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1992-05-01
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MEALTIME MELEE v2.1
By Stew Oswald
Name by Charlene Gallagher
User Friendly BBS
(713) 580-1301
MEALTIME MELEE is an Online Door Game based loosely upon a popular
Classic door game. It was designed for use on a TAG! system, but supports
the following other BBS interface files:
DOOR.SYS, PCBOARD.SYS/PCBOARD.DAT/USERS, SFDOORS.DAT,
CALLINFO.BBS, DORINFO1.DEF, DORINFO2.DEF, and CHAIN.TXT.
This DOC file is divided into 9 sections. Please read the ones that concern
you:
1. Everything you need to know about DOORPCH version 3.8.
2. First Time Installation Instructions.
3. Upgrading from MEALTIME MELEE version 1.0 - 1.1.
4. Upgrading from MEALTIME MELEE version 2.0
5. Resetting a game of MEALTIME MELEE.
6. About MEALTIME MELEE's files.
7. Other Important Sysop Notes.
8. Thanks to...
9. Registration Information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOORPCH VERSION 3.8:
The game was written using DoorPCH38. DoorPCH is a Quickbasic
Library used to create doors. Below is an excerpt from the documetation of
DOORPCH v3.8.
Preface
---------
This is NOT meant to tell you how to setup DOORs on your BBS,
just how to setup DORPCH38 doors.
Support Shareware
-------------------
Thank you for obtaining this door program. Many hours of coding
have gone into its development. Like all shareware products,
you're encouraged to register this program if it meets your needs.
Supporting Shareware helps insure the future development of such
programs and will entitle you to support from their authors.
Environment Variables
-----------------------
One environment variable must be set in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
SET LIB=<drive:><path to DORPCH38.EXE> Note: ONLY the PATH!
Example: SET LIB=C:\MYLIB
The DORPCH38.EXE run-time library and DOORPCH.CFG files must then
be placed in this directory. I'd suggest a separate directory as
I do on my system and include it in your PATH statement.
For your convenience DOORPCH v3.8 also supports the following three
new variables:
%NODE% , %DRIVE% , and %DIRECTORY%
SET NODE=1 (ie. 1 , 2 , etc.)
SET DRIVE=C: (ie. C: , D: , etc.)
SET DIRECTORY=\BBS\ (ie. \PCB\ , \BBS\ , etc.)
These may be used to allow a single DOORNAME.CFG file for all nodes.
When using these variables please remember the combination of them
MUST form a valid DOS "drive:\path\" pointing to the location of the
BBS interface file.
DOORPCH Configuration File
--------------------------
File Name: DOORPCH.CFG
The data in this file lets you setup DoorPch for your BBS. Place
this file in the same sub-directory as the DORPCH38.EXE file.
Line #1=> TAG (The type of BBS software used)
Line #2=> User Friendly BBS (The BBS' name)
Line #3=> Stew (The first name of the SysOp)
Line #4=> Oswald (The last name of the SysOp)
Line #5=> N (Y or N) Do you have DOS' Share.exe
loaded?
Line #6=> N (Y or N) Do you want to use PCBoard's
"@" macros?
Line #7=> N (Y or N) Do you want to hear music
when caller alarm is on?
Line #8=> 08:00-17:00 (Times in military format that it is okay
to page you)
DOORPCH.KEY
-------------
DoorPch is released as a completely UNcrippled program. Upon
registering DoorPch you'll receive a DOORPCH.KEY file. This
file should be put in the "SET LIB=" directory along with the
DORPCH38.EXE and DOORPCH.CFG files. Upon exiting, all DOORs
using DoorPch v3.8 will then say "This copy of DoorPch v3.8 is
registered to: " and your BBS name, your name and your serial
number.
DOOR Setup
------------
Make a batch file to run the DOOR as described in your BBS
documentation.
Example DOOR batch file:
--------------------------
ECHO OFF
CD\MELEE
MELEE MELEE.CFG <== Runs MELEE.EXE passing
a parameter of MELEE.CFG to it.
CD\BBS
EXIT
Command-line parameters
-------------------------
This parameter may be used when starting a DOORPCH v3.8 DOOR.
/LOCAL <== Allows local usage of the DOOR as
the SysOp.
