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1992-01-03
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RACALL v1.40 Copyright 1990-1991 Kent W. Timm
Introduction
------------
RACALL creates BBS statistics bulletins for RemoteAccess.
It has been tested on RA v1.10+. The version of RACALL in this
package is v1.40, it has limited (no ANSI) output until registered.
But NO stats functions are removed nor crippled, there are all
there, but not in color until registerd. There are a couple of
"bonus" features when registered, but they are not directly part
of the statistics making process.
You are required to Register RACALL after a 21 trial, otherwise,
RACALL will start complaining, making noise, and display a trial
use over message in the bulletins after 21 days.
Why did I write RaCall?
-----------------------
That goes back to the QBBS days, I couldn't find a good statistics
program for QBBS, so I made QCall. It started as such a tiny
thing (under 10K of code), that I kept adding things. When I
switched to RA, I rebuilt QCall and created RaCall. Take a
look at the history the end of the docs for all the things
added over the past year or so.
Both RaCall and QCall were never planned to be available
to the public. But I decided maybe somebody else might like
it too. Since them I've added many things to RaCall to be
able to handle most any RA system. Many of these features I
have no use for myself! Most of these added goodies were
suggested to me, and within a week or so added. The "Rename
Log" feature was added within 12 hours of being suggested to
me! I've killed bugs with 1 hour a couple times! Of course I
can't be that fast all the time, but when something needs
fixxing, I do it as fast as possible.
Legal
-----
Boring, but needed:
You MUST Register RACALL if you use it beyond the 21 day trial.
If you do not Register after 21 days, you are required to stop
using RaCall in any way.
RaCall is made available "as-is" and come with no warranty of any
kind, no responsibility or liability is taken for RACALL's use or
it's actions.
(they should make a rubber stamp for docs saying that..:-)
You MUST Register RaCall if you use it beyond the 21
day trial. If you do not Register after 21 days, you are
required to stop using RaCall in any way.
As soon as the Registered RACALL is in place, it will
stop beeping when running, and make ANSI color versions of all
RaCall's bulletins.
RaCall is released compress with ARJ 2.21, please
do not re-compress this package with any other packer, nor
add extra files or comments to the package or text files.
I find BBS ads in compressed files to be very annoying, a waste
of space (and LD DL time and $) and just plain tacky..
** RACALL is NOT to be placed on any Media for sale,
including, but not limited to CD-ROMs, tape drive, or disk by
software distribution services/companies or anyone else
without written permission and license from the author.
No fee may be charged for RACALL in any way, except by the
author, Kent W. Timm.
REGISTERING RACALL
------------------
To Register RACALL, simply send your request form in
along with $10* to register it. You will be sent a PassKey
to be put in Racall.cfg. Once the PassKey is in place RaCall
will start making ANSI files and go beyond the 21 day trial.
(* see order form for full details)
I don't think $10 is much to ask for considering the countless
hours I've spent fine tuning this program. I've added MANY
features I personally have no use for, to make it fit just about
any setup.
(and I got to pay for getting the [bleep] hard drive replaced)
To fill-out and print a registeration form run: RACALL /FORM,
or use ORDER.FRM included in this package.
Please use the /FORM option in RaCall if you can, that way it
will read the BBS Name and SysOp Name directly from the Config.Ra
preventing spelling/case errors.
Send your request to Register to:
Kent TIMM
907-1790 Eglinton Av. East
Toronto, Ontario
M4A 2T3
Please use a *POSTAL MONEY ORDER*. I can't accept checks since
the bank charges would be more then the $10! Money orders should be
drafted in Canadian dollars. Money Orders can be obtained from
*any* post office. (please, NO BANK MONEY ORDERS! the service charges
are more then the registering cost to cash).
Outside of Canada or the USA send CASH ONLY, REGISTERED-MAIL is
highly recommended! (at the very least use an envelope nobody
can see through)
Either U.S. or Canadian funds will be fine, whatever is easier
for you to get in your area.
USING RACALL
------------
RACALL is designed to run as a event at any time.
It will look through the either OPUS or FD format RA.LOG and
compile the information found there. It will then write to files
to disk that contain the following information:
General Call Statistics.
Problem Call Statistics.
Message Statistics.
Conference Statistics. (message count entered in each area)
File Statistics (UL/DL)
Protocol Statistics.(count each UL/DL protocol that was used)
Percentages shown for several stats.
Who Called yesterday (during the last RA.LOG)
Top Callers+
Top Message Posters+
Top UpLoaders+
Top DownLoaders+
+ Top Users configured by sysop, (Top Ten, Fifteen, etc...)
