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1991-02-15
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78KB
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REGISTRATION FORM
Mail To: Hedish and Associates
21324 Alder Drive, Suite 102
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
USA
Name:________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Telephone:___________________________________________________________
[ ] AutoMate Registration....................................$ 20.00
Includes AutoMate registration, diskette, & Vox2Host
[ ] Overseas Shipping........................................$ 3.00
Total: $________
Payment Method: [ ] Check [ ] Money Order
(Payment must be in US funds)
Diskette Size: [ ] 3.5" Floppy Diskette [ ] 5.25" Floppy Diskette
There is no additional charge for 3.5" diskettes.
I obtained AutoMate from:
[ ] A friend [ ] BBS _____________________
[ ] Computer Club [ ] Third Party Vendor
[ ] User's Group [ ] Other ___________________
A u t o M a t eTM
Automated Communication Script
Version 1.2
(C) Copyright 1991 Marc S. Hedish
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................... 1
What You Need...................................................... 2
Registering AutoMate............................................... 3
Disclaimer......................................................... 4
Installation....................................................... 5
Commands.......................................................... 11
BeginRecording................................................ 11
ChangePassword................................................ 11
DeleteMail..................................................... 12
DeleteRecording................................................ 12
DeleteReplies.................................................. 12
EndRecording................................................... 12
ExchangeMail................................................... 13
GetBulletins................................................... 13
GetFiles....................................................... 14
GetMail........................................................ 15
JoinConference................................................. 15
LogOff......................................................... 16
LogOn.......................................................... 16
Quit........................................................... 16
SendFiles...................................................... 17
SendReplies.................................................... 18
SetDLPath...................................................... 18
SetMailDoor.................................................... 19
SetType........................................................ 19
SetULPath...................................................... 20
Term........................................................... 20
Operation.......................................................... 21
AMDial............................................................. 23
Common Problems.................................................... 29
How To Obtain Help................................................. 30
Credits............................................................ 31
Sample Note Files.................................................. 32
Index.............................................................. 35
INTRODUCTION
AutoMate was originally designed to be used with The Forbin Project's
communication package, Qmodem, to allow Qmodem to call a PCBoard and
automatically log on, send and receive MarkMail, DjMail, KMail, Qmail,
& MegaMail mail packets, send and receive files, and log off.
Beginning with version 1.2 AutoMate supports GAP and Spitfire bulletin
boards as well. Version 1.2 will also work with Qmodem's built-in
Host Mode. We've also added MarkMail 2.0, SFMail and The Complete
Mail Door to the list of supported mail doors. In addition, AutoMate
will now work with PCBoards in which the Sysop has modified the
command prompts to include the user name.
AutoMate has been tested with Qmodem 4.0 - 4.2F, PCBoard 12.X - 14.5,
GAP 5.0, Spitfire 3.0, MarkMail, DjMail, KMail, Qmail, and MegaMail,
SFMail, The Complete Mail Door.
By using AutoMate's companion, AMDial, you can set up automated
sessions to run at a specific time of the day. This feature should
save tremendously on your telephone bill since, for example, you can
now download that 500K+ file at 4:00 a.m. when the rates are lower.
In effect, AutoMate allows you the freedom of "Auto BBSing".
It also saves time since you don't have to babysit the session issuing
commands as you go along. Your entire session can be carried out for
you while you are fast asleep.
AutoMate is unique in that the commands which it will execute are
stored in Qmodem's attached note files. This allows you to store and
use a different set of commands and parameters for each of the entries
in your dialing directory. This also makes it possible to have one
script which will work on as many different boards as you wish to
call.
The command file (Qmodem Attached Note File) can be edited on the fly
while in Qmodem by using the built-in Full Screen Editor (@FSE) or any
other text editor (QEdit, TED, etc.) without leaving Qmodem.
AutoMate's companion dialer, AMDial, can also limit the number of busy
re-tries and set an beginning and ending dialing time. This should be
of particular importance to SysOps and long distance callers. Long
distance callers can now tell AutoMate to begin dialing after
11:00 p.m. and stop calling at 6:00 a.m. to obtain the best possible
phone rates. SysOps can use the end time to insure their EVENT.SYS
will be concluded by a particular time rather than be left in Qmodem's
dialing queue until a connection is made.
WHAT YOU NEED
Qmodem! AutoMate was designed to work with Qmodem versions 4.0 and
above. Any version you currently have installed should work correctly
with AutoMate and AMDial as long as it is in the 4.XX series.
All hardware requirements are that of Qmodem.
AutoMate requires approximately 28K of disk space in your Qmodem
Scripts directory. In addition to this the command files you will be
using require less than 2K of disk space each.
REGISTERING AUTOMATE
AutoMate is fully functional Shareware. You may try it, use it, and
share it with others (in its original unmodified form). It is not
free software nor public domain software. If you use AutoMate for
more than 30 days you are required to pay for and register the
program.
Your registration will provide you with the following...
The latest version of AutoMate with complete documentation.
The author's voice support telephone number. Registered users may
contact the author directly with any questions about AutoMate.
A registered copy of another add-in for Qmodem by the author,
VOX2HOST.
VOX2HOST lets you share your data and voice lines. Your computer can
always be ready to enter a host mode and it shares that line with your
voice line. Call, let it ring once, hang up and call back within 90
seconds and you are placed in Qmodem's Host mode. If a normal voice
call comes in it does not affect the host. It can also page you when
a voice call is received. VOX2HOST also keeps a log of the calls
received. It is also useful to share your data line with a FAX line.
Normal FAX messages are answered uninterrupted by the fax machine,
with the added capability of paging you; also data calls can be
answered by the host.
