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1994-01-27
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BPQSPI
The Serial Port Telephone Interface for G8BPQ network nodes.
Written by Larry Houbre, AA1FS
========
Overview
========
BPQSPI allows you, the G8BPQ node sysop, and your users access to your
network node via a telephone modem. Once connected to BPQSPI, after a
simple log-in process, the user is connected to the node and may then
invoke any of the node commands, connect to any of the nodes on the node
list, or to the accompanying BBS. Quite simply, using BPQSPI is
identical to being on packet...but over the phone!
==============================
Program and accompanying files
==============================
The following files are standard with the program, and will come
archived in BSPI***.LZH or BSPI***.ZIP, where *** is the numerical
version of the software.
FILENAME DESCRIPTION
------------ ---------------------------------------------------
BPQSPI.EXE The executable file, which runs as a TSR (terminate
and stay resident) program.
BPQSPI.USR An example of the user file.
BPQSPI.DOC This documentation.
The following optional files can be added to enhance operation of your
BPQSPI system. They ARE NOT included in the archived file.
FILENAME DESCRIPTION
------------ ---------------------------------------------------
BPQSPI.HLP Offers a brief helpfile for users working at the
BPQSPI prompt. Should be no more than 300 characters.
BPQSPI.HI Used to create a brief log in message. Should be no
more than 300 characters.
BPQSPI.MI1 A set of actual modem commands to be sent to the
modem at start up.
BPQSPI.MI2 A set of actual modem commands to be sent to the
modem between callers.
=============
BPQSPI setup.
=============
Initial setup of BPQSPI is very simple and is completed in four steps.
Step 1 - Installation
---------------------
Unarchive the program, and copy its files into your BPQ directory. All
pertinent files should be in this directory to ensure proper operation
of BPQSPI.
Step 2 - Modification of AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
-------------------------------------------
Add the following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This line must be
inserted BEFORE any of the G8BPQ files are loaded! Ideally, insert
this line just above your BPQ files.
BPQSPI switchname port baud
Where Switchname = Node Switch's ALIAS, i.e. WHALE
Where Port = Com port, 1-8
Where Baud = Baud rate, 300 to 115200
Example: BPQSPI WHALE 1 19200
The above example shows the node alias as WHALE. The modem is connected
to the computer's com port 1, and the modem's speed is 19,200 baud.
Provided the above info is correct and the line is added BEFORE any of
the other BPQ files in AUTOEXEC.BAT, the program will load, terminate,
and stay resident, operating in the background.
Note: If using non-standard port addresses or IRQs, you can and must
specific the port address and IRQ as $h,i. For example, port address
$3F8 and IRQ 5 would be BPQSPI WHALE $3F8,5 19200
Step 3 - Modification of BPQCFG.TXT file.
-----------------------------------------
BPQSPI fools G8BPQ into thinking it is talking to a KISS TNC, when of
course it is actually talking to a modem. A port must be added to
BPQCFG.TXT. Follow the forthcoming example as a guideline, changing your
IOADDR and SPEED as necessary.
PORT
ID=MODEM
TYPE=EXTERNAL
PROTOCOL=KISS
IOADDR=3F8H (3F8H=com1, 2F8H=com2, 3E8H=com3, 2E8H=com4)
INTLEVEL=120 (absolutely DO NOT change this!)
SPEED=19200 (computer to modem speed)
* CHANNEL=A
QUALITY=0 (no need for nodes broadcasts to a modem!)
MAXFRAME=3
* TXDELAY=35
* SLOTTIME=100
* PERSIST=100
* FULLDUP=1
* SOFTDCD=1
* FRACK=1000
* RESPTIME=2000
* RETRIES=3
* PACLEN=225
ENDPORT
The values of the above parameters marked with astericks are irrelevent,
however they MUST be in the port configuration for BPQSPI to function!
Remember, BPQ thinks this is a KISS TNC it's talking to. You'll also
likely want to add a little blurb in BPQ's info file section reflecting
the addition of the phone port. Remember to run BPQCFG.EXE to compile
the changes to BPQCFG.TXT.
Step 4 - Create/edit the BPQSPI.USR file.
-----------------------------------------
BPQSPI.USR can be created or edited using any ascii editor, such as
DOS 5 or 6 EDIT, QEDIT, and others. Follow the format in the example
below.
AA1FS TEST
KC1UA BETATEST
WA1YKN NETWORK
Use the actual callsign only, DO NOT use packet radio SSID's (KC1UA-1
won't work). Users MUST have a password in order to connect to the node.
