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QCOM.EXE
Revision 2.93
July 11, 1992
------------------------------------------
Copyright 1990-1992 by RTFM Software and Richard W. Turenne
Winnipeg, Mb.
All Rights Reserved
All users are granted a limited license to try QCom for a reasonable
evaluation period to determine its' suitability.
QCom is USER SUPPORTED. It is not Public Domain and is not free.
This means, if you decide to use this program, please show your
support by registering it with the author.
To add INCENTIVE, those who register will be shown how to utilize
the user defineable functions. Users can pre-define other
external dos functions, or other external protocols, or batch files,
and access them with a single keystroke. Additionally, they will be
able to eliminate the "nag" screen when ending QCom.
------------------------------------------------------------------
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum of one floppy drive, 256K or more memory, and a modem of
course.
INTRODUCTION to QCom:
QCOM is a compact communications program that attempts to pack in
maximum of function, form and ease of use into a small package. It
was decided to primarily use external protocols for files transfers
because there are many available from which to choose. And as the
technology of protocols progresses, it's a simple matter to keep your
communication software operating at the current state of the art.
Note: All references to DSZ also apply to GSZ by Omen Technology.
QCOM is tailored to use the shareware program DSZ by Omen Technology
to handle most file transfers. When a file is to be transferred,
QCOM passes the proper commandline to DSZ which then handles all the
work of transferring and error checking. It provides commonly used
Xmodem, Ymodem and Zmodem transfer methods.
(QCom can also be set up to use any other external protocol. See the
section on OTHER EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS.)
When the file transfer is finished, QCOM resumes control.
NOTE:
DSZ.COM must be present in the default directory or in the DOS
path if you wish to transfer files. DSZ or GSZ may be obtained from
many local online sources.
FIRST TIME SETUP AND CONFIGURATION:
Run the QCom Setup utility called QS.EXE. Enter Com Port, screen
colors and select your modem from the list. Pressing ENTER will
update the QCom configuration file. Follow any instructions
relating to modem switches or jumpers.
Run QCOM. Wait a few moments while the modem is being initialized.
An error message usually means the modem has not been properly
initialized. Correct modem initialization is critical to all
operations that involve the modem. If the string from QCom Setup
is incorrect, please advise the author so that corrections can be
made.
In the mean time, you may need to refer to your modem instruction
manual if you still have problems. One way to check initialization
is to press ALT-M when at the terminal screen to reinitialize the
modem.
If you get "ERROR" back from the modem then there is something in the
string that it doesn't understand. Refer to your modem manual to
remove any incorrect modem commands from the string. Pressing ALT-O
when in QCom allows you to edit the modem string contained in the
configuration file. Also see the Trouble Shooting section that
follows later.
All configuration data is stored in the text file called QCOM.CFG.
If you wish, you can edit the file with any ascii editor as long as a
few rules are adhered to:
a)The sequence and number of items in the file must not be altered.
b)Each line should be no longer than 80 characters. Longer lines
are truncated to 80 characters.
c)Comments, if used, must be kept behind semicolons.
d)The editor must not insert any hidden formatting or control
characters into the text. If in doubt about your editor, edit it
within QCom using ALT-O.
CONFIGURATION CONTINUED...
NOTE:
The "|" character will send a carriage return to the modem. The
"~" is a half-second pause to allow the modem time to execute the
commands in the initialization string. Some modems need more time
than others. The pause is executed by QCom and the modem will not
actually receive the "~" character.
Function key definitions are shown in the last ten lines. You can
configure your own "macros" here. Control codes can be sent with
the use of the "^" character.
Example:
^[ = an escape character
^M = a carriage return
Refer to any good ASCII chart for others.
COMMANDLINE PARAMETERS:
In addition to specifying a script, the user can specify an
alternate configuration file and an alternate phone directory file.
This allows network users to have CFG and FON files tailored to
their individual needs.
Switches are:
/S = load and execute script file
/C = load alternate configuration file
/P = load alternate phone directory
Usage is: QCOM [/Sfilename.SCR] [/Cfilename.CFG] [/Pfilename.FON]
Users may use the options in any sequence. The switches (/S,/C,/P)
must NOT have a space preceding the filename. When the commandline
options are not used, QCom defaults to QCom.CFG and QCom.FON.
TERMINAL EMULATION:
This version has built-in support for ANSI-BBS and straight TTY.
Pressing ALT-K will toggle between the two.
