧═CALL══<<TO ENTER FROM LOG: ALT-L════EXIT:ESC═


   Note how it aligns with the template on the edit prompt of the ACUTERM
mini-editor.  When using the mini-editor, also note that you can load a
file from a currently displayed log entry by positioning the cursor to
the line where you want the entry, and hitting ALT-L.

   A decimal point, separating kilohertz and hertz, must be present. (The
decimal point between megahertz and kiloherts is optional.)

   When you load a Kenwood transceiver from a file, or the log, the first
(receive) frequency will be loaded into VFO A, the second (transmit),
following the slash, will be loaded into VFO B, and the modes of both
transceiver and PK-232 will be loaded as well.

   The /(second frequency) is optional--if only one frequency is given, it
will be loaded into both VFO A and VFO B.

   If your entry is intended for packet, you may enter the call starting
at column 32 with the "via" path extending as far as necessary across the
screen.  (Packet entries should not have name, qth, or comments after the
call.)

   After loading the transceiver, and leaving the READ FILES mode, you will
find this call or its selcal in the CONNECT and ARQ boxes.  (Any logging
activity will erase or write over the selcal.)

   You don't need a transceiver interface to find the above useful!

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--RESETTING THE PK-232 FROM ACUTERM:

   If there is a possibility that another program has left some non-default
parameters in the PK-232, you may want to reset the PK-232.  Enter the verbose
command mode (SHIFT-F1), type "RESET, [ENTER]", and slowly tap the "*" key
until you get the introductory message.

   It is recommended that you exit ACUTERM at this point, and reboot it to
properly initialize the PK-232.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--DATABASE AND ACCESSORIES:

   KF8CU has written a DATABASE program, ACULOG. It allows you to sort and
print your ACUTERM log, allows you to handle QSL's as a batch process, and many
more functions.  These excellent programs are on this disk in the form of a
self-extracting ZIP file.  Run ACC.EXE to expand these programs.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OPERATING ACUTERM--TRANSLATING LOGS FROM ARIES AND LAN-LINK:

   KA1FXY has written a program to translate an ARIES I or LANLINK log to
ACUTERM, and vice versa.  It is included on this disk!

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--SETTING UP A VIRTUAL DISK:

   Hard drive users will very likely want to set up a virtual disk for working
access to their transcripts.  (Floppy users do not have to worry about this as
it is all taken care of or them by the ACUTERM disk.)

   What is a virtual disk?  A virtual disk is a simulated disk drive using RAM
memory.  A virtual disk is very very fast, and suffers no wear and tear.

   The suggested way of handling storage of ACUTERM's transcripts, which are
updated each carriage return, is to copy the current transcript from a hard
drive to the virtual disk just before an ACUTERM operating session, and to copy
it back to the hard drive immediately after the session.  (This is the function
of AT.BAT.)

   The benefits are faster speed, less wear on the disk drive, and one added
bonus.  When ACUTERM tries to write a transcript into a full disk drive, it
throws away all but the last 16 k of the transcript.  Because the virtual disk
is small (your choice, but usually 64 k), the transcripts can never grow to the
point where they take up the whole hard drive.  So the use of a virtual disk
or ram drive makes your transcript files self limiting.

   Follow the instructions in your DOS MANUAL to set up a virtual disk.  Look
under either RAMDRIVE or VDISK in the index--they are the same thing.


EXAMPLE:

   You make the virtual disk by inserting just one line in your computer's
CONFIG.SYS file (which is always found in the root directory).

   My computer calls the virtual disk setup program VDISK.SYS and has all DOS
accessory files, including VDISK.SYS, in a \DOS directory.  My CONFIG.SYS
file is:

   COUNTRY=001,437
   SHELL  =\COMMAND.COM /E:1024 /P
   DEVICE =\DOS\ANSI.SYS
   DEVICE =\DOS\VDISK.SYS
   FILES  =20
   BUFFERS=40

   What's to the right of the equal sign must be the COMPLETE and CORRECT PATH
to VDISK.SYS or RAMDRIVE.SYS, as the case may be.  The two most common problems
setting up a virtual disk are the wrong path to the .SYS file, and extra spaces
in the line.

   After you have modified your CONFIG.SYS, reset your computer and make sure
that you have a virtual disk.  For hard drive systems, it will be the letter
following that of the last physically present hard drive.

   After you have gotten your virtual disk established, make use of it by doing
the following:

o  See the section of these notes below, and modify the batch file AT.BAT as
   needed.

o  While running ACUTERM, go to the configuration routine (CTRL-F1) and choose
   the drive letter of your virtual disk (usually DRIVE E:\ACUTERM).

