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JLBlink Copyright 1990 Jerry McReynolds All Rights Reserved Published and Distributed by BIX/McGraw-Hill BIX/McGraw-Hill grants to you the right to use one copy of the JLBlink software program on a single user computer. The software can only be copied one (1) time for the sole purpose of a backup copy provided the copyright notice is included on the backup copy.. Under no conditions, can the software be redistributed or retransmitted. You may not copy the written materials accompanying the software. By your using this software, you agree to the terms herein. The software and accompanying written materials are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the software is assumed by you. BIX/McGraw-Hill and Jerry McReynolds will not be held liable for any reason for any cost you may incur, or any potential income you might lose as a result of using this software. Acknowledgements JLBlink(TM) is a trademark of J & L Computer Services. BIX(R) is a registered trademark of McGraw-Hill. MS-DOS(R) is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. IBM(R) and PC-DOS(R) are registered trademarks of the International Business Machine Corporation. Table Of Contents Welcome to JLBlink...................................................1 Introduction.......................................................1 The Communication Link.............................................1 The Editor.........................................................1 Installation Procedures for JLBlink..................................2 Requirements.......................................................2 Installing JLBlink.................................................2 Directory Structure................................................2 How To Enter JLBlink and Execute Commands............................3 How To Use the Menu System and Get Help..............................4 How To Log On BIX With JLBlink.......................................5 What Is Auto.......................................................5 What Is Blink......................................................5 What Is Manual.....................................................6 BIX Requirements Needed By JLBlink.................................6 What To Do If The LogOn Script Does Not Work.......................7 How To Use JLBlink's Communication Link To Interface With BIX........8 How To Join New Conferences........................................8 How To Download New Conference Messages............................8 How To Download New Mail Memos.....................................9 How To Download A Binary File Attachment To A Mail Memo............9 How To Upload Messages and Mail...................................10 How To Send A Message While On-Line...............................10 How To Send A Mail Memo While On-Line.............................10 How To Send A File Attachment With A Mail Memo....................11 How To Download A File From Your Scratchpad.......................11 How To Upload A File To Your ScratchPad...........................11 How To Receive A File From Listings...............................12 How To Send A File To Listings....................................12 How To Receive Messages Missing From Your Data Base...............12 How To Send The Script To Resign From Conferences.................12 How To Toggle The Session Capture File............................13 How To Send a Break Signal To BIX.................................13 What To Do If You Are Not Seeing Characters That You Type Or If You Are Seeing Double Characters............................13 What To Do If Your Connection With BIX Is Dropped.................13 What To Do If Your Download Of Messages Or Mail Fails.............13 How To Stop The Execution Of A Command or Script..................14 How To Log Off BIX................................................14 i Table Of Contents How To Read and Mark New Messages and Mail..........................15 Setting The Order Messages Are Downloaded From BIX................15 How To Read Messages In The Order Downloaded......................15 How To Read Forward Order Messages In Reference Order.............16 How To Select A Specific New Message To Read......................17 How To Skip Messages..............................................17 How To Mark A Message To Read or Reply To At A Later Time.........17 How To Read Marked Messages.......................................18 How To Check For Comments To A Specific Message...................18 How To Print or Export A Message..................................18 Updating The New Message Log and The Marked Message Log...........19 How To Change The Status Of A Message In The Log..................19 How To Use JLBlink's Editor for Writing Messages and Memos..........20 How To Post A Comment To Message..................................20 How To Post A Say Message.........................................20 How To Post A Say Message In A Conference/Topic You Do Not Have Messages From.....................................21 How To Send A Mail Memo...........................................21 How To Reply To A Mail Memo.......................................22 How To Read The Message or Memo Displayed Under The Editor........23 How To Import Data Into A Message or Memo You Are Composing.......23 A Closing Note About The Editor...................................23 How To Read and Edit Messages Before Sending To BIX...............24 How To Read and Edit Mail Memos Before Sending To BIX.............24 How To Read Existing Messages in Your BIX Data Base.................25 How To Search Your BIX Data Base For Messages.......................26 How To Resign From A Conference or Topic............................27 How To Check For Missing or Duplicate Messages In Your Data Base....28 How To Change The Setup Parameters..................................29 How To Manually Parse Files Into Your Data Base.....................30 How To Exit JLBlink.................................................30 How To Use The Command Line Options.................................31 Variable=Filename.................................................31 Commands..........................................................32 How To Modify JLBlink Script Files..................................34 How To Change The Phone Number Used For BIX.......................34 How To Change Your BIX Password...................................34 How To Customize the Blink.Bmc....................................34 How To File Only Message Headers and Retrieve Messages............35 How To Clean Your BIX Mail Box....................................36 ii Table Of Contents JLBlink Command Summary.............................................37 Introduction......................................................37 File Commands <Alt-F>.............................................37 LogOn Commands <Alt-L>............................................41 Post Commands <Alt-P>.............................................43 Read Commands <Alt-R>.............................................44 Skip Commands <Alt-S>.............................................48 Utilities Commands <Alt-U>........................................49 Read Keys.........................................................51 Editor Command Summary..............................................55 Introduction......................................................55 Cut and Paste Commands............................................55 Editing Commands..................................................56 File Commands.....................................................58 Movement Commands.................................................60 Scroll Message Mode Commands......................................62 Communication Link Command Summary..................................64 Introduction......................................................64 File Commands <Alt-F>.............................................64 Blink Commands <Alt-B>............................................69 Output Commands <Alt-O>...........................................70 Keyboard Commands.................................................71 Communication Link Script Commands Summary..........................72 Introduction......................................................72 The Blink Command.................................................73 The Capture Command...............................................73 The Echo Command..................................................73 The Getc Command..................................................74 The Gets Command..................................................74 The Puts Command..................................................75 The Screen Command................................................75 The Show Command..................................................75 The Silence Command...............................................75 The Wait Command..................................................76 The Watch Command.................................................76 iii JLBlink User Manual Welcome to JLBlink Introduction Welcome to JLBlink! Copyright Jerry McReynolds, 1990. All rights reserved. Published by BIX/McGraw Hill. JLBlink is designed to help you get the most out of the time you spend with BIX. It does this by automating a large portion of your BIX sessions with blink scripts. The blink scripts necessary to log on and off BIX via Tymnet or direct, and to download messages and mail come with JLBlink. It generates all the blink scripts necessary to upload messages and mail. In addition, with one single command execution, JLBlink will log on BIX, download all your new messages and memos, upload all new messages and memos that you have composed, and then log off BIX, with no required interaction from you. JLBlink also builds your own BIX Data Base from the messages and memos you receive from BIX. It automatically builds and updates an index of new messages and mail, which gives you the ability to read the messages, at your convenience, in the order you want. The Communication Link JLBlink comes equipped with an intelligent Communication Link to help you send and receive files (messages and memos) to and from BIX. The Communication Link is designed specifically to interface with BIX in an efficient and easy manner. The Communication Link provides all the tools necessary to interface with BIX either fully automatic, semiautomatic, or manually. The process the Communication Link uses to interface with BIX is known as "Blinking". The process of blinking is used to get on- and off-line as quickly as possible. Blinking is an efficient method to interface with BIX because it not only reduces the amount of time that you stay on-line, it also reduces the total amount of characters that are transmitted and received during a typical session. The Editor JLBlink integrates a versatile screen oriented Editor into its Post commands for you to compose and edit the messages and memos that you wish to send to BIX. You can import text into the Editor, and also use it while on-line with BIX. You can even have each message "signed" automatically. Page 1 JLBlink User Manual Installation Procedures for JLBlink Requirements JLBlink is designed specifically for IBM XT/AT and 100% compatible machines. It requires PC/MS-DOS 3.0 or higher, a fixed disk, and at least 512K of free memory. Installing JLBlink Before you start the installation process, you will need to have available: the comm port number which your modem is attached to, the baud rate to use, the telephone number you dial to access BIX, your BIX user id, your BIX password, and if you are logging on via Tymnet, your BIX access id. You will be prompted during installation for the items listed above. To install JLBlink, place the diskette labeled "Install" into drive A:. From the DOS prompt type "a:<Enter>" to change the active drive to drive A:, and then type "instbl<Enter>". This will execute JLBlink's installation program. The installation program will prompt you during installation for information that you must fill in to install JLBlink properly. You can abort the installation at any of the prompts by pressing <Escape>. Directory Structure During the installation process, JLBlink creates six directories and copies the files from the diskettes to the appropriate directory. This directory structure must not be changed or renamed for the program to operate properly. The directories are as follows. \JLBLINK \JLBLINK\BLNEW \JLBLINK\BLOLD \JLBLINK\BLSUPP \JLBLINK\BLTOOLS \JLBLINK\YOURMAIL In addition to the above directories, JLBlink creates a directory off of the \JLBLINK directory for every conference you belong to. A file will be created for each topic within the conference directory to store the messages for that topic. WARNING: If after installation of JLBlink you move it to another directory, you must edit three files before JLBlink will operate properly. The files are JLBLINK\JOINED.TXT, JLBLINK\BLTOOLS\BLFILTER.BLD, and JLBLINK\BLTOOLS\HELP.BLD. You will need to edit each entry in all the files to reflect the new path. Page 2 JLBlink User Manual How To Enter JLBlink and Execute Commands The complete command line syntax for JLBlink is: blink [-] [variable=filename...] [commands...] Where: "-" will display a list of valid parameters and commands. "variable=filename" will set the internal variable to the "filename". "commands" will be executed automatically. JLBlink is executed by typing "blink<Enter>" at the DOS prompt. To execute a command, press the keystrokes associated with the command or invoke the Menu System by pressing <Escape> and selecting a command. You can change the default Command Scripts (LogOn.BMC, Blink.BMC, and LogOff.BMC) and Setup Parameters <Blink.INI) for a single session by including the "variable=filename" on the DOS command line. This is discussed in further detail in the chapter "How To Use The Command Line Options". JLBlink commands can be executed automatically by including the command names(s) on the DOS command line. (A complete list of the valid command names will be displayed by typing "blink -" on the DOS command line.) For example, typing "blink logonauto<Enter>" will load JLBlink and then execute the LogOn Auto <Alt-L><A> command. You can include as many JLBlink command names on the DOS command line as you like. The commands will be executed in the same order that they are placed on the DOS command line. NOTE: JLBlink uses the foreground and background color settings that are active at the time you enter the program. If you want to change the color JLBlink defaults to, you must do it before executing JLBlink. JLBlink will also use 43 or 50 line mode if set prior to entering the program. Page 3 JLBlink User Manual How To Use the Menu System and Get Help The Menu System of JLBlink is invoked by pressing <Escape>. The cursor will move to the top of the screen. Use the Left/Right Arrow keys to move the cursor between the command groups on the Main Menu. Place the cursor on the command group name and then press <Enter> to open a Secondary Menu. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to move between commands on the Secondary Menu and then press <Enter> to execute the command. While the Menu System is invoked, a short description of the current command will be displayed on the bottom of the screen. As you move the cursor between selections, the description will change to reflect each command. A brief key chart of additional commands not available in the Menu System can be displayed on the screen by pressing <Alt-H>. To return to the position where you were before executing the <Alt-H>, press <Escape> after the help screen has been displayed. Some additional information files are available by executing the Read General Help <Alt-R><H> command. When you access any of the General Help files, your current position will be exited. Page 4 JLBlink User Manual How To Log On BIX With JLBlink The LogOn <Alt-L> commands are used to activate your modem and to connect you with the Communication Link in order to log on BIX. Three different modes are offered so that you can choose the method that will best fill your needs for a particular session. The modes vary in the amount of scripts that are executed automatically. NOTE: The Communication Link does have its own set of commands associated with it. Once you execute a LogOn command and activate the Communication Link, the Menu System will change to reflect that set of commands. The Menu System for the Communication Link is invoked by pressing <Escape>. What Is Auto The Auto <Alt-L><A> command executes the LogOn.Bmc script which will log you on BIX and place you at BIX's Main System Prompt (:). The Communication Link commands are then used if you want to automate some of your transactions while on-line with BIX; for instance, downloading or uploading messages and memos, or using the JLBlink Editor instead of BIX's editor for composing messages. Please refer to the section in this manual titled "How To Use JlBlink's Communication Link To Interface With BIX" which explains how to use the Communication Link commands. When you are ready to leave BIX, press <Alt-X>. This executes the LogOff.Bmc script which will issue the "BYE" to BIX and then hang up your modem. NOTE: If you normally have BIX's Menu System turned on when you log on BIX, it will be turned off automatically. Once you are on BIX, you can use their menu system with JLBlink as long as you turn it off before executing any Communication Link command. What Is Blink The Blink <Alt-L> command executes the LogOn.Bmc, Blink.Bmc, and LogOff.Bmc scripts automatically one after the other with no required input from you, which basically is saying, it will log on BIX, download all new messages and mail, upload any messages and memos you have composed, and then log off BIX automatically. If you should decide you need to do other things while on-line with BIX in the Blink mode, press <^Z> which will stop the Blink command before executing the log off script. All your downloads and uploads will be transmitted and then you will be placed at BIX's Main System Prompt (:). You will need to execute the Log Off <Alt-X> command when you are ready to leave BIX. Page 5 JLBlink User Manual What Is Manual The Manual <Alt-L><M> command does nothing more than initialize your communication port. It will not execute any scripts. You will need to type all the modem instructions necessary to log on BIX. NOTE: When you use the Auto or Blink commands, the script that is used to log on BIX via Tymnet contains looping capability. Once you are on Tymnet if you cannot get through to BIX, it will automatically continue trying to get on BIX until you reach BIX or 50 attempts have been made. This number can be adjusted and you should refer to the Communication Link Script Commands Summary-- Watch Command for details on changing it. If you do not want to wait until all attempts have been made, press <^C> and then select <A>bort. BIX Requirements Needed By JLBlink Because JLBlink operates via scripts, it requires some BIX Options to be set to a specific value in order to upload and download messages and mail. When you use the Auto or Blink command to log on BIX, those Options are automatically set at the beginning of each session with the Options.Bmc script. If you have your Profile set to automatically place you somewhere other than BIX's Main System Prompt, JLBlink will not work and you will need to change your Profile before using JLBlink. The Options.Bmc script can be accessed with the File Display or Edit Options.Bmc <Alt-F><D> or <E><O> commands. The only values that can be changed in this script are download and upload. However, you can make additions as long as the rest of the values remain as set; otherwise, JLBlink will not perform properly. If you continue to use JLBlink, you may want to edit your BIX Profile to set the options rather than having them set on an each session basis. If you need assistance in editing your Profile, please refer to the BIX User Manual under the section Personal Bix or drop a message in the JLBlink conference. If you edit your BIX Profile, the Options.BMC file should be deleted from the \JLBLINK\BLSUPP directory. Page 6 JLBlink User Manual To edit your Profile, the following Options will need to be set as shown: naplps y terse edit quiet term width 130 term pagelen 0 term tty filter no mailcall verbose blink y JLBlink only supports uploading and downloading files via Xmodem (X) or Xmodem/1K which is YModem (Y) so the following options will need to be set to either value. upload x or upload y download x or download y What To Do If The LogOn Script Does Not Work If JLBlink should hang at any point during the log on process, you should first try pressing <^C> and <C>ontinue. If it still does not work, make a note of exactly where the script stopped and then press <^C> and <A>bort. You should then edit the script at the position where the problem is, such as misspelled user id or password. To edit the Logon Script, use the File Edit File <Alt-F><E> command, and then select the Logon.Bmc <N> file. If the script hangs after the "Last On:" message, you should check your BIX Profile and make sure you have it set to place you at BIX's Main System Prompt (:) and not at the Mail or Read prompts. If you should need any assistance in editing the script or determining what the problem is, log on BIX using the LogOn Manual <Alt-L><M> command or your current method and leave a message in the JLBlink conference. Please supply as much information as possible; at a minimum, the point where the script hangs. Page 7 JLBlink User Manual How To Use JLBlink's Communication Link To Interface With BIX When you execute a LogOn <Alt-L> command, the Communication Link module of JLBlink becomes active. The Communication Link has three groups of commands available to use while on-line with BIX. This section will be devoted to using those commands. All Communication Link commands are executed by pressing the keystrokes associated with the command or selecting it from the Menu System. The Menu System is invoked by pressing <Escape>. A general summary of the command groups is as follows. The Blink <Alt-B> commands are used to automatically upload and download messages and memos. The File <Alt-F> commands are used to edit and transfer files, and to log off BIX. The Output <Alt-O> commands are used to send break signals to BIX. How To Join New Conferences When joining another conference, follow the normal BIX procedures for doing so. Since you are blinking now, it is recommended that you set the Recent Option in your BIX Profile, or in the Options.BMC script, to a low number to keep from getting a lot of old messages. (Refer to the BIX User Manual under Personal BIX as to how to set an option in your profile.) TIP: If you are only interested in a couple of topics in the conference, it is less work to go ahead and join all the topics, and then when you log off BIX just do a Utilities Resign <Alt-U><R> while you are reading the topics you do not want. This way JLBlink builds a script to resign those topics and you will not have to type a "resign conference/topic" for each one. How To Download New Conference Messages The Blink Conference Messages <Alt-B><C> command is used to download your new messages from BIX. Before issuing the command, you should be at BIX's Main System Prompt. Once the command is issued, the screen will display each conference name and topic that contains new messages as they are being filed to your scratchpad. It then automatically starts the download of messages from your scratchpad. While the download is in progress, the number of lines and characters will be displayed on the screen as they are being transmitted. When the download is complete, your scratchpad will be cleared and you will be returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). This command can be issued as many times as you like during a single session on BIX if you have your Scratchpad Protocol set to ASCII. Any new messages will be appended to the end of the ones you have already downloaded. Page 8 JLBlink User Manual NOTE: The protocol used to download your scratchpad is determined by the option you have selected in the JLBlink SetUp Parameters. If you want to change it, use the Utilities SetUp <Alt-U><S> command when you are off-line with BIX. How To Download New Mail Memos The Blink Mail Memos <Alt-B><M> command is used to download your new mail from BIX. Before issuing the command, you should be at BIX's Main System Prompt. Once the command is issued, the screen will display who each new memo is from while it is being filed to your scratchpad. It then automatically starts the download of mail memos from your scratchpad. While the download is in progress, the number of lines and characters will be displayed on the screen as they are being transmitted. When the download is complete, your scratchpad will be cleared and you will be returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). This command can be issued as many times as you like during a single session on BIX if you have your Scratchpad Protocol set to ASCII. Any new mail memos will be appended to the end of the ones you have already downloaded. If the Mail Memos command is issued and you do not have new mail, you will be advised of the fact and then returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). NOTE: The protocol used to download your scratchpad is determined by the option you have selected in the SetUp Parameters. If you want to change it, use the JLBlink Utilities SetUp <Alt-U><S> command when you are off-line with BIX. How To Download A Binary File Attachment To A Mail Memo To download a binary file attached to a mail memo, you must join the Mail System and then type in the number of the memo that has the attachment. After the memo has been displayed, BIX will advise you that it has an attachment and do you want to receive it. By answering yes to BIX's prompt, you will be prompted by the Communication Link for the file name. The current working directory will be assumed unless you specify the full path name. After the file name is input, the transmission of the file will begin automatically. NOTE: Files attached to mail will not be automatically downloaded when you Blink Mail Memos. You must use the above procedure to receive a file attached to a mail memo. Page 9 JLBlink User Manual How To Upload Messages and Mail The Blink UpBlink Scripts <Alt-B> command is used to send messages and mail memos you have composed off-line to BIX. Before issuing the command, you should be at BIX's Main System Prompt (:). Once the command is issued, the number of scripts and size of the script will be displayed. The number of lines and characters will be displayed as each script is being transmitted. After all scripts have been sent to BIX, you will be returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). NOTE: You should always issue a Blink Conference Messages command before you issue a Blink UpBlink Scripts command. Otherwise, you may receive messages that you have already read. How To Send A Message While On-Line To send a message while on-line, follow the normal BIX procedures for commenting to a message or posting a say until you reach BIX's editor. Once you are in BIX's editor, press <Alt-F><E> to open JLBlink's Editor. Compose your message and when you are finished, press <Alt-O> which will save it and close the Editor. The next step is to issue the Transmit Scratchpad command by pressing <Alt-F><T>. This will send the message you have composed to BIX's editor and leave you at the "add/action" prompt. Type "add<Enter>" to go ahead and add your message. NOTE: When you use JLBlink's Editor, you should *not* type the required period on a line by itself that BIX's editor needs. This is automatically taken care of when using JLBlink's Editor. How To Send A Mail Memo While On-Line To send a mail memo while on-line, follow the normal BIX procedures for sending a memo until you reach BIX's editor. Once you are in BIX's editor, press <Alt-F><E> to open JLBlink's Editor. Compose your mail memo and when you are finished, press <Alt-O> which will save it and close the Editor. The next step is to issue the Transmit Scratchpad command by pressing <Alt-F><T>. This will send the memo you have composed to BIX's editor and leave you at the "send/action" prompt. Type "send<Enter>" to go ahead and send your memo. NOTE: When you use JLBlink's Editor, you should *not* type the required period on a line by itself that BIX's editor needs. This is automatically taken care of when using JLBlink's Editor. Page 10 JLBlink User Manual How To Send A File Attachment With A Mail Memo Follow the instructions for sending a mail memo while on-line until you reach the "send/action" prompt. At this point you should type "attach". You will be prompted for the name of the file to send. The current working directory will be assumed unless you specify the full path name. After the file name is input, the automatic transmission will begin. Once the file is received by BIX, you will be at the "send/action" prompt again. Type "send<Enter>" to go ahead and send your memo that includes the file attachment. NOTE: To send a mail memo with a file attachment, you must do it as explained above. It can not be done with a script off-line. How To Download A File From Your Scratchpad To download text that is already in your scratchpad, from BIX's Main System Prompt (:), type down. You will then be prompted for a file name. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply a full path name. After the file name is input, the automatic transmission will begin. The number of blocks received will be updated as the download proceeds. When transmission of the file is complete, you will be returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). NOTE: Your scratchpad will *not* be cleared after the download is completed; you must type clear in order to remove the data in it. How To Upload A File To Your ScratchPad To upload a text file to your scratchpad, from BIX's Main System Prompt (:), type up. You will then be prompted for a file name. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply a full path name. After the file name is input, the automatic transmission will begin. The number of blocks sent will be updated as the upload proceeds. When transmission of the file is complete, you will be returned to BIX's Main System Prompt (:). Page 11 JLBlink User Manual How To Receive A File From Listings To download a file from listings, you must be in the listings area where you want to receive the file. Type "receive file.name<Enter>" and you will then be prompted for the file name by JLBlink. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply the full path name. After the file name is input, the automatic transmission will begin. The number of blocks sent will be updated as the upload proceeds. When transmission of the file is complete, you will be returned to the listings prompt. NOTE: The protocol used to receive the file will be what you have your listings profile set to use. JLBlink only supports Xmodem and Xmodem/1K. How To Send A File To Listings To upload a file to listings, you must be in the listings area where you want to send the file. Type "send file.name<Enter>" and you then will be prompted by JLBlink for a file name. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply the full path name. After the file name is input, the automatic transmission will begin. The number of blocks sent will be updated as the upload proceeds. When transmission of the file is complete, you will be returned to the listings prompt. NOTE: The protocol used to send the file will be what you have your listings profile set to use. JLBlink only supports Xmodem and Xmodem/1K. How To Receive Messages Missing From Your Data Base If you have previously run a check on your data base and had a script generated to retrieve missing messages, use the Blink DownBlink <Alt-B><D> command to transmit this script. You should be at BIX's main system prompt (:) before issuing the command. Once the command is issued, the missing messages will be filed to your scratchpad and then automatically downloaded. These messages will be treated as new when you begin reading off-line. How To Send The Script To Resign From Conferences If you have previously generated a script to resign from conferences/topics, it is transmitted by issuing the Blink UpBlink <Alt-B>. This is the same command that sends messages and mail you have composed, so if you have already issued it once, the script has already been transmitted. Page 12 JLBlink User Manual How To Toggle The Session Capture File The Communication Link automatically turns on a capture file that contains all the data that is displayed while you are on-line with BIX. The File Toggle Capture <Alt-F><C> command is used to turn the capture of data to this file off and on. When the command is issued, it will toggle the current status. A plus sign (+) will be displayed on the menu next to the command name while capture is on. NOTE: This file is overwritten each time you issue a LogOn command. If you want to read the data contained in the file, such as a CBIX session, after you log off BIX, it can be accessed with the JLBlink File Display Session.Txt <Alt-F><D><T> command. How To Send a Break Signal To BIX To send a BREAK signal or Escape character to BIX, use the Output <Alt-O> commands. This is the only way you can send the Escape character to BIX since pressing the <Escape> key by itself invokes the JLBlink Menu System. What To Do If You Are Not Seeing Characters That You Type Or If You Are Seeing Double Characters The File Toggle Echo <Alt-F><H> command is used to turn local echo of characters off and on. If you are not seeing anything you type or if you are seeing two of everything you type, you will need to issue a Toggle Echo command to remedy this situation. What To Do If Your Connection With BIX Is Dropped If you are on-line with BIX and do not receive any response, your connection may have been dropped. If this happens the File Quick Exit <Alt-F><Q> command can be used to exit the Communication Link. This will close the communication port immediately without executing the script that logs you off BIX. What To Do If Your Download Of Messages Or Mail Fails If your connection with BIX is dropped during the middle of a download of new messages or mail, or if the transfer fails, your scratchpad will not be cleared and everything will be intact. To retrieve those messages or mail, just execute the command again, such as Blink Conference Messages <Alt-B><C>. This will gather any new messages that may have accumulated and append them to the ones already in your scratchpad, and the download will proceed as usual. Page 13 JLBlink User Manual How To Stop The Execution Of A Command or Script To stop the execution of a script or a command you have executed, press <^C>. If it is a script you are stopping, a list of available options will be displayed for you to make a choice of the next action. How To Log Off BIX When you are ready to leave BIX, use the File Exit <Alt-F><X> command.. Do not type the "BYE" command to BIX because it is automatically done in the script. When you issue the Exit command, you will be prompted if you want to exit the Communication Link. Answer yes, and the log off script will issue BYE and hang up your modem. NOTE: <Alt-X> can also be used for this command. Page 14 JLBlink User Manual How To Read and Mark New Messages and Mail When you log off BIX, JLBlink will automatically go through a parsing process that prepares your new messages and mail for reading. During this stage, JLBlink builds an index of all the new messages and mail, thus making it easy to access messages in the order you prefer. There are many ways to read messages, all of which will be explained. There are some added features by reading your messages with JLBlink instead of on-line with BIX, which you will soon find out. A message wider than your screen will automatically be wrapped to the next line for ease of reading. The number of pages in the message with the page number you currently have displayed will be at the bottom of the screen. If the message you are reading is a comment to another message, the name of the BIXer the message is commenting to will also be displayed at the bottom of the screen, provided that message is in your data base. NOTE: This section covers new messages and memos. Please refer to HOW TO READ EXISTING MESSAGES IN YOUR DATA BASE for previously read messages. Setting The Order Messages Are Downloaded From BIX During installation of JLBlink, the parameter was set that controls the order messages are downloaded from BIX. The default value is forward. If you prefer to always read your messages in reference order, use the Utilities Setup <Alt-U><S> command and change the Reference Order value to YES. This can be changed from session to session without causing any problems. JLBlink also provides Read Keys that can be used for reading messages in reference order even though they were downloaded in forward order. NOTE: If there are particular conferences you always prefer to read first, you should put those at the top of your Conference List on BIX. Please refer to the BIX User Manual under the section Conference Participation--Master Commands for instructions on how to order your Conference List. How To Read Messages In The Order Downloaded After JLBlink has completed the automatic parsing process, your new messages and mail will be ready to read. To display the first message, just press either <Enter> or <Down Arrow>. Your first new message will be displayed on the screen. To display the next page of the message or the next new message, just press either of the keys again. By continuing this process all new messages will be displayed one after the other until you reach the end, at which time you will be advised. Page 15 JLBlink User Manual Some other keys that will be useful in reading messages are: The <N> key will display the next message and skip any additional pages in the current message. The <Backspace> key will go back to the previous message. The <Up Arrow> key will go back to the previous page. NOTE: When reading new messages by the method explained above, if you have new mail, it will always be displayed before conference messages. How To Read Forward Order Messages In Reference Order If you have downloaded your messages in forward order, there are five additional keys that can be used to display the comments to a message and the original message. The <Page Up> key will display the original message that the current message is a comment to. The <Page Down> key will display the next comment to the current message. The <Home> key will display the root message for the current thread message. The <End> key will display the next root message. The <=> key will take you back to the current message. NOTE: If you can not remember which keys are used for a function, just press <Alt-H> and the list will be displayed. Page 16 JLBlink User Manual How To Select A Specific New Message To Read If you want to begin reading your new messages with a specific conference, topic, or message, execute the Read New Messages <Alt-R><N> command. The list of the conferences with the number of topics that contain new messages will be displayed. Use the <Up/Down> keys to move to the conference you want to read, or if your conferences are in alphabetical order just begin typing the letters of the conference and the cursor will go to that point in the list. After locating the conference of interest, press <Enter> and the list will expand to include the topic names. You should select the topic and then press <Enter> again. This time the list expands to include the message number along with the status of the message with a C being the current message, N a new (unread) message, and R a message you have read. Select the message number that you want to begin reading with and then press <Enter> for that message to be displayed on the screen. NOTE: If you want to begin reading at the top of the list, just press <Enter> three times to display the first message. How To Skip Messages The Skip <Alt-S> commands are used skip over a conference or topic and change the status of those messages to read, even though you have not read them. After you issue the command, the next message displayed on the screen will be from the next topic or conference depending on the selection you made. All messages that you have Skipped will show a (R)ead status in the New Message list. How To Mark A Message To Read or Reply To At A Later Time While reading new messages and mail, any that you find of particular interest can be marked in order to come back to. To mark a message is simple to do, while the message is displayed on the screen, issue the Post Mark <Alt-P><M> command. You will then be advised that the message has been added to the Marked Log and then you can continue reading the rest of your messages. TIP: Marking a message provides an easy way to track a message in order to check and see if there are replies to it in the future. Page 17 JLBlink User Manual How To Read Marked Messages When you are ready to read the messages you have marked, just execute the Read Marked Log <Alt-R><M> command. The list of the conferences that contain marked messages will be displayed. Use the <Up/Down> keys to move to the conference you want to read and then press <Enter> or just begin typing the letters of the conference and the cursor will go to that point in the list. The list will expand to include the topic names and you should select the topic and press <Enter> again. This time the list expands to include the message number. Select the message and then press <Enter> for that message to be displayed on the screen. After the first message has been displayed, pressing <Enter> will go the next page of the message or the next marked message. If you want to go to the next message in the topic, and not the next marked message, press the <Right Arrow>, or if you want to go to the previous message in the topic, press the <Left Arrow>. The rest of the keys used for reading messages are also active while you are reading marked messages. NOTE: If you want to begin reading at the top of the list, just press <Enter> three times to display the first message. How To Check For Comments To A Specific Message If you want to check for replies to a message, first you should mark it and make sure it stays in the log by keeping the status as New (this is explained how to do later) so that you can easily track it. When you want to check for replies, use the Read Marked Log to display the message on the screen, and then press <Page Down>. If there is a comment, it will be displayed. Continue pressing <Page Down> to read all the comments. You will be advised when there are no additional comments. How To Print or Export A Message To print the message you are reading, use the Utilities Export <Alt-U><<E> command. When you execute the command you will be prompted with the file name Scratch.Pad. You should overwrite this name with the device name where you want the message to be printed, such as LPT1 or PRN. After you supply the device name press <Enter>, and the message will be sent to the device. Page 18 JLBlink User Manual To export the message to the Scratch.Pad, just press <Enter> at the prompt. To export the message to a different file, type the full path name of the file the message is to be exported to, and then press <Enter>. If you do not supply the path, the current working directory will be assumed. If the file exists, you will be prompted to append to or overwrite the file. If the file does not exist, you will be advised and prompted to create it. Updating The New Message Log and The Marked Message Log When you execute a command that requires leaving the Read New Message System or the Marked Message System, you will prompted to update the Log. If you answer yes, all messages having a status of Read (R) will be removed from the log and messages still having a status of New (N)(unread) will remain in the log. If you answer no, all messages will remain in the log with their current reflected status of either Read or New. How To Change The Status Of A Message In The Log You can manually change the status of a message appearing in the New Message or Marked Log when the list is displayed, by placing the cursor on the message number you want to change and then pressing either <Alt-N> or <Alt-R>. If you want to make sure a message stays in the log, you would change the (R)ead status to a (N)ew by pressing <Alt-N>. If you want to remove a message from the log without reading it, you would change the (N)ew status to a (R)ead by pressing <Alt-R>. Page 19 JLBlink User Manual How To Use JLBlink's Editor for Writing Messages and Memos JLBlink supplies a screen oriented editor for you to compose messages and memos to send to BIX. The Editor is automatically invoked when you issue a Post Comment <Alt-P><C>, Say <Alt-P><S> or Mail To <Alt-P><T> command. When you issue the Post command, JLBlink automatically extracts from the message or memo displayed on the screen, the information needed to generate the proper UpBlink Script. This information is then merged with the memo or message you write when it is saved. NOTE: While in the Editor, JLBlink's Menu System will not be active. The Editor does have various commands to help you in writing, editing, and formatting messages. To display a full list of the keystrokes necessary to do each command, press <Alt-H> while in the Editor. Also, many of the commands have alternate keys that can be used and these can be found in the Key chart or the Editor Command summary. To return to the Editor from the help screen, press <Escape>. How To Post A Comment To Message If you want to compose a Comment To the message you are reading, you should issue the Post Comment <Alt-P><C> command. You will first be prompted for the signature to use on the message. The signature you have placed in the Setup Parameters will be filled in. Press <Enter> to accept it, or press <F9> to clear it in order to leave the signature blank or enter a different one. After you press <Enter> at the signature prompt, the editor will then open. At this point, you are ready to begin composing your message. After you have finished writing your message, press <Alt-O>. This will save the message, merge it into the proper UpBlink script, and then close the Editor for you to continue reading. If you should decide you do not want to make the comment while in the Editor, press <Escape> to abort the command. NOTE: When using the Post Comment command, you must have the message displayed on the screen that you are commenting to. How To Post A Say Message If you want to compose a message as a Say in the conference topic you are reading, you should issue the Post Say <Alt-P><S> command. You will first be prompted for a message tile. If you type in a title, it will be used as the message TITLE:. If you do not type in a title, the first line of your message will be used as the message TITLE:. Page 20 JLBlink User Manual You will next be prompted for the signature to use on the message. The signature you have placed in the Setup Parameters will be filled in. Press <Enter> to accept it, or press <F9> to clear it in order to leave the signature blank or enter a different one. After you press <Enter> at the signature prompt, the editor will then open. At this point, you are ready to begin composing your message. After you have finished writing your message, press <Alt-O>. This will save the message, merge it into the proper UpBlink script, and then close the Editor for you to continue reading. If you should decide you do not want to post a say message while in the Editor, press <Escape> to abort the command. NOTE: When using the Post Say command, you should have a message from the conference topic displayed on the screen where you want to post your say. If not, you will need to edit the ToConf.Upb file and place the proper conference topic name in there. Please see the next paragraph for instructions. How To Post A Say Message In A Conference/Topic You Do Not Have Messages From If you would like to post a message in a conference topic that you do not have in your data base yet, you can issue the Post Say command from any conference, compose your message and save it, and then edit the ToConf.Upb file. To do this, issue the File Edit ToConf.Upb <Alt-F><E><C> command. This will load the file into the editor where you can change the conference topic name. The first thing you should do is find the message that is posted to the wrong conference topic. At the top of that message will be a line stating "Joining conference/topic". You should delete the wrong conference/topic name from this line and replace it with the correct name. After you have done this, press <Alt-O> to save the edited file, and it is now ready to go to BIX. How To Send A Mail Memo If you want to send mail to another BIXer, execute the Post Mail To <Alt-P><T> command. This is a versatile command in the fact that it will extract the BIXer name from a conference message or a mail memo, if either is displayed on the screen, or it will prompt you for the BIXer name if you do not have a message or memo displayed on the screen. In other words, you can compose a mail memo to send even though you are not reading mail. Page 21 JLBlink User Manual When you issue the Post Mail To command, you will first be prompted for the BIXer name. This will be filled in if you have a message or memo displayed on the screen. Press <Enter> to accept the name, or press <F9> to clear it in order to enter a different name. You will then be prompted for a subject. If you type in a subject, it will be used as the memo SUBJECT:. If you do not type in a subject, the first line of your memo will be used as the memo SUBJECT:. The next prompt will be for carbon copies (CC's) to other BIXers. Your BIXer id will automatically be filled in so that you will have a copy of the mail you send in your data base. If you do not wish to have a copy of your mail, press <F9> to clear your name. You can enter as many BIXer names as you like. Each one should be separated by a space, and then press <Enter> when you are done. You will next be prompted for the signature to use on the mail memo. The signature you have placed in the Setup Parameters will be filled in. Press <Enter> to accept it, or press <F9> to clear it in order to leave the signature blank or enter a different one. After you press <Enter> at the signature prompt, the editor will then open. At this point, you are ready to begin composing your mail memo. After you