STATUS LINE EXPLANATION:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alt-Z:Help │SEC │ Host system name Online 05:55:55 │Z│ COM1:2400N8
----------------------------------------------------------------------
| |||| | | | | |
| |||| | | | | |
Commands |||| | | | | |
Script on -- ||| | | | | |
Echo On ----- || | | | | |
Capture On --- | | | | | |
Alarm Off ----- | | | | |
Host name --------------- | | | |
Carrier status --------------------------- | | |
Time connected ----------------------------------- | |
Transfer protocol -------------------------------------- |
Communication port, baud, parity and databits ------------------
FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS:
Transfer protocols are what DSZ uses as a method of flow-control and
error-checking when transferring files. These protocols are
specified when adding to the Dialing Directory. The Dialing
Directory is displayed when you press ALT-D.
The use of ZModem protocol is recommended if the host computer has
the option available. QCom defaults to ZModem with crash recovery
and Moby Turbo enabled (z-rm). This can be changed by bringing up
the configuration screen with ALT-O and editing the default ZModem
line.
When selecting XModem protocol, QCom defaults to using the built-in
XModem instead of DSZ's. This can be changed by editing the
appropriate line in QCom.CFG (press ALT-O in QCOM).
If it becomes necessary to change your transfer protocol while on-
line, you can do so by pressing ALT-T. A box will pop up to allow
you to make the change. The current protocol is displayed in the
right-hand box on the status line (see STATUS LINE EXPLANATION
below). It is VERY important that the protocols at the receiving and
transmitting ends are the same, otherwise DSZ will give a "Time Out"
error message and abort without transferring anything.
Finding the required information on setting protocols in the DSZ
documentation can be challenging. QCom gives the user a menu to
simplify selection and will send the command string that DSZ looks
for. The following show the protocol commands QCom sends to DSZ.
FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS CONTINUED...
Protocol: DSZ Command string:
ZModem "z -rm" (Can be changed in QCom.CFG)
YModem Batch "b -cy"
YModem-G "b -cgy"
XModem-CRC "x -cy"
XModem-1K "x -cky"
XModem-1K-G "x -cgy"
The command that QCom gives to DSZ is the port and CONNECT baud rate
currently in use, followed by an "s" or an "r" (depending on whether
the file is being sent or received) and the protocol string as in the
above examples.
TIP: Other options can be added by using SET DSZOPT=options in the
autoexec.bat file. See the DSZ docs for options.
The download path is added to the end of the commandline when
downloading. An unregistered copy of DSZ will ignore download paths.
The upload path precedes the filename specified by the user when the
upload command is issued.
TIP: If you upload files from different sub directories, keep the
default upload path blank in the QCom.CFG file. When prompted for
the file to upload, enter the path and filename together
(Eg. C:\QCOM\QCOM.ZIP").
Another tip: Put the line "SET DSZLOG=C:\QCOM\QCOM.LOG" in your
Autoexec.bat file and DSZ will keep a log of your file transfers in
QCOM.LOG (This assumes that you have installed QCom on drive C: in a
subdirectory \QCOM. You may change the path and log filename as you
wish.).
File transfers may be aborted with ESC followed by several CTRL-
BREAK's.
OTHER EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS:
QCom can be set up to use most external protocols. Non-registered
uses can jump to Dos (ALT-J) and manually execute the external prot-
ocol. Registered users will be shown how to pass parameters to the
external protocols and execute them with a single keystroke.
Note: An unregistered copy of QCom is not "crippled". The instruct-
ions for using this feature of QCom are provided to all those who
register.
SCREEN COLORS:
Screen colors can be changed by modifying values given in the
configuration file QCom.CFG. The easiest way is to use QS.EXE, the
QCom Setup program.
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS:
ALT-A:
Toggles the sound functions on or off.
ALT-B:
Allows the user to scroll back up to 500 lines of received data.
Search capabilities are provided for finding particular text and
the whole buffer can be written to disk using the Save command,
"S" (the filename defaults to "QComBuff.Txt") or erase the buffer
with "E". "Q" is for quoting previously received text. When "Q" is
pressed another menu of choices is presented and one line of text
will be highlighted. This highlighted line can be moved through
the buffer with the cursor keys, Home, End, PgUp, or PgDn. Lines
can be tagged or untagged by pressing "T" or the SPACE bar. Once
text is selected, it can be save to disk with "F" or immediately
sent to the host with "S". This last feature allows you to quote
lines from a message and return them to the host's editor when
answering that message online. "U" will untag all tagged lines
as will sending or filing.
