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Chuck Forsberg The High Reliability Software User Manual for ZCOMM Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM Communications Software With TurboLearn(TM) Script Writer, Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM), Error Containment(TM), and OverThruster(TM) User Supported Communications Software Tools User Manual for ZCOMM Universal Line Printer Edition Copyright 1987 Omen Technology Inc All Rights Reserved Omen Technology Incorporated The High Reliability Software 17505-V Northwest Sauvie Island Road Portland Oregon 97231 VOICE: 503-621-3406 :VOICE Modem: 503-621-3746 Speed 1200,2400,19200 Compuserve:70007,2304 GEnie:CAF UUCP: ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 0 Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 2 1. INTRODUCTION Get a Handle on the Information Explosion with ZCOMM(TM) User Supported Communications Software ZCOMM helps collect, control, and transmit information with a minimum of time, hassle, and expense. Concise commands and unobtrusive displays facilitate telecommunications instead of distracting. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 1 Introduction Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 3 2. Collecting Information ZCOMM exchanges files with the widest range of computer systems and networks with a complete set of error correcting file transfer protocols. Years of communications experience distilled in ZCOMM deliver fast, reliable file transfers. Unsolicited customer testimonials chronicle accurate file transfers under conditions that crash all other communications programs, thanks to Omen Technology's Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM) compatible logic enhancements and thorough protocol stress testing. + ZMODEM- How often has your modem disconnected when you were within the last 1k of a long, expensive file transfer? With ZCOMM's ZMODEM file transfers, you can resume the transfer from where you were cut off, without wasted time or phone charges! ZMODEM transfers files and commands with a uniquely user friendly interface. Unlike traditional protocols, only one command or menu choice is needed to transfer files or download commands. ZMODEM provides maximum throughput with full integrity even with timesharing systems, high speed buffered modems, and packet switched networks. ZMODEM sets the throughput record with 14 kilobit/second TrailBlazer modems tested at Telebit Corp. Advanced features include text file translation, selective transfer of updated files, remote file maintenance. Security authentication* disables Trojan Horse attacks. ZMODEM supports modern operating systems by preserving exact file contents and modification date, even across multiple time zones. A 32 bit Cyclic Redundancy Check, five orders of magnitude more sensitive than CRC-16 and billions of times more sensitive than Crosstalk's XMODEM checksum protects critical data. + XMODEM ZCOMM supports the ubiquitous Ward Christensen "XMODEM" protocol with Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM) and automatic file name generation. Exclusive Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM) transfers files under conditions that crash other programs. + XMODEM CRC-16 Even in 1987, few commercial programs support 16 bit CRC, the standard of XMODEM file transfer technology since 1981. CRC-16 error detection is orders of magnitude more accurate than checksum. Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM) catches and corrects transmission errors that confound other programs. + XMODEM-1k 1024 byte packets (incorrectly called YMODEM) increase throughput with timesharing systems and networks. + True YMODEMTm batch file transfers preserve the exact file length and creation date. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 2 Introduction Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 4 + Convenient Kermit AutoDownload- saves keystrokes, resolves incompatibilities that stymie other programs. + Kermit- transfers ASCII and binary files with IBM, CDC, Cray, DEC, ICL, Harris, Honeywell, Pr1me, Tandem, Univac and other mainframes. Kermit is necessary to accurately transfer files with many of these systems which do not support XMODEM protocol. ZCOMM's 16 bit Kermit CRC is thousands of times more sensitive than Crosstalk's 6 bit checksum. + Sliding Windows Kermit speeds file transfers with timesharing systems, satellite and packet networks. SuperKermit is the only high throughput download protocol compatible with The Source(TM). + Advanced Kermit Server Access functions support standardized, low cost networking. + X.PC- version supports low level flow control, error correction, multiple virtual calls and concurrent data capture. + Compuserve B ASCII and binary transfers reduce file transfer costs up to 60 per cent. + OverThruster(TM) Speeds XMODEM and Compuserve-B downloads. + ZCOMM supports bulletin boards and traditional communications programs with MODEM7 batch, Telink/FIDO, and Clink/SEAlink file transfer protocols. - + WXMODEM (Windowed XMODEM) speeds People-Link(TM) timesharing service downloads. ZCOMM's protocols are more cost effective than the crude, unreliable XMODEM support available with other programs, and are more useful than undocumented proprietary protocols. Unix and VMS C source code is available for the public domain protocols. 2.1 Controlling Information ZCOMM's Full-Time Capture Buffer(TM) lets you flip back and forth or search, scanning two hundred messages from bulletin boards in a couple of minutes. (It has to be seen to be believed.) To compose a reply, call your favorite editor (the one you've already learned!) as a subroutine without losing your place. ZCOMM's high speed screen driver - makes life easy and pleasant: + Easy on the eyes: ZCOMM supports No Flicker displays, up to 450 per cent faster than DOS (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 2 Introduction Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 5 + VT102, VT100, TTY 5425, ANSI, Z19, VT52, TI 940, IBM 3101, TVI 9xx, and ADM3a terminal emulations support on-line applications, including Unix and VMS full screen editors. + Supports 80 and 132 columns, advanced displays (114x60, etc.) + VT100 character graphics and keyboard mapping support "visual" programs. Unlike Microsoft Access, Crosstalk, and most "VT100" emulators, ZCOMM correctly displays EDT, SmartForm, AllIn1, and DEC Store even at 9600 baud. + ANSI KAM and SRM modes allow applications to control keyboard action and character echo. + Hardcopy Terminal Emulation previews printer output by converting overprint sequences to bold or underlined characters. + Visual (silent) bell preserves domestic tranquillity + Settable parameters including number of lines and columns, border color, default colors, autowrap, keyboard mapping enable. Full pathnames, directories, and wildcards support file transfers and utility commands. Output may be redirected to printers or appended to files. Files may be listed, paged, copied, renamed, searched, edited, and deleted. Accuracy and identity of files transmitted by any means are verified by word count and two types of checksum/CRC's. Matching C Source code is available for many of these functions. ZCOMM can search files for lines matching a string, insensitive to case. 2.2 Transmitting Information + A rich palette of editing and timing modes permit file and message upload, even to fussy microcomputer Bulletin Boards. + Convenient Split Screen option allows responsive local editing of input lines before transmission.