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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * I M P O R T A N T * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please read the README.1ST file first. It contains important information.
* * * * * * * * * * * ** I M P O R T A N T * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
P H A N T A S M
Phantasm BBS Host Engine
version 1.02
(c)1995 Bud Bradley / KnightWare
(All Rights Reserved)
SYSOP'S REFERENCE MANUAL
Distributed by
KnightWare
P.O. Box 464711
Lawrenceville, GA 30246
IntellLink BBS
(404) 978-2893
(404) 736-9483
bbradley@ix.netcom.com
╒══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ I n t r o d u c t i o n │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Phantasm is one of the first, if not the first, Virtual Interactive
3D programs written especially for BBS's. Phantasm's graphical
interface falls somewhere between DOOM and Wolfenstein.
Phantasm consists of 2 programs, 1) The Phantasm BBS Host Engine and
2) The Phantasm I3D Remote GUI. The former is what will be discussed
in this document.
The Phantasm BBS Host Engine, (I'll be referring to it as PBE), is a
program that permits your users to play Phantasm interactively on
your BBS. In a sense it is the director and exchanger of information
to and from players using the Phantasm I3D Remote GUI. It tracks and
maintains player stats, coordinates information between players and
displays realtime game activity to the BBS console.
╒══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Section Title
------- -------------------------------------
1.0 WHY REGISTER?
1.1 Features (unregistered limitations)
2.0 CONFIGURING PBE FOR YOUR BBS
2.1 BBS User Files - DOOR.SYS format Only Supported Format
2.2 Customizing COM Ports
2.3 Using a FOSSIL Driver
2.4 Using a Digiboard Driver For Various Intelligent Boards
2.5 Using a Digiboard 8,16 shared port Non-intelligent Board
2.6 Adding Computer Play Module
2.7 System & Memory Considerations
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 Multi-Node Considerations
3.2 Assistance
3.3 Associated Files & Descriptions
4.0 Game Playing
4.1 POD Files
5.0 PRODUCT SUPPORT & DISTRIBUTION
5.1 Dsitribution HUBS
6.0 "QUICK" Charge Orders - Visa/MC
7.0 DISCLAIMER/AGREEMENT
8.0 DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
9.0 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (checks)
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 1.0 WHY REGISTER? │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
By registering PBE, you help us to provide continued support for a
quality product. By registering, you guarantee the future of this
product and its continued support.
By distributing as "shareware," we hold down well over 50% of the
cost that is normally passed on to the consumer when purchased as
commercial, off-the-shelf software. We don't provide any frilly box,
fluffy looking documentation, or shrink wrapped package. We do
provide a product that will serve you well, now and in the future.
We know that this is the way software should be sold...try it before
you buy it! In this way, there can be no doubt about the product you
are purchasing, once the frilly box is set aside.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 1.1 Features List (Unregistered Limitations) │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
PBE is limited by the nature of this distribution method, Shareware.
This program version contains the following features (unregistered
limitations are noted):
- PBE requires only a 1 time registration. Updates to the program
are free to you forever.
- PBE demo version comes with only 1 level. After registration you
will receive 3 levels. You can purchase optional 5 level modules
at a modest price.
- PBE demo permits only 4 players at time to play. Upon registration
you will be provided unlimited nodes.
- Unlimited distribution of the Phantasm I3D Remote GUI for your users
- Unlimited Technical Support
- Phantasm's world levels are fairly large in comparison to games of
its type. There can be up to 128 different areas in a single level.
So there is a lot to explore in each level.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.0 CONFIGURING Phantasm FOR YOUR BBS │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Running PBE is quite simple. Normally, the only REQUIRED command
line parameter to pass is the path\filename of your BBS DOOR.SYS
user file. For those with special port\interrupt requirements,
optional parameters may need to be specified. Baud rates up to
115K are supported.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.1 BBS User Files │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
The BBS user file provides information to PBE, such as COM port,
user name, time allowed in door, etc. This file is necessary for PBE
to function. The complete path\filename of the BBS user file must be
passed to PHANTBBS.EXE as the 1st parameter in the command line.
These files are created by your BBS EACH time a user runs a door.
* PBE only supports the DOOR.SYS user file. *
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a sample PBE command line.
phantbbs drive:\dir\door.sys
Note: You MUST specify the drive/directory path to your system's
DOOR.SYS user file if you expect PBE to find it!
