The Atari Compendium/The Atari Compendium (Toad Computers) (1994).iso/files/misc/stfax/stfax_12.arc/STFAX_12.TXT

Text File | 1995-01-12 | 159KB | 4,000 lines

=========================================================================
(C) 1995 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact.  The Atari Roundtables on
GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign
up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369.  Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE
and press [RETURN]. The system will prompt you for your information.
==========================================================================
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 1         Fri Dec 02, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 19:23 EST

I had some hard drive problems and had to reinstall v. 2.20. Now I'm having a
problem I had to ask about before. Where do I put the fonts so the program can
find them? The old folder isn't being recognized.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 2         Fri Dec 02, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 21:42 EST

Ken,

I keep STraight Fax! and all of it's files in a folder called FAX220. I have
my fonts in the root of that folder.  They are always recognized here.  Unused
fonts I keep in a folder called FONTS inside the FAX220 folder.

Hope this helps,

Matt

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 3         Fri Dec 02, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 23:56 EST

Ken Van,

The STFAX fonts should be in the STFAX folder (the one the program runs from).

Al

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 4         Sat Dec 03, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 07:31 EST

Matt,

Thanks. I thought the README said to put the font (FINE16 or FINE20) you want
to use in a folder of some kind. I'll try it in the root of the FAX folder.

Al,

Thanks.

Ken Van

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 5         Sat Dec 03, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 09:34 EST

Ken,

Remember that the font you choose has to be renamed to FINE.FNT.  If you keep
the name FINE16 or FINE20, I don't think STraight Fax! will recognize it.

Matt
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 6         Sat Dec 03, 1994
C.NICHOLLS [BILL]            at 19:04 PST

Thanks, Joe, Unfortunately, although I have the latest version of STraightFAX,
my Supra 144LC only supports Class 1. I guess this may be something I'll have
to live with.

Bill
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 7         Sat Dec 03, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 23:35 EST

Thanks, Matt.

I guess they meant to name it with the number to identify it when not in use
(when the other fine is used.

Ken Van
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 8         Sun Dec 04, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 02:52 EST

Ken -

Exactly!

Matt
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 9         Sat Dec 03, 1994
S.MCGEE2 [Sam]               at 23:59 PST

 Bill,

 The SupraFaxModem 144LC supports Class 1 and Class 2. The manual was not
 updated after the ROMs were. There is a modem command to check Class but
 I don't remember it. If you want to check for yourself maybe someone can
 post the code.

 Sam


 "Maybe you can call me sometime
   when you have no class."
                     - Rodney D.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 10        Sun Dec 04, 1994
M.WEILERT2 [Matt]            at 07:21 PST

RE: msg 166

Bill,

Several months ago I had my phone connections jury-rigged up to split-off
several times: from the wall to separate recorder, phone (two handsets in same
room where I have two lines) and modem. I got all sorts of time-outs, both
during connection and waiting for page acknowledge. I went to Radio Shack, got
one of their 1-into-3 splitters, moved my desk nearer to the phone jack and
got rid of the now extra "connectors" which really cleared things up. Even
overseas faxes are fine.

Matt @ WeilInfo

P.S. Also what Joe said in msg 167 :-)
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 11        Sun Dec 04, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 10:43 EST

Matt's right. STFAX just looks for FINE.FNT. And STFAX doens't need the font
at all if you print using a STraight FAX! printer driver from an app that
supports GDOS of any kind. I usually use Calligrapher Gold, and the results
are stupendous.

Al
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 12        Sun Dec 04, 1994
J.PENNINGTO6 [JIM]           at 13:12 PST

Some questions I've had for a long time, but never got around to asking:

 1. Most fax machines available today (and for some time) have 3 resolutions;
standard, fine, and extra fine. Why is the extra fine resolution not available
for computer faxing?

 2. There is a lot of conversation on this board about trying this and that to
get certain combinations of modem/fax machine to communicate, but I am not
aware that the problem exists with regular fax machines talking to each other.
Regular fax machine usage seems to be pretty much drop the document, select
resolution, dial the number and go. I've never heard of a ROM upgrade for an
off-the-shelf fax machine. Have I just missed the fun?

--Jim--

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 13        Sun Dec 04, 1994
K.CAVAGHAN2 [OakSprings]     at 13:24 PST

Bill,

I believe that the latest version of Sysinfo will be be able to tell you what
class/group your modem supports as well.  It's available here in the library.

  Kent

  Written on  Sunday December 04, 1994 07:4134 a.m.

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 14        Sun Dec 04, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 22:01 EST

Matt  :-)

Al,

Whether STFAX uses it or not, it looks for a font file, and won't load if it
doesn't find one.

Ken Van

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 15        Sun Dec 04, 1994
C.NICHOLLS [BILL]            at 21:19 PST

Sam and Kent,

According to SysInfo, my 144LC only supports Class 1. The chipset is 1993.

Bill
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 16        Mon Dec 05, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 05:41 EST

Message 182   Sun Dec 04, 1994 J.PENNINGTO6 [JIM]


 >  1... Why is the extra fine resolution not available for computer
 >    faxing?

        From my experience the results of faxes sent using STraight are much
better final quality than any fine or extra fine resolution sent by a standard
fax machine.  I can compost and save using Calamus and I often get a response
back asking what fax machine I used since the receiver did not know their fax
machine could reproduce a copy that clear.

 >  2. There is a lot of conversation on this board about trying this
 >     and that to get certain combinations of modem/fax machine to
 >     communicate, but I am not aware that the problem exists with
 >     regular fax machines talking to each other.  Have I just
 >     missed the fun?

                Yes, trust me you have just missed the fun.  Regular fax
machines do have problems talking to each other.  The first time I used
STraight fax was after trying three times to get a fax through via a new fax
machine at a copy center (name brand and all that). STraight fax got a good
connection with the same other party on the first try.

        That is not to say I have never had problems connecting to other fax
machines.  I have had very good (not 100%) luck with the machine I have at
work, a new high end Cannon.  It works almost 100% of the time.  It also has
problems with some other "standard" fax machines.

>> Joe M <<

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 17        Mon Dec 05, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 07:40 EST

Joe,

If you want to compost your copy of Calamus, that's your right, since you own
it, but it might be better not to discuss it publically. It might hurt
Nathan's feelings.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 18        Mon Dec 05, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:52 EST

Jim,

Good point. Most fax machines are toss-away items. You just buy a new one when
the urge strikes you. Modems are much more likely to be used for a long time,
and ROM upgrades are easy.

Extra-fine-res isn't standard on the fax machines we have at the office.

Ken Van,

Thanks. I've never tried running without a font file, so I didn't realize it
chokes without one.

Al
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 19        Mon Dec 05, 1994
POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC]      at 17:45 EST

Hehehe ... I too use STraight FAX to send my Calamus files. ;-) It allows me
to include my logo/letterhead etc.. and any other graphic along with the text
and the end result is quite nice to receive on the other end, certainly
looking quite professional.

Nathan
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 20        Mon Dec 05, 1994
Y.DUFRESNE [Papageno]        at 22:47 EST

STFax and Calamus SL are my own 'publishing partners'.

Pun!

 Ducking!
 Yanick
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 21        Mon Dec 05, 1994
J.PENNINGTO6 [JIM]           at 20:07 PST

All,

   Thanks for the responses.

   The primary benefits of extra-fine resolution are: 1. to minimize aliasing
on horizontal lines when the original document is not square in the scanner,
and 2. to smooth out (and make readable) handwritten (script) documents.  It
can also help with poor quality documents especially when they have been photo-
reduced. We ask all our clients to send handwritten documents in the highest
resolution they have available.

   I agree that a document produced on the computer and sent by STfax in
standard resolution is far superior to any scanned document, but what about
received faxes?

   Maybe we just were lucky in that we picked a Pitney Bowes 8050 as our first
fax machine, as we have had no problem sending or receiving anywhere in the
world. This is a high end machine, but most of the machines we send to or
receive from are definitely not!


--Jim--

P.S. I've never 'composted' Pagestream, but then I haven't tried Calamus!

                               o   o
                                 <
                              \_____/
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 22        Mon Dec 05, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 23:26 EST

Joe -

Sooo, you can 'compost' using Calamus...

How does _that_ work, and what does it do for your garden! <G>

Matt
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 23        Tue Dec 06, 1994
T.GIRSCH [T.J.@ S-Mart]      at 00:42 CST

J.MEEHAN3 -

  > I can compost and save using Calamus

Wow!  It does full-color page layout, AND it helps next year's crops grow!!!
8^)
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 24        Tue Dec 06, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:40 EST

All,

My copy of Calamus SL arrived yesterday, and I'd say it would make enough
compost for three gardens. :-)

Jim,

When I have to give a report and need to pass out (no, don't stop reading this
sentence at that point!) ... need to hand out a document, I create it on
Calligrapher and fax it to the office via STFAX at fine res. Then I use the
laser copies to make copies; this smoothes out the tiny dots and gives me a
great-looking copy. I've had many folks ask me for a copy of both STFAX and
Calligrapher, and (leaving out the issue of piracy) my stock answer is, "Sure.
Do you own an ST, TT or Falcon?" :-) The last fellow Atarian I worked with
moved to Cleveland a while back, so the point is that these people just don't
know what they are missing. (And who'd ever want to move to Cleveland anyway?)

Al

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 25        Tue Dec 06, 1994
B.CONNOLLY1 [Bud]            at 21:33 EST

 >... (And who'd ever want to move to Cleveland anyway?)
 >
 >Al
 >
 >----------
 > Don't know Al, I've been asking myself that question for the last 15 years!
Why did I leave Pittsburgh? But we do get a little less snow than Rochester
<G>

Bud

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 26        Tue Dec 06, 1994
G.IKEN [George @HACE]        at 20:39 CST

Joe,

Are you into recycling? <g>

 >...  I can compost and save ....

----------------------------------------------------------

Ken,,

 >Extra-fine-res isn't standard on the fax machines we have at the office.

 I guess you know that you can get all those 'fine-rez' thingies with
 STFAX if you get one of those new Blur-O-Vision monitors.  The
 resolutions include the above mentioned Xrated-Fine, Danged-Fine, and
 Awful-Fine.

 Boy, I could use some sleep (stayed up all night on the HACE
 newsletter....I had to stay all scrunched up or I would have fallen
 off <g>).

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 27        Tue Dec 06, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 23:52 EST

Howdy,

George, boy do I ever know that feeling!  Especially the corny humour that
follows such insanity.  <grin>  It is especially bad with me because my humour
is always corny, and it only gets worse from there.
 ;-)

 Wally

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 28        Tue Dec 06, 1994
J.PENNINGTO6 [JIM]           at 22:51 PST

You guys have been staring at your monitors too long!

--Jim--

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 29        Wed Dec 07, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 06:06 EST

        In addition to personally being into recycling it seems Spelling
Sentry is also into recycling. <grin>

        BTW having an Atari is one way to stop a number of people at work who
see my results from projects from home and want copies of my program.  I still
end up telling someone at least once a month that I will not help them copy a
program off one of our office machines to bring home to their machines or to
help them use or install a program someone gave them without any
documentation.

>> Joe M <<
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 30        Wed Dec 07, 1994
T.GIRSCH [T.J.@ S-Mart]      at 20:46 CST

STraight FAX -

A couple of the FAXes I've received have had strange lines through them.  Has
anyone else had this problem?  BTW, at least one of my bad faxes came from
someone else's document, sent directly to his FAX modem, and then to mine.

- T.J.
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 31        Wed Dec 07, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 22:00 EST

The comments about copying programs (such as Joe's about people at work
wanting a copy of an Atari program until they learn it's an Atari program) is
sort of gallows humor. Now, more than ever, piracy could drive developers away
from the Atari. Let's keep the faithful ones we have by being honest.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 32        Wed Dec 07, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 22:13 EST

 Would appreciate some advice.

 I have need to enter drawings, graphs, etc., drawn by hand or taken
 from journals, into my Mega4 STe in order to generate GIF files to
 upload into a GEnie library.  My plan is to fax the drawings into the
 STE, display them on screen, snap a PI3 file of the screen, then
 convert to GIF using GEMVIEW.

 I plan to purchase a Supra 144LC and use STraight Fax to receive the
 drawings transmitted from my Brother fax using the 'super fine'
 resolution mode.  It has a 32 shade gray scale, if that makes any
 difference.

 Has anyone done this before?  I would appreciate any advice or
 suggestions on these "plans".  How much resolution might get lost in
 the process? etc.  The purpose is to help with some physics teaching I
 will be doing over GEnie.

 --Sandy
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 33        Wed Dec 07, 1994
J.PENNINGTO6 [JIM]           at 23:10 PST

Sandy,

   I have done that, using Touch-up to clean up the document. It works quite
well, except for two things; super-fine resolution is not available in STfax,
and you can get the 'jaggies' on horizontal lines if the document is not
perfectly square in the sending fax.

  We just had a discussion of super-fine (or extra-fine) resolution here, and
most seem to think it is not necessary, but I think it can be quite useful in
receiving a fax to minimize the above problem, and to improve the readability
of poor quality source documents.

--Jim--

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 34        Wed Dec 07, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 23:38 PST

Sandy:

STFAX can take faxes and save them as .IMG files.  You could then convert the
IMG files to GIF.  I think this would be best for picture quality.  STFAX can
also exoprt faxes to TIFF, BMP, PCX, and EP.  You can find this under menu
file and export.  I'm sure there are other ways.

<><

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 35        Thu Dec 08, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 05:03 EST

Sandy,

        It works I have done it a number of times.  However I would not bother
with a screen shot since STraight will save faxes as IMG files.

>> Joe M <<

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 36        Thu Dec 08, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 07:40 EST

Sandy,

Once you have faxed the graphic etc. into STraight Fax!, you don't need to do
a screen capture.  STraight Fax! will Export a fax to any of several file
types, including TIFF, EPS, and IMG.  I know the TIFF and IMG will be
converted easily by GEMVIEW to GIF.  Not sure about the EPS though.

As to how much detail you are likely to lose... I can't really say. I've only
converted (exported) mono graphics/files so far.

I will tell you that if you don't get the type of results you would like, send
me some Email.  If I can work it out, I'll bring it over to where I do my
scanning, scan it into Photoshop, and save it as a TIFF for you.  You wouldn't
lose any detail that way.

If the time is available, I could then bring it into the other room and save
it as a GIF for you out of Corel Draw. <G>

Let me know,

Matt
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 37        Thu Dec 08, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:36 EST

Bud,

and a LOT less snow than Syracuse, snow capital of the U.S. And here in
Baldwinsville, just outside of Syracuse, we get even more than that. Argh!

Sandy,

There's no superfine mode in STFAX.

Al
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 38        Thu Dec 08, 1994
JIM.K [Jim~ST Sysop]         at 10:42 EST

Messages #1-170 have been archived and are in the library-File #34630.
STFAX_11.ARC.  8/29/94 to 12/2/94


 Jim Kudron
 <ST Sysop>
 8Dec94


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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 39        Thu Dec 08, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 12:15 EST

Howdy,

Sandy,

STraight FAX will allow you to export any FAX you receive to a multitude of
file formats.  I think it will be perfectly suited for what you are asking it
to do without imposing the limitations of doing this by 'snapshotting' the
screen.

I was just looking, and the 'Export FAX' function exports to the following
file formats:

      Monochrome Image (IMG)
      Monochrome Image w/GEM
      PCX
      BMP (Windows)
      BMP (OS/2)
      TIFF uncompressed
      TIFF CCITT Group 3
      TIFF Packbits
      Encapsulated PostScript

 Best regards,
    Wally

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 40        Thu Dec 08, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 20:16 EST

 Thanks all for your help.  I didn't realize one could go directly to an
 IMG, PCX, etc file.  This is the way I'll probably go.

 One other option came to my attention.  A used Navarrone (mono) full
 page scanner is available for $250.  I'm totally unaware of the
 comparative merits of this vs the Supra/STraight Fax option.  If
 anyone here has experience in this area, your comments would be
 welcome.

 --Sandy
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 41        Thu Dec 08, 1994
POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC]      at 21:44 EST

Besides those file formats Wally mentioned above, you can also print to a
STraight FAX! file from Calamus and send it.

Nathan
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 42        Thu Dec 08, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 23:28 PST

Sandy:

 > One other option came to my attention.  A used Navarrone (mono)full
 > page scanner is available for $250.  I'm totally unaware of the
 > comparative merits of this vs the Supra/STraight Fax option. If
 > anyone here has experience in this area, your comments would be
 > welcome.
 > > --Sandy >---------- >

I have the NAVARONE page scanner.  I like it.  It has worked well. The main
problem I have with it is it won't save more than once to a large BGM
partition.  I'm not sure I have explained this well but the problem is with
the software not liking large hard drives partitions. Other than that it is a
300dpi scanner (STFAX fine is around 200dpi). I know the NARARONE works with
the MEGASTE and my other ST's. I have not tried it on my FALCON.

I also own a MIGRAPH hand scanner.  This is a 400dpi four inch wide unit.  I
like it better.  The pictures it makes are cleaner (not as much touching up
needed).  However, the picture size in one pass is only four inches wide.
With MIGRAPH's TOUCH-UP 2.52 software you can merge two four inch picture
together.  I have read that using the hand scanner with the scaning tray with
TOUCH-UP is a very nice combination. The last information I got from MIGRAPH
these items would cost around $200 for all.  MIGRAPH also makes a page scanner
for around $500. This is the PS-400 with page feeder.