- + Remote access for file transfers and DOS program execution with baud rate detection and three passworded security levels.- + Outcall Queue intersperses scheduled outgoing calls with incoming messages on one modem line.- 2.3 Other Features Interrupt driven modem input allows High speed operation with file transfer and conversational terminal operation at 19200 bps and above. One of 7 modem "ports" may be selected at any time. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 2 Introduction Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 6 A real-time status line displays column, row, time, elapsed time, transmission speed, and other important information. Soft keys provide convenient execution of common commands. ZCOMM is written in C for performance, portability and maintainability. ZCOMM loads quickly from a moderately sized executable file with no cumbersome overlays. Almost two decades of telecommunications knowledge are distilled in ZCOMM. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 2 Registration Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 7 3. ZCOMM REGISTRATION ZCOMM may be used without any legal obligation to make any payments to Omen Technology or anybody else. You may distribute the unmodified ZCOMM.ARC file to as many friends as you wish. Registration buys you: + Your own unique ZCOMM Serial Number Password (ZSNP). Your ZSNP may be applied to copies of ZCOMM to be run on a single machine. + Serialized copies of ZCOMM do not pause after the initial screen. + Serialization activates the egrep, egrepm, expand, split, and ss commands. Features denoted with ** are available in serialized copies of ZCOMM. + Serialization more than doubles the circular buffer size. + A software disk with the current version of ZCOMM, The putsnp program to serialize your copy of ZCOMM with your ZSNP, and the tree structured "flash-up" help processor and help file included in ZCOMMHLP.ARC. + Typeset pages of the complete 195 page Professional-YAM User Manual, ready for insertion into a "PC-size" binder. REGISTRATION FEES: + Basic registration (ZSNP, disk, manual pages): $40.00 + Domestic Shipping (UPS surface): $5.00 (Required except for prepaid mail orders) + Custom Binder (OPTIONAL): $10.00 additional + International Air Mail: $10.00 additional + UPS Second Day AIR (OPTIONAL): $5.00 additional (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 3 ZCOMM Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 8 4. ZCOMM's Big Brother ZCOMM is the Little Brother of Professional-YAM. As powerful as ZCOMM is, more powerful than other user supported software, it pales beside Omen Technology's commercial Professional-YAM software. Pro-YAM's TurboDial(TM) script language provides state of the art real time pattern recognition, "regular expiression" string parsing, script development aids, script encryption, queue management, extensive logging facilities, and finely tuned security control unmatched in the industry. Fortune 500 corporations use these exclusive features to support large PC based telecommunications projects involving attended and unattended operation. Specialized utility commands allow Pro-YAM and a PC or DG/One portable to replace data line monitors in many applications. Pro-YAM supports Echoplex uploads and high speed data dumps in addition to the uniquely accurate and robust XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, and Kermit protocol transfers shared with ZCOMM. Pro-YAM has many powerful utility commands that earn it the sobriquet Integrated Communications Tools. Pro-YAM is available with the Tymnet X.PC link level protocol for multiple, concurrent data transfers. Omen Technology also markets highly compatible Unix and Xenix flavors of Pro-YAM. Omen Technology's Demand Upgrade(TM) technology and small company responsiveness meet the support needs of a growing base of demanding customers. Professional-YAM is a superset of ZCOMM; applications and scripts developed on ZCOMM will operate with Pro-YAM. Pro-YAM is also published by the POLYTRON Corporation under the trademark PowerCom. This ZCOMM manual omits descriptions of most of the Pro-YAM features not included in ZCOMM. The special symbol * denotes features not included in ZCOMM. In some places you will see references to Chapter 99. Pro-YAM manual chapters not included in this document are designated by Chapter 99. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 4 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 9 5. ROSETTA STONE The following terms have specific meanings within this manual which may not coincide with their usage elsewhere. Alphanumeric An alphanumeric character is either a letter or a decimal digit 0 to 9. Baud A baud is a signaling unit conveying one or more bits of information. Baudrate is commonly (and usually incorrectly) interchanged with bits per second. BPS is an abbreviation for "bits per second", a measure of transmission speed. ASCII Asynchronous transmission generally uses 10 bits to transmit each character, so the speed in characters per second is one tenth the speed measured in bits per second. Capture The term function captures data from the remote into the circular buffer. This data may be paged back and forth with the review function, or written to a disk file. Character Escape is a sequence of characters initiated by a backslash character used to represent a control character or programmable string using printable characters. Character escapes are described in Chapter 24. Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC) is a datum (16 or 32 bits) generated by a cyclic code. The CRC-16 extension to the Ward Christensen XMODEM protocol provides a high level of data integrity. CRC-16 guarantees detection of all single and double bit errors, all errors with an odd number of error bits, all burst errors of length 16 or less, 99.9969% of all 17-bit error bursts, and 99.9984 per cent of all possible longer error bursts. The actual performance is even better because the errors that sneak by CRC-16 are often detected by the other error checks simultaneously applied by ZCOMM's Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM). ZMODEM's 32 bit CRC provides five orders of magnitude more accurate error detection than XMODEM's CRC-16 a billion times more accurate than 8 bit checksum used by standard XMODEM.. Download is the transfer of data from the remote system down to your computer. DTR is an abbreviation for Data Terminal Ready. Data Terminal Ready is a signal sent by the computer to the modem to condition it to accept commands or answer an incoming call. When DTR is "dropped" (switched off), the modem should disconnect from the line. Execute When a string parameter is executed, it is normally sent to the remote (modem). If it begins with "@", the remainder is (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 5 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 10 executed as a ZCOMM command. Filespec Some ZCOMM commands instruct a remote Kermit server program to send, receive, print, type, or delete one or more files. The syntax of this specification is defined by the remote Kermit server program, not ZCOMM. If filespec contains spaces, filespec must be enclosed by double quotes. Flow Control restrains the speed of transmission to prevent loss of data when a fast sender must communicate with a slower receiver. Hardware signals, control characters, and protocol handshakes can be used to provide restraint, singly or in combinations. SEE ALSO: handshake command, Flow Control Chapter 14 Functions are operations supported by ZCOMM, such as a dir, type, s, r, or t (term) command. A command may set or reset mode[s], change a parameter, or perform a function. Host Operation allows remote access of files and programs. Iff If and only if. Integrity in a data transfer protocol refers to the ability of the protocol to guarantee a correct data transfer provided both sender and receiver report a successful transfer. Integrity is a different measure of a file transfer protocol than robustness, which is a measure of a protocol's ability to complete the requested transfers in the presence of errors, independent of the probability of undetected errors in the file transfer. Kermit ia an error correcting batch file transfer protocol developed at Columbia University and elsewhere. The Kermit protocol supports text and binary file transfers with many mainframe computers whose hardware and operating software preclude implementation of high performance protocols. Kermit implementations exist for many mainframes that cannot support the XMODEM protocol. Line Hit A burst of noise on a telephone line may generate modem data errors. A single noise burst may garble dozens of characters. ZCOMM's Error Containment(TM) technology may be used to reduce the number of characters garbled by each line hit. Modes Many modes are available to modify the way the term function receives, displays, transmits, and stores data. Options Options apply to the Kermit, s, sx, sb, s7, st, r, rx, r7, rb, and rc protocol file transfer commands. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 5 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 11 q.v. Quod Vide is Latin for "which see", an invitation to consult information on the subject mentioned. Pathname is a complete file name, including disk and directories. EXAMPLE: c:/ZCOMM/PHODIR.T Pathspec ... A pathspec consists of zero or more pathnames. Unambiguous and ambiguous (with wildcard characters) pathnames may be specified in any combination. The wildcard filename characters * and ? are allowed as described in the IBM DOS manual chapter "Global Filename Characters". Only the filename portion of the pathname may contain wildcards. EXAMPLE: src/cmd/*.c is legal; src/*/foo.c is not. An empty pathspec represents all files in the current directory on the current disk. A disk identifier without any file names represents all files on that disk's current directory. A directory pathname expands to all files in the specified directory. Sequences of the form %svar are replaced by the value (possibly empty) of the string parameter svar. If svar is not a string parameter, no substitution is made. A pathspec may contain any combination of the above, separated by spaces or tabs. If pathspec includes a disk specifier (such as a: or b:), ZCOMM checks the disk specifier against the list of permissible disk specifiers in the string parameter disks. The various filename expansions are especially useful in the context of commands such as wc, sum, chek, crc, find, sb, and sz. For example, wc applies to all files in the current directory, and wc dir applies to all files in dir. ZCOMM pathnames may use / or \ to delimit directories. Regular Expressions control pattern matching and grouping of text by the ss and egrep commands. "Magic" characters specify the pattern matching and grouping processes. Remote refers to the machine or terminal with which ZCOMM is communicating. This could be a direct RS-232 connection to a local terminal, micro, mini, or mainframe, or a timesharing system accessed through a modem and a global packet switched network. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 5 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 12 Restraint See "Flow Control" above. Restricted For security reasons, ZCOMM is restricted to prevent unauthorized dial-in users from accessing private data or crashing the system. Certain commands are illegal when ZCOMM is restricted, and only specified disk drives and directories may be accessed. Review Function The last 32k characters of output from the remote may be paged and searched online with the review function. This data may also be cut and pasted to disk files. Robustness in a file transfer protocol refers to the protocol's ability to complete transfers in the presence of errors induced by line noise or other sources. Robustness is a different measure of a file transfer protocol than integrity, a measure of the probability of correct data transfer given a successful completion of the transfer process. Script A script is a set of commands that control dialogues with the user or a remote system. Script Level refers to the degree of nesting of scripts. Level 0 is called by the user directly, and each higher level is executed by a gosub or other command from the previous level. Shell Escape is a DOS command or program called as a subroutine from ZCOMM. The phrase "shell escape" comes from the Unix(TM) Operating System, whose command interpreter is called "the shell". Soft Keys Strings or commands may be assigned to the Soft Keys with set commands, including those in the telephone directory "setup" entry executed each time ZCOMM starts. ZCOMM recognizes the forty function key codes produced by the ten function keys F1 to F10. F11 to F20 are obtained with a Shift key, F21 to F30 are obtained with the Ctrl key, and F31 to F40 are obtained with the Alt key. The cursor keys and extra function keys on 101 key Extended Keyboards are also recognized. Strings or commands may be assigned to BS, ESC, Ins, Del, Home, End, Up, Down, Left, Right, PgUp, and PgDn, overriding their normal functions in the term function. String Some commands take a string argument. If a string argument contains spaces, tabs, and a semicolon, it