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Text File | 1993-03-07 | 22KB | 474 lines

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════= Fax-Door Release 2.00 Door Registration is only $20.00! Written by: Gerry Freymann P.O. Box 1226 Cobourg, Ontario K9A 5A4 The Phantom BBS (416) 342-3734 USR HST Dual Standard V.32 (416) 342-3766 Hayes Ultra V.32 The latest versions/updates are available on The Phantom BBS and TDS Network The PC ToyShop Information System 24 Hours, 300 -> 38.4K (503) 342-4447 Eugene, Oregon ═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════= Brief Update History ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Please view the file CHANGES.DOC for a complete history. Overview of Fax-Door ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Fax-Door was written to provide users of my BBS the chance to Fax ASCII Text files to other fax machines in the area. I originally bought the Fax Card for my personal benefit, and once I saw how simple it was to use the BitFax software, I figured it would be a fairly simple job to create a door to take advantage of the Fax card and BitFax software. A simple door? Well, that's a matter of opinion I'm sure, but this is far from being "just a simple door" as you will soon see. My Fax-Door will display information to NewUsers, create a personal ten number dialing directory, offer a variety of transfer protocols, place comments in your caller log, as well as a separate door log file, allow long distance faxing for pre-approved users (you define the number of credits or available pages), fax on-the-spot, report the fax status, update user accounts, delete all temporary files, and offers both immediate and delayed faxing! I have the door set up to allow FREE local faxing. What the hay? It's a great service that is fairly cheap to add to your system so why bother the users and have them pay per fax? All in all, I think you'll be quite pleased. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Version 2.0 Sysop CHUCK CORVEC contacted with a request that developed into release 2.0 - read on! (Thanks for the idea Chuck!) ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** New this time around is the dual operation mode of FaxDoor. Previous versions were quite nice, but only worked on one node. I had a request to allow delayed faxing, and after talking it over and thinking about how to institute the plan, this is what we have now: ────────IMMEDIATE MODE─────────────────────────────────────────────── Just what it says. When the door is configured for IMMEDIATE mode, the file the user uploads to the door is faxed while they wait. This makes the door available on one node only, which is normally the node with both the modem and the faxmodem in it. It's nice but limited. ────────DELAYED MODE───────────────────────────────────────────────── Just what it says. When the door is configured for DELAYED mode, the user uploads his file, enters the data as to who the fax should be sent to, but instead of faxing right away, the info is held aside, and the actual faxing will take place LATER. The user can select the (S)tatus command in the door and get a list of pending/completed faxes. You as the Sysop decide when to actually send the fax. I find running the fax software in an EVENT is the best, but if you have lots of RAM and want to attempt a LOGOFF session be my guest. Edit the TODO(G).TXT files to inform your users when you send DELAYED faxes. How do you configure the door for the above two modes? Easy! Edit your FAXDOOR.CFG file. The last line should read DELAYED or IMMEDIATE. There should be 6 lines in that CFG file! ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Fax-Door Requirements ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── First of all, Fax-Door may not be for everybody. There are a few requirements you should be aware of, that may make this door unsuitable for some Bulletin Board Systems: - If you are going to use the door in IMMEDIATE mode, you must have a modem *and* a faxmodem installed in one computer. Otherwise you just need a fax/modem online. - If you are going to use the door in IMMEDIATE mode you need an extra phone line, in ADDITION to the BBS Line, as the door can fax with the caller online. - You need a Fax board that uses the BitFax software (C) 1989 BIT Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I have used BitFax v.2.061 and 2.062 and 3.??? successfully. - This only works on the node where the Fax card is inserted. On a multi node system, this means the fax service will only be available on one of your nodes if you use IMMEDIATE mode. With DELAYED mode the door works great on any node! - You must have a copy of DSZ in your Path - You'll need lots of free RAM! The door exits to DOS and runs a BATCH file to run BitFax but shells out to DSZ to accept the uploaded file to fax. Bulletin Boards operating under DoubleDos or Desqview must be sure they have enough