If you can use the four inch picture or don't mind making two passes to get a
full page, I recommend the MIGRAPH package for $200.

My NAVARONE is old and is still working fine.  Mine is the sheet feeder model
and I have not had any mechanical problems with it. I would not want to steer
you away from it.  Especially if you only want to make one pass.

Also, the hand scanners with software go on sale quit often down in the for
sale topic.

David <><
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 43        Fri Dec 09, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 07:27 EST

David,

I like my Migraph page scanner (the Wand), and wish I could use it for sending
with STraight FAX.

I wish I were on Mauai today. We have freezing rain and sleet here in metro
Detroit. Fortunately, I have no Friday classes, so don't have to go in today,
but my poor wife did. It makes the folks I'm taking to the islands on Spring
Break in March (at their expense) look forward more to the trip. :-) The
itinerary doesn't include Maui. :-(

Ken Van

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 44        Fri Dec 09, 1994
P.NEREO [Philip]             at 15:50 PST

Sandy  - I have one of those Navarone scanners, and find it quite useful. It's
strictly a B&W scanner - lines not grayscales. It would probably do a much
better job than using a fax machine as a scanner - it goes up to 300 dpi - and
it (the version 1.5 ST Scan program) saves in Degas, .IMG, Postscript, EPS,
TIFF, and Compressed TIFF. I scan documents at 200 dpi to send with STFax, and
a scan.ACC is available from NewStar to scan while in the STFax program.
        It also works great with Migraph's OCR program.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 45        Sat Dec 10, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 00:50 EST

 Well, as is often the case, the range of choice is now at the point
 of dilemma.  Navarone ($250 + software?) sounds right for the drawings
 I know I will have to digitize.  Migraph ($200 +?), or the Toad
 alternative (?), sounds right for both the drawings and the occasional
 photo, depending on my ability to combine partial images of a given
 document.  Supra 14.4 with STraight Fax ($230 + or -) sounds adequate
 for both, perhaps giving slightly lower resolution, but offering the
 additional capability of a fax.  Hmmmm.  It's not a "no brainer".

 Another consideration is compatibilty with a future PC, which is
 definitely ahead.  My impression is they all are, with some
 additional cost for software.

 You fellas have been very helpful in presenting the overall picture.
 Now I have to look into further details, and then decide.  Thanks.

 --Sandy
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 46        Sat Dec 10, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 01:12 EST

Howdy,

Not only can I not get over how powerful STraight FAX is, but how functional
it is.  If you own an Atari and a FAX modem, you _owe_ it to yourself to get
this program!

Absolutely amazing.

More to follow...

 Best regards,
    Wally

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 47        Sat Dec 10, 1994
Y.DUFRESNE [Papageno]        at 01:25 EST

Re converting 'scanned' images to GIF: doesn't GEMView import J?? files
directly?  Even easier...

Al, ask Ken Springer if Syracuse is the US capital of snow... Alaska is part
of US too, you know ;-)

Ever been to Quebec in January?

Yanick
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 48        Sat Dec 10, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 01:36 EST

Howdy,

Something else to consider...Getting a full-page scanner, or a hand-scanner
with a scan tray to go with STraight FAX is not a bad idea.  In most cases
I've priced, it is still less expensive (by quite a bit) than a decent FAX
machine.

Ok, now, throw in something like Migraph's OCR software with the scanner, now
those large graphics files received on your FAX modem can be converted to a
format readily useable on your word processor.  So, when someone sends you a
15-page FAX, it is no longer just 15 large 'picture files'...This is a serious
_plus_ all the way around.

 Best regards,
    Wally

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 49        Sat Dec 10, 1994
P.NEREO [Philip]             at 10:08 PST

Ken Van - You must be talking about not being able to use the Wand from within
STFax; cause if you can save your scan as an .IMG, you can send that as a fax.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 50        Sat Dec 10, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 18:23 EST

Yanick,

We get more snow than Anchorage, less than Fairbanks. The honor (?) we have is
this: Snowiest major city.

GEM-View supports JPGs as does Imagecopy 3.

Al
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 51        Sat Dec 10, 1994
G.IKEN [George @HACE]        at 17:36 CST

Yanick,

 > Al, ask Ken Springer if Syracuse is the US capital of snow...
 > Alaska is part of US too, you know ;-)

Yeah, but in Alaska they run snow plows on the roads after it snows!!! <vbg>
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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 52        Sat Dec 10, 1994
P.BULLOCK2 [PETER]           at 19:19 EST

Al,

I'd take Cleveland over Syracuse in a New York minute:)

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Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 53        Sat Dec 10, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 23:38 EST

Al -

I think Yanick was refering to the .JO? drivers that come with STraight Fax
for use with GemView.

(If I'm wrong... so be it!)

Matt
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 54        Sun Dec 11, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 00:31 EST

 To: K.VANDELLEN,

When installing the 2.20 update files, just copy the STFAX.PRG and HELP.DAT
files on the update disk to the existing STraight FAX! folder (usually
\STFAX). Copy the STFAXMGR.CPX from the \CPX folder on the update disk to the
CPX folder on the hard drive (usually C:\CPX or C:\XCONTROL). There are also
updated STraight FAX! printer drivers for applications such as Calamus,
Pagestream, Speedo GDOS, etc. in the \PRINTERS folder on the 2.20 update disk.

The FAX fonts FINE.FNT and NORMAL.FNT should already be in the existing
STraight FAX! folder. If they are not, just recopy them from your 2.00 or 2.10
master disk.

To: S.MCGEE2,

> The SupraFaxModem 144LC supports Class 1 and Class 2. The manual was not >
updated after the ROMs were. There is a modem command to check Class but > I
don't remember it. If you want to check for yourself maybe someone can > post
the code.

The original Supra 144LC was a Class 1 only FAX Modem. The Supra V.32bis FAX
Modem is a Class 1 and Class 2 FAX Modem. The command to check this is
AT+FCLASS=? or just download and use our SysInfo 2.10 program and it will tell
you this and alot more about your FAX Modem and computer.

To: A.FASOLDT,

> Matt's right. STFAX just looks for FINE.FNT. And STFAX doens't need the font
> at all if you print using a STraight FAX! printer driver from an app that >
supports GDOS of any kind. I usually use Calligrapher Gold, and the results >
are stupendous.

STraight FAX! requires that both FAX fonts FINE.FNT and NORMAL.FNT be present
in the STraight FAX! folder in order to run. While the FAX fonts are not used
by an application printing via one of the STraight FAX! printer drivers, the
FAX fonts are used to generate page headers and the cover page.

To: J.PENNINGTO6,

>  1. Most fax machines available today (and for some time) have 3
resolutions; > standard, fine, and extra fine. Why is the extra fine
resolution not available > for computer faxing?

Actually most FAX machines only have Normal and Fine Resolution. Most FAX
machines are still limited to just 9600 baud as well. Super Fine Resolution is
not defined as part of the CCITT Group 3 FAX standard. There are probably
several implementations of Super Fine Resolution, which means that two
machines that have a Super Fine capability may not be able to transfer a FAX
in a Super Fine Resolution. Since Super Fine is not part of Group 3, it is
also not defined as part of the Class 1 or Class 2 FAX specification, however
in theory it might be possible to support a Super Fine resolution under Class
1, if the method in which it is implemented is known.

Typically Super Fine Resolution is 203 x 392 DPI, which is twice the vertical
resolution as Fine Resolution. Historically a paper FAX machine scans the page
as it sends the data. The FAX Machine is optimized to scan a line of the page,
compress the bitmap data as per Group 3 and send it out. At the start of the
FAX call, the sender tells the receiver what the resolution of tha FAX is
(i.e. Normal or Fine). The receiver can always handle either case of Normal or
Fine, so it adjusts as necessary. The sender's scanner scans the page in the
specified resolution as it is being transferred. In today's newer plain paper
FAX machines, the process is similar, but pages can be scanned prior to the
call and buffered until they are sent.

While the Group 3 FAX standard does not define a Super Fine Resolution, it
does allow for non-standard extensions. These extensions are usually
proprietary. A few years ago I asked a telecom engineer who worked for a FAX
Modem company and who was also on the TR29.2 EIA (FAX) standards working group
where I could find information on non-standard capabilities such as a Super
Fine resolution. His answer was that the FAX Machine vendors, mostly from the
far east, add these non-standard capabilities as a marketing tool to make
their products appear superior. They know that the increased quality of a
Super Fine Resolution will only be possible when two of their brand FAX
Machines communicate, since the implementation was proprietary. These
companies expect that businesses will tell the other businesses they do
business with to use the same brand of FAX, because of its superior quality.
That idea is likely to not work very well in the US ;-). There are some types
of products where we are not very brand loyal (cars and computers being among
the exceptions).

(BTW, Apple did something like this a few year's back with their PostScript
Laser printers. The Mac PostScript driver put a command in the PostScript
output that would enable standard feature of PostScript that would improve the
printed output, but only if the OEM code in the Laser printer was theirs. This
would make their Laser printers appear superior to another manufacturer's even
though both contained the same Adobe PostScript interpreter).

There is a logistical problem with a non-standard Super Fine resolution within
the scope of a computer/FAX Modem combination. While FAX machines generate the
Group 3 FAX data on the fly, a computer based FAX can not. The problems here
range from the computing power needed to compress Group 3 FAX data on the fly,
to the way an a FAX printer driver operates with in an application's print
command. Since the computer must generate the FAX data (files) prior to the
call, how does could it know if the receiver can receive a non-standard Super
Fine Resolution?

One solution is that the sender can generate both Super Fine and Fine
Resolution FAX files, and then send the Super Fine files if the receiver can
support it. This is at the expense of time and disk space. Another solution is
to generate Super Fine FAX files and if the receiver can only support up to
Fine Rez, perform on the fly reduction of the Super Fine FAX to a Fine Rez FAX
by throwing away every other horizontal line of the Super Fine FAX data. This
is probably what a FAX machine does that can buffer up pages. The problem here
is that a 50% gradient fill pattern from a computer generated FAX is reduced
to a series of vertical lines. Since real FAX machine scanners are never that
accurate, the loss of detail would never be noticed.

While it would be nice to have a Super Fine Resolution (300 x 300 DPI would be
a better choice than 203 x 392 DPI), the increased resolution may not improve
the quality of a computer generated FAX significantly, as the quality of a
Fine Resolution computer generated FAX is usually very good due to the
computer raster generators in today's DTP applications (i.e. try creating a
FAX from Calamus, Pagestream, Atari Works, etc. with scalable fonts). On the
down side, Super Fine Resolution would take twice as long to send as Fine
Resolution (not counting the protocol handshaking time), twice as much memory
to view, twice the CPU time to provess it, and twice the disk space to store
it. Also, since most printers are not 392 DPI in the vertical direction, alot
of the extra resolution will be lost when a page is printed.

>  2. There is a lot of conversation on this board about trying this and that
to > get certain combinations of modem/fax machine to communicate, but I am
not > aware that the problem exists with regular fax machines talking to each
other. > Regular fax machine usage seems to be pretty much drop the document,
select > resolution, dial the number and go. I've never heard of a ROM upgrade
for an > off-the-shelf fax machine. Have I just missed the fun?

It is quite common for regular FAX machines to have problems in communicating
or to have problems with a particular phone line.

There are many reasons for ROM upgrades in FAX Modems:

1) Added features such as Silent Answer and Caller ID.

2) Bug fixes or changes to improve reliability.

3) Changes to the data protocols.

A FAX Modem is a multi-purpose device, it has to also communicate with a
computer, via extenstions to the AT command set. These extenions have gone
through a number of changes, i.e. Class 1, Class 2 and Class 2.0.

There are two types of modem vendors:

1) Companies that use another manufacturer's chip sets, such as Supra and Zoom
that use Rockwell chipsets.

2) Companies like USR that design their own chip set.

In the first type of vendor, changes can be made from both the original
chipset vendor and the modem vendor. The chipset vendors also update the
chipsets each year, due to the changes in the standards and technology, this
forces the modem vendors to make changes to keep up.

>    I agree that a document produced on the computer and sent by STfax in >
standard resolution is far superior to any scanned document, but what about >
received faxes?

While a document may not be 100% perfectly straight when its scanned in a
typical FAX machine, I dont think the alignment of the printer is much of a
problem. Even if the paper in the print roller was not 100% aligned, this
would not affect the printed image, just the alignment of the image on the
page. This is also not a problem with Laser quality FAX Machines. Most
computer generated FAXes make a normal FAX machine look nearly as good as a
laser printer, hence the name "STraight FAX!".

To: T.GIRSCH,

> A couple of the FAXes I've received have had strange lines through them.
Has > anyone else had this problem?  BTW, at least one of my bad faxes came
from > someone else's document, sent directly to his FAX modem, and then to
mine.

When sending a FAX, lines in the received FAX are usually caused by a flow
control problem. Make sure that The Serial Fix 2.0 program is in the AUTO
folder. Another problem can be line noise due to the phone line wire being
near other electrical devices.

To: K.VANDELLEN,

> The comments about copying programs (such as Joe's about people at work >
wanting a copy of an Atari program until they learn it's an Atari program) is
> sort of gallows humor. Now, more than ever, piracy could drive developers
away > from the Atari. Let's keep the faithful ones we have by being honest.

Its amazing to see messages on the Internet from users of STraight FAX! who
are not in our customer database. I guess we can hope that they have just not
had the time to send in the Registration Card ;-). Atleast they are giving the
product some publicity.

To: S.WOLF4,

While it is possible to FAX documents to yourself for the purpose of using the
received FAX as a scanned image, you would probably be better off using a
normal scanner attached to the computer. Received FAXes will always be
monochrome in either 203 x 98 DPI (Normal Rez) or 203 x 192 DPI (Fine Rez).
Super Fine Resolution is non-standard (see above) and will not be available in
a received FAX. This may be sufficient quality in most cases, but a hand or
full page scanner can usually go as high as 300 DPI or 400 DPI.

STraight FAX! has a clean up feature that will remove stray pixels from a FAX
that is received. You can export the FAX file to a number of formats including
IMG, PCX, BMP, TIFF and EPS. STraight FAX! also comes with an import module
for GEM View 3, so you can view a FAX in GEM View 3 and then save it in any
format GEM View 3 supports.

>  One other option came to my attention.  A used Navarrone (mono) full >
page scanner is available for $250. I'm totally unaware of the

BTW, There is an optional scanner driver available for STraight FAX! that
allows scanning directly from a Canon/Navarrone sheet feed or flat bed
scanner. STraight FAX! also will use Dr. Bobware's Scan Lite Desk Acc to
directly scan with Migraph and other hand scanners. If you have a scanning
tray, STraight FAX! will also merge the left and right side scans
automatically (i.e. no manual alignment).

To: C.NICHOLLS,

> Twice to-day I've had the remote FAX time-out before establishing a >
connection. Can anyone tell me if this a problem with the other machine, or is
> something wrong at my end? I'm using Modem 2 on a MegaSTE4, Geneva and >
NeoDesk4.

Can you send me the Sys Info 2.10 report with your FAX Modem, computer setup
and STraight FAX! preferences?

You can try increasing the timeout value (Wait Till Connect) in the Modem
Preferences and increase the Input and Output I/O Buffer sizes up to 32767
bytes and make sure the proper Serial Port patches are installed. Depending on
your FAX Modem, try both Class 1 and Class 2 modes.


To: STraight FAX! and STalker 3 users:

If you use STalker 3 with a high speed modem on an SCC based serial port
(Modem 2 or Serial 2 on a Mega STe or TT030 or the modem port on a Falcon030)
and set the baud rate at 38400 or higher, there will be a problem when you
exit STalker and try to use STraight FAX!. The reason for this is that STalker
3 must program the SCC chip directly to use a baud rate higher than 19200, as
the XBIOS only supports baud rates up to 19200. When STalker exits, the SCC
port is left in a state that the XBIOS does not expect. When STraight FAX!
tries to set the baud rate via the XBIOS, the SCC port is not set properly.

There is a simple solution to this problem. If the baud rate is set back to
19200 baud (or lower) before you exit STalker, it will set the SCC port back
into a state that the XBIOS expects. This can be done automatically with
STalker by creating a special compiled BackTalk script named STK_EXIT.BTK,
which will be executed when STalker exits.

Create a BackTalk script source file named STK_EXIT.BTS with the following
commands:

function main ()
  set_baud (19200); endfunction

Compile this script to create the STK_EXIT.BTK compiled script and place it in
the STalker directory. If you already have an exit script installed, then just
add the set_baud (19200); line to your exit script and recompile it.

