Simtel MSDOS - Coast to Coast/simteldosarchivecoasttocoast2.iso/packet/kmtrm120.zip/README

Text File | 1993-03-12 | 6KB | 132 lines

KAMterm:  Copyright 1992,1993 by Jim Graham, N5IAL (All Rights Reserved)

[The following is extracted from kamterm.doc, and is a short summary of
what Host Mode is, and the features that KAMterm provides you with by
using Host Mode, thus giving you a more powerful interface to your TNC.]

PREFACE

As part of their more recent firmware in their TNCs, Kantronics offers
a special mode of operation known as Host Mode.  Host Mode differs from
the ``normal'' operating mode in many respects, and offers a great
deal of additional capabilities when using Host Mode terminal software.

What Does Host Mode Buy You?

First, you can (assuming you have the KAM, as opposed to the KPC, etc.)
operate in a non-packet mode on HF, while operating packet on VHF.
(Without Host Mode, attempting to operate non-packet modes on HF while
connected on VHF packet will get you a ``NOT WHILE CONNECTED'' response
from the KAM.)

In addition, regardless of the type of Kantronics TNC, the special block
format of Host Mode allows you to do many things in Host Mode that can
not be done in normal command mode.

For example, in normal command mode, all data, regardless of the
port/stream it is from, is simply dumped to your screen, and each time
you wish to change streams, you must issue a command to the TNC to
change it to the new stream.

In Host Mode, however, the data block identifies the stream from which
incoming data is arriving, which provides for the design of a windowed
environment, such as KAMterm.  In such an environment, the data for
each stream can be given its own window, thus keeping things cleaner on
the screen.  In KAMterm, you need not keep telling the TNC which stream
you wish to work with --- the Host Mode data format takes care of this
for you.  Outgoing data is automatically set to the port/stream
associated with the window you are currently viewing.

A related feature is the ability to have an entirely separate screen
for command entry (same as you would have with the TNC at the cmd:
prompt) and for monitor output, once again keeping the screen much more
organized.

All of this boils down to being able to have multiple connections open,
with a different screen for everything.  To change from one conversation
to another, you simply move to the next screen and the software takes
care of the rest for you automatically.

There are other features derived from this in KAMterm, such as the
ability to keep an eye on one stream while in another stream's window,
the AMTOR XMITECHO window (which displays the text as it is transmitted
without interfering with other operations).  These and other features
will be described in more detail later.

1.0)  INTRODUCTION

KAMterm is designed around several basic concepts:

*) Each active stream has its own window.

*) There is a separate screen for command mode and for monitor mode.

*) You can switch between screens with a single keystroke.

*) There is a ``priority window'' that you can use to display any
   incoming data on a given stream while working with another stream.

*) KAMterm is designed to be extremely simple to operate.

*) KAMterm will NOT modify your TNC's parameters unless you ask it to.

*) If you choose to do so, you have the ability to create startup and/or
   exit command files that will configure the KAM for you.

*) When logging to a file, KAMterm will try to keep things organized by
   adding a line above any text it logs indicating who said what.

*) In some menus, if you have a mouse, the mouse can be used for those
   menus.

*) Normally, host mode does not have some of the things normal command
   mode does---these are ``faked'' in KAMterm, and the appropriate
   action is taken.  These include:

  *) fake command prompt (hcmd:)
  *) |n to switch to VHF stream n for command window i/o commands
  *) ~n---same idea, except for HF
  *) a simple [CR] will result in new hcmd prompt (for aesthetics only)

*) Scrollback buffers are setup for each window if memory permits. Size
   is adjustable via configuration file (kamterm.cfg).

*) KAMterm will notify you of incoming connects no matter where you
   happen to be at the time.

*) Programmable function keys---[F1] is reserved for HELP, but
   otherwise, any of the function keys ([F1] through [F10]) can be used
   alone or in combination with [SHIFT], [ALT], and/or [CTRL] for your
   own macros, etc.  The limitation here is that the string is limited
   to 80 chars.

*) Macro command files---just as you can have setup files for start
   and exit, you can send macro command files to the KAM at any time
   while running KAMterm.

*) ``Brag'' files are supported, too.  You will be asked for the name of
   the file you wish to transmit.

-------------------------

NOTE:  KAMterm is *NOT* freeware, it is SHAREWARE.  You are authorized
to use this software for a 30 day evaluation period, after which, you
must register it.  Registration information for KAMterm is included at
the end of the main documentation file, kamterm.doc, along with
information on how to contact me about any questions you might have
about KAMterm.

This information is also included in the file called register.doc,
which is included in this distribution.

Enjoy, folks!
   --jim

--
#include <std_disclaimer.h>                                 73 DE N5IAL (/4)
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