RAM leftover for proper door operation. - The door assumes a local call is 7 or 5 digits in length (minus brackets & dashes). If you are in a location where a local call is more, than you'll need a customized version. Please contact me and provide details and we can get you set up. Example local call: 3724915 or 24915 - The door also assumes that a long distance call is 8 or 11 digits in length (minus brackets and dashes). Again, if this a problem in your location please contact me and we can get you set up with a customized version. Example long distance call: 14163724915 or 13724915 - The door will ignore any phone number 4 digits or less, 6, 9 or 10 digits or 12 and great and report these as invalid numbers. If this is a problem for you please contact me. - Only 999 users may use the door with all of its bells and whistles. The 1000th user and above will have access, but will not have a personal dialing directory and therefore have no access to the Long Distance option. With all that said, if you still feel this door is for you, then by all means read on! Command-line parameters ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Once you've configured DoorPatch 3.8 you run Faxdoor in local mode by using the /LOCAL command-line switch as follows: FAXDOOR FAXDOOR.CFG /LOCAL <== Allows local usage of the DOOR as the SysOp. Files needed for Fax-Door Operation ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── If you have any doubt about the integrity of the files contained in this ARCHive, feel free to call my BBS in Baltimore, Ontario Canada and download the latest version. DOOR BAT * | Used when returning from Delayfax, explained later DELAY BAT * | Used when returning from a Fax, explained later DELAYFAX EXE | The Delayed fax engine FAXDOOR CFG * | Your Configuration file, explained later FAXDOOR EXE | The main Fax-Door executible FAXEDIT EXE | User File Editor, explained later FAXDOOR PGE * | OPTIONAL, explained later. FAXDOOR REG | Provided when you Register your copy, explained later FAXDOOR PRE * | OPTIONAL list of local prefixes, explained later FAXHELP TXT | Help file for user while in door FAXING TXT * | Displayed just as the door exits and goes to send the fax FAXME BLT | Your menu of files that the user can have faxed to them FAXME ### | ### = 1 to 999 - Your actual FaxBack files HELLO2 TXT * | Displayed when a user returns from sending a fax MENU TXT * | The Main Menu MINUS TXT * | Displayed when attempting to fax LD with a deficit balance NEWUSER TXT * | Displayed once, to every new user of the Door PLUS TXT * | Displayed before a Long Distance fax if credits remain TODO TXT * | Displayed to user after accepting a Delayed Fax order XM1KG BAT * | Xmodem-G transfer batch file (set to use Com1) XMD1K BAT * | Xmodem-1K transfer batch file (set to use Com1) XMDCRC BAT * | Xmodem-CRC transfer batch file (set to use Com1) YMD BAT * | Ymodem transfer batch file (set to use Com1) YMD1KG BAT * | Ymodem-1KG transfer batch file (set to use Com1) ZERO TXT * | Displayed when attempting to fax LD with no credits left ZMD BAT * | Zmodem transfer batch file (set to use Com1) FAX * | Sample Batch file to activate the Door, explained later FAXDOR20 DOC | This documentation CHANGES DOC | History file listing changes in each version FAXDV DOC * | Jon's brain storm on a DV Receive Fax window! FLYER DOC | List of other programs available from me LICENSE DOC | Please read, understand and agree with SYSOP DOC | DoorPatch 3.8 setup instructions ORDER FRM | Print out, complete and mail with register fee QUICKGO DOC | Quick, no muss, no fuss installation & set up ECHOFAX DOC | Information on a message base fax utility now available! Files created by the door FAX BAT | Temporary batch file, explained later DOFAX YES | Temporary batch file, explained later FAXDOR## LOG | Log file in the door subdirectory of user actions FAXDOOR ### | User Data files, 001-999, explained later FAXDOOR DTA | Master list of User names and their Data File Name TODO FAX | Random access file listing pending fax status Files marked with an asterisk (*) mean you should go over and edit these files as you see fit. Be sure to check the transfer batch files so they are set for the correct com port that the door will be using. All of the above files should be in the same subdirectory as your BitFax program. Explainations of their purposes follow. DOOR.BAT --> Keep in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ECHO OFF FAXDOOR FAXDOOR.CFG IF EXIST DOFAX.YES FAX C: CD\PCB BOARD You will need to edit this file, if your PCB subdirectory is not located on Drive C: subdirectory \PCB. This file is called by the door after sending a fax and is used to allow the Fax-Door to recycle. YOU MUST HAVE THIS FILE IN THE DOOR/BITFAX SUBDIRECTORY AND IT MUST HAVE CORRECT DRIVE LETTERS AND PATHS. DELAY.BAT --> Keep in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ECHO OFF DELAYFAX %1 IF EXIST DOFAX.YES FAX This