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- MyComm Version 1.22
- Copyright (c) 1992 - Ken Dorshimer
- All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- MyComm is NOT Public Domain or free software. The MyComm
- software, support files, and documentation are Copyright (c) 1992
- Ken Dorshimer, all rights reserved. You may use MyComm for a 30
- day evaluation period to determine its usefulness in your
- particular application. After the 30 day evaluation period you
- must register MyComm.
-
- MyComm is being marketed under the Shareware concept. If you
- find MyComm useful and continue to use MyComm after a 30 day
- evaluation period, you must register it. Registration is as
- follows: $25 (twenty five U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank),
- plus $1 shipping and handling sent to:
-
- Ken Dorshimer
- P.O. Box 193101
- San Francisco, Ca. 94119-3101
-
- (Please send check or money order, do not send cash. People
- who want to order MyComm from outside the U.S. should obtain a
- money order in U.S. dollars from a local bank.)
-
- Please note: I am NOT able to process Visa or Mastercard orders
- at this time (several folks asked me about this).
-
- For your convenience there is a file called ORDER.FRM which is
- an order form for MyComm. The same document is also included in
- Appendix E of this document.
-
- MyComm represents many, many hours of work on my part in
- research, design, coding, testing, and writing the documentation.
- Writing a piece of software like MyComm is not trivial. Your
- registration not only gives me the incentive to continue
- producing and upgrading shareware products like this one, but it
- is the right thing to do.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 Order Form
- Copyright (c) 1992, Ken Dorshimer
- All Rights Reserved
-
- Mail to:
- Ken Dorshimer
- P.O. Box 193101
- San Francisco, Ca. 94119-3101
-
-
- Your Name: _________________________________________________
-
- Address: _________________________________________________
-
- _________________________________________________
-
- City: _________________________________________________
-
-
- State: _________ Zip Code: _________________________
-
-
- Disk Format: 5.25" floppy____ OR 3.5" semi-floppy____
-
-
- Number of Copies of MyComm _______ X $25.00 = __________
-
- Number of Copies of MyComm _______ X $1 S&H = __________
-
- Total: __________
-
-
- Please make check or Money Order out to Ken Dorshimer, and send
- payment to the address above (mine not yours).
-
- Funds should be in U.S dollars, and drawn on a U.S. bank.
-
- (Please send check or money order, do not send cash. People who
- want to order MyComm from outside the U.S. should obtain a money
- order in U.S. dollars from a local bank.)
-
- Please note: I am NOT able to process Visa or Mastercard orders
- at this time (several folks asked me about this).
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 1.0 Introduction to MyComm 1
- 1.1 MyComm Registration 2
- 1.2 Disclaimer and Warranty 4
- 1.3 Definitions, Acronyms 5
- 1.4 General System Requirements 6
- 1.5 MyComm Files 6
- 2.0 MyComm Installation 7
- 2.1 System Requirements 7
- 2.2 MyComm General Installation Instructions 8
- 2.3 Running MyComm 9
- 3.0 MyComm Screens and Menus 10
- 3.1 Terminal Screen 10
- 3.2 Help Menu - F1 11
- 3.3 Chat Mode - Alt A 11
- 3.4 Send Break - Alt B 12
- 3.5 Clear the Screen - Alt C 12
- 3.6 Dialing Functions - Alt D 12
- 3.6.1 Add Phone List Item 13
- 3.6.2 Edit Phone List Item Screen 13
- 3.6.2.1 Name 13
- 3.6.2.2 Number 14
- 3.6.2.3 Baud Rate 14
- 3.6.2.4 Data Bits 14
- 3.6.2.5 Data Parity 14
- 3.6.2.6 Stop Bits 14
- 3.6.2.7 Default Protocol 15
- 3.6.2.8 Dial Prefix 15
- 3.6.2.9 Logon Name 15
- 3.6.2.10 Password 15
- 3.6.2.11 Terminal Type 16
- 3.6.2.12 Local Echo 16
- 3.6.2.13 Received BS (BackSpace) Destructive 16
- 3.6.2.14 BS Key Sends BS or DELete 16
- 3.6.2.15 Strip Hi Bits 17
- 3.6.2.16 Add LF after incoming CR 17
- 3.6.2.17 Clear last date called 17
- 3.6.2.18 Save Changes 17
- 3.6.3 Delete an Item 17
- 3.6.4 Call Numbers (Dial) 18
- 3.6.5 Phone Item Info Screen 19
- 3.6.6 Manual Dial Screen 19
- 3.6.7 Mark Phone List Items 20
- 3.6.8 Find Phone List Items 20
- 3.6.9 Load Phone List Screen 20
- 3.6.10 Sort Phone List 20
- 3.6.11 Move Phone List Item 21
- 3.6.12 Print Phone List 21
- 3.7 Local Echo On/Off - Alt E 21
- 3.8 Hang Up Modem - Alt H 22
- 3.9 Send Modem Initialization Strings - Alt I 22
- 3.10 Present Line Status - Alt L 23
- 3.11 Scroll Back - Alt K 23
- 3.12 Manual Dial - Alt M 24
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- 3.13 Outside to DOS - Alt O 24
- 3.14 Change Port Parameters - Alt P 25
- 3.15 Quick Re-Dial - Alt Q 25
- 3.16 Run External Program - Alt R 26
- 3.17 Session Capture On/Off/Pause - Alt S 26
- 3.18 Update Configuration - Alt U 27
- 3.18.1 Modem Setup Screen 28
- 3.18.1.1 COM Port 29
- 3.18.1.2 Modem Initialization String 29
- 3.18.1.3 Modem Attention String 29
- 3.18.1.4 Modem Hang Up String 30
- 3.18.1.5 Modem Answer String 30
- 3.18.1.6 Modem Cancel Dial String 30
- 3.18.1.7 Modem Dial Suffix String 30
- 3.18.1.8 Dialing Wait Time 30
- 3.18.1.9 Pause Between Calls 31
- 3.18.1.10 Local Echo on by Default 31
- 3.18.1.11 Use DTR to Hang Up Modem 31
- 3.18.1.12 Use XON/XOFF Flow Control 31
- 3.18.1.13 Use CTS/RTS Flow Control 32
- 3.18.1.14 Use DSR/DTR Flow Control 32
- 3.18.1.15 Dialing Prefixes 32
- 3.18.2 Paths Setup 33
- 3.18.2.1 Download Directory 33
- 3.18.2.2 Upload Directory 33
- 3.18.2.3 Path\File for Screen Capture 33
- 3.18.2.4 Path\File for Session Capture 33
- 3.18.2.5 Path\File for Phone File 34
- 3.18.2.6 Path\Filename of Editor 34
- 3.18.2.7 Path\Filename of External Programs 34
- 3.18.3 Protocols Setup 34
- 3.18.3.1 ASCII Transfers Setup 35
- 3.18.3.1.1 Strip High Bits 35
- 3.18.3.1.2 Remote Abort Char 36
- 3.18.3.1.3 CR Translation 36
- 3.18.3.1.4 LF Translation 36
- 3.18.3.1.5 Local Echo On During Uploads 36
- 3.18.3.1.6 Expand Blank Lines to Spaces 36
- 3.18.3.1.7 Line Pace Time 36
- 3.18.3.1.8 Character Pace Time 37
- 3.18.3.1.9 Pacing Char 37
- 3.18.3.2 Zmodem Transfers Setup 37
- 3.18.3.2.1 Zmodem 32 Bit CRC 37
- 3.18.3.2.2 Zmodem Auto Download Feature 37
- 3.18.3.2.3 Zmodem Send Crash Recovery 38
- 3.18.3.2.4 Zmodem Receive Crash Recovery 38
- 3.18.3.3 External Protocols Setup 39
- 3.18.4 Miscellaneous Options Setup 40
- 3.18.4.1 Screen Background Color 40
- 3.18.4.2 Screen Text Color 41
- 3.18.4.3 Date Format Style 41
- 3.18.4.4 12 or 24 Hour Time Format 41
- 3.18.4.5 Make Noise When Calls Connect 41
- 3.18.4.6 Make Noise After File Transfers 41
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- 3.18.4.7 Use Direct Video 41
- 3.18.4.8 Your Name for sign ons 42
- 3.18.4.9 Password for sign ons 42
- 3.18.4.10 Clever quip for TagLine 42
- 3.18.4.11 Guess Up/Download Filename 43
- 3.18.5 Save Setup 43
- 3.19 Send Screen to File - Alt W 43
- 3.20 Exit MyComm - Alt X 43
- 3.21 Send Name - F2 43
- 3.22 Send Password - F3 44
- 3.23 Send Tagline - F4 44
- 3.24 Transferring Files 45
- 3.24.1 Starting a File Transfer 46
- 3.24.2 File Transfer Hints 49
- 3.24.3 Download Files - PgDn 49
- 3.24.4 UpLoad Files - PgUp 49
- 3.24.5 ASCII File Transfers 50
- 3.24.6 SEAlink Derived File Transfers 50
- 3.24.7 Xmodem File Transfers 50
- 3.24.8 1K-Xmodem File Transfers 51
- 3.24.9 Ymodem Batch File Transfers 51
- 3.24.10 Zmodem File Transfers 51
- 3.24.11 External Protocol File Transfers 52
- 3.24.12 MyComm as a Host 52
- Appendix A MyComm Line Editing Functions 54
- Appendix B Troubleshooting 55
- Appendix C MyComm Command Summary 58
- Appendix D Planned Modifications and Upgrades 59
- Appendix E MyComm Order Form 60
- Appendix F MyComm Bug Report Form 61
- Appendix G MyComm Revision History 62
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- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 1
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 1.0 Introduction to MyComm
-
- MyComm is a small, yet powerful, telecommunications program
- designed primarily to enable the user to call public bulletin
- board systems (BBS). MyComm is designed to run under the PC/MS-
- DOS operating system using DOS version 3.3 or greater. MyComm
- has a variety of built in file transfer protocols including
- Zmodem, Xmodem, Xmodem-1K, Ymodem Batch, Ymodem Batch 1K option,
- SEAlink, and of course ASCII. There are also slots to include up
- to six external file transfer protocols.
-
- The main principle behind MyComm is to provide a reliable,
- powerful, and versatile communications package which is easy to
- use, and small in size. Great care has been taken to "optimize"
- MyComm for operating speed and to keep the size small so that it
- takes up less of your valuable disk space. MyComm is designed to
- be easy to use for novice and experienced users alike, and
- employs a menu system that is friendly and simple to navigate
- through.
-
- MyComm features include:
-
- ■ A full featured communications package which is small in
- size
-
- ■ Wide variety of popular file transfer protocols
-
- ■ Small code size which will run in less than 210K of RAM
-
- ■ Intelligent ANSI character translation which filters out
- potentially harmful ANSI keyboard re-mapping sequences
-
- ■ Smart DOS shell function that brings you back to the
- directory and disk drive that you started in when you return
- to MyComm
-
- ■ Locates program and configuration files no matter what
- directory MyComm is started from (DOS 3.0 or greater)
-
- ■ Simple, and easy to use. Some may even call it "fun"
-
- MyComm is NOT Public Domain or free software. The MyComm
- software, support files, and documentation are Copyright (c) 1992
- Ken Dorshimer, all rights reserved. You may use MyComm for a 30
- day evaluation period to determine its usefulness in your
- particular application. After the 30 day evaluation period you
- must register MyComm. For registration information see section
- 1.1 "MyComm Registration" below.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 2
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 1.1 MyComm Registration
-
- MyComm is NOT Public Domain or free software. The MyComm
- software, support files, and documentation are Copyright (c) 1992
- Ken Dorshimer, all rights reserved. You may use MyComm for a 30
- day evaluation period to determine its usefulness in your
- particular application. After the 30 day evaluation period you
- must register MyComm. MyComm is being marketed under the
- Shareware concept. If you find MyComm useful and continue to use
- MyComm after a 30 day evaluation period, you must register it.
- Registration is as follows: $25 (twenty five U.S. dollars drawn
- on a U.S. bank), plus $1 shipping and handling sent to:
-
- Ken Dorshimer
- P.O. Box 193101
- San Francisco, Ca. 94119-3101
-
- (please send check or money order, do not send cash)
-
- For your convenience there is a file called ORDER.FRM which is
- an order form for MyComm. The same document is also included in
- Appendix E of this document.
-
- MyComm represents many, many hours of work on my part in
- research, design, coding, testing, and writing the documentation.
- Writing a piece of software like MyComm is not trivial. Your
- registration not only gives me the incentive to continue
- producing and upgrading nifty shareware products like this one,
- but it is the right thing to do.
-
- Let's face it. $25 is not a lot to spend on a program that
- does everything MyComm does. Comparable communications packages
- are generally much more expensive. The Shareware market is an
- "all risk" endeavor for the author, while the user has everything
- to gain. Your registration and support tells me that MyComm was
- worth creating, and that people like it. I like to know that
- people appreciate the effort I put into a project, don't we all?
- Enjoy using the MyComm software, and I look forward to hearing
- from you.
-
- When you register MyComm I will send you the most recent
- version of MyComm and its documentation on disk (standard 3.5" or
- 5.25" floppy disk, 3.5" preferred). To keep my costs down, and
- the cost of the software reasonable, I am not offering a printed
- manual at this time. Registered versions will also have their
- own serial number. Registered users will also be offered a
- discount on future upgrades.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 3
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- Multiple registrations to the same individual or site will be
- discounted as follows:
-
- 1 to 5 copies - no discount
- 6 to 10 copies - 5% discount
- 11 to 25 copies - 10% discount
- 26 to 50 copies - 20% discount
- 51 to 100 copies - 30% discount
- over 100 copies - inquire for quote
-
- Inquiries for site licenses or multiple registrations of MyComm
- should be directed to the above address.