(ie. MELEE MELEE.CFG /LOCAL)
Libraries
-----------
All DOORPCH v3.8 DOORs require the DORPCH38.EXE run-time library
and the Microsoft (R) QuickBASIC 3.0 run-time library, BRUN30.EXE,
be in your path. Your DOOR program may have come with these files
in the archive file. If they are not present, this DOOR program
WILL NOT RUN. You should contact the DOOR author if the files
are missing. You require one and only one version of these two
libraries for ALL DOORPCH v3.8 DOORware. The files are also
available in DORPCH38.ZIP available on most of the better Bulletin
Board Systems. If you wish a fully detailed explanation of how
DOORPCH operates with DOORS, then you may read the documentation
within the DORPCH38.ZIP file within which this documentation may
be found.
DOOR Operation
----------------
When this DOOR is in operation you have complete control over the
caller. This DOOR was written using DOORPCH v3.8. The logic is
safe and every precaution has been taken to insure this code works
flawlessly. If it doesn't, please let us know. Many
function/operational keys are at your disposal:
F1 - Displays the version of DOORPCH compiled and linked
into the DOOR.
F2 - Displays a caller's Alias if one is used via the DOOR.
F3 - Toggles Local Music ON/OFF.
F4 - Toggles the Bell ON/OFF.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
F5 - DOS Shell. Allows the SysOp to exit to DOS from inside
a DOOR.
F6 - Toggles the Graphics mode of the caller ON/OFF.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
F7 - Toggle the caller alarm ON/OFF.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
F8 - Involuntarily returns the caller to the BBS.
F9 - Toggles the display ON/OFF.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes. Some doors
may force the display ON, but the original OFF value will
be returned to the BBS if this occurs.
F10 - Activates SysOp/Caller CHAT mode within the DOOR.
ESC - Deactivates CHAT mode. DOOR is resumed.
ALT-H - HELP key for lines 24/25 capabilities.
UP - Allows the SysOp to add additional time for the caller.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
DN - Allows the SysOp to subtract time from the caller.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
ALT-N - Some BBSs use SysOp next on control/indicator.
Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
ALT-X - Some BBSs will exit after current caller completes their
session. Value is returned to BBS when DOOR completes.
Example: DEVICE=ANSI.SYS
--------------------------
DOORPCH uses this device driver for displaying all colors and
screen positioning to the local console. ANSI Color Graphics will
always be sent to the local console if you are using a color
monitor. If a caller is in non-graphics mode you will still see
colors if you have a color monitor. The reverse is also true.
If the caller is in graphics mode and the local console is a mono
monitor then colors will NOT be displayed to the local console.
MEALTIME MELEE Requires ANSI graphics.
BELL
------
DOORPCH logic will not allow a BELL to be sent to the local
console when the local screen is inactive (F9 OFF) or the caller
alarm is toggled off (F7 OFF). This, of course, assumes the
DOOR author follows the DOORPCH rules.
ERRORS
--------
All errors should recover and cause the DOOR program to exit
gracefully and return to the main system. All errors are logged
in the "DOORPCH.ERR" file found in the "SET LIB=" directory. The
error number and line number are included with the date and time.
Errors will be either caused by the main module (the authors code,
contact him/her) or the DOORPCH sub (contact Raymond Clements).
It should NEVER cause the BBS to hang. If your BBS hangs, you are
requested to contact the appropriate party and report the error and
circumstances that caused it. Because we are using Microsoft's (c)
QuickBASIC 3.0 run-time routines, it is possible that BASIC will
detect a fatal error condition. As mentioned above, we have taken
every precaution, but simply cannot code for every error condition.
If the DOOR author follows all the rules, the DOOR should run without
error.
*** NOTE: The previous text was excerpted from the documentation included
with DoorPCH.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST TIME INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
(if you are upgrading from a pre-2.1 version, goto section "UPGRADING..."
1. Create a directory where the game is to reside and dump all the files
in the archive into it. (ex. C:\MELEE).
2. This game requires DOORPCH v3.8. DORPCH38.EXE, BRUN30.EXE and DOOPCH.CFG
must be either in your game directory or in your computer's PATH. You
need to set a LIB=(path) in your autoexec, as detailed above. See the
above excerpt if you are unfamilir with DOORPCH. Please edit the
DOORPCH.CFG included with this archive if you wish to use it (See above
for Configuration information of DOORPCH.CFG). DOORPCH is a great
program and I strongly encourage your registration of it. Contact
Raymond Clements at The Pegasus BBS (502)684-9855 for more details.
DOORPCH v3.8 will show that they are registered to "Raymond Clements"
(the author of DOORPCH) until they are registered.
3. Run MTMINIT.EXE to create your MELEE.CFG and to initialize your first game.
If you want to edit your MELEE.CFG after this is ran, the following is
a description of the lines, but it is HIGHLY advised that you use the
EDIT/CHANGE/CREATE MELEE.CFG option in the MTMINIT.EXE program to edit
your config file, as it ensures that all of the lines exist and thus
eliminates runtime errors:
1: C:\BBS\DORINFO1.DEF <----Location and name for your drop file.