ALT-C:
Communication parameters can be modified here. These changes
are in effect until changed again or until QCom ends.
Com Port must be set in QCOm.CFG. Port changes will not take
effect unless QCom is restarted.
ALT-D:
Displays the dialing directory. Use the arrow keys to select
a number and ENTER to dial that number. Other keys that are
PGUP, PGDN, HOME and END. HOT TIP: Pressing ALT and a letter
will put the cursor on the first line beginning with that
letter.
Add a new entry with "A" or edit an existing one with "E". To
delete an entry press "D". You can dial the phone with a
manually entered number using "M".
Phone entries can be tagged or untagged with the Space bar.
This will cause QCom to continuously dial all tagged numbers
until a connection is made. Dialing of tagged numbers will
commence when the Enter key is pressed. Once a connection is
made and broken you will be returned to the Dialing Directory.
Continuous dialing will resume where it left off if Enter is
pressed again.
ALT-E:
Toggles local echo on or off. This is used when the host does
not echo back the characters that you enter. An "E" is
displayed in the left-hand box on the status line when local
echo is on.
ALT-G:
Toggles output to printer on and off. Allows all incoming text to
be sent to the printer. Make sure the printer is online.
ALT-H:
Sends the hang-up string to the modem and toggles DTR.
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS Continued...
ALT-I:
Will save the current screen image to a text file as specified
in the QCom.CFG file. Default filename is QCOM.SCN which can
be changed by editing the QCom.CFG file (use ALT-O).
ALT-J:
Allows shelling out to DOS without ending QCOM. External
programs can be executed while on-line. The user could make
use of other external file transfer protocols here if desired.
Though there is a better way. See registration section.
ALT-K:
Toggles between ANSI and TTY terminal emulation.
ALT-L:
Toggles the "capture" function. If on, all incoming text will
be saved in a file named as specified in the QCom.CFG file.
Default is QCOM.CAP. IF the file does not exist in the
default directory, it will be created. Otherwise data is
appended to an existing capture file. A "C" is displayed in
the left-hand box on the status line when capture is on.
ALT-M:
Sends the modem initialization string to the modem. This
string is automatically sent upon start-up (providing no
carrier is present).
ALT-N:
Split-screen separates incoming and outgoing keystrokes
during a "chat" session.
ALT-O:
Brings up the QCOM.CFG file to the screen for editing.
Press F10 to save the file and to set the Communication
parameters as shown in the file. Esc exits and makes no
changes.
If it were necessary to change baud or any other Communication
parameter while online, use ALT-O to edit and F10 to set
parameters. Changing the port specified here will have no
effect unless QCom is restarted.
ALT-P:
Sends the current password from an entry of the Dialing
directory when you have dialed and connected to that entry.
ALT-Q:
Load and execute a script.
ALT-R:
Re-dials the last phone number dialed when no entries are
"Tagged", or if entries are "Tagged", it will continue dialing
those.
ALT-S:
Toggles the Script Save function. See the Script section for
more information on making and using scripts.
ALT-T:
Allows changing of the transfer protocol currently in effect.
This can be done while on-line.
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS Continued...
ALT-V:
Allows the use of an external editor or file viewer. The
editor (or file viewer) of choice is defined in the
configuration file.
ALT-U:
Will send a pure ascii text file to the host with no error-
checking. Ascii transfer is used to send a text file to the
host PC. For example, you might use it when sending a message
to an electronic mail service. Instead of editing the message
on-line, you can prepare your message in advance. Once on-
line, go into the message editing screen on the host and then
use ALT-U to upload your file.
ALT-W:
Wipes the screen clear.
ALT-X:
Ends QCOM.
ALT-Y:
QCom becomes the host computer. It will wait for any incoming
phone calls until ESC is pressed. When a call is received, QCom
will answer the phone. QCom sends the contents of QCOMHOST.MSG
to the caller's PC. You can edit this file to suit your own
needs using an ANSI "editor" like TheDraw.
After this message file is sent, the caller is shown the
following menu:
"(H)elp (A)rea (F)iles (C)hat (U)pload (D)ownLoad (P)rotocol (G)oodbye"
The caller can select one of the choices or the Host can enter
selections.
"Help" sends a brief help screen to the user.
"Area" allows the user to change to a different subdirectory.
