Columbia Kermit/kermit.zip/e/mail.89a

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Date: Fri, 6 Jan 1989 12:16:37 EST
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
To: Info-Kermit
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #1
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Fri, 6 Jan 1989       Volume 9 : Number 1

Today's Topics:

            Announcing MS-DOS Kermit 2.32
              New German MS-DOS Kermit Help File
           MS-Kermit and EIA flow control (RTS/CTS)
       MS-Kermit and the Public Domain MNP software emulation package.
             MS-Kermit and the Hyperion?
              Kermit Parity Negotiation?
              Kermit with Telebit Modem Support?
     VT100 setting file for MacKermit and the IBM 7171 protocol converter
           Some Responses to V8 #11 and Kermit-370
           Bug in Kermit-80 for Northstar Advantage

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.  You
should be able to to FTP to CUNIXC, login as user ANONYMOUS (any password)
and GET the desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a,
kermit/b, kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files
over BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV,
the Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file k1/aanetw.hlp (AANETW HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail, request a
complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit Distribution,
Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612 West 115th Street,
New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Wed Dec 21 13:14:20 1988 EST
From: Christine Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing MS-DOS Kermit 2.32
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32, IBM PC, DEC Rainbow, HP-150
Keywords: Grid Compass II, Victor 9000, Hebrew, Arabic

This is to announce version 2.32 of MS-DOS Kermit for the IBM PC and PS/2
families and compatibles, the DEC Rainbow, the HP-150 and 110, the Grid
Compass II, the Victor 9000, and for "generic DOS".  This release replaces
version 2.31 of July 1988.  The majority of the work was done by Professor
Joe R. Doupnik of Utah State University, who also prepared the 2.29, 2.30,
and 2.31 releases.

Like previous releases, version 2.32 includes an advanced and efficient
implementation of the Kermit file transfer protocol, emulation of the VT102,
VT52, and Heath 19 terminals, as well as the Tektronix 4010/4014 graphics
terminals, a script programming language, and a wide variety of options,
settings, and other features.

New to version 2.32 are many bug fixes and internal improvements, and one
major new feature -- support, during CONNECT mode, for languages like Hebrew
and Arabic in which characters are displayed from right to left, plus
mechanisms to facilitate switching between character sets (and their
associated directions).  These new language features were adapted from work
done by Baruch Cochavy, IIT, Haifa, Israel, whose test version of "Hebrew
Kermit" was announced in Info-Kermit V8 #9.  The enhanced language support is
available through the new command SET TERMINAL DIRECTION, plus a new
ALTERNATE-ROM option for the SET TERMINAL CHARACTER-SET command, plus the
association of special predefined macro names with new private escape
sequences.

Other improvements include:
 - A new ASK command, prompts user to input data to a variable.
 - A new IF [NOT] EQUAL command compares string variables (use with ASK).
 - A new ASSIGN commands copies one variable to another.
 - Screens cleared by ESC [ 2 J are now saved in the rollback buffer.
 - Removal of Timeout and Hangup screen messages during script/macro execution.
 - A way to pass multi-word strings as single arguments to a macro.
 - A way to disable server timeout NAKs (while server waits to answer a call).
 - REMOTE LOGIN command (for use with Kermit servers that support it).
 - Miscellaneous improvements in the file transfer display.
 - Better color support during CONNECT.

Among the major bugs that were fixed are:
 - Problems with GOTOs and labels in script programs.
 - Ungermann-Bass Net/1 support.
 - Loss of data when receiving files to a printer.
 - Crashes resulting from overflow of script or macro buffers.
 - Crashes resulting from stray interrupts.
 - Victor 9000 now can do Tektronix graphics again.
 - More COM1/COM2 confusion cleared up (e.g. for PCjr).
 - Filesize and disk space computation with file attribute packets.
 - SET SEND TIMEOUT interference with file encoding and decoding.
 - Program should now be assemblable by MASM 5.1 as well as 5.0 and 4.0.

The changes since version 2.31 are described fully in the file MSR232.UPD.
The user manual, MSKERM.DOC (.MSS, .PS) has been revised to reflect the new
features.

This new release is available in both source and binary form.  It may be
ordered on diskette or magnetic tape from Columbia, and it may be obtained via
network file transfer over the Internet or BITNET/EARN.  On the Internet, use
FTP (user anonymous) to host CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU [128.59.40.130], CWD (or
CD) to the directory kermit/a.  On BITNET/EARN, send an interactive or e-mail
message to KERMSRV@CUVMA (the BITNET Kermit file server), containing the text
HELP, to get started.

The executable files are stored in a special printable format, called "BOO
files", suitable for BITNET file transfer, electronic mail, etc.  These are
decoded back into .EXE files using any of the MSBPCT "BOO-file decoder"
programs.  The documentation is available online in plain ASCII text format,
in Scribe text formatter source format, and in Postscript format.  Following
is a synopsis of the files.  The KERMSRV name is the same as the CUNIXC name,
except the CUNIXC name is lowercase with a period between the filename and
filetype, wherease the KERMSRV name is uppercase with a space separating the
filename and filetype, e.g. msaaaa.hlp on CUNIXC is MSAAAA HLP on CUVMA.

 CUNIXC Name   Size        Description

 msaaaa.hlp      7K        Explanation of file naming conventions
 msbaaa.hlp      4K        Explanation of bootstrapping procedure
 msb*.*        174K total  BOO-file encoding/decoding programs, many languages
 msvibm.boo    115K        IBM PC Kermit, BOO-encoded executable
 msvrb1.boo     83K        DEC Rainbow Kermit BOO file
 msvgen.boo     78K        Generic MS-DOS Kermit BOO file
 msvhp1.boo     77K        HP-150 (untested)
 msvgri.boo     78K        Grid Compass II (untested)
 mskerm.doc    333K        MS-DOS 2.32 Kermit manual, plain ASCII text
 mskerm.ps     489K        MS-DOS 2.32 Kermit manual, for Postscript printers
 mskerm.mss    323K        Scribe text formatter source for manual
 mskerm.hlp     16K        A summary of MS-Kermit commands
 mskerm.bwr     14K        List of known restrictions, bugs, etc.
 mss*.*        776K total  System-independent MASM Source files (12 files)
 msg*.*        128K        System-dependent source (Tektronix graphics)
 msu*.*      70-85K each   Sys-depn source (keyboard support, all systems)
 msx*.*     25-174K each   Sys-depn source (port i/o, etc, all systems)
 msy*.*     22-124K each   Sys-depn source (terminal emulation, IBM only)
 msz*.*     66-189K each   Sys-depn source (term emul, cont'd, IBM only)
 msv*.mak        2K each   Microsoft MAKE files for each version
 msv*.bat        2K each   Batch files to build each version
 msv*.lnk        1K each   LINK command files for each version

The utility program MSUCHK.C (and .BOO), contributed by Phil Benchoff, allows
convenient determination of MS-Kermit's keyboard codes on the IBM PC
family.  And the files MSIXSE.* are the XSEND program, contributed by Mark
Zinzow, for constructing MS-Kermit command files that send entire directory
trees from one DOS system to another.

For the benefit of those who are still running version 2.29 and haven't
converted to later versions because the SET KEY syntax changed so drastically,
there is also a new file, MSVIBM.KEY, which lists the old (2.29) and new (2.30
and later) IBM keyboard scan codes.

Be sure to read the MSKERM.BWR file before trying to use the new version, or
reporting any problems with it.

Here are the minimum files needed for the new release ("xxx" stands for the
specific version, IBM, RB1, HP1, HPX, V90, GEN, etc):

1. For everybody: The documentation -- MSKERM.DOC, MSKERM.HLP, MSKERM.BWR,
   MSR232.UPD.

2. The new Kermit program itself: MSVxxx.BOO (where xxx denotes the particular
   MS-DOS system: IBM, RB1, HP1, etc).

3. If you don't have an MSBPCT "BOO-file decoder", also get at least MSBPCT.BAS
   (the slow BASIC version) and MSBPCT.BOO (an .EXE version from C, which
   you can decode with MSBPCT.BAS).  Use MSBPCT.EXE to decode MSVxxx.BOO.

4. For those who want to make modifications to the sources:
   MSS*.*, MSGxxx.* (if any), MSXxxx.*, MSYxxx.* (if any), MSZxxx.* (if any),
   MSVxxx.MAK (or .BAT if you don't have MAKE), and MSVxxx.LNK.

The systems for which we don't yet have the new version ready are still in
the Kermit distribution as before, under the MSV, MSX, and MSY prefixes.  These
will be replaced if and when new ones appear.

The IBM PC, DEC Rainbow, and HP-150 versions may also be ordered on diskette
from Columbia, along with typeset, printed copies of the manual.  The IBM
version is available on 5.25-inch 360K DS DD diskettes, and on 3.5-inch 720K DS
diskettes for the PS/2 family.  The Rainbow version is on RX50.  The HP-150
version is on 3.5" diskette.

FINAL WORDS:

Like any Kermit program, MS-DOS Kermit is for everyone to use and share.
There is no software license, and the program and documentation may be
reproduced and redistributed without restriction, so long as this is not done
for profit.  Please take or order the files you need.  If you're getting files
over a network, please be judicious -- don't ask for MS*.*, or the networks
will be choked for months!  Once you get a working copy at your site, share it
with others, rather than having them make further network requests.

Send complaints, bug reports, suggestions, comments, or even praise (where
it's deserved) to Info-Kermit@CUNIXC (.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU).  And thanks once
again on behalf of the world's thousands or millions of MS-DOS Kermit users to
Joe Doupnik for his skill, generosity, and patience.  And thanks also to the
beta testers.

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

Date: Fri, 23 Dec 88 17:01:16 SET
From: [e-mail]
Subject: New German MS-DOS Kermit Help File
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32, German

Enclosed is the updated German version of the MS-Kermit help file.

Here are a few notes on seeming glitches in the help file; none of them
serious, of course:

Section top-level commands:
CLOSE:   option "ALL" is missing

Section remote commands:
REMOTE LOGIN is missing
REMOTE SEND should really be REMOTE MESSAGE, I presume
Commands honoured by MS-Kermit server:
I cannot check this, since I don't have a suitable connection to a PC;
but I guess MS-Kermit will honour a HELP command?

Section SEND/RECEIVE parameters:
There is no SET SEND DELAY command - the appropriate command is just SET
DELAY.
TIMEOUT : time given is in *seconds*

Section SHOW commands:
TRANSLATION does not accept "INPUT" as a subcommand. TRANSLATION by
itself suffices.

Pretty minor stuff...

\Gisbert

[Ed. - Thanks, Gisbert, all corrections valid, and all are now in the new
(English) MSKERM.HLP.  The German version is in MSKGER.HLP.]

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

Date: Wed, 23 Nov 88 14:17:13 EST
From: John C Klensin <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit and EIA flow control (RTS/CTS)
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.31

Our otherwise-several-times-qualified new ISDN phone system seems to strongly
prefer RTS/CTS to XON/XOFF, especially at higher speeds.  I looked at the
possibility of adding this to MSKERMIT many years ago (before you got actively
involved) and decided I was not motivated enough.  I'm now feeling motivated,
since AT&T claims significantly higher data throughput when hardware flow
control is used.

On the other hand, I don't want to do anything that would foul up or delay
the brilliant job you are doing, or whatever release schedule you have.  So:
should I pick up the sources for 2.31A from somewhere and go to work on them?
Or should I do this against the "released" 2.31 sources, or should I wait
until after 2.31A becomes "official"?

While I haven't looked at the code in 2-3 years, I assume that this type of
enhancement should impact only a single module, plus or minus the table(s)
that know what all of the options are.  If you can point me to the right
place, it would save a bit of time and be appreciated.

     Thanks,  John Klensin,  MIT

[From jrd - The place to look for hardware vs software flow control in all in
one file: msxibm.asm. We have just canned version 2.32 (nee 2.31/A) and
Columbia is sorting through the mountain of files I sent to them.

Hardware flow control is slightly more messy because we need to probe the
hardware for a signal level and to select sending a character vs wiggling a
wire. It would be interlocked with the real UART port, as contrasted with the
zillions of other port options now present (Bios and networks). It is do-able
fairly easily and cleanly. Have a go, with my blessing.]

Thanks.  I'll wait until the 2.32 sources appear, then go at it.  Your comment
about the messy-ness parallels a note that I sent to the local AT&T folks
yesterday: my experience with EIA flow control is that it works very well when
one has a controller organized s.t. one can get interrupts when the state of
the lines change.  When, as with the IBM PC UART, about the only thing one can
do is poll them, one is basically using EIA control to simulate Xon/Xoff
logic, with no real gain in performance and at a higher nusiance level.  But,
who am I to argue with the hardware folks....

On the tab stuff, I think that something like 1:8, or some other way of saying
"start with 1, increment by 8 until you get to the end" would be a lovely way
to spell "default", as well as solving many other problems (there are a few
word processing packages that could use similar suggestions).

[jrd: Yes, I understand. The tabs set by the host can be overridden by a
terminal reset, \Kreset, while in Connect mode. This is much like a real VT102
where the "setup" values are restored by a reset. When we set tabs at the
Kermit prompt level that is essentially the "setup" state for the emulator. A
default condition could be added to the SET TERMINAL command, where default
means every 8; actually I'd like an implied repeat count on the tabs 1:8 start
in col 1, repeat by skipping 8 columns, or something like that.]

Thanks again.
   john

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

Date: Sat, 17 Dec 88 23:43:06 +0200
From: Ze'ev "Steed" Shtadler <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit and the Public Domain MNP software emulation package.
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit, MNP Emulation Software

Looking in the SIMTEL-20 archives I found a software package that can make any
asynchronous modem an MNP Class-2 error-free modem.  This package is written
in Microsoft C and Assembler.  The telephone lines around here are noisy, and
it is very difficult to use Kermit as a terminal emulator (and I don't put the
blame on Kermit :-).  The modem on the other end of the line is an MNP modem,
but I couldn't use its error free option since I can only afford a regular
modem.  By putting the MNP emulation into Kermit I can have an error free
terminal too.

Did anyone try to combine Kermit with this package?  How complicated is
changing the serial I/O routines?

                                        Ze'ev.

                   ARPANET: [e-mail]
                   UUCP: ...!psuvax1!techunix.bitnet!steed
                   BITNET: steed@techunix
                   Domain: [e-mail]
                   CSNET: [e-mail]

[Ed. - This would probably be a BIG job, and would tax Kermit's terminal
emulator, which already does about 100 things with each character (see the
new diagram in the MS-DOS Kermit 2.32 User Guide).  However, you could
conceivably use this program "under" Kermit, in conjunction with an ANSI.SYS
or NANSI.SYS or similar console driver, and then pop back up to Kermit when
you need to transfer files.]

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

Date: Thu, 15 Dec 1988 15:52 EDT
From: Mark Bramwell   519 661-3714 <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit and the Hyperion?
Keywords: Hyperion, MS-DOS Kermit

I have recently picked up a Hyperion portable computer.  This is a MS-DOS
machine whose day has come and gone.  It has 256k, built-in monitor, serial,
parallel, and 2 360k floppy drives.  The unit boots ok with PC-DOS 3.1 and
PC-DOS 4.0

The serial port is not exactly IBM compatible.  If I put a break-out on
the serial port and type in the command   DIR > COM1:
I can see data coming from the port.  However, kermit says COM1: NOT
AVAILABLE.

Question:  Is there ANY version of kermit that will run on the hyperion?
           Does anyone know the IRQ and BASE address of this box so I
           can try patching a comm package?

There were two versions of the hyperion, and I have one of each.  Slight
BIOS change between the two.

[Ed. - Several things to try: (1) Use Generic DOS Kermit, rather than the
IBM PC version; (2) Use the IBM PC version, but try giving the command
"SET PORT 2", or if that doesn't work, "SET PORT BIOS1" or "SET PORT BIOS2";
(3) get the latest source code and add Hyperion support to it.]

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

Date: Mon, 28 Nov 88 10:56 MDT
From: Pete Klammer 303/556-3915 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Kermit Parity Negotiation?
Keywords: Kermit Protocol, Parity

Just about the last frontier of KERMIT user friendliness is parity.  Would it
be possible for KERMIT to automatically sense or set or negotiate parity?
Getting parity right is the "final frustration".

We have MS-KERMIT v2.31, VMS KERMIT-32 v3.3.111, PRIME KERMIT v1.04.1,
C-KERMIT on various UNIXen, etc.  Our "least-common-denominator" parity
setting recommendation is 7-BIT EVEN.  But when we log into VMS, it is through
a DECserver-500 ethernetted to the VAX, and the parity is effectively
concealed from VMS: SET TERM and SHOW TERM will not budge VMS's stubborn
notion that our terminal parity is NONE.  So when we crank up VMS KERMIT into
SERVER mode, it is thinking PARITY NONE, while our PC KERMIT is still thinking
PARITY EVEN.  Any GET, SEND, or REMOTE commands now retry fruitlessly.
Couldn't the guy in PARITY NONE mode step down into EVEN or ODD for a couple
of retries?

 * --poko       Pete Klammer, Systems Programmer, [phone]
 *              CU-Denver Computing Services / Campus Box 169
 *              1200 Larimer St NC2506 / Denver CO 80204-5300
 *              BITNET%"PKLAMMER@CUDENVER"
 *              INTERNET%"[e-mail]"

[Ed. - Agreed.  As you noted, the system that is running the Kermit
program cannot necessarily be aware of what parity is being used, even by
itself.  Thus, negotiation wouldn't necessarily work.  But a heuristic can be
used instead -- anyone who wants to is welcome to try it.  The leading control
fields of the packet (MARK, LEN, SEQ, and TYPE) are always 7-bit characters.
Thus the receiver of a packet can deduce that parity is in use if any of these
characters have their 8th bit set.  In fact, by finding any two characters in
this set that would have opposite parity sense, you could even determine which
kind of parity (even, odd, or mark) is being used.  The only pitfall here is
distinguishing "space" parity from no parity.  This trick also assumes,
possibly incorrectly, that a system wants you to send it the same kind of
parity that it is sending to you.]

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

Date: 16 Dec 88 08:51:06 GMT
From: versatc![e-mail] (Tony Tran)
Subject: Kermit with Telebit Modem Support?
Keywords: Telebit, Modems

Does anybody have a version of kermit which supports the Telebit Trailblazer
modem at 19.2kb ? Ours only supports up to 9.6kb.

I would appreciate any hint or sources sent to my following e-mail address.

  Tony Tran
  Versatec, Inc.
  Santa Clara, Calif.
  {sun|ames|pyramid|ubvax}!versatc!tran

[Ed. - All versions of Kermit already work OK with the Telebit.  But
Unix Kermit only lets you give SET SPEED commands up to 9600, whereas the
Telebit can run at 19,200.  The trick is just to add the (nonstandard) symbols
for 19,200 baud to the C-Kermit source and recompile, e.g. as outlined by
[e-mail] (Sergei A. Gourevitch), whose message on the subject has
been added to the ckuker.bwr file.  The Telebit modem, by the way, actually
executes the Kermit protocol between the modem and the computer, and its own
"PEP" protocol between the modems.  Thus the Kermit you run (say) on your PC
is actually trading packets with the Kermit in the modem, not the Kermit on
the other end of the connection.]

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

Date: Fri, 16 Dec 88 00:48:48 IST
From: "Jonathan B. Owen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: VT100 setting file for MacKermit and the IBM 7171 protocol converter
Keywords: MacKermit 0.9(40)

This file is a Kermit 0.9(40) document containing key definitions
for emulating a VT100 terminal to be used with a 7171 IBM protocol
converter.  Note that this is for use with an extended keyboard only.

The keys defined are as follows:

    F1 thru F12    --    Use to access IBM Function keys
    Clear key      --    Clear Screen
    Arrow keys     --    Moves cursor around screen
    Help/ins       --    Toggle Insert/Overstrike Mode
    Home           --    Moves to first field in Panel
    Page Up/Down   --    Same as pressing F7/F8 respectivly
    End            --    Sends <CR> BOTTOM <CR> (useful in XEDIT)
    Del            --    Delete Char. under cursor
    F13            --    Toggles between CP and VM modes
    F14            --    Same as Clear Key (See above)

Also, definitions useful for modem users:

    <Option><ESC>  --    Sends +++ to the modem (Hayes escape sequence)
    <Option> h     --    Sends "at h" for hanging up line

                            Hope this helps out...

  (--)    /--)     /-(\                 Email: gdau100@bguvm (bitnet)
  \ /    /--K      | \|/\   /\/) /|-\   Snail: 55 Hovevei Zion
  _/_/o /L__)_/o \/\__/  \X/  \_/ | |_/        Tel-Aviv, 63346  ISRAEL
 (/        Jonathan B. Owen             Voice: [phone]

[Ed. - Thanks!  Your settings file has been added to kermit/b/ckmker.set,
which is a collection of settings files for MacKermit 0.9.]

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

Date: Fri, 16 Dec 88  01:22:11 EST
From: "Roger Fajman" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Some Responses to V8 #11 and Kermit-370
Keywords: Kermit-370

> J M Hicks asked A Question about the Kermit Protocol:
>
> > I was under the impression that characters between packets should be
> > completely ignored.
> >
> > What ought Kermit to do?  If such characters between packets appear often,
> > one end can give up due to all the bad packets it thinks it has received.
>
> While the editor pointed out (correctly) that Kermits *should* ignore
> characters between packets, half-duplex systems (such as IBM mainframes)
> receive RECORDS, rather than PACKETS.  In such circumstances, an extra CR is
> evidence of a lost or garbled packet, and, considering that some IBM
> mainframe
> Kermit applications are unable to time out, it is clearly risky to ignore a
> bare CR.
>                                    John

It's also risky not to ignore bare CRs.  Some systems, such as IBM TSO/TCAM,
echo a CR/LF when they receive a CR.  If the Kermit on the other end insists
on treating that CR as the end of a packet, you'll never get a file transfer
going without changing the EOL character.  We experienced this exact problem
with older releases of C Kermit talking to NIH TSO Kermit.  It took quite a
while to figure out what was happenning.