-
- There is no phone or BBS support for MyComm at this time. I
- may consider phone and/or BBS support dependent upon the number
- of registrations of MyComm.
- Registered users will be granted license to use MyComm Version
- 1.22 as they deem fit and within the law. The registered version
- of MyComm may be duplicated for backup purposes only. MyComm is
- not to be used on more than one computer at a time. Feel free to
- contact me regarding multiple registrations and site licenses.
-
- All users are granted a limited license to make copies of the
- unregistered version of MyComm for the purpose of allowing others
- to try it out, and the unregistered version may also be uploaded
- to public bulletin board systems subject to the above
- restrictions as well as the following:
-
- ■ MyComm must be distributed in completely unmodified
- form, including all support files and documentation.
-
- ■ MyComm may not be included with any other product for
- any reason without a licence from the author, Ken
- Dorshimer.
-
- ■ No charge or payment may be levied or accepted for the
- MyComm software except by the author, Ken Dorshimer.
-
- MyComm may not be sold or distributed to a third party (this
- includes copying services and shareware distribution outlets
- which distribute software for a copying fee) without the
- expressed written permission of the author, Ken Dorshimer.
- Shareware distribution services and bulletin boards which charge
- a fee for software distribution should contact me for written
- permission to distribute MyComm.
-
- The MyComm executable file(s) and documentation, both the
- "registered" and "unregistered" versions are copyrighted material
- and may not be modified or reverse engineered in any manner.
- This also means that MyComm may not be "hacked" in any manner
- what-so-ever. If you require modified or customized versions of
- MyComm for whatever reason please contact the author at the
- address above.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 4
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 1.2 Disclaimer and Warranty
-
- Disclaimer and Warranty
-
- THIS SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS". THE
- AUTHOR, KEN DORSHIMER, MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
- EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED
- WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
- OR THE SOFTWARE'S USEFULNESS IN A PARTICULAR APPLICATION. IN NO
- EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR, KEN DORSHIMER, BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES
- (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS OR PERSONAL PROFITS,
- BUSINESS OR PERSONAL INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR PERSONAL
- INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF
- OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR, KEN
- DORSHIMER, HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
- THE USER ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THE PROPER
- USE OF THE MYCOMM SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION.
-
- <Whew>, glad the legal stuff is out of the way. If I hadn't
- included that my attorney would have me drawn and quartered.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 5
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 1.3 Definitions, Acronyms, Acknowledgements, and Abbreviations
-
- ■ BBS - Bulletin Board System
-
- ■ IBM - Trademark, International Business Machines
-
- ■ Hayes - Hayes (trademark) compatible modems have
- become the defacto standard in modem
- communications. The Hayes command set are
- modem commands preceded by "AT"
-
- ■ DOS - Disk Operating System
-
- ■ MS-DOS - Microsoft Disk Operating System, trademark of
- Microsoft Corporation.
-
- ■ Shareware - A marketing system where users are allowed to
- evaluate software before purchase and
- registration.
-
- ■ XMODEM - A file transfer protocol developed by Ward
- Christensen in the summer of 1977.
-
- ■ YMODEM - A file transfer protocol, based on XMODEM
- developed by Chuck Forsberg.
-
- ■ ZMODEM - A file transfer protocol, developed by Chuck
- Forsberg/Omen Technology, Inc.
-
- ■ SEAlink - A file transfer protocol, based on XMODEM
- developed by System Enhancement Associates,
- Inc. Copyright 1986, 1987 by System
- Enhancement Associates, Inc.
-
- ■ WordStar - Trademark (company unknown) of an editor
- which has been around since the early days of
- personal computers
-
- ■ Unix - Trademark of operating system designed by
- Bell Labs/Western Electric
-
- Any other names, trademarks, etc. not mentioned here belong
- to whomever they belong to. If there are errors or
- omissions, and you let me know, I will make an effort to
- correct them in the next version of this documentation.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 6
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 1.4 General System Requirements
-
- MyComm is designed to run under the PC/MS-DOS operating system.
- MyComm can be run either from a hard drive or a floppy drive,
- although a floppy drive is not recommended when performing file
- transfers (just too slow). Great care has been taken to keep the
- code size small so MyComm will run with as little as 210K of main
- memory (RAM) available. MyComm will run using a Monochrome
- Graphics Adapter (MGA), a true Hercules (Tm) monochrome card,
- EGA, and VGA. MyComm has not been tested with CGA cards so I
- have no idea if they will work or not (drop me a line and let me
- know).
-
- MyComm is designed to use modems which use the Hayes (Tm) "AT"
- command set. Your modem should support this standard or a subset
- of it. MyComm supports modem speeds of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800,
- 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 baud and a wide variety of
- data bit, parity bit, and stop bit settings.
-
-
- 1.5 MyComm Files
-
- The files included in the MyComm package are:
-
- ■ MYCOMM.EXE - the main executable program
-
- ■ MYCOMM.DOC - the documentation for MyComm (you're
- reading it now)
-
- ■ ORDER.FRM - a order form for MyComm
-
- ■ BUGRPT.FRM - a form to describe any problems or
- bugs you may have found, or to make
- suggestions for future versions of
- MyComm
-
- MyComm also creates and modifies the following files as part of
- its normal operation:
-
- ■ MYCOMM.CFG - the MyComm configuration file
-
- ■ MYCOMM.PHN - the MyComm phone list file
-
- ■ MYCOMM.OLD - a backup of the MyComm phone list file
-
- ■ MYCOMM.SCR - file created when you capture the screen
- to a file (see Alt W)
-
- ■ MYCOMM.SES - file created when capturing your current
- session to a file (see Alt S)
-
- ■ Other Files - phone lists that you create, and any
- files that were downloaded.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 7
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 2.0 MyComm Installation
-
- MyComm is amazingly simple to install and use. That's the
- whole idea. Just follow the instructions in this section and
- you'll be up and running in no time. Pay special attention to
- the information that should be in your CONFIG.SYS file, and the
- stuff about the COM ports.
-
-
- 2.1 System Requirements
-
- MyComm is designed to run on IBM or compatible personal
- computers under the MS-DOS operating system. Machines can be of
- the PC, XT, AT, 386 or above class of personal computers.
-
- MyComm has the following system requirements:
-
- ■ at least 210K of free memory (RAM)
-
- ■ MS-DOS version 3.0 or greater or similar "after market"
- DOS operating systems (may work with DOS 2.0, please
- drop me a line if it does)
-
- ■ Hayes compatible modem which accepts the " AT " command
- set
-
- ■ CONFIG.SYS statement of Files=40 or greater. Look at
- your CONFIG.SYS file to make sure there is a "Files="
- statement. The CONFIG.SYS file can be edited with a
- text editor. Simply type in a line that reads
- "Files=40" (without the quotes) and save the file.
- Refer to your DOS manual if you need more information
- on CONFIG.SYS.
-
- ■ CONFIG.SYS statement of Buffers=40 or greater. Look at
- your CONFIG.SYS file to make sure there is a "Buffers="
- statement. The CONFIG.SYS file can be edited with a
- text editor. Simply type in a line that reads
- "Files=40" (without the quotes) and save the file.
- Again, Refer to your DOS manual for information on
- CONFIG.SYS.
-
- ■ CONFIG.SYS statement of Device=ANSI.SYS. Look at your
- CONFIG.SYS file to make sure there is a
- "Device=ANSI.SYS" statement. Refer to your DOS manual
- for information on CONFIG.SYS.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 8
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 2.2 MyComm General Installation Instructions
-
- Before you start the MyComm installation you should know at
- least what COM port your modem is set for. Consult your modem's
- manual if you're not sure. Modems vary too much from one
- manufacturer to another for me to describe that here.
-
-
- Step 1: Modify your CONFIG.SYS file as needed to reflect the
- changes described in section 2.1 above.
-
- Step 2: Create a directory on your hard drive (or a floppy
- drive) called "MYCOMM" and change directory into the
- new "MYCOMM" directory.
-
- Example:
-
- C:
- CD\
- MD MYCOMM
- CD MYCOMM
-
- Step 3: Copy the MYCOMM files into this new directory.
-
- Step 4: At the DOS command prompt type "MYCOMM" then press the
- <Enter> key.
-
- Step 5: MyComm will start to load. The first time MyComm is
- run it will tell you that it can't find the
- "Configuration File". It will then create a new
- configuration file called MYCOMM.CFG. MyComm will also
- create an empty phone dialing list called MYCOMM.PHN.
-
- Step 6: MyComm has a default COM port setting of COM Port 2.
- If your modem is set up for COM 2 already, don't sweat
- it. Otherwise, MyComm will look for the serial devices
- (COM Ports) in your system. MyComm will then show you
- a list of the serial ports (COM Ports) it found which
- are active. Choose the COM Port that your modem is set
- on. MyComm will then try to initialize the COM Port.
- If all goes well you should see the letters "OK" on the
- screen under the copyright notice. If the modem
- doesn't appear to be responding, try repeating Step 6
- using another COM Port (if you have more than one) or
- see Appendix B Troubleshooting. You can see if the
- modem is responding correctly by typing "AT" (without
- the quotes) and then press <Enter>. The modem should
- respond with "OK". You can test the phone line
- connection by typing "ATM1DT" (again, without the
- quotes) then press <Enter>. What this does is tell the
- modem to turn its' speaker on, then dial nothing. You
- should hear a dial tone from the modems' speaker.
- Press <Enter> again and the dial tone should stop and
- the modem should respond with "NO CARRIER".
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 9
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- Step 7: Press the <Alt> and "U" key. This will bring up
- MyComm's' Update Configuration Menu. Go through each
- of the menu options and make any changes required. The
- rest of this document is dedicated to helping you
- understand how MyComm and its' options work, everything
- you'll need to know about MyComm is in here (I'm pretty
- sure it is...).
-
- 2.3 Running MyComm
-
- Section 3 of this document covers all the options and functions
- MyComm offers. There are some additional items that should be
- covered first.
-
- MyComm can be started in a number of ways. Below are three
- different methods to start the MyComm program.
-
- Method 1: To start MyComm go to the directory that you installed
- MyComm in for example:
-
- CD\MYCOMM
-
- then type MYCOMM and press the <Enter> key. This will
- start the MyComm program.
-
- Method 2: MyComm will also load from any directory if you have
- set a "Path" with the DOS path command that points to
- the directory MyComm lives in. For example to set the
- path type:
-
- PATH=C:\MYCOMM
-
- providing of course that you installed MyComm in the
- directory C:\MYCOMM. Just substitute the appropriate
- path in that case.
-
- Method 3: You could also specify the "fully qualified" DOS path
- to start MyComm. For example:
-
- C:\MYCOMM\MYCOMM
-
- will also cause MyComm to start.
-
- If you have questions about the DOS Path commands or statements
- please refer to your DOS manual.
-
- If you are using DOS version 3.0 or higher MyComm will
- automatically find it's own configuration and phone number files
- as long as the correct path (see above) to MyComm has been set.
- This means that MyComm can be started from anywhere on your
- system without having to always start in the MyComm directory.
- This will save you the trouble and typing of changing directories
- when you want to use MyComm.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 10
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
-
- 3.0 MyComm Screens and Menus
-
- MyComm has several screens and menus to allow you to change
- various options, display various information, and dial telephone
- numbers. Most screens and menus are brought up by pressing the
- <ALT> key and then a letter. Pressing <F1> while in the terminal
- screen shows you Help Menu (see section 3.2).
-
-
- 3.1 Terminal Screen
-
- When MyComm is first loaded, and after the configuration file
- has been read, it defaults to the terminal screen which looks
- like this:
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22. Serial Number 00000000 - Unregistered
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All rights reserved.
-
- Press <F1> for Help
- Press <Alt-D> for Dial Screen
-
-
- OK
-
-
- You will see the version number, serial number, and copyright
- notice. Also if the modem was correctly initialized, you will
- also see "OK" on the screen.
-
- In the terminal screen you may enter regular Hayes - AT
- commands, or choose one of the MyComm options. The MyComm
- options are listed in the Help Menu which is displayed when you
- press the <F1> key on your keyboard. A full description of the
- MyComm options are described in the following sections.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 11
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.2 Help Menu - F1
-
- Pressing the <F1> key brings up the MyComm Help Screen which
- looks like this:
-
- (NOTE: most MyComm screens shown in this documentation are
- smaller than actual size so they will fit on a printed page.)
-
- +------------------------------------------------| MyComm Help |+
- | |
- | MyComm Commands |
- | |
- |Alt A Activate Chat Mode Alt M Manual Dial |
- |Alt B Send Break Alt O Outside to DOS |
- |Alt C Clear the Screen Alt P Change Port Parameters|
- |Alt D Dialing Functions Alt Q Quick Re-Dial |
- |Alt E Toggle Local Echo On/Off Alt R Run External Program |
- |Alt H Hang up modem Alt S Session Capture On/Off|
- |Alt I Send Modem Init. String Alt U Update Configuration |
- |Alt K Scroll BacK Alt W Write Screen to File |
- |Alt L Current Line Status Alt X EXit MyComm |
- | |
- | |
- |F1 Help With Commands PgDn Download Files |
- |F2 Send Name PgUp Upload Files |
- |F3 Send Password |
- |F4 Send Tagline |
- | |
- | |
- | MyComm Version 1.22 Serial Number 00000000 - Unregistered |
- | Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All rights reserved. |
- | |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
- Pressing <Esc> or any other key closes the MyComm Help Screen
- window.