"Files" allows the user to list specified files in that
subdirctory.
"Chat" will allow a dialogue between each PC. To end Chat
and return to the menu, the Host must press ESC.
"Upload" will send a file to the Host using DSZ ZModem.
"Download" will send a file to the caller in a similar manner.
If the caller specifies the correct path and filename, he will
be able to download a file from anywhere on the Host system.
"Proto" will allow the caller to select XModem, YModem or
ZModem protocols when transferring files.
"Goodbye" will terminate the connection.
As Host, you can also terminate the call by pressing ALT-H to
hangup. QCom will then wait for the next caller. ALT-X will
also terminate the call and in addition, end QCom.
A local Host mode test is available: Press ENTER when waiting
for incoming calls. This allows preparation and preview of
your own host welcome messages or help screens.
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS Continued...
PGUP:
Uploads (sends) a file to the other system. You will be
prompted to enter a filename to upload. The file can be
preceded by a path only if NO upload path is specified in
QCOM.CFG. If the host supports batch uploads then you can
take advantage of DSZ's capabilities; when prompted for a file
to upload enter the name of a file containing a list of the
files you wish to upload. Precede the filename with an "@" .
Example: "@files.lst". Or you can use QCom to create a list
file for you. When prompted for a file to upload press ENTER
with any global file specification (*.* or *.zip). You will
be shown a box containing filenames based on that specification.
From here simply use the cursor keys to select a files and Mark
them with "M". When finished marking press ENTER and QCom will
create "Files.LST" and pass that to DSZ for you.
PGDN:
Downloads (receives) a file from the host computer. If XModem
or YModem are the protocols in effect, you'll be prompted to
enter the filename to receive. QCom tries to guess the
filename based on recently entered text and places its' guess
at the prompt.
If ZModem is in effect, entry of filenames is not required and
in fact, pressing PGDN is not required because QCom will call
DSZ automatically when it receives the Zmodem Receive string.
ALT-=:
Toggles "Doorway" mode. This removes the status line when in
Doorway mode and gives full screen display for using remote
applications.
Allows you to make full use of all keys while online. All
Alt-key combinations except ALT-= are sent out and their usual
functions are disabled in this mode. For example, PgUp,
PgDn, Home, End and the cursor key codes are transmitted. You
might make use of this when using a full-screen editor while
online or when using your PC as a dumb terminal on a non-DOS
system such as Unix. Status line and all key functions are
restored when Doorway mode is turned off.
ALT-Minus:
Enables/disables debugging during script execution. Status
line displays the next line of text which QCom is looking for.
Ctrl-END
Sends Break signal to host. Used for terminating some mainframe
connections.
F1-F10:
Sends the text as listed in the last ten lines of QCom.CFG.
You can put your name, password, special key codes or whatever
you wish here. 80 characters max on each line.
Ctrl-F1
Displays the "Function Key Macros" as they appear in QCom.CFG.
Ctrl-F2
Displays the "Alt Key Macros" for registered users.
SCRIPTS:
Scripts are used for automating repetitive tasks such as dialing,
logging in to an online service, and transferring files or
electronic mail. A script is generally made up of a series of
commands for QCom to execute at the appropriate time. The script
can tell QCom to send text to the host or it can make QCom execute
one of its' internal functions.
MAKING A SCRIPT:
QCom has a built-in Script-save feature to simplify the creation of
scripts. To create a typical login script you would do the
following:
1. From the Dialing Directory dial the number.
2. When the host answers and immediately after the Dialing box
clears, press Alt-S to start the script saver. It will prompt
you to enter the name of your script. If, for example, you're
calling CompuServe, you could name it CIS.SCR.
3. QCom will save each line of incoming text which prompts you for
input. For example the host may prompt you...
ENTER YOUR FULL NAME :
To which you respond by typing in your name and pressing ENTER
when the name is complete. Always type entries in, don't use
Function key macros when saving a script. If/when prompted to
press "ANY" key always press ENTER. QCom will store the host's
prompt, and the text you have entered in the script.
(Also Note: BBS software that has "HotKey" menu choices where
the user is not required to press ENTER after selecting a letter
is great BUT... when it comes to saving a script QCom will NOT
save the line unless you press ENTER. So when saving a script
turn off the Hotkey feature at the BBS end.)
4. QCom will also store any commands you give it such as ALT-L
to turn on the capture function.