batch file should be CALLED in your Event (or Logoff I suppose) and will execute the delayed fax feature of Faxdoor, maintaining the door's file integrity. It handles the sending of the pending faxes, updates user files as required, deletes successfully faxed uploads, and updates the TODO.FAX file status. FAXDOOR.CFG --> Keep in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── C:\PCB\PCBOARD.SYS | Location of your PCBoard.Sys file The Phantom BBS | Your BBS Name Gerry | Sysop First Name Freymann | Sysop Last Name Donor Name | The donor of the DOOR DELAYED or IMMEDIATE | DELAYED will enable that feature or DEBUG | DEBUG will activate the faxdebug.out log to help | in debuggin! | IMMEDIATE will provide online faxing FAXDOOR.PGE --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This OPTIONAL file allows you to customize the appearance of your Fax service. This file can be up to 51 lines long and will be combined with the existing covering letter. FAXDOOR.REG --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Our new registration process will create this file for you. When you register, you are given a small utility program that you run from within the door subdirectory. Once you have a valid REG file, the door which you are already running will magically say Registered to you. FAXEDIT.EXE --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This is a very nice user file editor for use with the door. An easy way to add credits to a user account, or edit somebody's dialing directory, or just plain be nosy! One catch.... this only works when you Register your copy of the Door. To load the door, pass on the name of one of your Faxdoor configuration files. For example: FAXEDIT FAXDOOR.CFG FAXDOOR.PRE --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 342 349 352 372 373 797 885 This file gives you the chance to ensure that when a user enters a "local" number, it is indeed a valid local number. Simply place all valid local dialing prefixes, one per line in this file. THIS FILE IS OPTIONAL! If you do not create a FaxDoor.Pre file, no validity checks will take place. As you can see, I don't have a whole heck of a lot of local exchanges, so it was a piece of cake for me, but in Metropolitan areas, you might spend a day typing in all the exchanges and might be better off to leave it out! *.TXT --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── These text files are displayed to the user at various points throughout the door. You will need to edit some of them, depending on how you wish to run the door. I grant free local faxing and the text files provided display that to the users. I charge for Long Distance faxing, on a prepaid, preapproved basis and the text files display that. You may change and/or edit any or all of these files as you see fit. *.BAT --> Place in your Door/BitFax Subdirectory ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── These are all of your Upload Protocol transfer batch files. You should edit these if you aren't using Com1 to run the Fax-Door. FAX --> Place in your \PCB Subdirectory FAX.BAT --> Created and maintained by the Door DOFAX.YES --> Created and maintained by the Door ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ECHO OFF | Turn Echo OFF CD\BITFAX | Change Directory to the BitFax/Door area FAXDOOR FAXDOOR.CFG | Load the door and using the .cfg file IF EXIST DOFAX.YES FAX | Key file maintained by the door CD\PCB | Change back to main \PCB area BOARD | Reload the BBS This is my door batch file that calls up the FaxDoor. Using the name "FAX" a user can simply type FAX at the PCBoard 14.5 prompt and be taken into the Fax door. The If Exist line is the key to calling up the BitFax software. The door will automatically create a FAX.BAT file which will instruct BitFax on what file to send and what number to dial. The end of FAX.BAT calls DOOR.BAT (Door.Bat is provided and was discussed earlier) and allows the Fax-Door to reload and gather stats etc. The file DOFAX.YES is also created by the door and holds some data which the door reads after sending the fax to complete the statistic gathering. Both of these files are deleted automatically by the door. FAXDOOR.### --> Created and maintained by the Door ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── "PHANTOM BBS","342-3766" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" "**","**" " 0","N" These files are the User Files created by the door. They are numbered 001 to 999. The format is very simple. It's an ASCII file with two fields per line, separated by a comma with each field surrounded by quotation marks. The first field is a description of the number and the second field is the actual fax number. There are ten lines providing each user with their very own personal ten number dialing directory. A user may enter a number manually or dial a number contained in their directory. The last line is rather unique. The first field of the eleventh line will