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JRTELE Ueckert Software Systems February, 1988 Version 2.1 (C) Copyright 1988 by Ueckert Software Systems All rights reserved. The disk containing the JRTELE program and this documen- tation may be copied and shared with others. Printed copies of this documentation may not be distributed in any manner without the express written consent of Ueckert Software Systems. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN. JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) TABLE OF CONTENTS Limited License Granted ................. 1 Computer Requirements ................... 2 Modem, Memory, Disk Drives Introduction ............................ 3 Information about modem problems Conventions used in this document Getting Started ......................... 5 Recommendations for machine set-up Running JRTELE Call waiting Menu .................................... 7 Available functions Dialing Directory ....................... 11 Dialing a directory entry Making calls not in the directory Automatic re-dialing Stack dialing Adding, changing and deleting entries Displaying the directory Communication Parameters ................ 16 Standard settings CompuServe Users File Transfers .......................... 17 Downloading and uploading files File transfer problems Program Defaults ........................ 20 Setting colors Communication and dialing defaults Access codes Call waiting set-up Alarm Functions ......................... 22 Setting, cancelling, displaying Turn off sounding alarm Error Messages .......................... 23 Registration ............................ 24 i JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Limited License Granted You are free to use JRTELE and to copy it to share with others. However, you must follow these rules: 1.) The program and the documentation must be distributed together. 2.) The program and the documentation must be distributed unchanged in any way. 3.) You may not charge for the program or its distribution, other than the cost of the distribution medium (i.e.; the cost of a disk, connect charges, or similar items) without the express written permission of Ueckert Soft- ware Systems. 4.) You may not distribute printed copies of this documen- tation without the express written permission of Ueckert Software Systems. This program and documentation are the property of Ueckert Soft- ware Systems, which owns and retains all rights to them. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN. There is no warranty, implied or expressed, about this program's ability to perform in any manner. Any user of this program does so at that user's own risk, with no recourse to Ueckert Software Systems for its performance or lack thereof. 1 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Computer Requirements JRTELE requires a minimum machine configuration of a 128K PCjr with an external speaker, a color or monochrome 80-column display, an internal IBM or Hayes-compatible (internal or external) modem (at 300 or 1200 bps), and a single disk drive. If you have the additional memory, a RAM disk will also work. A RAM disk is NOT required for uploading or downloading. If you have a printer, JRTELE will also make full use of it. Other configurations (second disk drives, etc.) may or may not work. This program depends heavily on PCjr specific interrupts and ports. If it doesn't work on your specific configuration, the author takes no responsibility. There are no plans to make JRTELE work on a PC, XT, AT, PS/2, or any other "compatible". IMPORTANT NOTICE If you are using add-on memory and are changing the location of the screen memory, you must allocate enough memory for two (2) pages of screen memory. If this is not done, results are unpre- dictable. 2 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Introduction JRTELE is a communications program written specifically for the PCjr. It makes full use of the Video Gate Adapter, the internal sound chip, and an IBM internal or Hayes compatible modem. It also supports a capture buffer (to a maximum of 32k). It is de- signed to communicate with RBBS, PCBOARD, FIDO, OPUS, and NOCHANGE type bulletin board systems (BBS). NOCHANGE graphics and music are not supported. JRTELE was written in Turbo Pascal V3.01A with the BCD option. There are approximately 4900 lines of source code in the program. The source code is not available. The communications routines in JRTELE are based on the program DUMTRM.PAS by Jim McCarthy of Borland International and Andy Botany of Teleware Incorporated. The disk directory read routine is based on the program QDL.PAS also by Jim McCarthy of Borland International. Both programs are in the public domain and are available on the Borland International SIG on Compuserve and some BBS's. The following limitations are present in JRTELE: 1.) Only odd, even, and no parity are supported. 