The BPQSPI.USR file may be edited in real time; there is no need to
reboot the system after adding a new call and password to the file.
Optional Step - Modem Init File(s)
----------------------------------
At start up, BPQSPI will send the following commands to the modem:
ATZ
ATV0
ATE0
ATQ1
ATM0
ATS0=1
ATS7=60
If you wish to change some modem parameters, you can create a file named
BPQSPI.MI1, which will simply be sent to the modem AFTER the above commands.
The line in the file should be a complete modem command WITH the AT prefix.
In addition, after BPQSPI hangs up, it will send any commands found in the
file BPQSPI.MI2 if it exists. This file should have as few commands as
possible to reset the modem between calls.
=====
Your BPQSPI setup is now complete! Provided the above was done properly,
a reboot of your system should initialize your modem, put it in auto
answer mode, and render BPQSPI ready to take your users' phone calls.
============
Using BPQSPI
============
1. Dial the BPQSPI number using your favorite communications software.
2. You will receive the CONNECT SPEED (i.e. CONNECT 14400) message.
3. Wait for the BPQSPI *.** prompt (where *.** is the software version)
to appear on screen. BE PATIENT! Some systems seem to take up to 45-50
seconds before this prompt appears. This is something that will be
addressed in future versions of the software. If the sysop has
created the BPQSPI.HI file, you will also see a brief log on message.
4. Type L, followed by your callsign and password, to log in. (i.e.
L KC1UA BETATEST). This may be in either upper or lower case letters.
You will then see a message indicating you're logged in.
5. You are now at the BPQSPI prompt. Typing a question mark and hitting
enter will provide the following help information:
BPQSPI Commands:
B - Quit BPQSPI (disconnects modem)
C - Connect to Switch (connect to accompanying node)
ECHO on/off - Changes echo of characters you type (normally ECHO ON)
L call pass - Log in (initial login before connect to node)
LF on/off - Changes status of adding linefeeds (normally LF ON)
S - Status (shows settings and connect status)
SUI - Show UI frames (allows monitor of certain packets)
? - This help
HELP - Additional help file created by sysop (BPQSPI.HLP)
6. To log onto the node, use the C command. You will then be connected
to the accompanying network node, and may then invoke any commands as
you normally would on packet radio. (HINT: When you connect from the
accompanying node to another node or BBS, use the S option at the end
of the connect string. An example of this is C SWL S. This will
connect you to the SWL node, but when you disconnect from it, you
will be returned to BPQSPI's accompanying node. If you do not use the
S option, you will be returned to the BPQSPI prompt and will have to
log back into the system again from there.)
7. To log off of the system, tell the node BYE in the usual manner by
typing B and hitting enter.
8. At this point, you are returned to the BPQSPI system, where you can
invoke any of the above commands. Another B logs you off of the
system. If you wish to access the node once again, you will need to
log back on with your callsign and password.
==========================
Known problems for sysops.
==========================
1. Initial delay in sending BPQSPI prompt. Seems to be random...some
modems display prompt immediately, while others can take up to 50
seconds or so before user is able to log in.
=========================
Known problems for users.
=========================
1. With the exception of the initial log on display experienced with
some systems, BPQSPI is essentially painless and simple for all users
to learn and operate.
=======================
Additional information.
=======================
For sysops running AA4RE BBS in addition to BPQ: W1NPR has written a
utility program, BBUCV3A.ZIP, that will convert AA4RE phone port users
callsigns and passwords to the format used in BPQSPI.USR. Sure beats the
pants off of doing it manually!
BPQSPI.EXE can be loaded high, provided you have a big enough upper
memory block. BPQSPI uses about 85K, so it appears. If you wish to do
so, ensure that you have the statement DOS=HIGH,UMB in your CONFIG.SYS
file.
Sysops using DESQVIEW should ensure that BPQSPI is loaded before
DesQView, and absolutely before any other BPQ files.
BPQSPI is free for use by Amateur Radio Operators in Amateur
Radio Communications applications. Any other use is prohibited.
Please direct all comments to Scott/KC1UA@KC1UA.#EMA.MA.USA.NA. I will
ensure that they are discussed/forwarded to Larry immediately. (Of course,
a direct word of praise to Larry/AA1FS@AA1FS.#EMA.MA.USA.NA doesn't hurt.)
If you would like to see BPQSPI in operation, drop a packet note to the
above address and I will be glad to set you up with a password.
Messages can also be left the the landline BBS, Dreamer's BBS, at
508-991-6058 ... fidonet 1:329/863.
73 and enjoy! Scott/KC1UA for Larry/AA1FS.