-
- Each of the options shown on the Help Menu is described in
- detail in the sections that follow.
-
-
- 3.3 Chat Mode - Alt A
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "A" key brings you into the MyComm
- Chat window. The Chat window is divided into a top half and a
- bottom half. The top half of the screen is where received
- characters are written, the bottom half is where the characters
- you type are written.
- The chat screen is useful when you want to "converse" with
- someone while on-line. If you were not using the Chat Mode and
- trying to do this, the "conversation" would eventually end up
- looking like a garbled mess on your screen.
- To exit Chat Mode, just press <Esc>.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 12
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- 3.4 Send Break - Alt B
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "B" key sends a special signal
- called a Break signal. Some host systems use the Break signal to
- perform special functions such as ending a session.
-
-
- 3.5 Clear the Screen - Alt C
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "C" key clears the screen and resets
- the current color attributes. Some host systems send color
- information which stays in place even after you log off, so
- MyComm dutifully resets the screen colors to the ones you chose.
-
-
- 3.6 Dialing Functions - Alt D
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "D" keys displays the MyComm Dial
- Screen. From this screen you can add, delete, edit, view, find,
- and mark phone list entries, and of course dial phone list
- entries. You will see the options available from this screen
- written into the little window at the bottom of the screen. The
- letter which activates an option will appear highlighted or in
- reverse video (depending on colors being used). A description of
- the options follows.
-
- You will also see a bar highlighting the current phone list
- item. You can move the highlight bar up and down by using the
- Up-Arrow, Down-Arrow, Page Up, Page Down, Home and End keys. The
- highlight bar appears as a reverse video bar depending on which
- colors you have set in the Color Selection Menu (described later
- in this document).
-
- +------------------------------------------------| Dial Screen |+
- | |
- | # Name Phone Number Last Call |
- | |
- | 1 Your Favorite BBS 555-4657 01/26/92 |
- | 2 The Music Board 555-8944 01/19/92 |
- | 3 The Other Side BBS 555-5813 01/23/92 |
- | 4 00/00/00 |
- | . . . . |
- | . . . . |
- | . . . . |
- | 15 00/00/00 |
- |---------------------------------------------------------------|
- | |
- | Add Edit Delete Call Info Manual (Un)MarK Find Load |
- | |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 13
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.1 Add Phone List Item
-
- Pressing the "A" key in the Dial Screen window adds a blank
- entry after the currently highlighted entry.
-
-
- 3.6.2 Edit Phone List Item Screen
-
- Pressing the "E" key in the Dial Screen window brings up the
- Dial Edit window. This is where you set up the phone list entry
- for each system you will call. There are several options to
- choose from, and each is described. You can also use the Up-
- Arrow and Down-Arrow keys to move between items. Items such as
- Name, Number, etc use MyComm's Line Editor described in Appendix
- A.
-
- +----------------------------------------| Edit |+
- | |
- | Name: Your Favorite BBS |
- | Number: 555-4657 |
- | Baud Rate: 2400 Data Bits: 8 |
- | Data Parity: None Stop Bits: 1 |
- | Default Protocol: 1K-Xmodem |
- | Dial Prefix: 1 ATDT*70 |
- | Logon Name: Your Name |
- | Password: Password |
- | Terminal Type: ANSI |
- | Local Echo: No |
- | Received BS Destructive: Yes |
- | BS Key Sends BS or DELete: BS |
- | Strip Hi Bits? (Pure ASCII): No |
- | Add LF after incoming CR?: No |
- | Clear last date called and number of calls? |
- | |
- | |
- +------------------------------------------------+
-
- The following describes each phone list item and how to configure
- it.
-
- 3.6.2.1 Name
-
- Just type in the name of the bulletin board system or person
- you will call here.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 14
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.2.2 Number
-
- The telephone number of the system you will call goes in here.
- The telephone number can include spaces or hyphens for
- readability (modems usually ignore spaces and hyphens).
- Characters such as letters or other gibberish will probably
- confuse your modem. Whatever you put here MyComm will assume is
- a valid telephone number.
-
-
- 3.6.2.3 Baud Rate
-
- Choose a baud rate (300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400,
- 57600, or 115200) that you want MyComm to use when connected to
- the system.
-
-
- 3.6.2.4 Data Bits
-
- Choose the data bits (5, 6, 7, 8) that you want MyComm to use
- when connected to the system. 8 data bits is the most common
- setting for public bulletin board systems. 7 data bits are
- common on mainframes and many Unix (Tm) systems. 5 and 6 data
- bits are rarely used by many systems any longer, but were
- included for completeness.
-
- Most systems in their advertisements, etc. tell you what Data,
- Parity, and Stop bits they expect. You will often see them
- listed as 8-N-1 or similar. 8-N-1 means 8 data bits, no parity
- (None), and 1 stop bit. 8-N-1 is probably the most popular
- settings in use today. If in doubt, try these first.
-
-
- 3.6.2.5 Data Parity
-
- Choose the data parity (None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space) that you
- want MyComm to use when connected to the system. None is usually
- used on most systems, especially with 8 data bits. Even parity
- is common when using 7 data bits.
-
-
- 3.6.2.6 Stop Bits
-
- Choose the stop bits (1, 2) that you want MyComm to use when
- connected to the system. 1 stop bit is the most common.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 15
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.2.7 Default Protocol
-
- MyComm allows you to choose the file transfer protocol that you
- want to use by default for each system you call. Choose the
- protocol which best suits your needs. A more complete
- description of the various protocols is in the section on
- Uploading and DownLoading Files.
-
-
- 3.6.2.8 Dial Prefix
-
- Choose the dialing prefix that you want MyComm to use when
- calling the number for this system. MyComm has slots for three
- different dialing prefixes. Choose one by moving the highlight
- bar to the selection you want. The dialing prefixes can be
- changed to suit your needs in the Update Configuration menu
- option.
-
-
- 3.6.2.9 Logon Name
-
- This option lets you enter the name that you log on with when
- you call this system. When bulletin board systems answer your
- call they usually ask for your name and password.
-
- Putting the "|" character at the end of the Logon Name causes
- an <Enter> character to be sent. Some BBS's don't like seeing an
- enter character in immediately after the Logon Name string when
- logging on,
- which case you may leave the "|" out.
-
- If Logon Name is filled in MyComm will send your logon name
- when you push the <F2> key to save you some typing.
-
-
- 3.6.2.10 Password
- This option lets you enter the password that you log on with
- when you call this system. When bulletin board systems answer
- your call they usually ask for your name and password.
-
- If Password is filled in MyComm will send your logon password
- when you push the <F3> key to save you some typing. If you are
- really super security conscious, then you can leave this option
- blank.
-
- Putting the "|" character at the end of the Password causes an
- <Enter> character to be sent. Some BBS's don't like seeing an
- <Enter> character immediately after the Password string when
- logging on, in which case you may leave the "|" out.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 16
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.2.11 Terminal Type
- This option lets you choose the type of terminal emulation to
- use when calling this system. The two choices are TTY and ANSI.
-
- TTY (TeleTYpe) gives no emulation what-so-ever. The characters
- appear on your screen just as they come in with no formatting.
-
- ANSI emulation provides mapping to your ANSI.SYS driver to
- provide color attributes (except on mono monitors of course),
- blinking characters and other goodies. MyComm uses intelligent
- ANSI character translation which filters out any ANSI sequences
- which cause keyboard re-mapping functions. This prevents the
- unscrupulous from sending ANSI sequences to your personal
- computer system that could potentially cause damage or annoyance.
-
-
- 3.6.2.12 Local Echo
-
- Local Echo is used when the other system does not send the
- characters typed on your terminal back to you. Most systems do
- echo characters back, so Local Echo is normally off ("No"). If
- you find that you can't see what you are typing when connected to
- a system, set Local Echo on ("Yes"). On the other hand if you
- see double characters when you hit a key (for example you see
- "xx" when you type an "x") then Local Echo should be off ("No").
-
-
- 3.6.2.13 Received BS (BackSpace) Destructive
-
- This option tells MyComm whether received BackSpace or DELete
- characters should back up the cursor and erase what was there.
- Usually this On.
-
-
- 3.6.2.14 BS Key Sends BS or DELete
-
- This option tells MyComm whether to send a BS (BackSpace) or
- DEL (Delete) character when the backspace key is pressed.
- Usually this is set to BS. I have found that mainframe hosts
- usually like to see DEL rather than BS.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 17
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.2.15 Strip Hi Bits
-
- This option tells MyComm whether to strip the high bit from
- received and sent characters. Usually this is set to "No".
-
- Just for your own information, bytes on the personal computer
- are 8 bits long. So, the bit-map of a byte might be 10011101.
- The left-most bit is the high bit. So if you were to strip the
- high bit, the byte above would become 00011101. Pure ASCII only
- covers bytes in the range of 00000000 (0 decimal) to 01111111
- (127 decimal). The ANSI extended set includes values from
- 10000000 (128 decimal) to 11111111 (255 decimal). So by
- stripping the high bit, a character is guaranteed to be in the
- range of the pure ASCII number/character set.
-
-
- 3.6.2.16 Add LF after incoming CR
-
- This option tells MyComm whether to add a LF (Line Feed)
- character after a CR (Carriage Return) character is received.
- Usually this is set to "No".
-
- If you notice that the lines on the screen seem to look odd or
- do not scroll up properly, you will want to turn this on (Yes).
-
-
- 3.6.2.17 Clear last date called and number of calls
-
- Each time you connect with a system MyComm updates the last
- time called and last date called portion of the phone list item
- record. If you want to reset the date and time the system was
- last called and the number of times you have called it, answer
- "Yes" here.
-
- 3.6.2.18 Save Changes (not shown in example)
-
- MyComm asks if you want to save the changes you just made. If
- you answer "Yes" MyComm also updates the phone file on your disk
- drive.
- When MyComm updates the phone file a copy of the last phone file
- is created and named PHONE.OLD.
-
-
- 3.6.3 Delete an Item
-
- Pressing the "T" key allows you to delete the item that is
- currently at the dialing highlight bar. MyComm asks you to
- confirm the delete request before proceeding. MyComm also
- updates the phone file on your disk drive. When MyComm updates
- the phone file a copy of the last phone file is created and named
- PHONE.OLD.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 18
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.4 Call Numbers (Dial)
-
- Pressing the "C" key tells MyComm that it's time to start
- calling numbers in the Dialing List (See section 3.6.7 (Un)MarK
- below also). Incidentally, pressing the <Enter> key also will
- start the dialing.
-
- If no Dialing List Items are "marked" MyComm will dial the
- number that the highlight bar is currently resting on. If there
- are "marked" Dialing List Items, MyComm will start dialing the
- marked numbers in sequence until a connection is made. During
- the dialing attempts you can cancel the calling by pressing the
- <Esc> key.
-
- While MyComm is calling numbers and waiting for a connection, a
- Dial Status Window is displayed (see example below). The status
- window shows who is being called and the telephone number, how
- many call tries have been made so far, the status of the last
- dialing try, the time in seconds until this try "times out", the
- time since you started calling, and the time that the current
- dialing attempt started.
-
- +-------------------------------------------------------| Dial |+
- | |
- | Calling: Your Favorite BBS At: 555-4657 |
- | |
- | Try # 1 Last Status: None Yet Dial Time: 42 |
- | |
- | Dialing started at: 3:01:20 This try started at: 3:01:21 |
- | |
- | |
- | Hit ESC to quit dialing, 'N' for next number, |
- | or 'D' to delete number from list. |
- | |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
- Pressing the "N" key causes MyComm to stop dialing the number
- it is currently dialing and to skip to the next marked number.
-
- Pressing the "D" key causes MyComm to stop dialing the number
- it's currently calling and to remove it from the list of "marked"
- numbers. If you press "D" and the number is the only one left in
- the "marked" list, MyComm will give you a warning and stop
- dialing.
-
- The Dial Time and Pause Time between calls is a user
- configuration option which can be set up in the Update
- Configuration menu described later in this document.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 19
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.5 Phone Item Info Screen
-
- The Phone Item Info Screen looks very much like the Edit Phone
- List Item Screen with the exception that the Last Call Date, Last
- Call Time, and Number of Calls fields are shown. If you see
- something you want to change, pressing "E" will bring you to the
- Edit Phone List Item Screen.
-
- +------------------------------| Phone Item Info |+
- | |
- | Name: Your Favorite BBS |
- | Number: 555-4657 |
- | Baud Rate: 2400 Data Bits: 8 |
- | Data Parity: None Stop Bits: 1 |
- | Default Protocol: 1K-Xmodem |
- | Dial Prefix: 1 ATDT*70 |
- | Logon Name: Your Name |
- | Password: Password |
- | Terminal Type: ANSI |
- | Local Echo: No |
- | Received BS Destructive: Yes |
- | BS Key Sends BS or DELete: BS |
- | Strip Hi Bits? (Pure ASCII): No |
- | Add LF after incoming CR?: No |
- | |
- | Last Call Date: 01/26/92 |
- | Last Call Time: 4:26:12 |
- | Number of Calls: 28 |
- | |
- | Press "E" to Edit Record |
- +-------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.6.6 Manual Dial Screen
-
- Pressing "M" brings up the Manual Dial Screen. The Manual Dial
- Screen lets you enter in a single phone number to dial. The
- dialing prefix used is always Dialing Prefix number 1.