2: User Friendly BBS <----BBS Name
3: Stew <----Sysop's First Name
4: Oswald <----Sysop's Last Name
5: Stew Oswald <----Donor (NOT USED, but must be filled)
6: USER FRIENDLY BBS <----Registration Name
7: 0000 <----Registration Code
* 8: 20 <----Amount of money to give daily (5-99)
* 9: 1 <----Delete Zero Players (1-yes/0-no)
* 10: 1 <----Give Learning Curves (1-yes/0-no)
If ANY of the above lines are left blank, you WILL receive an error.
* Note: These options only work in the Registered Versions, but ALL versions
MUST have something on these lines.
To initialize your data files and to start your first game, answer "yes"
when it asks you to do so.
---VERY IMPORTANT---
You must run MTMINIT.EXE in order to initialize your first game
and to create the other necessary files needed by the door.
If you don't run it, the game will not work!!!
4. Create your batch file to run the door.
It will need to change to your MELEE directory, execute MELEE MELEE.CFG,
and return to your BBS. You may want to add a line in your batch file
to copy SCORES.STU to wherever you keep your bulletins.
5. Add MELEEMTN.EXE to your daily Maintenance File. This is crucial to game
play. You do not need to run it yet, just let it run at the normal time.
6. That's all!
If you experience problems or receive error trying to run, I suggest
that you use a program to convert your door definition file to PCBOARD.SYS
or TAG (DORINFO1.DEF) format, as I know that it will work using TAG! and
PCBOARD 14.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPGRADING FROM VERSION 1.0 - 1.1:
(this is assuming that everything was running fine with 1.0-1.1)
1. Version 2.1 requires DOORPCH version 3.8 instead of version 3.7 that the
older versions of MTM required. The simplest way of upgrading your 3.7
to 3.8 is to copy DORPCH38.EXE to the same directory that DORPCH37.EXE
is in. The DOORPCH.CFG has also changed between the two version so it
IS necessary to change this file. The new line is the paging hour times
(line #8) and is detailed in the section titled "EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT DOORPCH v3.8". By copying that file over to that directory
AND by adding the new line to your DOOROCH.CFG file, you will have
successfully completed all of the necessary upgrades for DOORPCH.
Now, to upgrade MEALTIME MELEE...
2. Version 2.1 requires four more lines to be added into the MELEE.CFG file.
The simplest (and safest) way to update your MELEE.CFG file is to run
MTMINIT.EXE and answer "yes" when it asks if you wish to edit your
MELEE.CFG file and then answer "yes" that you are upgrading from a version
PRIOR to 2.0.
However, you may use an ASCII editor to edit your MELEE.CFG file by hand
These lines are:
5: Stew Oswald <----Donor (NOT USED, but must be filled)
8: 20 <----Amount of money to give daily (5-99)
9: 1 <----Delete Zero Players (1-yes/0-no)
10: 1 <----Give Learning Curves (1-yes/0-no)
Although MTM does NOT use line number 5 (Donor Line), it is required to be
there. It doesn't really matter what is in this line, as long as it is NOT
blank. The Donor line is inserted between the old lines of 4 and 5 and this
makes 5 and 6, lines 6 and 7. Also, lines 8, 9, 10 must be added and can
be configured as detailed above. Keep in mind that although these 3 lines
are only used in the registered versions, ALL versions must have these
lines.
Confusing? Run MTMINIT.EXE and use the EDIT/CREATE/CHANGES MELEE.CFG
option, if it is.
3. Because I haven't changed anything in the data files (yet) for the game,
it is NOT necessary to Reset the current game in order to upgrade to 2.1.
HOWEVER, the Tattle-Tell files and the Notes file have been changed, so
you MUST delete the following files if they do exist:
MELEE.LOG, *.TDL, *.NOT
(MELEE.LOG is deleted because it is no longer used by MEALTIME MELEE)
--EXCEPTION--
If you have over 30 players in your current game you MUST Reset the game.
4. Replace the following files with the files from this archive:
MELEE.EXE, MELEE.ANS, MTMINIT.EXE, MELEEMTN.EXE, MELEE.DOC,
HISTORY.DOC, and SYSOP.DOC.
Of course your MELEE.CFG file will be changed as listed above.