5. When you wish to stop saving a script press Alt-S again.
6. To have this new script execute when you call this number again,
add the name of your script into that entry in the Dialing
Directory. The next time you dial that number the script will be
loaded and executed.
Sample script :
put a message on screen
;ECHO ^M This is the start of my script! ^M
let's capture the session to file.txt
;a-L file.txt
Do you want graphics (Enter)=no;^M
What is your full name?;John Doe^M
sends password from the Directory entry we just dialed
Password (Dots will echo)?;a-P
Scan Message Base Since 'Last Read' (Enter)=yes;^M
Press (Enter) to continue;^M
MAKING A SCRIPT Continued...
receiving (downloading) a file
min. left) Main Board Command?;d^M
Filename to Download (Enter)=none?;file.arc^M
downloads "file.arc"
;D/L file.arc
Press (Enter) to continue;^M
goodbye
min. left) Main Board Command?;g^M
give hangup command
;a-H Y
execute another script
;a-Q MyBBS.SCR
The following is an example of a script that connects to
CompuServe through the DataPac network.
;ECHO Logging in to CompuServe. Please wait...
send "..." when connected
;...^M
send node id number when the word DATAPAC is received
DATAPAC;P 12345678^M
CompuServe Information Service
Host Name:;CIS^M
insert your user ID
User ID:;12345,6789^M
send password from dialing directory
Password:;a-P
check for mail or whatever
Enter choice!;5^M
etc, etc.
See the included file QCOM.SCR for more examples on scripting.
Note: When saving a script, QCom saves every line of incoming text on
which the user is prompted for input AND which is terminated with a
carriage return ( by pressing the ENTER key). Any line that prompts
the user and does not require the ENTER key to be pressed, will NOT
be saved in the script. Such lines would have to be manually typed
into the script with a text editor.
MAKING A SCRIPT Continued...
In order to use a script automatically, put the name of the
script file in the SCRIPT column in the Dialing Directory.
One way to create a new script is to capture a session and then
edit it to conform to the above format, using the semicolons to
separate incoming and outgoing text. Any unnecessary text can be
deleted from the capture file (such as news bulletins, etc.).
Rename the file using ".SCR" as the extension in your script
filename.
COMMANDLINE SCRIPTS:
Commandline scripts allow you to start Qcom, dial a number, transfer
files, hangup and end Qcom automatically.
To create such a COMMANDLINE script, run Qcom, press ALT-S before
going into the Dialing Directory . Enter the name of your script,
and proceed to step the program through the whole dialing and
connection procedure. Qcom will save your commands as well as the
text coming in and going out.
To execute this script from the commandline use:
"QCom /SMyScript.scr"
The "/S" tells QCom that the following is the name of a script to
execute. You must use the full script filename.
When a script is executing you will see an upper case "S" on the
Status line. To stop script execution at any time, press ESC.
Note:
When your script dials a directory entry that has another script
specified, the second script will be ignored. You can, however,
call another script by using the ALT-Q command.
(eg. ";a-Q ANOTHER.SCR").
SCRIPT COMMANDS:
Most Script commands consist of shorthand for the keystrokes
you would use when manually running QCom. The ALT-Key commands
that QCom understands can be entered into a script with ";a-"
followed by the letter you wish to use. Eg. ALT-P would be ";a-p".
Upper or lower case will work.
Exceptions: ALT-- (ALT-Minus) and ALT-= cannot be saved or executed
in a script.
SCRIPT COMMANDS CONTINUED...
The following are script commands that may be manually added to
scripts. These are NOT included in Saved scripts.
"ANY" - used to send a given response to text that is received
repeatedly.
eg. ;ANY Press any key;^M Whenever "Press any key" is
received, a carriage return will be sent. This will remain
in effect until the ANY command is used again in the script
to specify new incoming text.
eg. ANY
This effectively "turns off" a previous ANY command. QCom
will no longer respond to the previously specified incoming
text.
"DEBUG ON" -used in script debugging
The Status line shows which line of incoming text the
script is waiting for. This allows you to compare a script
line to actual received text to check for spelling errors
or typos in cases where a script is not working properly.
Pressing ALT-V during a debug session will load your script
into your editor so you can make corrections on the fly.
"DEBUG OFF" -used to turn off the debug function.
"ECHO" - used to print text on the local screen.
eg. ";ECHO Please wait. Auto Logon in progress..."
Text can be colorized and positioned on screen
using ANSI escape codes.