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

Date: Mon, 14 Nov 1988  21:08 MST
From: Keith Petersen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Bug in Kermit-80 for Northstar Advantage
Keywords: Kermit-80, Northstar Advantage, CP/M-80 Kermit

Relayed from GEnie:

Item    1411308                 88/11/13        15:35
From:   J.LABUTE                        John P. Labute
To:     W8SDZ                           Keith Petersen, CP/M SysOp
Sub:    Kermit-80

There seems to be a bug in the version of Kermit-80 for the Northstar
Advantage (CP409ADV.COM).  This version echos back to the remote anything
that it receives, even with the local echo off (as I verified with my
laptop).  I have tried two versions for my APPLE II with success.  Can
you help me or put me in contact with somebody who can.  Thanks.

[Ed. - Anybody???]

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

20-Jan-89 19:13:51-GMT,19540;000000000001
Received: by cunixc.cc.columbia.edu (5.54/5.10) id AA00105; Fri, 20 Jan 89 13:51:36 EST
Date: Fri, 20 Jan 1989 13:51:34 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
To: Info-Kermit
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #2
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Fri, 20 Jan 1989        Volume 9 : Number 2

Departments:

  ANNOUNCEMENTS -
        New Release of C-Kermit Available for Testing (UNIX only)
        Announcing Apple II Kermit Version 3.85
        Announcing a New MS-DOS Kermit 2.32 for the GRiD Compass II
        Announcing Commodore 64/128 Kermit Version 2.2

  MS-DOS KERMIT -
        Printing MS-DOS Kermit EGA Graphics Screens
        Kermit Support of Novell Asynchronous Server Interface?
        MS-Kermit 2.32 Filesize Computation
        MS-Kermit Disk Space Calculation
        MS-Kermit 32MB File Transfer Limitation
        Problem with Kermit on a Packard Bell AT clone
        Nice New MS-Kermit 2.32 Features

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.  Login
as user ANONYMOUS (any password) and GET the desired files.  The Kermit
files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b, kermit/c, kermit/d, and
kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over BITNET/EARN; to get started
send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the Kermit file server, at host
CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the file k1/aanetw.hlp (AANETW HLP
on KERMSRV).  To order by mail, request a complete list of Kermit versions
and an order form from Kermit Distribution, Columbia University Center for
Computing Activities, 612 West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Mon, 16 Jan 1989 23:25:08 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Release of C-Kermit Available for Testing (UNIX only)
Keywords: C-Kermit, ATT7300, UNIX Kermit, UNIX PC
Keywords: SUNOS 4.x, Ultrix, VAX/Ultrix

This is to announce a test release of C-Kermit, 4E(071).  No major changes in
functionality, but some significant bug fixes and possibly performance
improvements.  A quick list:

 - Fix bug that sometimes caused files to be corrupted, or the file
   transfer to fail, when long packets were being used and the final packet
   was 93-95 characters long.

 - Fix bug in long packet negotiation.

 - Fix 8th-bit prefixing negotiation to prevent misunderstandings on second
   and subsequent SEND commands when parity is in use, which could sometimes
   result in corrupted files.

 - Recover from a subtle protocol deadlock that can occur when you GET a file
   over a noisy, long-distance connection.

 - Improve efficiency of CRC calculation.

 - In command parser, treat tab as completion character (ESC), rather than
   synonym for space (convenient for C-Shell, K-Shell, GNU EMACS users).

 - Reduce size of program somewhat by storing state transitions as shorts,
   rather than ints.

 - Add HANGUP command, and related improvements in CONNECT command to help
   recover from modem signal transitions, etc.

 - Let users "set speed 19200" (at their own risk).

 - Change ATT System III / V i/o parameters to improve efficiency.

 - Attempt to fix ATT7300 UNIX PC support.

 - Fix and/or add entries to the makefile for 2.10 BSD, Microport Sys V,
   SCO Xenix/86, /286, /386, SUNOS 4.x.  (By the way, you can actually compile
   and run C-Kermit in the System V environment under SUNOS 4.x -- just say
   "make sys5r3" and ignore the warnings.)

 - Other minor changes.

These changes are described in greater detail in the file ckuker.upd, which
also gives credit to many people for uncovering (and in many cases supplying
the fixes for) the bugs.

This release needs to be tested thoroughly on as many different kinds of UNIX
systems as possible -- pure Berkeley (2.9, 2.10, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3), AT&T (System
III, V, and VR3), hybrids (Ultrix, SUNOS, etc), Xenix (all varieties), etc
etc.  It has only been tested so far on VAXes with Ultrix, and SUN-4's with
SUNOS 4.0, with some preliminary testing (before all the changes were made)
on an ATT 7300 UNIX PC.

In particular, I have no way to test the 'dial' command with real modems.
Does it still work?  (Did it ever?)  Can it still be Ctrl-C'd out of?

For now, the new release is available only via ftp from
cunixc.cc.columbia.edu, in the directory kermit/test.  Please get the files
and try the new version out, and report any problems to me.  After the kinks
are worked out, it will replace the current standard release, and then we can
move on to bigger things, like attribute packets and maybe even sliding
windows.  And cleaning up the spaghetti of #ifdef's in the code...

Since C-Kermit also forms the basis for VMS, Macintosh and some other Kermits,
validation of this new release will clear up protocol-related glitches in
those programs too.

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

Date: Tue, 17 Jan 89 09:00:00 PDT
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing Apple II Kermit Version 3.85
Keywords: Apple II Kermit 3.85, ProDOS

This is to announce Apple II Kermit Version 3.85 for Apple II DOS and ProDOS,
which replaces version 3.84 of August 1988, from Ted Medin,
[e-mail].  The major changes include:

 - Improved performance on Apple II's with interrupt-driven communications
   (most systems //e+ or later).
 - A new "set timing" command, to allow adjustment to internal clocks of
   different speeds.
 - A new "type" command for displaying local files without leaving Kermit.
 - The "help" command now displays an external help file that you can change
   without rebuilding the program itself.
 - An escaping mechanism for sending special characters to the modem.
 - A revised manual.

The new files are in app*.* in the various Kermit Distribution areas, and can
be ordered on Kermit Tape A.  Many thanks to Ted for his continued efforts in
developing and supporting this program.

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

Date: Sun, 8 Jan 89 12:45:14 EST
From: [e-mail] (John Nyenhuis)
Subject: Announcing a New MS-DOS Kermit 2.32 for the GRiD Compass II
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32, Grid Compass II

I have developed an enhanced MS-DOS kermit 2.32 for the GRiD Compass II that
supports Tektronix emulation and also contains several other features not
present in the current msvgri.exe. I have tested this program extensively on
GRiD Compass II models 1129 and 1131. (The 1129 has a small screen and the
1131 has a large screen.) I am submitting this kermit 2.32 to the Kermit
Distribution. I welcome comments and questions from users of MS-DOS kermit
2.31B for the GRiD Compass II.

I thank Prof. Doupnik for his helpful suggestions and encouragement in this
endeavor.

Key new features of the new MS-DOS Kermit for the GRiD Compass II:

 1. Tektronix 4010 emulation is supported.
 2. Speed is about 80% faster in connect mode.
 3. The hangup and send break commands now work.
 4. Flow control now works.

The new files are msggri.asm, msvgri.boo, msugri.asm, msvgri.hlp, msvgri.lnk,
and msxgri.asm.  Except for msggri.asm, which is new, these files are updates
of current files in the Kermit distribution.  The file msvgri.hlp contains
documentation for the the latest Kermit for the Compass II.

Thank you.

John Nyenhuis   Purdue University  School of Electrical Engineering
West Lafayette IN 47907   [phone]     [e-mail]

[Ed. - Thank you!  These files have replaced the previous Grid files in
the Kermit Distribution, kermit/a, Tape A, etc.]

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

Date: Sun, 15 Jan 89 15:21:33 EST
From: [e-mail] (Ray Moody)
Subject: Announcing Commodore 64/128 Kermit Version 2.2
Keywords:  Commodore 64/128

Commodore Kermit version 2.2 is now available.  This new version has one major
new feature: reliable communication at 2400 bps is now possible (but only on a
C128 when using the built-in 80-column screen).  There are also some bug
fixes.

 - Obtaining Kermit on a Floppy Disk:

A copy of Commodore Kermit may be obtained by sending $5.00 postage and
handling to:
                 Dr. Evil Laboratories
                 P. O. Box 190
                 St. Paul, IN 47272

We stress that Commodore Kermit is absolutely free.  The $5.00 is used to
cover the cost of the disk, mailer, postage, and handling.  The disk will
contain Commodore Kermit version 2.2, extensive on-disk documentation broken
into seven files small enough to be viewed with a good word processor, and an
initialization file.  A boot file is included for the convenience of C64
users.  For the convenience of C128 users a boot sector is provided that can
load Kermit using the fast serial routines.

Dr. Evil Laboratories also provides a bound manual for Commodore Kermit
version 2.2.  This documentation is exactly like the on-disk manual
content-wise, but is typeset for greater readability.  This manual is
available for $5.00.

Dr. Evil Laboratories is a small software company which has the facilities to
distribute Kermit much more efficiently than I could personally.  Also, Dr.
Evil Labs has a permanent address, something that I, being in college, don't
have.

All orders to Dr. Evil Laboratories must be in U.S. funds.  Indiana residents
must add 5% sales tax.

 - Downloading Kermit from the Kermit Archives

Commodore Kermit may also be downloaded from the Kermit archives.  The Kermit
archives are available on BITNET, ARPANET, and USENET.  For complete
downloading instructions, see the file C64KER.HLP in one of these archives.

 - Short Cut

For a short time, Kermit binaries may be obtained via anonymous FTP from
maxwell.physics.purdue.edu.  These files are true binary files and must be
copied from this machine using image mode and then downloaded directly to a
Commodore with a binary file transfer protocol (such as Kermit 2.1).  Those
people who can take advantage of this service should find it to be simpler
than downloading and then converting the ASCII files in the Kermit archives.

Many thanks to Fred Bowen and Frank Prindle for making this version of Kermit
a reality.

[Ed. - And many thanks to Ray for sending it in to Kermit Distribution.]

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

Date: Tue, 17 Jan 89 13:30 EST
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Printing MS-DOS Kermit EGA Graphics Screens
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation
Keywords: Graphics, Epson Printer Graphics, MS-DOS Kermit Printer Support

As explained in the MS-DOS Kermit User Guide, MS-Kermit uses the services of
DOS to access the PC's printer.  Kermit simply outputs the requested material
to DOS, and it can be intercepted by any printer driver you happen to have
installed.  This can include an ordinary print spooler, a driver for a
particular printer, etc.

When Kermit is emulating a Tektronix graphics terminal, it does not handle
print-screen requests itself.  You may load a graphics printer driver
to do this.  IBM systems come with a utility GRAPHICS.COM, described in the
IBM DOS manual.  Unfortunately, this utility works only with CGA graphics
adapters, not EGA.

A short public-domain utility, EPSON.COM, written in assembler by Dr. R.
Brooks Van Horn, Jr., Herndon, VA, can be used for printing EGA graphics
screens on Epson FX-series printers.  This utility has been added to the
Kermit Distribution as msgeps.*.  Thanks to Dr. Van Horn for contributing it
to the public domain and to Joe Doupnik for sending it in.

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

Date:  Tue, 20 Dec 88 16:52 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject:  Kermit Support of Novell Asynchronous Server Interface?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, Novell, NASI

I am currently using a Novell Netware LAN with a PCOX modem server.  It uses
the Novell Asynchronous Server Interface (NASI) to interface to the modems.
Does anyone have any experience with this system?  Does Kermit support the
NASI interface (Does it have a NASI driver)?  I tried using the "SET PORT NET
<name>" but got an error message.  I'm using MS-Kermit 2.30.  Any suggestions?

Craig Forbes
Forbes @Dockmaster

[From jrd - Craig, try SET PORT BIOSn (n = 1 - 4) so Novell's NASI can
intercept the Bios call. The SET PORT NET command invokes NetBios, which is
not what is needed in this case.  Many other networks also intercept a normal
serial port Bios call and relay information across the link; that's the most
important use of the SET PORT BIOS command.]

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

Date: Thu, 29 Dec 88 23:55:08 LCL
From: David Boeshaar <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit 2.32 Filesize Computation
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, MS-DOS Kermit File Size Limitation
Keywords: Novell

I am running Kermit 2.32 on a PS/2 model 25 attached to a Novell Netware 2.0a
network, Running DOS 3.2.  Whenever I download a file, I get the A: disk lite
come on, KERMIT then reports no room on the disk, but then completes the
download correctly. DRAT! Even the ANN and UPD files said this was corrected.
BOO HOO!

Oh well, other than that, KERMIT is still a GREAT communications program that
is GREATLY apprectiated here at Syracuse University.  Thanx for all the great
work!

[From jrd - I'll bet that COMMAND.COM is left assigned to drive A: and DOS is
checking the boot drive for something.  Check your Environment (DOS SET
command) and Novell's MAP command to see if A: is in the search path.  I've
not noted the effect here under NetWare 2.0a, 2.10, and now 2.12, but then
locally COMMAND.COM is on a non-floppy drive.]

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

Date: Wed, 16 Nov 88 07:34:07 EST
From: Dave Tetreault <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit Disk Space Calculation
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, Novell
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit File Size Limitation

I am having problems using the beta version of MS-Kermit to transfer files to
network disks on a Novell network.  It works as long as I use a local disk but
using a network disk Kermit oftens aborts file transfer to the PC with
complaints about not enough disk space.  I have been using 3.21 July for
months with no problems.  I went back and tested the later 2.31/A beta version
and it also has the same problem with checking disk space.

  David E. Tetreault
  Manager of Technical Support
  Academic Computer Center
  University of Rhode Island

[From jrd - you might try MS Kermit version 2.32, which cures certain disk
space problems. Otherwise MS Kermit is compatible with Novell NetWare. It
is possible to arrive at amazingly convoluted disk letter assignments, yet
MS Kermit attempts to query the underlying real disk (via legal DOS calls).
My Novell system runs with straight forward assignments. SET ATTRIBUTES OFF
will also bypass the disk space check.]

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

Date: Tue, 20 Dec 88 13:45 EST
From: "Michael W. Sabato" <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit 32MB File Transfer Limitation
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit File Size Limitation

We have DOS 4.0 installed on a PS/2 Model 80 with 112 megabyte disk split into
a 72 megs and 40 megs logical disks.  When downloading a database file greater
than 32 megs from an IBM mainframe to a PC, Kermit quits when 32 megabytes
have been transmitted.  Are there any plans to support DOS files larger than
32MB?

The current version 2.31 is great to work with and I am sure we have not used
all of its capabilities.  The long packet support by both Kermit-370 and
MS-Kermit make our downloads do-able in a reasonable time.  Thanks!

[From jrd - I enlarged some of the numerology in MS Kermit for version 2.32 to
accomodate larger disk partitions.  However, parts of the file size message on
the screen will roll over at about 16 MB due to trying to rapidly get through
double precision integer arithmetic quickly for nearly every packet
(percentage done is the messy item: d.p. division).  When I did that part
originally several years ago no one dreamed of 32MB+ files.  I must commend you
on such faith in Kermit to transfer files of that size and trust that you said
SET INCOMPLETE-FILE KEEP.]

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

Date: 7 Dec 88 00:07:27 GMT
From: Mike Iglesias <[e-mail]>
Subject: Problem with Kermit on a Packard Bell AT clone
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation, Packard-Bell AT Clone

I'm having a problem with Kermit 2.30 and 2.31 on Packard Bell AT clone (10mhz
286, Phoenix BIOS v3.07, EGA).  Kermit works fine in terminal emulation mode
(VT100, H19) until it has to scroll the screen up one line, and then it beeps
when the next line comes in from the system I've dialed up to (at 2400 baud).
>From looking at the source, it looks like Kermit is getting an overrun on the
serial port and substituting a bell for the character it didn't get (it
usually drops the first character on a line).  I've tried switching the serial
card with another to see if the problem goes away, but it didn't.

Mike Iglesias
University of California, Irvine

P.S.  If it helps, Procomm does almost the same thing - it doesn't beep when a
character gets lost, though.  And the EGA card is made by STB Systems, if that
makes any difference.

[From jrd - Mike, the Control-G is from me, as my way of warning the user that
the beep replaces one or more overrun characters. The loss is due to something
in the Bios which is taking forever to scroll the screen and is doing so with
interrupts off. I'd try another EGA board or call STB for hints. My Video 7
boards (Vega and VGA) are not the world's fastest, but they don't yield
overruns either.]

[From Mike - Replacing the EGA card solved the problem.  It looks like it was
taking too long to scroll the screen (probably with interrupts disabled) so
the serial port lost a character.  We've got a lot of AT&T 6300s around (with
the Phoenix rom bios) and they don't have any problems running kermit.  Keep
up the good work!]

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

Date: Thu, 5 Jan 89 20:22:23 EST
From: elsie![e-mail] (Arthur David Olson)
Subject: Nice New MS-Kermit 2.32 Features

Many thanks for the usual fine job.  Port 3 on our IBM PS/2's now works right
out of the box.  And both \Kterminals and \Kterminalr are greatly appreciated;
our users can now go from being connected back to DOS with a single keystroke,
and our VAX can coerce the PC's into doing things that used to require human
intervention.  Now if only we had \Kterminalt and \Kterminalu and. . .

    Arthur David Olson    [e-mail]    ADO is a trademark of Ampex.

[From jrd - Whew! (com3) And "give'm an inch ..."  A little devious thinking
reveals that inside of TERMINALR/S one may do absolutely anything, including
defining/clearing other macro or variable names to act as one-bit flags, doing
a script INPUT command to obtain another character or string, and so forth.
One can build up a Kermit command list from successive invokations of these
macros plus the definition abilities.  The rest I leave to clever users.]

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

25-Jan-89  2:44:00-GMT,14575;000000000001
Received: by cunixc.cc.columbia.edu (5.54/5.10) id AA22170; Tue, 24 Jan 89 21:30:30 EST
Date: Tue, 24 Jan 1989 21:30:29 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
To: Info-Kermit
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #3
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Tue, 24 Jan 1989        Volume 9 : Number 3

Today's Topics:

           Announcing MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A
          MS-Kermit 2.32 Binary Transfer Bug
    Announcing IBM Mainframe VM/CMS Kermit-370 Version 4.1
       Announcing IBM Mainframe MVS/TSO Kermit-370 Version 4.1
               C-Kermit Update


Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Mon, 23 Jan 89 19:56 MDT
From: Joe Doupnik <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail], Info-Kermit
Subject: Announcing MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A

To correct a somewhat serious bug in MS-Kermit 2.32 (see next message), a
maintenance release of MS-Kermit -- 2.32/A -- is now available.  The
opportunity was also used to fix a few minor problems.  The changes from MS
Kermit 2.32 to 2.32/A 21 Jan 1989 are listed below.

Items common to all machines supported by MS Kermit -

1. Correct a problem negotiating 8-bit prefixing when MS Kermit is operating
   with parity of NONE yet the other side requests that such quoting be done.
   Version 2.32 had a problem and would receive the 8-bit quoting character
   "&" as ordinary text and hence produce a corrupted file. Setting parity
   to SPACE on the PC with version 2.32 might be a suitable workaround.

2. Correct ENABLE/DISABLE MESSAGE commands to work properly. Previously the
   sense was inverted and the command applied to SEND rather than MESSAGE.

3. Formally decode messages in ACKs to data or filename packets before
   displaying them.

4. Add analysis of prompt text in the ASK command so that \number forms are
   converted to binary before displaying the prompt. This makes the prompt
   field behave the same as in the ordinary SET PROMPT command. A dollar sign
   will terminate the text string for either command.
   Example:     ASK \%1 \27[31mEnter password\27[37m

5. Correct small textual errors in the SET command main help screen.

6. Allow command REMOTE MESSAGE to use three character text messages.

Items specific to the IBM-PC version of MS Kermit -

7. Delay accessing a communications port until the port is actually needed.
   This prevents the automatic probing of COM1 at Kermit startup, even before
   file mskermit.ini or equivalent is read. COM1 remains the default port
   unless another is selected by a SET PORT command. The effect of this change
   is transparent except where Kermit has been operated under a multi-tasking
   Environment such as Concurrent-DOS, Desqview, DoubleDos, or MS Windows.
   These situations have experienced difficulty when a second copy of Kermit
   is started while the first copy is actively using COM1; the disturbance
   is created when COM1 is prepared for use as part of the Kermit startup
   process. The present change prevents this disturbance by selecting but not
   touching a port until a Kermit command requires it. Note that STATUS, SHOW
   COMMUNICATIONS, SHOW MODEM, SET BAUD, SET SPEED, and SET PORT commands
   do access the selected port for information; to avoid possible interference
   between users of COM1 perform the desired SET PORT command to select and
   initialize another port before using these latter commands.

8. Add several small improvements to video screen support for the VT102
   terminal emulator when Video 7 boards are used. Preserve 43 line mode
   whenever possible. Defeat 132 column mode for Video 7 VGA boards used with
   fixed frequency analogue displays (31.5KHz), such as the IBM 85xx series.
   Prevent using wrong display buffer address when an unknown proprietary
   video mode is encountered from many EGA and VGA style boards.

9. Put the VT102 screen into the rollback buffer when clearing the entire
   screen with any escape sequence combination. Partial screen erasures
   do not cause preservation in the rollback buffer.

10. Support character 9Bh, ANSI "CSI", as equivalent to reception of "ESC ["
    in the VT102 emulator.

11. Preserve character set pointers and related items in the VT102 emulator
    when the screen width is changed.

12. Avoid unnecessary flow control commands when Control-Print Screen is
    active.

The files which have been changed since version 2.32 are:

    new release ident and date:
      MSSDEF.H

    new system independet files:
      MSSKER.ASM, MSSSEN.ASM, MSSSER.ASM, MSSSET.ASM, MSSTER.ASM

    and for IBM-PC's:
      MSXIBM.ASM, MSYIBM.ASM, MSZIBM.ASM
                                                        Joe Doupnik
                                                        22 Jan 1989

[Ed. - Many thanks once again, Joe.  The new files have been put in Kermit
distribution, and MSKERM.BWR has been updated accordingly.]