2.) Only 300 and 1200 bps are supported. IBM INTERNAL MODEM USERS If you are using an IBM internal modem, it has had a revision since its first release. The later revisions (marked "REV J" and later) corrected a problem occurring during transmission of non-text files; i.e., uploads of programs would not work proper- ly. If you own an internal modem with a revision identification lower than "J", you may have problems with XMODEM and YMODEM uploads. Unfortunately, this is a problem beyond the control of JRTELE or its author. If possible, upgrade to a revision "J" or higher of the IBM internal modem. Also see the chapter on pro- gram defaults. HAYES COMPATIBLE MODEM USERS If you are using a Hayes compatible modem, it must be truly compa- tible in the command set and responses. If it is a Hayes compati- ble and does not work properly with JRTELE, I am sorry but it is impossible to test every modem made. The specific options used within the Hayes modem are E0, V1, and S2. 3 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT A few comments about the notations used in this documentation and the program. When the phrase "Alt-" proceeds a letter, it means you should hold down the key marked "Alt" key (to the left of the space bar) while pressing the named letter key. It is not neces- sary to also press the shift key, even if the indicated letter is capitalized. For example, Alt-M means: hold down the "Alt" key while pressing the "M" key. The phrase "Ctrl-" preceding a letter means to hold down the "Ctrl" key (to the left of the "A" key) while pressing the named letter key. Again, it is not necessary to press the shift key. The phrase "Fn-" and number or phrase im- plies you to press the "Fn" key (top right corner of the keyboard) and the number or phrase key. Additional information about key combinations can be found in the IBM manual, Guide to Operations, supplied with your PCjr. When you see angle brackets around a letter in a word, it means you use that letter to select the action implied by the word. For example, the word "e<X>it" means you are to press the "X" key to exit from the routine. Again, it is not necessary to press the shift key with the letter. On occasion, JRTELE will request a name, phone number, or other information from you. When you provide this information, certain keys can be used to change what you have entered before you press the Enter key. The backspace key will backspace one character position and put a space there. The Esc key will backspace over all characters you have entered. The Enter key indicates you are finished entering characters. 4 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Getting Started Be sure and read the important notice in the machine configuration chapter if you have more than 128k of memory. Also make sure the volume on your external speaker is high enough to hear the sounds generated by JRTELE. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MACHINE SET-UP If you have 128k of memory and one disk drive, I recommend you create a bootable disk with the files JRTELE.COM, JRTELCOM.CTL, and JRTELCOM.DIR as the main files on it. As you download and upload files, use this disk and then copy those files to appropri- ate diskettes after you've ended JRTELE. This will reduce disk swapping and potential errors when the directory file is needed. If you have more than one disk drive, keep JRTELE.COM, JRTELCOM.CTL, and JRTELCOM.DIR on a separate disk. Make the drive holding that disk your default drive and run JRTELE from it. When your down/up load, precede the file name with the address of the other drive. For example, put the JRTELE disk in drive a: and download to drive b:; the file name will be "b:filename.ext" (without the quotes). If you have a hard disk, I recommend you put your communications programs (including JRTELE.COM, JRTELCOM.CTL, and JRTELCOM.DIR) in a separate sub-directory. When you down/up load, you can precede the file name with path and drive names, up to twenty-five charac- ters including the file name. IMPORTANT NOTICE In order to maintain a directory as large as JRTELE's directory, frequent access to the directory file must be made. If you remove the disk containing the directory, you must replace it prior to disconnecting a call or entering the dialing directory function. The directory file is always closed except when it is being accessed; that is, the file will be opened, used, and closed as necessary. RUNNING JRTELE To begin, type (without the quotes) "JRTELE" at the DOS prompt (a:>, where a is the default drive number) and press Enter. The first time you run JRTELE, it may ask you for information which then becomes defaults for the program and the dialing directory. The control file is then written for future runs. The directory 5 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) file is created, using the defaults, for later runs. (The next time you run JRTELE, it will read and use these files.) If you are using an IBM internal modem, the defaults are set to 300 BPS, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. If you are using an Hayes compatible modem, you are asked for its speed. Then the defaults are set using the speed you supplied, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. These are the communications parameters recommended by most