have finished writing your memo, press <Alt-O>. This will save the memo, merge it into the proper UpBlink script, and then close the Editor for you to continue what you were previously doing. If you should decide you do not want to send a mail memo while in the Editor, press <Escape> to abort the command. How To Reply To A Mail Memo If you want to compose a comment to the mail memo you are reading, execute the Post Comment <Alt-P><C> command. Everything will be the same with this command as in sending mail with the Post Mail To command, but all the information will be filled in and you just need to press <Enter> at each of the prompts to accept the data. If you should decide you do not want to make the comment while in the Editor, press <Escape> to abort the command. NOTE: When using the Post Comment command, you must have the mail memo displayed on the screen that you are commenting to. Page 22 JLBlink User Manual How To Read The Message or Memo Displayed Under The Editor JLBlink's Editor offers a Scroll Message Mode that enables you to temporarily close the Editor in order to read the message displayed on the screen under the Editor. To enter the Scroll Message Mode, press <Alt-S>. While in this mode, the <Up Arrow> will go back a page at a time and the <Down Arrow> will go forward a page at a time. To exit Scroll Message Mode and return to the Editor, press <Escape>. How To Import Data Into A Message or Memo You Are Composing JLBlink's Editor offers a Cut and Paste mode that enables you to import data from a message or memo into the Editor. There are two ways to import data with this feature. To import data into the Editor from the page of the message or memo displayed on the screen beneath the Editor, press <F6>. This will temporarily close the Editor. You should then move the cursor to the position at the beginning of the block of text you want to import and press <F7>. Next move the cursor to the end of the block of text and press <F8>. Upon pressing <F8> the Editor will open and the marked block of text will be placed at the current position of the cursor in the Editor. If you want to abort the Cut and Paste mode and return to the Editor without importing text, press <Escape>. The Cut and Paste Mode can also be entered from the Editor's Scroll Message Mode. This method is very handy to use if you want to import data from several different pages of a message or memo. For every block of text you want to import, just follow the sequence of entering Cut and Paste Mode with <F6>, mark the beginning of the block with <F7>, and then mark the end of the block with <F8>. When using this method of Cut and Paste from Scroll Message Mode, the Editor does not open until you exit Scroll Message Mode by pressing <Escape>. A Closing Note About The Editor JLBlink's Editor has many useful features, which you will see in the help screen, that have not been discussed in this section. They are all simple to use, and for that reason detailed instructions have not been included on how to use each one. You will find the complete list under Editor Command Summary. If you will take the time to look the list over now, you will save time when you start composing memos and messages. Page 23 JLBlink User Manual Other than using a Post command to invoke the Editor, you can open it with the File Edit Scratch.Pad <Alt-F><E><S> command. This is the easiest method to use if you want to begin composing a message or memo that requires you to reference several different topics. After you have done this, just be sure to execute a Post command in order to have the message be posted in a conference or sent as a mail memo. How To Read and Edit Messages Before Sending To BIX To read the conference messages you have composed before they are sent to BIX, use the File Display ToConf.Upb <Alt-F><D><C> command. This will display the conference message UpBlink Script on the screen. If you need to edit the conference messages, use the File Edit ToConf.Upb <Alt-F><E><C> command. This will load the conference message UpBlink Script into the Editor. After you have made the desired changes, press <Alt-O> to save the file. How To Read and Edit Mail Memos Before Sending To BIX To read the mail memos you have composed before they are sent to BIX, use the File Display ToMail.Upb <Alt-F><D><M> command. This will display the mail memos UpBlink Script on the screen. If you need to edit the mail memos, use the File Edit ToMail.Upb <Alt-F><E><M> command. This will load the mail memos UpBlink Script into the Editor. After you have made the desired changes, press <Alt-O> to save the file. Page 24 JLBlink User Manual How To Read Existing Messages in Your BIX Data Base To read the existing messages in your data base is very similar to reading new messages. The main difference is that you will always need to select the conference topic you want to read. To select a conference topic to read, execute the Read BIX Data Base <Alt-R> command. The list of conferences contained in your data base will be displayed. Mail memos are stored under the name Yourmail. Use the <Up/Down> keys to move to the conference you want to read, or just begin typing the letters of the conference and the cursor will go to that point in the list. After locating the conference of interest, press <Enter> and the list will expand to include the topic names. You should select the topic and then press <Enter> again. The last message of the selected topic will be displayed on the screen. All of the keys used for reading messages are active when reading your BIX Data Base. Press <Alt-H> if you need to see a list of the keys and their functions. You can also toggle the order you read messages in from forward to reference. To change the order, press <Alt-T>. You will notice the command line at the top of the screen will change from Read Data Base <Forward> to Read Data Base <Reference>. While you have the data base in forward order, pressing <Enter> will display the next sequential numbered message. While you have the data base in reference order, pressing <Enter> will display the next comment to a message or next thread. The <#> key also takes on a special function while reading your BIX data base. When you press <#>, you will be prompted for a message number to go to. After supplying a number at the prompt, the message with that number will be displayed. If the number does not exist, the message with the closest number to the one you have supplied will be displayed. If you supply the number <0>, the first message in the file will be displayed. If you supply the number <99999>, the last message in the file will be displayed. Also, pressing <^Home> will go to the first message in the file, and pressing <^End> will go to the last message in the file. Page 25 JLBlink User Manual How To Search Your BIX Data Base For Messages The Utilities Query <Alt-U><Q> command will search your data base for a phrase and build an index of all messages found matching the phrase. To start a search, you need to have a message displayed on the screen before executing the Query command. If you just want to search a single conference or conference topic, the message must be from that conference/topic. You will first be prompted to supply the phrase you want to search for. This can be a single word to a group of words and characters, and can be located anywhere in the message starting with the header to the end of it. For example, to find all the messages you have posted, you would type the phrase "from lpaul," (my BIX user id). After supplying the phrase, you will be prompted if you want to ignore case. If you answer no, each upper and lower case character in the phrase will be an exact match and the search is faster. The next prompt will be for the level to conduct the search on. Topic will search only the current topic you have displayed, Conference will search every topic in the current conference you have displayed, and Global will search your entire data base including mail. If you select the Global level, you can narrow the search to topics that contain a specific phrase in their names by entering that phrase when prompted for the scope string. For example, to search all the IBM conferences for messages you have posted, when prompted for scope string, you would type "ibm". The search would then be conducted only on conference/topics that contain "ibm" as part of their name. After selecting the level, the search will begin and the screen will display the progress as it goes. When complete, you will be notified of the number of messages found matching the phrase. To continue, press the <Space Bar> and the Query Log will then be displayed so that you can read the messages found. The Query Log is operated the same as Read New and Marked Messages. After the first message has been displayed, pressing <Enter> will go the next page of the message or the next message that matched the query. If you want to go to the next message in the topic, and not the next query message, press the <Right Arrow> or if you want to go to the previous message in the topic, press the <Left Arrow>. The rest of the keys used for reading messages are also active while you are reading the query messages. If you do not want to read the messages from the list that is displayed at this time, press <Escape>. You will be prompted to update the log, you should answer No and it will be saved as is, and you can read it later in its entirety. Page 26 JLBlink User Manual How To Resign From A Conference or Topic To resign from a conference or conference topic, just issue a Utilities Resign <Alt-U><R> command while you have a message from the conference/topic you want to resign displayed on the screen. You will be prompted for conference or topic. After a selection is made, you will then be prompted for confirmation. If you answer yes, the Resign.Upb will be generated automatically. The next time you log on BIX, if you log on in Blink mode the conference(s)/topic(s) will be resigned automatically. If you log on in Auto mode, you will need to issue the Blink UpBlink <Alt-B> command while on-line with BIX. NOTE: This command can be issued as often as you want. The script will be appended to each time before it is transmitted to BIX. Page 27 JLBlink User Manual How To Check For Missing or Duplicate Messages In Your Data Base The Utilities Check <Alt-U><C> command will clean your data base of any duplicate messages and then prompt you to retrieve missing messages. Before issuing the Check command, you need to have a message displayed on the screen. If you just want to check a single conference or topic, the message displayed must be from that conference/topic. You will first be prompted for the level of checking. Global will check your entire data base, Conference will check all the topics in the conference you have displayed, and Topic will check only the conference topic displayed. While the Check is running, a list of any missing or duplicate messages will be displayed one the screen. At the end of the Check you will be prompted as to whether you want to retrieve the missing messages. If you answer yes, the Getmess.Dnb DownBlink script will be generated automatically. The next time you log on BIX, if you log on in Blink mode the messages will be downloaded automatically. If you log on in Auto mode, you will need to issue the Blink DownBlink <Alt-B><D> command while on-line with BIX. NOTE: This command can be issued as often as you want. The script will be appended to each time before it is transmitted to BIX. Page 28 JLBlink User Manual How To Change The Setup Parameters The Utilities Setup <Alt-U><S> command is used to change JLBlink's parameters. To change parameter settings, just execute the command, make any changes you want, and then press <Escape> when you have finished making changes. You will be prompted to save the changes, by answering yes all changes made will be saved. If you answer no, the changes you have made will not be saved. The Setup command has three pages of parameters that can be set. Use the <Up/Down> arrow keys to move to each parameter. The bottom of the screen will display a short description of each parameter which will change as you move between them. If the parameter is a multiple choice selection, use the <Left/Right> arrow keys to move between selections. If the parameter requires you to enter data, it can be cleared first by pressing <F9>. NOTE: Setup is a continuous rotation of the three different pages, meaning when you reach the bottom of the last page the first page will be displayed again. You can press <Escape> to exit Setup At any time. Page 29 JLBlink User Manual How To Manually Parse Files Into Your Data Base Parse is the command that is used to clean and sort the data you have gathered while on BIX, and it is automatically executed after you log off BIX if you are using JLBlink's Communication Link. Parse is also the actual process that builds your BIX Data Base where your messages and memos are stored, and builds the index of all unread messages. If you are using another communication program and want to use JLBlink for reading and posting messages, you would use the Utilities Parse <Alt-U> command to move the messages into JLBlink's BIX Data Base. To do this, the files you download from BIX must be in the \JLBLINK\BLNEW directory. The messages must be in a file named NEWMESS.TXT, and the mail must be in a file named NEWMAIL.TXT. To start the parse process, just execute the command. If you need to access the data before it has been cleaned, the untouched files are kept in the \JLBLINK\BLOLD directory. Each time you log on BIX the files will be overwritten with your current session data. How To Exit JLBlink To quit JLBlink and return to the DOS prompt, execute the File Exit <Alt-F><X> command. If you execute the command while in a Read System, you will be prompted as to whether the Log should be updated. If you answer yes, any remaining unread messages will stay in the log, and all read messages will be removed from the log. If you answer no, all messages will stay in the log and reflect their current status. NOTE: The <Alt-X> key can also be used to exit JLBlink. Page 30 JLBlink User Manual How To Use The Command Line Options Variable=Filename The "Variable=Filename" option on the command line is used to select the Command Scripts and Setup Parameters JLBlink will use in a single session. The valid command line variables are: LogOn=Filename Blink=Filename LogOff=Filename Init=Filename Where Filename is the name and extension of the file to use. JLBlink will search the \JLBLINK\BLSUPP directory for the Filename. NOTE: There must be no space between the parameter name, the "=", and the filename. The filename should contain only the name and extension; do not include a directory. To use this option, you will need to edit or create the various files that you will be using instead of the default files. For example, if you normally log on via Tymnet and would like to use BIX's direct lines, you would need a log on script for Direct and different Comm Parameters in your Setup. The easiest way to create a direct log on script is to edit the \JLBLINK\BLSUPP\LOGONDIR.BMC file supplied with JLBlink. This file is ASCII and can be edited with most text editors. You will then need to supply the phone number, your BIX ID, and password in the proper places. JLBlink stores the parameters you supplied in Setup in a file named \JLBLINK\BLSUPP\BLINK.INI. This file can only be edited with the Utilities Setup <Alt-U><S> command. To create a file with the Comm Parameters to call BIX direct, you will need to go into Setup, make the necessary changes, save the new parameters when prompted, and then immediately exit JLBlink. You should then copy the BLINK.INI file to a new name, such as BLINKDIR.INI. After copying the file, you should then go back into Setup and change the parameters back to the Tymnet settings. With the two new files, you could now log on BIX direct in Blink mode by typing the following on the DOS command line: blink logon=logondir.bmc init=blinkdir.ini logonblink Page 31 JLBlink User Manual Commands The "Command" option is used to tell JLBlink which commands to execute automatically. The following is the complete list of valid command names that can be used on the DOS command line. You will notice this list includes every command in the Menu System of JLBlink and the Communication Link, plus the Read Keys. FileDisplayBlinkBmc LogOnAuto FileDisplayToConfUpb LogOnBlink FileDisplayBIXDel LogOnManual FileDisplayLogOffBmc PostComment FileDisplayGetMessDnb PostMark FileDisplaySessionFil PostSay FileDisplaySessionLog PostMailTo FileDisplayToMailUpb ReadBIXDataBase FileDisplayLogOnBmc ReadGeneralHelp FileDisplayResignUpb ReadMarkedLog FileDisplayScratchPad ReadMessMemoLog FileDisplayParseTra ReadQueryLog FileDisplayOptionsBmc SkipConference FileEditBlinkBmc SkipTopic FileEditToConfUpb UtilitiesCheck FileEditBIXDel UtilitiesExport FileEditLogOffBmc