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

Date: Thu, 19 Jan 1989 18:42:32 CET
From: Helmut Waelder <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit 2.32 Binary Transfer Bug

I have transferred a binary file from IBM/370 Kermit 4.0 in server modus
to MS-Kermit 2.31 and a second time to MS-Kermit 2.32 with LOG PACKETS.
The result is as following (all data packets are the same for V2.31 and
V2.32):

    ------ MS-Kermit 2.31 ( works ok) ----------
    Spack: ^A0 I~- @-#Y1~*  ~G^M
    Rpack: ^A- Y~% @-#&1~(Y^M
    Spack: ^A/ Rdos33pat.arcY^M
    Rpack: ^A- S~% @-#&1~(S^M
    Spack: ^A0 Y~- @-#&1~*  ~$^M       <---- this packet differs in V2.32
    Rpack: ^A/!FDOS33PAT.ARC.^M
    -------- MS-Kermit 2.32 ( in error ) --------
    Spack: ^A0 I~- @-#Y1~*  ~G^M
    Rpack: ^A- Y~% @-#&1~(Y^M
    Spack: ^A/ Rdos33pat.arcY^M
    Rpack: ^A- S~% @-#&1~(S^M
    Spack: ^A0 Y~- @-#Y1~*  ~W^M       <----- different
    Rpack: ^A/!FDOS33PAT.ARC.^M

Over the line comes the same data, but it seems to me that MS-Kermit does not
correctly interpret the 8th bit prefixing.  There is no byte with 8th bit on
in the received file (v2.32) and the file is about 30% bigger in size.
/Helmut

[Ed. - This is a serious bug, and it is the main reason for releasing 2.32/A
at this time.  If Kermit should be able to do anything right, it's file
transfer!]

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

Date: Tue 24 Jan 89 18:00:00 EST
From: John Chandler <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing IBM Mainframe VM/CMS Kermit-370 Version 4.1
Keywords: IBM 370 Kermit, VM/CMS Kermit
Xref: CMS Kermit, also see VM/CMS Kermit

This is to announce CMS Kermit Release 4.1.  The sources have not been
completely rewritten, nor have they been resequenced, but numerous
fixes, extensions, and improvements have been inserted.  The changes
applied include all updates formerly available in IKCKER.UPD plus a
number of new ones.  As with Release 4.0, all CMS-specific files begin
with IKC, and generic Kermit-370 files begin with IK0 (I K Zero).  The
separate pieces are to be recombined into a single composite source (or
made into a macro library) for installation.  See the file IKCKER.INS
for instructions.  Release 4.1 is also being issued in the companion TSO
and MUSIC versions (see the separate announcements for details).  Anyone
interested in helping to port Kermit-370 to still other operating
systems should contact John Chandler <[e-mail]> or
<[e-mail]>.

Below is a list of the more important additions in Version 4.1:

    --- generic features ---

 1. Trimming of trailing blanks from commands read from TAKE files.

 2. New SET BAUD for improved calculation of optimum packet size.

 3. Optional suppression of Attribute packets.

 4. A new option to specify treatment of received records too long for
    the open file.

 5. File header packet acknowledgments containing the name actually used
    for the received file.

 6. Separate specification of SEND and RECEIVE parity.

 7. Option for "permanent", user-inaccessible ATOE and ETOA translation
    tables for TTY controllers and for site-specific default controller
    type.

 8. Automatic detection of controller type distinguishing SERIES1 from
    GRAPHICS.

 9. Both SEND and GET prompt the user for native and foreign filespecs
    if no arguments are entered.

10. New SEND syntax allowing multiple files, independent of wildcard
    notation.

11. Expanded transaction log, now including file sizes and error
    messages.  In addition, the log is kept for both SEND and RECEIVE
    operations.

12. Easy escape from Kermit protocol mode via STOP.

13. NAK(n+1) treated as ACK(n).

14. Attribute packets no longer destroyed via SET ETOA.

15. Long replies from other Kermit (in server mode) accepted without
    S-packets.

16. SHOW ALL restored.  SET ? without mention of ALL.

    --- CMS-only features ---

17. File creation times are included along with dates in A-packets.

18. An extensive new DEBUG option has been added for SERIES1 I/O.

19. Kermit-CMS now accepts a file header packet specifying the filemode
    for the new file.

20. The CMSTYPE and EMSG settings are now honored by Kermit in the
    process of intercepting typeout while in server mode.  for protocol
    mode on TTY lines.

21. The HELP subcommand now always uses the name under which Kermit was
    invoked.

[Ed. - Many thanks, John!  The files have been installed in Kermit
Distribution.  The MVS/TSO release is announced in the next message.  The
MUSIC version will probably be announced in the next digest.]

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

Date: Tue 24 Jan 89 18:00:00 EST
From: John Chandler <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing IBM Mainframe MVS/TSO Kermit-370 Version 4.1
Keywords: IBM 370 Kermit, MVS/TSO Kermit
Xref: TSO Kermit, see MVS/TSO Kermit

This is to announce Release 4.1 of Kermit-370 for TSO.  The sources have not
been completely rewritten, nor have they been resequenced, but numerous
fixes, extensions, and improvements have been inserted.  The changes applied
include all updates formerly available in IKTKER.UPD plus a number of new
ones.  While Release 4.0 was a test release, 4.1 may be considered a
production version.  As with Release 4.0, all TSO-specific files begin with
IKT, and generic Kermit-370 files begin with IK0 (I K Zero).  The separate
pieces are to be recombined into a single composite source (or made into a
macro library) for installation.  See the file IKTKER.INS for instructions.
Release 4.1 is also being issued in the companion CMS and MUSIC versions
(the CMS version is announced in the previous message, the MUSIC version
will come soon).  Anyone interested in helping to port Kermit-370 to still
other operating systems should contact John Chandler <[e-mail]>
or <[e-mail]>.

Below is a list of the more important additions in Version 4.1:

    --- generic features ---

(same as listed above for CMS Kermit)

    --- TSO-specific features ---

17. SET DELIM subcommand.

18. END subcommand.

19. Revised generic file update program GUPI (for applying updates to
    Kermit-370) and an all-new, one-step installation procedure (see the
    installation guide).

20. More general wildcard file name matching.

21. The file header for a downloaded PDS member includes the last
    qualifier of the PDS name appended to the member name.

22. The LRECL used by Kermit-TSO now conforms to MVS/TSO standards,
    rather than being TSO LRECL - 4 for RECFM=V.

23. Numerous bug fixes.  The TSO Kermit-370 may now be considered a
    production program, rather than a test release.

24. Kermit-TSO supports downloading of uncataloged and
    password-protected data sets.

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

Date: Tue 24 Jan 89 20:00:00 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
Subject: C-Kermit Update
Keywords: C-Kermit, UNIX Kermit

So far the only problems that have been reported with C-Kermit 4E(071),
announced in the previous digest, have had to do with compilation under
Xenix.  Some minor typos were fixed in ckufio.c, and some hints were added
to the makefile.  Also, "cd" was added as a legal (but invisible) synonym
for "cwd".  The result is 4E(072), available via ftp only from kermit/test
on cunixc.  The files that changed since last time are ckuusr.c, ckuus3.c,
ckufio.c, ckcmai.c, and ckuker.mak.

Has anyone checked out local mode operation at all?  You know, "set line
/dev/ttyxx, set speed yyyy, connect"?  On direct connections?  Dialed
connections with modem control?  On AT&T based systems?  On BSD-based
systems?  Under Ultrix?  SUNOS?  Xenix?  This is the wierdest the part of
the program, in which Kermit must go through a byzantine series of
incomprehensible system calls, different for each and every system, turning
modems on and off, closing and reopening file descriptors, changing file
modes, etc etc.

Many users have reported problems in this area in the past -- Kermit getting
hung in a read() or write() call, Kermit giving up on the connection because
of "I/O errors", etc.  The new release tries to get around some of these
problems by putting timers around blocking operations that might get stuck,
and closing/reopening the connection when the system reports i/o errors.
(These kinds of things seem to happen a lot in Ultrix 2.2.)

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

 9-Feb-89  5:44:00-GMT,22025;000000000001
Received: by cunixc.cc.columbia.edu (5.54/5.10) id AA14046; Wed, 8 Feb 89 23:51:13 EST
Date: Wed, 8 Feb 1989 23:51:12 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
To: Info-Kermit
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #4
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Wed, 8 Feb 1989        Volume 9 : Number 4

Today's Topics:

          Announcing IBM Mainframe MUSIC Kermit Version 4.1
                      NOTICE to TSO Kermit Users
                     C-Kermit 4E(072) Is Released
                    Announcing UniFLEX 6809 Kermit
       MS Kermit 2.32 for GRiD Compass, Source Code Corrections
               Announcing Another New MS-Windows Kermit
          MS-Windows Kermit Heath-19 Emulation (2 messages)
                      Announcing SCANCHEK.C 4.1
                   Kermit Disks for TRS-80 Model 4
                    C-Kermit on Apollo under SR10?
                 VMS & C-Kermit Problem with Localnet?

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Fri, 03 Feb 89 12:00:00 EST
From: Pierre Goyette <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing IBM Mainframe MUSIC Kermit Version 4.1
Keywords: IBM 370 Kermit, MUSIC Kermit

This is to announce MUSIC Kermit Release 4.1.  This program is now a member
of the generic family Kermit-370 and appears in the Kermit distribution
under a new prefix: all MUSIC-specific files begin with IKM, while generic
Kermit-370 files begin with IK0 (I K Zero).  Kermit-MUSIC no longer consists
of just two source files.  Instead, the source is split into sub-files, some
generic and some MUSIC-specific.  The separate pieces are to be recombined
into a single composite source for installation.  See the file IKMKER.INS
for instructions.  Generally, the files formerly known as IMU*.* will be
replaced by the new IKM*.* files.  This MUSIC Kermit is still in the testing
stage, but most of the features described in the documentation have already
been verified.  Any bug reports should be sent to Pierre Goyette
<[e-mail]>.  Anyone interested in helping to port Kermit-370 to
still other operating systems should contact John Chandler
<[e-mail]>.

Below is a list of the more important additions in Version 4.1 of MUSIC
Kermit (including many already announced for CMS Kermit):

 . Advanced server functions, including REMOTE KERMIT.
 . Long packet protocol (type 0 extended headers).
 . TYPE, ECHO, XTYPE, and XECHO subcommands (the last two being
   Series/1 analogs of the first two.)
 . TEST mode for debugging.
 . Multi-column, two-level, selective SHOW display.
 . Optionally append to, rather than replace, old data sets with
   duplicate names.
 . New GIVE command for saving a modified translation table.
 . A new, RAW debug mode for recording the packet traffic as actually
   sent and received on "GRAPHICS" and "SERIES1" devices.  Also, an
   I/O mode for recording supplemental transfer information.
 . Preservation of the case of commands as typed, with uppercase
   conversion of only those words that must be uppercase.
 . New SET MARGIN command for limiting the width of a file to be sent.
 . Settable tab stops for Kermit's conversion of tabs to spaces
   (alternative to the default 1, 9, 17, etc.).
 . Support for multiple terminal controller types.  Automatic detection
   of terminal controller type (TTY or SERIES1).
 . Limited emulation of MUSIC commands within Kermit.
 . Automatically tune packet length when sending long packets according
   to heuristic optimum based on sparse Poisson statistics, provided
   that transmission errors do occur.
 . Expand STATUS report to include the number of files in the last
   transfer, throughput statistics, heuristic optimum packet length
   (when long packets are enabled), and the reason for any file
   rejection based on A-packets.
 . New command TDUMP NAMES to display the transaction log, which
   includes names, file sizes and error messages.
 . Send and process Attribute packets (optionally may be suppressed).
 . Basic and advanced server commands to a server at the other end.
 . New types V-BINARY and D-BINARY for binary files with undelimited
   variable-length records.
 . SET 8-BIT-QUOTE.  Allow 8-bit data where possible via SET SEND (or
   RECEIVE) PARITY.
 . SET PROMPT subcommand.
 . Keep track of truncated records during a RECEIVE operation and
   report the count in STATUS; also, call truncation an error after
   everything is received.
 . A subcommand SET LONGLINE, to select the desired processing
   of lines received by MUSIC that exceed the LRECL -- the options
   are to fold, truncate or simply halt.
 . SET HANDSHAKE subcommand to alter or suppress handshake character
   Kermit-370 sends out after each packet (not available for 3705's).
 . Trimming of trailing blanks from commands read from TAKE files.
 . File header packet acknowledgments containing the name actually used
   for the received file.
 . Both SEND and GET prompt the user for native and foreign filespecs
   if no arguments are entered.
 . New SEND syntax allowing multiple files, independent of wildcard
   notation.
 . Easy escape from Kermit protocol mode via STOP.
 . File allocation error messages are now saved in Kermit and
   reported as part of the STATUS text.

- Pierre Goyette, McGill University <[e-mail]>

[Ed. - Pierre, merci beaucoup!  This is the third IBM mainframe operating
system to be covered under the umbrella of Portable Kermit-370, and a
testimony to the modular design of this program.  The new MUSIC support files
have been added to the other Kermit-370 files as IKM*.* in the "B" area.  The
earlier MUSIC Kermit program (IMUSIC.ASM) remains available for now Kermit
Distribution area "D" for now.  Users of other IBM mainframe operating
systems, particularly those for which no Kermit is available at all -- notably
DOS/VSE -- are encouraged to do as Pierre has done, and fill in the
system-dependent portions of Kermit-370 for those environments.  Instructions
for doing this can be found in the file IK0POR.HLP.]

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

Date: Fri, 1989 Jan 27   22:48:14 EST
From: (John F. Chandler)   [e-mail]
Subject: NOTICE to TSO Kermit Users
Keywords:  IBM 370 Kermit, MVS/TSO Kermit
Xref: TSO, See MVS/TSO

The source module IK0MAI.ASM that appeared as part of release 4.1 of
Kermit-370 on January 24 contained a line that produced an assembly error
under TSO (but no other operating systems).  That module (112 lines in all)
now been replaced.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

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

Date: Thu, 2 Feb 1989 15:31:12 EST
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
Subject: C-Kermit 4E(072) Is Released

Since there have been no further reports of bugs in the test version of
C-Kermit announced in Info-Kermit V9 #2 and #3, this version has been moved
to the regular Kermit Distribution, where it can now be picked up by normal
means (anonymous FTP to CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, KERMSRV at CUVMA, mail order,
etc).  But it's not too late to report bugs, so please, everyone (especially
those who didn't have the opportunity to do it before) grab the new version
and report success or failure for particular machine/operating system/version
combinations.  To build the program for your system, rename the file
ckuker.mak to makefile, and then type "make xxx", where xxx is the appropriate
makefile option (read the makefile to see what the options are).

The new files are ckc*.*, cku*.*, and ckw*.*, in the "b" area.  This list
actually includes a few files unmodified since the previous release, but it
guarantees you an up-to-date set of files for Unix and its variants.  Don't
ask for ck*.*, or else you will get tons of files for Macintosh, Data General,
VAX/VMS, Commodore Amiga, OS9, etc. (see ckaaaa.hlp for naming conventions).
Programmers who use any of the non-Unix systems just mentioned are encouraged
to build new versions of C-Kermit for these systems, based on the new
system-independent or Unix-based modules.

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

Date: 31-JAN-1989 18:30:02.32
From: Jur van der Burg <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing UniFLEX 6809 Kermit
Keywords: UniFLEX, 6809

Author:      Jur van der Burg
             Nettelhorst 56
             2402 LS  Alphen aan den Rijn
             The Netherlands
Easynet:     UTRTSC::VDBURG
Language:    C (Compiled with McCosh compiler Version 27.0:2)
Version:     1.4
Date:        Januari 11, 1989

KERMIT for UniFLEX 6809 has its roots in the UNIX version. It is enhanced in
several ways, such as data logging, server mode etc.

UniFLEX KERMIT has most of the features specified in the KERMIT Protocol
Manual.  Installation notes can be found in the file 'UFREAD.ME'.

[Ed. - Many thanks, Jur!  And thanks to Bernie Eiben for relaying this
program to us.  It can be found in the "c" area of Kermit Distribution as
uf*.*.]

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

Date: Sat, 28 Jan 89 15:41:49 EST
From: [e-mail] (John Nyenhuis)
Subject: MS Kermit 2.32 for GRiD Compass, Source Code Corrections
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32, Grid Compass II

Thanks for placing my MS Kermit 2.32 for the GRiD Compass in the kermit
distribution. Looking at the source files at Columbia, I see that a few
corrections are in order:

 (1) msugri.asm contains the code for msxgri.asm.
 (2) msxgri.asm is not the most recent version.

To fix these problems:

 (1) Delete msxgri.asm.
 (2) Rename msugri.asm to msxgri.asm. (i.e. "mv msugri.asm msxgri.asm")
 (3) Use the correct msugri.asm that is below.

File sizes are:
  msugri.asm  72694
  msxgri.asm  65704

This situation is likely related to my sending you a revised msxgri.asm only
a few days after sending the first one.  The revised msxgri.asm has ended up
as msugri.asm.  The files msggri.asm and msvgri.boo are correct.

On another note, I recently tested this kermit on a GRiD Compass 1101 and it
worked fine. Thus, it is probable that this Kermit will work on the entire
GRiD Compass family.  I welcome comments from users of Kermit 2.32 for the
GRiD Compass and I will endeavor to fix any bugs that surface.

Thanks again.

   John N.

John Nyenhuis   Purdue University  School of Electrical Engineering
West Lafayette IN 47907   [phone]     [e-mail]

[Ed. - John, thanks very much for noticing msxgri.asm's attempt to
masquerade as msugri.asm.  The corrections have been made as you suggested,
including installation of the new msxgri.asm file.]

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

Date: Thu, 19 Jan 89 13:21:40 PST
From: [e-mail] (William Hall)
Subject: Announcing Another New MS-Windows Kermit
Keywords: MS-Windows Kermit, Heath-19 Emulation
Xref: Windows, see MS-Windows

Christine,

I have an update to the Windows version of Kermit.  I fixed some problems in
handling screen colors when the user has non-standard colors.  It's on the
way on diskette.

--Bill Hall

[Ed. - Thanks, Bill.  Your new version, 1.03, arrived OK, and has replaced
the 1.0 version of December 9, 1988, in the Kermit "A" area.]

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

Date: Fri, 27 Jan 89 04:53:27 EST
From: Erez Zadok <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Windows Kermit Heath-19 Emulation
Keywords: MS-Windows, Windows, WKERM, Heath-19 Emulation, MSBPCT

I'm writing this using wkerm.exe that I downloaded yesterday, unjured using a
C program provided with winkrm.jar, unbooed with another C program that's
provided that I had to compile on my PC, and installed it into Windows.

Well this version is very simple. It provides an emulation for H-19, and
worked fine with curses based programs as far as generating the correct escape
sequences. However, programs that use full-screen emulation, like emacs,
display only 21 lines and jumps if you're scrolling the full-screen in it's
window. Sysline workes fine, but it just helps to the "jumping" in emacs etc.
I would prefer to see a real 80X25 screen...

I tried to transfer a simple file and only got part of it. I did read the
document/bwr files provided and seems to me I was doing the right thing but
something didn't work well. I'll dwell on that later.

This version of kermit works fine with windows as far as multiple windows
running "at the same time" or even when the window is minimized. I especially
liked the fact that I could run file transfer and do other things while Kermit
crunches 'em packets ... but it didn't complete the file transfer as noted.

Another note, about msbpct.c which is the C program to unboo/unpack *.boo
files.  The program contains the following two lines:

                #define MSDOS
                #define CI86

My environment and/or the C compiler has MSDOS already defined and so the
compiler refused to compile the program, saying that MSDOS is being
redefined... Also, nowhere in the comments above it did it say to comment out
one or more of the above #define lines. I wound up commenting out both lines
to have the program compile successfully and unpack the *.boo files.

Any comments?

FYI,
Erez.

[Ed. - See Bill's answer below.  And thanks for pointing out the problem
with MSBPCT.C.  It has been fixed.  The new copy is in the Kermit
Distribution "A" area.]

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

Date: Fri, 27 Jan 89 16:50:01 PST
From: ames!olivej.ATC.Olivetti.Com![e-mail] (William Hall)
Subject: MS-Windows Kermit Heath-19 Emulation

The answer to the user's problem about apparently only having 21 lines on
the screen is really complicated.  First, it may help to know that the
terminal window is a child of the main window and is always 80 columns by 24
lines (if no change has been made via win.ini).  But, the main window may be
too small to show all 24 lines.  At the same time, it is necessary to ALWAYS
have the insert point visible on the screen.  Hence, if running EMACS and
there is a write to the status line, the child is moved up to the
appropriate position to show the insert point.  Then, if the insert point is
then repositioned back to the top of the file, the child window is rolled
down so that the cursor is stil visible.

(it amused me to see the remark 'the program is simple enough' in the
message.  Just getting this positioning I just described took quite a bit of
effort!)

Anyway, the user can get out of this problem by increasing the height of the
main window so that the screen does not have to roll up and down to keep the
insert point visible.  Of course, whether this is possible depends on the
font being used and the display.  If a CGA is the display, then there is no
help unless I make it possible to use a font smaller than the OEM font,
which is the default and which is 8 scans high.  Using the Heath19 font
makes it worse since it is 10 scans high.  However, the user should have no
problem on the EGA or VGA with either the OEM default font or the Heath
font.

I don't know why there was a file transfer problem.  I never had problems
with it just stopping in the middle of the transfer.  Of course, my only
target machines are a VAX running Berkeley UNIX and an IBM PC with MSDOS
Kermit.  So, it might depend on the host's implementation and my failure to
account for something which I have not seen to date.

At any rate, I would be happy to talk to the individual concerned.  He can
contact me directly at oliveb!whall or by phone.  [phone] or
408-241-6983.  I tried to figure out his address in the noise which passes
for a header and I am not sure if I can figure it out.  So, if you will
forward this along I would be grateful.

I just send Christine Gianone a new version which makes some cosmetic
changes to the way screen colors are handled.  I got some mail from a
gentleman at Columbia saying that the current version did not handle unusual
choices of screen colors and he was right.  The one in the mail should take
care of this.

--Bill

[Ed. - Thanks again, Bill.  We've tried WKERM out with Windows on our
machines, and it seems to transfer files just fine.]

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

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 1989 10:40 MET
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Announcing SCANCHEK.C 4.1
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Key Definitions, SCANCHEK

I've found a minor error in Scanchek 4.0: The program doesn't match exactly
Kermit's SHOW KEY function.  On the numeric keypad (white keys only) NumLock
offsets the shift keys and vice versa (as indicated in MSUIBM.ASM).  In
MS-Kermit 2.32 the separation of the comma on German keyboard keypads from
the regular comma was added.