BBS's. Later in the documentation, instructions are given on changing the defaults. JRTELE will inform you (visually and audibly) that it is ready. It will also tell you how large the capture buffer is; depending the amount of memory you have, it will range from 10K to 32k. When you've read the first screen, you can press any key to continue. If this is your first time running JRTELE, press Alt-M to display the menu. For more information on the functions on the menu, see the chapter on the menu. INTERNAL MODEM USERS If you are using the IBM internal modem, it is not necessary to enter any commands to set the modem's format, dial a number, or do uploads. JRTELE was written to do that for you. If you have problems uploading, you should refer to the chapter on changing program defaults to ensure that you are using the correct modem type. CALL-WAITING If you have call-waiting as a feature on your telephone, refer to the chapters on changing defaults. JRTELE can add the single call disabling codes to the number of the BBS you are dialing. Refer to your phone book for instructions and information on call-wait- ing. IF JRTELE HANGS AT START-UP OR DOES NOT DIAL Sometimes other people distribute JRTELE with a configuration file. If so, delete it from your disk (use ERASE JRTELCOM.CTL). Then restart JRTELE. If this does not solve the problem, JRTELE probably cannot work with your modem. 6 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Menu The menu screen is provided to give you a quick summary of the functions available. Each of these functions is listed below along with a brief description of that function. Pressing any key will take you out of the menu. If it is a func- tion on the menu, that function will be performed. Most function windows perform in this manner. The function window will remain on the screen until you press a key; the key you press will be sent or the appropriate function will be performed, based on the key. The exceptions to this are the dialing functions (Alt-D and Alt-Q) and the file transfer functions (Alt-R and Alt-T). Remem- ber, the shift key is not required for "Ctrl-" and "Alt-" combina- tions. Alt-P Communications Parameters Allows you to set the communications parameters. This is used primarily when making a manual (i.e., not in the direc- tory) call. Additional details are in the chapter on commun- ications parameters. Alt-F Program Defaults Allows you to set the parameters used by the program; e.g., screen colors. Additional information is presented in the chapter on changing defaults. Alt-E Keyboard Echo Allows you to see the characters you enter if the system with which you're communicating (host) doesn't echo (send back) the characters you type. Most systems do echo. Alt-C Clear Screen Clears the screen. Alt-X Exit Program Allows you to exit the program after answering a verification question. Additional information about the status of the program will be presented with the question. Alt-M Show Menu Shows the menu screen. Alt-A Alarm Functions Allows you to set an alarm to sound at a specific time or after some number of minutes have elapsed. Additional infor- mation is in the chapter on the alarm functions. 7 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Alt-S Split Screen Splits the screen into two areas. The top area displays the characters received from the host. The bottom area displays what you type on the keyboard (up to 80 characters). This area is a full edit area, where the cursor, insert and delete keys are effective. When you press the enter key, the line is transmitted to the host. Fn-Echo Echo to Printer Allows every character received and typed to be sent to the printer. Obviously, you must have a printer attached and it must be ready. Echoing to the printer and using 1200 BPS may cause loss of characters sent by the host. Fn-PrtSc Print Screen Allows you to print the screen, including any window visible. The normal print screen function is changed while JRTELE is running. This allows the program to tell the sender to stop sending while the screen prints; this helps prevent the loss of characters from the host. The standard (or installed) print screen routine is called. When printing is completed, the sender is told to resume sending. Alt-D Dialing Directory Brings up the dialing directory. You may add, change, and delete entries; call an existing entry; make a manual call; redial the last call; and, of course, do nothing. Dialing may be terminated by pressing any key. A later chapter de- tails this function. Alt-Q Redial Last Number Redials, repeatedly, the last number dialed. This can be terminated by pressing any key. Alt-Z Show Elapsed Time Shows the time since the last call was dialed; useful when you're using long distance. Alt-H Hangup modem Forces the modem on-hook (i.e., it hangs up). 