A similar problem may occur with other telecom programs that set the baud rate
of SCC ports beyond 19200 baud. Similar solutions can be created as long as
the terminal program has a script language. At this time we have not verified
if this problem exists with Flash 2.xx, however it does have a scripting
language (.DO files).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

STraight FAX! 2.20 upgrades (from version 2.00 and 2.10) are available via
Postal Mail as follows:

Send the following to one of the locations below:

- Registered Owner's Name - Registered Owner's Address - The 10 digit
Registration Number used to install STraight FAX! 2.00 or 2.10
  (Note: this is not the same as the Serial Number in the About... box)

  AND

- $5.00 (US, in US funds only in a Check or Money Order)

  OR

- Your Credit Card Number, type (Visa, Master Card, Amex, Discover) and
  expiration date

To:

- by Postal Mail

  STraight FAX! 2.20 Upgrade
  P.O. Box 122
  Columbia, Maryland 21045-0122 USA

  OR

- by GEnie EMail to C.S.SMETON (please CC: the upgrade request to TOAD)

  OR

- by Internet EMail to [e-mail] (please also send a copy
  of the upgrade request message to [e-mail])

  OR

- by Voice at 410-544-6943 (Toad Computers)

  OR

- by FAX To 410-544-1329

Note:

If the upgrade request is sent in by postal mail, then please do not include
your original STraight FAX! 2.00 or 2.10 Master Disk. The 2.20 upgrade will be
mailed on a new upgrade disk and will require the 2.00 or 2.10 disk for a
complete installation.

For upgrade orders outside of North America please add $2.00 (US) for shipping
and handling.

For owners of version 2.00, a 16 page addendum to the STraight FAX! manual is
available for an additional fee of $2.00 (US).

All credit card orders will be processed by Toad Computers.

Please allow two weeks for delivery.

No version 2.20 upgrade orders will be processed unless a valid STraight FAX!
2.00 or 2.10 Registration Card has been previously received.

Owners of version 1.xx of STraight FAX! that have not yet upgraded to version
2.xx, may upgrade to version 2.20 for $30.00 (US), plus $3.00 (shipping and
handling). Owners of version 1.xx must include the STraight FAX! 1.xx Master
Disk. The upgrade from version 1.xx will include a new STraight FAX! 2 manual
and master disk. Upgrade orders must include the version 1.xx 10 digit
Registration Number. No upgrade orders from version 1.xx to 2.20 will be
processed unless a valid STraight FAX! 1.xx Registration Card has been
previously received. For upgrade orders outside of North America please add an
additional $2.00 (US) for shipping and handling.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 55        Sat Dec 10, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 23:58 PST

Ken Van,

I don't want to disappoint ya but here in Paia it was cloudy and rainy today.
It's now about 10:00PM and it's kinda cold (77deg's).  I know it tuff but for
us it's cool.  Kihei(key hay), the south side of the island, was warm and
clear. About 85deg's.  Now when I left work on Friday (from top of a 10,000ft
mountain) at 4:00PM, it was 38deg's up there. We have various weather here.
:)  Probably no different than your state.

 >I like my Migraph page scanner (the Wand), and wish I could use it for
 >sending with STraight FAX.

Have you ask Mr Smelton about this?

<><


Sandy,

Since you used the words "overall picture" while talking about the scanners, I
wanted to mention that there are full page scanners available also. More money
but nice. And the MIGRAPH package comes with the Optical Character Recognition
software.  It's their Junior version. I don't know what the differences are
between the JR version and the regular is...

On the STFAX side using the fine resolution, I have used it for airport screen
displays. Everybody said it looked great!  And STFAX has a driver for the
NAVARONE so you can scan directly into it.

Hmmmm....  I know, no real help here just more things to think about.

<><

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 56        Sun Dec 11, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 01:01 PST

Another _very_ informative post Mr Smeton.  Thank you for sharing your manaou
(intelligence). This is good information.

<><
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 57        Sun Dec 11, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 09:02 EST

Message 52        Sat Dec 10, 1994

 > I'd take Cleveland over Syracuse in a New York minute

        A rather poor recommendation for Syracuse.

        BTW what is a New York minute?

>> Joe M <<
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 58        Sun Dec 11, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 11:09 EST

Thanks, Charles. I didn't realize both fonts were needed. I've got to try
making faxes from plain ASCII files one of these days. (But it's so easy to do
it from Cal....).

Al
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 59        Sun Dec 11, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 13:36 CST

Joe M,

   A "New York Minute"  means nothing in EST.  But as you move west, it is a
minute that has happened in increasing history.  Akin to the saying "take the
train that left yesterday", except that the first is possible by human
manufactured time zones and the second is impossible.

Damon

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 60        Sun Dec 11, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 15:55 EST

Philip,

Yup, that's what I was talking about. I've used the Wand in Touchup to scan a
document, and then used STFAX to send it. It would be nice to do the scanning
within STFAX.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 61        Sun Dec 11, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 17:27 EST

Charles,

Thanks for the info. We appreciate the excellent support.

Maybe you should respond to those Internet messages with a reminder to send in
their registration. Hee, hee. Unless you're afraid of embarrassing thieves.

Ken Van

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 62        Sun Dec 11, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 19:10 EST

Joe M -

A 'New York Minute' - A slightly derogatory (?) comment on the pace in New
York City.  Generally, it implies a time less than 60 seconds. <G>

Matt

Odd, Talking about the Sysinfo prg.... it doesn't recognize the available baud
rates (Fax) for my Practical Peripherals PMT144MT II Fax/modem.  The modem
works perfectly with the STraight Fax!, but I do fine this a curiosity.

Matt
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 63        Sun Dec 11, 1994
F.LAWRENCE2 [FRANK]          at 19:05 CST

Yes, yes, I too would like to see the "Wand" available from STFAX.

                                        Frank L
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 64        Sun Dec 11, 1994
P.BULLOCK2 [PETER]           at 21:14 EST


 >
 >        A rather poor recommendation for Syracuse.
 >
 >        BTW what is a New York minute?
 >
 >>> Joe M <<
 >----------

I have a brother who lives in Syracuse and they love it.  I lived in Cleveland
and loved it, so it's all in the eye of the beholder.

My definition of a New York minute is 'you waited too long'.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 65        Sun Dec 11, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 23:29 EST

To: M.RIVMAN1,

 I will pass on the problems detecting the baud rates on the PPI PMT144MT II
to Dave Troy at Toad. Can you tell me the responses to the following (Class 2)
commands on your modem? AT+FDCS=? AT+FDIS=? AT+FDCC=?

I suspect that the syntax in which the baud rates are reported may be slightly
different than what SysInfo 2.10 expects. STraight FAX! itself does not issue
these commands, since in Class 2 the modem will use the highest available baud
rate if a baud rate higher than what is available is requested. In Class 1, a
different set of commands is used to determine the supported baud rates,
however if the FAX Modem supports both Class 1 and Class 2, Sys Info 2.10 uses
the Class 2 method to determine the baud rates. In Class 1, the commands are:
AT+FTM=? AT+FRM=? AT+FTH=? AT+FRH=? The commands with a 'T' are list the
Transmit (Send) speeds and the commands with an 'R' list the Receive speeds.
This is because some Class 1 FAX Modems, such as the single chip Rockwell
based Zoom AFX, support different speeds for send (2400-9600) vs. receive
(2400-4800). On some Class 1 FAX Modems, it may be necessary to first set the
modem into Class 1 mode with the AT+FCLASS=1 command prior to sending the
above commands, or else it may return ERROR.

Charles
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 66        Sun Dec 11, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 23:45 EST

Ah, a New York minute is something that happens a looon way away. I'm closer
to Toronto than I am to Noo Yawk City.

Al
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 67        Mon Dec 12, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 00:24 EST

Charles -

Thanks for checking this out, and passing it on!

Results of your questions:

In Class 2 mode (AT+FCLASS=2)

 AT+FDCS=? ->   ERROR
 AT+FDIS=? ->   (0,1),(0-5),0,(0-2),(0),(0),(0),(0-7)
 AT+FDCC=? ->   (0,1),(0-5),0,(0-2),(0),(0),(0),(0-7)

 In Class 1 mode (AT+FCLASS=1)

 AT+FTM=? -> 24,48,72,73,96,97,98,121,122,145,146
 AT+FRM=? -> SAME AS ABOVE
 AT+FTH=? -> 3
 AT+FRH=? -> 3

Hope this helps.  As I said, the modem works perfectly with The STraight Fax,
and the SYSINFO.PRG does give the message that the modem _is_ compatible.
Just won't report available baud rates.

If your curious, here is the Modem report SYSINFO210 gives:

MODEM TEST RESULTS: -------------------
  Modem Class : 0 (Data), 1 FAX, 2 FAX
    Caller ID : Not Present
    FAX Speed : Unknown Silent Answer : Not Present
      Chipset : (c) Practical Peripherals, Inc., Firmware Info : PM14400FXMT
[40R4] Version 1.03
  Buffer Size : Unknown
 Flow Control : Available

=== Modem Profile BEGIN ===

ACTIVE PROFILE:            DTE:19200        DCE:            PARITY:NONE B16 B1
E1 L2 M1 N1 P Q0 V1 W0 X4 Y0 &A0 &B1 &C1 &D2 &G0 &K3 &L0 &Q5 &R0 &S0 &T4 &U0
&X0 &Y0 S00:000 S01:000 S02:043 S03:013 S04:010 S05:008 S06:002 S07:050
S08:002 S09:006 S10:014 S11:095 S12:050 S18:000 S25:005 S26:001 S30:000
S36:007 S37:000 S38:020 S43:000 S46:002 S48:007 S49:064 S50:220 S63:009
S82:128 S86:000 S95:000 S97:030 S108:001 S109:062 S110:002 S136:003 STORED
PROFILE 0: B16 B1 E1 L2 M1 N1 P Q0 V1 W0 X4 Y0 &A0 &B1 &C1 &D2 &G0 &K3 &L0 &Q5
&R0 &S0 &T4 S00:000 S02:043 S06:002 S07:050 S08:002 S09:006 S10:014 S11:095
S12:050 S18:000 S25:005 S26:001 S30:000 S36:007 S37:000 S38:020 S46:002
S48:007 S63:009 S82:128 S95:000 S97:030 S108:001 S109:062 S110:002 S136:003
STORED PROFILE 1: B16 B1 E1 L2 M1 N1 P Q0 V1 W0 X4 Y0 &A0 &B1 &C1 &D2 &G0 &K3
&L0 &Q5 &R0 &S0 &T4 S00:000 S02:043 S06:002 S07:050 S08:002 S09:006 S10:014
S11:095 S12:050 S18:000 S25:005 S26:001 S30:000 S36:007 S37:000 S38:020
S46:002 S48:007 S63:009 S82:128 S95:000 S97:030 S108:001 S109:062 S110:002
S136:003 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: &Z0=                                    &Z1= &Z2=
&Z3= === Modem Profile END ===

Modem is STraight FAX!  Compatible!

 -=-=-=-=-=- Gee, I've never pasted a file with Aladdin before, hope it stay's
formatted correctly!

Thanks again,

Matt

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 68        Mon Dec 12, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 05:51 EST

Matt,

        You need to add a space before each line to keep a format.  I would
guess we all can read your message well enough however.

>> Joe M <<
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 69        Mon Dec 12, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 06:50 EST

Anybody get the SYSINFO program to run on a computer without a modem? I tried
it, and it seems not to work. It has the option of skipping the modem check.

Ken Van

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 70        Mon Dec 12, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 19:19 EST

Ken,

There are many sysinfo utilities besides the one from Toad, and they have no
problem running on a modemless system.

Al
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 71        Mon Dec 12, 1994
B.CONNOLLY1 [Bud]            at 21:09 EST

Peter,

How far do you want to take it? Away from Lake County that is.


Charles,

I get the same results as Matt Rivman. Is the ERROR for AT+FDCS=? causing
SYSINFO to think the modem is not FAX capable? I've been considering the STfax
program, but when SYSINFO said my old ZOOM 9600 was FAX capable, (manual said
nothing about FAX capabilities) and then SYSINFO can't find the FAX stuff in
my Practical Peripherals PM144MT II that the manual says is FAX capable, well,
I just scratch my head and move on to other solvable problems. ;^)

Bud
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 72        Mon Dec 12, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 23:23 EST

To: B.CONNOLLY1,

SysInfo 2.10 was co-written by myself and Dave Troy at Toad Computers. Dave
wrote the user interface and modem tester part (with input on how STFAX! does
things). I wrote the stuff that gets all the OS info and STFAX! preferences
file disassembly. The code that tests a modem is not the same code as in
STFAX! itself, but most of it is based on the same concepts. Sys Info tries to
do things that STFAX! does not need to know, i.e. specific firmware revision.
In 99% of the cases the two programs are in sync, but in a few...

I have passed the PPI problems onto Dave, and I expect that once he gets
through finals and the holidays, a new version of SysInfo will become
available that does even more neat tricks.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 73        Tue Dec 13, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 00:12 EST

Al,

Yup, I used one, but I like the Toad one.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 74        Tue Dec 13, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 00:15 EST

Bud -

Doesn't SYSINFO give you that little message at the bottom saying 'modem is
STraight Fax compatible'? -- It does when run with _my_ PM144MT II.

Matt
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 75        Tue Dec 13, 1994
M.SQUIRE [Mike]              at 05:27 EST

Al,

 >The last fellow Atarian I worked with moved to Cleveland a while back,
 >so the point is that these people just don't know what they are
 >missing. (And who'd ever want to move to Cleveland anyway?)

I take exception to your remarks about Cleveland.  I lived there for 23 years.
It's a great town and I'd like to be able to move back there someday.

... Mike Squire
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 76        Tue Dec 13, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:35 EST

Mike,

I have a very fine friend in Cleveland, which also has a good newspaper that
is part of the group that owns my paper here, and I was NOT serious about
Cleveland being a place one would not want to move to. Gotta use those
smiley's more! :-) :-)

Al
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 77        Tue Dec 13, 1994
P.BULLOCK2 [PETER]           at 20:44 EST

Bud,

:)
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 78        Tue Dec 13, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 22:11 CST

Al, Ken,

I'm kind of partial to the Sysinfo from H.W.A.M de Beer, myself.  It tells you
just about everything you could want to know. (except if your modem is
Straight Fax compatible)   The Toad one is the prettiest, though.

Damon

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 79        Wed Dec 14, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 05:32 EST

        Cleveland, the mistake on the lake with the river that burns. <grin>

        In all fairness, once I found some of the better features of
Cleveland, like the theater area, and the underground shop/eatery mall and
where the good looking women hid out, I like it a lot better.

>> Joe M <<
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 80        Wed Dec 14, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:43 EST

Damon,

Thanks. We shoudl open up a sysinfo topic sometime. There are quite a few
really good ones. I like the TOS versions of the ones I have, since they can
run in a little window under Geneva and are always ready to use. Dan Wilga
will be able to announce an even bigger benefit to these TOS apps before long.

Al

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 81        Wed Dec 14, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 16:12 EST

 Has anyone ever tried connecting a desk-top fax machine directly to
 their fax/modem?  I decided to go with the Supra/STraight Fax option
 for now -- J&R has the Supra 144LC @ $119.95 -- and have thought of
 trying a direct connection through a regular telephone cable.

 The idea would be to set the Fax/modem at 'auto answer' and then
 press 'send' on my desk top fax.  I don't know if it will work, but I
 doubt it would do any harm.  I can't offhand imagine anything the
 telephone system adds to make the system work other than distance and
 potential noise factors.  If it works, it will save me from bothering
 my neighbor every day to fax me my own documents.

 --Sandy
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 82        Wed Dec 14, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 19:03 EST

To: S.WOLF4,

You can not connect two telco devices (i.e. phones, fax machines, modems,
answering machines, etc.) together and get them to communicate without a
telephone system in between. The telephone system that is normally in between
would require 2 phone lines + the added expense. We have a telephone
demonstrator box that acts as a self contained telephone system with 4 lines.
It does everything a normal phone line can do, except Caller ID. We use this
device to test FAXing from one FAX Modem to another and from a FAX Machine and
FAX Modem. It comes in very handy at computer shows and user group demos as
well.

I have seen, but never purchased, devices that allow you to connect a FAX
Modem to a FAX Machine, that allows you to use the FAX Machine as a scanner
and printer. I dont know if they require special software or how effective
they might be.

Charles Smeton NewSTar Technology Management
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 83        Wed Dec 14, 1994
B.CONNOLLY1 [Bud]            at 21:31 EST

Matt,

 >Doesn't SYSINFO give you that little message at the bottom saying
 >'modem is >STraight Fax compatible'? -- It does when run with _my_
 >PM144MT II.

Yes it does, right before it crashes (2 bombs) and burns. It also says above
that it cannot determine the FAX class. Not what I call a definitive answer.

Mike Squire,

 >I take exception to your remarks about Cleveland.  I lived there
 >for 23 years.  It's a great town and I'd like to be able to move
 >back there someday.

Must have been a long time ago, I live here now and would not recommend it. If
I could just get a transfer to Duquesne Light in Pittsburgh, I'd be gone in a
flash.

Al,

I hope you're not refering to that rag, the Plain Dealer, are you? We don't
allow it on the site. ;^)

Sandy,

I 'think' the phone company supplies a little voltage on the line to drive
things. The FAX and modem won't do that. You might also have a little trouble
getting the FAX machine to recognize that the line is open without a dial
tone.

Bud

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 84        Wed Dec 14, 1994
J.TRAUTSCHOL [Missionware]   at 20:55 CST

Charles...