I updated Scanchek.c to match Kermit 2.32. The new version, 4.1, is enclosed.

Regards
Matthias Reichling

[Ed. - Many thanks, Matthias.  For those who don't know, scanchek is a
program, originally written by Phil Benchoff, that lets you conveniently
type keys on an IBM PC family (or compatible) keyboard, and reports their
scan codes, as used by the MS-Kermit SET KEY command.   This new version of
scanchek has replaced 4.0 in the Kermit Distribution as MSUCHK.*.]

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

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 89 09:12:16 +0100
From: mcvax!prismaa.prl.philips.nl![e-mail]
Subject: Kermit Disks for TRS-80 Model 4
Keywords: TRS-80 Model 4

It took some time, but I managed to collect:

        TRS-80 Kermit for the Model 4, Sources & executables

I'm willing to make disks for these. You seem to have no diskette volunteers
for this version, so here's your first!

The sources come to some 240Kb, which is more than will fit on 1 standard
TRSDOS 6 disk (40Tks, SSDD --> 180Kb), but I can handle any other format if
requested, as long as it is TRSDOS 6 compatible (i.e. 40/80Tks SS/DS SD/DD).

The following seems doable:

 - Executables & docs : US$10 to AnywhereVille, AnyLand (1 disk)
                        US$5  if you send me the disk+envelope
 - Executables & sources & docs
                      : US$15 to AnywhereVille, Anyland (3 disks)
                        US$7.50 if you send me the disks+envelope

Specify disk format if you want it other than 40Tks, SSDD. 80Tks ONLY IF YOU
SEND THE DISK(S), as 96Tpi disks are rare in The Netherlands (and therefore
unacceptably expensive)

My postal address is:

        Bert Laverman
        P.a. Dilgtweg 14
        9751 NG  Haren
        The Netherlands

I'm afraid that current developments force me to restrict the offer to
September 1989.

BTW I posted an announcement on `comp.sys.tandy', but although there are
TRS-80 users on the net, I had no replies yet. I will pass the program on to
the User's group gere in the Netherlands anyway.

Greetings, Bert Laverman ([e-mail])

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

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 89 09:45:33 NOR
From: hanche%imf.unit.no@norunix
Subject: C-Kermit on Apollo under SR10?
Keywords: Apollo, C-Kermit on Apollo

Has anybody managed to make C-Kermit work under SR10 on an Apollo?
Apparently, the Apollo fixes in the code are for earlier versions of the
operating system.  At least, it calls for a number of include files
(notably, /sys/ins/*.ins.c) that were not present on our system until we
copied them from a SR9.7 system.  That's maybe not the smartest thing to do,
but at least it enabled me to compile C-kermit without errors.  However,
when I run it, the following happens:

        % wermit
        C-Kermit, 4E(070) 29 Jan 88, Apollo DOMAIN/IX 4.2 BSD
        Type ? for help
        C-Kermit>set line /dev/sio1
        /dev/sio1: Not a typewriter
        Sorry, can't open line: Not a typewriter
        C-Kermit>

/dev/sio1 is supposed to be the serial port on my Apollo DN3500.  We are
running Domain_OS SR10 with only the 4.3 BSD environment installed.  Any
help is appreciated!

- Harald Hanche-Olsen   Division of Mathematical Sciences
  [e-mail]    The Norwegian Institute of Technology

Please send any direct replies to me at [e-mail] (local mail
gateway troubles...).

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

Date: Wed, 8 Feb 89 10:33:59 EST
From: [e-mail] (D. Kobus)
Subject: VMS & C-Kermit Problem with Localnet
Keywords: VMS Kermit, C-Kermit for VMS, Sytek Localnet

While using C-Kermit on a Microvax II (VMS 4.4), when I CONNECT to my localnet
cable network I encounter a "contti: ttiosb.status: %SYSTEM-F-HANGUP, data set
hang-up" flag. This is not the case when I CONNECT to the same line when
successfully using VMS-Kermit. Also, once a localnet connection to another
computer is established, I can shell over to C-Kermit and communicate without
problem.

I have tried a variety of SET TERMINAL options without success. Frank da Cruz
of Columbia has pointed me to the offending code in the ckvtio.c routine but;
at present, comprehension of that programming eludes me.

If anyone on the net has encountered and overcome this hurdle, your response
will be appreciated.

David B. Kobus
Naval Air Development Center

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

24-Feb-89 20:32:07-GMT,30517;000000000001
Received: by cunixc.cc.columbia.edu (5.54/5.10) id AA01128; Fri, 24 Feb 89 14:04:56 EST
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 1989 14:04:55 EST
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
To: Info-Kermit
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #5
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Fri, 24 Feb 1989        Volume 9 : Number 5

Special MS-DOS Kermit Issue:

             MS-DOS Kermit at 115,200 bps
              MS-Kermit vs Screen Savers
          Behavior of MS-Kermit SUCCESS/FAILURE Status Flag
         Problem with Scripts in IBM-PC Kermit 2.31?
                   MS Kermit 2.32/A
            MS-Kermit Screen Highlighting
         MS-Kermit Highlighted Screen Characters vs IBM 7171
          Kermit Tektronix Emulation "More>" Prompt
           MS-Kermit Tektronix Emulation vs Numeric Keypad
            MS-DOS Kermit vs Toshiba 3100 Graphics
            Mouse Problems with MS-Kermit
      New Releases of KERMIT No Longer Support Microsoft/Logitech Mice?
                Wang version of Kermit
           MS-Kermit Receiving Files to a Printer?

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: 26 Jan 89 21:05:00 GMT
From: michael regoli <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit at 115,200 bps
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Performance

hello!  i need help with the new version of ms-kermit (2.32 on 11 dec 88).

i have two AT microcomputers (IBM and zenith) connected through a serial
port with a null modem cable.  i am using extended packet lengths (1,000)
with a block check type of 3 (for use in transferring 8-bit data).
everything else is set to kermit defaults (with respect to flow control,
handshaking, delays, timeouts, retries, etc.).

my problem is that i cannot drive the cable faster than 57,600 baud.  when i
try 115,200 baud, i have problems with host acknowledgment and errors.
(i've even tried shortening the packet length to 94.  still, when the IBM is
in server mode, and a "send fn" on the zenith is performed, about 5 packets
get through and the IBM says "unable to send data" while the zenith reports
"unable to receive an acknowledgment from the host.")

how can i drive the cable at 115,200?  i know that the serial ports will
handle the speed because i've used MIRROR (a clone of crosstalk) at that
speed with both machines.

thanks for any help.  and by the way, this is an excellent upgrade to
kermit.  if you don't have it, you should.

                        |  michael regoli
                        |  ...rutgers!iuvax!silver!regoli
                        |  [e-mail]

[From jrd - A lot happens for each character to accomodate the diverse
situations Kermit faces in the field -- see the flowchart in the MS-Kermit
2.32/A manual.  Some other items to be aware of are the display adapter,
keyboard, and Helpful Utilities. The nice formatted file transfer display
calls on DOS (and hence the Bios) for support and parts turn off interrupts
long enough to lose characters; try SET DISPLAY QUIET or SERIAL. Keyboards
generate messages when ANY key is depressed and that causes the Bios to also
execute small code sections with interrupts off.  Finally, Helpful Utilities
which attach to the system clock tic are very heavy loads because the whole
interrupt system is completely blocked while they run 18.2 times/sec. Even
DOS PRINT does this in a marked way.

The problem is actually not so much the work done per character in Kermit,
although that determines the ultimate throughput, but rather what the
non-Kermit parts of the computer do with interrupts turned off. The slower
the machine then the longer it takes to do those system items. I have
successfully run MS Kermit between Zenith 4.77MHz PCs and other systems at
115Kb, provided the cable length is very short and the serial port crystal
oscillators are reasonably matched.  IBM PS/2's seem to quit working above
38,400 baud in my tests. In current development work here with disk i/o
occurring while packets are being received shows that the disk stuff causes
marked character loss at speeds of 56KB and faster; that was great for me
since I wanted lots of random errors for testing purposes!

Unload all of those TSRs, don't let DOS PRINT be used, specify enough DOS
buffers to keep DOS tracking fresh material, watch out for slow RAM disk
routines using Extended or Expanded memory on ATs, and be aware of add-in
boards (and particularly bus mice) eating system time.  It does work at
115KB.  People who really want speed use networks such as Ethernet, Token
Ring, Starlan, and similar which are designed for high data rates and
reasonable distances. Mirror and other Xmodem programs are fine for simple
PC to PC communications, Kermit is far superior (by design) when non-PC's
are involved or when the communications path is complex or hostile.]

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

Date: 26 Jan 89 15:08:00 CST
From: "DAVE CARGO" <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit vs Screen Savers
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit vs Screen Savers, Screen Savers

I just ran into a situation that I think MS-Kermit handles correctly, but I
thought I'd ask to make sure.  I'm running MS-Kermit 2.30 (I haven't had a
chance to update that system yet).  During long file transfers the screen
went blank.  In order to see what was on the screen I hit the space bar.
Are characters other than ^X, ^Z, return, etc. ignored during transfers?

I just want to make sure it's "safe" to hit the space bar when the screen
has been blanked like that.  (It's not my system and I don't know what
screen saver is being used; I couldn't remove it anyway.)

David S. Cargo

[From jrd - It is safe to type with abandon while packets flow, although it
does put a load on Kermit. Only the characters ^E, ^X, ^Z, ^C , and CR will
be let through the sieve. My screen saver reawakens with even ALT or NumLock
(my favorite way of doing it while within MS Windows and Excel).]

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

Date: Fri, 27 Jan 89 14:26:03 est
From: steinmetz!unioncs![e-mail] (Richard Boehm)
Subject: Behavior of MS-Kermit SUCCESS/FAILURE Status Flag
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Scripts

The User's guide to MSKERMIT 2.32 states, under "The INPUT command", "The
command reports a testable status of SUCCESS or FAILURE and sets the DOS
ERRORLEVEL parameter to 2 if it fails to match within the timeout interval.
As I understand it, a flag is set. It has been my experience, however, that
this flag may only be tested ONCE before it's value becomes RESET. This
behavior is not what I expect in a flag. I expect a flag to retain its
status until altered by an action of the program. When a flag resets itself
after testing, I consider it to be unusual.

I'm trying to login to a Unix system.  My login script must tell the called
modem what baud I'm using, and I can't do this directly. I have to have the
called modem cycle through its available speeds until we "connect". I do
this by sending a break from my end.  The code is:

  :LOOP
  INPUT 1 login:
  IF FAILURE OUTPUT \B
  IF FAILURE GOTO LOOP

This doesn't work. I can set take-echo on and see kermit send the break, but
it won't loop back.  I considered the possibility that in the short period
of time it takes to execute the instruction, the comm port had received
"login" and was continuing on, but then the baud rate of the two systems
would match - they don't.  I have a workaround, ie.,

    :LOOP
    INPUT 1 login:
    IF FAILURE OUTPUT \B
    REINPUT login:
    IF FAILURE GOTO LOOP

But shouldn't the SUCCESS/FAILURE flag be stable?

BTW - KERMIT is great. I've tried Procomm, Telix, and others. I always come
back.

  {uunet | philabs}!steinmetz!unioncs!boehmr            Richard E. Boehm, Jr.
  [e-mail]
  [e-mail]

[From jrd - Acknowledged, testable status ought to be rational. Alas, the
difficulty is finding the desirable subset of commands which can set status
and others which will leave it intact. More work is needed in this area. Tnx]

[Ed. - It's also possible to achieve some semblance of structured, goto-less
programming by using macros as if they were procedures.  In this case:

  def retry output \b, goto \%1
  :loop
  input 1 login
  if failure retry loop

should do the trick.]

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

Date: Wed, 16 Nov 88 18:38:07 EST
From: Lawrence Sewell <[e-mail]>
Subject: Problem with Scripts in IBM-PC Kermit 2.31?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Scripts

I am having a problem with using logon scripts with IBM-PC Kermit.  It appears
that Kermit can lose/transform/add data that is sent to it from the remote
system when using scripts.  To explain the problem I am having, I need to give
you some background information.  My environment consists of:

System .................. IBM PS/2 Model 80
Operating System ........ PC-DOS 3.30
Kermit .................. IBM-PC Kermit-MS: 2.31 15 August 1988
                      and IBM-PC Kermit-MS: beta test of 2.31/A 9 Nov 1988
Communication settings .. COM1, SPEED 9600 and SPEED 19200, PARITY SPACE,
                          other settings are at their defaults
Communication network ... IBM-9751 Data Switching Network (Rolm CBX)
System accessed ......... IBM 7171 protocol converter attached to
                          an IBM 3090 running VM/XA SP1.

My script handles the details of accessing a data line on the CBX, placing a
call to the 7171, entering my terminal type (a VT100), and then starting
terminal emulation.  The last two steps of this process is performed the
following script commands:

  OUTPUT vt100-13 ;  enter the 7171 terminal type
  CONNECT ; start terminal emulation

When the terminal type is entered, the 7171 sends a series of VT100 setup
codes to the terminal.  This code consists of (in Kermit notation):

   \0D=\0D[H\0D[J\0D[?1;6l\0D?7h

When accessing the 7171 with SPEED of 9600 or 19200, everything is ok except
that my PC switches from 80 column mode to 40 column mode.  At lower SPEEDs
(e.g. 300, 1200, and 4800), I have no problems (e.g. my PC stays in 80 column
mode).  If I access the 7171 without using scripts, I have no problems using
every SPEED setting.  I assume that Kermit is seeing some command to set it to
40 column mode at these higher SPEED rates.

Is this a problem or "feature" of Kermit or am I doing something wrong in the
script?  Should I not use Kermit scripts?

I have gone through the "MS-DOS KERMIT USER GUIDE" and "Making PC software
work with digital PBXS" by Christine Gianone and Frank da Cruz (in Data
Communications October 1988, vol 17 no 11, pages 129-157) without finding
useful information.

[From jrd - When doing script commands Kermit is NOT in real terminal
emulation mode.  Rather, echos and the like are sent to the screen via DOS.
Your ANSI.SYS is interpreting the host's escape sequences and changing the
video mode to 40 columns.  Unless the CONNECT command is active ALL Kermit
output is sent to the screen via DOS.  This allows Kermit scripts to work on
non-IBM-compatible systems like the Rainbow, HP-150, Victor 9000, etc.
Under version 2.32 I added a helpful feature of not displaying echos of the
OUTPUT command if SET INPUT ECHO OFF is given.  This would leave the host's
echo material sitting in the serial port buffer ready to be read when
Connect mode begins.  If the host side has been told to not use XON/XOFF
flow control then there is no way to throttle the host while Kermit waits on
the printer.  P.S. I presume the "\0D" items above were \27, meaning the
ESCape character.]

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

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 89 11:35:27 CET
From: Knut Winsnes <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS Kermit 2.32/A
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation, International Character Sets

Hi|  I picked up the latest version of MSkermit for the IBM-PC yesterday.
Great work, thanks|  I have some problems:
   -set translation input \x7c \x9b
    does not work as expected.  (VT100 emulation <-> IBM 7171).
    (It works under MSkermit 2.31).
    The vertical-bar symbol is not translated to the 'cent' symbol. (The
    cent symbol is mapped to a Norwegian character in PC-DOS/HW.)
    It disappears together with the blank characters following, and one
    non-blank character following the blanks.  (And the cursor does some
    strange movements, sometimes.).
    set translation input \x7c \x94 works well, (as a sample).
    Bug?
   -Pressing ctrl-s (xoff) during character reception 'eats' one
    or two characters and beeps the 'bell' (9600 baud).
    Same with MSkermit 2.31.  Bug or PC limitation?
   -On the 'un-enhanced' PC keyboard (Norwegian) some characters are mapped
    to more than one key.  The right character on a key-top = ALT-SHIFT+key.
             +---+  +---+  +---+
    Sample:  |( *|  |) (|  |= )|
             |8  |  |9  |  |0  |
             +---+  +---+  +---+
    Is it possible to SET KEY ALT-SHIFT-0 to a value, without setting
    SHIFT-9 to the same value?

Knut / Norwegian School of Management

[From jrd - Similar comments from [e-mail], also in Norway.  The CSI
character, 9bh / 155d, should have been detected as CSI before SET
TRANSLATION INPUT rather than afterward. A natural dilemma actually,
depending on whether one wants SET TRANS to do language work or to
compensate for communications pecularities.  I'll do better next time.  On
many machines touching ANY key invokes the Bios momentarily and that can
shut off interrupts briefly. My DELL 310 (early model) came with a built-in
keyclick routine which kept interrupts off for very long intervals; I have
to manually say ALT grey minus several times to fully turn off the darned
thing. The Beep/Control-G is a reminder from the Kermit serial port code
that one or more characters have been lost and the Control-G is the
replacement. Key mapping: the thing to try is SET KEY and see what your Bios
reports on various key mappings. Kermit takes what the Bios provides and
actually knows nothing about what's printed on keycaps.]

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

Date: Sunday, 23 October 1988  01:24-MDT
From: cadre!pitt!cisunx![e-mail] (Patrick Champion)
Subject: MS-Kermit Screen Highlighting
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation, Screen Highlighting

I have noticed that mskermit 2.31 still has a problem displaying files.  If
one runs RN or MAN on unix, as soon as the highlighted letters in these
program are displayed, kermit goes from normal intensity to a dimmer
intensity.  Why does this happen, and is there anyway to avoid it.  For
example, I saw someones terminal displaying those highlighted (underlined?)
words in a different color.  This seemed to avoid the dimming of the
following text.

  Patrick Champion
  [e-mail]
  [e-mail]

[From jrd - One would have to know what the Unix system is sending to
control highlighting of characters. I gather that it is something like
ESC [ 0 m, meaning turn off bold/blink/etc. Check your termcap file for
particulars and modify it accordingly. At this time MS Kermit does not
provide separately adjustable colors for various attributes, but the host
may do so simply with the ESC [ 3x or 4i m sequence (ANSI style).]

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

Date: Tue, 13 Dec 88 14:57:26 GVA
From: "J.-M. Saint-Viteux CERN - DD" <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit Highlighted Screen Characters vs IBM 7171
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation, Screen Highlighting, IBM 7171
Xref: 7171, See IBM 7171

I currently use MS-kermit version 2.31 to emulate a VT100 terminal attached to
an IBM mainframe (running VM/SP) via a 7171.  I am very satisfied with that
apart from one thing: I am unable to distinguish highlighted (or bright)
characters from normal intensity ones.  Is there a way to do that (by getting
highlighted characters in a another color or in bold like Mac/Versaterm for
instance)?  This feature is very important for our site because information
are hidden in highlighted characters (that is the way a default response of an
online screen appears for instance).  I would like to thank you very much in
advance for your reply.

        J.-M. Saint-Viteux /CERN lab

[From jrd - MS Kermit provides the normal/bold/inverse video attributes as
a VT100. If your normal screen is bold and the host says bold then, clearly,
one will see no difference. If the host does not send the ESC [ .. m sequence
then Kermit will do nothing at all. See the MS Kermit User's Manual, file
MSKERM.DOC, for details on the standard escape sequences and the reply above.]

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

Date: 18 November 1988 1249-PST (Friday)
From: [e-mail] (Rick Butterworth)
Subject: Kermit Tektronix Emulation "More>" Prompt
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation

We have been using a variety of terminal emulation programs and file transfer
applications for years, but just recently stumbled into MSKermit, the program.
We have been delighted to find KERMIT, and are very excited at each feature we
discover.  We would like to use MSKermit for emulation of a Tek 4014 in
support of our mainframe graphics based DSS applications.

There is one problem however, and that is the "More>" pause that occurs
whenever it appears that text is being written below the last line of the
screen.  While drawing a graph on the screen, our programs do not continue
beyond the last line, however the "More>" is interrupting our graphic output.
After some thought, we realized that CP (our applications run on IBM's CP/CMS,
aka VM) is terminating our output lines with <CR>, and possibly <LF> and <NUL>
as well.  While no visible character is transmitted, MSKermit is dutifully
pausing and then erasing the screen anyway.  As our application manages text
on the screen with erase as needed, we could live with no "More>".  We looked
for a way to set the Tek margin pause off, but there appears to be none.  We
realize KERMIT is working as documented.  Is there a way to replace the Tek
emulation erase sequence with some innocuous one like nuls? If so, I can not
seem to find it. Have you any suggestions?  Thanks.

/Rick Butterworth

[From jrd - a real Tek 40x0 device will roll over text from the bottom of the
screen to the top of the right half of the screen, over writing what was
there. When it fills that half a light comes on the control panel to push a
button to resume operation. Instead, Kermit places the "more>" msg at the
lower right corner (there being no convenient light to illuminate) and awaits
a carriage return, the same as the DOS MORE filter program.  Somehow your
applications program is attempting to move the "cursor" below the screen since
I display the "more>" message only in that circumstance.  I'd suggest your
programs be instructed to move up one line before ending a graph since there
is no mechanism to turn off the page full indicator.  The SET TRANSLATION
INPUT command is effective in Tek mode, but that modifies characters singly
rather than recognizing character strings. You might want to modify the source
code in file MSGIBM.ASM and remove the "more>" message for local use.]

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

Date: Wed, 4 Jan 89 11:26:18 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: MS-Kermit Tektronix Emulation vs Numeric Keypad
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation, MS-DOS Kermit Mouse Support

I've recently started using MSKermit 2.31 (Aug 15 '88), and have particularly
appreciated the Tek 40xx emulation. It has a small problem which I'd like to
report.

There is apparently no distinction made between the numeric keypad and the
upper row of numeric keys, at least under certain limited circumstances.  I
ran into this problem during graphics input mode when the program I was using
wanted a numeric value from 1 to 4 inclusive along with the cursor position.
Usually striking a key should send the ASCII code along with the cursor
position to the host, and indeed MSKermit manages to do this most of the time.
However, for the upper numric keys "2", "4", "6", and "8", what happens
instead is that the graphics cursor moves!! It seems that the T40xx emulation
code moves the graphics cursor based on a keys ASCII code rather than a scan
code. Unfortunately, I can't find anything in the documentation file that
hints at any way to control which key scan codes cause cursor movement. That
seems to be assembled into the program.