8 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Alt-N Line Feed Toggle Changes the program to add a line feed during the current call. Does not change the value stored in the dialing direc- tory entry. This will be used mostly during manually placed calls. For example, if every line sent by the host overlays the previous line, keying Alt-N causes JRTELE to add a line feed when it receives a carriage return. Alternatively, if every line is double spaced, keying Alt-N prevents JRTELE from adding a line feed when a carriage return is received. F1 - F10 Sends the value associated with the pressed function key from the associated dialing directory entry. Not effective with manual calls. Alt-B Send Break Sends a sustained break signal. May be required by some sys- tems, but not most BBS's. Alt-L Logged Drive Shows the current logged drive and allows you to change it. Alt-V View Disk Directory Displays an abbreviated directory and free space on the cur- rent logged drive. Alt-R Receive File Sets the program in file receive mode. A later chapter dis- cusses file transfers. Alt-T Send File Sets the program in file send mode. A following chapter dis- cusses file transfers. Alt-Y Delete File Allows you to delete a file. Requests the file name to be deleted; you may use drive and path names preceding the file name. Alt-W Write Screen To File Writes the contents of the screen to a file you've specified as the log file in the entry of the dialing directory for the current call. 9 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Alt-O Open Buffer Opens the capture buffer; that is, starts capturing each character sent and received. If the buffer was previously open, the capture starts without destroying the buffer con- tents. When the capture buffer is full, it will be written to disk using the log file name associated with the entry in the dialing directory; if it was a manual call, it will be written to a file named "MANUAL.LOG". An open buffer will always be written when a call is disconnected. Alt-K Clear Buffer Clears the capture buffer. Once cleared, the data is lost. Alt-I Close Buffer Closes the capture buffer; that is, stops capturing data. No data is lost or written. Alt-J Join Existing Call Allows you to change a voice call to a data call. By placing a call on your phone to someone else with a computer and ap- propriate software (such as JRTELE), you can exchange files. Simply place the call normally, decide which computer will be in answer mode and which will be in originate mode, press Alt-J and answer the question appropriately. Your computers will then be put on-line, JRTELE will turn keyboard echo on, and your can communicate through your keyboard as well as transfer files. 10 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Dialing Directory Pressing Alt-D takes you into the dialing directory. The dialing directory is used to store the name, dialing access indicator (for example, long distance service phone number and access code), phone number, communication parameters, echo required, line feed needed, XOn/XOff protocol codes, last connected time and date, log file specification, function key and translation tables values. If you have call-waiting, use the program defaults (Alt-F) to enter the code required to disable it; JRTELE will dial it before each call it places. In order to maintain a directory as large as JRTELE's directory, frequent access to the directory file must be made. If you remove the disk containing the directory, you must replace it prior to disconnecting a call or entering the dialing directory function. The directory file is always closed except when it is being accessed; that is, the file will be opened, used, and closed as necessary. This following commands are used within the dialing directory. # OF ENTRY TO BE DIALED You dial an entry by entering the number to the left of the name of the BBS you are calling and pressing Enter. The name and phone number being called will be displayed at the bottom of the window. If a connection is made, you will be notified visually and audibly. If no connection is made, a message will be displayed and the program will pause before again displaying the directory. <M>ANUAL CALL Enter an M and press Enter. This is for placing calls to numbers not in the dialing directory. The program will ask you for an access indicator code ("!" or "@" as stored in the program defaults and used to access long distance services), if you have stored one, and then the phone number. After they are entered, the program will proceed as if the call had been made from the dialing directory; however, there are no values associated with the function keys. If you need to change the communications parameters for a manual call, use Alt-P prior to entering the dialing directory. 