"LOG" - will save date, hostname, start time and duration
of calls in optional specified filename. If no log file
is specified, QCom defaults to "USAGE.LOG".
eg. ";LOG CIS.LOG" could store a log of calls to
CompuServe. Also provided is a utility to total the
durations of calls, named QTT.EXE. Usage: QTT LogFile.
"WAIT" - will pause the execution of a script for a specified
number of seconds. Eg. ";WAIT 5" will pause everything
for five seconds. Do not pause for too long if you expect
to have incoming data during this time. Hitting any key
will terminate a pause and continue the script.
"DOS" Allows you to shell to Dos and execute batch files or
whatever. Use the /WAIT switch after the commandline if
you wish to pause the display before returning to QCom.
eg:
;DOS vampire.bat /WAIT
SCRIPT COMMANDS CONTINUED...
"ASK" Used to get user input from the keyboard. This will display
your "User Prompt" in a box and wait for user input. When
the user presses Enter, QCom will compare the user's input
to the text in "Answer". If it is the same then the script
will go to the "Label". Otherwise the script will continue
with the next line. Use commas to separate the prompt,
answer and label.
Usage: ;ASK User Prompt ,Answer,Label
eg:
;ASK Download your mail? (Y/N) ,Y,DownLoad Mail
;GOTO No Download
:DownLoad Mail
;...
"GOTO" To branch to another part of the script.
eg:
;GOTO Label 1
or...
When this text is received;GOTO Label 2
"CALL" To go to another part of the script and execute until the
RET (Return) command is encountered. It returns to the line
following the Call. Calls can be nested 255 levels.
eg:
When this text is received;CALL Label 3
or...
;Call Label 3
;END
:Label 3
Look for this text;send something^M
;RET
"RET" As above, used to return from a CALL. A RET must not be
executed unless a CALL has been executed first. RET cannot
be used with GOTO.
Usage: ;RET
"T/O" Timeout for incoming text. A given timeout value will apply
to any script line waiting for incoming text which follows
the T/O command.
To enable timeout use: ;T/O Seconds
To disable timeout use: ;T/O 0
Example:
;T/O 10
Wait for text for 10 seconds;Send if received before 10 secs
Otherwise wait for this for 10 seconds;...etc.
Disable timeout
;T/O 0
SCRIPT COMMANDS CONTINUED...
"END" Used to stop script execution.
eg:
;END
or...
When this text is received;END
The following are script commands that may be manually added to
scripts. These ARE included in Saved scripts.
"DIAL" -dials the entry specified. Eg. ";DIAL CompuServe"
"U/L" -uploads the specified file Eg. ";U/L Myfile.Zip"
"D/L" -downloads the specified file Eg. ";D/L Myfile.Zip"
"BREAK" -sends a BREAK signal to the host Eg. ";BREAK"
Labels:
Like labels in batch files, a label is preceded by a colon and can
consist of one or more words or numbers. No semi colon is used as
in other script lines.
eg:
:Label 1
:Label 2
In a QCom script, the semicolon is all important. It divides each
line into incoming and outgoing text. Lines beginning with a semi-
colon are commands that QCom will execute (such as an ALT-Key
command).
Also note that only the first semicolon is used as a divider.
Subsequent semicolons are treated as regular text.
Any line of text in a script with no semicolon or colon is ignored
by QCom and can be used as a comment line for clarification when
viewing or editing the script.
Script execution takes place only in the terminal screen. If your
script executes something like ALT-B (ScrollBack) or ALT-Z (Help),
manual input will be necessary to return to the terminal screen to
continue script execution.
FINAL NOTE ON SCRIPTS:
When saving a script, incoming phone noise may be saved during a
session and will have to be edited out before using the script.
It's wise to double-check a newly created script for any unwanted
characters. Any pure text editor can be used to edit or create a
script file.
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
Symptom: "Cannot initialize Com Port x" error message. (x = 1 to 4)
Meaning of error message: Qcom cannot find the Com Port that is
specified in the configuration file (QCom.CFG).
Possible causes:
1. Error in configuration file. The number specified there does not
match the Com Port used by the modem.
2. Hardware problem. Two or more devices are configured for the same
Com port or the Com port specified is not installed.
Check that there is no conflict in hardware interrupt settings.
If two serial devices attempt to use the same Interrupt (IRQ)
setting chances are, neither will work. Typical settings would be:
Com1 using IRQ 4, at I/O 3F8h
Com2 using IRQ 3, at I/O 2F8h
Com3 using IRQ 4, at I/O 3E8h
Com4 using IRQ 3, at I/O 2E8h
3. Software conflict. A memory resident program that ties up the Com
port has been previously executed and has not been deinstalled.
