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*************************************************** ===== D-Cube ===== The Communications Program for The IBM Personal Computer and Compatibles === User's Guide by Dorn W. Stickle=== *************************************************** === My Fare Share === Copyright (c) 1985 Dorn W. Stickle *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Contents === To Users of D-Cube version 1.00 1 Summary of Commands 3 Making Working Copies of D-Cube 6 Starting D-Cube 7 === Printing, Screen, and Speaker === Clear Screen: Alt-W 9 Echo: Alt-E 9 Printscreen: Shift-PrtSc 9 Screen Colors (Foreground/Background) 32 Silent Mode Toggle (On/Off) Alt-S 10 Simultaneous Printout Ctrl-PrtSc 14 === Receiving and Transmitting Files === Capture Mode Alt-C 17 Receiving a File (PgDn) Alt-R 11 Transmitting a File (PgUp) Alt-T 13 Xmodem Transmitting and Receiving 15 A Note on Communications Terminology 17 The Pacing Tranmit Option 14 === More File Commands === Deleting a File: Alt-Y 18 Disk Directory Alt-I 18 File Specification Conventions 20 The Logged Drive/Sub-Directory Alt-G 19 Viewing a File: Alt-V 19 Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 i *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Contents === (cont.) === Dialing === Auto-dialing without Dialing Directory Alt-N 20 Dialing Directory Alt-D 21 Adding to the Directory `A' 23 Name 21 Phone Number 21 Baud 21 Parity "P" 22 Data Bits "D" 22 Stop Bits "S" 22 File Transfer Protocol "F" 22 Logging Calls "L" 22 Echo to Screen (Half/Full Duplex) "E" 22 Stripping and Converting Characters "S" 22 Pacing Instructions "P" 23 System Sign On 23a Auto-dialing `D' 24 Changing Dialing Entries `C' 24 Deleting Dialing Entries `K' 24 Manual Dialing: `M' 25 Displaying System Sign Ons `S' 23a Prefix (Long Distance Numbers) `P' 23a Hanging Up the Modem Alt-H 30 Redialing: Alt-Q 25 Sorting the Dialing Directory Alt-O 29 Stripping and Converting Characters 25 Sending System Sign Alt-U 23a Stringing System Phone Numbers `;' 23a Pacing Instructions 27 === Parameters and Defaults === Communications Parameters Alt-P 28 Program Defaults Alt-F 30 Communications Port Number `1' 31 Number of Stop Bits `2' 30 Number of Data Bits `3' 30 Parity Type `4' 30 Baud Rate `5' 30 Dial Pre-String `6' 31 Dial Post-String `7' 31 Modem Initialization String `8' 31 Speaker-On String `9' 31 Logging File Name `10' 31 Path for Files `11' 31 Speaker-Off String `12' 31 Time Until Re-Dial `13' 32 Forced Carrier `14' 32 Carrier Timeout `15' 32 XON character `16' 32 XOFF character `17' 32 Automatic Logging of Calls `18' 32 Back Ground Color `19' 32 Fore Ground Color `20' 32 Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 ii *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Contents === (cont.) === Input Strings === The Function Key Directory Alt-K 34 Using the Function Key Assignments 35 === Miscellaneous Features and Commands === Elapsed Time Alt-Z 37 Exit Alt-X 37 Identification of Program Alt-B 37 Jump to DOS Alt-J 37 Logging of Calls Alt-L 37 Sending a Break Signal Ctrl-End 38 Command Summary Home key 39 Toggle Commands 39 Technical Program Support 39 === More Applications and Advanced Features === XON/XOFF 40 Communications Errors: <<>> and <<OVERFLOW>> 40 === D-Cube File Information === Programming Information 41 Copying D-Cube 41 === Appendix === Appendix A A brief Explanation of Communications Parameters 44 Appendix B: The XMODEM Protocol 45 Appendix C: Features Written but not yet included 46 Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 iv *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === To Users of D-Cube version 1.00 === This brief summary is to acquaint you features in D-Cube version 1.0. Each of these features is described in detail in the documentation. 1. D-Cube is supplied in compiled Turbo Pascal. To run D-Cube ... from the DOS Prompt just type in D-Cube. Example : A>D-Cube or C>D-Cube 2. You have the ability to log your calls to disk for future reference and as a way of showing the IRS how much you use your computer, modem, and phone line for communications use. You are also able to manually log a phone call in the file either with or without the modem (Alt-L) for the same purpose. 3. Three Transmit options are provided for transmitting: X for checksum (normal PC-DOS/MS-DOS) Xmodem transmissions C for CRC Xmodem transmissions A for ASCII file transmissions More have been written, but due to the size restrictions of Turbo Pascal (and DOS) they have not been included in this release of D-Cube. They will be released, but then D-Cube will be much larger, and will utilize Overlay files in order to be able to accomodate all of the Transfer Protocols and other features that are going to be added. 4. The Dialing Directory (Alt-D) will support up to 999 dialing entry capacity. Optional parameters allow selective character stripping and/or converting and for storing pacing instructions for each entry, as well as the default File Transfer Protocol and as to whether or not to Automagically Log the call to disk. 5. You are able to dial a number from the Dialing Directory without going to the dialing directory (Alt-N) and inputing a number that corresponds with a dialing directory entry. 6. You are able to Dial a phone number that is not in the Dialing Directory (Alt-M) using D-Cube and a modem. 7. You are able to make the modem hang-up. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 1 8. There are forty possible permanent input strings (Alt-K) for MACRO key definitions with a maximum length of 80 characters including any comments. These permanent strings are stored to be input with the Function keys (F1 - F10) in combination with the Alt,Shift, and Ctrl keys. 9. There is a routine for interactively specifying and changing all program defaults while the program is running (Alt-F). 10. You have the ability to View a file (Alt-V). 11. You have the ability to change your default Drive or Sub- Directory and the program will remember where all of the needed files for Dialing, Logging, Function Keys and Defaults are. You can see the Directory listing of any Drive or Sub-Directory (Alt-M, Alt-I). 12. There is the ability to set the Fore ground and Back ground colors for the most pleasing display (Alt-F). 13. If you are using a Color Graphics adapter and Monitor and you call a bulletin board that puts out the proper sequences of commands then you will also see the color graphics. 14. You can turn off the annoying noises that some of the bulletin boards send out as well as turning off your modem speaker when dialing or re-dialing a number (Alt-S). 15. Interactively change your communications parameters and even run at 450 baud for those boards that do not have 1200 and above, and support 450 baud (Alt-P). 16. Capture what is in the communications buffer to a disk file for later reviewing (Alt-C). I hope that you find D-Cube to be useful, and user friendly. I am open to any suggestions that you might have, as well as the very remote possibility of any bugs you might encounter. (Ever see a program that was Bug Free? I haven't!) - Dorn W. Stickle.... Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 2 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Summary of Commands === Home Displays an on-screen summary of these commands. PgDn Receive a file using ASCII, Xmodem or Xmodem CRC protocols. PgUp Transmit a file ASCII, Xmodem or Xmodem CRC protocols. --- Alt Commands --- Alt commands are invoked by holding the Alt key and then pressing the letter or number associated with the command that you want to invoke. Alt-B Displays the version and Program Identification for D-Cube as well as the mailing address for any and all Suggestions, Comments, Bug Reports, or Questions about the program and updates. Alt-C Captures the communications buffer to a memory buffer and can be saved to Disk. Alt-D Calls up the Dialing Directory. Permits storing parameters for 999 phone numbers and auto-dialing. Alt-E When activated, Echoes keyboard input to the screen. (Toggle) USE IF YOUR KEYBOARD INPUT IS BLANK OR DOUBLE. Really toggles Half and Full Duplex mode. Alt-F Permits temporary or permanent changes to the program defaults. Alt-G Allows changing of either the Drive or the Sub- Directory. Alt-H Hang-Up the Modem. Switch #1 (Hayes and compatibles) must be in the Up position. Alt-I Display the directory of either a specified or default Drive\Sub-Directory. Alt-K Calls up the Function Key Directory. Permits specifying up to 40 Function key combinations to input permanent i.d. #s and logon sequences. Maximum string length including comments is 80 characters. Alt-L Manual toggle of Logging calls to Disk. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 3 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Summary of Commands === --- Alt Commands --- (cont.) Alt-N Dial a number from the Dialing Directory without displaying the Dialing Directory. Alt-O Sort Dialing Directory phone numbers into Ascending either by Name or Phone Number. Alt-P Permits changing the communications Parameters. Alt-Q Redials the last number dialed. Alt-R Starts/stops routines to Receive input from the communications port to files on disk. Alt-S Toggles Silent Mode to either turn on or off noise coming from the called Host system. Alt-T Starts/stops routines to Transmit files from disk through the communications port. Alt-U Sends the signon string that you have specified in the dialing directory. Alt-V Starts/stops routine to View a file which has been saved to disk. Alt-W Clears the Screen. (Wipes the screen clean). Alt-X Exits the program and returns to DOS. Alt-Y Permits deleting a file from disk. Alt-Z Displays the elapsed time for the current call. --- Ctrl Commands --- Ctrl commands are invoked by holding the Ctrl key and then pressing the letter or numberassociated with the command that you want to invoke. Ctrl-PrtSc When activated, simultaneously prints all screen output to the printer. (Toggle) Ctrl-End Sends a 'Break' signal to the remote computer. Shift-PrtSc Prints current screen contents at any time. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 4 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** File Specification Commands: ? or * - Is accepted for Disk Directory (Alt-I). <Enter> - When given as response to file specification, cancels Transmit, Receive, View, and Delete routines. =x,a,c - When added to the end of a Transmit or Receive file specification, over-rides the default file transmission as setup in the Dialing Directory or Program Default of X-Modem. Dialing and Function Key Routines (Alt-D,Alt-K) String Specification Commands: } - Signifies a carriage return as part of the string. ' - Signifies a comment. BackSpace Delete character to the left of the cursor. Del Delete character under the cursor. End Move the cursor to the end of the field. Ctrl-End Erase from the current cursor position to the end of the field. Home Move the cursor to the start of the field. Ins Toggle between insert and overwrite mode. Cursor becomes fat when in insert mode. Left Arrow Move the cursor to the left one position. Right Arrow Move the cursor to the right one position. Return Finished with the current definition. If nothing has been entered the program will give that field the default for that field, except for the Name and Phone Number fields which will retain their previous strings. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 5 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Making Working Copies of D-Cube === Before you use your D-Cube program disk, you should make a working copy of the program. Follow these steps carefully: 1. Place your own copy of PC-DOS (versions 2.00, 2.10, 3.00, or 3.10) in drive A and press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys simultaneously. Enter the date and time, when required. You should see the DOS A> prompt. 