11 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) <R>EDIAL The last dialed number (from the directory or a manual call) may redialed by entering an R and pressing Enter. The pro- gram acts as if you had exited the dialing directory and pressed Alt-Q. <S>TACK DIAL You can set up a stack of fifteen (15) numbers to be repeat- edly dialed until all have been reached or you stop the pro- cess. Enter an S and press Enter. Then, as prompted, enter the number of each directory entry you want to call. You may press a C then Enter to cancel the process or an S and Enter to start dialing. When you have entered an S or fifteen (15) numbers, JRTELE will start dialing from the stack list. If no connection is made, the next number is tried. You may terminate the process by hitting any key other than B. Hayes compatible modem users may press the B key to skip to the next entry in the stack when the dialed number is busy; IBM modem users will not find it necessary. If a connection is made, the call will proceed normally. After the call is disconnected, press Alt-D and the stack dialing process will resume. <C>HANGE ENTRY Entries may be changed or added by entering a C and pressing Enter. You will then be asked the number of the entry to be changed; enter it and press Enter. The current values for that entry will then be shown and you change may them indi- vidually. Enter the letter of the appropriate value and then the new value. After all changes have been entered, press the "Esc" key. Most entries are self-explanatory and will be discussed only briefly. The general method is to press the letter of the entry (surrounded by angle brackets here), then to follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter a number to select a choice and press enter or to type your information pressing enter when complete. <a> NAME Name of the BBS for this entry. ACCESS A "!" or a "@" which relate to long distance service access definitions in the program defaults, not modem dialing prefixes. 12 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) <c> NUMBER Phone numbers may contain 14 characters; valid charac- ters are the digits 0 to 9 and other characters support- ed by your modem. Consult the documentation supplied with your modem. Normal usage (that is, without a switchboard) requires only that you enter the phone number of the BBS as you would dial it yourself. If you use a long-distance service, you should store the phone number and access code for the service in the program defaults and the phone number of the BBS in the direc- tory. Tone and pulse dialing requirements are also maintained in the program defaults. <d> BPS The speed at which calls to this entry should be made. <e> DATA The number of data bits to be sent when calls to this entry are made. <f> STOP The number of stop bits to be used when calling this entry. <g> PARITY The parity to be used when calling this entry. <h> ECHO If on, causes keys you type to "echo" to the screen. If off, JRTELE assumes the host will echo your keystrokes. ADD LF If yes, causes line feeds to be added whenever a car- riage return is received. If no, JRTELE does not add line feeds when carriage returns are received. Most BBS's work with no. <j> XON The decimal value of the XON character used by this entry. The ASCII standard is 17. XON is used to tell the host to start sending. <k> XOFF The decimal value of the XOFF character used by this entry. The ASCII standard is 19. XOFF is used to tell the host to stop sending. 13 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) <l> FILE The name of the file to be used for the capture log and writing the screen to a file (Alt-W). <m> TRANSLATION TABLES The translation tables are used to change a received character to a different character. Up to thirty-two translations may be made. For example, you can change spaces to questions marks, if you desire. After pressing M and Enter, enter the number of the entry to be changed and press Enter. Enter the ASCII values to be translated as directed on the screen. You can find ASCII values and associated characters in Appendix G of the PCjr BASIC manual. The characters used by PCBOARD and RBBS to create color graphics are NOT translated before they are used to control the screen; however, they are translated before they are stored in the capture buffer (if active) or sent to the printer (if you have turned "Echo to Printer" on). <n> F1 through <w> F10 Used to store values repeatedly required by the host. When sending the values corresponding to the function keys (F1 through F10), JRTELE will always add a carriage return. To prevent this, enter a backslash (\) as the last character of a message. The function key values are useful for storing your first and last names, your password, and other frequent- ly entered strings associated with that entry in the directory. For example, F1 could contain your first name, F2 your last name, and F3 your password. This can save several keystrokes. <x> LOG ON If yes, the capture buffer is opened when a call is connected to this entry. If no, the capture buffer remains closed. <y> TRNSFR The default transfer method to be used when down/up loading files. Once you have made all the changes necessary, press the <Esc> key. The changes made will be written to disk. 14 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) <D>ELETE Entries may be deleted by entering a D and pressing Enter. You will be asked which entry to delete; enter the number of the entry and press Enter. The entry will be reset to the initial program defaults. <Home> 1ST PG Displays the first 15 entries in the directory. <PgUp> Nxt Pg Displays the next 15 entries in the directory. <PgDn> Prv Pg Displays the previous 