- If you press <Esc> you can cancel the selection. Pressing
- <Enter> accepts the telephone number and the usual Dialing Status
- Window appears.
-
- +-------------------------------------| Manual Dial |+
- | |
- | Enter phone number: 555-1234 |
- | |
- +----------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 20
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.7 Mark Phone List Items
-
- Pressing "K" marks or un-marks phone list items for later
- dialing. As a convenience, Pressing the <Space> bar also marks
- and un-marks items. When a phone list item is marked a chevron
- ("»") will appear next to the item.
-
-
- 3.6.8 Find Phone List Items
-
- Pressing "F" brings up the Find Phone List Items screen (not
- shown). Simply type in the characters in the name, or a partial
- phone number that you want to find, and MyComm will find it for
- you. MyComm will only locate the first occurrence on the search
- string. If the search fails, MyComm will let you know with a
- message.
-
-
- 3.6.9 Load Phone List Screen
-
- Pressing "L" brings up the Load Phone List Screen (see example
- below). MyComm will keep more than one phone dialing list for
- you. Each list can hold up to 100 telephone numbers. If the
- dialing list you select does not yet exist, MyComm will display
- an empty dialing list.
- Again, when changes are made to the phone file, MyComm will
- create or update the file PHONE.OLD as a backup. There is only
- one PHONE.OLD backup file kept, so all new backups overwrite the
- last PHONE.OLD backup file.
-
-
- +-----------------------------------| Load Phone List |+
- | |
- | Enter Path/Filename of new phone list |
- | |
- | > NEWPHONE.LST |
- +------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.6.10 Sort Phone List
-
- You can sort the Phone List in one of three ways:
-
- - by BBS name
- - by last date called
- - by number of times called
-
- Simply select the sort option that best suits your needs. The
- list will be saved in the new sort order. Pressing <Esc> exits
- the Sort menu.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 21
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.6.11 Move Phone List Item
-
- This option allows you to move a phone list item to another
- location in the list manually. This may save you some retyping
- if you want to customize the phone list.
-
- To use this option move the highlight bar to the phone list
- item that you want to move. Press the "V" key. Next use the up
- and down arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the position
- that you would like the item moved to. Please note that the item
- gets moved to the item AFTER the one the highlight bar is on.
- Press the <Enter> key to make the move permanent, or <Esc> to
- quit the move.
-
-
- 3.6.12 Print Phone List
-
- This option allows you to print the phone list. The phone list
- may also be "printed" to a text file. The printed output shows
- the BBS name, phone number, and last date called.
-
- To use this option press "P". You will then be asked for a
- file name to "print" to, or if you want to print to your printer
- (PRN) simply press <Enter> (PRN is a standard DOS device name for
- the printer). The printing will commence and a status message is
- displayed while the phone list is being printed. You can stop
- the printing by pressing the <Esc> key.
-
-
- 3.7 Local Echo On/Off - Alt E
-
- Local Echo is used when the other system does not send the
- characters you typed on your terminal back to you. Most systems
- do echo characters back, so Local Echo is normally off ("No").
- If you find that you can't see what you are typing when connected
- to a system, set Local Echo on (Yes). On the other hand if you
- see double characters when you hit a key (for example you see
- "xx" when you type an "x") then Local Echo should be off ("No").
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 22
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.8 Hang Up Modem - Alt H
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "H" key tells MyComm that you want
- to disconnect from your current telephone connection. MyComm
- will try to hang up the phone first by dropping the modem signal
- called DTR, and if that fails by sending the Hang Up String
- defined in the Modem Setup Screen (see section 3.17.1 Modem
- Setup Screen). If you don't want MyComm to use DTR to hang up
- the modem set the option "Use DTR to Hang Up Modem" in Modem
- Setup Screen to "No".
-
-
- 3.9 Send Modem Initialization Strings - Alt I
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "I" key brings up the Send Init.
- String Menu shown below. Choosing one of these options will send
- the Modem Initialization String, or the Hang Up String (same as
- <Alt> + H), or the Modem Attention String, or the Phone Answer
- String. These strings are defined in the Modem Setup Screen (see
- section 3.17.1 Modem Setup Screen).
-
- +-------| Send... |+
- | Init. String |
- | Hang Up String |
- | Attention String |
- | Phone Answer |
- +------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 23
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.10 Present Line Status - Alt L
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "L" key brings up the Present Line
- Status Window. This window tells you the current COM Port
- Status, i.e. what Port, Baud Rate, Data Bits, Parity Bits, and
- Stop Bits are in effect, and whether you are On-line and for how
- long. If you are on-line MyComm tells you the name of the system
- you are logged onto, and the default file transfer protocol.
- Also shown is the present Local Echo status and whether Session
- Capture is active. Pressing <Esc> closes the window.
-
- +--------------------------| Present Line Status |+
- | |
- | COM Port Status COM2, 2400, 8, N, 1 |
- | ---------------------------------------- |
- | |
- | On-line: No Time On-line: 0:00:00 |
- | Logged on to: Nobody you know... |
- | Current Protocol: None |
- | ---------------------------------------- |
- | |
- | Local Echo On: No |
- | Screen Capture On: Yes |
- | ---------------------------------------- |
- | |
- | Current Time: 12:34:56 Date: 01/26/92 |
- +-------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.11 Scroll Back - Alt K
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "K" key brings up the "scroll back"
- buffer. MyComm saves the last few screens of received text for
- you. This option allows you to see what has been recently
- received in case there was something that went by too quickly
- that you would like to look at again. The scroll back buffer
- saves about two to three screens worth of information depending
- on how much actual text was in the previous screens (about 4K's
- worth). The scroll back buffer does not display ANSI characters,
- they are stripped out to leave more room for useful information.
-
- When the scroll back buffer is brought up by pressing <ALT> and
- the "K" key, it displays the very top of the buffer information.
- You may use the up-arrow and down-arrow keys to move around in
- the screen. To exit the scroll back screen simply press the
- <Esc> key.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 24
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.12 Manual Dial - Alt M
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "M" key brings up the Manual Dial
- Screen. The Manual Dial Screen lets you enter in a single phone
- number to dial. The dialing prefix used is always Dialing Prefix
- number 1.
- If you press <Esc> you can cancel the selection. Pressing
- <Enter> accepts the telephone number and the usual Dialing Status
- Window appears. This is exactly the same function as in the
- Dialing Screen, selection "M", described above.
-
-
- 3.13 Outside to DOS - Alt O
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "O" key lets you shell out of MyComm
- to DOS. You can use the Outside to DOS even when you are on-
- line. Typing "EXIT" on the DOS command line brings you back to
- MyComm. MyComm reminds you that you are shelled out with a
- message above the command line.
-
- If there is not enough available memory to shell out MyComm
- will inform you with an error message.
-
- One point of interest here: if you switch to a different drive
- or directory while in the DOS shell, MyComm will automagically
- bring you back to the drive and directory you started from when
- you type "EXIT" to return to MyComm.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 25
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.14 Change Port Parameters - Alt P
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "P" key brings up the Change Port
- Parameters Screen (see example below). MyComm will let you
- change the port configuration, even while on-line. Please note
- however that changing the COM Port while on-line will probably
- disconnect the current session. However Baud Rate, and Data,
- Parity, and Stop Bits can be changed.
-
- Please note that the changes done here are not permanent. To
- make permanent changes to the COM port settings, you must use the
- "Update Configuration" which is brought up by pressing <Alt> and
- "U" then the "M" key.
-
- +-----------------------| Change Port Parameters |+
- | |
- | Present settings: COM2, 2400, 8, N, 1 |
- | |
- | COM Port:2 |
- | |
- | +---------+ |
- | | 1: COM1 | |
- +-----------| 2: COM2 |---------------------------+
- | 3: COM3 |
- | 4: COM4 |
- +---------+
-
-
- 3.15 Quick Re-Dial - Alt Q
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "Q" key allows you to quickly redial
- the last number that MyComm dialed. This is especially useful
- for re-dialing manually entered telephone numbers.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 26
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.16 Run External Program - Alt R
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "R" key brings up the Run External
- Program Screen (not shown). MyComm lets you define an editor
- program plus up to three other programs you can run without
- leaving your MyComm session. The external programs are defined
- in Paths Setup (see 3.18.2 Paths Setup).
- If there is not enough available memory to run the external
- program, the external program will not run and control passes
- back to MyComm.
-
-
- 3.17 Session Capture On/Off/Pause - Alt S
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "S" key opens the MyComm Session
- Capture Screen (not shown). You can either accept the default
- name that MyComm provides for the capture file or enter a new
- name. If the Drive:\Path\Filename is in any way invalid, MyComm
- will issue an error message. You can also press <Esc> to leave
- the Session Capture Screen without starting the Session Capture.
-
- After a Session Capture has begun you can pressing the <ALT>
- and the "S" key again to Close, or Pause the capture file. If
- you choose to Pause the Session Capture, Pressing the <ALT> and
- the "S" key again will give you the option to Close or Resume the
- capture session.
-
- If you exit MyComm and forget to Close the Session Capture
- file, MyComm will do it for you.
-
- Please note that often while Session Capture is active, that
- the display may appear jerky, or start and stop from time to
- time. This is normal during Session Capture as it is the time
- that MyComm is writing to the capture file.
-
-
- It may also be important to know that the Session Capture does
- not do any ANSI filtering. What you see is what you get.
- Generally you will read the Session Capture file using a text
- editor or word processor when you are no longer "on line". Text
- editors and word processors usually do ANSI filtering for you.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 27
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18 Update Configuration - Alt U
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "U" key brings up the Update
- Configuration Menu (see below). From this menu you can choose
- various options to allow you to customize the MyComm
- configuration. You can either use the Up and Down-Arrow keys,
- the press <Enter> to choose an option, or simply press the
- highlighted letter of the option you want. A description of the
- things you can configure follows.
-
- +---| Update Configuration |+
- | Modem Setup |
- | Paths and Filenames |
- | File Transfer Options |
- | Other Stuff for MyComm |
- | Save Configuration |
- | Exit |
- +---------------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 28
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.1 Modem Setup Screen
-
- The Modem Setup Screen (see below) allows you to make changes
- to the various setting that control the modem. You can move from
- item to item by using the Up and Down-Arrow keys and the pressing
- <Enter>. Some of the items use MyComm's built in line editor to
- modify the item, others use little pop-up Yes/No windows. If you
- want to exit without making any changes, just press the <Esc>
- key. A description of each item in the Modem Setup Screen
- follows.
-
- +------------------------------------------------| Modem Setup |+
- | |
- | COM Port: COM2, 2400, 8, N, 1 |
- | Modem Initialization String: ATM0X4Q0V1S0=0S11=50S7=50| |
- | Modem Attention String: +++ |
- | Modem Hang Up String: ATH0| |
- | Modem Answer String: ATA| |
- | Modem Cancel Dial String: | |
- | Modem Dial Suffix String: | |
- | Dialing Wait Time, in Seconds: 45 |
- | Pause Between Calls, in Seconds: 4 |
- | Local Echo on by Default? No |
- | Use DTR to Hang Up Modem? Yes |
- | Use XON/XOFF Flow Control? Yes |
- | Use CTS/RTS Flow Control? No |
- | Use DSR/DTR Flow Control? No |
- | Dialing Prefix #1: ATDT*70 |
- | Dialing Prefix #2: ATDT 9, |
- | Dialing Prefix #3: ATDT 1 |
- | |
- | |
- | Use Up and Down Arrows to move between items |
- | Hit <Enter> to edit, <Esc> to Quit |
- | |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 29
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.1.1 COM Port
-
- The COM Port selection allows you to set the various settings
- your COM port should use.
- When you first installed your modem you probably set the COM
- port up for COM1, COM2, etc. use the setting correct for your
- modem. If you set the wrong COM port in this area, MyComm
- doesn't mind, it just won't let you dial numbers and stuff.
- MyComm makes a best try to check out the new COM port setting.
- If there is a problem, MyComm will give you an error message.
- The baud rate should be set to whatever the top speed of your
- particular modem is. Refer to your modems' user manual if you're
- not sure. Again, MyComm won't mind if the speed is set
- incorrectly. MyComm will use the speed you set, or the top speed
- of the modem, whichever is lowest.
- The most common settings for the Data, Parity, and Stop bits
- are 8-N-1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit). If the settings
- you prefer are different, this is the place to change them.
-
-
- 3.18.1.2 Modem Initialization String
-
- This option lets you set up the Modem Initialization String.
- This is the string which is sent to the modem to "wake it up"
- when MyComm is first loaded. The initialization string is
- usually made up of Hayes "AT" commands. The command line always
- starts with the letters AT. The rest of the string is various
- options for your modem. Your modem manual should have a list of
- the commands that are valid for your modem.
- MyComm always likes to have AT LEAST the Q0, V1, and X4
- commands. Q0 tells the modem to ALWAYS send result codes, V1
- tells the modem to ALWAYS send the text, not numeric, result
- codes. MyComm needs the result codes in this format to send you
- useful information that the modem produces. X4 (your modem may
- use X1, X2, etc) tells the modem to send verbose modem status
- information to MyComm.
- Another useful feature is, if you place the "|" (that's the
- double vertical lines above the backslash key) at the end of the
- Initialization String MyComm will send a Carriage Return at the
- end of the line.