Your registration also guarantees future development of AutoMate as
well as other products. As new mail doors and bulletin board formats
emerge, AutoMate will be updated to work with these... but only if
there is support from its users.
To register AutoMate and receive the above, send a $20.00 check or
money order (U.S. Funds) to...
Marc Hedish
c/o Hedish and Associates
21324 Alder Drive, Suite 102
Santa Clarita, CA 91321-4240
Please specify disk size. There is no additional charge for 3.5"
disks. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Multiple copy discounts for
SysOps, user groups and clubs are available.
DISCLAIMER
The author makes no warranty of any kind, either express or implied,
including but not limited to any warranties or merchantability and/or
fitness for a particular purpose with respect to this software and/or
accompanying documentation. The author shall not be liable for any
damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising
from the use of this product.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY
LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION
OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM.
INSTALLATION
To use AutoMate, simply place it in your Qmodem scripts directory and
attach the script to the PCBoards in your dialing directory through
the [R]evise command. If you are unsure of how to attach AutoMate to
the entries in your dialing directory consult the Qmodem manual for
more information.
+============= Revise Entry ==============+
| Name Absolut(e)ly Temporary |
| Number 1-702-254-8601 |
| Password PASSWORD |
| Script AUTOMATE |
| Baud Rate 19200 |
| Data Bits 8 |
| Parity N |
| Stop Bits 1 |
| Duplex F |
| Protocol G |
| Last Call 02/14/91 |
| Times On 853 |
+================================F1 Help==+
It is recommended that you set Qmodem's Auto-Increment function to ON
via Qinstall's Alt-N/P/T/A and the Overwrite files function set to OFF
via Qinstall's Alt-N/P/T/O. This combination has been found to be
best. If a file already exists and AutoMate tries to download the
same file (this applies to .QWK files too) it will leave the old one
intact and Qmodem will automatically save the new one under an
incremented name. You can then decide later which one(s) to keep, it
is entirely up to you.
The second step is to add AutoMate commands to your attached note
files. Don't worry about losing any of the important information you
have stored there. AutoMate will not affect your current use of the
note files. You may continue to store any other information in
addition to the AutoMate commands.
To do this, call up the dialing directory [ALT]+[D] and press [N] to
update a Note. Whether or not you are storing any other information
in the note file is irrelevant. AutoMate will look for it's own
keyword and ignore the rest of the note file. All text above
AutoMate's name is ignored. The following is a sample note files
which you can use as a starting point.
+========================= Full Screen Edit =========================+
| Line 15 Col 1 Insert Indent C:SAMPLE |
|Sample Note File for use with AutoMate |
| |
|Board: Absolut(e)ly Temporary |
|Sysop: Charles Shapiro |
|Modem: Courier HST |
| |
|The home of AutoMate! |
| |
|AutoMate |
|Marc Hedish |
|AT-MM.QWK |
|AT-MM.REP |
|9 |
|F |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
+====================================================================+
The sample shows the use of the AutoMate key word. It must be
spelled correctly. AutoMate will search for it's name. If it is not
found you will be given an error message stating that there are no
commands in the note file. (See page 33, example 4)
The next line is the name you use on this particular board. This way
you can be "JOHN DOE" on one board and "JOHNNY DOE" on another without
having to change the script. For SysOps this will allow you to call
the same board both as yourself and also under your board's name for
network mail runs.
The next two lines are the name of the .QWK and .REP files used in the
mail doors. This is different for each board. In the case of QMail
these are the .DL and .UL files respectively and for SFMail these are
the SFMAIL.ZIP and SFMAIL.REP files.
The next line is the door number for the mail door. Do not place the
words "OPEN" or "DOOR" here. All that is needed is the door number.
For Spitfire boards this would be the command letter used in the
message menu to open SFMail (usually M or S).
The next line is the protocol used in the mail door. Since most mail
doors do not support batch protocols you can specify a protocol here
which is different from the one you use to send and receive files.
This may or may not be the same as your default protocol. It is only
here so you have the option of using two different protocols, one for
mail transfers and one for file transfer. Again, this may be
different for each board. In the case of Qmail 4.0, this protocol
will be used regardless of which is set as your default in Qmail.
If you have not chosen a default protocol for MarkMail 2.0 and SFMail,
AutoMate will use whatever protocol you designate here. If you are
using anything other than Qmail and wish to use /G protocols choose
"F" (1K-Xmodem/G) rather than "G" (Ymodem/G). Inside the mail doors
these are functionally identical since only one file is being
transferred rather than a batch of files. Using "G" will cause
AutoMate to not work properly due to the way in which the commands are
passed to the mail doors.
The first six lines give AutoMate all the information it needs to work
with the board you are calling. They must be placed in the note file
and must be in the prescribed order. No AutoMate commands may be
placed above the protocol line.
Once these lines are written into the note file all that is necessary
to change what AutoMate will do is to change the lines which follow
the protocol line.
Starting with this version AutoMate allows you to "comment out" any of
the commands contained in the note file. You may also add comments in
the note files which will be ignored. To comment out a particular
command simply add any character (e.g. a period, asterisk, letter,
etc.) followed by a space before the command. This will tell AutoMate
to ignore the line.
You may, if you wish, add any notes in the middle of the command list
as long as the line contains at least one space betweens words.
AutoMate 1.2 will treat this too as a comment line.
If you are going to comment out a command which has parameters on the
following lines (e.g. SendFiles, JoinConference) you must comment out
the parameter line as well or AutoMate will attempt to execute this as
a command and will hang.