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.3 Customizing COM Ports │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
NOT USED FOR STANDARD PORT ADDRESSES/INTERRUPTS
A port address/interrupt is optional and can be passed if the address
is nonstandard. Otherwise, PBE defaults to the standard address. The
address must be in Hex and the IRQ in Decimal. IRQ's can be as high
as 15.
The format for passing an address is:
PORT:aaaa:x where aaaa = address (i.e. 03F8, 02E8, etc.)
* address must be 4 characters! *
where x = the IRQ
The BBS DOOR.SYS user file path MUST be the first parameter.
If the port address is specified, it MUST be the second parameter.
Example of starting PBE and specifying a nonstandard port:
phantbbs d:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:03F8:4
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.4 Using a FOSSIL Driver │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
NOT USED FOR STANDARD PORT ADDRESSES/INTERRUPTS
If your BBS utilizes a FOSSIL driver, PBE can easily be told to use
it. Similar to specifying port address/interrupt, above, the second
parameter requires only a slight modification:
PORT:F:p F = tells PBE to utilize a FOSSIL driver
P = the port number of the FOSSIL
Example of starting PBE with a FOSSIL:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:F:1
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.5 Using a Digiboard Driver For Various Intelligent Boards │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
DIGIBOARD UNIVERSAL DRIVER FOR INTELLIGENT DIGIBOARDS.
Uses the same format as the FOSSIL command to open_door. Instead of
F in the port command, use a D. (for Digiboard)
PORT:D:x - x equal channel number.
Example of starting Phantasm with a DIGI:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:D:1
STAR GATE INTELLIGENT BOARD
Uses the same format as the FOSSIL command to open_door.
Instead of F in the port command, use a G. (for Star Gate)
PORT:G:x - x equal channel number.
Example of starting PBE with a Star Gate:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:G:1
SPARKLE INTERFACE
Uses the same format as the FOSSIL command to open_door.
Instead of F in the port command, use a S. (for Sparkle)
PORT:S:x - x equal channel number.
Example of starting PBE with a Sparkle:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:S:1
ARNET's INTELLIGENT BOARD
Uses the same format as the FOSSIL command to open_door.
Instead of F in the port command, use a A. (for Arnet)
PORT:A:x - x equal channel number.
Example of starting PBE with a Arnet:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys PORT:A:1
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.6 Using a Digiboard 8,16 shared port Non-intelligent Board │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
The command line parameter is somewhat different:
DIGI16:p:aaaaa:i
p = shared port number
aaaaa = address
i = interrupt
Valid addresses are:0x100, 0x108, 0x110, 0x118, 0x120, 0x128, 0x130,
0x138, 0x148, 0x150, 0x158, 0x160, 0x168, 0x170,
0x180
Example of starting PBE with a DIGI16:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys DIGI16:5:0x100:3
DIGI8:p:aaaaa:i
p = shared port number
aaaaa = address
i = interrupt
Valid addresses are:0x100, 0x108, 0x110, 0x118, 0x120, 0x128, 0x130,
0x138
Example of starting PBE with a DIGI8:
phantbbs c:\phantasm\door.sys DIGI8:5:0x100:3
╒══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 2.8 System & Memory Considerations │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
PBE utilizes ANSI graphics. You must make certain that you have
an ANSI driver installed in order so that it will be displayed
properly on your BBS.
PBE is DesqView aware.
PBE will automatically detect and use memory in this order:
EMS (expanded memory), or XMS (extended memory).
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 3.0 INSTALLATION - First Time │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Always read any special help files, such as WHATSNEW.DOC, README.1ST
etc. that may be included in the distribution archive! Usually these
files contains very important information concerning that release.
1) Create a directory, usually "phantasm", to contain PBE. Then
unzip the phantbbs archive.
2) Edit the PHANTBBS.CFG file. This is a configuration file that
can be edited with any text editor. It will be discussed in the
next section.
3) Lastly, configure it to run on your BBS. Refer to your BBS
software manual concerning this.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 3.1 PHANTBBS.CFG Configuration File │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Use any text editor to edit the PHANTBBS.CFG file. It is very
important not to change the format of this file, otherwise PBE may
not work properly. The file contains the following information:
REG NUMB:0000000
SERIAL# :0000000
REG NAME:Your Name
REG DATE:01/01/92
SUPPORT :12
BBS NAME:Your BBS Name
NUM PODS:001
FRIENDLY:YES
RAMDRIVE:
REG NUMB:
Upon registration you will receive this number. Do not change
for the shareware/demo version.