-
-
- 3.18.1.3 Modem Attention String
-
- This is the Attention signal that tells the modem that you want
- it's undivided attention for something. Most Hayes compatible
- modems use three plus signs (+++) as the attention string. Refer
- to your modem's manual if you use a different Attention string.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 30
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.1.4 Modem Hang Up String
-
- This is the string that tells your modem to hang up the
- telephone line. On most Hayes compatible modems this is ATH0.
- You can use the "|" character to have MyComm send a Carriage
- Return after it sends the Hang Up string (recommended). Refer to
- your modem's manual if you use a different Hang Up string.
-
-
- 3.18.1.5 Modem Answer String
-
- This is the string that tells your modem to answer the
- telephone. On most Hayes compatible modems this is ATA. You can
- use the "|" character to have MyComm send a Carriage Return after
- it sends the Answer string (recommended). Refer to your modem's
- manual if you use a different Answer string.
-
-
- 3.18.1.6 Modem Cancel Dial String
-
- This is the string that tells your modem to cancel dialing a
- telephone number. On most Hayes compatible modems this just a
- Carriage Return. You can use the "|" character to have MyComm
- send a Carriage Return after it sends the Cancel Dial string
- (recommended). Refer to your modem's manual if you use a
- different Cancel dialing string.
-
-
- 3.18.1.7 Modem Dial Suffix String
-
- This is the string that tells your modem what to terminate
- telephone numbers with when dialing. On most Hayes compatible
- modems this just a Carriage Return. You can use the "|"
- character to have MyComm send a Carriage Return as the Dial
- Suffix string (recommended). Refer to your modem's manual if you
- use a different Dial Suffix string.
-
-
- 3.18.1.8 Dialing Wait Time
-
- After MyComm dials a number it waits for certain amount of time
- for a connection. The Dialing Wait Time sets the time MyComm
- should wait for a connection. Waiting stops automatically if
- MyComm detects a BUSY signal. The valid range for Dialing Wait
- Time is 1 to 240 seconds.
-
- In general a wait time of 45 seconds is good for most local and
- long-distance calls, 60 seconds for international calls.
-
- You will also want to add "S7=nn" (without the quotes), to your
- modem Initialization String (see above). Replace nn with a number
- greater than or equal to the time set in Dialing Wait Time.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 31
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.1.9 Pause Between Calls
-
- After MyComm dials a number it waits up to a certain amount of
- time until a connection is made. If a connection is not made due
- to a BUSY signal or a time-out, MyComm resets the modem and waits
- the amount of seconds specified in the Pause Between Calls before
- trying to dial again. The valid range for Pause Between Calls is
- 0 to 60 seconds.
-
- In most cases a pause time of 5 seconds is a sufficient time
- for the modem to reset.
-
-
- 3.18.1.10 Local Echo on by Default
-
- Local Echo is used when the other system does not send what you
- typed on your terminal back to you. Most systems do echo
- characters back, so Local Echo is normally off ("No"). If you
- find that you can't see what you are typing when connected to a
- system, set Local Echo on (Yes). On the other hand if you see
- double characters when you hit a key (for example you see "xx"
- when you type an "x") then Local Echo should be off ("No").
-
-
- 3.18.1.11 Use DTR to Hang Up Modem
-
- This option allows you to set whether MyComm should use the
- modem signal called DTR to hang up the telephone connection.
- Using DTR to hang up is usually faster than just sending the Hang
- Up String (above). This option is usually set to "Yes".
-
- However, some modems don't like to have DTR messed with. You
- can usually tell if the modem doesn't like you to fool with DTR
- as it will cause your computer system to lock up (not a bad thing
- really, just terribly annoying - re-booting always fixes this).
- Refer to your modem manual if you have questions about whether to
- use DTR to hang up the telephone connection.
-
-
- 3.18.1.12 Use XON/XOFF Flow Control
-
- This tells MyComm whether it should use the XON/XOFF software
- handshaking protocol while in terminal mode and during ASCII file
- transfers. This should usually be on ("Yes").
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 32
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.1.13 Use CTS/RTS Flow Control
-
- This tells MyComm whether CTS/RTS hardware handshaking should
- be on or off. Hardware handshaking is used with high speed modems
- and null modem cable links to regulate the flow of data. If the
- modem supports hardware handshaking this should be on (refer to
- the user manual for your modem). If a null modem cable is being
- used and these signals are to be sent over the cable, this should
- be on.
-
-
- 3.18.1.14 Use DSR/DTR Flow Control
-
- This tells MyComm whether DSR/DTR hardware handshaking should
- be on or off. Hardware handshaking is used with high speed modems
- and null modem cable links to regulate the flow of data. If the
- modem supports hardware handshaking this should be on (refer to
- the user manual for your modem). If a null modem cable is being
- used and these signals are to be sent over the cable, this should
- be on.
-
-
- 3.18.1.15 Dialing Prefixes
-
-
-
- Dialing Prefixes are dialing codes such as area codes, that get
- sent before a telephone number is dialed. MyComm lets you set up
- three different dialing prefixes.
-
- For example, if you have Call Waiting (Tm) you can disable it
- by dialing *70 (that's asterisk - 70) before the number you're
- calling (this works in the San Francisco dialing area, your
- dialing area may differ). If you were to set one of your dialing
- prefixes to *70 MyComm would "prefix" every number you called
- with *70. The dialing prefixes can also be used to store long
- distance codes, or whatever dialing codes you would want to have
- dialed before a number. The dialing prefix can be up to 25
- character/digits long.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 33
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.2 Paths Setup
-
- The Paths Setup Screen (see below) is where you set up paths to
- directories that you want MyComm to know about. A description of
- the various system paths follows.
-
-
- +---------------------------------------------| Paths Setup |+
- | |
- | Directory to Download files to: C:\PUBLIC\ |
- | Directory to Upload files from: C:\PUBLIC\ |
- | Path\File for Screen Capture: C:\PUBLIC\MYCOMM.SCR |
- | Path\File for Session Capture: C:\PUBLIC\MYCOMM.SES |
- | Path\File for Phone File: C:\MYCOMM\MYCOMM.PHN |
- | Path\Filename.Ext for Editor: C:\UTIL\EDITOR.EXE |
- | Path\Filename.Ext of Xter Prog1: C:\SOMEPRGM.EXE |
- | Path\Filename.Ext of Xter Prog2: C:\ |
- | Path\Filename.Ext of Xter Prog3: C:\ |
- | |
- | |
- | Use Up and Down Arrows to move between items |
- | Hit <Enter> to edit, <Esc> to Quit |
- | |
- +------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.18.2.1 Download Directory
-
- This option tells MyComm which directory you want MyComm to put
- files that you download from another system. Notice that the
- path always ends in a backslash ( "\" ) character.
-
-
- 3.18.2.2 Upload Directory
-
- This option tells MyComm which directory you want MyComm to get
- the files that you want to upload to another system. Notice that
- the path always ends in a backslash ( "\" ) character.
-
-
- 3.18.2.3 Path\File for Screen Capture
-
- This option tells MyComm which directory and the filename that
- you want MyComm to use for the Screen Capture file. Screen
- Capture is activated by <Alt> + W.
-
-
- 3.18.2.4 Path\File for Session Capture
-
- This option tells MyComm which directory and the filename that
- you want MyComm to use for the Session Capture file. Session
- Capture is activated by <Alt> + S.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 34
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.2.5 Path\File for Phone File
-
- This option tells MyComm which directory and the filename that
- you want MyComm to use for the Phone File which contains your
- dialing directory. You can have multiple Phone Files, but this
- is the one that MyComm will load when it starts up.
-
-
- 3.18.2.6 Path\Filename of Editor
-
- If you want to quickly use your favorite editor without leaving
- MyComm, this option lets you tell MyComm the path and filename of
- the editor. Notice that the filename of the editor must include
- not only the filename, but the extension (.EXE or .COM) as well.
-
-
- 3.18.2.7 Path\Filename of External Programs
-
- You can define up to three other external programs that you may
- want to run without leaving your MyComm session. These options
- lets you tell MyComm the paths and filenames of the programs.
- Notice that the filename of the programs must include not only
- the filename, but the extension (.EXE or .COM) as well. The
- extension .BAT is also valid here. MyComm will let you run DOS
- batch file (see your DOS manual for information on batch files).
-
-
- 3.18.3 Protocols Setup
-
- The Protocols Setup Menu (see example below) lets you set up
- parameters for ASCII file transfers, and the external protocols.
- The usage of these options follows.
-
- +--| Protocol Setup |+
- | ASCII Transfers |
- | Zmodem Transfers |
- | EXternal Protocols |
- | Exit |
- +--------------------+
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 35
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.3.1 ASCII Transfers Setup
-
- The ASCII Transfers Setup screen (see example below) lets you
- set up the parameters for ASCII file transfers. ASCII file
- transfers are only used to transfer text files. Program files
- and archived files, also known as binary files, should not be
- transferred as ASCII files. Most of the options for the ASCII
- transfers work well with their default settings. A description
- of the different options follows.
-
-
- +----------------------------| ASCII Transfers Setup |+
- | |
- | Strip High Bits?: No |
- | Remote Abort Char (0 for none): 0 (ASCII Value) |
- | |
- | ASCII Upload Options |
- | CR Translation: None |
- | LF Translation: None |
- | Local Echo On During Uploads?: Yes |
- | Expand Blank Lines to Spaces?: No |
- | Line Pace time in 1/10 seconds: 0 |
- | Char Pace time in 1/10 seconds: 0 |
- | Pacing Char (0 for none): 0 (ASCII Value) |
- | |
- | ASCII Download Options |
- | CR Translation: None |
- | LF Translation: None |
- | |
- | |
- | |
- | Use Up and Down Arrows to move between items |
- | Hit <Enter> to edit, <Esc> to Quit |
- | |
- +-----------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.1 Strip High Bits
- This option tells MyComm whether to strip the high bit from
- received and sent characters during ASCII uploads and downloads.
- Usually this is set to "No".
-
- Just for your own information, bytes on the personal computer
- are 8 bits long. So, the bit-map of a byte might be 10011101.
- The left-most bit is the high bit. So if you were to strip the
- high bit, the byte above would become 00011101. Pure ASCII only
- covers bytes in the range of 00000000 (0 decimal) to 01111111
- (127 decimal). The ANSI extended set includes values from
- 10000000 (128 decimal) to 11111111 (255 decimal). So by
- stripping the high bit, a character is guaranteed to be in the
- range of the pure ASCII number/character set.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 36
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.2 Remote Abort Char
-
- If the system you're performing the ASCII file transfer with
- uses an abort char to cancel transfers you should set this value.
- The value is in the range of 1 to 255. A value of zero (0), the
- default, means MyComm won't look for the abort character during
- ASCII file transfers.
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.3 CR Translation Upload and Download
-
- Some systems require a CR (Carriage Return) character placed
- before the LF (Line Feed) character during ASCII file transfers.
- If the lines of the file look odd after the transfer, this may be
- the case.
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.4 LF Translation Upload and Download
-
- Some systems require a LF (Line Feed) character placed after
- the CR (Carriage Return) character during ASCII file transfers.
- If the lines of the file look odd after the transfer, this may be
- the case.
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.5 Local Echo On During Uploads
-
- During ASCII uploads if you want to watch the file transfer set
- the Local Echo to "Yes". This is often used when uploading a
- message into a bulletin boards message base.
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.6 Expand Blank Lines to Spaces
-
- This option tells MyComm to expand lines that are empty except
- for a CR/LF into a line of spaces.
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.7 Line Pace Time
-
- This options tells MyComm to how much time to wait between
- sending each line of text from the ASCII file. Some systems
- can't handle high speed ASCII transfers, this gives the other
- system time to "think". The value entered from 0 (the default)
- to 255 are in increments of 1/10 second (approximately).
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 37
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.8 Character Pace Time
-
- This options tells MyComm how much time to wait before sending
- each character from the ASCII file. Some systems can't handle
- high speed ASCII transfers, this gives the other system time to
- "think". The value entered from 0 (the default) to 255 is in
- increments of 1/10 second (approximately).
-
-
- 3.18.3.1.9 Pacing Char
-
- Some systems send a Pacing Character to limit throughput on
- ASCII transfers. MyComm will wait for the Pacing Char before
- sending each line of the file. The Pacing Char value ranges from
- 1 to 255 which represents an ASCII value. A value of zero (0),
- the default, means MyComm will not look for the Pacing Char.
-
-
- 3.18.3.2 Zmodem Transfers Setup
-
- MyComm lets you define certain special functions used in the
- Zmodem file transfer protocol. A description of these follows.
-
-
- 3.18.3.2.1 Zmodem 32 Bit CRC
-
- Zmodem uses either a 16 bit or a 32 bit CRC for error detection
- during file transfers. The 32 bit CRC provides a much higher
- degree of accuracy and reliability than its 16 bit cousin.
- However the calculation involved in the 32 bit CRC makes for a
- slightly slower transfer rate (by only a few CPS though). If you
- want a high degree of error detection this option should be set
- to "Yes". For higher transfer speed, set this option to "No".
-
-
- 3.18.3.2.2 Zmodem Auto Download Feature
-
- With this option set to "Yes" MyComm will automatically start a
- Zmodem download file transfer for you. The Zmodem protocol at
- the host's end sends some special characters when it starts up a
- transfer. MyComm looks for these characters and will save you
- some typing by starting up the Zmodem download for you. If you
- don't want to use this feature, set this option to "No".