+========================= Full Screen Edit =========================+
| Line 15 Col 1 Insert Indent C:SAMPLE |
| |
|Board: Absolut(e)ly Temporary |
|Sysop: Charles Shapiro |
|Modem: Courier HST |
| |
|AutoMate |
|Marc Hedish |
|AT-MM.QWK |
|AT-MM.REP |
|9 |
|F |
|SetType * <--<< Command followed by a space and asterisk |
|* DeleteRecording <--<< Asterisk followed by space |
|BeginRecording |
|LogOn |
|Walk the dog <--<< Words seperated by spaces |
|/ DeleteMail <--<< Slash followed by space |
|ExchangeMail |
|End World Hunger. <--<< Words seperated by spaces |
|LogOff |
|DeleteReplies |
+====================================================================+
Now is when the fun begins!
The following are the commands for AutoMate. They may be used in any
order, but some common sense must be used. It would not make a lot of
sense to DeleteMail just after the GetMail command! For example, it
is up to you whether you want to send your replies before you get the
new mail or not.
BeginRecording ChangePassword DeleteMail DeleteRecording
DeleteReplies EndRecording ExchangeMail GetBulletins
GetFiles GetMail JoinConference LogOn LogOff Quit SendFiles
SendReplies SetDLPath SetMailDoor SetType SetULPath Term
The commands are case-insensitive but placed in mixed case (as above)
makes it easier to read. They must, however, be spelled as above.
Each command must be placed on a separate line by itself. (See below)
Usually, the first thing to do is LogOn. This command uses the name
you have stored in the note file and the password stored in the
dialing directory. Be sure to have the correct password stored in
your dialing directory. If you wish to have the session conducted
with ANSI graphics use LogOnG rather then LogOn.
You may wish to use the BeginRecording command before logging on so
that this too is recorded to the .CAP file. You may use AutoMate
starting with any of the commands.
AutoMate can be used for transfers once you are already on a
particular BBS. Since AutoMate 1.2 now works with a variety of BBS
software you must use the SetType command so that AutoMate will be
able to determine which type of BBS it is speaking with. Use the
SetType command in place of the LogOn (LogOnG) command in your note
file.
Once you have completed your transfers, you have some options. You
can use LogOff to log yourself off the board. If you are in a mail
door, AutoMate will now logoff inside of the mail door rather than
return to the BBS first. This will shorten the length of calls on
boards which load their mail doors through DDoor. The Term command
will stop the script and leave you in Qmodem's terminal mode while
still logged on the BBS. This allows you to work interactively with
PCBoard without having to make an additional call.
The Quit command will cause AutoMate to leave Qmodem altogether and
return you to DOS. (Be sure to LogOff before using Quit or Qmodem
will just hang up on the BBS. This is not considered a very nice
thing to do.)
COMMANDS
BeginRecording - This command allows you to capture the session to
AutoMate's capture file. It will be named
AUTOMATE.CAP and will be in your script directory.
This is useful for middle of the night mail runs
if you wish to double-check the session. It is
not always necessary, since your session log will
show the successful file uploads and downloads.
(If you are experiencing troubles with AutoMate
please use this command to capture the session in
question before you contact us for help.)
ChangePassword - This command allows you to change your password
for a particular board anytime you wish. It is
not available on Qmodem Host Mode systems.
Place this command on a single line, followed by
the new password you wish on the following line.
On PCBoard and GAP systems the new password will
not be visible during the session. AutoMate will
verify that the new password was indeed received
correctly before moving on to the next command.
If it was not, the session log will be stamped
stating the password was not changed.
The password will be visible on Spitfire systems.
This is a deficiency in Spitfire. Caution must be
exercised when using this command on Spitfire. Be
sure no one around to view the monitor when
executing this command.
If the password was accepted, the session log will
simply note that the password has been changed.
After a session in which you change your password,
don't forget to change the password in your
Dialing Directory as well. If you fail to change
the password in the dialing directory, AutoMate
will not be able to connect the next time.
DeleteMail - Automatically deletes, if it exists, the .QWK
(.DL, .ZIP) mail packet of the current connection.
AutoMate will look in your Qmodem download
directory for the mail packet named in the command
file. Use this command before the GetMail command
to delete the old mail packet before downloading
the new one. This is not necessary if you want to
have Qmodem save the new file via its auto-
increment function. Some readers - such as SLMR -
allow you to delete the .QWK file after having
read it. For those readers which don't, this will
help in keeping your mail straight as only the
current mail packet will remain on your disk. If
the deletion is unsuccessful the session log will
be stamped accordingly. If the .QWK file is not
found, AutoMate will move on to the next command.
DeleteRecording - Automatically deletes the capture file created by
the BeginRecording command. Use this command
before the BeginRecording command to ensure the
capture file created is for this particular
session only as AutoMate normally appends
recording sessions. If unsuccessful, the session
log will note this. If the .CAP file is not
found, AutoMate will move on to the next command.
DeleteReplies - Automatically deletes the reply packet for the
current connection. Use this command after the
SendReplies command to delete the reply packet
from your disk. If the deletion is unsuccessful,
the session log will note this. If the .REP file
is not found, AutoMate will move on to the next
command.
EndRecording - This will end the session recording which was
started by the BeginRecording command. Both
BeginRecording and EndRecording may be placed
anywhere in the command file, and may be used more
than once. If there is just one part which is
important to check, you can place the
BeginRecording and EndRecording commands around
that command only.
ExchangeMail - Opens the mail door and sends the reply packet if
it exists. After sending the reply packet,
ExchangeMail will retrieve the mail packet. This
command is similar to issuing a SendReplies
command followed by a GetMail command with the
following exception: ExchangeMail will not exit
the mail door and re-enter it.
If you are using MegaMail you must use the
ExchangeMail command rather than the
SendReplies/GetMail combination. This is due to
the way MegaMail works. It requires an upload of
the reply packet before it will download any new
messages.