By the way, I've observed this exact same problem on an IBM PC Convertible, a
Zenith Z-158 with Hercules card, and a Dell System 220 which uses the C&T
chipset to provide Hercules/CGA/EGA/VGA graphics modes.  Has anyone else had
this problem, and has it perhaps been fixed already?

Also, are you aware of any plans to support a mouse for graphics input?  My
machine has a Microsoft bus mouse and that would be much nicer that fiddling
with cursor keys.

Many thanks for your time and attention, and thanks for a very useful product.

[From jrd - MS Kermit uses DOS to obtain keyboard information while within the
Tektronix emulator. Thus the regular numeric keypad arrow keys produce cursor
motion but the shifted numeric keypad arrow keys are reported by DOS as
numbers. Shifted arrow keys are used for crosshair speed control and thus
overlap the upper rank numeric/punctuation keys. Maybe we can do something
constructive about this later on.

Mice work just fine, but you may find the cursor motion slow since Microsoft
has set up matters to do one effective arrow key for only many "mickeys." This
might be adjustable with the mouse driver setup program.  In any case, go
ahead and use the mouse; it works here with the Microsoft serial mouse, but
use the MS mouse programs MOUSE ON and then DEFAULT to make the mouse emulate
the arrow keys.]

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

Date: Thu, 01 Dec 88 23:59:42 CET
From: Kurt Ernulf <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit vs Toshiba 3100 Graphics
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation, Toshiba 3100 Graphics

Dear Friends,

Congratulations to the new Kermit version!  As always, it is a great program,
widely in use here at the Dept. of Psychology, Univ. of Goteborg, Sweden.

One little bug seems to be persistent, though. The Toshiba 3100 fails to
display 640x400 graphics, even though Kermit is set to GRAPHICS ATT, but
yields "only" CGA 640x200. Would it be possible to fix this bug?  It would
greatly enhance our working environment|

Thanks,
Kurt Ernulf

[From jrd - Check the version 2.32 release.  Kermit looks in memory location
F000:14H for the string T3100 TOSHIBA with the characters doubled.]

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

Date: Tue, 15 Nov 88 17:42:34 MEZ
From: Konrad Neuwirth <[e-mail]>
Subject: Mouse Problems with MS-Kermit
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Mouse Support, Norton Commander

When I quit MS-KERMIT and start the Norton Commander Version 2 (I did not try
with version 1), the program simply does not react to the mouse. I have a
MicroSOft SERIAL Mouse, so I think here is the problem.  If I use a program,
that I know uses the Mouse Driver, I don't have any problems, so I suppose the
Commander takes the imput directly from the mouse. I suppose that Kermit takes
up some interrupts, or sets some pointers, and does not restore the to ther
original value or position or whatever. But it is just a guess. Please, can
anyone help me?  Thanks!

  Konrad Neuwirth
  Fernkorngasse 44-2-4
  A-1100 Wien, Austria

[From jrd - I have had no problems between MS Kermit and the Microsoft serial
mouse on my systems. Kermit is very very careful about interrupts and the
like, much more so than most programs. The problem likely lies with Norton
Commander's assumptions about mice drivers and serial ports.  I presume the
mouse is not on COM1 since Kermit starts up using COM1 and later can be
switched to another port. If it does change ports it tells the old port to
turn off interrupts, as it should. For example, using COM1 and COM3 on the
same interrupt line means that only one port can be left active. Try the
Microsoft mouse driver support program MOUSE.COM and say MOUSE OFF or MOUSE
ON, as appropriate. I also use the mouse with Kermit under Windows/1/2/386
with no interference; occassionally I even have Kermit talk with the mouse to
demonstrate for visitors what those clicks mean to PC's.]

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

Date: Wed, 11 Jan 89 15:31 PST
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Releases of KERMIT No Longer Support Microsoft/Logitech Mice?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Mouse Support

MS-Kermit version 2.30 worked with both Microsoft Mouse and Logitech Mouse
using the escape sequences built into the mouse drivers.  Under MS-Kermit
version 2.31, both the Microsoft and the Logitech mouse quit working.  Can you
please implement support for these mice under a future release of MS-Kermit or
indicate how to get these mice to work under existing (version 2.32) versions
of Kermit.
                                                Dr. A. Olin/Y.N. Miles

[From jrd - Surprize! Kermit never has attempted to understand the escape
sequences of mice as such. However, I note that my MS serial mouse likes to
send characters with parity so the Kermit command line parser sees 8-bit
characters these days. At the command line level SET PARITY has no effect
since the command applies to serial port material rather than the keyboard.  I
do not know how the mice are being used (command line, inside Connect mode, in
Tek emulator mode, etc) but locally saying MOUSE ON, DEFAULT (MS programs, the
latter meaning use the default mouse menu) makes the mouse emulate the arrow
keys and Kermit is happy with them at the DOS level. This lets one use mice to
control the Tek crosshairs since the keyboard is read at DOS level rather than
via the Bios (where the mouse would not be observed).]

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

Date: Sun, 29 Jan 89 23:23:37-1000
From: Tom Wilson  <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wang version of Kermit
Keywords: Wang PC

The current Wang PC version of Kermit appears to still lack a large number
of commands found on the IBM-compatible version.  Is there someone working
on creating a Wang-specific version?  I am short on time right now, but am
interested in producing a Wang version if there is no one else working on
this.  (I have previously written a VT-100/tektronix emulator with
upload/download (no error checking) for the Wang, so I understand the major
quirks of the sytem.)  Can you tell the development status of a Wang
version?

Secondly, are all the PC versions of Kermit in assembler?  It seems that
much of the code could be in C instead, with only low-level stuff in
assembler.  Does such a beast exist?  I have seen C-Kermit (slightly), but I
get the impression that it is for unix systems or at least time-sharing
systems.  What other info is available/what is the status of this?

[From jrd - We do need an active volunteer to work on Wang PC Kermit. There
is no Wang technical documentation here so development has ceased. I'd be
pleased to work with you in upgrading it to version 2.32/A.

On C vs Assembler for MS Kermit. It started in assembler and the effort
versus reward to convert it is not beneficial. My own perspective, biased to
be sure, is that performance/flexibility/etc are vital and language per se
is nearly a non-issue. I think in terms of algorithms, performance, and cost
and rather than language (transparent after frequent use) or "low/high"
level and the like. C Kermit is designed to run on a very wide variety of
machines. However, its features are quite different than those in MS Kermit,
particularly the user interface.  Finally, it's been my experience that very
few people actually work in the source code of Kermits, of whatever
language, since they are not exactly simple exercises. This is unfortunate
because Kermit is what it is because it is also very much a community
development (vs a closed commerical operation).  We would welcome someone
doing a complete conversion of MS Kermit from assembler to portable C
(omitting vendor-specific items) and maintaining performance in critical
areas. Before starting however, do have a careful look at both C Kermit and
MS Kermit sources. It's one of those "could" versus "should" affairs.]

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

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 89 15:14+0100
From: [e-mail]
Subject: MS-Kermit Receiving Files to a Printer?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Printer Support

I have got the new KERMIT 2.32 release for PC (MS-DOS).

With version 2.31 I have lost data when receiving files to my printer. Now
with the new version the host hangs up when receiving files to a printer if
the files are longer then 40-50 lines.  Then I have to cancel the
listing-job and restart (without printing).  Sometimes I have to login new.

Is this a bug of Kermit 2.32 or is there any way to receive files to a
printer without hang up of the host?
                                         Achim Marx
                                         BITNET: Marx -at DMZRZU71

[From jrd - This is most likely an XON/XOFF flow control mismatch between
the PC and the host.  MS Kermit 2.32/A will properly print at almost any
baud rate, 2.32/A being slightly smarter about extra XON/XOFF's than earlier
versions, but the host must support XON/XOFF flow control to avoid overruns
on the communications line.]

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

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Date: Tue, 4 Apr 1989 18:28:17 EDT
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #6
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
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Info-Kermit Digest         Tue, 4 Apr 1989        Volume 9 : Number 6

Today's Topics:

         New Network Address for Kermit Distribution
        Kermit File Server Available on LISTSERV@HEARN
     Proposed Kermit Protocol Extension for International Character Sets
        New Release of C-Kermit Available for Testing
            C-kermit on apollo under SR10!
           Announcing the Final Test of OS/2 Kermit
       Announcing Kermit for Hewlett-Packard BASIC Workstations
             TSO Kermit-370 through VTAM
         Terminal Controller Detection in Kermit-370
               Graphics devices and CMS Kermit
            CMS Kermit for IBM 3174 w/AEA

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW.HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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


Date: Wed Mar  13 11:42:49 1989
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Network Address for Kermit Distribution
Keywords: cunixc, watsun, Network Distribution of Kermit

The home system for Kermit distribution has moved from cunixc.cc.columbia.edu
(a VAX 8700 running Ultrix 2.2) to watsun.cc.columbia.edu (a SUN-4/280 running
SUNOS 4.0).  The Internet host number for watsun is 128.59.39.2.

Cunixc will remain active and accessible to anonymous ftp, and its Kermit
files will remain up-to-date until further notice.  Internet users are
encouraged to ftp from watsun rather than cunixc, because cunixc is a busy
system that tends to be overloaded and slow during peak hours, and watsun
should be able to handle the ftp traffic better.

You should begin sending e-mail to Info-Kermit and Info-Kermit-Request at
watsun rather than cunixc.  The cunixc e-mail addresses will remain effective
until further notice.

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

Date: Thu, 23 Mar 89 16:28:45 MET
From: "INFOatHEARN (EARN-NL Info Service)" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Kermit File Server Available on LISTSERV@HEARN
Keywords: HEARN, LISTSERV, Netherlands, Kermit File Servers

Since several weeks the complete KERMIT database is available on the EARN node
HEARN in The Netherlands.  All files from the Kermit server in the USA
(KERMSRV@CUVMA) are available on the Dutch node and every week in the night
from Sunday onto Monday the Dutch server is updated.

All files are available via LISTSERV@HEARN and are listed in KERMIT FILELIST.
This file can be requested by:

  VM/CMS:  TELL LISTSERV AT HEARN GET KERMIT FILELIST
  VAX/VMS: SEND LISTSERV@HEARN GET KERMIT FILELIST

A specific file is requested by:

  VM/CMS:  TELL LISTSERV AT HEARN GET fn ft KERMIT
  VAX/VMS: SEND LISTSERV@HEARN GET fn ft KERMIT

The use of the word KERMIT at the end of the command prevents LISTSERV from
searching in other databases.

Marc de Lyon / Frans-Jozef Sprengers,

INFOatHEARN (EARN Info Service in The Netherlands)
Acknowledge-To: <INFO@HNYKUN11>

[Ed. - Many thanks to the brave people at INFOatHEARN for setting up a
European Kermit Distribution area for BITNET/EARN.  This will greatly
alleviate the transatlantic network congestion that has occurred in the past
when new versions of Kermit are announced from Columbia.  European users are
urged to obtain their Kermit files from LISTSERV@HEARN rather than
KERMSRV@CUVMA from now on.]

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

Date: Mon Apr 3 11:42:49 1989
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Proposed Kermit Protocol Extension for International Character Sets
Keywords: Kermit Protocol, International Character Sets
Keywords: ISO Standards, Japanese
Xref: National Characters, see International Character Sets

A very rough, preliminary draft proposal for an extension to the Kermit file
transfer protocol is now available for review.  Its purpose is to allow the
transfer of multi-language text files between unlike computer systems.  The
new transfer syntax uses the 8-bit character sets defined in the ISO 8859 and
similar standards, and mechanisms for switching among them defined in ISO
2022.  Japanese and other multi-byte character sets are handled by similar
mechanisms.

If you would like to read this document (about 70K), it can be ftp'd from
watsun or cunixc as kermit/test/isok2.txt, or, on BITNET, obtained from
KERMSRV@CUVMA as T:ISOK2.TXT.  The "2" denotes draft #2.  Future drafts will
be isok3.txt, isok4.txt, etc. (but not too many of them!).  A special splinter
group e-mail list, "isokermit", has been set up for those who would like to
discuss these issues in detail.  If you would like to join this group, please
let me know.

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

Date: Mon Apr 3 10:01:15 1989
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Release of C-Kermit Available for Testing
Keywords: C-Kermit, UNIX Kermit, Attribute Packets, SUN, Ultrix, VAX/VMS
Xref: File Attributes, see Attribute Packets

This is to announce a test release of C-Kermit, 4F(077).  The major new
feature is limited support for file attribute packets.  C-Kermit can send
attribute packets containing system ID, file sizes (K and bytes), and
encoding method (text or binary), and will honor positive and negative
responses.  The command 'set attributes {on, off}' was added, to allow
attribute packet processing to be disabled in case of misunderstandings; it
is enabled by default.

C-Kermit also receives and reads attribute packets but so far does nothing
with these attributes except for "Disposition" (Attribute "+").  If the
disposition is M, then the file is mailed to the designated address(es).  If
the disposition is P, then the file is printed with the specified options.
These operations are currently done in the obvious, crude way (via
"system()"), and only for UNIX.  The LOG DEBUG command will record attributes
in the debug log.

MS-Kermit users will notice that when receiving files from C-Kermit, the
percent transferred will be displayed, and that MS-Kermit will refuse to
receive files from C-Kermit that are too big for the available disk space.
Also the MS-Kermit MAIL command will work with C-Kermit in RECEIVE or SERVER
mode.

Other changes include:

 -  Improved speed when sending files, most noticable on slower machines.
    Thanks to Paul Placeway of Ohio State University for supplying a new
    buffered file input function, along with reorganizing the packet encoding
    functions.

 -  The SET SERVER TIMEOUT command was added to control the rate at which the
    C-Kermit server issues NAKs during command wait, 0 = no NAKs at all.  The
    server's periodic NAKs can interfere with originate/answer devices like
    digital PBXs or autodial modems, putting them in originate mode when the
    user wanted the device to be in answer mode.  SET SERVER TIMEOUT 0 can now
    be used in such situations.

 -  Make C-Kermit send NAKs: ckcpro.w, ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcmai.c.  Up till
    now, C-Kermit has always responded to a corrupted packet or a timeout by
    resending its previous packet.  It turns out that when talking to a more
    generalized Kermit program -- i.e. one that provides for sliding-window
    packet transfer, in which a window size of 1 is just a special case --
    that it is better for C-Kermit to send NAK packets in response to
    corrupted packets or timeouts, which a sliding-windows Kermit will act
    upon immediately.

 -  Cure a longstanding protocol bug in which Kermit would sometimes fail to
    send files whose names started with capital X or Z.

 -  Fixes to ensure that UNIX versions catch the HUP (hangup) signal, and
    clean up and disappear properly in the event of a telephone disconnection.

 -  In remote mode, when file transfer is done over the job's controlling tty,
    use file descriptor 0 (stdin) rather than obtaining a new file descriptor
    on the terminal.  This allows UNIX "idle line monitors" to properly detect
    Kermit activity and not log out Kermit users in the middle of 40-megabyte
    file transfers because the tty line appears to be idle.

 -  Add UNOS support from David MacKenzie, [e-mail].

 -  Slightly better support for Hayes modems -- catch the case where user
    dials out at 2400 but gets connected at 1200.

 -  Several minor bug fixes.

See the file ckuker.upd for details about the changes.

This release needs to be tested thoroughly on as many different kinds of UNIX
systems as possible -- pure Berkeley (2.9, 2.10, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3), AT&T (System
III, V, and VR3), Xenix (all varieties), etc etc.  It has been tested so
far on 4.2BSD-based systems (Ultrix 2.0 and SUNOS 4.0) and AT&T System-V
systems (the AT&T Unix PC).

For now, the new release is available via ftp from cunixc.cc.columbia.edu, in
the directory kermit/test/ck*.  Please get the files, try them out, and report
any problems to me.  After the kinks are worked out, version 4F will replace
the current standard 4E release.

BITNET/EARN users may also access the test files in the new KERMSRV test area.
Refer to these files as T:CKU*.*, T:CKC*.*, and T:CKW*.*, for instance:

  TELL KERMSRV AT CUVMA MAIL DIR T:*.*
  TELL KERMSRV AT CUVMA SEND T:CKC*.*

Among the files in the test area, you will also find updated VAX/VMS support
files for C-Kermit from Mark Buda at DEC.  These are a "work in progress" and
are not quite usable yet.  If you would like to look at them, their names all
begin with the letters "ckv" (in KERMSRV, they are T:CKV*.*).  They will be
updated from time to time, as will the other files in this area, as bugs are
fixed, etc.  Watch forthcoming issues of Info-Kermit for announcements of
improved VMS versions of C-Kermit, and a real release of version 4F in general.

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

Date: Tue, 4 Apr 89 20:05:36 +0200
From: [e-mail]
Subject: C-kermit on apollo under SR10!
Keywords: C-Kermit, Apollo Kermit

I asked earlier about making C-Kermit work under SR10 on an Apollo.  I
now have the answer, thanks to our local Apollo representative.
Although the silence following my query was deafening---suggesting
that no one on this list uses Apollos---I will now report the fix.

The problem is basically this: The C-kermit code is full of special
code to handle Apollos.  All this code turns out to be unnecessary
(and indeed harmful) when running under SR10, since the operating
system is now much more Unixlike.  Unfortunately, even the C compiler
provided with the 4.3BSD environment of SR10 defines the preprocessor
symbol aegis, thereby activating the unwanted code.  I fixed this by
inserting a new item in the makefile, looking like this:

#Apollos running SR10.0 or later:
sr10-bsd:
    make wermit "CFLAGS= -DBSD4 -DDEBUG -DTLOG -Uaegis"

I also needed to add one line to ckcmai.c (anywhere near the beginning):

#undef apollo

and then the program compiled like a charm.

I also discovered that you must use /dev/tty??, not /dev/sio? as the
latter access the serial lines at a lower level than is standard on
Unix systems.

- Harald Hanche-Olsen   Division of Mathematical Sciences
  [e-mail]    The Norwegian Institute of Technology

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

Date: Wed, 15 Mar 89 13:34 CST
From: [e-mail]
Via: [e-mail]
Subject: Announcing the Final Test of OS/2 Kermit
Keywords: OS/2 Kermit, IBM PS/2, PS/2

This is to announce a new version of C-Kermit for OS/2 for the IBM PS/2
family.  Version 1.0p fixes a number of bugs in the VT100 terminal emulator,
which is now upgraded to a VT102.  Many thanks to all those who commented on
the previous releases, and particularly to Kevin Lowey at the University of
Saskatchewan and to Peter White of the University of New Brunswick for their
advice on the emulation.  The documentation is also updated, to explain better
the interaction of Kermit with the OS/2 MODE utility.

If no bugs are reported to me by Monday 1st May 1989, this version will become
the first full (ie. non-beta-test) release of C-Kermit for OS/2, at which
point the version number will be changed to 1.0 and the sources will be
released.

Please send bug reports to "[e-mail]"

Chris Adie

[Ed. - Thanks to Chris, and to Kevin for relaying the material to Columbia.
The new release replaces the previous one in the Kermit Distribution "B" area
as files cko*.*.]

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

Date: Wed Mar  1 11:42:49 1989
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing Kermit for Hewlett-Packard BASIC Workstations
Keywords: HP-9000 Kermit, BASIC Kermit
Xref: Hewlett-Packard, See HP

This is to announce Kermit for the HP 9000 Series 200 and 300 BASIC
workstations, written in HP-BASIC by Andrew Campagnola of Hewlett-Packard
Measurement Systems Division in Loveland, Colorado, with contributions from
Keith Moore at the HP NJ Division labs.  This version, Kermit-RMB 1.0, of the
program is the initial release.  Kermit-RMB is capable of both remote and
local operation, transfers text and binary files over both 8-bit and 7-bit
connections, emulates the DEC VT100 terminal, does raw uploads and downloads,
includes logging functions, has a macro facility, and handles Kermit File
Attribute packets.  It also printer control, a hex editor and dump facility,
and a file type conversion utility.  It lacks certain other capabilities
including wildcard send, 2- and 3-character checksums, server functions, and
long packets.  The program runs on any Series 200/300 computer with 1MB of
memory and BASIC 5.0 or greater, and will run on any HP serial interface
available for these computers.

Kermit-RMB comes with an extensive manual, BASIC source code, and binaries
encoded in hexadecimal format.  The files are in the "C" area of Kermit
Distribution, kermit/c via anonymous FTP, or on the C tape, as files whose
names start with HPB.  The program will also be distributed by Interex, the
international HP computer user group, on native-format 3.5" diskettes, and
can also be obtained over BITNET from KERMSRV at CUVMA.

Many thanks to Andy for contributing this program.

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

Date: Mon, 1989 Feb 13   13:54:52 EST
From: (John F. Chandler)   [e-mail]
Subject: TSO Kermit-370 through VTAM
Keywords: Kermit-370, Protocol Converters, VTAM, TSO Kermit

A new update is now available, thanks to Herb Huston at GSFC, for
automatically detecting the presence of VTAM controlling a line-mode
connection on TSO.  The new code then sets the controller type to VTAMTTY and
removes the necessity for the user to do it by hand (or to rely on the Kermit
installer for setting the default controller type to VTAMTTY).  The update is
available in IKTKER.UPD in the Kermit distribution.  This update is
particularly useful at sites with both VTAM and TCAM TTY lines, since no
default there would satisfy everyone.

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

Date: Mon, 1989 Feb 27   13:10:35 EST
From: (John F. Chandler)   [e-mail]
Subject: Terminal Controller Detection in Kermit-370
Keywords: Kermit-370, Protocol Converter, VTAM

Release 4.1 of Kermit-370 has code for automatically detecting whether a
full-screen terminal is a SERIES1-type or not by issuing a SERIES1 status
request (which is "illegal" for controllers not compatible with the Yale ASCII
communication system).  Unfortunately, some users report that VTAM refuses to
allow such a command through.  Can anyone familiar with VTAM operation suggest
a way of making it more amenable?

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

Date: Fri, 1989 Mar 31   17:16:16 EST
From: (John F. Chandler)   [e-mail]
Subject: Graphics devices and CMS Kermit
Keywords: Kermit-370, Graphics, VM/CMS Kermit

I'm looking (again) for anyone who is interested in getting CMS Kermit to run
with the class of protocol converters known as Graphcis devices (including
MICOM, PCI, and LeeData models, among others).  This time, I have not one, but
two, new possibilities of code to try as alternatives to the standard-issue
CMS Kermit 4.1.  The few people who have tried CMS Kermit with Graphcis
devices in the past (and bothered to report their results) have been
frustrated by failure, but there is now a very good prospect of getting at
least one version to work.  Please, let me know if you're interested.  Also,
if you happen to have tried CMS Kermit successfully with one of these devices
(I'm still hoping), I would love to have the details.