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--MODIFYING THE BATCH FILE:

   The primary purpose of the acuterm batch file is to allow the user lots
of flexibility in handling transcript files.

   ACUTERM itself is really a file called TERM.EXE, and the batch file
prepares things for it, runs it, then cleans up afterwards.

   There is a default way of handling this preparation and cleanup activity.
The default batch file is named AUTO.BAT.  It is automatically re-written every
time you change your configuration.  If you are not interested in any bells and
whistles, simply call \ACUTERM\AUTO to run ACUTERM.

   The automatic features can be combined with customized functions by having
AUTO.BAT contained in another batch file.  For example, AT.BAT can look like
this:

prompt SHELL--$p$g
call auto.bat
prompt $p$g
\mm

   Note that some DOS versions may not accept the "call" in the second line.
The "call" is required by DOS 3.3 (at least) in order to return to the
"prompt $p$g" after running auto.bat, and to have it restore the normal prompt.
If AT.BAT bombs in your DOS, remove the word "call".  If you leave ACUTERM,
and still have a strange prompt, you can:

o  Avoid the issue by removing the prompt commands from AT.BAT

o  Confront the issue by learning how to nest batch files with the COMMAND
   instruction.

   Of course, you can still do everything for yourself, and write an AT.BAT
that keeps a non-volatile record of only Channel 0 like this:

prompt SHELL--$p$g               (Option:Makes a special "shell" DOS prompt)
cd \acuterm                      (Changes the directory to \ACUTERM)
copy xscript0.dta d:\acuterm\*.* (Copies only Channel 0's transcript to vdisk)
term.exe                         (Runs ACUTERM)
copy d:\acuterm\xscript0.dta *.* (Copies Channel 0's transcript to hard drive)
prompt $p$g                      (Restores standard DOS prompt)
\mm                              (Calls MY main menu program)

   You can rewrite this file to concatenate the transcript files into one file,
or not store transcripts permanently at all.  See your DOS Manual.

   Note that you also can end this file with an instruction that returns you
to your menu.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--USING PARAMETER FILES:

   PARAMETER FILES allow you to execute sets of PK-232 commands.  These files
must be in the \ACUTERM\FILES directory and have .PAR extensions.  Don't insert
CTRL-C's in the commands.  Note that .PAR files with these special names are
run automatically:

        o INITIAL.PAR   (on booting if no call is installed)
        o FINAL.PAR     (on quiting)
        o VHFPKT.PAR    (on going to VHF PACKET with ALT-V or ALT-H)
        o HFPKT.PAR     (on going to HF PACKET with ALT-V or ALT-H)

   FINAL.PAR may be used to put your PK-232 parameters in a state suitable for
another terminal program on quiting.  If you normally run ACUTERM, delete it.

   VHFPKT.PAR and HFPKT.PAR are very useful, and allow you to set up any number
of parameters any time you switch from VHF to HF packet.

   You can have any number of *.PAR files, for special circumstances.  They are
run by selecting them from a menu (ALT-F1).

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--PORTS AND INTERRUPTS:

   Your computer must be set up with the standard address locations and
interrupt numbers assigned to COMM 1 ($03F8/IRQ4) and COMM 2 ($02F8/IRQ3).

   There are NO STANDARD addresses or interrupt assignments for serial ports
COMM 3 and COMM 4.  These addresses and interrupts are usually controlled by
dip switches on the serial board.

   Especially if you use COMM 3 or 4, remember that:

o  ACUTERM deals with ports by ADDRESSES, not COMM numbers.

o  If a transceiver interface is selected, the two COMM ports chosen for
   PK-232 and transceiver MUST BE SET UP TO HAVE DIFFERENT INTERRUPTS!

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--EDITING THE LOG:

   Editing the log as a whole is not normally necessary, but may be required if
the log must be reconstructed following a disk mishap.  If you suddenly find
your log entries misaligned, something bad has happened to your CHRONLOG.DTA
file, and it must be repaired before logging any more entries on it.  Back it
up immediately, and erase it before continuing to operate.

   The best way to assure that you don't lose your log is to back it up on
a regular schedule.

   For your information, each log entry is a character stream of 248
characters.  240 of the characters are the log text, with no line feed/carriage
returns, and the final eight are six characters of padding, for future
information, followed by one line feed/carriage return pair.

   If your log gets misaligned and you can't fix it, write for help.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--ACCESSORIES:

   Use ACUTERM'S batch file system to create your own set of accessories.
Bring up your menu of batch files with F6, or from the slider menu on the HELP
screen.  You can access all of the programs on your hard drive by writing a
batch file that calls your menu program.  Use the DOS exit of the program to
return to ACUTERM.