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 38
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.3.2.3 Zmodem Send Crash Recovery
-
- Sometimes a file transfer will fail after a file has been
- partially sent. A failed file transfer could be caused by any
- number or reasons such as line noise for example. Zmodem has a
- rather nifty feature that will attempt to restart a failed file
- transfer.
-
- For Normal use this feature should be set to "No". If you want
- to attempt to restart a failed Zmodem transfer then simply set
- this option to "Yes" before beginning the upload again. If the
- system you are trying to upload the file to supports the "Crash
- Recovery" feature the file transfer will resume where it left
- off.
-
-
- 3.18.3.2.4 Zmodem Receive Crash Recovery
-
- Sometimes a file transfer will fail after a file has been
- partially received. A failed file transfer could be caused by
- any number or reasons such as line noise for example. Zmodem has
- a rather nifty feature that will attempt to restart a failed file
- transfer.
-
- For Normal use this feature should be set to "No". If you want
- to attempt to restart a failed Zmodem transfer then simply set
- this option to "Yes" before beginning the download again. If the
- system you are trying to download the file from supports the
- "Crash Recovery" feature the file transfer will resume where it
- left off.
-
- THIS OPTION SHOULD BE USED WITH CARE. If this option is set to
- "Yes" and you download a file from another system that has the
- same name as a file you already have in your download directory,
- the end of the existing file will be overwritten with the
- information from the new file. This option should only be set to
- "Yes" when you are attempting to restart a previously failed
- Zmodem transfer.
-
- MyComm's Zmodem now checks the date and time of the files when
- doing a receive crash recovery in case file has changed since the
- transfer aborted. This is to facilitate mail packet runs for
- those of you who use "off-line readers" in case the file changed
- since you last tried to download it.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 39
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.3.3 External Protocols Setup
-
- MyComm lets you define up to six external file transfer
- protocols. The external file transfer protocols will also appear
- in the Upload and Download protocol selection menus.
- The External Protocols Setup Screen (see example below) lets
- you set up the external file transfer protocols for use with
- MyComm. You can use the Up and Down-Arrow keys to move from item
- to item. The <Enter> key selects an item for editing and saves
- the completed edit. Pressing the <Esc> key stops the edit.
-
-
- +-----------------------------------| External Protocols Setup |+
- | |
- | Protocol Name Upload.Bat Download.Bat Ask FileName |
- | |
- | 1: BIGFAST BIGFASTU.BAT BIGFASTD.BAT No |
- | 2: Yes |
- | 3: Yes |
- | 4: Yes |
- | 5: Yes |
- | 6: Yes |
- | |
- | |
- | Use Up and Down Arrows to move between items |
- | Hit <Enter> to edit, <Esc> to Quit |
- | |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
- The name of the external protocol should be typed in under the
- "Name" heading as you would like it to appear in the MyComm
- Upload and Download protocol selection menus.
-
- In the spots for Upload.Bat and Download.Bat you will enter the
- names of the DOS batch files that will be used to run the
- external protocol.
-
- In the selection marked "Ask FileName" tells MyComm whether you
- should be asked the name of the file when performing Downloads
- (some file transfer protocols automatically get the filename for
- you).
-
- External file transfer protocols are run as DOS batch files
- from MyComm (see your DOS manual for information on batch files).
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 40
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- MyComm sends the COM Port number you are using, the Baud Rate,
- and the Drive:\Path\ and filename as parameters for the batch
- file. Using the example above, let's say you are using an
- external protocol called "BigFast", your COM Port is 2, the Baud
- Rate is 2400, and your upload directory is "C:\PUBLIC\" and you
- are uploading a file called MYSTUFF.ARC, your DOS batch file for
- Uploads with BigFast might look something like this:
-
- REM BigFast Upload batch file
- BigFast Send Port: %1 Baud: %2 %3
-
- the %1 would be replaced by a "2", the %2 by "2400", and the %3
- would be replaced with the name of the upload directory and the
- filename: "C:\PUBLIC\MYSTUFF.ARC" when MyComm calls the .BAT file
- to run.
-
- External file transfer protocols often differ quite a bit, but
- they usually come with enough documentation of their own to get
- you going.
-
-
- 3.18.4 Miscellaneous Options Setup
-
- The Miscellaneous Options Setup screen (see example below) lets
- you set up special options for MyComm. Most options are self-
- explanatory, but are covered below.
-
-
- +------------------------------------| Misc. Options Setup |+
- | |
- | Screen Background Color: Black |
- | Screen Text Color: Gray |
- | Date Format Style: MMDDYY |
- | 12 or 24 Hour Time Format: 12 Hour |
- | Make Noise When Calls Connect?: Yes |
- | Make Noise After File Transfers: Yes |
- | Use Direct Video? (Faster): Yes |
- | Your Name for sign ons: Your Name| |
- | Password for sign ons: Password| |
- | Clever quip for TagLine: Witty quote goes here... |
- | Guess Up/Download Filenames: Yes |
- | |
- | Use Up and Down Arrows to move between items |
- | Hit <Enter> to edit, <Esc> to Quit |
- +-----------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- 3.18.4.1 Screen Background Color
-
- This option tells MyComm what color to use for the screen
- background color. This option also affects the screen of the
- pop-up windows.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 41
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.4.2 Screen Text Color
-
- This option tells MyComm what color to use for the screen
- foreground (the text) color. This option also affects the screen
- of the pop-up windows.
-
-
- 3.18.4.3 Date Format Style
-
- You can choose three date formats for MyComm to use when it
- puts the date on things: MM/DD/YY, DD/MM/YY, or YY/MM/DD.
- choose the one that best fits your mood.
-
-
- 3.18.4.4 12 or 24 Hour Time Format
-
- MyComm will display the time in either 12 hour or 24 hour
- format. Choose the one that bests reflects how you identify with
- time.
-
-
- 3.18.4.5 Make Noise When Calls Connect
-
- MyComm sounds a short alarm noise when a connection is made
- during dialing. If you don't want MyComm to sound the alarm, set
- this option to "No".
-
-
- 3.18.4.6 Make Noise After File Transfers
-
- MyComm sounds a short alarm noise after a file transfer to let
- you know the transfer has completed. If you don't want MyComm to
- sound the alarm, set this option to "No".
-
-
- 3.18.4.7 Use Direct Video
-
- MyComm by default uses a system called "direct video" when
- displaying information to the screen. Unfortunately, direct
- video will usually "bleed through" to other programs in a
- multitasking environment. If you are using a multitasker and
- getting bleed through from MyComm, set the Direct Video option to
- "No".
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 42
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.4.8 Your Name for sign ons
-
- This option lets you enter the name that you log on with when
- you call systems. When bulletin board systems answer your call
- they usually ask for your name and password. This name becomes
- the default for "Logon Name" for new numbers you add to the
- dialing directory. If Logon Name is filled in MyComm will send
- your logon name to systems when you push the <F2> key to save you
- some typing.
-
-
- 3.18.4.9 Password for sign ons
-
- This option lets you enter the password that you log on with
- when you call systems. When bulletin board systems answer your
- call they usually ask for your password and password. This
- password becomes the default for "Logon Password" for new numbers
- you add to the dialing directory. If Logon Password is filled in
- MyComm will send your logon password to systems when you push the
- <F3> key to save you some typing.
-
-
- 3.18.4.10 Clever quip for TagLine
-
- When you call a BBS there are usually message areas in which
- you can converse with other people. If you want to be able to
- sign your name, leave a witty quote or whatever without typing it
- over and over for each message fill this area in. When you press
- the <F4> key MyComm will send the message you have entered here.
- The message can be up to 40 characters long. You can also send
- ANSI "Escape" (see DOS manual) sequences from the Tagline.
-
- If you want to send the ASCII "ESCape character (27 decimal, 1B
- hex) which usually precedes ANSI escape sequences, MyComm uses
- the " ` " character. (" ` " is the backwards quote found under
- the " ~ " character on the upper left side of the keyboard). For
- example, the ANSI.SYS driver recognizes the string
-
- <Esc>[5mThis is blinking<Esc>[0m
-
- as a string that blinks. (note: <Esc> represents the 27 decimal
- (1B hex) character here). So, if your Tagline looked like
-
- `[5mThis is blinking`[0m
-
- the other system would display "This is blinking" as a blinking
- message line.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 43
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.18.4.11 Guess Up/Download Filename
-
- This option lets you tell MyComm whether to try to "guess" the
- filename that you want to upload or download. Having this option
- set to "Yes" can save you time and typing when performing file
- transfers. MyComm will make a best guess as to what you most
- recently typed that looks like a filename.
-
-
- 3.18.5 Save Setup
-
- This option saves the changes you made to the various
- configuration items to the file MYCOMM.CFG. If you make changes,
- but do not save them, the changes will only remain active until
- you exit from MyComm.
-
-
- 3.19 Send Screen to File - Alt W
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "W" key takes a "snap shot" of the
- currently displayed terminal screen and writes it out to the file
- MYCOMM.SCR. The file contains the actual contents of the screen,
- including all the ANSI sequences.
-
-
- 3.20 Exit MyComm - Alt X
-
- Pressing the <ALT> and the "X" key brings up the window shown
- below.
- Press "Y" to exit MyComm or "N" or <Esc> to not leave MyComm.
-
- +----------------------+
- | |
- | |
- | Exit from MyComm? |
- | |
- | |
- | Yes No |
- | |
- | |
- +----------------------+
-
-
- 3.21 Send Name - F2
-
- This option lets you enter the name that you log on with when
- you call a system. When bulletin board systems answer your call
- they usually ask for your name and password.
-
- If Logon Name is filled in MyComm will send your logon name
- when you push the <F2> key to save you some typing.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 44
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.22 Send Password - F3
-
- This option lets you enter the password that you log on with
- when you call a system. When bulletin board systems answer your
- call they usually ask for your name and password.
-
- If Password is filled in MyComm will send your logon password
- when you push the <F3> key to save you some typing. If you are
- really super security conscious, then you can leave this option
- blank.
-
-
- 3.23 Send Tagline - F4
-
- This is used to sign your name, or put a short quote, up to 40
- characters at the end of a message. If you want to send the
- ASCII "ESCape character (27 decimal, 1B hex) which usually
- precedes ANSI strings, the " ` " char is used. (" ` " is the
- backwards quote found under the " ~ " character on the upper left
- side of the keyboard). For example the ANSI.SYS driver
- recognizes the string
-
- <Esc>[5mThis is blinking<Esc>[0m
-
- as a string that blinks. (note: <Esc> represents the 27 decimal
- (1B hex) character here). So, if your Tagline looked like
-
- `[5mThis is blinking`[0m
-
- the other system would display "This is blinking" as a blinking
- message line.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 45
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.24 Transferring Files
-
- MyComm has a wide variety of file transfer protocols built in
- including Zmodem, Xmodem, Xmodem-1K, Ymodem Batch, Ymodem Batch
- 1K option, SEAlink, and of course ASCII. There are also slots to
- include up to six external file transfer protocols if you would
- like to add more.
-
- You can Upload (send) files or Download (receive) files. Most
- host systems will have you start the file transfer at their end
- first, and then wait for you to set up on your end. Host systems
- usually wait about a minute or so for you to set up, so don't
- panic.
-
- File transfers differ slightly from one host system to another.
- Basically you need to know three things:
-
- ■ whether you want to Upload (send) or Download (receive)
- a file
-
- ■ the name of the file you want to send or receive
-
- ■ which file transfer protocol you want to use
-
- Probably you can figure out for yourself whether you are
- uploading or downloading from a system, and what the file name is
- that you want to transfer. The tricky part sometimes is deciding
- which file transfer protocol to use. There are so many!
- Basically, both you and the host system MUST use the same file
- transfer protocol or the transfer will fail.
-
- Actually it's real easy to decide which file transfer protocol
- you want to use. When you request a file transfer from the host
- system, they usually show you a list of which file transfer
- protocols their system supports. Just pick one that both MyComm
- and the host system support, and you're on your way.
-
- The two most frequently used protocols are Xmodem and Zmodem.
- A little experimentation on your part will help you decide which
- of the file transfer protocols you like the best.
-
- All file transfer protocols on MyComm use 8-N-1 (8 data bits,
- No parity, and 1 stop bit). MyComm automatically sets these
- settings for you before the file transfer begins, then switches
- back to what ever settings were in place before the transfer
- began.
-
- A description of each of the file transfer protocols that
- MyComm supports will be found later in this section.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 46
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.24.1 Starting a File Transfer
-
- The steps to start the file transfer from your end with MyComm
- are simple:
-
- ■ Press PgUp to send files, or PgDn to receive files
-
- ■ Choose the file transfer protocol you want to use from
- the menu
-
- ■ Type in the filename (if needed)
-
- ■ The file transfer will start and display a status
- window
-
- ■ When the file transfer completes, MyComm makes a noise
-
-
- MyComm's file transfer menus and screens look basically the
- same for both uploads and downloads.
-
- When you press PgUp or PgDn a menu pops up showing you the
- different file transfer protocol options you have (see example
- below). Pick a protocol, or press the <Esc> or "Q" key to
- cancel.