2. Place a blank disk (or one that can be REFORMATTED) in drive `B' 3. Type 'FORMAT B:/S' <Enter>. This will format the disk in drive `B' with the DOS system and command files. 4. Now remove the DOS disk from drive A and insert the D-Cube program disk in drive `A'. 5. Type 'COPY *.* B:' <Enter>. This will copy all the files from the program disk onto the disk in drive `B'. 6. Remove the program disk from drive A and store it in a safe place. Take the disk from drive `B' and label it "D- Cube" Use this as your working program disk. 7. Before you start using the program, please make sure that you have printed and read the D-Cube User's Guide. -- Place your working copy of the D-Cube disk in drive A. Now type 'PRINTDOC' <Enter> and follow the screen prompts. This will print the file D-Cube.DOC. 8. You are now ready to run D-Cube. Place the working program disk marked D-Cube in drive `A' and proceed with the following instructions, "Starting D-Cube". Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 6 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Starting D-Cube === First make sure that PC-DOS is loaded so that you see the A> prompt. Then be sure that your modem is turned on and hooked up to your computer, then place the disk marked "D-Cube" in drive `A'. Then... type in "D-Cube" and press the return key. When you see the prompt "D-Cube Version ??" then D-Cube is in operation. -- If you have a direct connection modem: You can proceed to send the appropriate modem commands directly from the keyboard. (Making use of auto-dialing features is described in the documentation under "The Dialing Directory.") -- If you have an acoustic modem: Dial the phone number you wish, place the telephone receiver in the modem cradle, and switch to 'Data'. Once you have made a connection, you can proceed with keyboard instructions. At this point, your PC has been set up as a "dumb" terminal, connected with the remote computer. You can send information to the remote computer by typing on the keyboard, and see information sent by the remote computer displayed on your screen. NOTE: IF YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR KEYBOARD INPUT, press Alt-E to put the program into Echo mode (Half Duplex). D-Cube is capable of doing many "smart" things too, such as receiving and sending disk files, dialing phone calls, and storing commands for future use. All the program features are described in the documentation, which is contained in a file on the program disk called D-Cube.DOC. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 7 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Starting D-Cube === (cont.) ********** PLEASE PRINT AND READ THE DOCUMENTATION! ********** This will save you from having unanswered questions and greatly increase your enjoyment of the program. Should you have any questions that you are unable to resolve by using the manual and you are a registered user then you may call me at 512-255-9126. To print the documentation, follow these instructions: Place your working copy of the D-Cube disk in drive `A'. *** Now type 'PRINTDOC' <Enter> and follow the screen prompts. This will print the file D-Cube.DOC. Please take some time to read through the documentation before trying to use the program. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 8 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Printing, Screen, and Speaker === Clearscreen: Alt-W Pressing Alt-W will clear the screen at any time. This command does not send any character or signal to the remote computer. ***************************************- Echo: Alt-E With some systems, the remote computer will send back to your screen the characters you type at the keyboard. This is known as "full duplex" communications. In other cases, the remote computer will not send back the characters you type ("half duplex"). You can adjust for either of these situations with the Echo option, which is toggled on and off by pressing Alt- E. If you can't see your own keyboard input on the screen once communications are in progress, turn on the Echo option (Alt- E). This might make your modem commands appear as double characters, but should produce proper screen output during communications. If your regular communications input appears as double characters, disable the Echo function by pressing Alt-E. ***************************************- Printscreen: Shift-PrtSc At any time during program operation, hitting the Shift key in combination with the PrtSc key will print the contents of the screen to the printer. (This is the regular DOS function). ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 9 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Printing, Screen, and Speaker === (cont.) Simultaneous Printout: Ctrl-PrtSc (or Ctrl-PgUp) You can also produce simultaneous printout while communications are in progress by pressing Ctrl-PrtSc a message will indicate "Print On" and all subsequent information displayed on the screen will be sent to the printer as well. You can disable the Printout function by hitting Ctrl-PrtSc again. A message "PRINTOUT OFF" will be displayed and the Printout function will be toggled off. The Printout function can be turned on and off without disturbing communications. **Applications Notes: Running the Printout option may slow communications because many printers cannot keep pace with the communications rate. If you are communicating at 1200 baud (described below under "Commu- nications Parameters") you should not try to run simultaneous printout, as you will likely overflow the communications buffer. If this happens, the program will attempt to recover by turning off the Printout function. ***************************************- Silent Mode: Alt-S Silent mode is toggled between off and on by pressing the Alt Key and gently striking the `S' key. This feature is for those persons that do not wish to hear the beeps, grunts, and groans that this program makes as well as those sent out by many of the Host systems that they may communicate with. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 10 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === Receiving a File: Alt-R (or PgDn) The file receiving routine permits you to save information you receive from a remote computer on your own disk files. It operates manually and requires no special protocol. To start the Receiving routine, press Alt-R. The program will ask for a filename under which to receive the file. You may also specify the Drive and/or the Sub-Directory that you want this file to go into. You may over-ride the default file transfer method (that is the protocol that you picked when you added the number to the dialing directory) by typing in =? directly after the file name. The ? will be replaced by the protocol that you want to use rather then the default protocol (A = ASCII, X = X-Modem, C = X-Modem CRC). If you did a manual dial from the dialing directory, then the program defaults to X-Modem file transfer protocol. If you should be using the ASCII file transfer then D-Cube automagically sends the Carriage Return after you specify the file name and D-Cube has everything ready to receive the file . The ASCII receive routine is different in D-Cube then it was in PC-Talk in that it will not allow you to input anything from the keyboard when receiving. If you are wanting to save prompts or listings of downloadable file then I recommend that you use the Capture feature that is descriped later in this manual. Once the Receiving routine is in operation, you will see a window in the top middle of the screen indicating the type if file transfer protocol that you are using as well as the name of the file being received, the number of blocks received, the number of errors (if you are using Xmodem or Xmodem CRC) and the time it has taken so far to receive the file. From that point on, all information passing through the communications port, whether it is being typed from your keyboard or coming from the remote computer, will be saved to the specified disk file. To guard against accidentally erasing existing files, if a filename is specified that already exists on the disk, you will be prompted as to whether or not you want to overwrite the file or input a new name. By responding `Y' to this prompt, D-Cube will erase the original file and write over the top of it with the new file that you are receiving. If you respond `N' to the question, then you will be able to input a new file name at which time the program will again check to see if that file exists. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 11 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) To terminate receipt of the file, just press any key. You will then be prompted as to whether you want to continue or not. If you elect to not continue the file transfer then the program will close the file and you will have that much of the file that you have already received. If you respond `Y' to the prompt then the program will pick up where it left off and you will not loose any of the file (see except note below). If you are using either X-Modem or X-Modem CRC transfer protocol then the Host computer will tell your computer when the transfer is complete and the computer will automagically end the receiving session and close the file for you. * EXCEPTION NOTE: You can be assured of not loosing any data by using either X-Modem or X-Modem CRC. If you are using ASCII file tranmissions, then the sending Host computer must support to the XON and XOFF protocol otherwise the Host computer may continue sending and overrun the communications buffer while the machine is waiting for you to respond as to whether or not you want to continue. **Applications and Advanced Features: Certain remote computer systems may send unwanted characters to your computer. If you have need to strip or convert certain characters as they are being received, you can specify those characters with the Strip option described below. This would only be necessary if NOT using the X-Modem or X-Modem CRC file transfer protocol. D-Cube is capable of receiving files using the XMODEM - X-Modem CRC, or plain ASCII files. It is recommended that you use the X-Modem or X-Modem CRC for as much file transfer as you possibly can as it is an error-checking protocol. The use of this protocol is described separately below. *************************************** Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 12 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) Transmitting a File: Alt-T (or PgUp) Just as you can receive information and store it on disk files, you can transmit information from your disk files to the remote computer. The regular file transmitting routine is X-Modem or X-Modem CRC -- and requires that the receiving Host system support one of the two protocols. You of course, can also transmit files using the ASCII which requires no special protocol from the remote computer. It can therefore be used to send your disk files to virtually any other personal computer, to network bulletin boards, and to many large computer systems. Most bulletin boards do support the X-Modem Protocol and several support the X-Modem CRC protocol. To start the Transmit routine, press Alt-T. The program will ask for the name of the file to transmit. You may also specify the Drive and/or the Sub-Directory that you want this file to come from. You may over-ride the default file transfer method (that is the protocol that you picked when you added the number to the dialing directory) by typing in =? directly after the file name. The ? will be replaced by the protocol that you want to use rather then the default protocol (A = ASCII, X = X-Modem, C = X-Modem CRC). If you did a manual dial from the dialing directory, then the program defaults to X-Modem file transfer protocol. The program will come up with a window in the top center of the screen display the file transfer protocol that you are using as well as the name of the file. If you are using X-Modem or X-Modem CRC you will also see the numbeer of blocks in the file that will be transmitted and it will tell you that it is waiting to start the transmission. Once the file transmission has started then you will see the number of blocks transmitted the number of errors and the time it has taken so far to transmit the file. You can terminate transmission manually at any time by pressing Alt-T. If you are using the X-Modem or X-Modem CRC protocol then your computer will tell the Host computer when the file transmission is finished and will end the Transmitting session automagically. **Applications and Advanced Features: The transmitting routine can be used to send files to personal computers and to network bulletin board services. When you are ready to send your file, start the Transmit routine (Alt-T), specify the file to be sent, and press <Enter>. None of the specification prompts you see on your screen will be sent to the remote computer -- only the data in your file. If the remote computer requires a special character to begin receipt of the file, it should be sent manually via the keyboard prior to giving the Alt-T command. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 13 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) The Pacing transmit option: Because of the performance of D-Cube, the Transmit routine may operate too fast for some remote computers (such as the Source and many mainframe systems) when using the ASCII file transfer D-Cube offers a Pacing option to slow down transmission of files. This feature will send your file to the remote computer one line at a time, pausing between lines. If you are using ASCII file transfer then the program will prompt you as to whether you want to use ONLY the XON/XOFF type of transmission or if you want to input a pacing character. You can also specify this at the Dialing Directory when you make the entry. -- If you want the line pacing to be governed by a time delay, enter a number to indicate how many seconds to pause between transmission of lines of your file. For example, if you specified if you indicated to the program that you did not want to use standard XON/XOFF or if you have pacing set in your dialing entry then you would put the number of seconds for the program to pause between sending lines of your file. 2 would equal 2 seconds, 20 would equal 20 seconds pausing between transmitting lines. You can enter a fractional number, such as '.5' for a half- second pause. You should experiment with your remote system to determine the optimum time delay for pacing. -- The second line pacing option waits for a prompt from the remote computer before sending the next line. This is invoked by specifying the character for the prompt enclose in double quotes. For example, specifying "?" would cause the program to wait for the receiving computer to send a question mark before the program continued transmitting the next line. You can specify a control character as the prompt, for example, " followed by a control-R followed by another " would cause the program to wait for an ASCII 19. You always have the option terminating transmission by hitting any key and the program will ask you if you want to continue. You then enter a `Y' or an `N' in either uppercase or lower case. You can store pacing instructions as one of the parameters in the Dialing Directory (described below). The pacing option is a powerful feature that greatly extends the versatility of D-Cube in communicating with a variety of remote computer systems. However, it is not recommended that you try to use transmit pacing unless you know of a specific need for it. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 14 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) One common application in which transmit pacing is useful is transmitting files to the Source using Telenet or Tymnet. Depending on how heavily the system is being used, you may find it necessary to pace transmission with a 2- or 3-second delay between lines to make sure that your file is properly received by the remote system. ***************************************- XMODEM and X-Modem CRC Transmitting and Receiving: `x', `c' When I speak of X-Modem then I am also referring to X-Modem CRC as they are extremely similar in protocol operation and exactly the same as far as using them is concerned. One of the noteworthy features in D-Cube is the inclusion of the XMODEM protocol originally developed by Ward Christensen. The purpose of the XMODEM protocol is to guard against inaccuracies in file transfer caused by bad signals on the telephone line. It is a "hand-shaking" and error-checking protocol that ensures accurate transmission and receipt of data and binary files. The protocol is in wide use today among a variety of microcomputer systems. The XMODEM protocol can be used for both transmitting and receiving files. In each case, you should specify in your dialing directory for the entries which support X-Modem an `X' so that the program will default to X-Modem and you will not need to do any more other then type in the file name and hit return when the time comes for transmission or reception of files. Once you have entered the file spec and pressed <Enter>, you will see a message indicating that the protocol is in effect and the notice, " Holding for Start..." The rest of the file transfer occurs automatically. if you are transmitting a file then you will also see the number of blocks (of 128 bytes) there are in the file, which is the number of blocks your computer will send to the Host computer. If the computer on the other end wants to use X-Modem and you are set for X-Modem CRC then D-Cube will automagically change to X-Modem, by the same token if you are set for X-Modem and the computer on the other end wants to use X-Modem CRC then D-Cube will automaticall change to X-Modem CRC. This is an automagic feature of D-Cube. This automagic switching only works for file Transmissions, but the X-Modem and X-Modem CRC work for reception and transmission of files. Once file transmission has really started (some computer to computer hand shaking and synchronization must go on before data is actually transmitted) you will see the number of blocks transmitted as well as the number of total errors of the transmission and the time it has taken to transmit the blocks when the remote computer has successfully received that block. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 15 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) The file transfer will proceed, block by block, until the end of the file is reached. The transfer will then terminate automagically. If you are receiving, you will see the same " Holding for Start..." . You will then see the same information as you do for file transmission (blocks received, total errors, time taken). You will not see any indication of how long the file is, but the receiving routine will terminate automagically. When the program incorrect data (a block error of some type) it will attempt to recover, and post the error count transmission/receipt is verified, and continue with the transfer. In some cases, the program will not be able to recover, in other words there will be an excess of errors, particularly if the line signal is degraded. The program will ask you if you want to continue the operation or terminate it after haveing 30 repeated errors. You can also terminate manually at any time by pressing any key and the program will again ask you if you want to continue. If the XMODEM transfer does not succeed, please do not assume that there is something wrong with your computer or with D- Cube. It is suggested that you hang up, re-establish communications over a new line, and try again. About 99% of the time communication problems is due to the data communication line which you are using to access the other remote computer. To operate with the XMODEM protocol, you must be communicating at 8 data bits, No parity (Communications Parameter options 2, 4, 6, or 8 -- see below). Both computers must have communications software capable of running the XMODEM protocol. The XMODEM routine in D-Cube has been throughly tested with other implementations of the protocol and should give you good results. If the other computer is running D-Cube, you can be reasonably assured of a rapid and accurate file transfer. I personally have used the X-Modem with the RBBS system and the FIDO system as well as many other systems, and have used the X-Modem CRC with the FIDO system so you are assured that both of these are a standard (if there is such a thing) implementation of these protocols. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 16 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Receiving and Transmitting Files === (cont.) The XMODEM routine operates automagically. For those who are interested, a brief technical description of how the file transfer takes place can be found in Appendix B at the end of this documentation as well as the difference between the X-Modem and X-Modem CRC protocols. Before leaving the subject of XMODEM, it is appropriate that acknowledgment be given to Ward Christensen, who originated the protocol and who has been a landmark pioneer in computer communications. ***************************************- A Note on Communications Terminology -- The D-Cube prompts and documentation generally avoid use of the words `uploading' and `downloading'. A convention in the mainframe world has been to use `uploading' to refer to transmitting a file to a remote computer and `downloading' to refer to receiving a file from a remote computer. In the case of two microcomputers communicating with each other, the notion of `up' and `down' seems less appropriate. For those who feel more comfortable with the mainframe terms, D-Cube offers the option of using the PgDn key (in addition to Alt-R) to start and stop Receiving a file and the PgUp key (in addition to Alt-T) to start and stop Transmitting a file. This also makes it so that it only takes one finger (for my friends that do not have the energy to lift two fingers) to initiate a file transfer. *************************************** Capture Mode: Alt-C You are able to toggle the capture mode by typing in Alt-C. The program will then capture all of the data that is in the communications buffer to a storage buffer for later saving to a disk file. Your limitations for this feature is the amount of memory that you have. When you either exit the program or toggle capture mode off by doing another Alt-L then D-Cube will ask you if you want to save the data to a disk file. If you choose to then D-Cube will prompt you for the file specification. **Applications and Advanced Features This is extremely useful for saving a listing from a bulletin board that you are unable to download. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 17 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === More File Commands === Deleting a File: Alt-Y You can delete any file from your disk(s) while communications are in progress. Press Alt-Y and follow the file specification prompts. Be extremely careful with this command as it will permanently erase the file. The only way to get a file back that is erased is to use another utility that I have written that will assist you in recovering it. Even then it is not a sure thing that you will be able to recover all or any part of that file. ***************************************- Displaying the Disk Directory : Alt-I By holding the Alt key down and pressing the `I' key you will be shown your default drive and path and then prompted to `Input Directory Mask: ' options. You may at this time specify a drive, a path, a filename or an asterisk followed by a period an an extension. If you just press the return then you will be show the directory of your default drive and directory. Wild card indicators are supported `*', `?'. Example: Default Drive and Sub-Directory: E:\D-Cube Input Directory Mask: D-Cube.* the program will then find all occurances of D-Cube.* in your current directory. You may specify any valid drive and valid directory for a directory display. ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 18 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === More File Commands === (cont.) The Logged Drive/Sub-Directory: Alt-G For the Transmit, Receive, View, and Delete routines, the program assumes a default "Logged" drive if no drive is given as part of the file specification prompts. Initially, this is drive your default drive and directory. For example, if drive `C' is the Logged drive and you respond to a file specification prompt with just 'MYFILE', the program will automatically look for a file `C:MYFILE'. If you want to transmit, receive, or view a file on drive A, you should respond to the file specification prompt with `A:MYFILE'. Here again, all normal DOS path commands are accepted. To change the Logged drive during program operation, press Alt-L and follow the instructions. The Logged drive can also be changed as part of the Default modification routine (described below). You may also change just your directory by typing in a new sub-directory name. Or change to a new drive and sub-directory by tyeping in the drive and sub-directory. You must use standard DOS conventions in changing to a new drive or sub-directory. This works exactly like `CD' with the exception that I also allow you to change the drive at the same time. ***************************************- Viewing a File: Alt-V D-Cube permits you to view any file which is on your disk drives while the program is running. This feature makes it possible for you to refer to files on disk while communications are in progress. To View a file, press Alt-V. The program will ask for file specifications in the same manner as the procedures for transmitting and receiving files. Once Viewing is in progress, sixteen lines of the file will be displayed on the screen at a time. To see more of the file, press any key To cancel the Viewing routine, press Alt-V again. The text of the file you see displayed on your screen will not be sent to the remote computer. **Applications and Advanced Features: If the remote computer sends you information while you are viewing a file, that information will be stored in the communications buffer. A continuous stream of information from the remote computer could overflow the buffer. You should therefore view a file only during a pause in communications. If you want to read an earlier part of a file that you are receiving, you can terminate receipt of the file with Alt-R and then immediately view it by pressing Alt-V and specifying the file you just received. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 19 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === More File Commands === (cont.) File Specification Conventions -- D-Cube uses a standard set of commands for responding to file specification prompts in the Receive, Transmit, View, and Delete routines. If you do not include a drive indicator as part of the specification (e.g., 'MYFILE.123'), the program will assume that the file is to be located on the Logged drive (see above). You can also use the 'wild card' characters '*' and '?' as part of the file listing requests. For example, if you respond to the file spec prompt with `a:*.bas', you will be shown a list of all the files on drive A with the extension `.bas'. ********************************************* Auto Dialing without Displaying the Dialing Directory: Alt-N You may dial any number that is in the Dialing Directory by pressing the Alt key and then pressing the `N' key. D-Cube will ask you what Dialing Directory number you want to dial. If you input a valid Dialing Directory number then D-Cube will dial that number. if you input an invalid entry then you will be notified that that entry has not been entered. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 20 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === The Dialing Directory: Alt-D This is one of D-Cube's most useful features in that you can set up a complete communications session with the Dialing directory in conjunction with the Macro Key assignments and only have to input the file names for D-Cube to use for uploading or downloading. The dialing directory can list up to 999 names and phone numbers, plus communications parameters and echo, stripping, pacing, file transfer protocol and automagic logging of call instructions for each entry. The following instructions will first show you how to place names and phone numbers into the Directory and then describe how to use the Directory as part of your standard communications routines. When the Directory is called up for the first time, all entries will be blank. To add names and phone numbers to the Directory just press the `a' key if you want to change a directory entry then you only need to press the `c' key (It doesn't matter whether you use lower or upper case.) If you are adding a new entry then D-Cube will know what your last entry was and will immediately go to that entry if you are changing an entry the D-Cube will ask you for the number of the entry that you want to change. Name: You will then be prompted for the Name of the system. You may put in up to a maximum of 30 characters for the name. Phone Number: You are then asked for the Phone number of the system. Once again you may put in up to a maximum of 30 characters for the phone number. This should allow for any MCI, Sprint, and telephone credit card numbers necessary to dial the phone number. To indicate that the modem needs to pause during the dialing of the phone (such as when you dial an MCI number and have to wait for them to answer and then enter your code and phone number) just place a comma at the place where the modem needs to pause. Baud: You will be prompted for the baud rate (speed of communications) that you want to use when calling this system. If you just press the return key then the program will default to 1200 baud. Otherwise you need to type in the baud rate. The ranges are: 300 - 450 - 1200 - 2400 - 4800 - 9600 Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 21 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Parity: You will be asked for the normal parity setting for this entry. Just pressing the enter key will default to `N' for No Parity. You may enter the following: `N' for None (No parity) `E' for Even `O' for Odd most systems support either No parity or Even parity. Remember in order to be able to use X-Modem or X-Modem CRC you must use `N' (no parity) as this is the only way that these protocols can operate. Data Bits: You will then be asked for the number of Data Bits to be used for the session. Only 7 and 8 data bits are supported by this program. In order for you to be able to use the X-Modem or X-Modem CRC protocols you must specify 8 data bits. If you press the return key then the default of 8 data bits will be assigned. Stop Bits: You will then be asked for the number of stop bits to be used when calling this system. Only 1 or 2 stop bits are supported by D-Cube. In order for you to be able to use the X-Modem or the X-Modem CRC protocols you must specify 1 stop bit. If you press the return key then the default of 1 stop bit will be assigned. File Transfer Protocol: You are now asked for the type of file transfer protocol that you want to normally use when transfering files to and from the Host system. If you press return at this point then `X' for X-Modem will be assigned. Logging: You are now asked if you want to Log to disk every time that you call this number. This is a very useful feature of D-Cube for showing how much time you use on a system as well as how many times you call a particular system. This is also useful for income tax purposes in that it will show how much time you use your computer - modem - telephone for business (if that is what you are using it for). It is recommended that you Log your callse for future information. More about the Logging in the Logging section of this manual page zz. Echo: You are able to make Echo (Half Duplex) the default for this entry. This is rarely used, but may be needed with some systems. Strip: The routine will then ask whether you want to strip or convert characters for that entry. It is recommended that you respond with 'n' unless you have a special applications need. (See the explanation of the Stripping option below.) Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 22 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Pace: Finally, the routine will ask whether you want to specify a Pacing instruction for that entry. If you want to specify a Pacing instruction, enter a `Y' to the prompt `Pace:_' and you will be given another set of instructions in another window to follow for entering the pacing time or character. To enter a pacing character you must surround it with double quotes. (Example: "q" or ":" ). To enter a time delay period then just enter a number, being sure NOT to place it in double quotes or the program will be looking for that number rather then waiting that length of time. All time is specified and incremented in approximate seconds. (What is approximate seconds? that is my way of saying that it is not exactly accurate, but it is close.) If you press return without entering anything the the program will default to `N' for no pacing. I recommend that for most applications you specify an `N' unless you have special need for pacing. After going through all of this then the name, phone number, and communications specs will be permanently stored in a separate file on your program disk named D-Cube.DIR. ***************************************- Adding to the Directory -- As indicated above, specifying communications parameters, echo, message, stripping, and pacing can all be considered advanced features that need not be dealt with the first time you use the program. The following example lists the commands for merely adding a name and phone number to the Directory. 1. Press Alt-D. You will see Page 1 of the Directory displayed and the list of available commands on line 25. 2. Type 'a'. You will see the prompt "Name:_____________". 3. Type the name you want for that entry (maximum 30 characters) followed by <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Phone number:". 4. Type the phone number you want for that entry (maximum 30 characters) followed by <Enter>. 5. From here on (assuming that you want to go with the program defaults) just hit the return key (once again hit it gently!) and you will be brought back to the commands prompts showing up on line 25. You will notice that as you enter or allow the program to enter the values they will be updated in their proper position on the dialing directory. 6. Repeat the above steps for each name and phone number you want to add to the Directory. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 23 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) System Sign On: If you are adding or changing a directory entry then the last prompt that you will get is System Sign On. You may enter up to a maximum of 40 characters and spaces in this area. Use a comma "," to make the program delay before sending then next character, the program will delay one second for each comma that is in place. Use the right curly bracket "}" to indicate to the program to send a carriage return. Example: Dorn;Stickle}Password},,,,F},,,U;D-Cube.Com;X} This will send "Dorn;Stickle" "Password" wait for 4 seconds then send "F" wait for 3 seconds then send "U;D-Cube.Com;X System Sign On: Alt-U You send this sign on by pressing the Alt-U keys and the program will send what ever you have entered as the System Sign On. The System Sign on will not ordinarily be displayed when in your dialing directory, all you need to do to display it is to press the "S" key and the name of the system and the sign on will be displayed. This is so that no one may see your normal sign on if they happen to be watching when you go into the dialing directory. Also I was unable to fit it all on the screen at the same time. PreFix: `p' From the dialing directory you access the long distance service prefix numbers. This is a file that will hold the needed prefixes to be able to use Long Distance services such as MCI, etc. This has a maximum entry length of 35 characters and spaces. The letter associated with the prefix is what you put in front of the Dialing Directory number that you want to dial if you need to use MCI, etc. Suppose that you use the same dialing directory for both home and office, and the office requires that you dial a 9 prior to getting an outside line: Prefix A=9, you want to dial #15 type in A15 and the program will add the "9," before the number to dial. Stringing System Numbers: `;' You are able to dial several system numbers by typing int the number followed by a `;' (semi-colon) followed by the next number that you want the system to call. The only limitation is that the total amount of characters must not exceed 255 characters. When in this mode you can stop dialing the current number and go on to the next number by press `R'. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 23a *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Changing a Directory Entry: You will go through the same first 5 steps as you do when you add a dial entry, except that you will first be prompted for the number of the entry that you want to change. (That's logical isn't it, otherwise it might change everyone of them.) ***************************************- Deleting a Dialing Entry: By selecting `K' you will be allowed to delete a dial entry. The dialing entry does not have to be displayed. You will be prompted for the number of the dialing entry that you want to delete. --- Additional Information about the Dialing Directory: Although the Directory has a capacity of 999 entries, the screen will display only eightteen entries at a time. You can "page" forward or back through the directory by entering 'f' or 'b'. You can dial, change, or delete any entry, regardless of whether it is displayed. You can be on page one of the dialing directory and add a directory and D-Cube will go to the end of the dialing directory and add the entry. Although the Dialing Directory will hold 999 entries, it builds the dialing directory pages dynamically, which is fancy words for saying that it does not build any page until needed. A dialing directory page will not be built until the previous page is full. This is to conserve disk space until needed. ***************************************- Auto-dialing -- The Dialing Directory will automatically dial a Directory entry if your modem supports this function. By pressing `D' then you will be asked for the number of the entry that you want to dial. The entry need not be on the screen. All that is required is that it have been entered or else you will get a message stating that that entry has not been entered. For modem dialing command strings see the program defaults later in this manual. ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 24 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Manual Dialing: 'm' You can also use auto-dialing to call phone numbers not stored in the Dialing Directory. From the main Dialing Directory prompt, type 'M'. A prompt will then ask for the phone number to be dialed. Type the phone number and press <Enter>, and the number will be dialed automatically. ***************************************- Redialing: Alt-Q The last phone number you have dialed can be redialed at any time by pressing Alt-Q, which calls into effect the Redial routine. This routine will display the name of the system that you are calling (if you are using the Dialing Directory or blank if you used Manual dial). It also displays how often in seconds it will redial the number. The routine displays the time that it started redialing, the current time, and the time elapsed since starting the redial session. When a connection is made, the program will sound an alarm, and if you have Logging turned on will at that time store the connect time in the program for later writing to disk. You can force a quick redial by pressing the `R' key and exit from the auto-redial routine at any time before a connection is made by hitting any other key. You can adapt the Redial routine for longer or shorter delays, or for other modems with auto-dialing features, from within the Default routine described below. As well as the length of time for the modem to wait for a carrier before timing out. Stripping and Converting Characters -- D-Cube provides for optional selective stripping and/or converting of characters as they are received during communications. This is an advanced feature. The program default is not to strip any characters. When you call up the Dialing Directory with Alt-D, the "Strip" column will show "N" for each entry, indicating that no stripping is to take place. To specify selective stripping as part of the stored parameter for a Directory entry, revise the entry and respond with 'y' to the prompt "Strip:_". You will then be prompted to enter the "strip/convert string" for that entry. This string should be structured as described in the following paragraph. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 25 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Each character to be stripped or converted must be specified with a three-digit representation of its decimal ASCII code, or the character it self, followed by a slash (/), followed by a three-digit representation of the decimal ASCII code or the character to substitute for that character, followed by another slash. You may specify up to 3 characters to be replaced or stripped. In order to strip a character you must specify "000" as a replacement character or a space (032). For example, to convert the commonly used end-of-file character Ctrl-Z (ASCII 26) to a space (ASCII 32), the strip/convert string would be `026/032' or ` 026/ . PLEASE NOTE: THAT A ZERO SHOULD PRECEDE THE ASCII NUMBER IF IT IS LESS THAN 100. If you input the character rather then the three digit decimal representation of its decimal ASCII code, then it can only be ONE character. The last replacement does not need to be followed by a slash, but all others must be followed by a slash. If you simply want to strip out a character, rather than convert it, enter three zeros as the second part of the string: '026/000/'. If you want to strip or convert more than one character, continue with more string specifications. For example, to strip all ASCII 26's and ASCII 127's and convert each capital A (ASCII 65) to lowercase (ASCII 97), the strip/convert string would be `026/000/127/000/065/097'. Up to 3 characters can be specified for stripping/converting in this manner. You will have opportunities to correct the newly-specified string within the change entry routine of the Dialing Directory. The strip/convert string will be stored in the Dialing Directory. When you dial a remote computer with the stripping option in effect, the appropriate characters will be stripped and/or converted during all incoming communications, including files that you receive with the Receive routine. You can not have stripping in effect when you use the XMODEM or X-Modem CRC error-checking protocol (described above). **Applications Notes: Please note that it is not recommended that you strip or convert characters unless you know of a specific application or need related to the remote computer you are calling. ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 26 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Dialing === (cont.) Pacing Instructions -- As noted above, you can also store a Pacing instruction as part of each Directory entry. (Pacing is discussed above in connection with transmitting files.) If you have stored a Pacing instruction, then pacing will automatically be turned on if you use ASCII file transfer. Please note from the above examples that the Pacing instructions stored in the Directory do not automatically transmit every file using Pacing -- only those files that you transmit using the ASCII file transfer. **Applications and Advanced Features: Even if you do not have an auto-dialing modem, you can use the Communications Parameter, Echo, Stripping, and Pacing specifications to customize the program for different applications. Store the name in the Directory and a 'dummy' phone number such as '--' or '<space>'. Store the rest of the specifications. Then "dial" the entry number. Even though no phone number will be dialed, the specifications will have been put into effect. You should also note that when you place a call through the Dialing Directory, the Communications Parameters and the Echo, Stripping, and Pacing specifications will remain in effect, even after the call is completed. You might want to set up Directory entry #60 as a 'dummy default' entry to reset certain specifications. You can also reset the program parameters and defaults with the Parameter and Default routines (Alt-P and Alt-F) described below. **Applications Note: CompuServe and the Source Note that some of the Source utilities, such as UPI news, may send an ASCII 26 to mark the ends of articles or messages. If you receive the files with these ASCII 26 characters, DOS will not be able to view the rest of the file, even though the information might still be there. If you encounter this problem, you may want to specify stripping of ASCII 26's as part of your Source Dialing Directory entry, or convert them to carriage returns (ASCII 13) or spaces (ASCII 32). In such cases, your strip/convert string should be specified as `026/000' (strip) or `026/013' (convert to carriage return) or `026/032' (convert to space). ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 27 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === Communications Parameters: Alt-P It is not necessary that you understand communications protocols to use D-Cube, but you might find it helpful to read the brief explanation of communications parameters included as Appendix A at the end of this documentation. Pressing Alt-P at any time while the program is running will call up a menu which allows you to set the communications parameters to one of eight options. Options 1,3,5,7 are for ASCII and conversational modes of communications. They will not support any of the error checking protocols nor will they support the color graphics and high bit used menus that are used by many of the bulletin boards. Optons 2,4,6,8 are for general use as they support both ASCII and X-Modem and X-Modem CRC file transfers as well as the color graphics used on some bulletin boards. The most common option is 6 which is 1200 baud with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity. For those applications where you need to experiment with your settings in order to be able to communicate with a special Host system I also have the `S' option which allows you to set your own baud, stop, parity and data bits. To initiate any of these options simply press the key next to the option that you want to initiate or `X' to exit this routine. **Applications and Advanced Features: If either you or the remote computer is receiving unintelligible information on the screen, you are probably using different communications parameters. Sometimes you will be able to change the parameters while communications are in progress, but it may cause a break in communications, depending on the system you are calling and the modems in use. If you are using a Hayes modem then you can put switch #1 in the down position and this will cause the Data Terminal Ready line to be active all the time and will assist in keeping from dropping the communications line. If you switch from 300 baud to 450 baud then this is mandatory. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 28 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === (cont.) *** KEY NOTES This is how the keyboard is used when inputing data for the Dialing Directory: } - Signifies a carriage return as part of the string. BackSpace Delete character to the left of the cursor. Del Delete character under the cursor. End Move the cursor to the end of the field. Ctrl-End Erase from the current cursor position to the end of the field. Home Move the cursor to the start of the field. Ins Toggle between insert and overwrite mode. Cursor becomes fat when in insert mode. Left Arrow Move the cursor to the left one position. Right Arrow Move the cursor to the right one position. Return Finished with the current definition. If nothing has been entered the program will give that field the default for that field, except for the Name and Phone Number fields which will retain their previous strings. ********************************************* Sorting the Dialing Directory Alt-O: By selecting the Alt-O command you will be prompted as to whether you want to sort the Dialing Directory in Ascending order either by Name or Phone Number. If you just press <Return> then D-Cube defaults to sorting by name. Depending upon the size of your Dialing Directory this can take a short period of time or a fairly long one. It takes time to sort 999 dialing directory entries if you have that many, but it only takes about 10 seconds to sort 18. D-Cube sorts on the First Name and on the first number if sorting by Phone Number. ** Applications and Advanced Features: This is especially useful to see if you have two different names for the same phone number, or have entered the same name twice. Once a Dialing Directory gets so big, then it is a little hard to remember who you have entered in and who you have not. In future releases of this program you will be able to print this file out. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 29 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === (cont.) Hanging Up the Modem: Alt-H D-Cube will assist you in hanging up your modem, but you must have your modem so that D-Cube can assist you. If you are using a Hayes modem then you need to have switch #1 in the up position in order for the Alt-H command to consistently work. D-Cube will try 3 times to hang up your modem. **Applications and Advanced Features: This is extremely useful for some of the systems that do not cause their modem to hang up. Also if a Host system has a problem, then there is the possiblity that the Host system will not be able to hang his modem up. ********************************************* Program Defaults: Alt-F The "defaults" of a program are those values that the program assumes every time it is started. D-Cube makes a number of such assumptions, which can be changed at any time while the program is running by pressing Alt-F. When you press Alt-F, the screen will clear and you will see a list of the present program defaults. They are as follows: COM Port Number ...... Com1: Speaker-Off String ... ATM0} Number of Stopbits .... 1 Time Until Redial .... 30 Parity Type ........... N Forced Carrier ....... False Baud Rate ............. 1200 Carrier Timeout ...... 30 Dial Pre-String ....... ATDT XON Char, decimal .... 17 Dial Post-String ...... } Automatic Log ........ True Modem Init String ..... ATZ S0=0} Back Ground Color .... 0 Speak-On String ....... AT M1} Fore Ground Color .... 15 Log File Name ......... D-Cube.Log Path for Files ........ (default drive and directory) We will discuss each of these in more detail with the exception of Number of Stopbits, Databits, Parity Type, Baud Rate as these are the four communications parameters described previously. The permissible baud rates are 75, 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, and 9600. Parity may be E(ven), O(dd), S(pace), M(ark), or N(one). Data bits may be 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Stop bits may be 1 or 2. I have not implemented all of the above options because I have not seen a need for all of them. If you have a special need for one of the above that I do not have then let me know and I will activate that particular options for you. The ones that I have activated are: Bauds 300 - 450 - 1200 - 2400 - 4800 - 9600 Parity None - Even - Odd Stop Bits 1 or 2 Data Bits 7 or 8 You may mix and match the above to suit your needs. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 30 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === (cont.) Note: If you specify 8 data bits, you must specify N parity. Do not experiment with any of these values unless you have a specific application. It is usually best if you use the standards that I have provided with this program. COM Port Number: This must be either 1 or 2. the default is Com1:. I am not currently supporting Com3: or Com4: as they are not supported by NORMAL DOS calls. In the future it may be necessary for me to support these two communications ports as I plan on implementing simultaneous communications sessions through more then one port at a time. Dial Pre-String: This is the command to make your modem dial a number. The Hayes line of modems use ATDT for tone dialing and ATDP for pulse dialing. Dial Post-String: This is the command or character to make your actually modem execute the command that has been sent to it. Once again the Hayes line of modems require that you send a carriage return at the end of a command before it will actually execute the command. the `}' indicates a carriage return to D-Cube. Modem Init String: This is the string to initialize your modem. With the Hayes modems ATZ resets the modem and S0=0 keeps it from answering the phone. The default for this is `ATZ S0=0'. Speaker-On String and Speaker-Off String: These are the commands that turn your modem speaker on and off. I turn the speaker on when dialing a phone number for the first time. You have the option of having the speaker on or off for redialing. If you do not want to hear your modem speaker at all then set both strings to the command to turn your modem speaker off. Log File Name: This is the name that you want to save all the Logging information in when logging your calls. Path for files: This is the Drive and Directory for the following files: D-Cube.Dir Dialing Directory D-Cube.Key Macro Key Definition File D-Cube.Log Logging File D-Cube will remember where these three files are even though you may change your directory and or default drive. This is for reading and writing these files. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 31 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === (cont.) The only file that must be in the default Drive and Directory when you bring up D-Cube is D-Cube.Fig, which is the configuration file. Once D-Cube is up and running it will also remember where it's configuration file is, so once again you need not worry about changing default drives and directories. Time Until Redial: This is the time, in seconds that D-Cube will wait AFTER the modem times out before redialing a phone number. By manipulating this and the `Carrier Timeout' option you can get the maximum number of retries without missing a Host system answering the call. Forced Carrier: D-Cube needs to know if your modem is showing to the computer that there is carrier all the time or not. This option is normally False as most computers and modems support Carrier Detect. But there are a few that do not. This is what D-Cube keys on to stop redialing and to start logging the call. Carrier Timeout: This is the time in seconds that you want your modem to listen for a response from a Host system when dialing that Host system. If you specify this time as to short then the modem will timeout before a host has a chance to answer the phone and send out its answering signal. If you set this too long then it will slow down your redialing time. The default is 30 seconds. XON and XOFF characters: These are the characters that a Host system recognizes and uses for indicating Transmit on and Transmit off. Most systems use the standard character #17 and character #19, but there is a chance that you may tie into a Host that requires something different and you need to change these. You must put in the decimal representation of the ASCII character. Automatic Log: This feature is over-ridden either by do Alt-L or by what you have set in your dialing directory for Logging mode. It is set here for the default for the program to start up with. Back Ground and Fore Ground Colors: These are the colors for D-Cube to use to display all information. You can change these for the most pleasing effect for your computer. Please note that ONLY the following defaults can be controlled independently through program commands. Number of StopBits Number of DataBits Baud Parity Logging Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 32 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Parameters and Defaults === (cont.) The values listed in the Default menu represent only the values the program assumes at startup. The rest of the defaults must be set from the Default Routine, but may be changed at anytime during program execution and will be in effect from the time of change until you change them again. To change any of the defaults simply type in the number next to the default and press return. You will be prompted for the new value, and if it is reasonable then D-Cube will accept it and allow you to choose another option to change. When you have finish changing all the options that you want to then press return and D-Cube will ask you if you want to make these options permanent. If you choose not to make these options permanent then they will become effective immediately, but will not be in effect the next time you bring up D-Cube. If you make these options permanent then D-Cube will rewrite the configuration file with the new parameters. **Applications and Advanced Features: The Default routine provides you with a great degree of control over your use of the program. The program will do some checking for invalid default values, but you should be careful when changing the defaults and do so only if you know of a specific need. If you run into trouble specifying the defaults, you can exit to DOS and simply delete the file D-Cube.Fig from your program disk. D-Cube will create a new default file if it does not locate the D-Cube.Fig file. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 33 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Input Strings === The Function Key Directory: Alt-K One of D-Cube's other powerful features is the Function Key Directory, which is called up by pressing Alt-K. The Function Key Directory permits you to assign permanent strings of up to 80 characters to the ten Function keys F1 through F10, and to the combinations of Alt-, Shift-, and Ctrl- F1 through F10. A total of forty keys can thus be assigned permanent strings, which can be used to input i.d. numbers, logon sequences, frequently-used phrases and other text with a single keystroke. The information in the Function Key Directory is stored in a file called D-Cube.KEY and is loaded every time D-Cube is run. When you first bring up the Macro Key Routine you see that the keys F1 through F10 have no strings assigned to them. To program a key (or to change a previously programmed key), press 'c' at the first prompt. You will then be asked to specify which Function key (1 through 10) you wish to revise. Type the appropriate number and hit <Enter>. Do not press the function key, type in the number of the Function Key that you want to define. (Example defining F-10 type in 10 and press return). The cursor will then move to that entry and you may then begin typing in the definition for that key. Type the desired characters, followed by <Enter>. The directory will display the revised input for that key. (If you make an error, press 'r' again and respecify for that key.) If you want to specify carriage returns as part of the input string, input a "right curly bracket" -- the shifted key '}' just to left of the <Enter> key -- at that point in the input string. If you want the input string to terminate with a carriage return, enter '}' as the last character of the string. For example, if you wanted to assign the your normal logon sequence to an RBBS system. The string that you want to assign is: Dorn <Enter> Stickle <Enter> PassWord<Enter> you would input the above string into the Macro Key in the following manner: Dorn}Stickle}Password} This would then send the string to the RBBS system as if you had typed it in yourself. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 34 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Input Strings === (cont.) The input string may be up to 80 characters in length, only the leftmost 71 characters will be displayed in the directory. To indicate a comment at the end of the string us the single quote mark ( ` ). I use this so that I know which sign on key goes with which bulletin board that I am calling on, as I do not keep the same password for each bulletin board that I call and I get mixed up if I do not have something to remind me. You can "page" forward or back through the Function Key Directory by pressing 'f' or 'b' at the initial prompt. This will permit you to assign or revise strings for the key combinations Alt-F1 through Alt-F10, Shift-F1 through Shift- F10, and Ctrl-F1 through Ctrl-F10. You exit by pressing the `x' key. Using the Function Key Assignments -- Once any of these forty Function keys or key combinations have been assigned, hitting that key will send the input string directly to the communications port (sending carriage returns in place of '}'). Continuing with the example above, if you pressed F1 during communications, you would send the following to the remote computer: Dorn Stickle PassWord You can specify a new string for any of the Function keys at any time. The Alt-K command can be used simply to display the Function Key Directory for reference. You can page through the Directory as needed to confirm your key assignments. To continue with communications, press 'x' at the initial prompt and you will be returned to the regular terminal mode of the program. You can then proceed by pressing any of the Function keys to send an assigned string or proceed by typing information from the keyboard. IMPORTANT! DO NOT PLACE CONFIDENTIAL ID NUMBERS OR PASSWORDS IN THE FUNCTION KEY DIRECTORY IF OTHERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR PROGRAM DISK When you want to make a copy of D-Cube for others, do not copy the file D-Cube.KEY, as this file may contain confidential information. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 35 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Input Strings === (cont.) **Applications and Advanced Features: You can also use the Function keys to store filespecs. Pressing the appropriate key will input the filespec in response to a Receive or Transmit prompt. You can include control characters (ASCII 0 through 31) as part of the input string. The program will display these characters as their highlighted letter equivalents (e.g., an ASCII 12 will be displayed as a highlighted letter 'L'). A new user of the program does not need to have the D-Cube.KEY file on his/her disk. If the program does not locate D- Cube.KEY on the program disk, it will initialize and create a new blank Function key file. The same is true for the file Cube.DIR, which contains the information used by the Dialing Directory. *** KEY NOTE: This is how the keys work when either editing or inputing a string for the Macro Key assignment. } - Signifies a carriage return as part of the string. ' - Signifies a comment. BackSpace Delete character to the left of the cursor. Del Delete character under the cursor. End Move the cursor to the end of the field. Ctrl-End Erase from the current cursor position to the end of the field. Home Move the cursor to the start of the field. Ins Toggle between insert and overwrite mode. Cursor becomes fat when in insert mode. Left Arrow Move the cursor to the left one position. Right Arrow Move the cursor to the right one position. Return Finished with the current definition. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 36 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Miscellaneous Features and Commands === Jump To DOS: Alt-J This command will allow you to temporarily drop into DOS without leaving D-Cube. You must have a minimum of 320k in order to be able to get into DOS. You may then run any program that will run in the amount of memory that you have available to run one in. You exit out of DOS and back into D-Cube by typing in "EXIT" from the DOS prompt. Elapsed Time: Alt-Z At any time during program operation, you can display the elapsed time for the current call by typing Alt-Z. For updated time, hit Alt-Z again. (The elapsed time is reset whenever a new call is made.) D-Cube will display the time you connected with the Host system, the current time as well as the elapsed time for this session. ************************* Identification of Program: Alt-B By pressing Alt-B you will see the same screen that you did when you originally brought up D-Cube. It has the copyright notice, the version number as well as my address and phone number. It will prompt you to press any key to continue. This notice will come up once a month for a brief time period, and prompt you to press any key to continue. ********************************************* Exit: Alt-X Pressing Alt-X at any time will give you the option of terminating the program and returning to DOS. *********************************** Logging of Calls: Alt-L This extremely useful feature will allow you to log all of the calls you make to a disk file. You may turn it on and off manually using the Alt-L command, or you may have it automatically Log by specifying so in your dialing directory. This feature just might save you enough money in income tax proof of use to justify the cost of a new modem. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 37 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Miscellaneous Features and Commands === (cont.) D-Cube will Log your calls to a disk file with the Name of the system called, the phone number called, the time that you connected (as determined by the carrier detect signal from your modem, or by the Alt-L command if you manually invoke it), the time that you disconnected (same as connecting, checking for carrier detect or Alt-L if manually disabled), the date of the call and will allow you the option of input a client's name or the name of the project, or you may just use it for comments. The input of client name or the name of a project is limited to 255 characters, and does not have to have anything input. If you press enter at this prompt then D-Cube will log all of the other pertinent information. If you have manually dialed a number and have Logging on then when you terminate the session D-Cube will prompt you for the name of the system that you called as this will not have been put in when you made the call. ** Advanced Features and Applications: The logging mode of D-Cube is one of the most powerful features of this program due to the fact that you have proof as to when a call was made (Date, Time) as well as when the call ended. This can be extremely useful for Business people in that it will assist them to know who they called and when. D-Cube does not have to be communicating when using this feature. You can bring up D-Cube and activate Logging using the Alt-L command when you dial the phone even and D-Cube will prompt you for all of the pertinent information. This will assist consultants and writers as well as sales personnel in being able to have a permanent record as to when the calls were made and how much time to charge to a project. For the person that does not use D-Cube in business or uses D- Cube for both business and personal use then the Logging feature is useful for keeping track of how many times you call a system, the length of time you are usually on the system and the dates and times you usually call a system. You will be able to comparisions as to which systems you call the most and which systems you use the most time on. In future releases of D-Cube there will be automatic generation of reports from this Log file that you will be able to print out according to system called, phone numbers called, dates and times called. D-Cube write the logging file out with 30 characters to the name, 30 characters for the phone number, 9 characters for the stop time, 9 characters for the stop time, 11 characters for the date, 7 characters to specify as to whether the call was made using a modem or was manually invoked. The next line is the Client's name or the name of the project or just a comment line as you have entered. It is a normal ASCII file that can be edited with any word processor that can accept normal ASCII files for input. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 38 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === Miscellaneous Features and Commands === (cont.) Sending a Break Signal: Ctrl-End Various remote computer systems use different signals to effect a break during communications. For example, the break signal for CompuServe is a Control-C; the Source Break signal is a Control-P. Any key sequence (including all control key combinations) may be sent via the keyboard. Some break sequences may also be programmed via the Function Key Directory. Some systems require a special "sustained" Break signal. This signal can be sent by hitting the Ctrl and the End keys simultaneously. You will have to experiment, or consult your remote system's documentation to determine the correct Break signal to use. Command Summary: Home key An on-screen summary of all the D-Cube program commands described above can be displayed at any time by hitting the Home key. Toggle Commands: The following keys toggle on/off their respective functions and operate at any time while the program is running: Alt-C Capture Alt-E Echo Alt-L Logging Mode Alt-S Silent Mode Alt-V View Ctrl-PtrSc Printout ***************************************- Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 39 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === More Applications and Advanced Features === Even though this section is described as "advanced," the following information should be of interest to all users of the program. XON/XOFF: D-Cube supports the sending of XON/XOFF signals to the remote computer in the event of a communications buffer overflow (see below), and will trap for XON/XOFF signals sent by the remote computer during transmission of files. The default XON signal is ASCII 17, the default XOFF signal is ASCII 19. If the remote computer sends an XOFF signal during transmission of a file, then D-Cube will pause until the remote computer sends an "XON" signal, at which time transmission will resume automatically. Communications Errors: <<>> and <<OVERFLOW>> D-Cube will indicate certain types of errors if they occur during communications. If there is an ambient signal on the line, the program will display the symbol '<<>>' in high intensity. Communications will not be interrupted in most cases, but this symbol should put you on notice that you are sending or receiving corrupted data. On a very noisy line, you may see the symbol repeatedly. You should disconnect and try for a better connection. With some modems, including the Hayes Smartmodems<tm>, you may see the <<>> symbol when communications are first opened. This should not be a cause for concern, provided you do not see the symbol once communications are in progress. D-Cube opens a communications buffer for receiving data through the communications port. In most cases, the program should be able to process data as fast as it is received. If the communications buffer does fill faster than the program can handle the incoming data, you will see the symbol <<OVERFLOW>> on the screen. The program will then try to recover, by sending an XOFF signal to the remote computer, processing the contents of the buffer, and then sending an XON signal. Two situations should be noted which may cause an overflow condition. If you are making use of the character stripping option and if the remote computer does not support XON/XOFF. If you are trying to perform simultaneous printout at 2400 baud, your printer will probably not be able to keep up and eventually the buffer will overflow. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 40 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** === D-Cube File Information === D-Cube is supplied with the following files: D-Cube.Com -- The compiled Turbo Pascal version of the program. It will run under DOS 2.00, 2.10, 3.00, 3.10 on a system with 128K or more of memory. D-Cube.DOC -- The text file containing this documentation. PRINTDOC.BAT -- A batch file with a series of prompts to print the documentation file from DOS. COPYCUBE.BAT -- A batch file to aid in making copies of D-Cube for other users. It will not copy your personal .DIR, .KEY, .LOG, and .FIG support files. The first time D-Cube is run, the program looks for three support files. If it does not find them, these three files will be created on the program disk: D-Cube.DIR -- The file that stores Dialing Directory information. D-Cube.KEY -- The file that stores Function Key information. D-Cube.FIG -- The file that stores Default Menu information. D-Cube.Log -- This file not be created untill you start logging calls. ***************************************- Copying D-Cube -- You are encouraged to make copies of D-Cube and distribute them to other users, within the terms of the limited license set forth below. A special batch file has been provided for this purpose. To copy D-Cube, insert the program disk in drive A. From the DOS A> prompt, type 'COPYCUBE' <Enter> and follow the prompts. If you do copy D-Cube for other users, please be sure to provide them with the D-Cube.DOC and PRINTDOC.BAT files. ********************************************* Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 41 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** M Y F A R E S H A R E *************************** NOTICE ******************************MFS* * A limited license is granted to all users of this program, to make * * copies of this program and distribute them to other users, on the * * following conditions: * * * * No fee is to be charged (or any other consideration received) * * for copying or distributing the program without a written * * agreement with * * * * Dorn W. Stickle, 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 * * * * Copyright (c) 1985 Dorn W. Stickle * * * * You are encouraged to copy and share this program with other users * * If you are using this program and finding it of value, your * * contribution ($35 suggested) will be appreciated. * * * ********************************************************* Version 1.0 * Have a Good Day! Dorn.......... The user-supported concept: Anyone may request a copy of a user-supported program by sending a blank, formatted disk to the author of the program. An addressed, postage-paid return mailer must accompany the disk (no exceptions, please). A copy of the program, with documentation, will be sent by return mail. The program carries a notice suggesting a contribution to the program's author. Making a contribution is completely voluntary on the part of the user. Regardless of whether a contribution is made, the user is encouraged to copy and share the program with others. Payment for use is discretionary on the part of each subsequent user. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 42 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** This is a Direct Excerpt From Andrew Fleugelman's PC-TALK III Will the user-supported concept really work? Up to now, distribution of software has relied either on restricting access (and charging for the cost of doing so), or anonymously casting programs into the public domain. The user- supported concept is a way for the computing community to support and encourage creative work outside the traditional marketplace. This is an experiment in economics more than altruism. Free distribution of software and voluntary payment for its use eliminates the need for money to be spent on marketing, advertising, and copy protection schemes. Users can obtain quality software at reduced cost, while still supporting program authors. And the most useful programs survive, based purely on their usefulness. Please join the experiment. End of Excerpt. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 43 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** Appendix A: A Brief Explanation of Communications Parameters The communications "parameters" are simply values that specify how data is to be sent. The "baud rate" is the speed of transmission--300 baud means 300 bits per second. Since it usually takes 10 bits to transmit one character, 300 baud is a transmission rate of approximately 30 characters per second. A baud rate of 1200 is four times as fast--about 120 characters per second. (Your modem must be able to support the baud rate you select.) As mentioned, it usually takes a stream of 10 bits to transmit one ASCII character. One of these 10 bits can be designated as a "parity" bit. The value of this bit can be set so that, when added to the other data bits (described below), the sum of the data and parity bits is either even, odd, always one ("mark parity") or always zero ("space parity"). If you have chosen to communicate with 8 data bits rather than 7 data bits (see next paragraph), there is no "room" for a parity bit, and so you must specify "no" parity. You can choose to communicate with various numbers of data bits. The most common values are 7 data bits, which allow you to send any of the 127 standard ASCII characters, or 8 data bits, which allow you to send an extended ASCII set of 255 characters. For every character transmitted, the communications program sends 1 "start" bit. You have no option to vary this number. However, you can specify how many "stop" bits are to be sent. There must be at least 1 stop bit, and this is the most common value. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 44 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** Appendix B A Brief Description of the XMODEM Protocol Once the protocol is put into effect ("Holding for Start..."), the transmitter waits for the receiver to send an NAK character (ASCII 21). Meanwhile, the receiver sends NAK signals every ten seconds. Once the transmitter detects an NAK, it starts to send the file in sections of 128 bytes. Actually, more than 128 bytes are sent for each block. At the beginning of the block is an SOH character (ASCII 01), followed by the ASCII character representing the block number, followed by the ASCII character of the "one's complement" of the block number. Then the 128 bytes of the file are sent. Finally, the block concludes with an ASCII character representing the sum of the ASCII values of the 128 bytes sent (the "checksum" character). Here is how the block would look if you could stretch it out on a piece of paper: |01| x | x | 128 bytes of Data | x | The receiver checks the block to verify that everything is in order. First it makes sure that the block started with an SOH. Then it makes sure that the block number is correct. Then it performs its own calculations on the 128 data bytes and compares its own checksum with the one received from the transmitter. If everything is in order, the receiver sends an ACK character (ASCII 06) to the transmitter, indicating that the next block is to be sent. If the receiver can't verify, it sends an NAK, requesting that the block be sent again. This continues, block by block, until the entire file has been sent and verified. At the end of the file, the transmitter sends an EOT character (ASCII 04). The receiver acknowledges the EOT with an ACK, and the transfer terminates. Copyright Dorn W. Stickle 909 Cactus Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681 512-255-9126 45 *** D-Cube User's Guide *** Appendix C Features Written But Not Yet Implemented Before I tell all the goodies that I left out, let me tell you why I left them out. I wanted to write a good communications package that would be a single program without overlay files or any other supporting files (with the exception of the default, directory, key, and Logging files). I am limited to 64k (that figures out to be 65525 bytes) of total program space. My biggest limitation was in the Code area as Turbo Pascal limits you to 64K (due to DOS limiting all .COM files to 64k) for reasons that I will not go into here. I think that if you look at the size of the file you will see that I had run out of space. I will be releasing another release of the this program in the future that will include the goodies that I already have written and some others that I am working on, but it will require that D-Cube utilize overlay files which will make the overall size larger. Coming Features: (Sounds like a movie doesn't it?!) -- Transfer Protocols: Y-Modem Batch file Uploading/Downloading Telink Modem7 Kermit Variable Block Size File Transfers -- Emulations: IBM 3101 Full Terminal Emulation VT-52 VT-100 -- Miscellaneous: Split Screen Dumb Terminal Copying Files Printing Files Logging File Report Generations Full Optional Menu with Detailed Help files Features that I am working on: -- Transfer Protocols X.25PC MNP -- Miscellaneous Simultaneous communication sessions for more then one communications port. Host System Assembly Language Sound for Basic like Music Playing Baud rates up to 19,200 Support for the Tandy 2000 I am open to any and all suggestions and most definitly will consider anything that anyone has to offer. Have a good day! Dorn......