                                    John

                                    BITNET:   PEPMNT@CFAAMP
                                    Internet: [e-mail]
                                    SPAN:     CFAPS2::CHANDLER

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

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 89 10:05:59 PST
From: GEORGE WESTLUND <[e-mail]>
Subject: CMS Kermit for IBM 3174 w/AEA
Keywords: Kermit-370

I've tried the IBM-NETS and LIAISON groups with little or no success, so
now I'll ask you guy's...

Are you aware of a version of IBM-CMS Kermit that will work with an IBM 3174
Remote communications controller with ASCII Emulation Adapters?  If one
exists, I need to know the version number so I can convince our systems people
to upgrade.  If one doesn't exist, is there a chance of one in the near
future?  Can you put me in touch with anyone who could provide more
information.

I have already received a couple of querries from users who would also
like this capability.

All help appreciated!

[Ed. - Others have asked about this.  Anyone?]

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************



27-Apr-89 20:26:41-GMT,25864;000000000001
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Date: Thu, 27 Apr 1989 16:14:06 EDT
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #7
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Info-Kermit Digest         Thu, 27 Apr 1989        Volume 9 : Number 7

Departments:

  MS-DOS KERMIT
           How to Enable Printer Under MS-Kermit
       Keycodes for WordPerfect and MS-Kermit
           MS-DOS Kermit Praise
           MS-Kermit V2.32/A Tek4010 Emulation
           MS-Kermit Flow Control Problem
           MS-Kermit with ProKey
           MS-Kermit Tektronix Emulation vs MCGA
           Problem with MS-Kermit 2.32A Scripts

  IBM 370 KERMIT -
           Kermit-370 vs WallData Protocol Converters
           Questions about 370-Kermit and MacKermit

  MACINTOSH KERMIT -
           MacBinary for MacKermit?

  PDP-11 KERMIT
           Problem Kermit Running Under RSTS/E v7.2

  CP/M KERMIT -
           Bug report, CP/M kermit (and other notes)
           Kermit on Northstar Horizon?
           Kermit on Archives 2 Z80 Box

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW.HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: 4 Apr 89 22:23:03 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Ubben Greg)
Subject: How to Enable Printer Under MS-Kermit?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Printer Support, pcprint

I have an IBMPC running MS-Kermit (emulating a vt100) to connect to a Unix
host, and would like to write a shell script on the host which will print a
file on the PC's local printer.  In other protocols, this is handled by
outputting a special character sequence which tells the PC that the following
text should be routed to the printer, outputting the file, and then outputting
the sequence to turn off the printer.  However, I cannot find such a sequence
(be it a DOS, ANSI, Kermit, or vt100 command) that works under this configura-
tion.  Can someone please enlighten me?

                                -- Greg Ubben
                                   Johns Hopkins University

[Ed. - We have a program that does just what you need: "pcprint".  It's in
kermit/a/msppcp.* (.c = C language source, .nr = nroff man page source).
Theoretically, all you need to do is have Unix send the ANSI transparent print
sequence (ESC [ 5 i) at the beginning, and (ESC [ 4 i) at the end.  The
following shell script would normally do the trick:

    #!/bin/sh
    echo -n '<ESC>[5i'
    if [ $# -eq 0 ]; then
      cat
    else
      cat $*
    fi
    echo -n '<ESC>[4i'

(where <ESC> is a real ESC character).  But since most Unix systems transmit
even parity, this can foul up the printer.  The pcprint program takes care of
this by doing its output in 8-bit "raw mode".  The program currently works
only in Berkeley-based Unix implementations, but should be easily modifiable
for ATT Unix.]

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

Date: Thu, 20 Apr 1989 21:28:30 EDT
From: "Joe R. Doupnik" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Keycodes for WordPerfect and MS-Kermit
Keywords: WordPerfect

I have obtained an MS-Kermit initialization file which defines the keys
expected by mainframe WordPerfect.  It seems that people find this to be a
scarce item.

[Ed. - Thanks, Joe!  This file has been added to the Kermit distribution
as MSIWP.INI.]

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

Date: Sat, 1 Apr 89 21:09:51 PST
From: kenn r stump <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit Praise
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A

Kermit V2.32/A is an excellent program.. For once, I have a true terminal
emulation which doesn't get whipped and flogged by cursoring commands.  The
file transfer is excellent, too..  Works Great..  Couple of bugs once in a
while, but can be overlooked easily..  (especially if you follow proper
procedure on transferring files, right?)

Very good Software..  Am very impressed..  However, the manual could have been
a tad bit smaller..  But life has its rough moments..

[From jrd - Nice words are always welcomed!  Look for a new release this
summer, with many many new features including decent sliding windows.  We've
been working on it since before version 2.32 was announced.]

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

Date: Wed, 12 Apr 89 09:08 EDT
From: Carl <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit V2.32/A Tek4010 Emulation
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation

I have just recently upgraded my copy of MS-Kermit (IBM-PC Kermit-MS: V2.30
8 Jan 1988) to IBM-PC Kermit-MS: V2.32/A 21 Jan 1989.  The PC Backspace key
behaves differently in the Tektronix 4010 emulation mode for these two
versions.  In MS-Kermit 2.30 Tek4010 emulation the BS key echoes a backspace,
space, backspace, i.e., the character sequence detected with debug set to on
is the following enclosed in brackets: [^H ^H].  The result is the expected;
the character just to the left of the cursor position is deleted from the
IBM-PC CRT and the "invisible" cursor is moved one position to the left.
Tek4010 emulation under MS-Kermit 2.32/A reports the same response to the BS
keystrike; however, the result is different.  The cursor is moved one position
to the left but the character is not deleted from the CRT.  A subsequent
keystrike on the PC keyboard overwrites the previous character, i.e., both
characters are displayed at the same position.  Both versions of MS-Kermit
behave the same on (1) IBM-PC/AT with EGA monitor and PC-DOS 3.2, and (2)
Compaq Deskpro 386/25 with a Mono VGA monitor and MS-DOS 3.3.  I have looked
over the MS-Kermit manual, "MS-DOS Kermit User Guide...", Jan 24, 1989 without
locating a method to make MS-Kermit 2.32/A delete the character on the CRT.
Is there a way to do this?

[From jrd - Yes, the BS key does behave differently, due to many comments by
dedicated Tek users.  Thus, in MSK 2.32 there is no destructive backspace.
There's hope, however.  The next release is likely to have a number of
enhancements to Tek mode, desct.  BS among them. As you know, a real Tek 4010
has no erasure capability whatsoever, being storage tube technology.]

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

Date:  Thu, 6 Apr 89 13:10:50 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Brendan B. Boerner)
Subject: MS-Kermit Flow Control Problem
Keywords: Flow Control, MS-DOS Kermit Flow Control

Hello, I would like to comment upon the issue of flow control in MS-Kermit and
MacKermit and how it could be mistaken for a bug.

Consider this scenario: A user is using Kermit and the remote computer sends a
^S.  The user continues typing.  At this point, if the user were to try to do
*anything* including using ^]c (on MS-Kermit) or use the menus (on MacKermit),
_nothing will happen_.  In order to proceed either a) the remote computer
needs to send a ^Q, or b) the user will have to reboot.  Note that the user
must type something after receiving the ^S in order for the computer to appear
to "lock up".  If the ^S arrives, and the user tries to use ^]c or the menus,
before typing something, these actions will succeed.  It is only after trying
to type a character that this problem appears.

The reason why this could be construed as a bug is that the occasional burst
of line noise could conceivably "trick" Kermit into thinking that it received
a ^S.  The user will probably never know that a ^S has been received and will
probably issue a command to redraw the screen and continue.  Now the user has
problems.  Kermit will be waiting for a ^Q to arrive and until then, the user
is locked out.  For the longest time, while trying to figure out what was
causing my IBM PC or Mac to lock up when using Kermit, I thought that this was
a bug.  It was not until after I traced down to the ASCII 19 character (^S) as
being the culprit that I realized that this was possibly a flow control
problem.

Is there any solution for this?  It would be nice if, upon realizing that a
stray ^S was received, the user could issue some command which would tell
Kermit to forget about that ^S.  This would presume that Kermit would still
allow menus or other commands to be used after the user has typed characters.

Thank you,
Brendan B. Boerner
Microcomputer Services
The University of Texas @ Austin
Internet: [e-mail]    UUCP: ...!cs.utexas.edu!ut-emx!boerner
BITNET:   [e-mail]

[From jrd - MS Kermit has a timer to sense when it has waited long enough when
trying to send a character.  When the timer expires it breaks any Xoff
deadlock.  However, a character needs to be sent before the holdup can occur
in the first place.  As far as stray Control-S' are concerned, how is Kermit
to know which is a stray?  The wait is blissfully short, say 8 seconds or so
and can be reduced by SET SEND TIME (though beware that yields an 8-bit prefix
packet decoding problem, sigh).  It would be nice if the user could enter an
overriding Control-Q, but that means queueing (no pun) output text and
selecting ^Q as an express request; too complicated for most cases.  Single
threaded DOS and all that.  I'm afraid we're stuck with it.]

[From pwp -- Oh!, *that's* what my mysterious line noise lock up problem is.
Hmm.  On the Mac, here is what's happening: the keyboard output is done with
blocking (synchronous) writes to the serial driver.  Now the serial driver has
flow control turned on in both directions (probably should be an option), and
the remote computer has sent an Xoff, so the driver blocks waiting for an Xon.
Since it is a blocking write, the driver can't return until the write
succeeds, and since it can't return, Mac Kermit can't call GetNextEvent or
WaitNextEvent, so the whole Mac freezes up.  I've just done a bit of hacking
on the output routines, and come up with this: when interactive (i.e. not
running any protocol), either turn off input flow control (preferable), or
force an unlock on each character typed.  Input flow still needs to be obeyed
when doing the protocol, possibly with a timeout (so the machine doesn't lock
up when doing file IO either).  This will be fixed in the next release of Mac
Kermit.]

[Ed. - It would seem to make good sense to turn off host-to-terminal
flow-control during terminal emulation, so long as we really know that the
user is typing.  Obviously, we should continue to honor flow control in this
direction any time the PC or Mac is transmitting characters on its own, like
during packet protocol, script execution, and raw uploads.]

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

Date: Fri, 14 Apr 89 13:16:26 EDT
From: "John Cripe [phone]" <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit with ProKey
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit vs ProKey

One of the people here has reported a problem using PROKEY a TSR and Kermit.
He was running Kermit 2.31 1 JUL 88.  Has anyone else heard of any problems
with PROKEY or any other TSR packages?  I looked in the documentation of
2.32/A and did not see any bugs fixed that matched.  SIDEKICK, the only TSR I
have access to right now seemed to work without problem so it may only be
certain ones.  Any help would be appreciated.

[Ed. - By all accounts, MS-Kermit works fine, or CAN work fine, with ProKey.
>From personal experience we know Kermit works perfectly with SuperKey, a
similar product.  If anyone has special hints about ProKey, please pass them
along.]

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

Date: Thu, 9 Mar 89 23:30:23 EST
From: [e-mail] (vu tv 16643)
Subject: MS-Kermit Tektronix Emulation vs MCGA
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Tektronix Emulation, MCGA

Kermit is a great program!  I like its key mapping and Tektronix emulation
capabilities.  In fact, I abandoned ProcommPlus in favor of Kermit.  However,
I have one small problem with my graphics adapter.

I have an IBM PS/2 Model 25 with MCGA capable of displaying VGA mono (ie,
640x480 in 2 colors or Mode 17 indicated in Table 1-5 in the manual), but I
was never able to get it.  The auto sensing always gave me CGA 640x200 B/W,
and the command SET TERMINAL GRAPHICS VGA didn't help either.  Is there a way
for me to get VGA mono?

                                        - Thu V. Vu
                                        [e-mail]
                                        uunet!x102a!tvu

[From jrd - The MCGA mode is not really supported by MS Kermit, as you have
noted. I do not have a PS/2 to check these things, but the VGA implementation
on the Model 25 is not reporting itself in the EGA compatible form as being
capable of high resolution graphics. I need an IBM PS/2 VGA Tech Ref to pin
down all the details.]

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

Date: 22 Feb 89 16:17:00 EST
From: "Michael J. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Problem with MS-Kermit 2.32/A Scripts
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Scripts, IBM 7171, Protocol Converters

We are having a slight problem with Ms-Kermit 2.32 in conjunction with the IBM
7171 ASCII protocol converters.  A script of the form:

  INPUT 10 TERMINAL TYPE:
  OUTPUT vt100\13
  CONNECT

will usually fail.  Apparently the 7171 sends the VT100 setup escape sequences
so quickly that Kermit does not have a chance to get into connect mode and
process them.  You can see them echo on the screen briefly.  These setup
sequences do things like cause the keypad to go into application mode etc.

                                Thanks,

                                Mike Porter

[e-mail]

[From jrd - A common misconception is that scripts operate with the VT102
emulator active; the emulator is not active. The case at hand can be easily
managed by SET INPUT-ECHO OFF before the final OUTPUT command.  This tells
OUTPUT to not helpfully echo incoming material, thus leaving it in the serial
port buffer, ready to be read by CONNECT mode.  Thanks to Peter Jones,
<MAINT@UQAM>, for similar observations.]

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

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 89 10:16:45 LCL
From: Eric Job <[e-mail]>
Subject: Kermit-370 vs WallData Protocol Converters
Keywords: IBM 370 Kermit, Protocol Converters, WallData

We're trying to use Columbia's MS-Kermit 2.32/A and Kermit-CMS to upload and
download files to PCs.  Our problem is that we're using WallData Protocol
Converters, which don't appear on the list of supported protocol converters.
Has anyone ever had success with the WallData units, could anyone suggest some
directions or even give me a definitive answer as to the possibility /
imposibility of doing Kermit file transfers?  Thank you.  Please reply
directly to me.

Eric Job <[e-mail]>, [phone], BITNET TechRep
Networking/Systems Support, Office of Computer Services
Box 24,340-A, East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN  USA 37614-0002

[Ed. - It all depends on how the WallData protocol converter works.  First,
you should be using Kermit-370 4.1.  You should run through all of the
available SET CONTROLLER options: SERIES1, GRAPHICS, etc.  Maybe one of them
will work.  If not, either (a) the thing can't be made to work at all because
there's no way for the host to put it into and take it out of transparent
mode, or (b) it has some peculiar way of entering and exiting transparent mode
which has to be programmed into Kermit-370.  If you, or anyone, gets Kermit
working with this protocol converter (or determines that it's impossible),
please let us (and Eric) know so we can update our list.]

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

Date: Tue, 11 Apr 89 08:47:51 PDT
From: GEORGE WESTLUND <[e-mail]>
Subject: Questions about 370-Kermit and MacKermit
Keywords: IBM 370 Kermit, IBM 3174 Controller, Protocol Converters
Keywords: MacKermit 0.9(40)

I have two questions regarding KERMIT.

#1   Is there a version for IBM VM/CMS that will work through ASCII
     emulation ports on an IBM 3174 remote communications controller?
     If there is could you send me the version number so I can talk our
     systems people into upgrading.  If there is not, could you put me in
     touch with someone who might be upgrading the current version to
     handle it.  We desperately need this, but do not have the time or
     personnel to do it ourselves.

[From John Chandler -- This question has been raised before, but not
conclusively answered.  In other words, we don't even know yet whether
transparent communication is possible through a 3174.  If CALPOLY is desperate
enough, it should be simple enough to investigate the possibilities
thoroughly.  If it *is* possible, I can promise that a version of Kermit-370
can be made to handle the 3174 shortly after the arrival here of a description
of how to enter and leave transparent mode.  Without that description, there's
nothing I can do, and nobody has taken on the project as far as I know.]

#2   The 0.9(40) release of MacKermit doesn't like to launch by clicking
     on the saved settings files, either that or if there is a 0.9(36) version
     on the machine as well as 40, it starts it instead, even if the file
     was saved with 40.  This is a pain.  I hope someone has already
     started working on this one.  I'd appreciate any info.

[Ed. - This has also been reported by a couple other people.  We don't know
why this happens.  The obvious solution is to have only one version on the
disk.]

George Westlund, Academic Computing Services
Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

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

Date: Fri, 14 Apr 89 18:35:51 -0700
From: Alastair Milne <[e-mail]>
Subject: MacBinary for MacKermit?
Keywords: MacKermit 0.9(40), MacBinary

A problem that has arisen with the transfer of Mac archive files from Simtel20
leads me to wonder: would it be permissible to have the regular choice of
"text" or "binary" file type extended, in MacKermit's case, to include the
choice of "MacBinary"?  At present, this is a problem with using MacKermit,
because SIT files arriving from Simtel20 in otherwise perfect condition are
being written as TEXT type files in MacBinary form -- when MacBinary is
actually intended as a protocol to permit the receiving end to reconstruct the
file just as it was on the sending Mac.  (There is even provision for placing
its icon at its old position in the new folder, though I don't claim that
MacKermit need recognise that much).

It's true that MacKermit would probably not be able to tell when the remote
system was *not* sending a MacBinary file; but the same applies at present in
most cases between binary and ASCII, and the solution would probably also be
the same.

The only way at present actually to get the file you intended seems to be to
use another application, which recognises MacBinary, to complete the
reconstruction from the downloaded file.

What is the feeling about providing such a special option in MacKermit?

Alastair Milne, U.Calif. Irvine

[Ed. - Support for MacBinary transfers is planned for a future release of
MacKermit, but probably not the forthcoming release.]

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

Date: Fri, 17 Feb 89 17:58 EST
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Problem Kermit Running Under RSTS/E v7.2
Keywords: PDP-11 Kermit, RSTS/E
Xref: DEC PDP-11, See PDP-11

I recently installed Kermit under RSTS/E v7.2 and it seems to work fairly
well.  Sometimes it will take the file KERMIT:KERMIT.INI when it starts
running and sometimes it won't.  Sometimes when I issue the command TAKE
KERMIT.INI (with this file in my own account) it says ER$FLK FILE IS LOCKED BY
OTHER USER.  It gives the same error sometimes when I try to issue remote
commands from a micro such as remote dir.  Is this something I can fix or is
this just one of the drawbacks that I have read about that I have to put up
with while running under 7.2?

Terry Lewis
TLEWIS@UTKVX  (bitnet)

[From Brian Nelson - This is correct. The problem is a function of the job
number being odd or even (honest).  Kermit-11 uses RMS11 v2, 7.2 uses RMS11
1.8.  RMS11 V2 uses an exec EMT that returns garbage in some field under 7.2.]

[Ed. - Also, expect a new release of PDP-11 Kermit soon which corrects a
couple minor problems (not this one).  In particular, the RT-11 version will
slightly inflate the file size sent to it in an attribute packet from another
system, so that it can preallocate enough disk space for the file, even after
expansion of (for example) linefeeds into CRLFs.]

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

Date: Sun, 12 Mar 89 03:22:57 EST
From: Mark W. Eichin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Bug report, CP/M kermit (and other notes)
Keywords: CP/M Kermit, TurboDos

The latest kermit from ~ftp/kermit/a/cp[sx]*.asm has a minor (but
visible) bug. In cpspk2.asm, line 341 is

        mvi     a,'$'           ; dollar terminate string
        call    prtstr

(these are after the label gofi7g.)

The problem is that the '$' has to be actually moved into the string
to terminate it. Adding the line

        stax    d

between the above two solves the problem.

The bug manifests itself when doing a "receive": as soon as the remote host
sends the filename, it gets displayed on the local screen, followed by
arbitrarily large amounts of garbage (whatever code followed the filename
buffer up to the first '$', which for me tended to be about 4-5 lines of
garbage...)

[Ed. - Thanks for the fix.  It has been added to the .BWR file.]

On a related note: I have successfully ported kermit to TurboDOS (a CP/M-like
operating system written by Software 2000) so that it uses the "T-functions",
a set of standard extensions to CP/M, particularly a set of generic serial
routines. I have only tested it on my personal system, a custom port of
TurboDOS to the Radio Shack Model 4P, but it is likely to work on any TurboDOS
system. Are you interested in adding this to your collection? Are there any
stylistic constraints you require on submitted code? (I would like to see it
included, if only because there have been "people working on" TurboDOS
versions, according to your list, for at least 4 years now.)

Also, I have patches to the Simtel20 PD2:<UNIX-C.CPM>XASM.SHAR[12], an 8080
assembler which runs under UNIX, which add a LINK command, that enables it to
assemble the entire CP/M Kermit release. I will be submitting them to the
Simtel20 people, but I can send them to you as well if you are interested.

[Ed. - Yes, please send all source code either via e-mail, if the files are
small enough or on an IBM PC compatible diskette so we can add the files to
the Kermit Distribution area.]

Thanks for providing such a good *FREE* system!

                                Mark Eichin
                                <[e-mail]>

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

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 89 10:02:08 -0400
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Kermit on Northstar Horizon?
Keywords: CP/M Kermit, Northstar Horizon

Has anyone on the list successfully installed Kermit on a Northstar Horizon
running CP/M?  I have had the same trouble with both the pre- assembled
objects and locally-assembled source.  Most of it works, except that when the
host (or a terminal attached to the port) sends a character, a "D" is sent
back to the host.  Characters typed on the Northstar go out to the host
correctly.  Study of the source reveals nothing.  Has anybody else seen this
behavior?  Has this happened on other machines?  I'm running CP/M 2.23/A, by
the way, with the two built-in serial ports.

Jim Gonzalez                            AT&T: 617-873-2937
BBN Systems and Technologies Corp.      ARPA: [e-mail]
Cambridge, Massachusetts                UUCP: ...seismo!bbn!gonzalez

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

From: munnari!yarra.oz.au![e-mail] (Charles Meo)
Subject: Kermit on Archives 2 Z80 Box
Date: 6 Apr 89 00:37:11 GMT
Organization: Pyramid Technology Australia, Melbourne
Keywords: CP/M Kermit, Archives 2 Z80

I have recently purchased (for $A100) an archives 2 cpm machine to use as a
terminal from home. This beastie works fine with generic kermit but I don't
have any documentation about the screen control codes so I can set up an
emulation for it. I need this to make life on the pyramid a bit more pleasant
when I log in.