-
- Download Protocol Menu Example
-
- +------| Down Load |+
- | ASCII |
- | SEAlink Derived |
- | Xmodem |
- | 1K-Xmodem |
- | Real Ymodem Batch |
- | Ymodem Batch - 1K |
- | Zmodem |
- external protocol ==> | 1: BIGFAST |
- (example) | Quit/None |
- +-------------------+
-
- After you pick the file transfer protocol, MyComm will ask you
- for the filename that you want to send or receive from another
- pop-up screen (see example below). Some of the file transfer
- protocols for receiving files, such as Ymodem Batch and Zmodem,
- don't need to ask you the file name so you may not always be
- asked for a filename. MyComm ALWAYS asks for the filename when
- you upload files.
-
- Note:
- When you upload files you can also use the DOS "wildcard"
- characters for filenames such as *.* or ALL*.ARC, or FILE??.*,
- etc. (see DOS manual for more information on "wildcards".)
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 47
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- Get Filename Screen Example
-
- +-----------------------------------------------------------+
- | |
- | Enter Filename and Path, (Wildcards Allowed) |
- | |
- | >C:\PUBLIC\SOMEFILE.EXT |
- | |
- +-----------------------------------------------------------+
-
- If the filename, or the path to the file (the directory) are
- invalid, or MyComm can't find them, you will see an error message
- and you can re-enter the filename. If you want to leave without
- performing the file transfer, press the <Esc> key.
-
- When the filename is entered correctly MyComm will start the
- file transfer. When the file transfer begins the File Transfer
- Status Window shown below pops-up.
-
- Download/Upload Status Window
-
- +------------------------------------------| YModem Download |+
- | |
- | Receiving: D:\PUBLIC\SOMEFILE.EXT |
- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
- | |
- | Xfer Time: 0:04:18 Bytes Received: 14567 |
- | Elapsed Time: 0:01:18 Bytes Expected: 58645 |
- | Approx. CPS: 186 Blocks Sent: 114 |
- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
- | |
- | Error Count: 0 Error Correction: CRC-16 |
- | Last Error Message: Receiving File |
- | |
- +-------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
- The status window displays information about the file transfer
- such as the file name being sent/received, an estimate with how
- long it will take to do the transfer, the elapsed time so far,
- the CPS (Characters Per Second), the bytes sent/received, the
- blocks sent, and error correction type and error status.
-
- Note:
- Some protocols will not tell you the Xfer Time or the Bytes
- Expected during downloads. This is because some protocols do not
- send an information "header" packet that tells MyComm how many
- bytes to expect from the sender.
-
- When MyComm calculates the amount of time a transfer will take
- it does the calculation based on a "worst case" rate of 80%
- efficiency. This is to take into consideration possible line
- noise, packet resends, and other considerations. Actual file
- transfers may be faster than what MyComm calculates.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 48
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- When MyComm calculates the CPS (Characters Per Second) it
- divides the number of bytes successfully transferred by the
- elapsed time since the transfer started. This should provide a
- very accurate and true CPS rate. The CPS rate reflects only the
- number of bytes actually sent from the file. Overhead bytes such
- as CRC and "escape" characters are not included in the
- calculation. Using only the file bytes sent or received for the
- CPS calculation gives a more accurate picture of the file
- transfer progress.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 49
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.24.2 File Transfer Hints
-
- ■ Both the sender and receiver MUST use the same file
- transfer protocol
-
- ■ If a file transfer keeps aborting using one protocol on
- a host system, try using a different one.
-
- ■ It's not a very good idea to upload or download from
- floppy. This can significantly affect transfer rates
- under some circumstances.
-
- ■ Floppy drives are slow, so the read and write access
- time will slow down the transfer.
-
- ■ Floppy drives really do not hold very much data. If
- the floppy disk were to fill up during a download, the
- transfer would be aborted.
-
-
- 3.24.3 Download Files - PgDn
-
- Pressing the PgDn (Page Down) key starts the file download
- procedures previously discussed.
-
-
- 3.24.4 UpLoad Files - PgUp
-
- Pressing the PgUp (Page Up) key starts the file upload
- procedures previously discussed.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 50
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.24.5 ASCII File Transfers
-
- ASCII file transfers are only used to transfer text files.
- Program files, also known as binary files, should not be
- transferred as ASCII files. ASCII uploads do not show the File
- Transfer Status Window. ASCII transfers have no form of error
- correction, but just plough along as though the characters were
- actually being typed from the keyboard.
-
-
- 3.24.6 SEAlink Derived File Transfers
-
- SEAlink is an advanced version of Xmodem developed by System
- Enhancement Associates. SEAlink uses a "sliding window" protocol
- which sends ahead several packets until waiting for an
- acknowledgement from the receiver. SEAlink sends the file name,
- and size when the transfer starts up. SEAlink is often 10 to 20
- percent faster than plain Xmodem, and can be used to send more
- than one file at a time.
-
- The version of SEAlink that MyComm uses is known as "derived
- SEAlink". MyComm doesn't use all the options from the original
- SEAlink protocol such as the "overdrive" option which is only
- used in half-duplex links. This may change with future versions
- of MyComm if there are enough requests to justify making the
- change.
-
-
- 3.24.7 Xmodem File Transfers
-
- Xmodem is probably the most widely used protocol today. Xmodem
- was originally developed by Ward Christensen in the summer of
- 1977 for use on CP/M machines, and was quickly ported to the MS-
- DOS environment. Xmodem sends data in 128 byte blocks. The
- block count seen in the File Transfer Status Window shows the
- number of 128 byte blocks that have been transferred. This
- euphemistically has been called "Xmodem blocks" and has become
- somewhat of a standard in P.C. data communications.
-
- Xmodem has two flavors; Check Sum and CRC-16 mode. The check
- sum mode is not nearly as reliable as CRC-16, and isn't used as
- often.
-
- MyComm supports both Check Sum and CRC-16 mode, and
- automatically selects the correct one to use.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 51
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- 3.24.8 1K-Xmodem File Transfers
-
- Xmodem-1K is a variation of Xmodem which uses a 1K (1024 byte)
- block to send data. Under most conditions Xmodem-1K is slightly
- faster than plain Xmodem. If there is a lot of line noise
- however, the throughput can degrade due to having to perform a
- resend on the larger packet.
-
- Some host systems may refer to Xmodem-1K as "Ymodem". Hence
- the distinction between Ymodem and the Ymodem Batch protocols
- described below.
-
-
- 3.24.9 Ymodem Batch File Transfers
-
- The Ymodem Batch protocols in MyComm both perform batch file
- transfers. That is, they can send or receive more than one file
- in a transfer session. Ymodem Batch starts sessions by sending
- the file name and size to the receiver, then sends the file data.
-
- Ymodem Batch comes in two flavors; "Real" Ymodem Batch which
- uses a 128 byte packet, and Ymodem Batch - 1K which uses a 1K
- packet.
-
- MyComm can recognize either type when receiving files
- (download) using Ymodem Batch. However due to variations in
- different host systems MyComm will need to know which type of
- Ymodem to use when sending (uploading) files.
-
- When downloading a file using Ymodem, you don't have to type in
- the file name on your end. Ymodem sends the filename as part of
- a special "header" that MyComm recognizes and will supply the
- file name.
-
- 3.24.10 Zmodem File Transfers
-
- Zmodem is another widely used file transfer protocol. It was
- developed by Chuck Forsberg/Omen Technology, Inc.
-
- Zmodem is an extremely robust protocol, that is, it recovers
- from errors well and will try to keep the file transfer session
- going.
-
- Zmodem will perform both single file and batch (multiple) file
- transfers. Like Ymodem, when downloading a file using Zmodem,
- you don't have to type in the file name on your end. Zmodem
- sends the filename as part of a special "header" that MyComm
- recognizes and will supply the file name.
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 52
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
- Zmodem uses either a 16 bit or 32 bit CRC (Cyclic Redundancy
- Check) when transferring the file. You will see the CRC type
- displayed in the File Transfer Status Window. The CRC is used
- for error checking during the transfer. MyComm automatically
- selects the proper CRC type to use so you don't have to worry
- about it. The 16 bit CRC transfers often go a little faster than
- 32 bit CRC transfers. However the 32 bit CRC is much more
- reliable for error correction, and well worth the few seconds
- added to the transfer time.
-
-
- 3.24.11 External Protocol File Transfers
-
- MyComm lets you define up to six external file transfer
- protocols. The external file transfer protocols will also appear
- in the Upload and Download protocol selection menus.
-
- External protocols should be set up in the External Protocols
- Setup Screen (see section 3.17.3.3). External protocols differ
- from vendor to vendor, so you should refer to the particular
- protocol's documentation for more detailed installation
- instructions.
-
-
- 3.24.12 MyComm as a Host
-
- At this point in time MyComm does not have a "host" mode per
- se. This was a design decision in order to keep the code size
- small. A stand-alone host program is presently being considered
- for development at the moment.
-
- But, all hope is not lost. It is entirely possible to transfer
- files between two MyComm programs (or MyComm and another
- communication program). To do this one person acts as then
- "host", and the other as caller. As the caller you would just
- call the other person as you would for any other bulletin board
- system.
-
- For this example, let's say you're the host since that's the
- complicated part.
-
- Step 1: Prearrange a time for the other person to call you.
-
- Step 2: Get MyComm up and running.
-
- Step 3: When the other person calls you will hear the phone
- ringing or see the word "RING" appear on the MyComm
- terminal screen. When you see "RING", type ATA then
- press the <Enter> key. This tells your modem to answer
- the phone and initiate the carrier tones so the two
- modems will "talk" to each other. Alternatively you
- could press <Alt> and the "I" key, then press "A" for
- the "Send Answer String" command (see section 3.18.1.5
- "Send Answer String").
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 May 9, 1992 Page 53
- Copyright (c) 1992 Ken Dorshimer - All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- Step 3a: Alternative to Step 3: before the other person calls
- type ATS0=1 then press <Enter>. This tells your modem
- to answer the modem on the first ring and to initiate
- the carrier tones.
-
- Step 4: (Optional) If you would like to "chat" on-line with the
- other person, Press <Alt> and the "A" key to bring up
- the MyComm split screen chat mode (see section 3.3
- "Chat Mode").
-
- Step 5: When transferring files from one MyComm to another
- remember when they are uploading you are downloading
- and vice versa. So if the other person wants to
- download a file from you they would start the download
- function at their end, and you would start an upload
- from your end. The most important things to decide
- before doing the transfer are:
-
- - who is uploading/downloading to and from whom
-
- - which file transfer protocol you are using (they
- MUST be the same)
-
- - and finally, what the filename is.
-
- This is where the MyComm "chat" mode can be handy. It can
- help you establish stuff while you're on-line with the
- other person.
-
- Step 6: If all goes smoothly the file transfer will be
- successful. In fact for the most part it will be as
- though you had simply called another BBS, except this
- time you're interacting with a live person rather than
- the BBS software.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix A MyComm Line Editing Functions
-
- Many of the user configuration options and the dialing list
- have sections that require a line of text to be input and/or
- edited. MyComm has a built in line editor to perform simple
- editing on these text lines. The MyComm line editor uses a tiny
- subset of WordStar type commands. A description of the line edit
- commands follows.
-
- ■ Enter - Terminates the line and keeps it
-
- ■ Esc - Terminates editing the line and
- does not keep it
-
- ■ Right Arrow - Moves the cursor right. If the
- cursor is at the very end of the
- line a beep is heard
-
- ■ Left Arrow - Moves the cursor left. This
- is "non-destructive". That is,
- the character is not erased as
- the cursor moves
-
- ■ BackSpace - Moves the cursor left. This
- is "destructive". That is,
- the character is erased as
- the cursor moves
-
- ■ End - Positions the cursor at
- the end of the line
-
- ■ Home - Positions the cursor at the
- beginning of the line
-
- ■ Cntl + T - When the Cntl key and the
- letter T are pressed simultaneously,
- the line is erased from the
- current cursor position to the
- end of the line
-
- ■ Cntl + Y - When the Cntl key and the
- letter Y are pressed simultaneously,
- the entire line is erased and
- the cursor is positioned at
- column one
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix B Troubleshooting
- This section should answer common problems that you might have
- when using MyComm.
-
- Problem:
-
- - Modem doesn't respond.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - Is the COM port the right one? i.e COM 1, 2, 3, or 4.
-
- - Is the modem installed correctly?
-
- - Is the modem really Hayes (Tm) compatible?
-
- - If this is an internal modem, are the cables hooked up?
- Is it plugged in?
-
- - MyComm uses the standard DOS interrupt vectors for COM
- Ports of:
-
- COM 1: 3F8
- COM 2: 2F8
- COM 3: 3E8
- COM 4: 2F8
-
- If you have set these to something different, MyComm
- probably won't like it. Reset the interrupt vectors to their
- standard settings. If you don't know what this means, you
- probably didn't fool with it in the first place, so don't mess
- with it now.
-
- MyComm doesn't, at this point, allow user configuration of
- interrupt vectors on the COM ports. It wasn't an oversight,
- rather a design decision since it was something that I never had
- any reason to reset, and didn't feel it was a necessary option.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Problem:
-
- - Modem won't hang up the phone line.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - Some modems have a DIP switch setting that keeps Carrier
- Detect always on. MyComm uses the Carrier Detect (CD)
- to see if it's on-line, and to see when the modem has
- released the phone line properly. You should set your
- modem to let software, in this case MyComm, to handle
- the Carrier Detect signal.
-
- - Try adding the Hayes command &C1 to your initialization
- string. This tells the modem to use Carrier Detect
- only when connected.
-
- Problem:
-
- - The result codes from the modem are numbers instead of
- text.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - Try adding Q0 and V1 to the modem initialization string.