must be enclosed by double quotes (shift single quote on the IBM PC keyboard). Control characters may be included in strings with character escapes similar to those used by the C Programming Language. Term Function ZCOMM's Term Function provides the conversational "connection" between the user and the remote. The term function (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 5 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 13 captures data from the remote into ZCOMM's circular buffer from whence it may be displayed, printed, stored in a disk file, or searched, cut and pasted by the review function. TWX Teletypewriter Exchange (Teletype Corp. TM). A simple protocol used to transmit files or paper tapes between dial-up teleprinters. Upload is a transfer of data from your computer up to the remote system. Writing When a receive file is open as a result of a create or t filename command, data in the circular buffer is written out to the receive file when the circular buffer fills up or when a w or ALT-W command is given. XMODEM The Ward Christensen file transfer protocol uses 128 byte packets, one byte control messages, and a one byte arithmetic checksum. XMODEM/CRC A synonym for the enhanced Ward Christensen XMODEM protocol using a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC-16). Newer programs support CRC-16 for better data integrity, but reliability is still compromized by one byte control messages. XMODEM-1k XMODEM protocol with 1024 byte data packets, CRC-16, and one byte control messages, sometimes incorrectly called ymodem. YMODEM YMODEM is a batch file transfer protocol with pathname, date, file length and other file data in block 0, CRC-16 default, and optional 1024 byte packets. Many programs claiming to support YMODEM actually use XMODEM with 1024 byte blocks; use ZCOMM's sx -k and rx XMODEM commands with these mutants. XOFF, XON ASCII control characters control the flow of data. XOFF (Ctrl-S) stops and XON (Ctrl-Q) resumes the flow of data. Chapter 29 provides an ASCII code chart with the names for the control characters. {arg1 | arg2} One of the arguments separated by | is required. ZMODEM An advanced public domain file transfer protocol with simplified human interface, crash recovery, high speed streaming, sensitive 32 bit CRC, command download, security features, and important file management functions. [] Optional argument. * The special symbol * denotes features not included in ZCOMM. ** Denotes features not included in userialized (unregistered) copies of ZCOMM. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 5 Rosetta Stone Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 14 6. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ZCOMM is a Command Driven Communications Tool. Once learned, ZCOMM's command interface is more powerful, faster, and less cumbersome than a menu interface with equivalent choices. Indeed, menus comprehensive enough to describe all the nuances of ZCOMM's capabilities would take up more memory than most computers can afford. In addition, remote operation of ZCOMM would be cumbersome due to transmission delays while displaying the numerous menu pages that would be required. The design of ZCOMM's command interface has been influenced by the MODEM series of programs, the Unix(TM) Operating System, the Berkeley Editor (vi), CP/M(TM), and PC-DOS. Function keys F1 and F2 have been assigned with a logical grouping. Wherever meaningful, F1 exits from a function, and F2 enters the logical "next" function. From the command prompt, F2 enters the term function, and from there another F2 enters the review function. Once in the review function (assuming it was called from the term function), F1 exits back to the term function, from where another F1 exits to the command prompt. Another ethic guiding ZCOMM's design is respect for the user's information. The user's data is, after all, precisely what a modem program is all about. Status information is limited to one CRT line to allow maximum screen size for data. Fancy display modes such as reverse video are used sparingly to avoid distracting from the user's work. If you seek a video arcade modem game, ZCOMM will disappoint you. 6.1 Circular Buffer The circular buffer remotely resembles the linear "capture buffer" used by other modem programs. Many ZCOMM commands involve the circular buffer, including the t, f, wait, w, review, and close commands. The term function uses the circular buffer as a first in, first out (FIFO) buffer for data arriving from the remote. The circular organization of this buffer makes the most recent data available for review and arbitrary writing to disk files. Data is inserted into the circular buffer via the insertion pointer bufcq. When the circular buffer is cleared, all pointers are set to the beginning of the buffer (lowest memory address). Incoming data is stored at the location pointed to by the pointer, and then the pointer is incremented to point to the next buffer location. If this new (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 6 Circular Buffer Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 15 pointer value points past the end of the circular buffer, the pointer is reset to the beginning of the buffer. This pointer reset operation is called pointer wraparound. Data from the remote is placed in the circular buffer exactly as it arrives from the remote,[1] with all 8 bits stored in memory. The highest priority task of the term function is to place modem data into the circular buffer. If the free storage remaining in the circular buffer falls below a certain level, (and iff e mode is not in effect), ZCOMM sends an XOFF character to the remote to stop the flow of data. Data may be taken from the circular buffer with three data removal pointers. The first removal pointer fetches data for display on the CRT screen (Term Function Control Characters are decoded now), and for scanning by the pattern match facility. Another pointer fetches data from the circular buffer for the line printer iff printer output has been enabled with the l mode or by the ALT-L. The last pointer fetches data from the circular buffer for writing to a disk file if a receive file has been opened. When the circular buffer has been filled and the XOFF character sent to the remote, ZCOMM writes the contents of the circular buffer to the receive file if a receive file has been opened. ZCOMM then checks whether any characters remain to be written to the printer. When both of these checks are satisfied, ZCOMM then sends an XON character to the remote to resume the transmission of data. The ALT-W command can be used to write the contents of the circular buffer to the receive file without waiting for the circular buffer to fill up first. The 24kb[2] capacity of the circular buffer may be used to review the most recent data received from the remote. The review command allows one to page back and forth through the data received from the remote. Forwards and backwards string searches make it easy to locate important text. The review command also allows segments of the data in the circular buffer to be selectively saved on disk (cut and pasted). __________ 1. Exceptions: If c mode is in effect, ENQ and DLE are not stored in the circular buffer. They activate the Compuserve "B" protocol. Timing considerations dictate this violation of ZCOMM's circular buffer design philosophy. Likewise, CAN is used for ZMODEM AutoDownload with Z mode, and SOH activates Kermit AutoDownload with K mode. 2. 