 > We have a telephone demonstrator box that acts as a self contained
 > telephone system with 4 lines.

Is this a home-brew box or something that you purchased?  I've often thought
of trying to build something like that, but just haven't ever gotten around to
it.

                                                John T.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 85        Wed Dec 14, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 22:14 EST

Damon,

I think that Sysinfo is the one that's my second choice. I know no. 2 is a
good one. It might be no. 1 for everything but the modem thing, except I don't
think it saves a file that I can print out.

Joe,

I lived in a dorm right next to Severance Hall for a summer, and snuck over to
hear the orchestra rehearse. I liked the rapid transit system, too. Although I
was studying geology, I never got to the museum to see their fantastic fossil
fish collection.

Ken Van

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 86        Thu Dec 15, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:51 EST

Bud,

Whups! I think the PD is a nice paper, but then I don't read it all the time!

Al
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 87        Fri Dec 16, 1994
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 07:33 CST

Charles,

If you remember a while back; I was having problems receiving Faxes. After a
connection my modem would hang up the phone.

You requested that I send you my sysinfo.txt file, E-Mail; I did just that.

I had since purchased LoadAlad and am now using Modem port 2 on my TT, well
last night Toad computers had attempted to send me a FAX; the modem answered
the phone, seemed to make a connection and then hung-up the phone.

Some time later, Bob at Vision Computers transfered me some files, however it
didn't work on the first try. I dialed the phone, listened to it ring, the
modems made the connection; them my modem hung-up the phone.

I tried again and disabiled the drop DTR,and "Modem sets DCD"; and everything
worked fine. We were both useing STalker.

So will this also work for me with STfax...that is by turning off DTR and CD.
One or the other or both...Which one/s ?

SAK :|
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 88        Fri Dec 16, 1994
P.BULLOCK2 [PETER]           at 18:48 EST


 >Cleveland, like the theater area, and the underground shop/eatery mall and
 >where the good looking women hid out, I like it a lot better.
 >
 >>> Joe M <<
 >----------

Joe,

Head for the Flats!

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 89        Sat Dec 17, 1994
T.GIRSCH [T.J.@ S-Mart]      at 00:32 CST

SAK -

I had a very similar problem to the one you reported.  I called Maxtor's
FaxBack service, it would ring, STraight FAX would answer and then immediately
disconnect.  I discovered (quite by accident) that by DISabling Caller ID
(under Preferences->Receive FAX), the problem would go away.  You might want
to try that.

BTW, I suppose I probably should have told Charles about that...

- T.J.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 90        Sat Dec 17, 1994
J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ]     at 08:41 EST

Petter,

        I get lost everytime I go to the Flats (I just end up going over the
same bridge time after time, I can't figure it out since I always seem to be
going the same way and I never seem to cross back across another bridge.)
<grin>

>> Joe M <<
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 91        Sat Dec 17, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 10:31 EST

To: T.GIRSCH,

  Some Rockwell based FAX Modems (Zoom, PC Logic, etc.) have a problem with
the Caller ID in their firmware ROM. When Caller ID is activated, the modem
hangs up on incoming calls. I would recommend checking with the modem vendor
about a new ROM upgrade. Supra FAX Modems with  Caller ID do not seem to have
this problem, even though Supra also uses Rockwell chipsets and a customized
Rockwell firmware. As such, it is possible to correct this problem in the
firmware.

  For now, disable Caller ID if your FAX Modem hangs up on incoming calls.
Straight FAX! will automatically detect if a FAX Modem supports Caller ID and
disable the Caller ID check box if it does not support it. Since these FAX
Modems appear to support Caller ID (i.e. the response to AT#CID=? is 0,1,2
OK, you must disable the check box yourself.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 92        Sat Dec 17, 1994
P.BULLOCK2 [PETER]           at 19:17 EST

JOE,

The flats can be a very confusing place.  I once found it, had more than a few
drinks, and had a terrible time getting out!

Seriously,  I went to a bunch of Indians games this summer and have the
correct path into the flats.  Go over the bridge and make an immediate left
and head down.  The only problem is I can only navigate down there from Jacobs
Field, but there are a lot worse places to start from.

Go Tribe! (If they ever play again, that is.)

Maybe I should utilize this topic correctly and use straight fax to fax you
directions.:)
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 93        Sat Dec 17, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 20:32 EST

To all:

  The Topic Police please ask everyone to move the Cleveland discussion to the
appropriate area. I am sure it is a nice place to both visit and live, even if
their new baseball stadium is a copy cat of the original Camden Yards ;-)

Thank You...
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 94        Sat Dec 17, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 20:53 EST

 NewSTar Tech - -

 1)  Thanks for your advice on trying a direct connection between my
 desktop fax and the fax/modem -- it won't go.  Can you be persuaded
 to supply the "black box" you use for this purpose, or perhaps a
 diagram so we users can assemble such a device?

 2)  Since my soon to arrive Supra 144LC/STraight Fax seems to fit
 your last posting as one which avoids the Caller ID problem, I suppose
 I need not be concerned at all -- I do not subscribe to that service.

 --Sandy
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 95        Sun Dec 18, 1994
C.BINCKLEY [-- Chuck --]     at 01:13 PST

Charles,

In case you didn't get my email message, I'm having an occasional problem with
transmitting faxes:

Sometimes, the fax is received with all the lines scrunched up, as if the
receiving machine was trying to print my fine rez faxes in normal rez. I don't
know what kind of machines this happens on, or exactly how often it happens,
because I only find out about it when the recipient actually calls me back to
let me know the fax is illegible. The faxes are generally 3 or 4 page resumes
being sent to various companies, and usually, if someone tells me the fax was
bad, they don't seem to know what kind of fax machine (or settings) they
received it on (duh!)...

I had included a SysInfo file with the email message; if you would like me to
send it again, please let me know. Basically, I'm using STraight FAX 2.20 with
a Practical Peripherals PM144MTII faxmodem (through the modem 2 port) and a
MegaSTE with 4 megs RAM under Geneva and NeoDesk 4.

Recently I noticed another resolution-related problem: A couple of normal-rez
faxes I received through STraight FAX are always displayed and printed as fine
rez (in STraight FAX, that is). Gemview, however, will display and print them
as normal rez (via the STFAX drivers). Any ideas?

Oh, and one other thing - the STFAX driver for SpeedoGDOS seems to have a
problem with full-justification paragraphs from AtariWorks documents.
Occasionally a few lines stretch out past the right margin of the paragraph
after "printing" them with the fax driver and viewing the resulting J0? files
in either STFAX or Gemview. The same paragraphs look okay within Works and
print via the DJ5 driver without problems. And the same paragraphs replicated
in That's Write 3 and "printed" via it's STFAX driver or Deskjet driver are
okay.

By the way, the docs in question are all "printed" as fine rez.

Thanks for your excellent support! -- Chuck --


 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 96        Sun Dec 18, 1994
BRIAN.H [ST~SysOp]           at 11:42 EST

Further geographic discussions will move into category 18.
   Brian
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 97        Sun Dec 18, 1994
C.NICHOLLS [BILL]            at 20:09 PST

SAK,

This sounds a little like the problem I had sending faxes when I was using
Modem 2. Twice on different machines the remote Fax gave an unusual answer
signal and timed out before a connection could be established. I haven't had
occasion to send one since I moved back to Modem 1 because of problems using
LoadAladdin, which were definitely not due to LoadAladdin itself.  Previously,
I had no particular problems sending Faxes when using Modem 1.

Bill
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 98        Mon Dec 19, 1994
M.WEILERT2 [Matt]            at 07:39 PST

Charles,

I've subscribed to Caller ID and my Supra FaxModem v32bis is CID capable, yet
I'm getting no info reported. I've got my phone line split thusly:

               |---in-line recorder for conference calls, voice-prompted
           L2~~|      stock ordering, etc.
           /   |/SupraFaxModem-modem port2 [STFax]
          /    |\teleprotector(per STFax manual)-ans. machine
         /     |
  wall-RS-L1~~~|---Supra2400 modem-modem port 1
        \      |
         \     |
          \    |
        L1+L2~~|----conventional 2-line phone

RS = Radio Shack 2-line splitter, separates stock 4-core line into separate
line 1 & line 2, allowing two modems (which only recognize the inner two
wires) plus the combined 4 pass-through for phone use.

Does something specific jump out at you, or is there a simpler way to hookup
without losing any of the tasks? Perhaps it's clearly explained in to manual &
I missed it <g>, in which case page #'s would suffice. BTW I read pages
93,100,101 & A-10,12. I have CID selected in the Receive Fax menu. Thanks for
the help in getting Caller ID to function properly :-)


Merry Christmas,

Matt @ WeilInfo
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 99        Tue Dec 20, 1994
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 07:33 CST

I haven't had Caller ID switched on for some time now, so I know that that's
not the my problem.

Bill, My problem is in receiving faxes; my modem will answere the phone then
hang up as soon as it seems to detect something comming from the sending fax.
This does not happen all the time. I do really think that the problem has
something to do with the drop DTR, But I'm not sure since I don't always have
the problem. The problem is consistant with the who is sending the FAX though.
As of now I can't seem to receive a fax from Toad Computers and a couple of
other clients of mine.

Charles, I'm am very, very sorry that I Ignorently desided to test StFAX on my
Mega 4, when I Started to experience ramdom problems with it on my TT. It is
installed on my TT, and when I noticed the problem because of increased use of
ST Fax and changing the settings with no apparent solution, I started to
wonder weather the problem was with My TT itself, That is the only reason why
I TESTED St Fax on my Mega 4. I have no reason to use the software on my Mega
4. Unless of course I can't get it to run properly on the TT and I can on the
Mega. Then I would install it on my MEGA and remove it from my TT. However, as
of now; the test I made by running StFax on my Mega, proved that my TT is not
the problem.

I'm sure that any Person that experiences problems with their computer
systems, with out even thinking; would probably attempt to test things out on
their other systems in order to resolve the problems they are experiencing.

I seemed to have Ignorently preformed a few tests, not even thinking that I
was in vialation of the License Agreement.

I hope that My stupidity hasen't jeopardized any of the excellent support that
you would normally reply to.

If you were to personally know me, you might quickly notice that as a Graphic
Artist; I hold the highest degree of integrity toward COPYRIGHTS. I know what
it is like being ripped off and many of the people that know me, will admit
that I will not copy any one elses work.

 HTR( honesty, trust and respect);is the only way to do business.

I realize that these are just words, and there is nothing in them to prove to
you that they are true. I just hope that you can Trust my word and forgive my
stupidy.

I write this with the feeling that you have been avoiding to reconize me since
the last post you made to me, reguarding the the fact that I should deside
which system I'm going to install ST Fax on.

SAK :?
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 100       Tue Dec 20, 1994
POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC]      at 10:10 EST

Charles ... SAK, Steve Kaleita, is good people. I believe  everything that he
just said, if that helps. I've been doing business with him and communicating
with him for many years.

Sincerely

Nathan
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 101       Wed Dec 21, 1994
S.WOLF4 [Sandy]              at 02:01 EST

I found the apparent solution to my problem of direct transmission from
regular fax to fax/modem.  It is a gizmo named 'ComScan', made by Command
Communications.  $80 at Egghead Software.  It connects fax, fax/modem, and
telephone, monitors incoming calls, switches to appropriate device, etc.  It
also enables direct communication either way between the 2 faxes.  Just what I
need, I think.

When STraight Fax arrives at my door, maybe tomorrow, I'll report the results.
Can't wait.

--Sandy
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 102       Wed Dec 21, 1994
DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 17:45 EST

How much does a Straight Fax go for these days. I have an old Fast Fax but the
software doesn't work anymore and besides it only does 1200 baud. I would LOVE
to have a Fax but they still haven't come down in price to what I need. What's
the price on a Straight Fax kit?
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 103       Wed Dec 21, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 22:07 EST

Howdy,

Darlah,

When I was at Toad, I saw STraight FAX for $79.00.  Their Zoom VFX v.32bis
(14.4 FAX/data) modems were in the $150.00 range.

I'm pretty sure they are offering a package deal at bargain prices.

I like the Zoom VFX (I bought one).  It comes with a 7-year warranty, and is
Class 1 and Class 2 FAX compatible.  It also has v.42/MNP4 and v.32bis, as
well as v.42bis/MNP5 for the FAX side.

One other thing, the manual is one of the best modem manuals I've ever read.
Very easy to understand, very easy to find things, well laid out, and well
cross-referenced.

 Best regards,
    Wally

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 104       Wed Dec 21, 1994
DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 22:11 EST

7 year warranty??? Wow....  Thank for the info, Wally!
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 105       Wed Dec 21, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 22:35 EST

To: B.CONNOLLY1,

> I get the same results as Matt Rivman. Is the ERROR for AT+FDCS=? causing >
SYSINFO to think the modem is not FAX capable? I've been considering the STfax

The next version of SysInfo will try AT+FDIS=?, AT+FDCS=? and AT+FDCC=? until
a non ERROR response is received. Most Class 2 FAX Modems support all of these
commands, but the PPI FAX Modems do not.

To: J.TRAUTSCHOL [Missionware],

The Phone Demonstrator Box we have is from a company named Proctor &
Associates in Redmond, Washington (also the home of Bill Gates;-). The model
we have is the 49200 which is a 4 line system. We have had this box for over 4
years now, so I suspect newer models are available with even more features
(i.e. Caller ID). The box is not inexpensive either. The 49200 cost over $500,
but it has paid for itself over the years at computer shows, at user group
demos and for in house testing.

To: S.KALEITA,

> Some time later, Bob at Vision Computers transfered me some files, however
it > didn't work on the first try. I dialed the phone, listened to it ring,
the > modems made the connection; them my modem hung-up the phone.

The modem hanging up when connecting is symptomatic of having the a phone
handset plugged into the "Line" jack and the phone line connected into the
"Phone" jack on the back of the modem. Most modems today have a relay that
will disconnect a phone handset connected to the "Phone" jack, to prevent
interference from someone accidentally picking up the phone handset and
causing the modem to drop the carrier.

However, if things are working properly in data mode, then this is probably
not the case.

If the problem were only on receiving and not sending, then I might suspect
that you had a non-Supra Rockwell based FAX Modem with Caller ID enabled.
Older Caller ID firmware would hangup immediately after answering if Caller ID
were enabled on these FAX Modems (Zoom, PC Logic).

Again, this is probably not the case, as you have the problem on both send and
receive.

> I tried again and disabiled the drop DTR,and "Modem sets DCD"; and
everything > worked fine. We were both useing STalker.

The Drop DTR option will simply cause the DTR signal to be dropped for a short
time period to force the FAX Modem to hangup. This will work provided that the
RS-232 cable has the DTR signal, the serial port in use has the DTR signal and
the modem is not configured to ignore the dropping of DTR. STraight FAX! will
only drop the DTR at the end of the FAX connection or a user abort, if this
option is enabled.

The Check CD option will cause STraight FAX! to check if the modem might be in
use prior to initializing the modem, by checking for a Carrier Detect. Again,
proper operation depends on the RS-232 cable and serial port supporting CD and
the modem being configured to only assert CD when a Carrier is present
(AT&Cn).

If you are using STraight FAX! and another terminal program (STalker, Flash 2,
Aladdin, etc.) at the same time (i.e. both in memory and running at the same
time, by loading one or both as a desk accessory, or with a multitasking AES,
such as Geneva, MultiTOS or MagiC), then you will need to disable or unload
one or the other when using one of them. STraight FAX! will effectively be
disabled by disabling Auto Receive. The Check CD function, will also prevent
STraight FAX! from trying to schedule an event when the modem is in use by the
terminal program. STalker 3 has an internal disable command that can be
selected without unloading it. I am not sure about Flash 2, Aladdin or other
terminal programs.

Also, make sure that the terminal program restores the serial port back to its
proper state if you are using an SCC based port set at a baud rate higher than
19200 baud (i.e. Modem 2 or Serial 2 on a TT030 or MegaSTe, or the Modem port
on a Falcon030).

I am not sure if you have version 2.20 or version 2.10 installed. I would
suggest upgrading to 2.20 as it is the latest version.

You can also try using both Class 1 and Class 2 modes, to see if this makes
any difference.

> I seemed to have Ignorently preformed a few tests, not even thinking that I
> was in vialation of the License Agreement.

No one said you violated any agreement. Just use the program on one computer
at a time. With most Atari systems, the program is usually installed on a hard
drive, which can to different computers at different times.

To: C.NICHOLLS,

> This sounds a little like the problem I had sending faxes when I was using >
Modem 2. Twice on different machines the remote Fax gave an unusual answer >
signal and timed out before a connection could be established. I haven't had >
occasion to send one since I moved back to Modem 1 because of problems using >
LoadAladdin, which were definitely not due to LoadAladdin itself.  Previously,
> I had no particular problems sending Faxes when using Modem 1.

Modem 1 uses the MFP chip, Serial Fix 2.0 will correct the routines that
process the MFP serial I/O. Modem 2 and Serial 2 use the SCC chip. If you have
TOS 2.06 or 3.06, then Serial Fix 2.0 does not affect these ports. On the
otherhand, if you have TOS 2.05 or 3.05, Serial Fix 2.0 does as Atari's
SERPTCH2 does, in correcting serious bugs that prevent these ports from
working at all. If you have TOS 2.05 or 3.05, upgrading to 2.06 or 3.06 is
highly recommended.