   You can enter DOS from ACUTERM by writing a batch file:

        CD \
        COMMAND

As with most DOS shells, to return to ACUTERM, you must enter the command EXIT.

   For binary file transfers, I recommend (and use) PACKET GOLD from INTERFLEX.
It can be called from ACUTERM.

   You may also want to write batch files to access gray-line programs,
satellite tracking programs, and other frequently used amateur radio software.

   Note that in order for the batch file system to function, a copy of the
COMMAND.COM file must exist in the root directory of the disk drive from which
ACUTERM is running.  Example: an 85 MEG hard drive is partitioned into C, D,
and E, and ACUTERM is in D.  An extra copy of COMMAND.COM should be copied into
the root directory of D.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--AUTOMATIC CARRIAGE RETURNS:

   Automatic carriage returns are built into ACUTERM for typed and macro input.
Files are sent "as is".

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TECHNICAL TOPICS--GLITCHES:

   While ACUTERM is compatible with many TSR utilities, WINDOWS 3.0, and many
DRIVERS, anything that distracts a communications program from the care and
feeding of its UART's will cause problems.  Glitches can often be fixed by
removing an unnecessary command from a CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

   This concludes feature discussion.

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

BULLETIN--THE MISSING EXCLAMATION POINT:

   I am sure you are as tired of trying to get along without an exclamation
mark as I am.

   Call AEA at 206-775-7373 and tell them that you want them to get to the
POINT!

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

CLOSING REMARKS:

   ACUTERM has a copyright notice on the introductory screen.  All licensed
amateur radio operators are free to copy and distribute ACUTERM, provided that
it is not for profit of any kind and that these notes are contained in the
copy.

   Any distribution involving any fee, as a shareware "service" for example,
requires permission from the author.  (This is to assure that the latest
version is made available.)

   ACUTERM has not, so far, been a commercial product, shareware or otherwise.
Of the people requesting ACUTERM from me, 55% have contributed.  This just
about covers the cost of mailing an average of 2.9 disks per contributor, to
say nothing of long distance phone calls, a worn out 360k drive, etc.

   Beginning with ACUTERM 0.440, an evaluation period of 50 log entries is
provided until a registration number is needed.  By the end of that period, you
should be able to decide whether ACUTERM is worth a modest donation to express
interest and keep the program developing.

   Suggested donations are:

      FOR REGISTRATION NUMBER:

        NEW USERS (U.S.):                  $20
        NEW USERS (NON-U.S.)               OPTIONAL
        PREVIOUS DONATORS OF $20 OR MORE:  $00

      FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATE:

        U.S. USERS                         $10
        NON-U.S. USERS                     OPTIONAL

   Please do NOT send discs, mailers, S.A.S.E.'s, or carrier pigeons.

   Feel free to provide updated versions of ACUTERM to other users or
interested parties.  (Make sure that no CONFIG.STR is present on the copy so as
to facilitate installation.)

   If you get an unsolicited update disc from me, it is because I want your
feedback, not your money.

   Do not encourage people to call or write me asking for "information about
ACUTERM".  Please give it to them yourself, with a disc if possible.  ACUTERM
WILL NOT WORK ON KANTRONICS OR MFJ CONTROLLERS!

   Correspondence may be sent to:

        W.R.KISSEL--N8BA @ WA8OOH.MI.USA.NA
        1331 E. DAWSON
        MILFORD, MICH. 48381

   For consultation (no "orders" please!) you may call:

        313-685-8671

between 7 PM to 9 PM only, including weekends.

   CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD PROVIDE COMPUTER INFORMATION (PROCESSOR, VIDEO ADAPTOR
TYPE, COMM PORTS EQUIPPED, SERIAL CONFIGURATION, DISK CONFIGURATION, ANY
UNUSUAL ACCESSORIES, ETC.) AND PK-232 FIRMWARE REVISION.

   PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND--IF YOU HAVE ONE--VHF PACKET HOME BBS.

   Finally, I'd like to express my thanks to ACUTERM's beta evaluators,
especially Lee--KR4P, Willy--YV1AQE, Brian--KA1FXY, Jack--AA6OK, Gary--AH6KM,
John--KF8CU, Fred--N4FG, Adolf--K8SCA, and Angie, W8ERN.

   With their encouragement, interest, insight, nagging, rum, and other
contributions, ACUTERM has become a group project and so much fun that we might
run out of REV numbers before its done!


                                       73, BILL--N8BA