Does anyone have any info on this box? Archives Computers don't seem to be in
business anymore in this country, so I can't ask them!  If anyone knows how
the SIO is mapped, that would be great too.  Mail me if you can help out at
all. Thanks in advance!

chuck

ps BTW this thing sold for $6k+ when it was new just 8 years ago! Moral:
digital technology has made resale value a thing of the past.

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

10-May-89 21:17:15-GMT,24379;000000000001
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Date: Wed, 10 May 1989 17:08:18 EDT
From: Christine M Gianone <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #8
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Wed, 10 May 1989        Volume 9 : Number 8

Special MS-DOS Kermit Issue:

               MS-Kermit 2.32/A for NEC-PC9801
            MS-Kermit and Novell Networks
            MS Kermit 2.32A vs Novell Disk Server
        MS-Kermit Scripts for DDN TAC and PCBoard BBS
         MS-Kermit 2.32A Image Ghosting on IBM PS/2 Monitors
          MS-Kermit Dropping Characters w/ Accelerator Cards
               MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A Server Bug
           MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A & AE PC Transporter
               MS-DOS Kermit 132 Column Support
            MS Kermit Scripting Questions

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host CUNIXC, CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix).  The IP host number is 128.59.40.130.
Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and GET the
desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a, kermit/b,
kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files over
BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the
file kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW.HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail,
request a complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit
Distribution, Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612
West 115th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Tue, 25 Apr 89 23:18:15 JST
From: Hirofumi Fujii <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit 2.32/A for NEC-PC9801
Keywords: Japanese, NEC PC 9801, Kanji/Kana, MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A

Dear Chris & Frank,

I would like to send you a new version of NEC-PC9801 MS-Kermit 2.32/A.  Please
replace the MS*P98 modules in your library.  The new features of this program
are:

1. SET TERMINAL COOKED-LOG {ON | OFF}

 If it is ON, the session logging is made after the analysis of ESC sequences.
 In VT102 emulation mode, this means that the receiving characters are
 translated from JIS X 0202 (ISO 2022) stream to local code, i.e., Kanji-code
 in JIS X 0202 stream is logged in Shift-JIS (MS-Kanji) code.
 All the control codes except for CR, LF, HT and VT are not logged.
 The ESC sequences except for cursor movement are eliminated.  The ESC sequence
 for the cursor movement is logged as CR LF. This is quite convenient for text
 files.

 If it is OFF, the session logging is made before terminal emulation.
 No translation is made on the receiving codes.

2. SET PORT DEVICE device/file-name

 This command allows you to use the standard MS-DOS devices/files as
 a communication port.  If it is a file, the contents of the file are displayed
 on the screen of the terminal emulator.  This can be used to playback the
 session log file.  Any key-input holds the strem from the file.

In addition to the above, many missing functions in the previous version
are implemented, e.g., screen colors, screen roll back capabilities, etc.

Hirofumi Fujii
National Laboratory for High Energy Physics (KEK), Japan
[e-mail]

[Ed. - Many thanks for the fine work, and for submitting this program to
us.  The two new features are quite useful, and will probably also appear
in a future standard release of MS-Kermit.  For those who don't know, the
NEC PC 9801 is the most popular personal computer in Japan, and supports
a combination of Roman, Kana, and Kanji codes.  This version of Kermit
fully supports the character set capabilities of this machine.]

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

Date: Wed, 08 Mar 89 15:15 EST
From: Jim Gogan <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit and Novell Networks
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, Novell, Interlan, Ungermann-Bass

Don't know how many people are aware of the following, but ...

MS-Kermit 2.31/2.32/2.32a (any newer?) works very nicely as the end-user
communications software package on a local area network with:

  - Novell's Netware Asynchronous Communications Server (NACS)
     (not the original one, but, I think, version 2 - the one
      originally developed by Network Products Corp - check
      the copyright notice on your disk);

  - Network Products Corp.'s (NPC, hereafter) ACS-2 (an enhanced
     version of the above); and,

  - NPC's Network Modem Program - a nice, relatively inexpensive
     ($195 + modem) way to share a workstation's modem
     across a Novell network.

The key ingredient of all the above is the use of NPC's NCSI (Network
Communications Services Interface), what Novell (sometimes) refers to as
NASI.  NCSI provides the DOS-based communications software applications the
access mechanism to the async server (or modem sharing) product.  Lo and
behold, it turns out the the basic functions of NCSI (which include
writing/reading to/from a virtual circuit, issuing a control request - e.g.
transmitting a break, checking for a break, and disconnecting) are
compatible with an interface from Ungermann-Bass called NETCI (gee, almost
sounds the same...).

Anyway, if you are using any of the above products for async comm resource
sharing on a PC LAN, if you include the command "set port ub-net1" in the
MSKERMIT.INI file at the end-user's PC, MS-Kermit works quite well with
these programs.  It works regardless of the network hardware you're using
(i.e., you DON'T have to be using Ungermann-Bass hardware for this to work);
just so long as the async server product uses NPC's NCSI to talk to the
communications software.

Sure beats paying for the network versions of ASCOM IV or Crosstalk - "free"
has such a nice ring to it!  Plus, you get the added features of key
remapping and Tektronix 4010 emulation, among others.

While we're on the subject .....  With the Interlan TCP/IP Gateway for
Novell networks, it is also possible to use MS-Kermit (same versions as
above) for your communication software via telnet.  Since Interlan was so
kind as to provide an Interrupt 14 hook for their telnet implementation, all
one needs to do is include "set port bios1" in their MSKERMIT.INI file and
invoke Interlan's telnet command with "telnet [internet node] mskermit" from
the DOS prompt.  Works just fine also - again, gives you Tektronix 4010
emulation capability over TCP/IP at no charge (well, except for the Interlan
gateway product).

This use of MS-Kermit gives us the advantage of being able to support one
communications package from the end-user's point of view, regardless of how
they're getting out - dial out/standalone, dial out/network with shared
modem, dial out or direct connect/network with async server, or TCP/IP
gateway.  (Of course, there's still the SNA Gateways, but that's another
story!)

If anyone has any specific questions about implementing the above, feel free
to send mail to [e-mail] (or [e-mail] for you
internet'ers).

-- Jim Gogan
   Microcomputing Support Center
   Univ. of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

[From jrd - Thanks Jim for pointing out all the Novell related items. I've
promised Novell to provide support for their systems, but I have not been
able to obtain their async server software for real testing (Novell has been
very generous to me on non-Kermit things) although I have the tech ref.
Serial port interception is one of the purposes of command SET PORT BIOSn.]

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

Date: Wed, 08 Mar 89 15:15
From: Dermot O'Beirne <DOBEIRNE@IRLEARN>
Subject: MS Kermit 2.32A vs Novell Disk Server
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, Novell

I have just received a very recent version of MSVIBM (Kermit 2.32A dated Jan
1989) and thanks to Joe Doupnik and all for the great work. The problem I have
is one that has persisted with every version since the disk-space checking was
thankfully introduced. Every time I want to do a transfer with attribute
checking on MS-Kermit checks to see if there is enough space on my A disk if I
have set default to a Novell Netware mapped drive. So if I dont have a disk in
my A drive then the transfer aborts. Why does it not check the Novell drive
where there is lots of space? The Novell version is advanced 2.12 and there is
nothing special in my environment except that COMSPEC is C:COMMAND.COM because
I boot up from my C disk.

Any suggestions? Is this a bug or feature?
Thanks,

Dermot O'Beirne
Systems Programmer
Computer Centre
UCD, Dublin

[from jrd - 2.32/A should be ok. I wonder if we are seeing a side effect of
Novell's drive MAPping. I don't recall that happening on my Netware 2.12 w/TTS
system, but I'll probe more to be sure. It too has command.com located on
drive c: (a ram disk). Readers may be interested to note that Dermot was the
first to discover problems of losing serial port characters while printing
across a network, and I introduced printer buffering within Kermit to solve
that problem at Univ College, Dublin.]

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

Date: Saturday, 11 March 1989  21:20-MST
From: Alan Ariel <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit Scripts for DDN TAC and PCBoard BBS
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Scripts, TAC
Xref: DDN TAC, See TAC

I've uploaded PD1:<MSDOS.KERMIT>PCBDKER.ARC to SIMTEL20.  It is a collection
of scripts I use with MSKermit for DDN access through a TAC and BBSing with
PCBoard BBSs.  I've been impressed with the number of things I can do with
MSKermit that I only though I could do with PROCOMM or QMODEM.

I hope the scripts might let someone else discover the things they could do
with it.  I was first led to it when I learned I could remap keys to
whatever I wanted and use 43 line mode on my EGA for my comms.  The 43 line
mode is great if you're trying to look at a large file or a lot of messages
at once.  I use DSZ for my normal BBS transfers and of course Kermit for
PC-Mainframe stuff.  I'm really happy with it.

Alan D. Ariel                               BITNET: 1052P@NAVPGS
LT        USN                               DDN:    [e-mail]
SMC 1624                                    (or)    [e-mail]
Naval Postgraduate School                   Tel:    [phone]
Monterey, CA 93943                          AV:     878-2786

[From jrd - Thanks Alan.  Much appreciated!]

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

Date: Thu, 09 Mar 89 18:59:00 EST
From: Kanthan Pillay <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit 2.32A Image Ghosting on IBM PS/2 Monitors
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation, IBM 7171

We are running MS-Kermit 2.32A connected to our IBM3081 mainframe through
a 7171 protocol converter. There is a cosmetic problem that has arisen that
is not present in 2.31. When the screen is cleared on a PS2 monitor (any
flavour) using the clear sequence Esc-OM, the VM READ/RUNNING line from the
lower right hand corner of the screen moves briefly to the upper right hand
corner before disappearing. It is only a cosmetic problem but can be
disturbing. Any fixes?
                                           Kanthan Pillay
                                           Princeton University
                                           Computing and Information Technology

P.S. The documentation in PostScript format is excellent. Thank you to all who
put it together.

[From jrd - That's Kermit rolling the current screen into the roll back
buffer whenever the entire screen is cleared.  The status VM READ/RUNNING
could be cleared by the host before the screen, but that's asking a lot of
the systems software. The clearing escape sequences are of the ESC [ ... J / K
form and ESC [ .. M means delete lines at and below the cursor line. Clearing
is much faster than multiple deletes, by far.  Any chance of telling the host
to use formal ESC [ .. J codes?  Columbia gets the kudos for Postscript.]

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

Date: Mon, 27 Mar 89 10:15:59 MST
From: Doug Baldwin <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-Kermit Dropping Characters w/ Accelerator Cards
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit vs Intel Accelerator Card, Intel Accelerator Card

We have recently come across a problem using accelerator cards with Kermit-MS
version 2.32/A.  In PC's with the Intel Inboard accelerator card, running
Kermit-MS 2.32/A, we lose characters during a 9600 bps terminal session when
Kermit is in VT102 emulation mode.  However, when we switch to Tektronix mode,
we don't lose characters.  We also discovered the same to be true with version
2.30.  Kermit-MS version 2.29b works fine in VT102 mode with the accelerator
board installed.

Do you have any idea what the difference is between VT102 & Tek mode, or why
version 2.29b works and 2.30+ doesn't.  Are you handling things differently
at the register level?  Bigger buffers in Tektronix mode?  More processing
required in VT102 mode?  Do you have any suggestions (patches) that will
resolve this problem?  Any information will be welcome... Thanks.

--Doug Baldwin
  Microcomputing & Communications Services
  Computing Services Customer Support
  Arizona State University  [phone]

[From jrd - I'm guessing that video screen scrolling in the Bios is being done
very slowly and interrupts are kept off too long during the process.  Tek mode
does not scroll the screen, hence no problem.  Scrolling under 2.32 is done in
segments to be compatible with MS Windows and that can yield two scrolling
calls on the Bios (hence more exposure to the above side effects).  I have
heard a similar complaint about losing characters when the Intel board tries
to communicate and suggested the individual contact Intel for any known cures.
Things are vastly different inside MS Kermit after 2.29.]

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

Date: 9 Feb 89 09:09
From: [e-mail]
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A Server Bug
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Bugs

There seems to be a bug in SERVER mode, with Kermit-MS for the IBM-PC
(MSVIBM), version 2.32/A (21 Jan 1989).  The Kermit running in SERVER mode, is
unable to receive a file, sent to it via the SEND command from the other
machine, if the destination directory is a root directory.

This works fine if the default directory on the machine in SERVER mode, is
a subdirectory.  It also works OK using root directories, with either the
GET command, or the SEND/RECEIVE combination (not in SERVER mode).

- Andy Ingraham  ([e-mail])

[From jrd - A known bug, which will be fixed in next release.]

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

Date:  Tue, 4 Apr 89 15:06 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit 2.32/A & AE PC Transporter
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit on Apple IIgs With PC Transporter, Apple II

Warning, this is an arcane problem.

>From time to time I use an Applied Engineering PC Transporter on an Apple
IIGS with PC kermit.  The specs for the PC Transporter say it has a V-30
microprocessor running at 4.17 MHZ, a CGA-compatible video controller and
640K dual-port RAM.

On the Apple side, for historical reasons I'm still using a SSC and have no
problems when I use Apple kermit.

I have no problems using pc-kermit 2.29.  When I moved up to 2.31 and later
2.32A I find I lose characters at 2400 baud.  The character loss occurs only
when a terminal is being emulated (not when term is set to "none") and when
the screen starts to scroll.  It doesn't help to not install ANSI.SYS or a
mouse driver that are normally there (I don't know if that steals many cycles
or not) and to set display quiet or serial.  Protocol transfers work fine --
I've transferred many a large file (100k or more) using 1000 byte packets with
nary even a single retransmission.  (phone lines here are generally very
clean.)

Applied Engineering had an upgrade to their software that was claimed to speed
up something in its using the Apple communications hardware to emulate the IBM
serial ports. I have installed that (and I seem to remember that is what made
2.29 usable.)

Suggestions anyone???

[e-mail]

[From jrd - The emulator of screen Bios calls must be both slow and keeps
interrupts off for too long.  This would not be unusual for hybrid emulator
boards because of the traffic passing through a small path (say an 8 bit port
or memory location) between cpus and the work to emulate on a different
system.  Scrolling is one of the slowest things video systems perform and
something is not able to attend to the serial port in the meanwhile.  My Atari
800 + 8088 DOS board could run to 9600 baud with a purely software UART using
MS-Kermit on the DOS side (farthest from the "serial port").  The regular
Atari 800 Kermit, however, ran out of steam at 4800 baud.]

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

Date: 15 Feb 89 12:39:00 PST
From: "SD::HURLEY" <[e-mail]>
Subject: MS-DOS Kermit 132 Column Support
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit VT102 Emulation

I have been enjoying Kermit-MS at work using the Compaq 286 with a VGA
monitor.  I want to mention that I hope that you somehow are able to enlarge
the support for VGA monitors using the VT102 terminal emulator to include
132 column emulation.  The DEC VAX which I talk to frequently has several of
these screens to explain the keyboard, and Kermit-MS does not recognize
them.  What happens is that the right edge of the screen is lost.  The only
progam that I know of which recognizes the 132 column screen of our VAX is
"Call", which is an Air Force program and is used extensively at the U.S.
Air Force Base (Space Division) in El Segundo, California.  There are
several people here trying out Kermit-MS, and I know that they would be
pleased if this glitch were fixed.

I am sorry to report that at home, using my XT-clone (no name), Kermit-MS
has some rather serious problems.  I can run Kermit-MS, but when I go to
VT102 terminal emulation using the CONNECT command, I cannot get the modem
to respond.  When I type ATZ, the "echo back" is very slow, and I never
receive the customary "OK" response from the modem.  This set up, which is
described fully in the next paragraph, works with Smartcom II ver. 2.2, and
with Smartcom III ver. 1.0B.  These are the two tests for compatibility
which are normally applied.  So, I conclude that there is something about
Kermit-MS which is preventing it from working with my XT-clone.  I have
checked all the normal things ...  I am running at 1200 baud which is the
proper speed for the modem, and I am using COM2 which is the correct serial
port.  Just to be sure that I was not running interference from a TSR, I
booted from a master DOS disk (ver.  3.2), and then ran Kermit-MS.  Still,
the result was the same.

I hope you can find a fix.  There are a lot of other XT-clone people out
there, and I am sure that they will have problems too.  By the way, I am
using a DTK ver. 2.27 bios chip (piggybacked on top of a Smartwatch chip for
the clock), a 640K clone motherboard, an Omnitel PC3 modem (1200 baud), a
Paradise Plus VGA video board (8bit), an Above Board/PS with 2 MB of RAM,
and a Copy II PC Deluxe Option board.  I have a multifunction board which
contains a floppy disk controller controlling two floppy disks, a parallel
printer port, a, serial port which is connected to a Mouse Systems mouse,
and a joystick port.  I have a hard disk controller by Western Digital, and
it controls a 20 MB hard disk by Seagate, Model ST225.  So, this fairly
describes my setup.

I surely hope you can help.

[From jrd - There is no "standard" way of invoking 132 column mode on
EGA/VGA boards. Each manufacturer has invented a private method, and I lack
access to and information on what most have done.  Kermit requires a solid
signature to identify the board safely and the incantations to change modes
to and from 132 columns.  MS Kermit does support a handful of popular
EGA/VGA boards.  A simple workaround for unknown systems is to use the
manufacturer's utility to set 132 columns and then run Kermit.

By the way, Smartcom II and PCTALK III have a deficiency inherited from old
MS Compiled Basic that the serial port interrupt vector is stolen by the
Basic program and not returned properly, leading to eventual crashes.  From
your description of the modem echoing I surmize that there are serious
hardware conflicts in the system, typically involving IRQ 3 (COM2), its port
addressing, and perhaps other items.  The slow "echo back" is from the
modem, clearly, so it too may be experiencing conflicts.  One place to look
is that Paradise VGA board and it's 8 vs 16 bit modes; I've experienced
troubles with a loaner, and with the Professional.  Pulling boards is not
much fun, but may be the quickest way to pinpoint the cause.]

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

Date: Tue, 28 Feb 89 22:59:36 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Eric C. Hewitt)
Subject: MS Kermit Scripting Questions

I am submitting this for someone else because the questions are beyond my
technical knowledge of Kermit.

                -Eric Hewitt
                UCSC Computer Center Consulting
                [e-mail]
                [e-mail]

P.S. - He does not have 2.32/A yet.

Hi.  I'm using Kermit 2.32 now.  It works better than 2.31 but I'm still
having problems, mainly with lost characters.

Kermit loses characters from the serial port when it isn't in connect mode.
It seems especially bad when it's waiting for input for the "input" command,
and is also worst when it is a message from the modem.  But it also occurs in
other situation.  Unfortunately the loss of characters causes the most
problems when waiting for input to "input" that is a response from the modem,
because I want to test for whether it is CONNECT 2400, etc.  At the same time
that input is lost the speaker usually beeps.

Oddly enough, it isn't nearly as bad when I have take-echo set to "on".  I'd
think that if anything having to echo script commands would slow down the
program's resonse to the modem.  Anyway, I would much rather have take-echo
set off, but I can't while this happens.  Has anyone else noted this behavior?

Also, when I am at the kermit command level, or when kermit is suspended
because I've pushed to DOS or run a program, any data coming in the serial
port is lost.  This doesn't happen with Crosstalk; a lot of input can arrive
while Crosstalk is suspended and it will appear when it is restarted.  Is
kermit supposed to behave this way?  It is a serious problem for me since I
often suspend kermit to run other things on my system while I'm logged on, but
if I get a write message or something I will never know it.  Kermit sends a ^S
when it is suspended, apparently in an attempt to forestall output, but that
isn't good enough.

Finally, is there a copy of the 2.32 manual online or on a drive
somewhere?  Thanks.

    John DuBois

[From jrd - The MS Kermit User's Manual is file MSKERM.DOC, available on
Kermsrv (Bitnet) or anonymous ftp to cunixc.cc.columbia.edu.  MS Kermit does
not continue to operate the serial port when one Pushes to DOS, for the very
good reason that the next program may also use the same port.  If Control-S
does not stop the host then you need to run MS Windows or Concurrent DOS or
DESQview or similar environments to achieve a semblence of multitasking.
MS Kermit does not run in DOS background since there is really No$Such_Thing.
Kermit does not lose characters while processing the INPUT command unless
your system is imposing a very heavy load in the background (TSRs, PRINT
command, etc).  If you snatch a copy of 2.32/A, and the manual, there are
examples of scripts which do autobaud recognition of modem CONNECT responses.]

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1989 21:58:24 EDT
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Info-Kermit Digest V9 #9
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Queries-To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>

Info-Kermit Digest         Tue, 13 Jun 1989         Volume 9 : Number 9

Departments:

  NEWS -
        Kermit Conference Report
        New Kermit Discussion List in Japan

  ANNOUNCEMENTS -
        Announcing MVS/TSO Kermit 4.1.001
        Announcing TSO Kermit 4.1.002
        Announcing CMS Kermit 4.1.001
        New Release of Kermit-11 for the DEC PDP-11
        Announcing Kermit for the Honeywell DPS-6
        Announcing Version 2.9 of Apollo Pascal Kermit
        Announcing GEC/OS4000 Kermit Version 3.9

  MISCELLANY -
        HP-9000 Kermit Bootstraping Methods
        Using Kermit on Ethernet?
        Mixing Things in MS-Kermit Key Definitions?
        Kermit-370 Through 3174 AEA?
        C64-Kermit Problem

Send digest submissions to [e-mail], requests for
addition to or deletion from the Info-Kermit subscriber list to
[e-mail] or to [e-mail].

Kermit files may be obtained over networks and by mail order.  On the
Internetwork, use FTP to log in to host WATSUN, WATSUN.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a
SUN-4/280 running UNIX (SUNOS 4.0), IP host number 128.59,39.2, or to CUNIXC,
CUNIXC.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU, a VAX 8700 running UNIX (Ultrix), IP host number
128.59.40.130.  Login as user anonymous (note, lower case), any password, and
GET or MGET the desired files.  The Kermit files are in directories kermit/a,
kermit/b, kermit/c, kermit/d, and kermit/e.  You can also get Kermit files
over BITNET/EARN; to get started send a message with text HELP to KERMSRV, the
Kermit file server, at host CUVMA.  For detailed instructions, read the file
kermit/a/aanetw.hlp (AANETW.HLP on KERMSRV).  To order by mail, request a
complete list of Kermit versions and an order form from Kermit Distribution,
Columbia University Center for Computing Activities, 612 West 115th Street,
New York, NY 10025 USA.