To: K.VANDELLEN and F.LAWRENCE2,

> Yup, that's what I was talking about. I've used the Wand in Touchup to scan
a > document, and then used STFAX to send it. It would be nice to do the
scanning > within STFAX.

> Yes, yes, I too would like to see the "Wand" available from STFAX.

We do not have a Wand Scanner available to us for development of a driver for
it. We were hoping at one time that Dr. Bobware would upgrade their popular
ScanLite utility (which is supported for scanning within STraight FAX! for
hand scanners) to support the Migraph Wand Scanner.

As our area of specialty is FAX Modems, we have quite a few different FAX
Modems for testing and development. Despite this, from time to time we have
borrowed FAX Modems from users and friends in order to better support a few of
the less popular or very expensive brands of FAX Modems.

We do have a Migraph Hand Scanner and a Canon/Navaronne full page scanner, but
since the Wand Scanner is not inexpensive, we could not justify its purchase
as we already have two scanning devices.

If someone were to lend us a Wand Scanner, we might be able to develop such a
driver. If anyone is interested, please contact us...

Of course, if we were to sell a few million copies of STraight FAX! by the end
of the year, we would buy a Wand Scanner ;-)

To: DARLAH,

> How much does a Straight Fax go for these days. I have an old Fast Fax but
the > software doesn't work anymore and besides it only does 1200 baud. I
would LOVE > to have a Fax but they still haven't come down in price to what I
need. What's > the price on a Straight Fax kit?

STraight FAX! lists for $109.95 (US), but can be found for around $80.00 (US)
street price from many fine Atari dealers in North America. Toad Computers is
one dealer that I can insure you that will have STraight FAX! in stock.

There is no true "STraight FAX! Kit", as STraight FAX! is a software only
product. STraight FAX! works with Class 1 and Class 2 FAX Modems, for which
there are many models and vendors. Prices of FAX Modems are normally driven by
the "data" side baud rates and capabilities. There are 2400 baud data/ 9600
baud FAX Modems available in the $70.00 (US) street price range, while the
latest and greatest 28800 baud data/14400 baud FAX Modems sell in the $250.00
(US) street price range.

Many dealers, such as Toad, have bundle deals where they will sell you
STraight FAX! and a FAX Modem together.

BTW, Nathan is a STraight FAX! owner, so you can get an up close and personal
demo quite easily ;-)

To: M.WEILERT2,

It is possible that the line splitter is filtering out the Caller ID signal.
You must also let the phone ring twice, as the CID signal is transmitted in
between the first and second rings.

Try the following:

With your current connection setup, run a terminal program such as STalker or
Flash 2. Type the command: AT#CID=1. You should get an OK response. This will
enable the modem to report the CID info. Type the command ATS0=0. Again, you
should get an OK response. This will prevent the modem from automatically
answering.

Now, have someone call you. When the phone rings, you should see something
like the following in the terminal program's capture buffer:

RING

DATE = 1521 TIME = 1221 NMBR = 5555551234 NAME = A Name

RING

RING

If you dont see the CID info between the first and second RINGs, then the
splitter is filtering the CID info out, i.e. it is preventing the modem from
properly detecting the CID info.

BTW, the NAME field is not available in all areas that have CID. In some areas
with CID, the name of the caller will be reported for an additional monthly
fee. You will also need a newer CID box to see the Name as well. STraight FAX!
will detect the Name and enter it into the Comment: field in the Receive Log
entry.

You should also verify that your CID box detects the Caller ID if it is
chained in-line with the FAX Modem. Beyond that, you will need to verify
exactly what the line splitter is doing to the phone signal.

To: C.BINCKLEY,

> In case you didn't get my email message, I'm having an occasional problem
with > transmitting faxes:

This is likely a flow control problem. If the receiver has corrupted lines in
the FAX data, it may simply ignore them, causing the FAX to appear scrunched.
Take a look at the tech notes on the 2.20 master disk. There is info on
installing the proper patches such as Serial Fix 2.0 to correct flow control
problems. Try both RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF flow control, and increase the input
and output I/O buffer sizes to 32767 bytes.

Other than that, you may have a noisy phone line. Insure that no electrical
devices are near the phone line wires.

> Recently I noticed another resolution-related problem: A couple of normal-
rez > faxes I received through STraight FAX are always displayed and printed
as fine > rez (in STraight FAX, that is). Gemview, however, will display and
print them > as normal rez (via the STFAX drivers). Any ideas?

You can verify the resolution of a FAX file when viewing it using the Edit
Clip Settings command in the popup menu that appears when the right button is
clicked when over the window. You can also use a binary file editor/viewer
such as Memfile 3 to display the start of the FAX file. The first 4 bytes will
be "JFAX". The next 2 bytes are the height in lines of the FAX. The next 2
bytes are either 0000 for Normal Rez or 0001 for Fine Rez.

Note: some users with Color monitors in ST Medium Rez get a bit confused since
the pixel aspect ratio in ST Medium is the same as a Normal Rez FAX. So a
Normal Rez FAX appears in the proper aspect ratio, while a Fine Rez FAX
appears stretched. The opposite is true in all other graphic modes with square
pixels, i.e. ST High Rez, TT Medium Rez, TT High Rez, Falcon 640x480, etc. In
this case, the Fine Rez FAXes will appear in the proper aspect ratio, as both
the screen and FAX have square pixels, but Normal Rez FAXes will appear
squashed.

Also, when STraight FAX! exports or prints a Normal Rez FAX file, every
horizontal line is duplicated to correct for the pixel aspect ratio. The same
is true when a Normal Rez FAX is inported into GEM View 3 with the supplied
drivers.

> Oh, and one other thing - the STFAX driver for SpeedoGDOS seems to have a >
problem with full-justification paragraphs from AtariWorks documents. >
Occasionally a few lines stretch out past the right margin of the paragraph >
after "printing" them with the fax driver and viewing the resulting J0? files

There is not much we can do about this problem, as the page rasterization in
GDOS printer drivers is performed by a code library developed by Atari. All we
do is link in our unique part of the driver that sends the page bitmap
generated to a FAX file instead of the printer.

To All:

There is a new alternative to Speedo GDOS called NVDI 3 from 2B Software in
Germany. NVDI 3 is both a GDOS replacement that supports Speedo and True Type
fonts and a screen accelerator as it replaces the Atari VDI. NVDI 3 while a
GDOS replacement, does not use the same printer drivers as Speedo GDOS uses.
It has its own driver methodology.

We are in the process of contacting 2B Software in Germany to obtain the
necessary information to develop an NVDI 3 STraight FAX! driver.

Util that happens, there is a workaround for NVDI 3 users. NVDI 3 comes with
an IMG file driver that produces standard IMG files. Configure this driver to
200 DPI (or something near that) to allow it to create IMG files that can be
transferred as fine rez FAXes.

To All:

The following appeared in the most recent Atari Explorer Online Magazine
(AEO_0314, Volume 3, Issue 14, 18 December 1994):

> [] FPATCH2 is an official patch from Atari that fixes two problems in > the
Falcon BIOS (TOS 4.00-4.04). The first is the problem that causes > the Sound
to not initialize properly and the second is the fix for the > Bconmap() which
doesn't work. Run this from your AUTO folder. If you > have FPATCH1 use this
instead. It fixes the problems much more > usefully (see the docs). One
(possible) bug in this has been told me > by a friend who owns a Falcon and a
FAX modem. When used, this patch > prevents the FAX modem from being
recognized by the Falcon when using > STRaight FAX. Delphi.

The statement at the end of this paragraph is incorrect. STraight FAX! has
been developed on a Falcon030 with Atari's FPATCH2 installed. This statement
is likely due to someone not understanding what FPATCH2 is designed to do.
When FPATCH2 is installed, the Falcon's modem port is moved from device number
6 to device number 7. All that is necessary is to select device 7 as the modem
port in STraight FAX!.

FPATCH2 is not required if running MultiTOS, as the function of FPATCH2 is
built into MultiTOS.

Another PD utility called BCONMAP2 is available that will work in conjunction
with FPATCH2 to make device 6 and device 7 point to the Falcon's modem port.
BCONMAP2 allows non Falcon-aware programs to operate correctly when FPATCH2 or
MultiTOS is installed. These (older) programs normally do not allow selection
of which modem port device to use.


Charles Smeton NewSTar Technology Management
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 106       Wed Dec 21, 1994
C.NICHOLLS [BILL]            at 22:50 PST

Charles,

I have TOS 2.06 -- I upgraded a few months ago.

Bill
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 107       Thu Dec 22, 1994
AEO.MAG [] Go FSU! []        at 03:10 EST

Charles,

Sorry for the bad info. I'll pass your text along to Michael Burkley, for
inclusion in the next issue. Thanks!

--Travis @ AEO
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 108       Thu Dec 22, 1994
C.BINCKLEY [-- Chuck --]     at 01:09 PST

Charles,

1) Re occasional scrunched fax transmissions:

I don't use Serial Fix because my FAX/modem is connected to the modem2 port on
my MegaSTE. I have to use modem2 because I have a MIDI port expander connected
to - and which only works with - modem1. I have flow control set to RTS/CTS.
My FAX/modem is the PPI PM144MTII set at 14.4 BPS. My I/O buffers are about
16k.

Noisy phone lines may be a possibility, but since the corrupted faxes were
sent in the middle of a batch of multiple-page faxes going to about 20
recipients, and since _every_ line in the bad faxes was scrunched, and none of
the others (as far as I can determine) had any bad lines, I don't believe this
is the problem.

2) Re incorrect display and printing of received normal-rez faxes:

The faxes in question are definitely normal-rez. I use ST high rez
exclusively, so color monitor idiosyncracies don't apply. The question is: why
does STFAX display the normal-rez fax at half-height (as if it was trying to
display a fine-rez fax at normal-rez) while Gemview displays it correctly?

3) Re full justification problem with Speedo FAX driver:

I guess I'll have to stick to TW3 for creating any faxes with full
justification until somebody fixes Speedo (or until I can afford NVDI3)
(8^})...

Thanks for your help in these matters! -- Chuck --

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 109       Thu Dec 22, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 06:59 EST

Charles,

Where do you live? Maybe someone near you has a Wand. Will you be at the
Toronto ACE '95 show? I'm thinking about attending on Saturday. I don't
suppose that would give you enough time to do anything.


Would you mind if I asked Migraph and Dr. Bob at if they could give you some
help? They might get some benefit out of it, too.

Ken Van


 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 111       Thu Dec 22, 1994
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 07:35 CST

Thanks Nathan, those kind words are highly valued buy people like myself.

SAK:)
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 114       Thu Dec 22, 1994
K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van]        at 19:02 EST

I called Migraph, and they tell me the Wand is no longer being manufactured. I
had said helping to develop compatiblity with STraight FAX might help to sell
Wands, but they said they have only five left. It looks as though Dr. Bob is
our last hope.

I dropped him a note about fixing ScanLite, but I'll probably follow it up
with a snail mail letter.

Ken Van
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 115       Thu Dec 22, 1994
J.TRAUTSCHOL [Missionware]   at 21:11 CST

Hi Charles...

Thanks for the info on the "Phone Demonstrator Box".  Whew - $500 eh?
Certainly not cheap, but I can see where it would come in handy for testing
and for shows.  I'll have to look into it.  Thanks.

                                                John T.
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 116       Fri Dec 23, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 01:31 PST

Have any of you had problems faxing Canada from the USA?  I have a fax machine
in Oakville, Ontario that I can't get STFax to complete more that one page to.
I don't know the machine in Ontario and I supect it. STFax and I have never
had this problem with before. I'm going to ask them the make of their fax
machine but I thought I would bring this up for conversation. It seems odd.
It's like my modem does not see the page acknowledgement.  I see the light
flash but STFax hangs and the fax machine hangs up. To these guys I have to do
single pages. I just completed sending five pages. One of them gave the
response page sent ok.  All the others STFax hung and fax mahine hung up. I
user aborted the send. Any suggestion or ideas?

Thanks

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 117       Fri Dec 23, 1994
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 07:35 CST

 Thanks Charles, had me bitting my nails a little.

 >The modem hanging up when connecting is symptomatic of having the a phone
 >handset plugged into the "Line" jack and the phone line connected into the
 >"Phone" jack on the back of the modem. Most modems today have a relay that
 >will disconnect a phone handset connected to the "Phone" jack, to prevent
 >interference from someone accidentally picking up the phone handset and
 >causing the modem to drop the carrier.
 > NOT the case here, I'm using a Y connector at the wall jack with the phone
on one and the modem on the other. And the Radio Shaft gizimo that attatches
between the Answering Machine and the phone line from
 a separate wall jack.
 I have Silent answer ON.


 >If the problem were only on receiving and not sending, then I might suspect
 >that you had a non-Supra Rockwell based FAX Modem with Caller ID enabled.
 >Older Caller ID firmware would hangup immediately after answering if Caller
ID
 >were enabled on these FAX Modems (Zoom, PC Logic).
 > The problem is only when receiving, but not all the time. However it is
consistant; I can't receive Faxes from specific peoples Faxes; Like Toad
Computers Fax.

I have A Supra Fax 96 V.32

MODEM TEST RESULTS: -------------------
  Modem Class : 0 (Data), 1 FAX, 2 FAX
    Caller ID : Present
    FAX Speed : 9600 Send & Receive
 Silent Answer : Present
      Chipset : ROCKWELL: V.32AC
 Firmware Info : V1.80-05 TR14-Jxxx-001 191
  Buffer Size : 1024
 Flow Control : Available



 >The Drop DTR option will simply cause the DTR signal to be dropped for a
short
 >time period to force the FAX Modem to hangup. This will work provided that
the
 >RS-232 cable has the DTR signal, the serial port in use has the DTR signal
and
 >the modem is not configured to ignore the dropping of DTR. STraight FAX!
will
 >only drop the DTR at the end of the FAX connection or a user abort, if this
 >option is enabled.

Is there something else that may go wrong if by some chance My Modem cable
doesn't support DTR and CD? How do you recommend that I test my cable?

I have Caller I.D. truned off and I'm using Modem port 2



 >If you are using STraight FAX! and another terminal program (STalker, Flash
2,
 >Aladdin, etc.) at the same time (i.e. both in memory and running at the same
 >time, by loading one or both as a desk accessory, or with a multitasking
AES,
 >such as Geneva, MultiTOS or MagiC).

Not the case here, I don't use Geneva or Multitos and I don't run Stalker as
an ACC.

I do however usually use ST FAX as a program after I am done with Aladdin ,
Aladdin initializes the modem with AT&F2, which is a modem internal factory
setting.

 >Also, make sure that the terminal program restores the serial port back to
its
 >proper state if you are using an SCC based port set at a baud rate higher
than
 >19200 baud (i.e. Modem 2 or Serial 2 on a TT030 or MegaSTe, or the Modem
port
 >on a Falcon030).

I have modem port 2 set at 19200 baud, I guess I should change it, EH? Well
How do I do that, The modem CPX only goes up to 19200?

How do I get Aladdin to restore the modem port2 back to its proper setting,
and what is it's proper setting?

 >I am not sure if you have version 2.20 or version 2.10 installed. I would
 >suggest upgrading to 2.20 as it is the latest version.

I Have version 2.20. Also I Have TOS 3.05

 >You can also try using both Class 1 and Class 2 modes, to see if this makes
 >any difference.

In which parameters menu, Modem or Receive Fax?


 >No one said you violated any agreement. Just use the program on one computer
 >at a time. With most Atari systems, the program is usually installed on a
hard
 >drive, which can to different computers at different times.

That all I have ever done, there is only one of me; and all I could do is use
one system at a time. I did ask for a clone for Xmas, (a clone of me).

Thanks for the help so far...still seeking a solution though.


SAK :/

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 118       Fri Dec 23, 1994
POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC]      at 09:13 EST

If you are having a problem faxing that location near Toronto, look for
trouble with the equipment, not the telephone lines. Companies such as Bell,
AT&T, Sprint etc. are just as well known here as in the USA. It's the same
stuff.

Nathan
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 119       Fri Dec 23, 1994
T.GIRSCH [T.J.@ S-Mart]      at 09:04 CST

Chuck -

Don't use RTS/CTS if you use the Modem 2 port.  If you look at your specs, the
CTS line is not connected on Modem 2.  (I have NO idea why not).  See MSTe
manual page F-1.  If you're using a TT, nevermind; RTS/CTS works fine there.
If using MSTe, use X-ON/X-OFF

-TJ
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 120       Fri Dec 23, 1994
J.LINK3 [Red Oscar]          at 20:37 EST

I use a Hayes Optima 14400 FAX 144 Smartmodem which is Group 3 compatible.
Will STraightFAX work with this modem?  What is the difference between FAX
Groups 1, 2, and 3?  Thanks!

Jack

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 121       Sat Dec 24, 1994
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 00:06 EST

David -

Your problem sounds like one I used to have when I was using a Zoom AFX modem.
STraight Fax! would just hand adn then time out after sending a page, not
recognizing the acknowledgement.

I added a tiny .prg called QVFIX.PRG to my auto folder and that cured it for
me.