- MyComm MUST see the result codes, and they have to be
- the English Text. Also try adding X4 to the
- initialization string.
-
- Problem:
-
- - When using a multitasker such as Windows (Tm), DoubleDOS
- (Tm), etc, the MyComm displays bleed through to other
- applications.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - Set the option in the Miscellaneous Options Screen named
- "Direct Screen Writes" to "No".
-
- Problem:
-
- - When I call some services, the characters look weird, or
- just garbage.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - Make sure that the Data Bits, etc. are set correctly.
- Most public BBS's use 8-N-1, but some may use 7-E-1
- (often true with Unix (Tm) based systems and
- mainframes).
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Problem:
-
- - File transfers seem to always time out or abort.
-
- Possible Causes:
-
- - MyComm will abort a transfer if there are too many
- errors in the transfer due to line noise, or other
- unpredictable circumstances.
-
- - Are you and the other guy using the same file transfer
- protocol?
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix C MyComm Command Summary
-
- Alt A - Chat Mode
- Alt B - Send Break
- Alt C - Clear the Screen
- Alt D - Dialing Functions
- Alt E - Local Echo On/Off
- Alt H - Hang Up Modem
- Alt I - Send Modem Initialization Strings
- Alt L - Present Line Status
- Alt K - Scroll Back
- Alt M - Manual Dial
- Alt O - Outside to DOS
- Alt P - Change Port Parameters
- Alt Q - Quick Re- Dial
- Alt R - Run External Program
- Alt S - Session Capture On/Off/Pause
- Alt U - Update Configuration
- Alt W - Send Screen to File
- Alt X - Exit MyComm
-
- F1 - Help Screen
- F2 - Send Name
- F3 - Send Password
- F4 - Send Tagline
-
- PgUp - Upload Files
- PgDn - Download Files
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix D Planned Modifications and Upgrades
-
- At this time I am planning (contingent on the number of
- registrations of MyComm) to make several modifications and
- upgrades to MyComm Version 1.22. Some of these are:
-
- ■ Fancier color screen displays for menus and information
- screens
-
- ■ Add MS-Windows (Tm) and/or Deskview (Tm)
- compatibility
-
- ■ Add KERMIT file transfer protocol
-
- ■ Add a simple Host/BBS mode
-
- ■ Capture buffer to see last few screen pages
-
- ■ VT-52, VT-100, and VT-200 Terminal Emulators
- Note: VT-nnn are Trademarks of the Digital Equipment
- Corporation
-
- ■ Logon Script Mode
-
- Of course upgrades are dependent on you, the end user. MyComm
- is user supported software. If I see that people are interested
- in the program, and interested enough to register it, I will feel
- more inclined to continue to perform upgrades to MyComm.
-
- The creation and development of a program like MyComm is by no
- means trivial. If you think it is, try writing a similar program
- yourself. I think you'll see what I mean. Continued user
- support in the form of registrations gives me, your humble
- author, the incentive to keep upgrading and improving MyComm.
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix E MyComm Order Form
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 Order Form
- Copyright (c) 1992, Ken Dorshimer
- All Rights Reserved
-
- Mail to:
- Ken Dorshimer
- P.O. Box 193101
- San Francisco, Ca. 94119-3101
-
-
- Your Name: _________________________________________________
-
- Address: _________________________________________________
-
- _________________________________________________
-
- City: _________________________________________________
-
-
- State: _________ Zip Code: _________________________
-
- Disk Format: 5.25" floppy____ OR 3.5" semi-floppy____
-
-
- Number of Copies of MyComm _______ X $25.00 = __________
-
- Number of Copies of MyComm _______ X $1 S&H = __________
-
- Total: __________
-
-
- Please make check or Money Order out to Ken Dorshimer, and send
- payment to the address above (mine not yours).
-
- Funds should be in U.S dollars, and drawn on a U.S. bank.
-
- (Please send check or money order, do not send cash. People
- who want to order MyComm from outside the U.S. should obtain a
- money order in U.S. dollars from a local bank.)
-
- Please note: I am NOT able to process Visa or Mastercard orders
- at this time (several folks asked me about this).
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix F MyComm Bug Report Form
-
- This form is used to describe any problems, or bugs that you
- may have found with MyComm version 1.22. You may also use it to
- tell me of any enhancements you would like to see added to
- MyComm, or suggestions for future versions.
-
- Bug reports and suggestions are always welcome. I am trying
- to provide the very best communications software package I can.
- Of course all bug reports and suggestions get much closer
- scrutiny when accompanied by a registration check. <grin>
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------
-
- Machine Type __________________________ DOS Version ____
-
- Machine BIOS Type _____________________ Monitor ________
-
- Modem Brand __________________________ Speed ____
-
- Describe problem, bug, or suggestion:
-
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
-
-
- Mail To:
- Ken Dorshimer
- P.O. Box 193101
- San Francisco, Ca. 94119-3101
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Appendix G MyComm Revision History
-
- September 19, 1991 - MyComm Version 1.0 design began
- February 16, 1992 - MyComm Version 1.0 completed
-
- MyComm Version 1.10 Revisions and Additions
-
- Fixed minor bug in line editing function
-
- Sped up Session Capture function writes to disk
-
- Added Baud Rates of 19200, 38400 and 57600 for high speed
- modem use
-
- Added replaceable parameters for COM Port and Baud Rate for
- calls to External Protocol batch files
-
- Added filename guessing feature for uploads and downloads
-
- Fixed minor error in status messages in ASCII transfers
-
- Fixed minor bug in Zmodem download function
-
- Added Zmodem auto downloads function
-
- Added Zmodem crash recovery option for downloads
-
- Added Zmodem crash recovery option for uploads
-
- Added Zmodem configuration menu to protocol configuration
- menu
-
- Many internal enhancements and optimizations (generally
- invisible) to the user were made to the MyComm code
-
- March 18, 1992 - MyComm Version 1.10 completed
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.20 Revisions and Additions
-
- fixed bug in Zmodem send and receive that would display
- incorrect CPS rate and other transfer status information
- when doing a Zmodem "crash recovery".
-
- optimized all of the file transfer functions and increased
- speeds of file uploads by approximately 10% .
-
- Zmodem now checks the date and time of the file when doing a
- receive crash recovery in case file has changed since the
- transfer aborted. This was to facilitate mail packet runs
- for off-line reader users in case the file changed since you
- last tried to download it.
-
- fixed bug in phone item deletion module.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- changed "D" to "T" to delete phone records. it was too easy
- to confuse it with "Dial" used by other programs.
-
- added sort phone items to dialing menu.
-
- added move phone items to dialing menu.
-
- added print phone items to dialing menu.
-
- added 115200 baud to baud rates.
-
- added scroll back buffer.
-
- downloads now cancel transfer if the disk fills up.
- apparently, the download would proceed and makes a 0 byte
- file if the disk filled up.
-
- April 11, 1992 - MyComm Version 1.20 completed
-
-
- MyComm Version 1.21 Revisions and Additions
-
- made a couple of very minor bug fixes
-
- April 14, 1992 - MyComm Version 1.21 completed
-
- MyComm Version 1.22 Revisions and Additions
-
- Made a change to the way MyComm looks for valid COM ports
- during the start up sequence. Apparently my method for
- checking to see if a COM port was valid was a bit too
- stringent. MyComm now uses a more "relaxed" method for
- finding COM ports and will now allow you to use a plain
- serial port as well as a modem port.
-
- May 9, 1992 - MyComm Version 1.22 completed
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 1K-Xmodem File Transfers 51
- Add LF after incoming CR 17
- Add Phone List Item 13
- Alt A 11
- Alt B 12
- Alt C 12
- Alt D 12
- Alt E 21
- Alt H 22
- Alt I 22
- Alt K 23
- Alt L 23
- Alt M 24
- Alt O 24
- Alt P 25
- Alt Q 25
- Alt R 26
- Alt S 26
- Alt U 27
- Alt W 43
- Alt X 43
- ASCII File Transfers 50
- ASCII Transfers Setup 35
- ASCII Transfers Setup Screen 35
- Baud Rate 14
- BS Key Sends BS or DELete 16
- Bug Report Form 61
- Call Numbers (Dial) 18
- Change Port Parameters - Alt P 25
- Change Port Parameters Screen 25
- Character Pace Time 37
- Chat Mode - Alt A 11
- Clear last date called 17
- Clear the Screen - Alt C 12
- Clever quip for TagLine 42
- COM Port 29
- Command Summary 58
- CR Translation Upload and Download 36
- Data Bits 14
- Data Parity 14
- Date Format Style 41
- Default Protocol 15
- Definitions, Acronyms 5
- Delete an Item 17
- Dial Prefix 15
- Dial Screen 12
- Dialing Functions - Alt D 12
- Dialing Prefix #1 32
- Dialing Prefix #2 32
- Dialing Prefix #3 32
- Dialing Prefixes 32
- Dialing Status Window 18
- Dialing Wait Time 30
- Disclaimer and Warranty 4
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Download Directory 33
- Download Files - PgDn 49
- Download Protocol Menu 46
- Download/Upload Status Window 47
- Edit Phone List Item Screen 13
- Exit MyComm - Alt X 43
- Exit MyComm Window 43
- Expand Blank Lines to Spaces 36
- External Protocol File Transfers 52
- External Protocols Setup 39
- External Protocols Setup Screen 39
- F1 key 11
- F2 key 43
- F3 key 44
- F4 key 44
- File Transfer Hints 49
- Filename Guessing 43
- Find Phone List Items 20
- General System Requirements 6
- Get Filename Screen 47
- Guess Filename 43
- Guess Up/Download Filename 43
- Hang Up Modem - Alt H 22
- Help Menu - F1 11
- Help Screen 11
- Installation 7, 8
- Introduction to MyComm 1
- LF Translation Upload and Download 36
- Line Editing Functions 54
- Line Pace Time 36
- Load Phone List Screen 20
- Load Phone List Window 20
- Local Echo 16
- Local Echo on by Default 31
- Local Echo On During ASCII Uploads 36
- Local Echo On/Off - Alt E 21
- Logon Name 15
- Make Noise After File Transfers 41
- Make Noise When Calls Connect 41
- Manual Dial - Alt M 24
- Manual Dial Screen 19
- Manual Dial Window 19
- Mark Phone List Items 20
- Miscellaneous Options Setup 40
- Miscellaneous Options Setup Screen 40
- Modem Answer String 30
- Modem Attention String 29
- Modem Cancel Dial String 30
- Modem Dial Suffix String 30
- Modem Hang Up String 30
- Modem Initialization String 29
- Modem Setup Screen 28
- Move Phone List Item 21
- MyComm as a Host 52
-
-
-
-
-
-
- MyComm Bug Report Form 61
- MyComm Command Summary 58
- MyComm Files 6
- MyComm General Installation Instructions 8
- MyComm Installation 7
- MyComm Line Editing Functions 54
- MyComm Order Form 60
- MyComm Registration 2
- MyComm Revision History 62
- MyComm Screens and Menus 10
- Name 13
- Number 14
- Order Form 60
- Outside to DOS - Alt O 24
- Pacing Char 37
- Page Down 49
- Page Up 49
- Password 15
- Password for sign ons 42
- Path\File for Phone File 34
- Path\File for Screen Capture 33
- Path\File for Session Capture 33
- Path\Filename of Editor 34
- Path\Filename of External Programs 34
- Paths Setup 33
- Paths Setup Screen 33
- Pause Between Calls 31
- PgDn 49
- PgUp 49
- Phone Item Info Screen 19
- Planned Modifications and Upgrades 59
- Present Line Status - Alt L 23
- Present Line Status Window 23
- Print Phone List 21
- Protocols Setup 34
- Protocols Setup Menu 34
- Quick Re-Dial - Alt Q 25
- Received BS (BackSpace) Destructive 16
- Remote Abort Char 36
- Revision History 62
- Run External Program - Alt R 26
- Save Changes 17
- Save Setup 43
- Screen Background Color 40
- Screen Text Color 41
- Screens and Menus 10
- Scroll Back - Alt K 23
- SEAlink Derived File Transfers 50
- Send Break - Alt B 12
- Send Init. String Menu 22
- Send Modem Initialization Strings - Alt I 22
- Send Name - F2 43
- Send Password - F3 44
- Send Screen to File - Alt W 43
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Send Tagline - F4 44
- Session Capture On/Off/Pause - Alt S 26
- Sort Phone List 20
- Starting a File Transfer 46
- Stop Bits 14
- Strip Hi Bits 17
- Strip High Bits 35
- System Requirements 7
- Terminal Screen 10
- Terminal Type 16
- Time Format - 12 or 24 Hour 41
- Transfering Files 45
- Troubleshooting 55
- Update Configuration - Alt U 27
- Update Configuration Menu 27
- Upload Directory to files from 33
- UpLoad Files - PgUp 49
- Use CTS/RTS Flow Control 32
- Use Direct Video 41
- Use DSR/DTR Flow Control 32
- Use DTR to Hang Up Modem 31
- Use XON/XOFF Flow Control 31
- Xmodem File Transfers 50
- Xmodem-1K 51
- Ymodem 51
- Ymodem Batch - 1K 51
- Ymodem Batch File Transfers 51
- Your Name for sign ons 42
- Zmodem 32 Bit CRC 37
- Zmodem Auto Download Feature 37
- Zmodem File Transfers 51
- Zmodem Receive Crash Recovery 38
- Zmodem Send Crash Recovery 38
- Zmodem Transfers Setup 37