For a sample Bulletins see the files:
DAILY.ASC/ANS Daily and System-to-Date
WHO.ASC/ANS Who Called Yesterday
TOPUSERS.ASC/ANS Top Ten Callers/Posters/ULers/DLers
RaCall.CFG
----------
RACALL needs a configuration file, this is called RACALL.CFG
Starting with v1.10, RaCall has it's own built in
configuration program! Run: RACALL /c
The /c MUST be lower case. The configuration menu simple and
straight forward. Be sure to enter Upper Case letters for
commands. eg.: Y not y
Do NOT edit RaCall.Cfg with anything but the built in config
program! (RACALL /c)
RACALL.CFG MUST have the following in the exact order shown
here. There is a sample RACALL.CFG enclosed with this
package.
The BBS name, SysOp name, path to Users.bbs, password tries,
exclude SysOp from lists are all read directly from the Config.Ra
file that is found by the SET RA=. Message areas are all found
this way, saves a lot of set-up time and problems.
While RA.LOG or whatever you named your log is found in
Config.Ra, if no path is set in Config.Ra it *must* be in RaCall.Cfg.
If you have the full path to Ra.Log in Config.Ra make sure the
path in RaCall.Cfg is empty.
Display mode (3 in /c) is how the message areas will be listed.
1 = Full area name, one area per line
2 = Almost full area name, two per line (best bet)
3 = Short area name, 3 per line (area names should be short)
4 = n/a
5 = area numbers only, five per line (as in older versions)
Display mode (H in /c) is the non-color bulletins.
0 = 8th bit use (as in older versions)
1 = 7bit only, stars (*) and dashes (-) replace codes 176 & 205
2 = neither 176/205 or star and dashes are used in header/frames.
Your board's name will only be displayed when using the
Registered version.
"TOP x" is for the top users lists, x being how many top users
(eg: top 10, 20...)
You can select to use either USERS.BBS or the logs for the Top Users
lists. USERS.BBS will give lists from a total in it, while using
the log you can Reset TopUsers. Good for once a month/year
Top User list, however you can use both.
If you use USERS.BBS the data file RaCall.USR is not required.
The sorting process for the Top User list is a bit slow, but
works quite well, but if you want to disable this function
simply set the Output Path/filename for either of the two
Top User bulletins to 0 length.
(ie: what's in between the quotes> "")
BOTH regular and ANSI path/filename MUST be set to enable this
feature!
PassKey
-------
The PassKey enables the Registered RACALL. When you
register you are sent a PassKey. Put it in the RACALL.CFG
file as shown above, once in place RACALL switches into
Registered mode. It will then make ANSI files, and run past
the 21 day trial. NOTE: If you change your BBS's name you
must get a new pass key to match the new name! There is a
small charge to have a new PassKey made. (see order form)
Starting with v1.20, RaCall uses two PassKeys now.
** RACALL.CFG Must be in the default directory!
RACALL will also create a file call RACALL.DAT. This file
store the information the RACALL uses and update daily to
create the system to date bulletin. Just leave this file
alone! RACALL knows what to do with it! Any changes to this
file will cause RACALL to abort or cause errors. Also, RACALL
makes some changes to RACALL.CFG. So don't worry about
seeing a new date/time on the file, it's just RaCall doing
it's job.
Also, RACALL.USR is the data base for the Top Callers.
to start, it MUST be one line with only a "0" (no quotes).
After the first run RACALL will use it and update it as needed.
RACALL.USR is included in this package.
********** DO NOT EDIT THIS FILE IN ANY WAY **********
Be sure to remove, rename, or otherwise have in NEW
RA.LOG created daily (after EVERY run), otherwise RACALL
will RE-READ the log and artificially increase the statistics
of your board. So, in your batch file have it get the old
RA.LOG out of the way so that RACALL won't go over the old
one again!
Using the /r switch will do this for you! After compiling
the log, the log will be ReName to he LAST DATE in the log.
Then a NEW RA.LOG will be made in the same format as the log just
processed. This new log will have a Date Marker that will help
keeps dates in order. NOTE: The PATH for the renamed log must
be on the same drive!
You can also create a new log with the Date Marker manually.
/1OPUS will make a OPUS log with Date Marker.
/1FD will make a FrontDoor log with Date Marker.
These are best for when you first set up RaCall.
* Warning: using either will kill/over-write Ra.Log if it's still
there, it best to use the /r to rename instead since it get the
old log out of the way and starts the new log.
RACALL is designed to run once a day, this is so the log
dates do not overlap. If you run RACALL at another time, it
will count each date change, it will see two logs with the
same dates, one from the 24 hours just ending, and the same
date again at the beginning of the next log if would read the
next day.
***** A new log MUST be started after every RACALL run. *****
Exception File:
===============
This allows you to exclude shells (type 7) and exits (type 15)
from being included in door access count. This is mainly for
Chat, external file, and other "doors" that you don't want RaCall to
count as doors. This must be turn on in RACALL /c.
RACALL.EXP can list up to 10 errorlevels or shell command lines.