This command is not available on Qmodem Host
boards.
GetBulletins - This is only available on PCBoard systems.
Retrieves from PCBoard the bulletins following
this command in the note file. Place the number
of the bulletin(s) you wish on the line following
this command. If you wish to retrieve more than
one bulletin place the additional bulletins
number(s) on the same line. You may also use
PCBoard's "A" command to retrieve All the
bulletins. AutoMate will use the protocol
specified in the dialing directory for the
connected board.
This command is helpful in retrieving bulletins
which are not updated frequently if at all. The
mail doors will retrieve new bulletins where this
command allows you to retrieve any bulletin you
wish.
If you choose to download more than one bulletin
at a time or use the "A" command you must use a
batch protocol. If the download requires a batch
protocol and you have not specified a batch
protocol in the dialing directory the command will
be aborted and an appropriate message will be
stamped in the session log.
GetFiles - Retrieves from the current connection the files
following this command in the note file. Each
filename must be listed on consecutive lines and
the file list must terminate by placing a single
asterisk (*) on the line after the last filename.
AutoMate will use the default protocol stored in
Qmodem's dialing directory.
You can use globals in the filenames if you wish
but you must be careful. You may get more files
than you bargained for! For example, it is not
recommend to use GetFiles followed by A*.ZIP!
Your transfer protocol should also support batch
file transfers if you are going to use globals.
AutoMate will make up to three attempts to
download each file. If it is still unsuccessful,
AutoMate will abort that file and move on to the
next file or command. Any failure will be noted
in your session log.
If downloads have been disabled for any reason
(e.g. an impending event) AutoMate will abort the
attempt and move on to the next command in the
command file.
On PCBoard systems if the particular file you
request is password protected simply place the
password on the line following the filename. When
prompted, AutoMate will send this in response to
the password request.
GetMail - Opens the mail door and retrieves the mail packet
automatically. AutoMate normally stores the mail
packet in your Qmodem download directory. Three
separate attempts will be made to download the
mail packet, after which AutoMate will stamp your
session log with a note telling of the failure and
will then move on to the next command. If there
are no new messages for you, AutoMate will move on
to the next command.
AutoMate will automatically detect which of the
seven supported mail doors it is working with and
adjust accordingly. The only exception to this
rule is Qmail. In order for AutoMate to detect
the Qmail door you must configure the Qmail door
for "extended prompts". (See chapter 3, page 5 of
the Qmail 4.0 manual for more information.)
This command does not apply to Qmodem Host
systems.
JoinConference - This is available on PCBoard and GAP systems only.
This command will let you selectively join and
abandon conferences. Since some boards have the
mail doors accessible only in certain
conferences, AutoMate has the ability to select,
by number, the conference you are in at any time.
Place this command on a single line, followed by
the conference number you wish to join on the
following line.
JoinConference
11
GetMail
JoinConference
0
JoinConference is also helpful in sending uploads
to a specific conference. By using JoinConference
before the SendFiles command you can be assured
the file you are sending will be posted within the
correct conference.
LogOff - Logs off the current connection using [G]oodbye
command. AutoMate will then wait for the "NO
CARRIER" response from your modem before
continuing. This is to make sure you are indeed
logged off correctly. If after 10 seconds
AutoMate does not receive the "NO CARRIER"
response it will send a hang up command. This was
added in beta testing to work with such networks
as StarLink.
LogOn - Logs on, in Non-Graphic mode, to the board with
which Qmodem just connected. LogOn uses the
password from the dialing directory. If you wish
to have the session conducted with ANSI graphics
on simply append a "G" to the LogOn command. In
other words LogOn will select Non-Graphics and
LogOnG will select Graphic mode.
On PCBoards, it also issues a "CHAT U" command so
that no one will try and chat with a script on
multi-node boards.
If you are calling a Qmodem Host system it is
recommended that the host be setup as a closed
rather than open system. If it is an open system,
AutoMate will log you in as a new user under the
name of N Q with a password of NS. This is due to
the automatic board determintation. AutoMate will
function normally if the host has been set up as a
closed board.
Quit - This command will exit AutoMate and QModem return-
ing you to the DOS prompt. Don't forget to LogOff
first or you may upset your favorite SysOp!
SendFiles - Uploads the listed files to the connection
automatically. Each filename must be on a
separate line. For PCBoard and Spitfire the line
after the filename will be sent as the description
of the file. For GAP boards the line after the
filename is used to designate whether the file
will be public or private. This should be either
an "N" (Public) or "Y" (private) and will be sent
in response to the board's prompt. Following that
line the next will be sent as the list of
keywords. The line after these keywords will be
sent as the file description. Qmodem Host boards
do not accept a file description. As such, just
place the filenames in the list without any
description lines.
For PCBoard and GAP boards, you can send multiple
line descriptions my placing the ^M combination in
the middle of the line as follows...
SendFiles
SAMPLE.ZIP
This is a sample of a long file^Mdescription. Wow!
*
You can send multi line descriptions by using the
method listed above. Be aware that some SysOps
limit the number of lines in a description.
If uploads have been disabled for any reason (e.g.
an impending event, no upload space left, etc.)
AutoMate will not attempt the upload and will move
on to the next command in the command file.
AutoMate will check for notification that the file
is already posted on the board. If it is not
posted three attempts will be made to post the
file before AutoMate stamps your session log and
moves on to the next file. When there are no more
files to upload, AutoMate will move on to the next
command.