5. That's all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPGRADING FROM VERSION 2.0:
(this is assuming that everthing was running fine with version 2.0)
1. Version 2.1 requires three more lines to be added into the MELEE.CFG file.
The simplest (and safest) way to update your MELEE.CFG file is to run
MTMINIT.EXE and answer "yes" when it asks if you wish to edit your
MELEE.CFG file and then answer "no" that you are upgrading from a version
PRIOR to 2.0.
However, you may use an ASCII editor to edit your MELEE.CFG file by hand
These lines are:
8: 20 <----Amount of money to give daily (5-99)
9: 1 <----Delete Zero Players (1-yes/0-no)
10: 1 <----Give Learning Curves (1-yes/0-no)
Keep in mind that although these 3 lines are only used in the registered
versions, ALL versions must have these lines.
Confusing? Run MTMINIT.EXE and use the EDIT/CREATE/CHANGES MELEE.CFG
option, if it is.
3. Because I haven't changed anything in the data files (yet) for the game,
it is NOT necessary to Reset the current game in order to upgrade to 2.1.
HOWEVER, the Tattle-Tell files and the Notes file have been changed, so
you MUST delete the following files if they do exist:
MELEE.LOG, *.TDL, *.NOT
(MELEE.LOG is deleted because it is no longer used by MEALTIME MELEE)
4. Replace the following files with the files from this archive:
MELEE.EXE, MELEE.ANS, MTMINIT.EXE, MELEEMTN.EXE, MELEE.DOC,
HISTORY.DOC, and SYSOP.DOC.
Of course your MELEE.CFG file will be changed as listed above.
4. That's all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESETTING A GAME OF MEALTIME MELEE:
1. Run MTMINIT and select "N" when it asks if you want to create a new
MELEE.CFG file (unless you want to), and "Y" when it asks if you want
to initialize a new game.
2. That's all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About MEALTIME MELEE's Files:
MELEE.EXE - This is the Main Program File and it is ran with the
parameter of your Config File as described previously.
DATA.STU - This File contains all of the data for the players.
SORT.STU - The Sorters "work file". This can be deleted at any time as it
is created at each run.
MELEE.DOC - The Instructions on how to play MEALTIME MELEE. This
file is called by the game, so make sure it stays in the same
directory as the other program files.
MELEE.ANS - The opening screen for MEALTIME MELEE. This file must be there
or you will receive a FILE NOT FOUND Error, but the game will continue.
MELEEMTN.EXE - This is the Maintenance File for MEALTIME MELEE. Place this in
your Daily Maintenance file or just run it once a day. It gives money ($20 in
the unregistered versions) to each player and tops them out at $99 if they
haven't played in awhile. It also gives them a cafeteria pass, deletes the
zero users if this option is turned on (REGISTERED VERSIONS ONLY), and sets the
dummy user's grudge to one of the other players. This is crucial to the game
play.
WINNER.STU - This file contains one line which is the name of
the winner of the last game. If there is no previous game, then it
will read "NOONE".
SCORES.STU - This is the bulletin file created by the Game. You may
want to have your Batch file copy it to wherever you keep your bulletins.
Beginning with version 1.1, the bulletin is in ANSI color. Beginning with
version 2.0, the bulletin is sorted.
MTMINIT.EXE - This file is used to create MELEE.CFG and to initialize a
new game. This will probably only be ran once as your initial installation
of the game, as after the first game has been initialized, all the
games after that are "automated".
*.TDL - These are the "Tattle-Tale" files. They contain information
for the Tattle Tale Feature of the game.
*.NOT - These are the "Notes" files. They contain the messages passed around
by the users. These files joined the game in version 1.02.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other important Sysop Notes:
1. The game allows up to 30 players. Due to the nature of the cafeteria,
there must be at least 4 players (3 including Charlie Brown) before ANYONE
is allowed to enter into the cafeteria. The users will see "CAFETERIA IS
CLOSED" until there are enough players.
2. Problems have been reported by TAG sysops (DORINFO1.DEF) that allow
handles on their boards. They were reporting an error when a ONE-WORD
Alias ran the game. The problem is with DOORPCH's handling of
DORINFO1.DEF and not with the game. It runs fine with TWO-WORD names,
but crashes with ONE-WORD names. I experimented with this and found
that if you convert the DORINFO1.DEF file into PCBoard's Format
(PCBOARD.SYS) and tell MELEE.CFG to look for PCBOARD.SYS, it will work
fine. This can be done with a Door File Converter. I use DOORMASTER.
However, beginning with DOORPCH v3.8, the problem may have been corrected.
It may make the last name a ".", so "BOZO" would be "BOZO ." This is of
course if you insist on using DORINFO1.DEF. I personally have not tried
this and would be interested to know if this works.