15 entries in the directory. <End> Last Pg Displays the last 15 entries in the directory. E<X>IT To exit the dialing directory, enter an X and press Enter. You will be returned to the main screen. IMPORTANT NOTES If you captured data during a call and you enter the dialing directory with data in the buffer, the program will ask you what to do with the data in the capture buffer. You may clear the buffer, write it to a file of your choice, or write it to the log file for the last call made. If the file you specify exists, the data will be appended to that file. If you select to write the file, but have not specified a file name, a file name of "DEFAULT.FIL" is used. A good idea (made easier by the function key values) is to use a unique password on every BBS you call. If a computerized vandal (also called "hacker", "cracker", or "wrecker") manages to break into a BBS and get a list of users and associated passwords, that vandal won't be able to get onto other BBS's with your name and password and then wreak their perverse, infantile havoc while destroying your good name and probably your ability to use the wrecked BBS's. Unfortunately, it's happened before and will continue. If you're using this program to try any "cracking", may your computer be fried by the fallout of the lightening bolt I hope strikes you. 15 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Communication Parameters After entering Alt-P, you can change the current communications parameters used for manual calls (the dialing directory maintains the parameters for calls made from the directory). The most common parameters are listed for easy selection and entry. If these do not meet your needs, select option 6 to specify the required settings. If you are using the IBM internal modem, the settings you select are checked for validity. Once selected, the parameters are changed for both the serial port and the modem. The parameters are changed in a manner and sequence appropriate for the modem you are using. That is, IBM internal modem users do not have to enter the ^N F command. Most BBS's use a setting of 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity; this is commonly referred to as 8-N-1. Some communications services (such as CompuServe) allow you to call in at 8-N-1 or 7-E-1 (seven data bits, even parity, and 1 stop bit) while others only allow 7-E-1. Check the documentation of the service you use. All but the ASCII file transfer protocols supported by JRTELE require eight bits of data. COMPUSERVE USERS If you wish to use JRTELE to call CompuServe, the first time you call should be at 7-E-1. Dial the entry, and press Ctrl-C once connected. Log on as prompted. Then "go default", then take option 2. Then set your parity to zero, set VIDTEX inquiry to OFF, and save them as permanent. Then issue the off command. Reset the dialing entry parameters at eight data bits, one stop bit, and no parity. When you next call and make a connection, hit Ctrl-C. The next line you see will be garbage characters. Enter your user id number and press enter. CompuServe should respond with legible characters and ask for your password. To down/up load files, you should use XMODEM. It has been "relaxed" (in its timing parameters) to allow for CompuServe's sluggishness. If it still "times out", try calling at a less busy time. 16 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) File Transfers JRTELE supports ASCII (XON/XOFF) and XMODEM, XMODEM CRC, and YMODEM CRC protocol transmitting (uploading) and receiving (down- loading) of files. There is a wealth of public domain programs (an astounding number of which run with no problems on the PCjr) available on the BBS's. If at all possible, it is recommended you use one of the protocol methods to transmit or receive files, even text files. XMODEM has a 99.5% accuracy rate; your chance of receiving an error during the transfer is slim. ASCII transfers do no error checking; your exposure to error is then dependent on the telephone line, the weather, and any number of other uncontrollable items. You must use a communications setting with 8 data bits to use either XMODEM protocol or the YMODEM protocol. YMODEM CRC uses a 1024 byte block to transfer data. That takes a long time between blocks on a 300 bps modem; however, the throughput (elapsed time to transfer) is significantly higher than XMODEM. If you use YMODEM CRC, be patient; it's a long time between block count updates. The program uses the capture buffer to store data during file transfers; therefore, the capture buffer will be written before sending or receiving a file. RECEIVE (DOWNLOAD) FILE To receive (download) a file, tell the host to start the download process, and press Alt-R. You will be asked to specify a file transfer method; if the default mode is acceptable, press Enter. Otherwise, press the appropriate key for <X>MODEM, XMODEM <C>RC, <Y>MODEM CRC or <A>SCII. Then you will be asked for a file name, enter a normal file specification (drive:name.ext). (Path names are acceptable; however, the limit is 25 characters.) The file transfer will then begin. As it