SendReplies - Opens the mail door and sends reply packet from
Qmodem's upload directory or the directory
specified by the SetULPath command. As with the
GetMail command, Automate will make three separate
attempts to upload the mail packet. If the upload
is unsuccessful, AutoMate will stamp your session
log with a note telling you of the failure and will
then move on to the next command. If the .REP
file is not found, AutoMate will move on to the
next command.
This command does not apply to Qmodem Host boards.
SetDLPath - This command is new to version 1.2. It overrides
the default download path for both file and mail
transfers. This is particularly helpful for
SFMail transfers so the SFMAIL.ZIP file can
automatically be placed in the same directory as
the reader.
It's also helpful for anyone who wishes to keep
their mail packets in separate directories from
their .ZIP files.
To use SetDLPath, just place this command on a
line and place the fully qualified DOS path you
wish to use on the following line. You must end
this path with the ending backslash (\). AutoMate
will then use this path for all file downloads in
place of the default. You may use this command as
often as you wish.
The selected path must not be empty. In order for
AutoMate to verify the selected path as being
valid the designated directory must have at lease
one file. This file may be deleted after the
directory is selected. If the directory is either
empty or invalid, AutoMate will use Qmodem's
default download directory. The session log will
be stamped with failure.
SetMailDoor - Changes the door number to be sent for
ExchangeMail, SendReplies, and GetMail. Simply
place this command on a line by itself and place
the new door number (or letter in the case of
Spitfire) on the following line.
This will override the door number (letter) from
the note file. This command was added to allow
network SysOps to download both personal and
network mail during the same connect rather than
have to hangup and call back.
Used in combination with the SetULPath/SetDLPath
commands you could open one door for personal mail
and then change the upload and download paths and
open a different door for network mail during the
same call.
SetType - This command takes the place of the LogOn/LogOnG
command when already connected to a board.
AutoMate detects the board type during LogOn.
Once already connected you could not use the LogOn
command. Simply use this command before any other
commands which work with the board to determine
the board type. Once AutoMate determines this it
will be displayed in the Status Window next to the
words "Current Connection".
SetULPath - Overrides the default upload path for both file
and mail transfers. The syntax is that of the
SetDLPath command.
The selected path must not be empty. In order for
AutoMate to verify the selected path as being
valid the designated directory must have at lease
one file. This file may be deleted after the
directory is selected. If the directory is either
empty or invalid, AutoMate will use Qmodem's
default upload directory. The session log will be
stamped with failure.
You could use this command to upload files from
any directory rather than have to first move the
file into Qmodem's upload directory.
Term - Halts Automate and returns you to Qmodem's
Terminal Mode. You can then take control over the
rest of your session.
OPERATION
AutoMate's operation is automatic. As long as you specify AutoMate as
the attached script in Qmodem's dialing directory it will execute
automatically once Qmodem connects.
AutoMate will ignore all lines in the note file until it sees the word
AutoMate on a single line.
This means that if you wish to place additional information in the
Note file you can either place it above all AutoMate commands or
place all other information below AutoMate and end the AutoMate com-
mands with Quit or Term.
You may end the note file by using the Quit command, Term command or
by not having any more lines in the note file.
AutoMate checks for ONLINE status after the execution of each command.
This way it is able to tell if the last operation was completed or
aborted due to an offline situation.
AutoMate 1.2 will automatically determine which of the four supported
BBS types it is communicating with and adjust accordingly. This is
detected by the LogOn command. It is also set by the SetType command
once online.
On PCBoards, AutoMate will automatically determine if it is in ProDoor
and download and upload files correctly. As you know, ProDoor uses a
slightly different method for starting a transfer. AutoMate will also
automatically determine which of the seven supported mail doors it is
speaking with and will adjust accordingly. If you are using Qmail, be
sure to configure the door for "extended prompts".
Once AutoMate takes control it will display a status window on the
upper section of your screen. This status window shows which board
you are connected to, the current command and any error messages.
+===================== AutoMate Status Window =====================+
| Current Connection - PCBoard Current Command Parameter |
| ---------------------------------- ---------------- ------------ |
| Absolut(e)ly Temporary GetFiles AM120.ZIP |
| Recording Session to C:\QMODEM\SCRIPTS\AUTOMATE.CAP |
+==================================================== Version 1.2 =+
MULTI-LANGUAGE CONFIGURATIONS
AutoMate can communicate with PCBoards which have been configured for
multi-language capability.
Many of the better boards use PCB's multi-language capability to allow
the SysOp the freedom to modify his command prompts etc. while
maintaining a standard set for use by scripts and session managers
such as AutoMate.
If the board you are calling has the default language set for
"scripts" or "default prompts" you need do nothing. AutoMate will
handle the "language" prompt automatically.
If the SysOp has chosen to have standard PCB prompts as anything other
than the default language you need only add one line to your note file
for that board.
Place the language number on the line immediately following the
transfer protocol to be used in the mail doors. Do not place anything
other than the number of the language to use on this line.
+========================= Full Screen Edit =========================+
| Line 15 Col 1 Insert Indent C:SAMPLE |
|Sample Note File for use with AutoMate |
| |
|Board: Absolut(e)ly Temporary |
|Sysop: Charles Shapiro |
|Modem: Courier HST |
| |
|The home of AutoMate! |
| |
|AutoMate |
|Marc Hedish |
|AT-MM.QWK |
|AT-MM.REP |
|9 |
|F |
|2 <--<< This tells AutoMate to use Language Number 2 on this board. |
|LogOn This is only necessary of a language other than the default |
| is to be used for this board. |
| |
| |
| |
| |
+====================================================================+
WHAT IS AMDial?
AMDial stands for AutoMate Dialer. It is a companion script to
AutoMate which allows you to make unattended mail/file runs at a
specific time of day to one or more boards.