128 kb default on 32 bit flavors (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 6 Installing ZCOMM Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 16 7. INSTALLING ZCOMM If you have registered your copy of ZCOMM, make yourself a working copy of the ZCOMM distribution disk using the DOS diskcopy command to make exact copies. Keep the distribution disk in a safe place away from nasty data killers such as disk drives, displays, computers, magnets, motors, and coffee cups. The only time the distribution diskette should be out and about is when you are cloning your working copies. 7.1 Installation from Registration Disk The putsnp program inserts your ZCOMM Serial-Number-Password (ZSNP) into your working copiy of ZCOMM. Installing a legal serial number suppresses the pause after the opening message, enlarges the circular buffer, and enables new commands. The putsnp program prompts for your Serial/Number/Password (SNP) of the form X123456789. Putsnp checks for keyboarding mistakes and then verifies that you understand and agree to the licensing conditions. When you understand and agree to the licensing conditions, respond with yes (not just y). Then putsnp prompts for the name of a file to insert the serial number into. This should be a ZCOMM.EXE file that you have transferred to a scratch disk, or to an appropriate directory on your hard disk. Do not write on the distribution diskette unless a nuclear attack is in progress. After inserting the serial number in the given file, putsnp asks if you wish to change the default value for the phone directory pathname (string parameter phones). This is normally /PHODIR.T. If you wish to keep the phones file elsewhere, answer "yes".[1] Putsnp then searches for the location in your copy of ZCOMM that contains this information. When found, you may enter a new pathname,[2] up to 64 characters. Afterwards, you should copy the help processor files YHP.EXE and ZMANH.HLP from the disk. __________ 1. The default value may also be overidden with the PHONES DOS environment variable. 2. Such as c:/zcomm/PHODIR.T. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 7 Installing ZCOMM Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 17 7.2 Installation from ZCOMM*.ARC If you are using the software provided in ZCOMM*.ARC, be sure to save the original files for backup, and pass them on to your friends to fill their communications needs. There are currently three ZCOMM archive files: + ZCOMMEXE.ARC contains the executable program and demonstration files. + ZCOMMDOC.ARC contains this documentation. + ZCOMMHLP.ARC contains ZCOMM's tree structured help file and random access flash-up help processor. 7.3 Installation Continued The second order of business is to read this manual. There is just no way you can get your money's worth out of ZCOMM without reading, or at least carefully scanning, this manual. After all, didn't you get ZCOMM because you needed something more powerful than that cumbersome, unreliable, brain-damaged menu driven crock you've been using? (Perhaps you shouldn't answer that question just yet ...) You can then edit PHODIR.T to suit your own needs by inserting directory entries for the systems you wish to call and changing the phone numbers, account numbers, and passwords on the "standard" entries for popular timesharing services that you have accounts with. Be sure to check the setup entry and make any changes you feel appropriate. Once you have the "feel" of ZCOMM, you will want to remove the automatic menu invocation at the end of the setup directory entry. Chapter 10 gives a line by line tutorial for setting up your telephone directory assuming you are using a standard modem. If you are using a computer that runs at non standard clock rates (e.g., 8 mHz 8088 instead of 4.77 mHz) or with an enhanced CPU chip (NEC V20), you will need to set special values for the a and b numeric parameters as described in Chapter 22. **** WARNING **** Although ZCOMM is well behaved as communications programs go, some memory resident programs, special keyboard modifiers, print spoolers, or special display drivers, may cause problems. The POLYTRON memory-resident desktop organizer PolyWindows DeskPlus as well as POLYBoost work with ZCOMM. **** WARNING **** Since ZCOMM uses interrupts to read data from the (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 7 Installing ZCOMM Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 18 serial ports, each serial port must be strapped for its proper interrupt vector. Some communications programs assign both IRQ3 and IRQ4 while operating, so they will operate even if the serial ports are not strapped properly. Since ZCOMM only assigns the interrupt vector of the port in use, incorrect IRQ level strapping will crash ZCOMM. Check the serial port addresses and vectors with the information given ith the port command in Chapter 17 if you encounter trouble starting ZCOMM. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 7 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 19 8. MODEM INTERFACING ZCOMM accesses serial ports at the standard COM1 and COM2 address, as well as COM3-COM7 as described with the port command. The portx command may be used to access non standard 8250 port addresses. When a port is selected, a quick hardware check is made to verify the existience and minimal functionality of the port. If this test fails, the message Port N Defective is displayed. An incorrect port switch or strap (jumper) configuration is the usual cause of this message. The hardware check does not check whether the port is connected to the proper IRQ line. If the port is not configured to use the proper IRQ line, the computer may lock up when the port is used. If your telephone line supports Tone Dialing, set mprefix to ATDT with a command in the setup telephone directory entry. If your telephone line only supports rotary (pulse) dialing, set mprefix to ATDP. Modem manufacturers are constantly refining their products and adding subtle new features. To obtain the full performance your modem provides, you can edit initialization strings in the dialing scripts to take advantage of new modem features. For example, changing the X1 string sent by a dialing script to X4 enables extra features on some modems. If your modem is not listed in one of the following subchapters, please read all the subchapters and use the suggestions that apply to modems similar to yours. 