Command line do not need to be the full command line used, but just
enought to be different then any other. CASE (CAPS/lowers) MUST
match the menu command line, the line in RACALL.EXP must be the same
in the menu, but does not have to be the full command line.
c:\command.com /c program.exe <<-in the menu
c:\command.com /c prog <<-in RACALL.EXP would be a match
since the menus line matches the exception line up the the end of
the exception line.
Errorlevel exit: Just put the errorlevel on the line, NO spaces
before or after.
RACALL.EXP must be in place if the option <I> is on in RACALL /c
RACALL.EXP is not required if the exception option is not used.
File Area
=========
If FEBBS (v1.90 tested) log entries are found in the log RaCall
is processing, it with use the amounts for in there for the
Total and number of New files online, and well as the
MByte (for Total), and KByte (for New files).
COMMAND LINE OPTIONS:
=====================
/c Configure RACALL. No stats will be compiled.
/r Rename log to LAST date in log after processing.
eg: RA.LOG becomes Oct05-90.LOG if October
5, 1990 was that last date in log.
This also make a new Ra.Log in the same format as just
compiled with a Date Marker.
* If the program is ran a second time during a day
(log ending with same date) Oct05-90.LOG would be
Oct05a90.LOG.
/1OPUS Starts a new OPUS style log with Date Marker.
/1FD Starts a new FrontDoor style log with Date Marker.
/RTOP Reset TOP USERS list. No stats will be compiled.
This could be a once a month event.
[Registered Version ONLY!]
/RDAT Reset STATISTIC DATA. All old stats info is killed.
No stats will be compiled.
This could be a once a month event.
[Registered Version ONLY!]
/F.... RACALL /Ffd.log NEWU
will take the FrontDoor style log found in FD.LOG
and append it to the RA.LOG defined in RaCall.CFG,
NEWU is placed as the program name as RA01 is for node 1.
^^^^-Can be anything as long as it is 4 letters/numbers
and does NOT start with RA or XRS. Run after door that
makes FrontDoor style logs. Kills FD.LOG after converting.
(For batch File/type 15 menu)
[Register Version ONLY!]
/S.... RACALL.EXE /Sfd.log NEWU CALLBACK.EXE
Same as /F, but you call RACALL from type 7 menu option.
CALLBACK.EXE is the name of the program RaCall is to
shell to and run, after the program is done RaCall
converts the FD.LOG and exits back to the BBS.
(For shell/type 7 menu option)
[Registered Version ONLY!]
/FORM Fill out and print registeration form.
***** NOTE: Only ONE command line option can be used at a time!
The EXACT case must be matched, /R is not /r
Multi-Node Systems
==================
For Multi-Node systems you must keep a separate set of
RaCall.DAT, CFG, and USR files in each directory for each line.
RaCall itself is best put in the System directory. It should
be setup something like this in your batch file:
cd\RA\LINE1
rem Load RaCall from System dir using files in \ra\line1
C:\RA\RACALL
cd\RA\LINE2
rem Load RaCall from System dir using files in \ra\line2
C:\RA\RACALL
Be sure the output paths for the display files are not the same,
or the stats for line1 with be wrote over but the stats for line2.
** RaCall needs only be registered once per board unless a
different name is to be used on different lines. As many
nodes can use the same PassKey as long as they are all the
exact same name running on one machine.
** More then one machine or bbs name are to be registered
separately.
Notes:
------
** ALT in the "Who Called" bulletin is when a caller is logged
off by Sysop with ALT-H or ALT-L.
** Log speeds over 2400bps handled, but only displayed if found
so 2400 system don't have to look at empty stats for 4800 to 38Kbps!
** RACALL comes with no warranty of any kind, no responsibility
or liability is taken for RACALL's use or it actions.
** RACALL has been tested on RemoteAccess v1.10+ and works fine it.
** RACALL does NOT write to any RemoteAccess files, except the
Ra.Log in some cases, otherwise it only writes to it's own
support files and the text/ANSI output files.
** RACALL may not work with older versions of RA!
(but who would want to run an old version??:-)
** Two options for converting FrontDoor style logs made by doors
to OPUS format!
** Opus or FrontDoor style log are handled automaticly.
** FileDoor (QBBS style) UL/DL log entries supported.
** XRS (v2.00) and MkXRS (v1.03) log entries supported.
** XRS name is used by permission of Mike Ratledge (1:1/112)
** New versions will come out as RA (and XRS) itself advances
(and for bug fixes).
Any questions can be addressed to:
Kent Timm
The Holo-Deck 1:250/728 [FIDO-Net]
Please Note: At this time there is no phone number for my system,
please route NetMail to my thru 1:250/701.
You can put this in you control files to handle the routing.
Eg: Binkley/oMMM route : StuffCM 1:250/701 1:250/728
FrontDoor Route.ctl: route 1:250/701 1:250/728
or at the mailing address. Registered and Registering users
will get the fastest answers.
