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- TOPIC: XMODEM90
-
- DATE : 02/27/84
-
-
- NOTE: Newest feature - SYSOP can limit the
- length of time a user can download.
- When a program is requested the user
- is told it is too long if it would
- take longer than the time allowed.
- Also, the buffer size for file trans-
- fer is now optional. It is set by
- default for 16k which is the same as
- for MDM7xx. Both systems will be using
- the disk at the same time, minimizing
- any delays at either end.
-
-
- XMODEM is a program used primarily on remotely operated RCPM sys-
- tems. It allows program transfer to and/or from remote users. It can
- transfer any type of CP/M file including absolute binary files (object
- code) as well as normal ASCII text files with full error detection and
- correction.
- Originally written by Keith Petersen and based at that time on Ward
- Christensen's MODEM ver 2.0 it has since undergone extensive revision.
- Although the original checksum verification system is still available on
- request, the primary system is CRC - cyclic redudancy checking.
- The current version is XMODEM 8.5 The 8.x series has a number of
- features which give it a tremendous flexibility. Some of them are:
-
- 1) A general purpose menu. Just type:
-
- A0>XMODEM <return>
-
- This menu includes the drive/user area for normal uploading,
- which lets the user check to see if adequate space is remain-
- ing for uploading new files at that location.
-
- NOTE: The A0> prompt in this and subsequent examples is used
- as a typical possibilty of a drive/user area.
-
- 2) Ability to send (download to the remote user) member files from
- a library group (.LBR) without having to copy the entire li-
- brary file. (Use a separate program called LDIR.COM to find
- the member names of a library group.)
-
- 3) Ability to specify what disk/user area from which to send a pro-
- gram so the remote user doesn't have to go to that area first:
-
- A0>XMODEM S B6:HELLO.DOC
-
- (An option limits the maximum user area.)
-
- 4) Programs can be uploaded to a special non-public user area for
- the exclusive use of the SYSOP. These can include replacement
- programs for one already on some public area, experimental
- programs you wish him to test before making them public, pre-
- typed notes for his exclusive reading or any program you wish
- him to see that is not appropriate for public use at that time.
-
- 5) Ability to download from a special area. This enables the SYSOP
- to place special programs, pretyped messages, etc. in this
- area. He can then leave a private message on his bulletin
- board to the person for whom the program is intended. Al-
- though any user COULD download that program, only the SYSOP
- and his intended recepient know its correct name as well as
- the correct drive/user area. This provides excellent security
- The SYSOP can thus make any person an instant temporary priv-
- ileged user. This gives him a tremendous flexibility.
-
- 6) Spaces can be used without error. Example:
-
- A0>XMODEM L B7: CATALOG CAT2.DOC
-
- will send a file called CAT2.DOC from the CATALOG.LBR library.
- NOTE: The .LBR extent need not be included. If not, it is
- added automatically.
-
- 7) Files which are partially completed will be erased if the disk
- becomes full or if the sender aborts by hanging up (or if the
- connection is broken).
-
- 8) A simple system of adopting the program without the necessity of
- looking up the CONTOUT address.
-
- 9) USEMAX feature which automaticaly sets the maximum drive and the
- maximum user number from ZCPR values. (Can still be set
- normally if USEMAX is NO.)
-
-
- At this time there are several external overlays available. The
- list will obviously grow as others add to it:
-
- XMAC-1 - for Apple users with the Novation Apple-Cat modem
- XMAP-1 - for Apple users with Mountain CPS card/modem
- XMDP-1 - for Datapoint 1560 with 8251A I/O and CTC baud rate timer
- XMDC-1 - for Apple users with the D.C. Hayes modem
- XMEX-1 - for computers with 8251 I/O and external modems
- XMH8-1 - for Heath/Zenith H8 or H89 users with external modem
- XMHZ-1 - for Heath/Zenith-100 users with external modem
- XMIN-2 - for the Compupro Interfacer 3/4 users with external modem
- XMLB-1 - for AMPRO 'Little Board' single board computer
- XMMM-1 - for Apple users with the Micromodem II modem
- XMPM-1 - for S-100 users with PMMI modem boards
- XMTV-1 - for TeleVideo 802 computers with external modem
- XMZS-1 - for computers with Z80 SIO and external modems
-
- These contain instructions on how to then use DDT (or SID) to read-
- ily adapt the external overlay to the main program.
-
- - Notes by Irv Hoff