8.1 High Speed Modems The new generation of high speed dial-up modems presents special oppurtunities and challenges to hardware and software system integrators. These modems transmit data at varying speeds from 19200 bits per second to 300 or 110 bps. This range of speeds poses special problems communicating between the computer and the modem. Lower speed modems examine the traditional "AT" command prefix bit by bit to lock onto the computer's transmission speed instantly. Many modems which recognize commands at widely varying speeds can not use this technique. A number of alternate techniques have been developed, each with its own advantages and problems. + Lock the interface to the highest tranmsission rate. This aviods the programming required to synchronize the modem's and computer's speeds. Flow control must be used when the interface speed is locked to prevent the computer from sending data more rapidly than the modem can buffer and transmit it. When such an arrangement is (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 20 used to communicate over networks that must assert their own flow control, optimum regulation of the data flow becomes difficult if not impossible, especially during protocol error recovery. The handshake both command should be used whenever the modem's interface speed is locked unless XMODEM or YMODEM transfers are required. When the interface speed is locked at a higher speed than the actual data transmission, an excessive amount of data may be stored in the modem's memory awaiting transmission. This is most inefficient when a streaming file transfer protocol is used because the stored data must be drained before error recovery can commence. The ZMODEM b and w muneric parameters should be used to manage the modem's data storage. Locking the interface speed to 9600 or 19200 bps while communicating at 1200 and 2400 bps should be avoided unless all links in the transmission path have effective error correction. + Autobaud to adjust the modem and computer speed. With this method, the modem is optioned to enter a search mode whenever it becomes idle. The dialing script calls the waketb phone directory subroutine to train the modem to the computer's transmission speed. The waketb subroutine may be optimized for the particular modem used. After dialing or answering a call, the modem handshakes with the remote modem and reports the connect speed with a message such as "CONNECT 1200" or "CONNECT FAST". The dialing script recognizes the string, and sets the computer to the correct speed. If the connection is made at high speed, the dialing script may need to enable hardware flow control with a handshake command. 8.2 TELEBIT TrailBlazer The Telebit TrailBlazer modem uses 68000 and TMS320 processors to transmit serial data at rates approaching 14000 bps over standard phone lines. The modems also operate at speeds of 2400, 1200, 300 and slower. Use the mm224 dialing routine discussed above for this modem. The mm224 dial routine has special provisions to operate this modem smoothly. Before making calls, use the inittb phone entry to initialize the modem's non volatile memory with proper settings for ZCOMM. EXAMPLE: call inittb The ZMODEM or Kermit Sliding Windows protocol should be used at high speeds to avoid interference with the modem's flow control. ZMODEM (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 21 provides optimum file transfer speeds with these modems. 8.3 Microcom SX Series The Microcom MNP modems have a unique command set that is incompatible with Hayes modems. Furthermore, careful attention must be paid to flow control issues to obtain reliable operation. When using XMODEM or other protocols, the modem must be set to pass all 8 bits and all 256 code combinations of those 8 bits. The dialsx script sets the modem to "transparent software flow control" as described in Chapter 14. Change the line set mcommand "gosub dial" to set mcommand "gosub dialsx" in the setup telephone directory entry. 8.4 MultiTech MultiModem 224 The autobaud feature of this and most other 2400 bps modems is accessed with the mm224 dial script. This dialing script is the default choice in the distribution phones.t file. This modem will detect busy tones if the X1 in the mm224 dial script entry is changed to X4. 8.4.1 Error Correcting 224 Set dip switch 1 on the bottom of the modem to up, the reverse of the factory setting. Before making calls, use the initmm phone entry[1] to initialize the modem's non volatile memory with proper settings for ZCOMM. EXAMPLE: call initmm This enables automatic error correction under mnp. If you ever wish to disable this setting, merely type, from the terminal mode, 'at &e0 &w', and the 'ok' which will ensue tells you that the command was accepted and stored in non-volatile memory. __________ 1. Information courtesy Earle Robinson (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 22 8.5 Smartmodem 2400 The Hayes Smartmodem 2400 presents the same same considerations as the Smartmodem 1200 described above. Unlike the 1200, the 2400 uses a non volatile memory to store configuration parameters instead of the switches used in earlier models. The sequence AT&C1 &D2 &R1 &S1 &T5 &W should be sent to the modem to set normal operation for DCD, DTR, CTS, and DSR. The T5 command disables remote loopback request, a source of failed file transfers on noisy lines. Finally, the &W command writes this information to the non volatile memory. Please consult your Hayes manual for more information on these commands. 8.6 Smartmodem 1200 The Smartmodem 1200 and similar 1200 bps modems are compatible with the dial telephone directry entry. To select the dial telephone directory entry, change the line set mcommand "gosub mm224" to set mcommand "gosub dial" in the setup telephone directory entry. The Smartmodem 1200(TM) should be configured as follows by setting S1-S8, located under the front panel. These switches may be accessed by gently prying the ears of the front bezel, allowing the bezel to pop off the front of the unit. S1 Up Support DTR Lead S2 Up Verbal result codes (Verbose) [2] S3 Down Result codes are sent S4 Up Echoes characters in command state S5 Down Modem does not answer calls initially S6 Up Carrier Detect line reads status S7 ???? See Hayes manual S8 Down Enables Smartmodem 1200 command recognition The modem cable should connect the following RS-232 circuits: AA BA BB AB CF CD which use pins 1,2,3,7,8, and 20 on the Hayes modem. Some programs require pins 5 and 6 connected to the modem. NOTE: Some Hayes modems require mprefix to be in upper case only. "Hayes Compatible" modems not manufactured by Hayes generally work __________ 2. If other options are necessary (to support other software) a custom dial routine may be used as described in Chapter 99. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 23 with the same mprefix, but some of the other modem control strings that appear in the distributed PHODIR.T file may not work properly with a particular brand of modem. 