Versions:
=========
v0.00 -First draft, converted from QCall v2.65
v1.00 -Official release of RaCall.
-Log speeds above 2400 bps handled, (only displayed
if found.)
v1.10 -Fixes the Dropped Carrier listing if user left a
leaves message from a menu with /L option.
-Built in configuring program added [RACALL /c]
-DOCs get a facelift.
-Rename log option added.
-Reset TOP USERS and DATA command line options added.
-Reformat FrontDoor style logs from doors to OPUS style
logs.
v1.20 -Frontdoor logs now handled automaticly.
-Improved date check with date markers at beginning of log.
-Create new log with date marker commandline when not
using /r switch. /r creates a date marker after renaming
the old log.
-FileDoor Upload/Download added.
-Message area name can now be displayed instead of just
the area number.
-8th bit character can be switch off in ASCII (non-color)
bulletins.
-New Style RaCall.CFG file. Never edit it without using
RaCall's config option. (RACALL /c)
-Top Users lists from either logs or Users.Bbs.
-Door exceptions: Skip shells/exits of non-doors.
v1.22 -Small bug fix. No other changes.
v1.30 -XRS and MkXRS support added.
-Top Users lists can be disabled
-Mixxed logs supported. Sometimes FD logs get in with
OPUS and RACall locks in FD, it will now switch back to
OPUS the next time an OPUS entry is found.
v1.31 -Use percentage per day fixxed.
v1.32 -Path problems for non-MultiLine systems fixxed.
v1.33 -XRS support updated for XRDOR v1.44
v1.35 -A couple of bugs fixxed.
-ANSI bulletin colors changed slightly.
-Built-in order form fixxed (/FORM)
-XRS local SysOp exports are now counted as mail
bags IF SysOp is to be displayed in RA user lists.
v1.37 -Fast update for changes in RA 1.10's logs.
-Screen clear codes added to ANSI bulletins.
(Suggested by Registered user Robert Dykes)
v1.40 -Big bug in message area posting count display fixxed.
-MkQWK v1.01 support added.
-FEBBS v1.90 supported for Total/New files available.
Other Programs to look for:
(subject to change without notice)
===========================
HoloDoor:Use to filter AVATAR bit for DORINFO1.DEF. Some doors go
crazy if they read the AVATAR bit in DORINFO1.DEF.
It can also force door in ASCII only or ANSI only. Also
selectable to set DORINFO1.DEF to ANSI or ASCII from AVATAR.
## Current filename: HOLODOR1.LZH
XRSwap: Use with XRSDoor to let special users use their own ORIGIN.XRS
and make others use the forced XORIGIN.XRS Works by user
name
or security level.
## Current filename: XRSWAP1.LZH
======SAMPLE ORDER FORM=====
NOTE: Run RACALL /FORM and answer the questions asked, then RaCall will
print out a form (and info) for you! Or print of this file and PRINT CLEARLY!
010392 RaCall v1.40(C) ORDER FORM Rcvd:___________
S/O:____________
Name:___________________________________ UDP:[]__________
Key:____________
Address:____________________________________________
Apartment:____________
City:___________________________________State/Prov:________________
Country:________________________________ZIP/Postal Code:___________
BBS's NAME:_______________________________________
* EXACT SPELLING/case as in CONFIG.RA *
SYSOP NAME:________________________________________
* EXACT SPELLING/case as in CONFIG.RA *
BBS's PHONE: (______) ______-________ FIDO-Net: __:_____/_____.___
VOICE PHONE: (______) ______-________
Baud Rate:______________________________
Hours:__________________________________
Check as Required:
[] RaCall v1.40 $10.00
[] NEW Passkey ONLY+: $2.00 (Canada)
[] NEW Passkey ONLY+: $3.00 (USA/Foreign)
+ Must already be registered to get new passkey!
POSTAL MONEY ORDERS ONLY!! CANADIAN FUNDS, THANK YOU!
************************** *************** **********
OUTSIDE CANADA or USA pay by CASH ONLY!
Prices are Dollars. Cash use USA or Canadian funds.
Registered Mail is highly recommended for cash!
COMMENTS:___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
*****> TERMS:
*****> NO REFUNDS! RaCall comes "AS-IS", with no warrantee.
*****> The RaCall PassKey you receive is NOT to be made available
to others, to do so would violate federal and international
Copyright laws.
*****> NO responsibility is taken for lost or damaged data, or
*****> equipment as a result of using RaCall, or any of it's support
*****> files, data, text, or any other item related to RaCall.
*****> I understand and agree to the above terms for registering RaCall,
*****> ________________________________________
*****> ** Signature required **
Kent Timm
907-1790 Eglinton Av. East
Toronto, Ontario
M4A 2T3