progresses, statistics are displayed. Once the transfer is completed, the elapsed time is displayed. After a slight pause, you are returned to the main screen. While receiving (downloading) a file, the buffer is filled before anything is written to disk, so don't panic if the disk doesn't spin much. JRTELE was designed that way. 17 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) TRANSMIT (UPLOAD) FILE To transmit (upload) a file, tell the host to start the upload process and press Alt-T. You will be asked to specify a file transfer method; if the default mode is acceptable, press Enter. Otherwise, press the appropriate key for <X>MODEM, XMODEM <C>RC, <Y>MODEM CRC or <A>SCII. Then you will be asked for a file name, enter a normal file specification (drive:name.ext). (Path names are acceptable; however, the limit is 25 characters.) The file transfer will then begin. As it progresses, statistics are displayed. Once the transfer is completed, the elapsed time is displayed. After a slight pause, you are returned to the main screen. The capture buffer is filled before anything is transmitted, so don't panic if the disk doesn't spin much. JRTELE was designed that way. TEXT FILE DOWNLOADS As an alternative to using Alt-R to download text files, open the capture buffer then tell the host to ASCII download the file. If the file is larger than the buffer, JRTELE will tell the host to stop sending, write, and then clear the buffer. Then JRTELE will tell the host to start sending again. ASCII DOWNLOADS The data being received is not displayed. Since some files do not have an end-of-file character, the receive file routine will not know it has received the end of the file. Watch the number of characters received and the length of the file; that way you will know when to stop the receipt of the file with Alt-R. FILE TRANSFER PROBLEMS If you are using an IBM internal modem and are having problems uploading, refer to the program defaults chapter and the modem type option. Within this option, two (2) methods are provided for uploading files using the IBM internal modem. The first uses the transparency mode of the modem. The second uses the double Control-N mode. If you have problems uploading with one method, try the other. Most other file transfer problems are usually in two major areas. The first is "timing out". This is due to one of a few causes. When you request to transfer a file, you are usually given a 18 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) minute or so to start the transfer. If you don't complete the Alt-R or Alt-T procedure during this time, the host will cancel the transfer. Try again being careful but quicker. The second "time out" problem is during the transfer. If the host delays too long after JRTELE responds, the program will cancel the transfer. There can be a number of difficulties here. The host could have gone down (stopped working), or be slow due to many users, or line noise could be eating characters. All but the line noise problem can usually be solved by calling back when the host is not so busy. The timings in JRTELE's transfer methods are very liberal to offset these timing problems. Line noise is tough to handle. Make sure your connections (all cables and connectors, including the phone line) are tight. Make sure your modem is okay by trying it on another computer and a different line. Then ask the system operator if he/she has had problems from your phone exchange. Sometimes they can help. If the line noise is persistent and you are SURE your equipment is okay, talk to the phone company. Try asking on a local BBS if anyone in your phone exchange has had similar problems; perhaps they can help or guide you. The second major problem area is the procedure for transferring files between the host and your PCjr. Before you try to down/up load anything, open the capture buffer and read whatever bulletins covering down/up loads are available. Sign off and read them off line using the DOS TYPE command and the Pause key (read about it in your DOS manual). If you have any questions, ask the system operator BEFORE you try the transfer. You'll usually get lots of help as well as earning the system operator's gratitude. Finally, don't hesitate to ask for help on a host. Everybody has to learn. And BBS's are among the best places to do it. 19 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Program Defaults The program's defaults are available for change. Pressing Alt-F enters the default change routine. The defaults are listed, then you are able to change them individually. Just enter the letter of the default to be changed, then the appropriate value. To indicate you have no more changes, press the Esc key. You will then be given an opportunity to save the changes for the future. <a> TEXT COLOR Enter the number of the color for text (e.g.; characters re- ceived from the host). BACKGROUND COLOR Enter the number of the color for the background and border of the screen. This is the area on which text is displayed. <c> WINDOW TEXT COLOR Enter the color of the text that appears in windows on the screen. <d> WINDOW