8.7 Novation Access 1-2-3 Port "com3" as defined by Novation may not work properly with PC-DOS because it uses the same interrupt line as COM2, which is enabled by PC-DOS. If your system already has serial ports for COM1 and COM2, the Novation board modem may be operated as COM6 by moving the jumper from J6 to J9 and moving the jumper from E4 to W2. (W2 may have to be soldered.) COM6 uses Novation's COM3 port address and IRQ2 for interrupts. Alternatively, you may connect the IRQ line on your regular second serial port to IRQ2 (accessing that port with a "port 7" command) and access the Novation as COM5.[3] The modem prefix should be set to "%D I". When initializing, the modem should be set to 8 bit data mode with a putw "%F 4\r" [4] command. The phones2.t file should be used as a basis for your phones.t file if this is your main modem. The Novation modem must be explicitly commanded to change speed with a "call 1200" or "call 300". Some modems may latch up if they are disturbed while dialing. The modems may have difficulty recognizing dial tone. A Novation "W" command may be used to force a wait and bypass listening for the dial tone. "W" command(s) after the phone number also be useful when attempting to handshake with V.22bis (2400 bps) modems. A custom "dial" script can also be used to manage the peculiarities of these modems. Users of the PC-jr Smartcat(TM) or similar modems should set mprefix to "\16 D " to provide the necessary command sequence for dialing. Many of the Novation Smartcat considerations discussed above apply to the PC-jr version. __________ 3. IRQ2 may already be used by a mouse or special hard disk. 4. See Chapter 24 for a description of character escapes. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 24 8.8 Prometheus ProModem 1200 The following switch setting works with ZCOMM: 1-4,6,9 on; 5,7,8,10 off.[5] A custom "dial" script can be written to operate this modem in its native mode. 8.9 Racal-Vadic Maxwell 2400V The Maxwell 2400V has long delays designed to allow switching between data and voice operation on the same phone line. Unfortunately, they slow normal data operations. The 2400VP reportedly does not have this feature. Use the default mm224 dialing routine discussed above for this modem. 8.10 Standard 103/212 The supplied "dial" script will present the number to the user and wait for a success/fail response if the mprefix string parameter is set empty. Alternatively, one could change the script to loop waiting for carrier detect while the keyboard is inactive. The Data Set Ready (DSR) signal may be connected to the modem's speed detect output (high for 1200 bps, low for 300) allowing the dr test condition to sample the DSR line to determine the speed of the incoming call. 8.11 Data Race BMX These modems have a switch selected interface speed, an AT style command set, and switch options for software or hardware flow control. Recommended settings are: AT commands, Dialup, 8 bit data (down), disable XON (7 and 8 down), Echo on. ZCOMM's handshake on command should be used. 8.12 Strange Modems Most intelligent modems can be commanded to autodial with a suitable mprefix and msuffix string. Those modems that won't work with a particular mprefix can be programmed with a custom "dial" script. If the modem can be configured to reset to a known condition when DTR is turned off, programming is usually straightforward. __________ 5. Prometheus mode does not work with ZCOMM's built-in dialing software because the "DIAL COMPLETED" message makes ZCOMM think it's seen "CONNECT" (ZCOMM looks for a "T"). (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Modem Interfacing Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 25 Otherwise, the script must determine what speed the modem is set to, and then, at its present speed, command the modem to change to the desired speed. The essential requirement is to write a script that controls the modem and responds to its state. The information on scripts in Chapter 99 should prove useful. 8.13 Manual Dialing with Smart Modems Some hotels and exotic locales sport telephone systems with unusual dialing requirements. It may be necessary to dial the call with the telephone, talk to an operator, and then activate the modem. With Hayes compatible modems, an ATD command may be given to the modem to connect it to the line and attempt a data handshake. 8.14 Direct Connection ZCOMM works well communicating with locally connected microcomputers, minicomputers, or mainframes with direct RS-232 connections. For such applications, only transmit and receive data data signals need be connected to the computer. The Carrier Detect line[6] should be driven ON (+5 volts) to prevent noise on this signal by strapping it to Data Terminal Ready [7] if no other signal is available. In the absence of ground noise generated by heavy machinery, foil shielded cable has worked well at 19200 bps and a few hundred feet. __________ 6. Pin 8 on 25 pin RS-232 connector, pin 1 on PC-AT 9 pin connector. 7. Pin 20 on RS-232 connector, pin 4 on PC-AT 9 pin connector. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 8 Your Telephone Directory Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 26 9. YOUR TELEPHONE DIRECTORY ZCOMM's telephone directory is a big flexibility advantage over traditional communications programs which require one or more separate files for each system called, or limit directory information to little more than a telephone number. The telephone directory is a plain ASCII text file which can be edited with standard text editors (brief, teco, EMACS, edlin, etc.). Normally, ZCOMM expects to find the telephone directory in the file /PHODIR.T on the current disk. The pathname may be changed with the DOS environment variable PHONES. EXAMPLE: C>set PHONES c:/ZCOMM/lib/PHODIR.T The putsnp program may also be used to change ZCOMM's default, as described above. The call command is normally used to make a connection with another computer. When you give a call name command, ZCOMM prepares for a modem call and then searches the telephone directory file for a line starting with name. It is not necessary to type the entire name as it appears in the file. ZCOMM will find the first entry that name is a prefix of. EXAMPLE: call cis would access either the cis300 or cis1200 telephone directory entry, whichever was first. When using two entries with similar names (such as "cis300" and "cis1200"), place the favorite entry first. This way you can just type call cis to get the desired entry. If the search is successful, the call command copies the complete directory entry name to the remote string parameter, where it can be used for log entries and automatic password generation. ZCOMM executes the commands on the rest of the line (if any), and on succeeding lines beginning with a space or tab. There is no arbitrary limit to the size of the telephone directory. Popular entries may be placed near the front to minimize searching time. Scripts can also be placed in separate files when desired. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 9 Your Telephone Directory Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 27 9.1 Customizing Your Telephone Directory Your next step is to edit the distribution PHODIR.T to suit your needs. When ZCOMM begins execution, it searches the telephone directory for the setup entry. (A directory entry has the entry name starting at the left margin.) The setup telephone directory in the distributed phodir.t file invokes a demonstration menu. Once you have exercized the various demonstration possibilities, search for the xsetup telephone directory and change it to setup be removing the "x". This will blank out the oroginal setup entry which appears later in the file. setup port 1 The first line of the "setup" entry selects port 1. : if !c speed 1200 putw "ATZ\r" This line is commented out with a colon (:). If the colon is removed, the speed is changed to 1200 and ZCOMM sends an initialization command to the modem if no carrier signal is present. If a carrier signal is present (modem still connected to the remote computer), the speed is not changed, and no initialization command is sent to the modem. pd1; pz480 enables incoming time/date information provided by the YMODEM and ZMODEM Batch protocols. Time/date stamping of transmitted files provides many advantages over traditional protocols, including the ability to selectively transmit files if the source file is newer than receiver's copy. The number in the pz480 command should represent the local time zone expressed as minutes behind GMT.[1] This line should be commented out with a leading colon (or removed) if you use a backup program that depends on the dates of files to determine which to save. set mprefix "ATDP" sets the string parameter mprefix to ATDP, setting the Hayes modem to use rotary (pulse) dialing. If your phone uses tone dialing, comment __________ 1. Pacific Standard Time is 480 minutes behind Greenwich Mean Time (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 9 Your Telephone Directory Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 28 that line out (place a leading colon to make ZCOMM pass over it) and uncomment the line containig "ATDT". set l "1"; set m "1" The l and m string parameters support the dynamic selection of one or more ALDS alternate long distance carriers. The default values for these parameters is the digit 1. When making entries in your telephone directory, use %l- for numbers with different area codes, and %m- for numbers with the same area code as yours. The set command sets the string parameter l (lower case L) to 1 (number), providing for normal long distance access. If you have an alternative long distance service, set this parameter to the required access string for that service.[2] The "set m 1" command sets the string parameter m to 1, providing for normal long distance access for numbers in your same area code. If you have an alternative long distance service, set this parameter to the required access string for that service, plus your area code if required. (Some alternate long distance services require the area code for all calls, even those in your own area code.) set answerback "YOUR NAME CITY\r\n\21" Change the answerback setting to reflect your name.[3] Be sure to keep the \21 at the end of the string.[4] The next lines configure soft keys F3-F14. Their functions are described at the end of Chapter 17. : display bell=visual Causes bell characters to be displayed as a non spacing flashing musical note instead of sounding. If you want a silent bell, uncomment this line. set quitcmd "\003\336off\r" This string is sent to the remote before disconnecting when an ALT-Q __________ 2. Use the "setsavenet" entry in PHODIR.T as a prototype. 3. Some timesharing systems may require a specific answerback string. 4. See Chapter 24 for a description character escapes. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 9 Your Telephone Directory Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 29 is typed during a protocol file transfer. : set calllog c:/calllog : set rxlog c:/tmp/rxlog : set txlog c:/tmp/txlog The above lines set the pathnames for logs of calls, files received, and files transmitted. The above log file entries must be commented out for use with ZCOMM. set f10 "@help" if fyamhelp.t set helpfile "yamhelp.t" if f/umanh.hlp set helpfile "@yhp /umanh.hlp" if fumanh.hlp set helpfile "@yhp umanh.hlp" The above lines locate the help file and program F-10 to summon the help processor if available. These lines may be changed if you keep these files in other directories. : if dc ps4 pn2 pr97 If a color display is used, these colors may be more suitable than the default black and white. Uncommenting this line selects red status line (ps4), green normal text (pn2), and a blue/yellow for reverse video (pr97). Another possibility is "pn3" which selects blue-green for normal text. You may wish to experiment with these values to find ones best suited for your particular combination of display equipment and visual preferences. Changing the colors from time to time may prolong display tube life. Some programs, including the "DEC Store" demonstration, will not display as intended with some combinations of the above display parameters. you have more than one copy/license allowing you to use ZCOMM on multiple computers. Or, you might use ZCOMM with multiple operating systems on one computer. You may wish to keep your phone numbers etc. in one file and relegate information specific to each computer to a separate file. The setup entry checks for the existience of a PHONES.TS file and executes it of found. set s0 "" setc pho "%PHONES\&s"; if f%pho source %pho if %s0 return The supplied PHONES.TS file is used on Omen's 386 Xenix system, and may be used as an example. While editing your telephone directory, you might wish to add some entries for your favorite systems in the same format used by the "amrad", "amsat", or "denver" directory entries. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 9 Your Telephone Directory Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition ZCOMM User Manual 30 When the PHODIR.T file is ready, type "ZCOMM<ENTER>" to run ZCOMM. ZCOMM will print several lines of greeting and then silently execute the commands in the "setup" directory entry. If ZCOMM displays Illegal Serial Number, run putsnp on ZCOMM.EXE. If ZCOMM can't open PHODIR.T, exit ZCOMM with "x<ENTER>" and copy PHODIR.T to the correct directory, or set the DOS PHONES environment variable to the actual pathname (see Chapter 15). Also check that the DOS CONFIG.SYS files contains FILES=20 to allow ZCOMM a sufficient number of open files for proper script operation. (C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 9 Tutorial Introduction