Now, Charles has repeatedly said that this should have no effect on the
problem, as it was written (I think) to cure the mysterious 'ghost' keypresses
that occur on some machines.  All I know is that with the prg in my auto
folder I was faxing without problems, and without it, a few of the machines
were giving me the type of trouble you seem to be having.

The QVFIX.PRG is in the lib's here.  Don't know if it will help you, but it
helped me at the time. <G>

Matt
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 122       Fri Dec 23, 1994
C.BINCKLEY [-- Chuck --]     at 23:01 PST

TJ,

If that's true, it could be causing a problem, although I would again expect
it to be either much more random, or happen more often, rather than completely
messing up a couple of faxes while letting dozens of others go out
unmolested...

On the other hand, I read a definite statement somewhere (and I have NO idea
right now where I read this) that the info about the CTS line in the MSTe
manual was erroneous - that the modem2 CTS line IS connected. It may have been
in some material related to STalker, maybe in the Gribnif CAT or a readme
file, but I just don't remember. I know I saw this somewhere, because when I
first got the MIDI expander, I had heard about the CTS line not being
connected, and had connected my modem to the MSTe's serial2 port. However, I
had ALL kinds of transmission errors and software conflicts (I use LoadAladdin
from TraceTech to run Aladdin from any port other than modem1, and it didn't
like any kind of serial buffer expansion when using serial2), but they all
went away when I switched to modem2 after reading about the CTS line on modem2
being OK...

Maybe I'm nuts, but hopefully Someone Who Knows will set the record
straight...(8^})

-- Chuck --

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 123       Fri Dec 23, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 23:12 PST

Thanks Nathan,

I think it is the fax machine too. I have faxed them five times and everytime
I must send them one page at a time. Next time I will try to schedule the
single pages and see what happens. I'm not really sure what changes I could
try in STFAX.

David  <><
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 124       Fri Dec 23, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 23:56 PST

Hi Matt,

I found QVFIX1.Prg. Thanks for the suggestion.  I have installed it and will
try it.  I'll let you know. :) And thanks Al for the upload!

David  <><
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 125       Sat Dec 24, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 00:07 PST

Matt,

Good stuff.  I get random key-clicks while running STraight FAX. (Uh, is that
what you were talking about?)  :-)

I've experienced problems that I attribute to the size of the FAX file I
create.  I try to expand GIFs and JPEGs and convert them to big IMGs for
conversion into a FAX.  Blowing them up improves the effectiveness of whatever
dither (OK, F-S) is applied to the process.  It looks great, but there is a
limit on how big you can go.
 200% usually works.  GEM View will convert these files directly now, but I
like my more time-consuming process.

Charles,

Is there a way to generate a FAX file longer than a page (assuming I'm sending
to a continuous-paper FAX machine)?  Also, any tips on how to get graphics of
various sizes to maximize themselves on the page?

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 126       Sat Dec 24, 1994
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 06:06 EST

That QVFIX program is quite a mystery ... I tried running it on my TT long ago
and all I got was more frequent crashes in other programs. Well, whatever gets
you through the night.  :)

      gnox
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 127       Sat Dec 24, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 15:48 EST

QVFIX is actually OVFIX, which originated in the bowels of Atari U.S. some
time back. I inadvertently released it without getting permission, but no one
I contacted at Atari later on had any objection to it (possibly because no one
still there knew what it did!).

It was or is a patch for some kind of keyboard glitch that shows up in some
desk accessories and possibly in some programs. (STeno benefitted from it in
an earlier version but hasn't needed OV for a long time.)

Al

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 128       Sun Dec 25, 1994
D.SMITH10 [dave]             at 10:20 EST

Dear Charles,
             This is my first attempt at using the mail system on Genie and I
feel a little ackward,but here goes. I am having difficuly breaking  dialtone
on the modem intialization on my Mega St.My configuation has a  T25
excellerator in it should that creat any problems with modem functions

I have tried ST FAX on my Stacy only as atest to if it was the computor     it
works OK.  I know your support is only on line but, I am having diffic ty as I
don't have much experience at telecomunicating. I would appreciate  a
simplified explaination of how to go about uploading the sysinfo file for
you to view
                                             Thank
                                                   Dave
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 129       Sun Dec 25, 1994
D.STMARTIN [Binary Ink]      at 15:57 EST

David:

I'd advise you to switch serial patches.  I had a problem similar to what you
describe.  STraight FAX would just sit there a time out at the page
acknowledgement prompt.  I did a couple things simultaneously; I swtiched to
the HSMOD serial patch (available now in version 4 in the libraries here),
secondly, Charles recommended an increase in the buffer size (32K),  The
combination of these two actions solved the problem.  You might also want to
confirm that you indeed _do_ have RTS/CTS turn on.

Good Luck!

                                            -- Dave @ Binary Ink
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 130       Sun Dec 25, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 18:17 PST

I think I should say my serial patch program is HSMOD 4. I think I have is set
up right.  Anyway I just tried going back to SERIAL20 and I tried HSMOD 4 with
QVFIX or OVFIX. I did not try SERIAL20 with OVFIX but I might later.  Results
the same so far, receiving fax times out and turns off.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I will increase buffer size and check RTS
setting.

Thanks so much for the help! :)

David  <><
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 131       Mon Dec 26, 1994
J.LINK3 [Red Oscar]          at 13:31 EST

Happy Holidays All!

I use a Hayes Optima 14400 FAX 144 modem which the documentation says is Group
3 compliant.  Is this modem compatible with STraightFAX? What is the
difference between FAX Groups 1, 2, and 3?

Jack

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 132       Mon Dec 26, 1994
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 14:55 EST

To: (Al) A.FASOLDT,

OVFIX1.PRG was included with early beta versions of MultiTOS that developers
received. I am not sure if it was actually included with the release version
of MultiTOS. The text below is paraphrased from the release notes from one of
the early beta versions of MultiTOS, in reference to OVFIX1.PRG:

"OVFIX1 is a TSR which tries to fix the keyboard overrun (Phantom Keyclick)
problem. Install it in your AUTO folder (before MINT.PRG)."

"OVFIX1 is a program that tries to fix the mouse overrun (Phantom Keyclick)
problem. It works with or without MiNT/MultiTOS. Note that the Phantom
Keyclick problem is NOT the Phantom Typist problem."

As you can see, it is referred to as both a mouse and keyboard overrun fix. I
suspect that it may fix both, as both the keyboard and mouse information are
received from the keyboard microcontroller via a serial interface.

To: (Nathan) POTECHIN,

> If you are having a problem faxing that location near Toronto, look for >
trouble with the equipment, not the telephone lines. Companies such as Bell, >
AT&T, Sprint etc. are just as well known here as in the USA. It's the same >
stuff.

Problems faxing to Canada are a due to a provision in NAFTA, whereby only 72%
of a transmitted FAX is allowed to be received, unless an 80% tariff is paid
by the sending party ;-)

To: J.LINK3,

> I use a Hayes Optima 14400 FAX 144 Smartmodem which is Group 3 compatible. >
Will STraightFAX work with this modem?  What is the difference between FAX >
Groups 1, 2, and 3?  Thanks!

We have never tested a Hayes Optima FAX Modem, but from what I understand they
are Class 1 only FAX Modems. I would suggest that you download our SysInfo
2.10 program from the file library. It will test your FAX Modem and save our a
report about the exact capabilities it supports. There is also a text file
with SysInfo 2.10 that explains the differences between the various FAX
Classes and FAX Groups. Basically FAX Groups are CCITT (now ITU) standards
that all FAX devices must comply to. FAX groups 1 and 2 are basically obsolete
now, and almost all FAX machines that connect to a POTS (Plain Old Telephone
System) are Group 3. There is also a Group 4 FAX standard that is used for FAX
Machines connected to digital ISDN lines. All FAX Modems that I have seen are
Group 3 compatible, otherwise they could not communicate with FAX machines in
use today. Group 3 defines low level protocol handshaking, timing, resolution,
page sizes and data compression format.

FAX Classes refer to the command set and protocol by which a computer
communicates with a FAX Modem in order to have it send or receive FAXes. The
Class 1 and 2 FAX command set are basically an extension to the AT command
set, that is used to command the FAX Modem while in FAX Mode. You can easily
test a FAX Modem to see which FAX Classes are supported by sending the command
AT+FCLASS=? from any terminal program. The response will contain a list of the
supported FAX Classes, such as 0,1 or 0,2, or 0,1,2. Note: Class 0 is the
modem's data mode.

There is a high probability that STraight FAX! 2.20 will operate with a Class
1 FAX Modem, provided that the modem vendor follows the Class 1 spec. In some
FAX Modems this is not the case. We have internal beta versions of STraight
FAX! that we are working on that now support Class 1 FAX Modems such as those
from AT&T (DataPort 14.4/FAX and 9.6/FAX) and also support the Class 1 mode of
the GVC/Exar based FAX Modems such as the Intel 144/144e and the GVC FAX
Modems (which are both Class 1 and Class 2). In testing these FAX Modems in
Class 1 mode, we found that they not only use a different command for setting
the flow control mode (i.e. AT\Q1 and AT\Q3, vs. AT&K4 and AT&K3), but they do
a number of other things differently, some that violate the Class 1
specification.

If any users have one of these modems, they can contact us about getting the
beta version instead of a standard 2.20 upgrade, that is now available. Note:
this beta version contains only the changes to support the above mentioned FAX
Modems, so please do not request this version if you are using a different FAX
Modem.

To: (Matt) M.RIVMAN1,

> Your problem sounds like one I used to have when I was using a Zoom AFX
modem. > STraight Fax! would just hand adn then time out after sending a page,
not > recognizing the acknowledgement.

The Zoom AFX Class 1 FAX Modem does not support RTS/CTS flow control. In fact
it ignores the flow control command and returns an ERROR response. Use the
XON/XOFF flow control mode and also enable the Auto Baud check box when using
this FAX Modem.

To: (Ken) K.VANDELLEN,

> Where do you live? Maybe someone near you has a Wand. Will you be at the >
Toronto ACE '95 show? I'm thinking about attending on Saturday. I don't >
suppose that would give you enough time to do anything.

NewSTar is located in Maryland, near Baltimore and Washington, D.C. However,
with UPS, being nearby is not totally necessary. I dont know if NewSTar will
be represented at the Toronto ACE '95 show by myself, but there is a good
probability that Toad Computers will be there representing STraight FAX! (BTW,
STraight FAX! 1.00 made its debut at the Toronto ACE '92 show). Its a bit
early to tell at this time if I will be there in person.

Besides having access to the Wand Scanner, it would be very helpful to have
some form of information on the hardware interface to it. From what I know, it
uses the same cartridge port interface as the Migraph Hand Scanner, so it
probably has the same hardware address locations.

> Would you mind if I asked Migraph and Dr. Bob at if they could give you some
> help? They might get some benefit out of it, too.

I am not sure what plans if any Dr. Bobware has with an upgrade to Scan Lite
to support the Wand Scanner.

BTW, even without a direct scan capability from a Wand Scanner, it is still
possible to run STraight FAX! as a desk accessory OR application with a
Multitasking AES at the same time as the Migraph Scanning Software (which I
assume is available from within Touch Up) and then save the scanned output as
an Image file. If the scan is made at 200 DPI, then it will be in the proper
resolution for a Fine Rez FAX.

BTW, the same offer goes if anyone wants to loan us a Class 2.0 FAX Modem such
as a USR Courier FAX Modem or a ZyXEL FAX Modem.

To: S.KALEITA,

> on one and the modem on the other. And the Radio Shaft gizimo that attatches
> between the Answering Machine and the phone line from a separate wall jack.
> I have Silent answer ON.

Exactly which Radio Shack gizmo are you using and how is it connected? Is this
the device that will hangup an older type answering machine that does not
automatically hang up when another extension (in this case the FAX Modem)
picks up?

There may be a problem with the way everyting is connected.

Have you tried to receive a FAX without Silent Answer enabled, i.e. with the
FAX Modem directly connected into the phone line?

One of the models of Supra FAX Modems that I have is a Supra FAX Modem V.32
(9600 baud), and it works fine with Silent Answer enabled.

> Is there something else that may go wrong if by some chance My Modem cable >
doesn't support DTR and CD? How do you recommend that I test my cable?

If you have an Ohmmeter, then test the RS-232 cable to verify that all the
lines are connected. DTR is connected to pin 20 and CD is connected to pin 8
on a standard DB-25 RS-232 cable. You can also connect one of the RS-232 mini
testers in line with the RS-232 cable and check the status of the DTR and CD
signals.

You can also do the following to verify the Check CD function.

From a terminal program, type the command AT&C0. The CD LED should light up on
the RS-232 mini tester or a FAX Modem that has a CD LED (unfortunately the
Supra V.32/V.32bis FAX modems show the CD status with the 2 digit alphanumeric
display and only show display 'CD' when a true carrier is present). Now save
this into the FAX Modem setup with the AT&W command, then try initializing a
Auto receive in STraight FAX! with Check CD active. If the CD can be detected,
you should see the warning alert box that the modem is in use.

Now go back and type the command AT&C1 and AT&W to setup the modem to only
assert CD with a true Carrier.

> I do however usually use ST FAX as a program after I am done with Aladdin ,
> Aladdin initializes the modem with AT&F2, which is a modem internal factory
> setting.

There is a bug in the Class 2 Rockwell firmware that Supra uses that will
prevent the modem from properly initializing in Class 2 FAX Mode after it has
been on-line in data mode (i.e. via Aladdin or any terminal program). This bug
may be corrected in the newer Rockwell chipsets that Supra uses, but I think
it is still in the chipset/firmware you have. You will need to toggle the
modem power after using it in data mode, before using it in Class 2 FAX Mode.
If you use Class 1 FAX Mode, then there will not be a problem.

Try the following:

Use the modem in data mode as normal with your terminal program.

After you hangup, issue the command:

AT+FLID?

You should see several lines of text as the response. The text that appears is
actually buffered characters from the last data connection. If you just get an
OK response, with no other text, then your FAX Modem has the bug corrected. If
it does, then toggle the modem's power and try the command again. This time
you should just get the OK response.

The AT+FLID? command is used to poll the FAX Modem for the value of the Local
FAX ID. The reason this is done is that some Class 2 FAX Modems will actually
save the value of the Local FAX ID in NV RAM when the command AT+FLID="{Local
FAX ID}" is issued to set the Local FAX ID. Since NV RAM devices have limited
write life cycles, STraight FAX! polls for the current value and if its the
same as the value in the Dialing Preferences, it does not send the command to
set the Local FAX ID.

In Class 1 Mode, the Local FAX ID is not setup into the modem prior to the
call, instead it is sent on the fly during the initial handshaking.

Unfortunately, there is no way to clear the buffer in the modem without
powering off and on. The ATZ command has no effect.

> I have modem port 2 set at 19200 baud, I guess I should change it, EH? Well
> How do I do that, The modem CPX only goes up to 19200?

You only need to set the baud rate back to 19200 or lower on an SCC based
serial port if the application using the port sets it beyond 19200 baud.

> How do I get Aladdin to restore the modem port2 back to its proper setting,
> and what is it's proper setting?

I do not know, since I do not use Aladdin. However, I know Aladdin only knows
about the ST Compatible MFP based serial port, so you must be using the Load
Aladdin program to force Aladdin to use an SCC based port. Again, I do not use
this this utility, so I refer you to the Load Aladdin documentation. You might
also want to ask the Trace Technologies in their support area here in the ST
RT.

> I Have version 2.20. Also I Have TOS 3.05

I would strongly recommend anyone using TOS 2.05 on a Mega STe or TOS 3.05 on
a TT030 to upgrade to TOS 2.06/3.06 respectively. There are serious bugs in
the 2.05/3.05 XBIOS in the serial port handlers that require either SERPTCH2
from Atari or Serial Fix 2.0 just to make them minimally functional. TOS
2.06/3.06 may be the best $60 (approx) investment you can make in your Mega
STe/TT030. There are also many other improvements in 2.06/3.06. As an example
of why to use 2.06/3.06, at the Toad Fest we had access to a Mega STe with TOS
2.05 and 1 Meg of RAM. We borrowed 4 x 1 Meg SIMMs from Toad and installed
them. We were getting all sorts of crashes. We then got a set of 2.06 ROMS
from Toad and installed them. 2.06 has a memory test diagnostic that runs at
startup. 2.05 does not have this. The memory test indicated there was a bad
SIMM installed. Without 2.06 we would have never figured that the RAM was bad.

> In which parameters menu, Modem or Receive Fax?

In the Modem Prefs, the Modem Type specifies which Class is used for sending.
In the Receive FAX Prefs, the Modem Type specifies which Class is used for
receiving.

To: (Tomas) MUSE,

> I've experienced problems that I attribute to the size of the FAX file I >
create.  I try to expand GIFs and JPEGs and convert them to big IMGs for >
conversion into a FAX.  Blowing them up improves the effectiveness of whatever
> dither (OK, F-S) is applied to the process.  It looks great, but there is a
> limit on how big you can go.