Carbon Copy is an example of such a program.
Symptom: "Modem not responding"
Meaning of message: Modem did not respond with "OK" within the
alotted time.
Possible causes: See the following:
Symptom: Modem does not dial out. Modem does not receive some/all
commands sent by QCom.
Possible causes:
1. Baud rate specified in the configuration file is too high for the
modem.
Set the default baud rate to your modem's fastest speed. Modem
will send back an "OK" when you initialize the modem (Alt-M) if
all is well.
2. External modem is not powered up or not connected properly.
3. Possible hardware conflicts with another installed serial device.
Internal modem has been improperly installed or configured.
4. Modem initialization or dialing prefix strings are incorrect.
Refer to the Modem instruction manual for the correct strings for
your modem.
TROUBLE SHOOTING Continued...
5. Modem is incorrectly configured. Refer to modem manual and set
modem dip switches or NVRam for the following:
a) Modem must track the actual state of DCD (Carrier) and not be
forced.
b) Modem should track DTR and not be forced.
c) Modem MUST send back verbal result codes such as "OK" or
"CONNECT", etc.
6. See the following
Symptom: QCom status line says "Online" even when not.
Cause:
Modem Carrier Detect line is forced on. This MUST toggle on or
off depending on the actual Carrier state. This is set with a
modem dip switch or a command sent in the initialization string.
Refer to the modem manual. Edit the initialization string if
necessary and use Alt-M to manually send the string to the modem.
Or toggle the Carrier detect dip-switch if present.
Many modem factories typically set this to default to always on.
One result of this is QCom will prompt you whether you want to
initialize the modem at start-up which is an unnecessary annoyance
(the prompt is necessary in the instance where QCom is used as a
dumb terminal attached directly to another machine).
Symptom: Pressing Alt-M to re-initialize the modem gets back
"ERROR" from the modem.
Cause:
The modem initialization string (line six in the QCom.CFG file)
contains command(s) that the modem does not understand. Or, the
command string is too lengthy. Refer to the modem manual and
remove any command not found in the manual. Long initialization
strings can be broken up into two sections with "^M~~~AT" inserted
about halfway.
Symptom: QCom reports "Unable to find DSZ.COM or DSZ.EXE"
Cause:
DSZ.COM or DSZ.EXE are not found in the default directory (the
same directory as QCom) or in the search path. Put DSZ into
correct directory.
ONLINE SUPPORT BBS:
To obtain further help, or for the latest update of Qcom, you
can call the support BBS:
************************************************
* Programmer's Oasis, Ph. 1-204-943-0114. *
* (watch for a new phone number in Sept./92) *
************************************************
When calling in, login as a new user with your full name and
password of your choice. After answering a few questions you
will be given the opportunity to go into the QCom area.
Once there you will have 30 minutes to send or receive messages
and download files. Questions about QCom should be directed
to the author, not the Sysops.
Sysops Brian Lowe and Bernie Minuk are to be commended for
all their effort and enthusiasm in setting up and maintaining
this support area on their BBS. Thanks guys, for doing an
outstanding job.
DISCLAIMER:
This software is provided "as is" without warranty either express or
implied. The user assumes all responsibility in determining its'
usefulness and or fitness for any purpose, and assumes all risks and
liabilities including damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, or loss of business information arising from the
operation of this software.
**************************************************
QCOM REGISTRATION
If you use QCom, please register it. This
software is the result of a great deal of time
and effort. Please support its' continued development
and the Shareware concept.
To add incentive, those who register will be shown how to utilize
the user defineable functions. Users can pre-define other
external protocols, for example, and access them with a single
keystroke.
The one-time registration fee is a modest $20.00.
To receive a copy of the absolute latest version on
disk, send an additional $5.00 to cover cost
of disk, packaging and mailing. Specify disk
size desired and your current version.
A quick mailer is provided in the file called Register.
Send a check or money order to:
RTFM Software
206-215 Watson St.
Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
R2P 2E1
Your comments, questions, suggestions and bug reports
are always welcome whether or not you register.
Drop me a note, leave a message on CompuServe I.D. 72361,3117.
Or, leave a message on Programmer's Oasis BBS, Ph. 1-204-943-0114.
**************************************************