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

Date: Thu, 8 Jun 1989 16:37:14 EDT
From: Frank da Cruz <[e-mail]>
Subject: Kermit Conference Report
Keywords: Conference, Kermit Conference, International Kermit Conference
Keywords: Moscow, USSR, International Character Sets

Apologies for the long hiatus in Kermit digests.  Christine Gianone and I
spent the last several weeks preparing for and then attending the First
International Kermit Conference, held in Moscow, USSR, May 29-31.  This
conference, sponsored by the International Centre for Scientific and Technical
Information (ICSTI) in Moscow, was attended by more than 70 computer
specialists from the USSR, Hungary, East Germany, Cuba, Mongolia, Bulgaria,
Poland, and Czechoslovakia.  Many of the conference attendees were active
Kermit program developers, working on Soviet and Eastern European computers.

The first two days were devoted to our presentation of Kermit's history,
philosophy, use, programming, protocol, and performance, with translation
between English and Russian for the lecture and question-and-answer sessions.

On the third day, Chris presented our proposed extension to the Kermit
protocol to allow transfer of text files in diverse character sets (including,
of course, Cyrillic) which was of great interest to this international
audience.  The basic ideas of the proposal were warmly endorsed in the
discussion which followed.  A third draft will appear soon, which will reflect
points raised in this discussion and others from the isokermit e-mail
conference.

There were also presentations from conference attendees, discussing their
adaptations of Kermit for Soviet and other Eastern European computers, and
some of the uses to which they had put these programs.  Perhaps the most
interesting described how Kermit was used in Soviet secondary school CAI labs
-- 250,000 PCs are being manufactured and delivered to Soviet secondary
schools as part of the current five-year plan, and each of them has Kermit in
ROM.

Chris presented ICSTI with a complete, up-to-date set of Kermit programs and
documentation on magnetic tape and diskette.  ICSTI in Moscow will join other
regional Kermit Distribution centers that have been set up around the world --
in England, Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Japan, Australia, etc.  ICSTI's
Kermit Distribution will serve the Soviet Union and other Eastern-block
countries, and ICSTI will become a center for coordinating Kermit program
development in those countries.  ICSTI presented Columbia with a version of
Kermit it had developed for IBM's CICS MVS subsystem and with a set of
Cyrillic fonts for the HP Laserjet.  The CICS support code has been sent to
John Chandler (see below) in hopes that it can be adapted to Kermit-370.

Our special thanks to Dr. Juri Gornostaev, Head of ICSTI's Computer
Department, and Professor A. Butrimenko, Director of ICSTI, for sponsoring the
first international conference devoted entirely to Kermit, and for their warm
and generous hospitality.  And thanks also to Juri and the "Kermit Gang" at
ICSTI -- especially Mischa, Andrei, Kostya, Marina, and Shamil -- for
befriending us and giving us an "insider's view" of the Soviet Union.

A more complete report of the Kermit conference will appear in the next (4th)
issue of Kermit News.  If you're not already a subscriber, send e-mail to the
Info-Kermit-Request address (or paper mail to the postal address) listed
above, requesting a subscription.

Meanwhile, new Kermit contributions have been pouring in.  Some of them are
announced below (MVS/TSO Kermit 4.1.002, VM/CMS Kermit 4.1.001, PDP-11 Kermit
3.60, Honeywell DPS-6 Kermit, and Apollo Pascal Kermit 3.9, GEC OS4000 Kermit
3.9.  Others will be announced in forthcoming Kermit digests, including OS/2
C-Kermit (complete with source code) and new releases of HP-9000 BASIC Kermit
and Microsoft Windows Kermit.

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

Date: Tue, 02 May 89 13:58:22 JST
From: Masamichi Ute <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Kermit Discussion List in Japan
Keywords: Japan, LISTSERV

I am a postmaster at the Science University of Tokyo, Noda campus (JPNSUT30)
in Japan.  Many thanks for your Kermit service and Kermit on many computers.
I have a report and a few questions for now.

1. I opened a Kermit discussion list (KERMIT-L) for BITNET users in Japan on
our LISTSERV.  I would like to introduce Kermit on any computers and exchange
usage and questions and so on.  We exchage a mail using the Japanese language
on KERMIT-L.

2. I would like to register Kermit programs by file server facility on our
LISTSERV:

 * MSVP98 for NEC PC-9801
    I got a developer's consent from Hirofumi Fujii KEIBUN@JPNKEKVM.
 * IBM Mainframe's Kermit, VM/CMS, MVS/TSO and MUSIC/SP
 * C-Kermit for EWS

I would like to register the execution files for Kermit beginners. It is
KERMIT MODULE, KERMIT HELPCMS on VM/CMS, for example.  In this case, do I have
to register Kermit original files on KERMSRV?  Please let me me know the rules
to register a Kermit program.

Yours sincerely,

Masamichi Ute
[e-mail]
Postmaster of JPNSUT30

Information Processing Center
Noda campus
Science University of Tokyo
2641, Yamazaki
Noda, Chiba, 278
JAPAN

[Ed. - Ute-san, many thanks for setting up the Japanese Kermit discussion
group and file server!  This is a valuable service, and will help to ease
the congestion on the trans-pacific network links.  To answer your questions,
we normally do not put binary executable files on our Kermit file servers or
distribution tapes, for reasons of transportability.  Binary files are often
not compatible with e-mail or labeled magnetic tape formats.  In some cases,
we encode the binaries as printable characters -- HEX or BOO files.  We
encourage you to keep the source code along with the binaries so that people
who get these programs can make improvements, fix bugs, etc, and also so that
users can satisfy themselves that the programs contain no viruses.  Thanks
again for what you are doing!]

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

Date: Mon, 1989 May 8   12:07:11 EDT
From: "John F. Chandler" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing MVS/TSO Kermit 4.1.001
Keywords: MVS/TSO Kermit, IBM 370 Kermit

I have sent new BWR, INS, and UPD files for IKTKER.  Starting with this
batch, I intend to make a new "sub-release" number each time a new update
comes out -- hence, 4.1.001 for TSO.  This number is displayed is the same
places 4.1 was formerly, so there should be less of a problem figuring out
exactly what version is involved in problem reports henceforth.  I had hoped
to get a 4.1.001 out for CMS about now also, but I'm still waiting for
reports on an update I hope has finally made GRAPHICS controllers work for
CMS Kermit.

                                        John

[Ed. - Many thanks, John!  IKTKER.UPD shows the changes, which include
improved VTAM TTY support, handling of implicit CLISTs, and improved handling
of host commands.  The three new files are in kermit/b on watsun and cunixc
for anonymous FTP access, and also available on BITNET/EARN from KERMSRV at
CUVMA.  Also, see next message.]

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

Date: Tue, 1989 Jun 6   20:19 EDT
From: "John F. Chandler"   <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing TSO Kermit 4.1.002
Keywords: MVS/TSO Kermit, IBM 370 Kermit

Release 4.1.001 contained a bug that interfered with the catalog scan for
SEND operations, so that a "File not found" error would result.  The fix:
SC89157 (see IKTKER.UPD).  4.1.002 is now the current release.

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

Date: Tue, 1989 Jun 13   15:57 EDT
From: "John F. Chandler"   <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing CMS Kermit 4.1.001
Keywords: VM/CMS Kermit, IBM 370 Kermit, CMS Kermit

I have sent new versions of IKCKER.UPD and IKCKER.BWR.  This marks the
transition of CMS Kermit to the "edit number" system, such that each new set
of changes released through Columbia will result in a change in the edit
number (the 001 in 4.1.001).  I will try to keep a correspondence among all
the variants of Kermit-370, so that generic additions will appear at roughly
the same edit number for each.  Thus, the 4.1.001 that appeared for TSO in
May had the same set of generic updates as the new CMS 4.1.001, but TSO's
4.1.002 issued last week has only a TSO-specific bug fix, and, hence, the
next version of CMS Kermit will presumably be 4.1.003.  For CMS, 4.1.001
marks a significant milestone -- for the first time, GRAPHICS controllers are
supported.  In particular, complete success has been reported for the PCI 276
and partial success for the Renex TMS-1.  The other major innovation is the
option of entering CMS filespecs as name.type.mode (with periods instead of
blanks as delimiters).
                                      John

[Ed. - Thanks once again, John.  The new files are installed in the regular
places: kermit/b/ikcker.upd and .bwr on cunixc and watsun for Internet
anonymous FTP access, and IKCKER UPD and IKCKER BWR for BITNET access via
KERMSRV at CUVMA.]

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

Date: Thu, 25 May 1989 21:02:37 EDT
From: Brian Nelson <[e-mail]>
Subject: New Release of Kermit-11 for the DEC PDP-11
Keywords: PDP-11 Kermit, DEC PDP-11, RSX-11, RSTS/E, RT-11

This is a minor new release of Kermit for the DEC PDP-11 and its various
operating systems -- RSX-11, RSTS/E, RT-11, P/OS, TSX+, etc.  The version
number is 3.60, and it replaces 3.58 (which was released back in October
1987).  The changes include:

 . Support for the file protection attribute in the Attribute packet
 . For RSX, ensure Kermit is privileged before performing SF.SMC to remote
   port, to prevent crashes of RSX-11/M+ 4.0.
 . Add local terminal buffering to RSX 'connect' module.
 . Complete definition of DF224 modem.
 . Add a few percent to the size reported in an incoming file's attribute
   packet before preallocating the file for RT-11, to allow for expansion
   of (for instance) UNIX files to CRLF format.

[Ed. - Many thanks to Brian for sending in this update which was badly needed
by RT-11 users who sent files from IBM PCs to the PDP-11, and found that
RT-11 Kermit did not preallocate enough space for the file.  The new files
are in kermit/b/k11* on watsun and cunixc, and available as K11*.* from
KERMSRV at CUVMA on BITNET.]

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

Date: Thu May 11 15:25:33 1989
From: Frank Dreano, NAVMASSO, Chesapeake, VA
Subject: Announcing Kermit for the Honeywell DPS-6
Keywords: Honeywell DPS-6

This is the copy of the Honeywell DPS-6 Kermit I promised you serveral months
ago.  It has the latest features such as attribute packets and extended
packets.  Documentation and 'C' source code are enclosed (CUCLKER.C,
CUCLPRI.C contain the source and COMPLNK.EC is a DPS-6 batch job to build the
executable). Two modules of MSKermit 2.31 were modified to support DPS-6
Kermit telecommunications:

MSSCOM.ASM => MSSCOM.DPS: modified to support extended packets and
  double transmit the backslash character (\) for the 3.1 DPS-6
  operating system, a necessity unfortunately.

MSZIBM.ASM => MSZIBM.DPS: modified to provide VERY rudimentary
  terminal support when in VT102 mode...just enough to let a
  Honeywell user login to the DPS-6.

All changes are documented in the source and the executable MSKermit 2.31
produced by these modules remains generic and I have used it on the DDN VAX
systems as well as IBM and Tandem systems.

Sincerely,

Frank Dreano
NAVMASSO
1441 Crossways Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA  23320-8915
[phone]

[Ed. - Thanks to Frank Dreano and to Steve Carr for the sources.  Until now
we have only had a .HEX file which no one could modify.  The old .HEX file
has been replaced with the new sources and .HEX files in ~kermit/d/hd6*.jar.
The ".jar" files are collected files stored together ("join archive").]

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

Date: Tue, 30 May 89 11:36:31 WET DST
From: The UK National PD Software Archive
      <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing Version 2.9 of Apollo Pascal Kermit
Keywords: Apollo Kermit

The principal change between versions 2.7 and 2.9 of Apollo APX Kermit is to
add in the 8 bit quoting and associated file handling changes from APO Kermit
versions 2.8 and 2.8a.  In the parameters exchange, APX 2.9 also handles 'Y'
and 'N' in the 8-bit field from the other Kermit correctly.  Also there is
now SET 8BIT ON/OFF (if ON, it sends '&' which, according to the protocol
manual, means "I insist on quoting"; if OFF, it sends 'N' which means "I
can't").  I believe that the APX Kermit can now do everything that the APO
version does (and more).

The extensions are:

  APX can be run on a remote node, even (crudely) from an attached terminal
   on the local node.
  Repeat count processing.
  Filename normalising.
  RECEIVE followed by filename.
  SET TIME and TIMEOUT.
  CVT_NL is now called RAW (i.e. CVT_NL OFF now RAW ON).

This version works out how it is being driven and sets GRAPHICS and RAW
accordingly.  As before, if it is being driven by an sio line it assumes it is
running as a remote Kermit, so you can't use it as it stands to drive one sio
on a node from another.

If it is running on a remote node, CONNECT now works in RAW mode.  This means
you no longer get a double echo and echoing of passwords and you can send
control characters.  However, if you are using an attached terminal on the
local node, this doesn't work and you must explicitly SET RAW OFF before
CONNECTing.  If normalising, received file names are converted to lower case.
Now handles prefixing in incoming fileheader packets and does control quoting
in outgoing ones.

To avoid confusion, this version announces itself as Apollo-APX.  Minor code
changes to stop the Pascal optimiser generating warnings.

This version works under Aegis SR 9.7.  I don't know whether it works under
SR10 - but it will have to be made to eventually.

Gordon Sands
Technical Computing Dept.
Marconi Space Systems Ltd.
Anchorage Rd.
Portsmouth  PO3 5PU
ENGLAND
0705-664966 x3521

[Ed. - Thanks, Gordon!  And thanks to Steve Jenkins at Lancaster University
for sending this version in to us.  This new release has been placed in the
Kermit Distribution under the prefix "apx", in the C area (kermit/c/apx*).
It is supposed to combine the features of the two older Apollo Pascal Kermits,
which remain available in the same area under the "apo" and "apl" prefixes.
Users of Apollo Pascal Kermit are encouraged to pick up the new release and
let us know if the older ones can be retired.]

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

Date: Tue, 30 May 89 11:47:55 WET DST
From: The UK National PD Software Archive
      <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing GEC/OS4000 Kermit Version 3.9
Keywords: GEC OS4000 Kermit

Version 3.9 of GEC Kermit for standard OS4000 consists mainly of bug fixes
and fuller checking of received packets.  Most of the changes were prompted
by a spate of failed transfers some of which resulted in the GEC terminal
getting locked up.  The new version is more careful about whether it is in
Logical or Physical mode and looks for Ctrl-Z more often.  Some of the
packets were arriving with bytes missing.  This caused problems because the
GEC kermit would wait for the number of bytes it was expecting and transfer
would halt until one side timed out.  The new version looks for premature
CRs and immediately NAKs the packet.  There were also problems in binary
mode with files which ended in a null or with 2 or 3 copies of the same
character.

The routine which normalises incoming filenames now checks the new filename
and strips off leading digits.  Should the new name consist only of digits,
the first is replaced with an X, e.g. S12ABC.XYZ becomes .ABCXYZ and
S1234567.123 becomes .X4567123.

If a user types RECEIVE followed by a filename, but then SENDs more than one
file, only the first goes into the given name - the rest into normalised
versions of the sender's names.

I have developed a way of setting things up so that a user Kermitting to a
GEC machine needs only to connect once in a session (to compensate for the
lack of a LOGOUT command).  Details in GECSVR.JCL.

Gordon Sands,
Technical Computing Dept.
Marconi Space Systems Ltd.
Anchorage Road,
Portsmouth, ENGLAND PO3 5PU
0705-664966 x3521

[Ed. - Thanks again to Gordon and Steve for this work.  This version replaces
the old release in Kermit Distribution area D, under the prefix "gec".]

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

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 89 15:17 EST
From: Roger Wallace <[e-mail]>
Subject: HP-9000 Kermit Bootstraping Methods
Keywords: HP-9000 Kermit, BASIC Kermit, Bootstrapping

Alternative Methods for Bootstrapping KERMIT-RMB to HP-9000 Workstations:

We have now successfully bootstrapped Kermit-RMB to several HP-9000 series
workstations, and are in the process of gathering user feedback on the
performance of this new version.  This particular Kermit fills a long-
standing need for reliable file transfer to hosts outside of the HP family.
The basic terminal emulation and file transfer facilities seem to work as they
should; we will forward any bug reports from our user community both to the
Digest and to Andy Campagnola.  In the meantime, I thought I would pass along,
as alternatives, the methods we tried for getting the appropriate files into
HP-LIF disks.

[Ed. - 124 lines omitted from here for lack of space, see below...]

And finally, our thanks again to Andy Campagnola and his associates at HP for
making a much-needed Kermit implementation available.

Roger Wallace
Research Division
Raytheon Co.
Lexington, MA

[Ed. - And many thanks to you, Roger!  Your Fortran dehexifying program has
been added to the HPB files as HPBDEH.F77, and the full contents of this
message have been added as HPBKER.BWR.  There is also a new release of the
HP-9000 Kermit program on the way from Andy Campagnola that should simplify
the bootstrapping a bit.]

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

Date: Thu, 11 May 89 13:32:16 IST
From: Reuven Weiss <[e-mail]>
Subject: Using Kermit on Ethernet?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Network Support, Interlan, 3COM

I would like to use the Kermit interface (scripts, key redefinitions, etc.)
while connected from a PC to a host by TELNET.  Our campus has many RS-232
terminals where we use Kermit 2.32/A on PC's and the various Kermit programs
on CDC, VAX and IBM hosts.  We also have a LAN under TCP/IP protocol.  The LAN
connects to the same hosts and to many PC's.  On the PC's we use 3COM 3C501
and WD8003E cards and NCSA 2.2 program (for TELNET and FTP).  Instructing
users would be easier if the two programs (KERMIT and NCSA) would have similar
user interface, where it is possible.  There is much similarity in terminal
emulation and KERMIT works now also with LAN (NETBIOS and U-B).  Perhaps
KERMIT can evolve to TCP/IP emulation?  I would like to read comments from
Kermit users.

Reuven Weiss
Faculty of Engineering
Tel - Aviv  University
[e-mail] (a VAX/VMS site) or
[e-mail] (an IBM/VM site)

[Ed. - There are many requests for this.  The most practical approach to
adding TCP/IP Telnet support to MS-Kermit would be to take the board-level
drivers from NCSA Telnet and convert them into TSR Bios-level drivers for
COM1.  Then let MS-Kermit's SET PORT BIOS1 command do the rest.  This
apparently already works with certain commercial IP products, e.g. Interlan's
TCP/IP Gateway for Novell networks (see Info-Kermit V9 #8).]

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

From: Martin Kiff <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 24 May 89 17:29:47 BST
Subject: Mixing Things in MS-Kermit Key Definitions?
Keywords: MS-DOS Kermit Key Definitions

A quick question, or perhaps a request.

I am trying to set up a key definition which is a combination of a Kermit verb
and trailing characters, something like:

   set key \316 \Klfarr\016T

give or take a few braces.

Why would I want to do a thing like that?  Well we use Kermit mainly over an
X.25 network talking to a VAX.  The VAX likes to think it is dealing with
single characters; the network works better with longer packets.  The PADs on
the network are thus set up to bundle together characters until there is a
1/20 sec pause and then send them off.  This is fine if using autorepeat to
write a string of '.'s across the screen but embarrassing if holding down the
'delete line' key.

It would be nice to be able to tag onto some of the VT100 verbs, like the
cursor movement, PF4, kpminus, kpcoma the characters to force the PAD to
dispatch the packet being built.  This is the <CntlP>T sequence above.

It seems however that Kermit (2.32/A version for PCs) doesn't allow this, is
it something in the pipeline?  Do other people have similar problems?

Many thanks,

Martin Kiff
Computing Services Unit
National Physical Laboratory
[e-mail]

[From JRD - Yes, this is a restriction.  As the code design stands presently
one cannot join a Kermit keyboard verb with other text in the same definition.
The algorithms in use do all the definition parsing when the key is being
defined, rather than when the definition is being sent to the host.  Were the
latter the case, then terminal emulation speed would drop a lot on medium
speed 286's and slower machines, and the memory usage for definitions would
grow substantially.  On 286 machines and above, you might consider
reprogramming the keyboard repeat rate to match the PAD.  There are public
domain programs (very short) to do just that.]

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

Date: Tue, 30 May 89 16:06:36 GMT
From: Pete Gifford <PETE@ALLEGVM>
Subject: Kermit-370 Through 3174 AEA?
Keywords: IBM 3174 Controller, IBM 370 Kermit

Does anyone have Kermit 4.1 file transfer for CMS or MUSIC working through a
local 3174 with the Asynchronous Emulation Adapter (AEA)?  We are using
ProComm+ for terminal emulation (VT102) and ProComm+'s Kermit file transfer
option and are not able to get the two to communicate.  Any help will be
greatly appreciated.

Pete Gifford           PETE@ALLEGVM
Systems Programmer     [e-mail]
Allegheny College      [phone]
Meadville, PA          [phone]

[From John Chandler - The latest word on the 3174 is that there is no means of
transparent throughput at present.  However, IBM has indicated there will be
some such capability fairly soon (as of a month ago, the microcode upgrade was
due in about 6 months).  It presumably won't be long after that before Kermit
will be able to do file transfers through the 3174.]

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

Date: Thu, 11 May 89 17:53:23 edt
From: [e-mail]
Subject: C64-Kermit Problem
Keywords: Commodore-64/128

I have the following configuration : a Commodore C64, a 2400 baud Hayes
compatible modem and a modem adaptor that connects the former two together.
When I used a terminal software called CCGMS 6.0, the system worked nicely up
to 2400 baud !!!!!  However, when I used KERMIT, it was a complete failure no
matter what baud rate I tried !!  The problem is : After the usual procedure
of dialing the number manually and hearing the high pitch tones, the modem
did not kick in to do the rest !!  Are there some parameters (that I am not
aware of) that need to be set beside baud rate in KERMIT ?  What about a
parameter in KERMIT called rs232-registers ?  What should be its hex value ?
Any help is appreciated !!
                                    Patrick Wong

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

End of Info-Kermit Digest
*************************