Converting color graphic files into monochrome graphic files with various
dither pattern algorithms creates several areas of concern:

1) If a 4 x 4 dither pattern is used to represnt a single color pixel in the
original graphic, then the expansion of the graphic' size may exceed the size
of a FAX, i.e. a 640 x 480 color screeen graphic would expand to 2560 x 1920,
which is too wide to fit into a 1728 pixel wide FAX page. The resulting
dithered graphic would either need to be clipped or scaled down (which would
disturb the dither pattern's effectivness) in order to be sent as a FAX.

2) If you intend to send the dithered graphic as a Normal Rez FAX, then the
aspect ratio of the dithered graphic should match that of a Normal Rez FAX
during the conversion process for the best results, i.e. pixels that are twice
as tall as wide.

3) Dither patterns create the worst case type of data for the FAX compression
method, i.e. Modified Huffman Encoding. A 1728 pixel line of a 50% fill
pattern (i.e. alternating 1's and 0's) will actually expand by a factor of 2.5
over the original size. Keep in mind that the FAX compression method was
chosen based on the fact that text (either hand written or type written) would
be the most common type of information that would be FAXed and that a scanner
of a typical FAX machine could never create an exact match to a fill pattern
(since there is no way to insure that the pixels on the page align exactly
with the scanner's detection range for each pixel).

>  200% usually works. GEM View will convert these files directly now, but I
> like my more time-consuming process.

Using GEM-View 3 with the STraight FAX! save module is probably the easiest
method of converting a color graphic to a dithered FAX file.

> Is there a way to generate a FAX file longer than a page (assuming I'm
sending > to a continuous-paper FAX machine)?  Also, any tips on how to get
graphics of > various sizes to maximize themselves on the page?

The Group 3 FAX standard does not require that a receiving FAX machine must
accept a page of unlimited length. Some FAX machines and FAX Modems/FAX
software may allow this. STraight FAX! will, assuming the FAX Modem will allow
this. However, the problem you may have is that you may not have enough RAM to
view the received FAX file (it takes about 450K bytes for a letter sized Fine
Rez FAX page in its uncompressed format) and you have to clip it into separate
FAX files of letter/lega size if you intend to print it. STraight FAX! will
allow you to send pages longer than legal size. The easiest way to do this
again, is probably with GEM-View 3.

You can either pre-scale a graphic with a graphic editing program or view the
graphic in STraight FAX! and select the "FAX Size View", command from the View
Window popup menu. It will take a few seconds or so depending on the size of
the graphic, the Page Size in the Page Prefs and the CPU speed, but a new
window will appear with the graphic scaled to FAX size. Save this out as a FAX
file and you will be ready to go. Expect some "blocky-ness" in the output if
you are scaling a small graphic up to a FAX size. Expect some loss of detail
if you are scaling a large graphic down to a FAX size.

Another way to do this might be to use a bitmap auto trace utility to convert
the graphic into a vector format, and then render this out at the proper size
for a FAX page.

To: D.FARRINGTO1,

> I think it is the fax machine too. I have faxed them five times and
everytime > I must send them one page at a time. Next time I will try to
schedule the > single pages and see what happens. I'm not really sure what
changes I could > try in STFAX.

If your modem supports both Class 1 and Class 2, then try the other FAX Class.
See if this helps out. Have you verified that the single pages are actually
received OK on the other end?

To: T.GIRSCH,

> Don't use RTS/CTS if you use the Modem 2 port.  If you look at your specs,
the > CTS line is not connected on Modem 2.  (I have NO idea why not).  See
MSTe > manual page F-1.  If you're using a TT, nevermind; RTS/CTS works fine
there. > If using MSTe, use X-ON/X-OFF

The info on page F-1 of the Mega STe manual is incorrect with respect to the
signals available on Modem 2. Other developer documentation I have indicates
that it supports the standard RS-232 signals such as CTS, CD, and DSR.

Since Modem 2 and Serial 2 are both implemented with the Zilog SCC chip, try
using Serial 2 instead of Modem 2. Serial 2 will be available as long as you
are not using the LAN port.

If you want to see an example of another typo/editor mistake, look on page F-3
under Monitor, where the text "{art D.6}" appears after 13-pin DIN.

To: (Dave) D.SMITH10,

> This is my first attempt at using the mail system on Genie and I > feel a
little ackward,but here goes. I am having difficuly breaking dialtone > on the
modem intialization on my Mega St.My configuation has a  T25 > excellerator in
it should that creat any problems with modem functions

Using an accelerator should not be any problem, as STraight FAX! has been
tested on 8 MHz ST's, 16 MHz accelerated ST's and Mega STe's, 33 MHz TT030's,
16 MHz Falcon030's, etc.

What do you mean by "breaking dialtone"?

> I have tried ST FAX on my Stacy only as atest to if it was the computor
it > works OK.  I know your support is only on line but, I am having diffic ty
as I > don't have much experience at telecomunicating. I would appreciate  a >
simplified explaination of how to go about uploading the sysinfo file for >
you to view

STraight FAX! support is available both on-line here on GEnie, via the Toad
Computers BBS, via EMail on the Internet to [e-mail], via
voice at 410-544-6943 during normal business hours on the east coast and via
FAX at 410-544-1329. All of these support locations are listed in the STraight
FAX! manual.

The SYSINFO.TXT file may be uploaded as an attacted file to a GEMail message
or you may send it as the text of a GEMail message. This is performed from the
Mail page on GEnie (MAIL or M200). If you are going to upload SYSINFO.TXT as
an attached file to a GEMail message, then you might want to first compress it
with a utility such as ARC, ST-ZIP, LHARC, etc. to reduce its size, which will
save you on the upload time. If you are going send it as the text of a GEMail
message, then from the message editor type *U (for upload), then use the ASCII
Upload feature of your terminal program to upload the SYSINFO.TXT file as
ASCII text. When the upload is finished, hit Control-C and the editor prompt
should return, the type *S to save the message.

Someone else here on GEnie (i.e. one of the Sysops) may be able to direct you
to a tutorial on how to send GEMail messages.

To: (David) D.FARRINGTO1, To: (Binary Ink) D.STMARTIN,

> acknowledgement prompt.  I did a couple things simultaneously; I swtiched to
> the HSMOD serial patch (available now in version 4 in the libraries here),

> I think I should say my serial patch program is HSMOD 4. I think I have is
set > up right.  Anyway I just tried going back to SERIAL20 and I tried HSMOD
4 with > QVFIX or OVFIX. I did not try SERIAL20 with OVFIX but I might later.
Results > the same so far, receiving fax times out and turns off.

The HS Modem 4 serial patch is not recommended and we do not guarantee that
STraight FAX! will operate with it. From our tests with HS Modem 4 (and its
earlier versions), it re-maps the baud rate codes that the Rsconf XBIOS call
uses to configure a serial port. As such, STraight FAX! is unable to set the
baud rate of the serial port to 19200 baud as is required for proper FAX
operation. This _may_ be OK for some FAX Modems, but it will prevent other FAX
Modems from working with STraight FAX!

The only serial patches we support are those contained on the STraight FAX!
master disk, which are supplied by Atari to correct documented bugs in the
serial port operation of various TOS versions and Serial Fix 2.0 from Medical
Designs software. We also support using BConMap 2 with Atari's FPATCH2 on the
Falcon030.

To: (Chuck) C.BINCKLEY,

> my MegaSTE. I have to use modem2 because I have a MIDI port expander
connected > to - and which only works with - modem1. I have flow control set
to RTS/CTS. > My FAX/modem is the PPI PM144MTII set at 14.4 BPS. My I/O
buffers are about > 16k.

Try Serial 2 on the Mega STe, its also an SCC serial port based. Also, try
XON/XOFF flow control and set the I/O buffers to 32767 bytes each (this memory
is only allocated during a send or when AUTO receive is enabled).

> The faxes in question are definitely normal-rez. I use ST high rez >
exclusively, so color monitor idiosyncracies don't apply. The question is: why
> does STFAX display the normal-rez fax at half-height (as if it was trying to
> display a fine-rez fax at normal-rez) while Gemview displays it correctly?

When STraight FAX! displays a FAX file or any other graphic file, it displays
each pixel one for one on the screen (within the window's area) to that of the
graphic. This causes a Normal Rez FAX to appear at half its true height. The
reason it is displayed this way, is to allow you to edit the FAX as any other
graphic would be. It also allows more of a Normal Rez FAX to be seen at one
time.

Now if you export a FAX file to an Image file (or other format), Normal Rez
FAX files will have each horizontal line doubled in the exported graphic file.
So if you export a Normal Rez FAX as an Image file, and then view it, you will
see the exported FAX at the true aspect ratio (on a mono monitor).

The GEM-View 3 load module for STraight FAX! (which we developed), also
doubles each line of a Normal Rez FAX, as this is also treated as an export
function.

BTW, In the next version of STraight FAX!, a new feature will be added: In the
View Window Popup Menu, when a FAX file is being viewed, instead of the "FAX
Size View" command being present in the popup, the command "Normal Rez View"
will be present if the FAX being displayed is Fine Rez and "Fine Rez View"
will be present if the FAX being displayed is Normal Rez. This will create a
new window with the original displayed FAX changed to the other FAX rez.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 133       Mon Dec 26, 1994
G.FUHRMAN [gnox]             at 19:42 EST

Charles,

Thanks again for another mine of information!  Love your explanation of the
problem faxing to Canada.  Hmmm, perhaps you can incorporate a fix for NAFTA
into STraight Fax?  ;)

      gnox
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 134       Mon Dec 26, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 17:57 PST

Charles,

Thanks very much for the information.  Happy Holidays.

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 137       Tue Dec 27, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 15:47 PST

Charles:

Thanks for your answers and I will try to clarify what I have been doing to
try to solve my problem.


 >There is a bug in the Class 2 Rockwell firmware that Supra uses that will
 >prevent the modem from properly initializing in Class 2 FAX Mode after it
has
 >been on-line in data mode (i.e. via Aladdin or any terminal program).

This is something I thought was resolved when I change my ROMs. I have a ZOOM
V.32bis modem, version ROM V2.00   TR14-Jxxx001 048, using ROCKWELL chip set
V.32AC.  My modem did return the characters and then a "OK". I think I will
contact ZOOM BBS and see if any upgrade chips are available. I have a MEGA STE
using TOS 2.06. Thinking about it I have not tried a "naked system" to the
problem fax machine. Maybe it's one of my TSR's?


 >If your modem supports both Class 1 and Class 2, then try the other FAX
Class.
 >See if this helps out. Have you verified that the single pages are actually
 >received OK on the other end?

I have tried both Class 1 & 2. During Class 1 the receive machine "times out"
during training. My modem settings are 99 seconds. This is the reason I get
from STFAX. With Class 2 everything seem to go fine, just not past 1 page.
They are receiving the faxes from me.  The single page comes through.

 >The only serial patches we support are those contained on the STraight FAX!
 >master disk, which are supplied by Atari to correct documented bugs in the
 >serial port operation of various TOS versions and Serial Fix 2.0 from
Medical
 >Designs software. We also support using BConMap 2 with Atari's FPATCH2 on
the
 >Falcon030.

I be switching back to Serial Fix 2.0 as of the end of this letter.

Thanks for your help. I will try a striped machine, look for new ROMs, and
change my patch program. I will try to find out the make of the offending fax
machine. I will let you know what happens. This process will take time. I only
fax them about once a month with bill and requests for parts. They are a
business and I can't just try anytime.

David  <><
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 139       Wed Dec 28, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 02:17 PST

Charles,

GEM-View is indeed a very convenient way to convert a jpeg to a FAX file, but
the results have been disappointing at times.  I need more direct control of
contrast and brightness.  If you are familar with PicSwitch 1.01, it allows
these things to be adjusted easily on GIFs. I have no similar tool for Jpegs.

I was just over in the Calligrapher topic lamenting the state of the GDOS
driver that Calligrapher uses to generate FAX files.  As you are aware, some
of Cal's effects (like shadowed boxes) do not translate correctly to FAX
format.  Figuring we'll never get Atari to fix their part of the driver, I'm
wondering whether Straight FAX! will ever accept postscript input?

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 141       Wed Dec 28, 1994
J.LINK3 [Red Oscar]          at 16:26 EST

To: C.S.SMETON

Thanks for clearing up the confusion between FAX Group and Class designations.
I've d/l'ed the SYSINFO file and the modem registers as Class 1 as you
thought.  I went ahead and ordered STraightFAX today. Guess if I can't get it
to work, we'll just have to find a way to make it!  Thanks again.

Jack

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 142       Wed Dec 28, 1994
P.NEREO [Philip]             at 21:50 PST

A friend is trying to set up STFax 2.10 on his TOS 2.06 Mega STE, and cannot
get the modem to send anything. It is a Cal Com modem, model 1442-Ex. It works
OK with Aladdin, and can receive faxes OK. When we try to run the modem test
in Sysinfo 2.1, it bombs right before the end of the test. On the modem label,
it says FAX CCITT V.29/27 TER V.21 Ch2, if that means anything to anyone.

Anyone heard anything about these modems?

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 144       Thu Dec 29, 1994
M.WEILERT2 [Matt]            at 12:51 PST

RE: msg 116

David,

As it turns out, I have an Engineer friend in Oakville I sent something to
snail mail and your msg gives me the excuse to fax him asking for a response
<g>. I'll post my results. Happy New Year!

Matt @ WeilInfo
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 145       Thu Dec 29, 1994
K.HULET                      at 21:36 EST

Does anyone know if Intel and Infocom 14.4 FAX modems will work with STraight
FAX? External versions of these are under $90.00.

Thanks......Ken
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 158       Fri Dec 30, 1994
C.BINCKLEY [-- Chuck --]     at 23:17 PST

Charles,

Thanks for the info! I'll try the serial2 port again, but like I said, I had a
lot of problems (mostly in Aladdin) when I was using serial2 instead of
modem2. Mainly a LOT of CRC errors during downloads. I'll let you know if I
can get it to work reliably.

The new VIEW features sound great, and the explanation of the appearance of
normal rez faxes in the viewer makes perfect sense - but why doesn't STFAX
double the pixel height of normal rez faxes when it PRINTS them?

Thanks again for the great support! -- Chuck --

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 169       Sun Jan 01, 1995
BRIAN.H [ST~SysOp]           at 17:40 EST

The thread on humour related to the Pentium and NAFTA is now present in:

 >Category 18,  Topic 15        Sun Jan 01, 1995
 >BRIAN.H [ST~SysOp]           at 16:14 EST
 >Sub: HUMOUR or a reasonable facsimile!!
 >
 >Here is the place to post humourous or in your mind humourous posts on
 >anything computer related. Don't be shy and post away. Please remember what
 >good and bad taste are and the rules of GEnie. HAVE SOME FUN!!! ENJOY!!


 ~~~~Brian H. Harvey
   ...  Written on Sunday 01 January 1995 at 06:18 p.m. AST

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 170       Sun Jan 01, 1995
C.S.SMETON [NewSTar Tech]    at 19:02 EST

 To All STraight FAX! Owners:

 Happy New Year 1995!

 We are currently looking at support for the following:

 1) NVDI 3 from 2B System Software in Germany, which is both a replacement
    for Speedo GDOS (supporting Speedo and True Type fonts) and a VDI screen
    accelerator.

    While NVDI 3 is a Speedo GDOS replacement, it does not use the existing
    printer drivers supplied with Speedo GDOS (4.xx or 5.xx). It has its
    own form of printer drivers (.SYS) that allow multiple printer support
    from two basic printer drivers, i.e. one for dot matrix pin printers
    (Epson FX, LQ, etc.) and one for page printers (i.e. HP Desk Jet, Laser
    Jet, etc.). NVDI 3 includes its own versions of the MEMORY.SYS,
    META.SYS and Atari SLM Laser Printer drivers that are included with
    Speedo GDOS. Also, NVDI 3 comes with a special Image file driver that
    will create standard Image files in a user selected resolution.

    Currently there is no STraight FAX! printer driver for use with NVDI 3,
    as the existing STraight FAX! Speedo GDOS printer driver will not work
    properly with NVDI 3. We are in the processs of contacting 2B System
    Software in Germany in order to obtain the necessary information to
    create a STraight FAX! for NVDI 3. Until that occurs, a workaround
    is available that will allow for sending of Fine Resolution FAXes by
    using the Image file driver set to 196 DPI.

    The STraight FAX! program (STFAX.PRG) is compatible with NVDI 3 and
    its supplied drivers for both printing of FAX/Image files and
    rendering of GEM Metafiles with the MEMORY.SYS driver.

    STraight FAX! 2.20 does have a small problem displaying the name of
    the selected printer driver in the Print Preferences with NVDI 3.
    This problem also occurs in the Page Setup of Atari Works and is
    due to the fact that NVDI 3 returns the driver name in a different
    format than the way the vrq_devinfo () call is defined by Atari.
    We have made changes that now recognize either way that the driver
    name is returned, which will be in the next release of STraight FAX!.
    However, the formatting of the driver name does not affect the actual
    printing process.

    NVDI 3 also presents itself (via the FSMC cookie) as if it is Speedo
    GDOS 5.00. This is the GDOS type that will be displayed in the
    Print Preferences with STraight FAX! as of version 2.20. The next
    release of STraight FAX! will detect that NVDI is the type of
    GDOS installed.

    The next release of the STraight FAX! Manager CPX will also be
    updated to support configuration of the STraight FAX! NVDI 3 driver
    (assuming it can be developed).

 2) HS Modem 4, the shareware serial port patch/enhancer from Germany.

    We are currently evaluating and testing STraight FAX! with this
    driver as an alternative to Serial Fix 2.0. HS Modem 4 has many
    options and some may not be supported (i.e. HS Modem has support
    for hardware modified serial ports).

    At this time we still recommend Serial Fix 2.0 for the ST compatible
    modem port (Modem 1).

    For those users who wish to experiment with HS Modem 4 (the latest
    version that we have seen), be aware of the following:

    HS Modem 4 allows creation of its own its own I/O Buffers for
    each of the serial ports drivers are installed for. These buffers
    may be up to 65534 bytes in size. If an installed buffer is
    larger than the buffer size specifed in the Modem Preferences,
    then the larger existing buffer will be used. If you use HS Modem 4,
    then other AUTO folder I/O buffer utilities such as the AUXINIT.PRG
    that comes with Gribnif's STalker 3 should be disabled.

    Other serial port patches such as Serial Fix 2.0, Atari's TOS 1.04 Fix 2,
    Atari's Serial Patch 2 and Bconmap 2 should be disabled when using
    HS Modem 4.

    Falcon030 users should still install FPATCH2.PRG before the
    HS Modem AUTO folder programs.

    Be sure to select the proper driver for the types of serial ports
    available on your computer and also try configuring the driver with
    the default configuration at first.

 3) Class 2.0 FAX Modems, such as the US Robotics Courier FAX Modems
    (which are Class 1 and Class 2.0) and the ZyXel FAX Modem (which are
    Class 2 and Class 2.0).

    In order to support Class 2.0, we need to first know if there is
    enough demand for it. Since the only FAX Modems that we know of
    currently that support Class 2.0 also support either Class 1 or
    Class 2, these FAX Modems can be used with the current version of
    STraight FAX!.

    We also will need one or more beta testers that have Class 2.0
    compatible FAX Modems. If anyone is interested, please contact
    us by private GEMail.


 To: F.ZIMMERMAN3,

 >  Yeah, I *like* these Pentium jokes! Ok..ok...we'll give the Pentium users
a
 > chance...(even though they can't run Straight Fax)....how about this:

 STraight FAX! does run on Pentium and 486 based systems under GEMulator.

 BTW, STraight FAX! does not seem to run (yet) under MagiC Mac, which is
 an Atari Emulator for 680x0 Macintosh computers from 2B System Software
 in Germany. But who knows, it might one day...

 To: C.BINCKLEY,

 > The new VIEW features sound great, and the explanation of the appearance of
 > normal rez faxes in the viewer makes perfect sense - but why doesn't STFAX
 > double the pixel height of normal rez faxes when it PRINTS them?

 STraight FAX! does print out Normal Resolution FAXes at the proper aspect
 ratio via GDOS. It does this by specifying the page size to print to, as
 such the GDOS driver performs the necessary scaling.

 To: S.BLACKBURN,

 > What is this thing about faxes being sent at 68% or whatever?  Faxes arn't
 > going through? Are they taxing faxes?

 It was meant as a joke, hence the smily face ;-) at the end of the message.

 I think we can all move the NAFTA and Pentium Jokes to the proper category
 now that the holidays are almost over.

 To: K.HULET,

 > Does anyone know if Intel and Infocom 14.4 FAX modems will work with
STraight
 > FAX? External versions of these are under $90.00.

 Intel FAX Modems that are Class 2 compatible should work with STraight FAX!
 2.20, provided that the Init String is set to \Q1 for XON/XOFF Flow
 Control and \Q3 for RTS/CTS flow control. The next version of STraight FAX!
 will detect the Intel FAX Modems (which are actually Rockwell chipsets with
 Exar/GVC firmware). The next version of STraight FAX! will also work in
 the Class 1 mode of the Intel/Exar/GVC FAX Modems, which operate in a
 similar manner to the AT&T FAX Modems (i.e. they break the Class 1 rules
 a bit).

 I am not directly familiar with the Infocom 14.4 FAX Modems, but if any
 one can send me a SysInfo report on them it might be helpful. Do you
 know if they are Class 1, Class 2 or both? (see the next message...)

 To: P.NEREO,

 > A friend is trying to set up STFax 2.10 on his TOS 2.06 Mega STE, and
cannot
 > get the modem to send anything. It is a Cal Com modem, model 1442-Ex. It
works
 > OK with Aladdin, and can receive faxes OK. When we try to run the modem
test
 > in Sysinfo 2.1, it bombs right before the end of the test. On the modem
label,
 > it says FAX CCITT V.29/27 TER V.21 Ch2, if that means anything to anyone.

 First, I would suggest that your friend upgrade to 2.20. Second, a SysInfo
 report on the Cal Com FAX Modem would be helpful if there are any partial
 results before it crashes. Third, if you can tell me a bit more about these
 FAX Modems such as are they know if they are Class 1, Class 2 or both, i.e
 what does AT+FCLASS=? return? What command do they use for Flow Control,
 i.e. AT&K4 and AT&K3 or AT\Q1 and AT\Q3 ? If the modem is Class 2, then
 enter Class 2 mode with AT+FCLASS=2 and then what do the commands AT+FREV?,
 AT+FMDL?, AT+FMFR?, AT+FBUF?, AT+FDCS=?, AT+FDIS=?, AT+FDCC=? and AT+FAA=?
 return? If its Class 1, then enter Class 1 mode with AT+FCLASS=1 and then
what
 do the commands AT+FTM=?, AT+FRM=?, AT+FRH=?, AT+FTH=? and AT+FAE=? return?
 What do the commands ATI3, ATI4 and ATI5 return?

 Also, you might want to try an older version of Sys Info, as version 2.10 may
 be doing something that is not in the older versions that is causing the
 crash. For instance, some FAX Modems such as the Intel and GVC respond
 to the AT&V command differently. They display a page of info, then require
 a carriage return to display another page of info, etc. Sys Info 2.10
 has problems with this, since it expects one page of info only from the
 AT&V command, as the Rockwell and most other FAX Modems do.

 BTW, Sys Info 2.10 tries some commands that STraight FAX! does not use. It
 does this in order to determine more information about the FAX Modem that
 is listed in the report. Some of these commands _could_ be the reason for
 the problems with some FAX Modems.

 To: MUSE,

 > I was just over in the Calligrapher topic lamenting the state of the GDOS
 > driver that Calligrapher uses to generate FAX files. As you are aware, some
 > of Cal's effects (like shadowed boxes) do not translate correctly to FAX
 > format.  Figuring we'll never get Atari to fix their part of the driver,
I'm
 > wondering whether Straight FAX! will ever accept postscript input?

 The problem with Calligrapher can be tied back to the developer's decision
 to use the obsolete orginal Atari GDOS 1.1 printer drivers instead of the
 Font GDOS deivers (which were available at the time it was developed) or even
 the newer Speedo GDOS drivers. Calligrapher 3 uses a built in form of GDOS
 (derived from Codehead's G+Plus I suspect), which also makes it a bit
 non-standard.

 You cant blame Atari for no longer supporting the original GDOS (1.x), when
 Font GDOS (2.x), FSM GDOS (3.x), Speedo GDOS (4.x and 5.x) have been
 developed since then.

 From what I have heard Working Title is no longer in business. That makes
 things even more difficult in the support area.

 Rendering PostScript files into a bitmapped format is an application in
itself.
 The UltraScript PostScript interpreter for the Atari never supported output
 to a graphic file format, although interestingly the PC version does support
 PCX and TIFF file output in various resolutions including FAX sizes. The
 CompoScript Postscript interpreter does have an Image file driver, and it
 _may_ (although I am not 100% sure) also support the same printer drivers
 that Compo's That's Write 3 uses, so the STraight FAX! That's Write 3 driver
 _may_ work with it. There is also the public domain GhostScript, which also
 may have some sort of Image file output support.

 To: Supra FAX Modem Users,

 Newer models of the Supra FAX Modems firmware have a new S register that
 will allow changing the way that the Silent Answer mode operates. The
 new S register is S192 and it is defined as follows (as per information
 found in the Supra support area on another on-line service and the Supra
 FTP site ftp.supra.com):

 -----------------
 S192 Special Function Control

  Bit (Decimal Value)
  0 (1)  Silent Answer Snoop Mode (1 is Default when SA mode is enabled)

    0 "Standard" Full CNG  (1100Hz tone for 500ms +/-15%, then a
        3000ms +/-15% period w/o a 1100Hz tone longer than 100ms.
        "Snoop" occurs for 3 seconds after each ring, and for
        12 seconds after the last ring.)

    1 "Fast" CNG Tone Only (1100Hz tone for 500ms +/-15%.
        "Snoop" occurs for 3 seconds after each ring, and for
        5 seconds after the last ring.  Voices, Music, or Signals
        containing 1100Hz for 500ms may cause false detection.)

  1 (2)  Reserved
  2 (4)  Reserved
  3 (8)  Reserved
  4 (16)  Reserved
  5 (32)  Reserved
  6 (64)  Reserved
  7 (128) Reserved
 -----------------

 The Supra FAX Modem can be tested to see if the firmware supports this
 S register by issuing it from a terminal program, i.e. if the command
 returns an ERROR response, then its not supported and if it returns an
 "OK" response it is supported. Try the commands ATS192=0 and ATS192=1.
 If the firmware does not support S192, then try contacting Supra about
 the available ROM upgrade options or Flash ROM upgrade options for the
 newer Supra 28.8 FAX Modems.

 If there is a problem with Silent Answer being able to properly detect
 the FAX CNG tone then try the following (assuming the command is supported
 in the firmware): Set/Add "S192=0" for Standard Mode or "S192=1" for Fast
 Mode to the Init String in the Modem Preferences in STraight FAX!.


 Charles Smeton
 NewSTar Technology Management
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 171       Mon Jan 02, 1995
AEO.1 [Albert Dayes]         at 00:36 EST

Charles,

GhostScript does support a few different image formats for output. I have not
tested them very much but the newest version 2.6.1 is in the library.

-- Albert @ AEO
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 172       Mon Jan 02, 1995
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 12:39 CST

 >Exactly which Radio Shack gizmo are you using and how is it
 >connected? Is this the device that will hangup an older type
 >answering machine that does not automatically hang up when another
 >extension (in this case the FAX Modem) picks up?
 >There may be a problem with the way everyting is connected.

It's the DuoFone TeleProtector,Voice and Data guard. This device actually just
seems to disconnect the answering machine from the phone line when someone
picks up the phone or the modem picks up the phone. I don't believe this has
any thing to do with my problem, because when ever I experience this problem
with the modem hanging up the phone. I always turn off the answering machine
and try that, and also I try to do a manual receive Fax.

 >Have you tried to receive a FAX without Silent Answer enabled, i.e.
 >with the FAX Modem directly connected into the phone line?
 >
 I have the Fax Modem directly connected to the phone line. The wall jack has
a line splitter on it, the phone is in one socket and the modem is in the
other.

The answering machine is on the other side of the room, first the DuoFone
TeleProtector then the Answering machine.

I have played with Slient Answer on and off and there doesn't seem to be any
difference.

I will say however that when I first purchased the modem, auto receive and
silent answer didn't work and I had sent the modem back for repair; TWICE, for
the same reason. To my knowledge it has been working fine ever since.

 >> Is there something else that may go wrong if by some chance My
 >>Modem cable  doesn't support DTR and CD? How do you recommend that I
 >>test my cable?

 > If you have an Ohmmeter, then test the RS-232
 >cable to verify that all the lines are connected. DTR is connected to
 >pin 20 and CD is connected to pin 8 on a standard DB-25 RS-232 cable.


All the lines are connected properly in my cables. According to the TT manual
Pin 20 of a DB-25 RS-232,is connected to pin 2(receive Data); on the TT. And
pin 8 on the DB-25, is connected to pin 5(ground), on the TT.

So that means that the CD is connected to ground. Is this correct?

It seems to me that pin 8 on the DB-25, should be connected to pin #1,(carrier
detect) on the TT(DB-9).

Now according to the 25 to 9 pin adapter, Pin 7 of the DB-25 is connected to
the carrier detect pin on the TT,(pin #1).

This is at least the way my 25pin to 9pin adapter does it.

 >You can also do the following to verify the Check CD function.
 >
 >From a terminal program, type the command AT&C0. The CD LED should
 >light up on the RS-232 mini tester or a FAX Modem that has a CD LED
 >(unfortunately the Supra V.32/V.32bis FAX modems show the CD status
 >with the 2 digit alphanumeric display and only show display 'CD' when
 >a true carrier is present). Now save this into the FAX Modem setup
 >with the AT&W command, then try initializing a Auto receive in
 >STraight FAX! with Check CD active. If the CD can be detected, you
 >should see the warning alert box that the modem is in use.
 > I Don't get any warning at all. And the modem only displays an OK.

 >There is a bug in the Class 2 Rockwell firmware that Supra uses that
 >will prevent the modem from properly initializing in Class 2 FAX Mode
 >after it has been on-line in data mode (i.e. via Aladdin or any
 >terminal program). This bug may be corrected in the newer Rockwell
 >chipsets that Supra uses, but I think it is still in the
 >chipset/firmware you have. You will need to toggle the modem power
 >after using it in data mode, before using it in Class 2 FAX Mode. If
 >you use Class 1 FAX Mode, then there will not be a problem.

 >Try the following:
 >
 >Use the modem in data mode as normal with your terminal program.
 >
 >After you hangup, issue the command:
 >
 >AT+FLID?
 >
 >You should see several lines of text as the response. The text that
 >appears is actually buffered characters from the last data
 >connection. If you just get an OK response, with no other text, then
 >your FAX Modem has the bug corrected. If it does, then toggle the
 >modem's power and try the command again. This time you should just
 >get the OK response.

When I had My modem in for repairs, Supra upgraded the Chip sets.

All I get is an OK, so I guess that means that this bug is not present in my
modem.

I will test this again however, and I guess this is the first reason why I may
need to upgrade My TOS, I was holding off on upgrading only because I never
noticed any thing wrong with my system and 3.06 doesn't really offer any new
and improved features. I was kinda of hoping for a new version of TOS that may
support MultiTOS or something else new and improved. I haven't had a real need
for 1.44 floppies.

Thanks again for all your help, does it seem that TOS 3.05 is the problem?
Because I don't seem to detect that anything is wrong with my current system
setup. Please advise!

Steve Kaleita :)
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 173       Mon Jan 02, 1995
S.KALEITA [SAK]              at 14:48 CST

Sorry...My last post was to Charles.

Steve kaleita
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 174       Mon Jan 02, 1995
C.BINCKLEY [-- Chuck --]     at 14:29 PST

Charles,

Reading back through the messages in this topic, I came across some references
to the Practial Peripherals PM144MTII faxmodem regarding problems with SYSINFO
getting information from it. Specifically:

 >The next version of SysInfo will try AT+FDIS=?, AT+FDCS=? and
 >AT+FDCC=? until a non ERROR response is received. Most Class 2 FAX
 >Modems support all of these commands, but the PPI FAX Modems do not.

After some experimenting, I found that the PPI is inconsistent in it's use of
the "=" character - with some commands it produces an ERROR, with others, NOT
using it produces an ERROR, and with still others, you get get what appear to
be the same results but in different formats with and without the "=". FYI,
these are the results I got:

 WITH "=":                               WITHOUT "=":
 --------------------------------------  ----------------------------
 at+frev=?                               at+frev?
 ERROR                                   Version 1.03
                                         OK

 at+fmdl=?                               at+fmdl?
 ERROR                                   PM14400FXMT [40R4]
                                         OK

 at+fmfr=?                               at+fmfr?
 ERROR                                   (c) Practical Peripherals...
                                         OK

 at+ftm=?                                at+ftm?
 24,48,72,73,74,96,97,98,121,122,145,146 ERROR
 OK

 at+frm=?                                at+frm?
 24,48,72,73,74,96,97,98,121,122,145,146 ERROR
 OK

 at+fth=?                                at+fth?
 3                                       ERROR
 OK

 at+frh=?                                at+frh?
 3                                       ERROR
 OK

 at+flid=?                               at+flid?
 (20),(32-127)                           [BLANK LINE...]
 OK                                      OK

 at+fdcs=?                               at+fdcs?
 ERROR                                   0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
                                         OK

 at+fdis=?                               at+fdis?
 (0,1),(0-5),0,(0-2),(0),(0),(0),(0-7)   1,5,0,2,0,0,0,0
 OK                                      OK

 at+fdcc=?                               at+fdcc?
 (0,1),(0-5),0,(0-2),(0),(0),(0),(0-7)   1,5,0,2,0,0,0,0
 OK                                      OK

 at+fclass=?                             at+fclass?
 0,1,2                                   000
 OK                                      OK

You can pass this on to Toad for future versions of SYSINFO, or I'll email it
to them later. Hope it helps in some way...

-- Chuck --

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 175       Mon Jan 02, 1995
M.RIVMAN1 [MATT]             at 18:30 EST

Charles,

As always, the amount of information you deliver is astounding!

Thanks for the info, and best wishes for a happy and successful '95,

Matt
 ------------