3. If you are a TAG sysop, you must NOT use DOOR.SYS. The Gap format
of DOOR.SYS is not acceptable with DOORPCH. Although it will appear
to work and will work fine locally, the remote caller will not see
anything.
AFTER NOTE: This appears to have been corrected in TAG 2.6, but I have not
tested it. If it works for you, please let me know.
4. The latest releases of this game will be available for download on my
board USER FRIENDLY BBS (713)580-1301. The current release will only
be changed on the first of the month and may not represent any changes
that have occured since the first of the month. In other words, if you
have the file that was released on 5-01-91 then you need not look for
a newer release until 6-01-92. This policy will only be changed in
the event of a MAJOR bug fix. This will allow you to know in advance
when the next version is coming out (although, there may not have been
any updates since the previous version).
5. I am supporting the game by voice for ALL versions of the game that are
out there (REGISTERED or UNREGISTERED). I understand that some times there
are doors that take a little extra work to setup or just boggle you. While
I feel that this is not one of those doors, I just wanted to make sure that
you have no problems setting it up. I can be voiced at (713)440-STEW for
24 hours a day. If you get the answering machine, leave your name and
number and I will call you back collect!!! Don't worry about calling at
3 or 4 in the morning as, like most sysops and programmers, I will probably
be burning the midnight oil... (try and find this kinda support out there!)
6. The game has been gaining greatly in popularity, so make sure that you
don't pass this game up and that you install it for your users!!!
7. Let me know of any features that you would like to see added to the game
in a future release. I have already put in quite a few that were suggested
by some of you.
8. I am currently working on 2 other projects. I hope to have at least one of
these out there before too long. Keep checking USER FRIENDLY BBS for it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANKS TO:
Thanks to ALL of the other Door Game Authors. Without you, the modem world
would be dull and boring. You have put in a lot of time and brains into
developing a lot of quality doors. You don't get the recognition you deserve
and I thought I would tell you how I feel anyways.
Thanks to Raymond Clements for coming up with such a great library. Without
which, this door would probably not exist.
Thanks to the following people for their help in Designing, Developing, and
Debugging this game:
RITA ENGLAND ROBERT OKAMURA
REX ENGLAND MIKE BLOOM
TOM HAMLYN CHRISTI CHAPMAN
DON GALLAGHER RICHARD KWON
ROBERT MAGGIO BRIAN COOK
JAMES ISHIKAWA JAN RUHNOW
KERRI HUNTER STEVE HARTMAN
And Special thanks to CHARLENE GALLAGHER for coming up with such a great name
for the game. You have my undying Gratitude.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
To Register this door, send only $20 to the following address:
STEW OSWALD
Attn: MEALTIME MELEE
2210 Huckleberry
Pasadena, Texas 77502
For other Door authors, a reciprical registration may be available if you
and I are both willing. In most cases, I don't mind giving away a
registration in return for registration of your game(s). Contact me for
more details.
With registration you will receive:
1) The registration number to register the
game and to remove the opening delay screen.
2) The ability to use the following options that were
introduced in Version 2.1:
- Removal of "zero" users
- Configurable "lunch money"
- "Learning curves" for "teachers' pets"
3) BBS Support, as well as voice support.
4) Future versions of MEALTIME MELEE,
fully registered to you.
5) For all users of MEALTIME MELEE that register BEFORE
my next door is released, you will have the opportunity
to register the new door for only $5. If you register
register after, you will be able to register for only $10.
6) My deepest gratitude.
Along with your payment, please send the following Form:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
STEW OSWALD MEALTIME MELEE
Attn: MEALTIME MELEE REGISTRATION FORM
2210 Huckleberry
Pasadena, Texas 77502
Name:______________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________
BBS Name:__________________________________________________
BBS Number:________________________________________________
BBS Type (WC, PCB, TAG, etc.):_____________________________
Version Registering: (1.0-?):______________________________
Registration Name:_________________________________________
(this is the name that you would like to register the game
as, it must appear exactly as you wish it to when you get
you code including all spaces and upper and lower case chars
if you wish to use them. NO COMMAS!!!)
Do you want me to post your Registration number in a private
message to you on your BBS? _______________________
If so, what is the Name and Password for me to get on with:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Make checks payable to: STEW OSWALD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for registering...
If you have any problems installing the game, encounter any errors
along the way, or want to suggest a future option, I can be reached on USER
FRIENDLY BBS (713) 580-1301 or voiced at (713) 440-STEW.
-Stew Oswald
MEALTIME MELEE author