SERIAL# :
Same as above
REG NAME:
This is the name you have the program registered under.
REG DATE:
This is the date of registration. Do not change for the shareware
demo version.
SUPPORT :
{ Not utilized } Will be removed in the next release. Leave as is.
BBS NAME:
The name of your BBS.
NUM PODS:
This is the number of pods you want active. Each pod will contain
4 players, or meaning 4 players will play interactive per pod.
If you leave it a 4, this will permit a total of 16 players to
play Phantasm. Leave it at 001, for the demo/shareware version.
FRIENDLY:
{ Reserved for future use } Do not change.
RAMDRIVE:
Leave blank if you do not want to use a RAM drive for the pods.
I recommend that you DO USE a RAM drive! It will speed the game
up drastically. If you do use a RAM drive, enter the complete
path where the PBE pod files will be located.
i.e. E:, E:\phantasm.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 3.1 Multi-Node Considerations │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Make sure you have DOS Share installed.
If you're running PBE mulitnode, please run the READONLY.BAT file.
The batch file READONLY.BAT may be executed to properly set the files
required to read only. Make sure the DOS ATTRIB command is in your
path.
* * LANtastic * *
Make sure that the SHARE.EXE is between REDIR and the SERVER commands.
Also change the accompanying .EXE files to READ-ONLY.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 3.2 Assistance │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Although PBE is an easy program to install on most any BBS, there may
be a Sysop who has difficulty. If so, please don't hesitate to phone
our support BBS! We will be glad to assist you in getting PBE up and
running.
IntelliLink BBS - Atlanta, GA
Bud Bradley, Sysop
(404) 978-2893
(404) 736-9483
24 hours - 14,400 bps
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 3.3 Associated Files and Descriptions │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
The distribution version of PBE contains the following files:
README .1ST - ALWAYS - READ THIS FIRST !!
WHATSNEW.DOC - enhancements/fixes in this release
PHANTBBS.DOC - you're reading it
PHANTBBS.EXE - PBE executable program
PHANTBBS.CFG - PBE Configuration file.
* ????????.HLP - assorted online help files
* ????????.ANS - PBE ANSI Screens
REGISTER.DOC - Mail in Order Form
* NOTE: These files should NOT be altered or removed! Erratic
operation and system lock-ups will occur if these files are
not found by PBE when run.
IF ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED FILES ARE MISSING OR PROGRAM OPERATES
ERRATICALLY, DOWNLOAD ANOTHER ARCHIVE FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE.
The following files are created during system setup:
PLAYER .DBF/.CDX - player database/index
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 4.0 Game Playing │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
This section covers some general information about the game play.
Phantasm does require the Phantasm I3D Remote GUI setup properly
by the user in order for them to play.
The Remote GUI can be launched from any communications program, and
must be as it has no dialing feature built in. Refer to the
PHANTASM.DOC file for more detailed information about setting up
the Phantasm Remote GUI.
When a user first accesses the Phantasm Door, the screens will be
in ANSI. There is an option to start game play. At this point the
user will be prompted to load the Phantasm GUI. The PBE will wait
for 2 minutes awaiting an acknowledgement from the GUI. If its not
received, they will exit the door.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 4.1 POD Files │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
POD Files are titled PODnnn.DAT, where nnn = a sequential number.
The first one created would be pod001.dat, 2nd pod002.dat and so on.
These files contain up to four players and are created when a player
enters a game. If you're using a RAM drive and power off, do not
worry they will be created again. They are temporary and are only
required when game action is taking place.
These files contain game information about each player, and how they
exist in the Phantasm world. These files are updated frequently, and
are read frequently in order broadcast information about 1 player to
other players, so all their Phantasm worlds will remain in sync.
I suggest using a RAM drive, as they are exceedingly faster than
physical drives. Refer to your DOS manual on creating a RAM drive.
Each POD file requires about 200 bytes of file space.
When a player starts a game, PBE scans for the first available slot
in a POD to contain the player. For example if there are 3 players
currently in a game, the next player in, will be playing with those
3 players. The next player entering a game, would be assigned into
a new POD.