BACKGROUND COLOR Enter the color of the background area in windows on the screen. <e> DEFAULT BPS RATE Select the rate to use as the default rate in the dialing directory. <f> PARITY Select the parity to use as the default parity in the dialing directory. <g> STOP BITS Select the number of stop bits to use as the default stop bits in the dialing directory. <h> DATA BITS Select the number of data bits to use as the default data bits in the dialing directory. MODEM TYPE Select the type of modem you are using. JRTELE will automat- ically determined the address of the serial (communications) port you are using. Within this option, two (2) methods are provided for uploading files using the IBM internal modem. The first uses the transparency mode of the modem. The second uses the double Control-N mode. If you have problems uploading with one method, try the other. 20 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) <j> REDIAL DELAY Enter the number of seconds to delay between calls during the redial function. <k> DIALING MODE Indicate whether you wish to use pulse or tone dialing. <l> TONE WITH JRTELE MESSAGES Indicates whether you wish to hear a tone (beep) after a message from JRTELE. Note that all "BEEP"'s issued by the program cannot be turned off; certain critical messages will always cause a "BEEP". <m> ACCESS ! Enter the phone number and access code used to access a long-distance service or get an outside line. Any character accepted by your modem may be entered. The limit is 36 characters. <n> ACCESS @ Enter the phone number and access code used to access a long-distance service or get an outside line. Any character accepted by your modem may be entered. The limit is 36 characters. <o> CALL WAITING CODE Call waiting (if you have it) may be disabled by entering the disable code to be dialed prior to dialing the phone number of the entry to be called. CALL WAITING DELAY This the number of delay characters JRTELE is to send after the call waiting disable code is dialed. Consult your modem manual for the time each delay character takes. Experiment with call waiting disable on your phone to determine the time it takes for a dial tone to return after entering the disable code. Changes made to the program defaults will be effective immediately after you exit the default change function, whether the changes were saved or not. 21 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Alarm Functions JRTELE allows you set an alarm to remind you of important func- tions, like going to bed instead of calling BBS's all night. You may set an alarm, cancel an existing setting, and display the current alarm setting. SET AN ALARM Press Alt-A from the main screen. To set an alarm for a specific time, enter a 1 and press Enter. You will be prompted for the time and AM or PM. To set an alarm for a number of minutes, enter a 2 and press Enter. The is useful if you need a reminder to end long-distance calls after a reasonable time (i.e., limit your phone bills). You will be prompted for the number of minutes. After checking the setting, press 4 then Enter to exit. CANCEL AN ALARM Press Alt-A from the main screen. To cancel a set alarm, enter a 3 and press enter. This cancels the setting. Press 4 then Enter to exit the function. DISPLAY CURRENT ALARM SETTING Press Alt-A from the main screen. View the setting, enter a 4 and press Enter. You will be returned to the main screen. TURN OFF A SOUNDING ALARM When the alarm goes off, press Alt-A; it will be silenced. You may then reset the alarm or exit. 22 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Error Messages Error messages are displayed at the time of the error. Usually, JRTELE will display the error message, then continue as if the request causing the error was not issued. When you are requested to select from a set of values, if you do not choose from the indicated values, JRTELE will just ignore your selection. The only coded (non English) error messages you should get are listed below with their cause. Error Meaning and action 240 Disk full. Try a different disk. 241 Directory full. Try a different disk. 243 Too many open files. Add more files to CONFIG.SYS using the FILES command. Problems in down/up loading files are discussed in the file transfer chapter. Problems with the modem not being dialed are discussed in the getting started chapter. Problems with JRTELE hanging at start-up are discussed in the getting started chapter. If you dial a number, connect, and get all garbage characters, you are probably using the wrong communications parameters. Refer to the chapter on communications for information on changing them with Alt-P. 23 JRTELE.COM (Version 2.1) Registration If you use this program regularly, no payment is to be made. Just enjoy it. It's my gift to PCjr users; especially those with 128k machines. To the nine (that's right, nine) who did register, thank you again. Due to the low registration volume, I can no longer afford to enhance and distribute this program. I have used my PCjr to help finance a larger machine and, therefore, am unable to test any additional changes. 24