start at zero. If you wish to grant Long Distance faxing to a user you need to read FAXDOOR.DTA to get their filename, then edit this line in their file and insert the number of "credits" or pages you wish them to have. Try to remember to leave a leading space before the number? The door will only allow a person to fax to a long distance number if they have a postive value. If they have 0 or a negative number, no long distance faxing will be allowed (local faxes remain available). The door will maintain the number of credits for you and displays certain TXT files after a successful fax based on the value in this field. The second field is not in use at this time and has been left in for future uses. Both fields, as with the rest of the datafile, should be surrounded by quotes and separated by a comma. If you register your copy of Fax-Door the FAXEDIT program will magically start to work and you won't really have to bother with all this stuff. Only 999 users may use the door with all of its bells and whistles. The 1000th user and above will have access, but will not have a personal dialing directory and therefore have no access to the Long Distance option. FAXDOOR.DTA --> Created and maintained by the Door ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── "USER ONE","FAXDOOR.001" "USER TWO","FAXDOOR.002" "USER THREE","FAXDOOR.003" "USER FOUR","FAXDOOR.004" This is only a sample of the Data file created by the door. It is a simple ASCII file with two fields per line, surrounded by quotation marks and separated by a comma. The first field is the User Name and the second field is the name of their personal data file (explained above). You are limited to 1000 users! FAXDOR## LOG --> Created and maintained by the Door ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ************************************************************** GERRY FREYMANN entered FAX-DOOR 02-13-1991 22:58:28 Uploaded TEST.FAX using Zmodem Dial (A)borted! ************************************************************** GERRY FREYMANN entered FAX-DOOR 02-13-1991 23:50:38 Uploaded TEST.FAX using Zmodem Faxing TEST.FAX to 3425544 CFMX.FAX 1 00:25 OK Uploaded TEST.DOC using Zmodem File transfer was UNSUCCESSFUL. This is a log file that the door appends to, giving you a history of activity in the door. If you are running on a multinode system you will see the node number appended to the end of the prefix. Since this file appends, you may wish to delete or archive it periodically. FAXDV.DOC --> Created by Jon Anderson, used by permission ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Information and complete batch file to open a window in Desqview for a receive fax option using BitFax 3.0 - take a peek! Setting up BitFax ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── I followed the instructions for BitFax when installing the software and suggest you do the same. Make a subdirectory called BITFAX on your drive, change to the subdirectory, and copy the contents of the BitFax/SR Program disk into the subdirectory. You should place the Fax-Door files in this same directory, as the Fax-Door will read the Log file created by BitFax. You should set the BITFAX=\BITFAX environment variable in your autoexec.bat file, and include the BITFAX subdirectory in your PATH= statement. Be sure to set your com port correctly on the fax card. I run a Hayes Ultra on Com1 and have the fax card set to use Com3/IRQ 4. I elected to have the Modem Speaker OFF at all times... it is rather loud! Once your card is installed and your software is loaded onto the hard drive you should type BITFAX and set up the BitFax parameters. Please follow the BitFax manual. Their manual contains step by step instructions. Registration Cost ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The DOOR only costs $20.00!! It is a full working version and is not crippled in anyway. Support the Shareware concept... ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── To Register, please print out and return the ORDER.FRM in the Zip file. Now, when you register, you will be given a small program which you run in your door subdirectory. This program will create a *.REG which will instantly register your existing copy of the door program, and any and all future versions as well. This means that any future releases you find will automatically continue to say registered to you, without the need to come back to me. I hope you'll appreciate this new system. You should be able to call The Phantom BBS and make your initial call, wait until I receive your payment, and download this small utility without spending alot of time on the phone. Or, for an additional $5.00 per order, I can send you the whole package on disk using the postal service. The choice is yours. There is an Update Door which grants access to all Registered Users, and allows you to download your register utilities for the programs you have registered. Thanks for your support!