Its quite ok to delete these, as long as no players are actively
involved in a game.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 5.0 PRODUCT SUPPORT │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Questions or inquiries can be directed to us through any of the
following sources:
* E-MAIL CONTACTS *
and
All BBS-Related Questions
Internet bbradley@ix.netcom.com
IntelliLink BBS
Atlanta, GA
(404) 978-2893
(404) 736-9483
CompuServe 71520,1316
Whether you're a registered user or not, we appreciate hearing from
you about how Phantasm can be improved!
You are encouraged to pass along this shareware copy of the
Phantasm package to your friends for their evaluation. Please
encourage them to register, if they find Phantasm fits their needs.
Registration entitles you to the very latest version of Phantasm
and more...
Registered Phantasm sysops receive UNLIMITED FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
through our distribution system, IntelliLink BBS.
Upon registration, ALL maintenance and/or major update releases will
be downloadable FREE from IntelliLink BBS, our support system.
NOTE: Usually, most software bugs are discovered within the first 30
days of regular use. Commercial software publishers might
provide you with a bug fix or two, but only if you're lucky and
complain loudly enough. But do they provide even one FREE
general update? Not hardly! With a Phantasm registration,
you receive FREE updates FOREVER, a service that makes it an
excellent value.
╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 5.1 Distribution Hubs for Phantasm │
╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
* Official Phantasm File Distribution Hubs *
* Most recent versions are always available *
IntelliLink BBS (Atlanta, GA)
(404) 978-2893 (14.4k 24 hours)
(404) 736-9483
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ 6.0 Visa/MC Charge Card "Quick" Registrations ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Credit Card registrations are convenient, quickly placing the newly
registered version in your possession, whether it may be a first
time registration or an upgrade of an existing product.
Registering by Credit Card can be accomplished by connecting via modem,
to IntelliLink BBS (404) 978-2893. Read Bulletin #4 first, then select
(Q)uestionaire from the main menu, then select (3) . This will place
you in the Credit Card ordering questionaire. Follow the instructions
provided.
I will provide you registration information, normally within 24 hours,
in a message on IntelliLink BBS. You will be provided access that will
permit you download any other Registered files you may require.
Be sure to check File Area 1 for the latest software versions!
╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 7.0 DISCLAIMER/AGREEMENT │
╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Users of Phantasm must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"Phantasm is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties,
expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties
of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes
no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result
from the use of Phantasm."
"Phantasm is a `shareware' program and is provided at no charge to
the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends,
but please do not give it away altered or as part of any other
software package, etc. The essence of "user-supported" software is
to provide personal computer users with quality software without high
prices and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to
develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that
you are using Phantasm and continue to use Phantasm after a
reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment to
Knightware. The registration fee will license one copy for use on
any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just
like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any
number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location
to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at
one location while it's being used at another (just as a book cannot
be read by two different people at the same time).
╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 7.0 DISCLAIMER/AGREEMENT {continued} │
╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
"Commercial users of Phantasm must register and pay for their
copies of Phantasm within 30 days of first use or their license is
withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting
Knightware. Anyone distributing Phantasm for any kind of
remuneration must first contact Knightware at their address for
authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to
distributors recognized by Knightware as adhering to its guidelines
for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering
Phantasm immediately (however, Knightware must still be advised so
that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest versions
of Phantasm).
"You are encouraged to pass a copy of Phantasm along to your
friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy
if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive
a copy of the latest version of the Phantasm system and 90 days of
free support.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 8.0 DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you
are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details --
some request registration while others require it, some specify a
maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the
simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with
printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and
the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors and the programs are of
comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad
ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The
author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the
software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For
example, some authors require written permission before a commercial
disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether
it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your
needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the
overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
for it.
╒═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ 9.0 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM (check or money orders) │
╘═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Make Checks Payable to: KnightWare
P.O. Box 464711
Lawrenceville, GA 30246
Your Name ________________________________
Phone ________________________________ (Voice)
Address ________________________________
Address ________________________________
City ________________ State ____ ZIP ______________
BBS Name ________________________________ No. of Nodes ________
BBS Software ________________________________
BBS Number(s) ______________________________________________________
PRODUCT QUANTITY PRICE EA. TOTAL PRICE
--------------------------- -------- --------- -----------
Phantasm BBS Basic 3 Levels ________ x $ 25.00 = ___________
(Unlimited Nodes - Lifetime Updates)
Sub-Total ___________
Shipping & Handling $ 3.50
TOTAL
===========
Media: [ ] 5-1/4" 1.2 [ ] 3-1/2" 1.4