AutoMate will limit the number of busy redial attempts. No longer
will you have Qmodem dialing indefinitely. An even better feature is
AMDial's unique ability to limit the dialing period by time. In
addition to specifying a starting time for the dialer you can specify
an ending time as well!
A special feature allows you to automatically call all BBSs which have
reply packets waiting.
In addition, AMDial allows you to start AutoMate from within a batch
file.
AMDial will cycle between entries in the dialing queue rather than
wait for each entry in the queue to connect before moving on to the
next.
To install AMDial, place it in your scripts directory. You will also
need to make a minor modification to your Qmodem setup. It should not
affect normal Qmodem operation.
This modification accomplishes two things. First, it prevents a timed
dialing sequence from being interrupted by an incoming call. Second,
it allows AutoMate to control the maximum number of busy redial
attempts as well as control the dialer by time.
Simply change Qmodem's Alt-M/M/R text from the default "RING" to the
number "7". Be sure to delete all other text in that entry, including
trailing spaces. All that should be in that entry is a 7.
You must also have the time mask (Alt-N/O/C/T) set to include seconds.
The recommended mask is hh:mm:ss however valid 24 hour Qmodem
combination (e.g. hh:mm:ss, HH:mm:sste) can be used as long as seconds
are included.
USING AMDial
AMDial can be used in a number of different ways. It can be started
in any of the following ways...
From the Script File Execution [ALT]+[F] command.
Press [ALT]+[F] while in Qmodem to bring up the script window. Enter
the scripts name (AMDIAL) and press enter. On the next line is your
chance to enter the parameters which are passed to AMDial.
+===================== Script File Allocation ======================+
| |
| > C:\QMODEM\SCRIPTS\AMDIAL |
| |
+===================================================================+
Enter the names or part of the names of the boards you wish to call.
More than likely you will not be able to enter the complete name of
the board since they are delimited by spaces. (e.g. to call
ABSOLUT(e)LY TEMPORARY [the home of AutoMate] you can use the word
TEMPORARY or perhaps the "(e)" in ABSOLUT(e)LY but could not use
ABSOLUT(e)LY TEMPORARY as this would tell AMDial that you wish to call
two boards, one named ABSOLUT(e)LY, and one named TEMPORARY. This
would cause AMDial to make two calls! AMDial uses Qmodem's `T'
parameter for designating the boards to call [See your QModem manual
for more information].
A particularly useful feature is the "Replies" command. By using the
word, Replies, as the first entry of your list, AMDial will look in
your upload directory for the names of the BBSs which have reply
packets waiting to be sent. AMDial will automatically load its
dialing queue with the names of these boards and then begin dialing.
By using this command you can call up to ten different boards and
send reply packets automatically. If there are more than ten reply
packets waiting, AMDial will call the first ten after which you can
issue the command once more to dial the rest. Just use the
DeleteReplies command in AutoMate to delete the reply packet after it
was sent.
You can also enter the names of any other boards you wish to call as
well as the ones who have reply packets waiting by placing them after
the Replies command. As long as there is room in the dialing queue,
these will also be entered.
If you wish to use the timed dialing features of AMDial simply include
the starting and/or ending times on the same line as the board names.
If you wish to have AMDial wait until a specified time before
beginning the dialing place this time (in 24 hour format) before any
other parameters.
If you wish to set an ending time for AMDial place the time (again, in
24 hour format) as the last parameter passed to AMDial.
The correct syntax for AMDial is...
[START TIME] [REPLIES] Board1 Board2... [END TIME]
If AMDial does not receive any parameters it will display an error
message, and wait for you to press any key after which AMDial will
return to Qmodem's terminal mode.
From a Data File.
If you call the same BBSs all the time and would rather not have to
enter their names each time, you can use your favorite ASCII editor
(QEdit, EDLIN, Qmodem's @FSE, COPY CON FILENAME, etc.) to create a
data file for AMDial to read. Place the file in the scripts directory
under the name of AMDIAL.DAT. AMDial will look for this file if there
are no parameters passed to it. This .DAT file will be very similar
to the parameters you would pass AMDial on the command line. Place
the name of each board to be dialed on a separate line. If you want
AMDial to begin at a specified time just place that time as the first
line. If it is not present, AMDial will begin immediately. If you
wish to force an ending time, place that time as the last line in the
file. You can also use the "REPLIES" parameter in the data file. The
same syntax applies to the data file as to the command line.
From the Command Line.
If you have set up an AMDIAL.DAT file you can use Qmodem's command
line options to begin dialing as follows...
C:\QMODEM>QMODEM /S=AMDIAL
This will load Qmodem and load and execute AMDial automatically. If
you have placed a start time in the .DAT file, AMDial will wait until
that time before beginning to dial. If not, dialing will begin once
Qmodem has been loaded.
For SysOps, this is helpful for use in the EVENT.SYS of PCBoard.
AMDial can be set to call up to 10 different boards to exchange E-Mail
packets by setting up a .DAT file and placing the above command line
in your EVENT.SYS file. By using AutoMate along with AMDial not only
can you do your mail runs, but also send and receive files without
making additional calls.
DO NOT use the "Quit" command in your command file for that call! If
you do, AutoMate will exit out of Qmodem and return to DOS and will
not call any other boards. End the command file with either the
"Term" command or no ending command at all. This will allow AutoMate
to return control to AMDial and resume calling all the boards in the
dialing queue.
AMDial's status screen shows the name of the board in the dialing
queue, the time the dialing attempt started, and the time which it
actually connected.
If there was a problem in executing the AutoMate portion AMDial will
report "No Connection" on the status line. If the AutoMate run was
successful, it will show "Completed". If the AutoMate run was aborted
for some reason (e.g. loss of carrier) it will show "Error" and the
reason for the error.