UtilitiesGet FileEditGetMessDnb UtilitiesParse FileEditSessionFil UtilitiesQuery FileEditSessionLog UtilitiesResign FileEditToMailUpb UtilitiesSetup FileEditLogOnBmc FileEditResignUpb FileEditScratchPad FileEditOptionsBmc FileEditOptionsBmc FileExit Page 32 JLBlink User Manual CoFileToggleCapture NextPage CoFileEditor PrevPage CoFileToggleEcho NextMessage CoFileQuickExit PrevMessage CoFileReceiveBinary ExclusiveNextPage CoFileReceiveText ExclusivePrevPage CoFileSendBinary ExclusiveNextMessage CoFileSendText ExclusivePrevMessage CoFileTransmitScratchPad CurrentMessage CoFileLogOff NextComment CoBlinkMessages PrevComment CoBlinkDownBlink NextRoot CoBlinkMemos PrevRoot CoBlinkUpBlink GotoMessage CoOutputBREAK ToggleReadOrder CoOutputESCAPE HelpScreen You can put as many commands on the DOS command line as you want. Each one will be executed in the order that it is placed. For example, typing the following will log on BIX in Blink mode, and then display the first new message. blink logonblink nextpage If you wanted to exit JLBlink immediately after logging off BIX, you would type the following: blink logonblink fileexit Page 33 JLBlink User Manual How To Modify JLBlink Script Files How To Change The Phone Number Used For BIX To change the phone number you are using to call BIX, execute the File Edit LogOn.Bmc <Alt-F><E><N> command. This will open the Editor with the script loaded in it. The phone number is contained in the line that begins with Puts "AT DT...". You should delete the old number and put the new one in its place, and then press <Alt-O> to save the file. You can have more than one number in you logon script, as long as all but one are commented out. To comment out a line just place two asterisks at the start of the line. This way to change the number you call, you would just remove the asterisks from the correct number and put them in front of the number you do not want to use. For example, Puts "AT DT781-5711\r" **Puts "AT DT781-5780 NOTE: If you are using numbers with different bauds, please remember to change those settings with the Utilities Setup <Alt-U><S> command before calling BIX. YOU CAN NOT MIX BIX DIRECT AND TYMNET NUMBERS IN THE SAME SCRIPT. How To Change Your BIX Password If you change your password while you are on-line with BIX, you must change it in your LogOn script also, or you will not be able to get on BIX the next time. It is best to do this immediately after logging off BIX. Use the File Edit LogOn.Bmc <Alt-F><E><N> command to place the script in the Editor. Change the old password to the new one, and then press <Alt-O> to save the file. How To Customize the Blink.Bmc The script that sends and receives all your data while in Blink mode is the Blink.Bmc file. This script can be edited to fit your own personal needs with the File Edit Blink.Bmc <Alt-F><E> command. Some things you may want to add to the Blink.Bmc would be an additional "Blink Messages" at the end in order to read the messages you have posted for the session, (this can only be added if your Scratchpad Protocol is set to ASCII) a "Who All" to see everyone on-line, or a "Mail Status" in order to build a script to clean your mail box. For example, the following lines would be added in the script to place a Who All list and a Mail Status in your session capture file. Page 34 JLBlink User Manual Puts "who all\r" Gets "\n:" Puts "mail status\r" Gets "M:" Puts "quit\r" Gets "\n:" There are specific commands that must be used when editing a Command Script (a .BMC file) and these can be found in the Communication Link Script Command Summary. If you should need any assistance in editing scripts, post a message in the JLBlink conference. How To File Only Message Headers and Retrieve Messages If you are joined to topics where you prefer only to get the headers and not the full message, the Blink.Bmc can be modified to do this. You would need to add the following for each conference topic that you want headers only, and it should be placed before the BLINK "MESSAGES" command in the Blink.Bmc. Puts "Join conference/topic" Gets "R:" Puts "File Header Current to Last" Gets "R:" NOTE:When you edit the Blink.Bmc, replace "conference/topic" with the real name, such as jlblink/main. When you begin reading your new messages, the headers of these topics will be displayed as a message. If you see a header of interest and want to download the full message, use the Utilities Get <Alt-U><G> command while the header is displayed on the screen. You will then be prompted to retrieve the message. If you answer yes, the GetMess.Dnb file will be generated automatically. The next time you log on BIX, if you log on in Blink mode the messages will be downloaded automatically. If you log on in Auto mode, you will need to issue the Blink DownBlink <Alt-B><D> command while on-line with BIX. NOTE. This command can be issued as often as you want. The script will be appended to each time before it is transmitted to BIX. Page 35 JLBlink User Manual How To Clean Your BIX Mail Box The ToMail.Upb can be edited to clean you mail box while your new mail memos are being sent, if you have a "Mail Status" in your session capture file. A "Mail Status" command can even be put in the Blink.Bmc so that you will have it any time you log on in Blink mode. The first step is to execute the File Display Session.Txt <Alt-F><D><T> command to display the session file on the screen. Next you should execute the File Edit ToMail.Upb <Alt-F><E><M> command to load your mail script in to the Editor. Go to the last line in the script and place the cursor on the Q in Quit. Next go into Scroll Message Mode <Alt-S> and find the mail status. You should then import the block of text containing the absolute number of the mail memos in your in-basket to the Editor and then return to the Editor by pressing <Escape>. You will then need to place delete in front of each number and y on a line by itself below the number. You will need to do this for each mail number in your in-basket. For example, delete 96021 y For the mail memos in your out-basket, you should go back into Scroll Message Mode and import that block containing the absolute number. You will just need to add one delete in front of the first number, and then just separate the rest of the numbers with a comma only. For example, delete 83211,89515,92101 When you have completed this, make sure the Quit is on a line by itself at the end of the file, and then press <Alt-O> to save. Page 36 JLBlink User Manual JLBlink Command Summary Introduction All JLBlink commands can be executed at any time by pressing the keys associated with the command, or invoking the Menu System to select a command. The JLBlink commands are grouped into seven categories with additional commands in each category. The categories are: File, LogOn, Read, Post, Skip, Utilities, and Read Keys. Each category and the commands associated with it will be discussed in this chapter. File Commands <Alt-F> Introduction The File Commands are used to edit or display a BIX related file, and to exit JLBlink. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <D> Display File <E> Edit File <X> Exit Display File <Alt-F><D> The Display A File command will bring up a menu of BIX related files for you to select from. After a file is selected, it will be displayed on the screen for you to read. This command will not let you make any changes to the file. Edit File <Alt-F><E> The Edit a File command will bring up a menu of BIX related files for you to select from. After a file is selected, it will be loaded into the Editor. Make any changes, additions or deletions that you want, and then press <Alt-O> to save the newly revised file. NOTE: For a list of commands available while in the Editor, refer to the chapter on the Editor. Page 37 JLBlink User Manual Exit <Alt-F><X> The Exit command is used to quit JLBlink when you have finished your session. If you exit JLBlink from a Read System, you will be prompted to update the Log. If you answer yes, any unread messages remaining will stay in the Log and read messages will be removed from the Log. If you answer no, all messages will remain in the Log with their current status. BIX Related Files The following is the list of BIX related files that you will choose from if you are using the Display A File or Edit A File command. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- Blink.Bmc <C> ToConf.Upb <D> BIX.Del <F> LogOff.Bmc <G> GetMess.Dnb <L> Session.Fil <M> ToMail.Upb <N> LogOn.Bmc <O> Options.Bmc Parse.Tra <R> Resign.Upb <S> Scratch.Pad <T> Session.Txt Blink.Bmc The Blink.Bmc file is the Command Script used by the Communication Link when you execute the LogOn Blink <Alt-L> command. This script contains the commands necessary to download all new messages and memos, and to send all UpBlink and DownBlink Scripts. If there is other information you want JLBlink to gather for you while on-line with BIX, you will need to edit this Command Script to include those commands. Page 38 JLBlink User Manual ToConf.Upb <C> The ToConf.Upb file is the UpBlink Script generated by the Post Comment <Alt-P><C> or Say <Alt-P><S> commands when you compose a conference message. The file is appended to each time either of the commands is executed. This file will not exist if you have not composed new conference messages to be UpBlinked to BIX. BIX.Del <D> The BIX.Del file is used by the Parse command to clean the Newmail.Txt and Newmess.Txt files. You will need to edit this file if either of the text files do not Parse properly. LogOff.Bmc <F> The LogOff.Bmc file is the Command Script used by the Communication Link to properly log you off BIX. GetMess.Dnb <G> The GetMess.Dnb is the DownBlink Script generated by the Utilities Check <Alt-U><C> command. If you run an integrity check on your Data Base and you are missing messages, this script will retrieve any missing messages from BIX. This file will not exist if you do not have missing messages. Session.Fil <L> The Session.Fil file is used by the Parse command to clean the Session.Txt file of unnecessary information. The cleaned file is then saved as Recover.Txt. You will want to edit this file if you want to keep any additional information from the Session.Txt. Page 39 JLBlink User Manual ToMail.Upb <M> The ToMail.Upb file is the UpBlink Script generated by the Post Comment <Alt-P><C>, Say <Alt-P><S>, or Mail To <Alt-P><T> commands when you compose a mail memo. The file is appended to each time any of the commands is executed. This file will not exist if you have not composed new memos to be UpBlinked to BIX. LogOn.Bmc <N> The LogOn.Bmc file is the Command Script used by the Communication Link when you issue the command LogOn Auto <Alt-L><A> or Blink <Alt-L>. This script contains all the information necessary to connect you with BIX and place you at the BIX Main System Prompt (:). This script will need to be edited if you change your user id, password, BIX access id for Tymnet, or the phone number you use to call BIX. Options.Bmc <O> The Options.Bmc file is the Command Script used by the Communication Link when you execute the LogOn Auto or Blink commands. This script contains the commands necessary to set the BIX Options required by JLBlink for each session. The Options.Bmc file can be deleted and not executed each time you log on BIX if you change your BIX Profile to match the Options set in this file. The only Options that can have a different value are the Download and Upload specifications. JLBlink supports xmodem and ymodem (xmodem/1K). Parse.Tra The Parse.Tra file is generated by the Parse command of JLBlink each time you log off BIX. This file contains a log of the processes that took place during the Parse phase. It will generally not be necessary to read the file unless your new mail and messages do not appear in your data base. Page 40 JLBlink User Manual Resign.Upb <R> The Resign.Upb file is the UpBlink Script generated by the Utilities Resign <Alt-U><R> command. It will resign you from the conference or conference topics you have selected. This file will not exist if you do not have conferences or topics to be resigned from. Scratch.Pad <S> The Scratch.Pad file is the file used to build messages and memos. This file will be empty unless you have previously used the Edit File <Alt-F><E> command and selected Scratch.Pad <S>. Session.Txt <T> The Session.Txt file is a record of the transactions that take place while on-line with BIX. It is automatically turned on when you execute a LogOn <Alt-L> command. The capture of data to this file can be controlled manually with the Communication Link File Toggle Capture <Alt-F><C> command. This file is overwritten each time you execute a LogOn command. LogOn Commands <Alt-L> Introduction The LogOn commands are used to activate your modem and invoke the Communication Link to log on BIX. Different modes are offered to log on BIX depending on the amount of automation you want done for a session. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <A> Auto Blink <M> Manual Page 41 JLBlink User Manual Auto <Alt-L><A> The Auto command operates in a semiautomatic mode and should be used if you want to do other things on BIX besides uploading and downloading messages and memos. This mode will automatically execute the Logon.Bmc Command Script which is used for calling BIX. When the script has finished executing, you will be placed at BIX's Main System Prompt (:). In this mode, you will use the Communication Link commands to interface with BIX manually. You can still have JLBlink download and upload new messages and memos by executing the Communication Link command for each action. Refer to the Communication Link Command Summary for details on how to use these commands. To log-off BIX and the Communication Link, press <Alt-F><X>. The Communication Link will automatically log off BIX for you by executing the Logoff.Bmc Command Script. If you need to break a Command Script while it is running, press <^C>. You will then be prompted as to the action to be taken. Blink <Alt-L> The Blink command operates in a fully automatic mode. It is designed to handle all on-line transactions automatically. The Blink mode executes the Logon.Bmc Command Script which calls BIX and logs you on, the Blink.Bmc Command Script which downloads new messages and mail and uploads messages and mail you have composed, and the Logoff.Bmc Command Script which logs you off BIX and exits the Communications Link. The Blink mode will not stop and require you to interact with BIX manually -- it controls the complete session. If you should need to stop the execution of the Blink command before it has executed the Logoff.Bmc, press <^Z>. This will place you at BIX's Main System Prompt as soon as the Blink.Bmc Command Script has finished executing. Manual <Alt-L><M> The Manual command operates in a manual mode with no automatic execution of any Command Script. This mode initializes the communications port and each character you type on the keyboard will be output to the modem. It is handy to use this mode if you are having trouble with your Command Scripts and need to locate the problem. Page 42 JLBlink User Manual Post Commands <Alt-P> Introduction The Post commands invoke the Editor, using the Scratch.Pad file, for you to compose your messages and memos. The proper UpBlink Script will automatically be generated upon completion of your message or memo, and the Scratch.Pad will be cleared. The Mail To command can be used at any time. The rest of the commands must have a memo or message displayed on the screen in order to use them. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <C> Comment <M> Mark <S> Say <T> Mail To Comment <Alt-P><C> The Comment command is used to comment to a conference topic message or a memo. The command does this by building the Toconf.Upb UpBlink Script for messages and the Tomail.Upb UpBlink Script for memos. To Comment to a message, you must first have the message that you want to comment to displayed on the screen. It extracts the conference name, topic name, and the message number from the message displayed on the screen in order to merge the information into the Toconf.Upb file. To Comment to a memo, you must first have the mail memo that you want to comment to displayed on the screen. It extracts the BIXer's name, memo identification number, and the Subject from the memo displayed on the screen in order to merge the information into the Tomail.Upb. You will also be prompted as to whether to Copy (CC) the memo to any other BIXers. After extracting the information from the message or memo, the Editor will then open for you to compose your comment. If you want to import data from the message or memo you are commenting to, the Cut and Paste Mode of the Editor should be used. After you have finished composing your comment, press <Alt-O>. This will save the file and merge it into the proper UpBlink Script. Page 43 JLBlink User Manual Mark <Alt-P><M> The Mark command is used to tag a message or memo to reply to at a later time. This command is handy to use if you want to read all your new messages and memos before writing messages and memos. When you read a message or memo that is of interest to you, just execute the Mark command. When you are ready to compose your messages and memos, use the Read Marked <Alt-R><M> command to display the messages and memos you have marked. Say <Alt-P><S> The Say command is like the Comment command except the message or memo will be posted as an original or root. You will also be prompted for a message or memo title. You can either type in the message title or leave it blank. If you leave the title blank, the first line of your message or memo will become the message "TITLE:". If you are composing a message Say, you will need to have a message displayed on the screen from the conference/topic where you want to post your message. If you use the Say command for a memo (mail), the BIXer ID will be extracted from the memo displayed. You will be prompted if you want to Copy (CC) the memo to other BIXers. Mail To <Alt-P><T> The Mail To command is used to send a mail memo. When the command is executed, you will be prompted for the BIXer ID to send the memo to, the subject of the memo, and if you want to copy the memo someone else. The Editor will then open for you to compose your memo. When you have finished, press <Alt-O> which saves the memo and merges it in the Tomail.Upb file. Read Commands <Alt-R> Introduction The Read commands are used to select the message or file that you want to read. The file names are displayed in a list and after selecting a file or message, it will be displayed on the screen. Because the Read commands work with a list, it provides you with a means of quick navigation between conferences and topics. Page 44 JLBlink User Manual When a Read Command is first executed, a list is displayed that contains the conference names and the number of topics that have messages associated with the command, such as Read New. For example: Read: Conference Yourmail 1 ask.bix 3 j.and.l 2 This list shows that you have new mail, the conference ask.bix has three topics with new messages, and the conference j.and.l has two topics with new messages. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to place the cursor on the line that contains the conference you want to read. Press <Enter> and the list increases to include the topic names and the number of messages in each topic. For example: Read : Conference/Topic Yourmail mail 2 ask.bix blinks 1 ask.bix hints 2 ask.bix info.listings 1 j.and.l bomb.shelter 1 j.and.l blinking 2 The list now shows that you have two new mail memos, ask.bix blinks has one new message, ask.bix hints has two new messages, and so on. Although the full list will expand, the conference the cursor is placed on will be at the top of the window. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to move between conferences and topics. Place the cursor on the line that contains the topic you want to read and then press <Enter>. The list increases to include the message numbers and the status of the message. For example: Read : Conference/Topic/Message Yourmail mail Memo # N Yourmail mail Memo # N ask.bix blinks Message # N ask.bix hints Message # N ask.bix hints Message # N ask.bix info.listings Message # N Page 45 JLBlink User Manual The list now shows the number of each new memo and message in all the topics. The letter on the right side will indicate the status of the message. The abbreviations are as follows: C Current Message N New or Unread Message R Read Message If you should want to change the status of a message, it can be done from this screen, by pressing <Alt-N> to change it to a New Message, or by pressing <Alt-R> to change it to a Read Message. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to place the cursor on the line that contains the message where you want to start reading and press <Enter>. The selected message will be displayed on the screen. Once a message is displayed on the screen, when you press <Enter> or <Down Arrow> the status of the current message will be changed to read, and the next unread message will be displayed on the screen. When you want to change conferences or topics that you are reading, you should first use the <Left Arrow> key to decrease the list back to the conference level before selecting a new conference. NOTE: When the Search String prompt is displayed at the bottom of the screen, you can type the letters of the conference or topic you want to go to instead of using the up/down arrow keys. If you have executed a Read New Message command, the Search String will only work if you have conferences in alphabetical order. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- BIX Data Base <H> General Help <M> Marked Log <N> New Messages/Memos Log <Q> Query Log Page 46 JLBlink User Manual BIX Data Base <Alt-R> The BIX Data Base command is used to access messages that you have already read. This command first displays a list of conferences and is increased to include the topics. It can not be increased to include the message numbers, so you will make your selection at the topic level. Place the cursor on the line that contains the topic you want to read and press <Enter>. The last message in the topic will be displayed on the screen. Use the Read Keys to navigate through the messages and <Alt-T> to toggle from Forward to Reference order. General Help <Alt-R><H> The General Help command will display a list of help files. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to place the cursor on the file of interest, and then press <Enter>. The selected file will be displayed on the screen. If the file contains more than one page, <Enter> or <Down Arrow> will display the next page and the <Up Arrow> will display the previous page. Marked Log <Alt-R><M> The Marked Log command is used to read the messages you have "Marked" for a later reply. Follow the instructions under the Read commands to display the message on the screen you wish to reply to. Use the Post commands to compose your reply and when you are ready to go on to the next message, press <Enter>. This will change the status of the current message to read and display the next message on the screen. If you want to check and see if you have already replied to a message, just execute the Read Marked command again. If the status is "R", you will know that you have already replied to it. New Message/Memo Log <Alt-R><N> The New Message/Memo Log command provides you with quick access to new messages and memos without having to spend a lot of time locating the ones of interest. Follow the instructions under the Read commands to display the messages on the screen that you want to read. When you want to change topics or conferences, just execute the Read New command again. Page 47 JLBlink User Manual Query Log <Alt-R><Q> The Query Log command is used to read the messages matching a Query <Alt-U><Q>. If your Query was on a Global level, the list will contain the number of conferences with the number of topics that have messages matching the Query. If your Query was on a Conference or Topic level, the list will contain only one conference. Follow the instructions under the Read commands to display the messages on the screen that match the Search Phrase you have Queried for. Skip Commands <Alt-S> Introduction The Skip commands are used to change the status of unread messages to read messages. They will only be active while you are reading new messages. When you execute a File Exit <Alt-F><X> command, the messages marked as read will be removed from the New Message Log. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <C> Conference <T> Topic Conference <Alt-S><C> The Conference command marks all the new messages in the current conference displayed on the screen as being read. The next new message displayed on the screen will be from the next conference on your list. Topic <Alt-S><T> The Topic command marks all the new messages in the current conference/topic displayed on the screen as being read. The next new message displayed on the screen will be from the next topic. Page 48 JLBlink User Manual Utilities Commands <Alt-U> Introduction The Utilities commands will help you maintain your Data Base, provide quick access to the data, and set the parameters of JLBlink to your specifications. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <C> Check Data Base <E> Export Message <G> Get Message Parse <Q> Query <R> Resign Conference/Topic <S> Setup Check <Alt-U><C> The Check command is used to check your Message Data Base for missing messages. It automatically generates the Getmess.Dnb file that is used to retrieve missing messages. When Check is executed, you are prompted for the level of the Check. The Conference level will Check all files that belong to the current conference. The Global level will Check all files in your Message Data Base. The Topic level will Check the current topic. Export Message <Alt-U><E> The Export Message command is used to export the message you have displayed on the screen to the Scratch.Pad, another file, or device, such as LPT1. The default file name is Scratch.Pad and can be overwritten to the file name or device of your choice. Get Message <Alt-U><G> The Get Message command is used to retrieve a message. When you execute the Get command, the information from the current conference/topic message you have displayed on the screen will be extracted. You will be prompted to retrieve the message. A DownBlink Script will be generated, or appended to in order to get the message from BIX. Page 49 JLBlink User Manual Parse <Alt-U> The Parse command is used to clean the data files captured from BIX, and to build and index your Data Base. The Parse command is automatically executed when you log off BIX with JLBlink. You will only need to manually execute Parse if you have used another communication program to log on BIX, or used a computer other than where your Data Base is stored. To manually parse a file, it must be located in the \BLINK\BLNEW directory. The file containing your conference messages must be named Newmess.Txt. The file containing your mail memos must be named Newmail.Txt. Query <Alt-U><Q> The Query command is used to search your Data Base for a Search Phrase. A Search Phrase can be any string, such as a BIXer name or a group of words. Using the Query command is the fastest way to access a message that contains information you need, especially, when you cannot remember exactly which message it was. For example, if you wish to find all messages from the ask.bix/hints conference topic that contains the string "blink", you would load the topic file for ask.bix/hints with the Read BIX Data Base <Alt-R> command and then execute Query. The Query command will prompt you with Search for:. You should type in the search phrase "blink" (without the double quotes). You will then be prompted for case sense. If you answer yes to the prompt, case sense will ignored. If you answer no, case sense will not be ignored and the search will be faster. You will next be prompted for a Search Level. The Conference level searches the complete conference of the topic that is displayed on the screen. The Topic level searches the topic you have displayed on the screen. If you have a mail memo displayed on the screen, Topic will search your memos. The Global level searches *all* files in your Data Base. If you select Global, the scope of the search can be set to limit the search to files whose names contain a string. For example, if you enter the string "long" at the scope prompt, Query will look for the Search Phrase only in the topics in your data base that contain the string "long" in their names. Page 50 JLBlink User Manual After the Query is completed, the number of messages matching the Search Phrase will be displayed on the screen, and then the Read Query Log <Alt-R><Q> command is automatically executed for you to read the messages found. Resign <Alt-U><R> The Resign command is used to resign from a conference or conference topic. When you execute the Resign command, the information from the current conference/topic you have displayed on the screen will be extracted. You will be prompted to resign from conference or conference/topic. An UpBlink Script will be generated, or appended to, in order to resign you from the selected conference/topic. Setup <Alt-U><S> The Setup command is used to edit the JLBlink parameters. When Setup is executed, the JLBlink parameters will be displayed on the screen. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to place the cursor on the parameter to be changed and then press <Enter>. A short description of the parameter will be displayed on the bottom of the screen as you move the cursor to each one. Please remember, if you change your modem settings you must edit the Setup parameters to reflect the changes. NOTE: When filling in a signature for the "SIGN MESSAGES WITH:" parameter, to place a blank line between your message contents and signature put a "\n" at the beginning of it. For example: \nYour Name Read Keys Introduction The Read Keys are for use in reading messages, memos, and help files. These commands can not be executed from the Menu System of JLBlink. Note: If you like to read all your messages in thread order, execute the Utilities Setup <Alt-U><S> command and change the Reference parameter. This will download your messages from BIX in thread order. Page 51 JLBlink User Manual Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- <Enter> Next Page <Down Arrow> <N> Next Message <Right Arrow> Next Message In File <Up Arrow> Previous Page <Backspace> Previous Message <Left Arrow> Previous Message In File <=> Current Message <Pg Down> Next Comment <Pg Up> Go To Original <End> Next Root <Home> Go To Root <#> Go To Message Number <^End> Go To Last Message In File <^Home> Go To First Message In File Next Page <Enter> or <Down Arrow> The <Enter> or <Down Arrow> key jumps to the next page of the message. If the current message contains only one page or you are on the last page, the <Enter> or <Down Arrow> will go to the next message. If you download your messages in forward order, the next message will be the next sequentially numbered message. If you download your messages in reference order, the next message will be the next comment or next thread. You will be advised when there are no more unread messages. The <Enter> or <Down Arrow> key will also invoke the Read New Messages System when activated from the JLBlink main screen. Pressing this key automatically searches the New Message Log and displays the first unread message on the screen. If there are no unread messages, you will be advised. Next Message <N> The <N> key jumps to the next message. If the message you are reading contains more than one page, the next message will be displayed skipping the additional pages of the current message. Page 52 JLBlink User Manual Next Message In File <Right Arrow> The <Right Arrow> key jumps to the next message in the file for the conference/topic you have displayed on the screen. You will generally only use this key from Read Marked Messages or Read Query Messages in order to see the next message in the topic, rather than the next message in the Log. Previous Page <Up Arrow> The <Up Arrow> key jumps to the previous page of the message. If the current message contains only one page or you are on the first page, you will go to the previous message. Previous Message <Backspace> The <Backspace> key jumps to the previously read message. If you have not read any messages, you will be taken to the first message. Previous Message In File <Left Arrow> The <Left Arrow> key jumps to the previous message in the file for the conference/topic you have displayed on the screen. You will generally only use this key from Read Marked Messages or Read Query Messages to see the previous message in the topic, rather than the previous message in the Log. Current New Message <=> The <=> key jumps to the current message. If you have not read any messages, you will be taken to the first message. NOTE: This key is not active from Read BIX Data Base. Next Comment <PgDown> The <PgDown> key will search for the next comment in the current thread. If it finds a message, it will be displayed on the screen. If it does not find a message, no further action will be taken. Go To Original <PgUp> The <PgUp> key will search for the message that the current message is commenting to. If it finds the message, it will displayed on the screen. If it does not find the message, no further action will be taken. Page 53 JLBlink User Manual Next Root <End> The <End> key searches the topic file for a root message that follows the current thread. If it finds another root message, it will be displayed on the screen. If it does not find another root message, no further action will be taken. Go To Root <Home> The <Home> key will search the current thread for the "root" message (the message that started the thread). If it finds the root message, it will be displayed on the screen. If it does not find the message, no further action will be taken. If the message you are on, when this key is activated, is the root, the previous root will be displayed. Go To Message Number <#> The <#> key will search the current topic for the message number that you supply. When you press <#>, you will be prompted for the message number to go to. If the message number exists, the message will be displayed on the screen. There are two special numbers that can be used to go to the beginning and end of the file. The number (0) will go to the first message in the current topic. The number (99999) will go to the last message in the current topic. Go To Last Message In File <^End> The <^End> key will jump to the last message in the file. Go To First Message In File <^Home> The <^Home> key will jump to the first message in the file. Page 54 JLBlink User Manual Editor Command Summary Introduction The Editor performs much the same way as BIX's editors do, except that it is a screen oriented editor. The Editor is invoked with the File Edit A File <Alt-F><E> command or the Post Comment <Alt-P><C>, Say <Alt-P><S> or Mail To <Alt-P><T> commands. You can also invoke the Editor while on line with BIX in the Communication Link by pressing <Alt-F><E>. The Editor does not have a Menu System and all commands must be executed with the keystrokes associated with the command. Many of the Editor commands have alternate keystrokes that you may already be familiar with from using a previous editor. The commands that have alternate keystrokes can be executed with either keystrokes. The Editor commands are grouped in five categories: Cut and Paste, File, Editing, Movement,and Scroll Message Mode. Each category and the commands associated with it will be discussed in this chapter. Cut and Paste Commands Introduction The Cut and Paste commands will enable you to import a block from the message or memo displayed underneath the Editor Window into the Editor. This can be handy to use if you want to extract information from a message or memo, to use in the message you are composing. NOTE: Cut and Paste can be used from Scroll Message Mode. Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- --------- <F6> Enter Cut and Paste Mode <NONE> <F7> Mark Beginning Of Block <NONE> <F8> Mark End Of Block <NONE> <Escape> Abort Cut And Paste <NONE> Enter Cut and Paste Mode <F6> The <F6> key is used to enter the Cut and Paste Mode. When you activate the Cut and Paste Mode, the Editor closes to reveal the message or memo under it and places the cursor in the upper left hand corner of the screen. Page 55 JLBlink User Manual Mark Beginning Of Block <F7> To Mark the Beginning of a Block, move the cursor (with the Arrow keys) to the upper left hand corner of the block and then press the <F7> key. Mark End Of Block <F8> To Mark the End of the Block and import the block into the Editor, move the cursor to the lower right hand corner of the block and then press the <F8> key. Abort Cut And Paste <Escape> To abort the Cut and Paste Mode, press the <Escape> key. Editing Commands Introduction The Editing commands provide several methods of inserting, deleting, and formatting text. Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- --------- <Insert> Toggle Insert Mode <^V> <Delete> Delete Character <^G> <Backspace> Delete Previous Character <NONE> <Enter> Start New Line <NONE> <F9> Delete To End Of Line <^QY> <F10> Delete Line <^Y> <^T> Delete Word Right <NONE> <F7> Mark Beginning Of Block <^KB> <F8> Mark End Of Block <^KK> <Alt-F7/-F8> Clear Marked Block <^KH> <Alt-B> Delete Marked Block <^KY> <Alt-I> Copy Marked Block <^KC> <Alt-M> Move Marked Block <^KM> Toggle Insert Mode <Insert> or <^V> The <Insert> key will toggle the Insert Mode. For example, if the current mode is insert, the mode will be changed to overwrite. Note, the cursor will be an underscore while in Insert Mode and will be a block while in overwrite mode. Page 56 JLBlink User Manual Delete Character <Delete> or <^G> The <Delete> key will delete the character under the cursor. If the cursor is at the end of the line, the end of line is removed which combines the current line with the line below it. Delete Previous Character <Backspace> The <Backspace> key will move the cursor to the left one character then delete the character under the it. If the cursor is on the left edge of the Editor Window, the cursor will jump to the end of the line above it. Start New Line <Enter> The <Enter> key will insert a new line at the cursor position. Any characters to the right of the cursor and the cursor itself will be moved down to the beginning of the new line. Delete To End Of Line <F9> or <^QY> The <F9> key is used to delete the characters from the cursor to the end of the line. Position the cursor to the starting position and then press the <F9> key. Delete Line <F10> or <^Y> The <F10> key deletes the line the cursor is sitting on. The resulting gap is filled by moving any lines below the current line up one line. Position the cursor on the line that you wish to delete and then press <F10>. Delete Word Right <^T> The <^T> key is used to delete the word to the right of the cursor. Mark Beginning Of Block <F7> or <^KB> The <F7> key is used to Mark the Beginning of a Block. To mark the beginning of the block, place the cursor anywhere on the line that you wish to start the block and then press <F7>. Mark End Of Block <F8> or <^KK> The <F8> key is used to Mark the End of a Block. To mark the end of the block, place the cursor anywhere on the line that you wish to end the block and then press <F8>. Page 57 JLBlink User Manual Clear Marked Block <Alt-F7/-F8> or <^KH> The <Alt-F7> and <Alt-F8> keys are used to clear the Marked Block. Delete Marked Block <Alt-B> or <^KY> The <Alt-B> key is used to delete the Marked Block. To delete a block of text, mark both the beginning and end of the block and then press <Alt-B>. The resulting gap will be filled in with any lines below the deleted block. Copy Marked Block <Alt-I> or <^KC> The <Alt-I> key is used to copy a Marked Block. To copy a block of text, mark both the beginning and end of the block, position the cursor on the line below the location you want the copy to be placed, and then press <Alt-I>. Move Marked Block <Alt-M> or <^KM> The <Alt-M> key is used to move a Marked Block from one location to another. To move a block of text, mark both the beginning and end of the block, position the cursor on the line below the location you want to move the block to, and then press <Alt-M>. File Commands Introduction The File commands are used to exit, format and save the Scratch.Pad. Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- --------- <Escape> Exit Editor <NONE> <Alt-C> Clear Editor <NONE> <Alt-F> Format Paragraph <^B> <Alt-O> Save File and Continue <NONE> <Alt-X> Save File and Exit <^KD> Page 58 JLBlink User Manual Exit Editor <Escape> The <Escape> key will exit the Editor. If you made any changes to the Scratch.Pad you will be prompted with: Save "File Name"? Y)es or N)o. ?: If you answer yes, the changes will be saved. If you answer no, all changes during that session will be lost. Clear Editor <Alt-C> The <Alt-C> key is used to clear the Scratch.Pad. It will prompt you with: Clear "File Name"? Y)es or N)o. ?: If you answer yes, the Scratch.Pad will be cleared. If you answer no, you will be returned to where you were when you pressed the <Alt-C> key. Format Paragraph <Alt-F> or <^B> The <Alt-F> key will reformat the current paragraph from the cursor position down. The cursor will be moved to the beginning of the next paragraph. Save File and Continue <Alt-O> The <Alt-O> key is used to save the Scratch.Pad, exit and continue the process that invoked the Editor. Save File and Exit <Alt-X> or <^KD> The <Alt-X> key is used to save the Scratch.Pad and exit. You will be prompted to either edit the file, abort, or continue the process that invoked the Editor. Page 59 JLBlink User Manual Movement Commands Introduction The Movement commands are used to move the cursor. Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- --------- <Up> Up One Line <^E> <Down> Down One Line <^X> <Left> Left One Character <^S> <Right> Right One Character <^D> <Home> Beginning Of Line <^QS> <End> End Of Line <^QD> <Page Up> Up One Page <^R> <Page Down> Down One Page <^C> <^Left> Left One Word <^A> <^Right> Right One Word <^F> <^Page Up> Top Of File <^QR> <^Page Down> Bottom Of File <^QC> <^F7> Top Of Marked Block <^QB> <^F8> Bottom Of Marked Block <^QK> Up One Line <Up> or <^E> The <Up Arrow> key will move the cursor one line up . If the cursor should reach the top of the Editor Window and there is more of the Scratch.Pad to be displayed in the direction of travel, the Scratch.Pad will be scrolled to expose the hidden lines. Down One Line <Down> or <^X> The <Down Arrow> key will move the cursor one line down. If the cursor should reach the bottom of the Editor Window and there is more of the Scratch.Pad to be displayed in the direction of travel, the Scratch.Pad will be scrolled to expose the hidden lines. Left One Character <Left> or <^S> The <Left Arrow> key will move the cursor one character to the left. If the cursor should reach the left edge of the Editor Window the cursor will move up one line, and then will move to the end of the line. For example, if the cursor is on the left edge of the Editor Window and you press the <Left Arrow> key the cursor will move up one line and jump to the end of it. Page 60 JLBlink User Manual Right One Character <Right> or <^D> The <Right Arrow> key will move the cursor one character to the right. If the cursor should reach the right edge of the Editor Window, the cursor will move down one line, and then will move to the beginning of the line. For example, if the cursor is on the right edge of the Editor window and you press the <Right Arrow> key the cursor will move down one line and jump to the beginning of it. Beginning Of Line <Home> or <^QS> The <Home> key will move the cursor to the beginning of the current line. End Of Line <End> or <^QD> The <End> key will move the cursor to the end of the current line. Up One Page <Page Up> or <^R> The <Page Up> key will scroll the Scratch.Pad up one screen. Down One Page <Page Down> or <^C> The <Page Down> key will scroll the Scratch.Pad down one screen. Left One Word <^Left> or <^A> The <^Left Arrow> key will move the cursor one word to the left. Right One Word <^Right> or <^F> The <^Right Arrow> key will move the cursor one word to the right. Top Of File <^Page Up> or <^QR> The <^Page Up> key will move the cursor to the top of the Scratch.Pad. Bottom Of File <^Page Down> or <^QC> The <^Page Down> key will move the cursor to the bottom of the Scratch.Pad. Page 61 JLBlink User Manual Top Of Marked Block <^F7> or <^QB> The <^F7> key will position the cursor at the top of the Marked Block. Bottom Of Marked Block <^F8> or <^QK> The <^F8> key will position the cursor at the bottom of the Marked Block. Scroll Message Mode Commands Introduction The Scroll Message Mode commands enable you to access and read all the messages in the conference topic (or mail) that you are Posting to. Key Chart Key Command Alternate --- ------- --------- <Alt-S> Enter Scroll Message Mode <NONE> <Up Arrow> Previous Page or Message <NONE> <Down Arrow> Next Page <NONE> <Escape> Exit Scroll Message Mode <NONE> Enter Scroll Message Mode <Alt-S> The <Alt-S> is used to enter the Scroll Message Mode. When you activate the Scroll Message Mode, the Editor closes to reveal the message or memo under it. Previous Page or Message <Up Arrow> The <Up Arrow> key is used to go back a page or message from the current position. If you are on page one of the message, <Up Arrow> will go back to the first page of the previous message. If you are on a page other than the first, it will go back to the previous page. You can continue to go back until you reach the first message in the file. Page 62 JLBlink User Manual Next Page <Down Arrow> The <Down Arrow> key is used to go the next page. This key will only move a page at a time and will not skip over pages to go to the next message. You can continue to go forward until you reach the last message in the file. Exit Scroll Message Mode <Escape> The <Escape> key is used to exit Scroll Message Mode. When you press <Escape>, the Editor will open and place you at the position you were when it closed. Page 63 JLBlink User Manual Communication Link Command Summary Introduction The Communication Link commands are used to interface with BIX manually. All commands are executed by pressing the keys associated with the command or selecting it from the Menu System. The Menu System can be activated by pressing <Escape>. To abort a Communication Link command once it is executing, press the <^C> key. The Communication Link commands will only work from the following list of BIX prompts. They will *NOT* work from BIX's Menu System. Prompt System ------ ------ : Main Read: or R: Read Mail: or M: Mail The Communication Link commands are divided into four categories: File, Blink, Output, and Keyboard. Each category and the commands associated with it will be discussed in this chapter. File Commands <Alt-F> Introduction The various File commands are used to edit and transfer files, and to log off BIX. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <C> Toggle Session Capture <E> Editor <H> Toggle Echo <Q> Quick Exit <R> Receive A File <S> Send A File <T> Transmit Scratch.Pad <X> Log-off Then Exit Page 64 JLBlink User Manual Toggle Session Capture <Alt-F><C> The Toggle Session Capture command is used to turn on and off the capture of data to the Session.Txt file. The current status of the Session Capture is displayed on the Menu. A plus (+) will appear next to the command name Toggle Session Capture when capture is on. The plus will not be visible when capture is off. When the command is executed, it will toggle the capture on and off. If you want to capture a CBIX session, make sure the status is on. You can then edit the Session.Txt file after you have logged off BIX and save the portions of the file that you want. The file will be in the \JLBLINK\BLOLD directory. Editor <Alt-F><E> The Editor command will activate JLBlink's editor for you to use to compose a message or memo while you are on-line with BIX. Follow the normal BIX procedures for posting a message or memo while on-line until you reach BIX's editor. Once you are in BIX's editor, press <Alt-F><E> to invoke JLBlink's Editor. Compose your message or memo, press <Alt-O> to save it, and then press <Alt-F><T> to transmit the message or memo to BIX's editor. When you transmit the message or memo, you will automatically be exited from BIX's editor and placed at one of BIX's action prompts. Proceed as you would normally from this point. See the Editor chapter for details concerning the commands available while in the Editor. Toggle Echo <Alt-F><H> The Toggle Echo command is used to toggle the local echo of characters that you type. If you are seeing two characters for every character that you type, you will need to toggle the local echo. If you are not seeing any characters that you type, you will also need to toggle the local echo. Quick Exit <Alt-F><Q> The Quick Exit command is just that, a quick way out of the Communication Link. The Quick Exit command can be used to bypass the automatic log-off from BIX; it immediately exits the Communication Link. If you should lose your connection with BIX, the Quick Exit command should be used to exit the Communication Link. Page 65 JLBlink User Manual Receive A File <Alt-F><R> The Receive A File command is used to receive a file from BIX to a local file of your choice. You will be given the option of Text or Binary file. Text <Alt-F><R><T> The Receive Text File command is used to receive the contents of your BIX Scratchpad. You will be prompted for a file name to receive the BIX Scratchpad to. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply the full path name. If the file exists, you will be given a choice of Overwriting the existing file, Appending to it, or Aborting the command. To abort the command when you are prompted for a file name, press the <Escape> key. To abort once transmission has started, press <^C>. The total number of lines and characters that are received will be displayed in the Communication Link Window as your BIX Scratchpad is being captured. If your BIX Scratchpad is received without errors, the Communication Link will automatically Clear your BIX Scratchpad for you. If you abort the command by pressing <^C>) or an error is detected during the transfer, the Communication Link will NOT Clear your BIX Scratchpad. The Receive Text File command signals its completion with a colon prompt. Binary <Alt-F><R> The Receive Binary File command is used to receive a file, such as a .Zip file in the Listings Area, from BIX using either Xmodem or Xmodem/1K. To use the command you must have BIX setup and ready to send a file. For example, if you wish to receive your scratchpad with Xmodem, you will need to make sure that your BIX profile is setup with the proper protocol (Opt Down Xmodem Quit) and then type in the BIX command "Download". Once BIX has responded to the "Download" command you will then press <Alt-F><R> to start the command. Remember, BIX must be setup and ready to send a file *BEFORE* you start the Receive Binary File command. Page 66 JLBlink User Manual You will be prompted for the name of the file that you are going to receive. The current working directory will be assumed unless you specify the full path name. You may abort the Receive Binary File command when prompted for a file name by pressing the <Escape> key. After you supply the file name you will be prompted for a protocol to use, select the appropriate protocol to continue or press the <Escape> key to abort the command. The Receive Binary File command will sign-on and start the error-free protocol transfer of the file. The progress of the transfer is displayed in the Communication Link Window. You may abort the Receive Binary File command at this point by pressing <^C>. Send A File <Alt-F><S> The Send A File command is used to send a file of your choice to BIX. You will be given the option of Text or Binary file. Text <Alt-F><S><T> The Send Text File command is used to send (transmit) a text file to BIX. You will be prompted for the name of a text file to send. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply a full path name. To abort the command when you are prompted for a file name, press the <Escape> key. To abort once transmission has started, press <^C>. The total number of lines and characters that are sent will be displayed in the Communication Link Window as the text file is being transmitted to BIX. If the Communication Link should detect an error message from BIX while the transmission is in progress, it will notify you of the fact by displaying the error message along with the current error count. The error counter is increased by a count of one (1) for every error it detects. The Communication Link will abort the transmission of the text file if more than five (5) error messages from BIX are detected during the transmission of a text file. Errors which may occur during the transmission of a text file can be caused by such things as misspelled BIX commands or conference names, or they may be the results of line noise. If you happen to be having a problem with line noise, log-off and try at a later time. If you are not having problems with line noise, you should examine the text file for such common errors as misspellings and missing BIX commands. Page 67 JLBlink User Manual Send A Binary File <Alt-F><S> The Send Binary File command is the complement of the Receive Binary File command. Just like the Receive Binary File command, you *MUST* have BIX setup and ready to receive a file *BEFORE* you use the Send Binary File command. For example, to send a file to your BIX scratchpad you need to make sure that your BIX profile is setup with the proper protocol and then type in the BIX command "Upload". BIX's "Upload" command will sign-on and send an acknowledgment character. The acknowledgment character will appear in the Communication Link Window and is a sign that BIX is ready to receive your file. You can and should start the Send Binary File command at this time by pressing <Alt-F><S>. The Send Binary File command will prompt you for the name of the file to send to BIX. The current working directory will be assumed unless you supply the full path name. You may abort the Send Binary File command when you are prompted for the file name by pressing the <Escape> key. The Send Binary File command will then sign-on and display the progress of the transfer. You may abort the Send Binary File command at this point by pressing <^C>. Transmit Scratch.Pad <Alt-F><T> The Transmit Scratch.Pad command is used to transmit the JLBlink Scratch.Pad to BIX's editor. You should be in BIX's editor before you attempt to use the Transmit Scratch.Pad command. To use the Transmit Scratch.Pad command, place yourself in BIX's editor and then press <Alt-F><T>. This will cause the Communication Link to automatically transmit the Scratch.Pad to BIX. Once the file has been transmitted, the Communication Link will transmit the period (".") to automatically exit BIX's editor which will leave you at one of BIX's action prompts. Log-Off Then Exit <Alt-F><X> This is the normal exit path from the Communication Link and BIX. If you logged on the Communication Link in Auto or Blink mode, this exit path will automatically execute the Logoff.Bmc file to log you off of BIX properly and then exit the Communication Link. Page 68 JLBlink User Manual Blink Commands <Alt-B> Introduction The Blink commands are used to process various BIX transactions. You can Blink all your 'unread' messages and memos, and process all your UpBlink and DownBlink Scripts. It is recommended that you always download messages before you upload the messages you have composed, or you may get duplicate messages in your Data Base. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- <C> Conference Messages <D> DownBlink Script(s) <M> Mail Memos UpBlink Script(s) Conference Messages <Alt-B><C> The Conference Messages command is used to download all your new messages from BIX. It captures the new messages to a file named Newmess.Txt and then returns to BIX's main system prompt. The Conference Messages command can be executed as many times as you like during a session if your Scratchpad Protocol is set to ASCII. Each time all new messages will automatically be appended to the end of the Newmess.Txt file. The New Messages command signals its completion with a colon prompt. DownBlink Script(s) <Alt-B><D> The DownBlink Script(s) command will automatically transmit any and all DownBlink Script files to BIX. It will capture your BIX Scratchpad to one disk file per DownBlink Script file. Mail Memos <Alt-B><M> The Mail Memos command is used to download all new mail from BIX. It captures the new mail memos to a file named Newmail.Txt. You can also optionally delete or remove from your InBasket any memos which are captured. Page 69 JLBlink User Manual The Mail Memos command will first join the BIX Mail System and look for new memos. If no new memos exist, you will be returned to BIX's Main System prompt. The Mail Memos command can be executed as many times as you like during a session if you ScratchPad Protocol is set to ASCII. Each time all new memos will automatically be appended to the end of the Newmail.Txt file. The New Memos command signals its completion with a colon prompt. UpBlink Script(s) <Alt-B> The UpBlink Script(s) command will automatically transmit any and all UpBlink Script files to BIX. For example, if Toconf.Upb and Tomail.Upb exists, they will both be sent to BIX. Output Commands <Alt-O> Introduction The Output Commands are used to transmit a BREAK Signal or an Escape character to BIX. Key Chart Key Command --- ------- Send BREAK Signal <E> Send Escape Character Send BREAK Signal <Alt-O> The Send BREAK Signal command sends a BREAK signal to BIX. Send Escape Character <Alt-O><Escape> The Send Escape Character sends an Escape character to BIX. Page 70 JLBlink User Manual Keyboard Commands The following commands can only be executed from the keyboard and are not available on the Menu System. Stop Execution <^C> The Stop Execution command stops the execution of a Communication Link command. Cancel Blink Mode<^Z> The Cancel Blink Mode command will put the Communication Link in terminal mode after all the commands in the Blink.Bmc have been executed. Page 71 JLBlink User Manual Communication Link Script Commands Summary Introduction A Communication Link Command Script is an ASCII file that contains one or more Communication Link Script Commands per file. Each Script Command must be on a line by itself. Comments can appear on any line that does not contain a Script Command. All Command Scripts must have an extension of ".bmc". All Command Scripts must appear in the \JLBLINK\BLSUPP. The following is a list of Communication Link Script Commands: Name Action ---- ------ Blink Execute a Blink command. Capture Turn on/off Session Capture. Echo Turn on/off echo status. Getc Get a character from the communication port that matches the sample character. Gets Get a string from the communications port that matches the sample string. Puts Print a string of characters to the communications port. Screen Turn on/off, or clear the display of characters in the Communication Link Window. Show Print a string to the Communication Link Window. Silence Wait for so many seconds of silence. Wait Wait for so many seconds. Watch Watch for string before proceeding to next command. Each Script Command is discussed in detail later in this section. The syntax of all Script Commands is: command "action or string" Where "command" is the name of the Script Command (which can be in any case) and "action or string" is an action or string which is always enclosed in double quotes ("). The Script Command string can contain any legal C escape sequence, for instance, to include an ASCII Carriage Return in your string, use the C escape sequence of "\r". The action can be any mixture of case. Page 72 JLBlink User Manual The Blink Command The Blink command is used to execute any of the following Communication Link commands: Blink Option Command ------------ ------- Down DownBlink Script(s) <Alt-B><D> Up UpBlink Script(s) <Alt-B> Mail New Memos <Alt-B><M> Messages New Messages <Alt-B><C> For example, to Blink all your new messages, you would include the following line in your Command Script file: Blink "MESSAGES" The Capture Command The Capture command is used to turn on and off the Session Capture or to capture the BIX Scratchpad to disk. There are three options for the Capture command and they are "ON", "OFF",or "FILENAME.EXT". For example, to turn on the Session Capture, you would include the following line in your Command Script file: Capture "ON" To Capture the contents of the BIX Scratchpad, you would include a line such as: Capture "C:\JLBLINK\BLNEW\NEWMESS.TXT" The Echo Command The Echo command is used to report to the Communication Link the current echo state of the path. There are two options for the Echo command and they are "ON" which states the path does echo characters and "OFF" which states the path does not echo characters. You should use this command if you change the echo state of the path while executing a Command Script. For example, if you change the echo state of the path so it no longer echoes characters, you must include the following line in your Command Script after the line that changes the echo state: Echo "OFF" The above example tells the Communication Link that the path does not echo characters so it needs to. Page 73 JLBlink User Manual NOTE: "Echo" refers to displaying, on the screen, the characters you type or transmit. The term "path" refers to the complete communications link to BIX. For instance, you will more than likely be accessing BIX through the use of an intelligent modem which can alter the echo state of the path and you may also be accessing BIX through a commercial wide area network which can also alter the echo state of the path. If the echo state of the path changes during the execution of a Command Script or because of something you have done manually, you *must* tell the Communication Link what the current echo state is. The Getc Command The Getc command is used to halt the execution of a Command Script until the Communication Link receives a character that matches the sample character. For example, the following Script Command will halt the execution of the Command Script until the Communication Link receives a question mark or the value of the Setup Parameter "Time Out" is exceeded: Getc "?" The Communication Link will display an annunciator in the bottom status line of the Communication Link Window advising you that it is currently waiting to receive the sample character. You may abort the wait by pressing <^C>. If the Communication Link has to wait longer than the value of the Setup Parameter "Time Out" for activity, it will abort the wait automatically and fail the command. The Gets Command The Gets command is used to halt the execution of a Command Script until the Communication Link receives a string of characters that matches the sample string or the value of the Setup Parameter "Time Out" is exceeded. For example, the following Script Command will halt the execution of a Command Script until it receives the string "Welcome": Gets "Welcome" The Communication Link will display an annunciator in the bottom status line of the Communication Link Window advising you that it is currently waiting to receive a string that matches the sample string. You may abort the wait by pressing <^C>. If the Communication Link has to wait longer than the value of the Setup Parameter "Time Out" for activity, it will abort the wait automatically and fail the command. Page 74 JLBlink User Manual The Puts Command The Puts command will output, to the communications port, the sample string. For example, the following Script Command outputs, to the communications port, the string "BIX" followed by an ASCII Carriage Return: Puts "BIX\r" The Screen Command The Screen command is used to control the display of characters in the CL Window. There are three options for the Screen command and they are: "Clear", "Off", and "On". Clear will clear the Communication Link Window, Off will turn off the display of characters in the Communication Link Window, and On will turn on the display of characters. For example, the following Script Command clears the Communication Link Window: Screen "CLEAR" The Show Command The Show command is used to display a string of characters in the Communication Link Window. The string is not transmitted. For example, the following Script Command displays the string "Start Of Blink" in the Communication Link Window: Show "Start Of Blink\n" The Silence Command The Silence command is used to halt the execution of a Command Script until the Communication Link detects the indicated number of seconds of silence. For example, the following Script Command will halt execution until the Communication Link detects 6 seconds of silence: Silence "6" The Communication Link will display a prompt in the bottom status line of the Communication Link Window advising you that it is currently waiting for sample seconds of silence. You may abort the wait by pressing <^C>. Page 75 JLBlink User Manual The Wait Command The Wait command is used to halt the execution of a Command Script for sample number of seconds. For example, the following Script Command will halt the execution of a Command Script for 2 seconds: Wait "2" The Watch Command The Watch command allows the user to tell the Communication Link to perform a series of commands if a particular string is found in the input stream. The syntax of the Watch command is: Watch_Start Command ... Watch_00(nn) "String 1 to watch for" Command ... Watch_01(nn) "String 2 to watch for" Command ... Watch_Del_00 Watch_Del_01 Watch_End Where: Watch_Start: Marks the beginning of the watch statement. All commands, such as Gets, Puts, etc., that are encountered between the Watch_Start and the first Watch_xx statement are executed. The Communication Link will, upon encountering the first Watch_xx statement, load all the strings that are to be watched for and immediately start watching the input stream for all the strings. The Watch command will continue to watch the input stream until *ALL* watches have been deleted. Page 76 JLBlink User Manual Watch_00(nn) - Watch_09(nn): Adds a string to the watch list. The Communication Link can handle up to ten strings per watch statement. The string lengths are not limited. The strings can include C escape sequences such as "\r", "\n", and "\xnn". All watches are case-sensitive! If the Communication Link detects a string of characters from the input stream that matches a watch string, all commands between the Watch_xx command that inserted the string into the watch list and the next Watch_xx or Watch_end statements are executed. (nn) is the maximum number of times the watch statement should be allowed to execute. It can be from 1-99 or defaults to 50 is no count is given. If any watch count is exceeded, the script will abort with an error condition. Command: Can be any Comm Link Command Script command with the exception of the Watch command -- Watches can *NOT* be nested. Watch_Del_00 - Watch_Del_09: Removes a string from the watch list. NOTE: *ALL* watches *MUST* be deleted to terminate the Watch command. Watch_End: Marks the end of the Watch command. *ALL* Watch commands *MUST* end with a Watch_End statement. Page 77