RISC DISC 2/RISC_DISC_2.iso/pd_share/mags/spectrum/spectrum2/!Spectrum2/Articles/Regulars/Comms

Text File | 1994-09-11 | 4.3 KB | 95 lines

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Comms on the cheap
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  With communications as the buzz world throughout the world, you may
want to know how to connect to the InterNet, and join the electronic
revolution.  Fear no longer, as Sounds Riscy introduce their
definitive guide to comms (with as little technical jitter as possible).

  Basics: Get a computer, anything from a BBC B to the Risc PC with a
serial port (also called RS232).  All Acorn machines have these
anyway, apart from some A3000s (if you own one of these and it has a
"serial upgrade not fitted" sticker on the back, then you will need
such an upgrade, which will set you back about twenty quid).

  Hardware: Get a modem; easier done than said.  You will need an
external modem (in a box basically).  There are hundreds of people
wanting to flog off their old 2400baud (don't panic just yet) modems.
Ian got his for 20 quid (off Tom Cooper!); just keep your eyes open.
If you want a better quality modem, then new prices start at around
100 pounds, and go through the roof thereafter.  Remember, you don't
have to buy an Acorn specific model, as all EXTERNAL modems should
work on any type of computer (so check out those PC mags for external
modems).  You will need a new lead to connect the two (unless it is a
nine pin pocket modem which can be plugged straight into the serial
port).  See you local Acorn dealer for this lead, which will cost no
more than 10 pounds.

  Software: Now you have the hardware connected to your machine, you
will need some terminal emulation software.  There are a few
commercial packages (Arcterm, Hearsay), but for starters we recommend
a shareware package called "ZAnsi", which is probably available from
your usually PD supplier (if not, send me a disc and SAE for it).
Your software package will allow you to set up such variables as your
modem speed (measured in baud), terminal type/setup, telephone
number, upload/download protocol etc:-

Speed - The rate at which the modem can send or receive data in baud.
See your modem's manual (although the speed is usually part of the
name).  Certain speeds have been given names such as V32, V42bis;
ignore these.

Terminal - The software will display colour text and symbols, and you
will be able to set up the way it does this.  Each type has a
different name.  The most common is called 8N1.  This stands for 8
data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.  The first number is for the data,
the second letter is the parity type, and the third is for stop bits.
Most bulletin boards are 8N1, although Viewdata uses 7E1 (7 data,
even parity, 1 stop).

Telephone numbers - Each bulletin board or file server that you ring
will probably have a dedicated line(s) to that service.  To get in
contact simply dial the number (using this option) and the hardware
will sort out the connection speeds etc.

Upload/Downloading - To transfer files of any sort, a protocol is
used.  This dictates how the data is sent.  You need not worry how
this works, but must make sure that both ends are using the same
method.  Uploading is where you send data to the other end, and
downloading is where you get data from the remote site.  Examples of
protocols are XModem, XModem-1K, Kermit, Hydra, YModem and
ZModem.  We recommend using ZModem, as it automatically
detects when up/downloading, handles errors very well, allows a
number of files to be sent at once, and is faster than all the
others.  The others can be used on a dodgy telephone line (slower) or
for one file at a time transfer (YModem does allow more than one
though).

Some numbers to try:

Arcade BBS, 24 Chaffinch Avenue, Croydon, Surrey CR0 7SE
[phone] and 6554412 at speeds up to 14400baud

Comments: This is the #1 BBS (bulletin board system) for Acorn users.
It has large file bases, and allows electronic mail to be sent via
the InterNet (currently free).

Sound and Vision BBS [phone]  (6 lines)

Comments: A PC board, but has one of the biggest collections of
pictures and soundtracker files.  A limited service is available
free, and subscription is fairly cheap (£10/year) which gives full
access including your own InterNet Email address.

The World of Cryton (0458) 47608
Digital Databank [phone]
Plasma Sphere [phone]
DArcWorld [phone]

  If you have any problems then do get in touch, preferably mailing
me on Arcade: #243 or Email: [e-mail].

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