In addition, AutoMate will display the complete name of the board with
which it connected.
The following is an example may help in setting up AMDial...
03:00:00 -- Wait until 3:00 am to begin dialing
Temporary -- The Home of AutoMate
Poverty -- Poverty Rock
Ledge -- The Home of U'NI-Net
BABBLE
05:00:00 -- Stop dialing no later than 5:00 am
The same results can be obtained from the script window by entering
the following commands...
[ALT]+[F]
AMDial [Enter]
03:00:00 TEMP POVERTY LEDGE BABBLE 05:00:00 [Enter]
+====================== Script File Execution ======================+
| Script to execute : |
| C:\QMODEM\SCRIPTS\AMDIAL.SCR |
| Enter Script Parameters (if any) |
| 03:00:00 TEMP POVERTY LEDGE BABBLE 05:00:00 |
+===================================================================+
If the "03:00:00" had been left out, AutoMate would call NOW!
If the "05:00:00" had been left off, AutoMate would continue dialing
until the maximum number of busy-retries was reached for each board.
It is possible to select more than one board at a time because of the
way in which the dialing command works. For example...
If "The Forbin Project" and "The Ledge" were both in your dialing
directory and you told AMDial to call "The", both would be selected
since the word "The" is in both entries.
At first glance this would seem like a bonus, but it isn't; since the
dialing directory would try to call both, it would cycle between the
two, and once connected, AutoMate would work perfectly, but you would
have no guarantee as to which one was actually called. If you entered
"The" twice, it is possible that AMDial would call both, but it is
also possible the same one would be called twice. It is always
preferable to use unique parameters for AMDial. In the above example,
that would be "Forbin" and "Ledge"
You can also use Qmodem's Fkey to issue an @SCRIPT AMDIAL, if you
wish. This is particularly useful if you don't change your AMDIAL.DAT
file often.
By using AMDial along with the "Replies" command, you have a one-
button dialer which will automatically look in your upload file
directory to see which boards have reply packets ready to be sent, and
will then dial those boards. Just place @SCRIPT AMDIAL REPLIES in any
Fkey you wish and AMDial will load the dialing queue and proceed
automatically.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Question - I set up AMDial correctly to dial at a specific time but it
doesn't seem to work. AMDial never dials.
Answer - Be sure that the syntax of the time you gave to AMDial
matches the syntax of the Time Mask you have set in Qinstall. These
must be exact! You must also have the Time Mask in Qmodem set as
hh:mm:ss. AMDial requires that the time be in 24 hour format in
order to work properly.
Question - I'm connected with a PCBoard. I am able to view bulletins
while working directly with the board I'm calling but when I tell
AutoMate to download the bulletins with the GetBulletins command I
keep getting a "not found on disk!" error. Why is this?
Answer - In order for the GetBulletins command to work properly the
SysOp of the board you're calling must have the bulletins in his
download path. This is usually the \PCB\GEN directory. Talk with
your SysOp and have him place the bulletins directory in his download
path.
Question - I was already online and tried to start (re-start)
AutoMate. It worked fine in the last version. Why didn't it work
now. This is the error I got...
+========================== Script Error! ==========================+
|Type : STRING length 0 |
|File : C:\QMODEM\SCRIPTS\AUTOMATE.SCR |
|Line : WaitFor "" |
|Press any key to Edit file |
| |
| |
+===================================================================+
Answer - AutoMate 1.2 detects the current connections type (software)
at the time of LogOn(G). It you are already online you must use the
SetType command before any other commands in the note file. This will
tell AutoMate to determine the type of BBS software being used.
HOW TO OBTAIN HELP
Support for AutoMate can be obtained by calling Absolut(e)ly
Temporary, the home of AutoMate, directly at (702) 254-8601, and
leaving a message in the AutoMate conference.
You can also contact us through the echo support conferences. Post a
message addressed to "AUTOMATE SUPPORT" in the AutoMate support echo
on either the U'NI-Net or RIME message networks.
If you have registered your copy of AutoMate, as you should have, you
can reach the author's voice support line by calling the telephone
number provided to you in your registration packet.
By supporting AutoMate through the Shareware concept you can be
assured of future updates. As new mail doors are written and used, we
will be updating AutoMate to work with these doors.
CREDITS
Thanks to the beta testers...
Dane Beko, Larry Boyers, Richard Hanspire, and Charles Shapiro.
It was through their time, energy and persistence, that AutoMate
functions as well as it does.
A special thanks goes to Charles Shapiro, of Absolut(e)ly Temporary,
for his assistance in the development of AutoMate, and the addition of
an AutoMate conference to support its users.
The following are official distribution sites for AutoMate. The most
recent version is always available for download. Additionally, each
carries the AutoMate support conference.
Absolut(e)ly Temporary (702) 254-8601 U'NI-Net
Las Vegas, NV
B.A.B.B.L.E. (407) 381-2257 RIME
Orlando, FL
The Ledge (818) 352-3620 U'NI-Net
Sunland, CA
Lunacy (805) 251-7052 RIME
Santa Clarita, CA
Poverty Rock (206) 367-2596 U'NI-Net
Seattle, WA
AutoMate is a trademark of Marc Hedish
DjMail is a trademark of Derrick Burgess
GAP is a trademark of The GAP Development Company
Kmail is a trademark of Ken Krueger
MarkMail is a trademark of Mark Turner
MegaMail is a trademark of Kip Compton
PCBoard is a trademark of Clark Development Company, Inc.
ProDoor is a trademark of Sam Smith
QEdit is a trademark of Semware, Inc.
Qmail is a trademark of Sparkware, Inc.
Qmodem is a trademark of The Forbin Project, Inc.
SFMail is a trademark of Bob Zimmerman
SLMR is a trademark of Technique Computer Systems
Spitfire is a trademark of Mike Woltz
The Complete Mail Door is a trademark of Derek Backus
SAMPLE NOTE FILES
The following samples should help in the development of your own note
files.
AutoMate
Larry Boyers <- Name
LISAII.QWK <- Name of mail packet
LISAII.REP <- Name of Reply packet
2 <- Door number of MarkMail (OPEN 2)
Z <- Use Zmodem for mail transfers
Logon <- Logon to the board
DeleteMail <- Delete old mail packet
GetMail <- Get new mail packet
Logoff <- Logoff BBS
Term <- Return to Qmodem terminal mode
Example 1
AutoMate
Larry Boyers
AT-MM.QWK
AT-MM.REP
9
Z
LogOnG <- Logs on then immediately returns to terminal
Term <- mode. Speeds logon.
Example 2
Automate
Larry Boyers
AT-MM.QWK
AT-MM.REP
9
Y
Logong
SendReplies <- Sends reply packet
DeleteReplies <- Deletes reply packet. No duplicate messages!
LogOff
Term
Example 3
Sysop: Charles Shapiro
Type: PCBoard 14.5 This note file contains
Nodes: 1 information about the BBS which
Hours: 24 hours a day not affect AutoMate's operation.
Net: U'NI-Net
A/T is the home of AutoMate
AutoMate <- The AutoMate key word
Marc Hedish
AT-MM.QWK
AT-MM.REP
9
F
LogOn
ExchangeMail <- First send replied then get new mail
DeleteReplies <- Delete reply packet just sent.
SendFiles <- Automatically sends file from upload directory.
AM120.ZIP <-Filename
AutoMate 1.2 - Auto BBSing, Mail runs, file transfers, THE BEST!
* <- * means no more files in list.
GetFiles <- Download files
AT-FILES.ZIP <- All files list
* <- End of list marker
LogOff
Example 4
AutoMate <- Key word tells AutoMate where the commands are
Your Name <- Your name on the board
FILENAME.QWK <- The name of the board's mail packet
FILENAME.REP <- The name of the board's reply packet
0 <- The door number of the mail door.
G <- The transfer protocol for the mail door.
Example 5
AutoMate
Your Name
SFMAIL.ZIP <- Mailpacket for SFMail
SFMAIL.REP <- Reply packet for SFMail
M <- "Door" is "M" from Message Menu
Z
SetULPath <-Send reply packet from this directory
C:\SFM\
SetDLPath <-Download mail packet to reader's directory
C:\SFM\
LogOnG
DeleteMail
ExchangeMail
DeleteReplies
LogOff
Example 6
Automate This note file shows an example
Store #1232 of a remote location logging into
*.QWK a Qmodem Host to send daily
*.REP accounting information and retrieving
1 any current memos from the main
Z office.
LogOn
SendFiles
DAILYRPT.ZIP <- The Daily Report
PAYROLL.ZIP <- Payroll Information
ORDER.ZIP <- Today's Orders
*
GetFiles
MEMOS.ZIP <- Get any new memos if they exist
*
LogOff
Quit
INDEX
.DL, 7 GAP, 1, 15, 31
.QWK, 7, 12 GetBulletins, 13
.REP, 7, 18 GetFiles, 14
.UL, 7 GetMail, 13, 15
Graphic mode, 16
@FSE, 1, 25
@SCRIPT AMDIAL, 28 Help, 30
1K-Xmodem/G Installation, 5, 23
see Protocols
JoinConference, 15
AMDial, 23
AMDIAL.DAT, 25, 28 Keywords, 17
AUTOMATE.CAP, 11 KMail, 1, 31
Auto-Increment, 5
LogOff, 10, 16
BeginRecording, 9, 11 LogOn, 16
LogOnG, 16
Capture File
see AUTOMATE.CAP Mail packet, 1, 12, 15, 18
ChangePassword, 11 MarkMail, 1, 31
Commands, 6, 7, 9 MegaMail, 1, 31
Comments, 8
Complete Mail Door, The, 1, 31 Password, 11, 14, 16
PCBoard, 1, 5, 13, 31
DeleteMail, 12 ProDoor, 31
DeleteRecording, 12 Protocols, 7
DeleteReplies, 12 Protocols
Dialing queue, 24, 26 1K-Xmodem/G, 7
Directory Ymodem/G, 7
Dialing, 1, 6, 14, 16, 21
Download, 12, 15 QEdit, 25, 31
Scripts, 5, 11, 25 Qmail, 1, 15, 21, 31
Upload, 18, 24, 28 Qmodem, 1, 2, 31
DjMail, 1, 31 Qmodem Host, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18
Download, 14, 15 Queue, 24
Quit, 10, 16
Editor, 1, 25
End Time, 23, 25 Registration, 3
EndRecording, 12 Replies, 24, 28
EVENT.SYS, 1, 26 Reply packet, 18, 23, 24
ExchangeMail, 13 RIME, 30
Fkey, 28 SendFiles, 17
SendReplies, 13, 18
SetDLPath, 18
SetMailDoor, 19
SetType, 9, 19
SetULPath, 20
SFMail, 1, 31
SFMAIL.REP, 7
SFMAIL.ZIP, 7
Shareware, 3
SLMR, 12, 31
Spitfire, 1, 31
Start Time, 25
Status window, 21
Support, 30
Term, 20
Time mask, 23, 29
Upload, 18
U'NI-Net, 30
VOX2HOST, 3
Wait until, 26
Ymodem/G
see Protocols
