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READ.ME
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1994-08-15
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12KB
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261 lines
This is the READ.ME file included with paKet 6.1
If you are reading this with the LIST program (or are viewing it from the
INSTALL program), use the arrow keys to scroll through the file and press <Esc>
when finished.
-----------------------------------
If you have not yet run the INSTALL program, you can install the paKet
system by inserting the paket diskette and typing:
A:INSTALL
or if you have it in drive B: you type:
B:INSTALL
If you have paKet on Multiple diskettes, the INSTALL program should be on
the first diskette so insert that diskette before typing the INSTALL command.
If yours is a registered copy, the first diskette is the one showing your
serial number.
For those of you don't have an official paKet diskette (you might have
downloaded a copy from a BBS or you might have been given a copy by a
friend), you should have all the original files in their compressed
format before attempting the INSTALL. For example the paKet program is
distributed in compressed form as PAKET6@.EXE, a self extracting archived
file. And the Manual is distributed as eleven compressed files:
MAN01@.EXE, MAN02@.EXE... etc.
One of the difficulties I experienced with the earlier release of paKet
6.0 is that a couple of Beta Test copies of the program were leaked out
before I had completed testing and debugging. This caused many problems
for those who thought it was the real thing. I will be careful now to
ensure that the official release of paKet 6.1 contains files dated 15th
August, 1994 at 6:10am! You might like to check this to verify you do
have the correct copy of paKet.
If your compressed input files are already on Hard Disk, that's OK. Just
run INSTALL from that directory and answer the questions, telling the
program where your input files can be found.
The INSTALL program will extract all the compressed files and create the
required output on your output disk (usually your Hard Disk).
There is an INSTALL.DOC file that provides some more information on the
installation procedures. That file will be displayed and optionally
printed during the installation process.
This version includes eleven different TNC Help files, many of which were
supplied by paKet users. Thanks to those who have produced these
additional Help files for their TNCs. I know all users of those TNCs will
appreciate your efforts:
Help File Description Created by
----------------------------------------------------------------
DSP-12.HLP for the DSP-12 Carl VK2JJM
KAM.HLP for the Kantronics range Col VK2KQX
especially for the KAM updated by
Andy VK4WAC
KPC-3.HLP for the Kantronics KPC-3 Carl KG0HS
MFJ1270.HLP for the MFJ 1270B and Philip ZL3GP
(new in 6.1) the MFJ-1274
PK-88.HLP for the AEA PK-88 Jim G6FCL
TINY231.HLP for the TINY-2 with firmware Stan G4EGH
versions 3.0 or 3.1
TNC1.HLP for the original TNC-1 Norm VK2XCI
Have I missed anybody? I thought I had another one but can't find it now
and can't remember who sent it to me! So please let me know if you have
sent one in and I have not included it here.
Yes, I know some of these Help files are getting out of date now with
additions and new releases to the firmware on many models. I will see if
I can get updates to them, but without the Manuals I don't have access to
the new information. If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate it if
you could make the necessary adjustments to the supplied file(s) and send
a copy to me so I can include it in future releases. Keeps everybody
happy that way.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Release 6.1 - issued 15th August, 1994
Following the release of paKet 6.0 at the end of May, 1994 I received
reports from some users that paKet 6 could not be installed (seeming to
lock up the computer), or if it was installed, it misbehaved, sending
"little funny faces" to the TNC!
Some quick investigations revealed this problem occurred only on the older
XT computer systems but it worked on some XTs while it did not work on
others. I found the cause of the problem is in the way the system
responds when tested for the type of keyboard being used. Unfortunately
all XT BIOSs are NOT the same and SOME of the XT systems responded with a
code that suggested it is using an Enhanced keyboard.
Those of your who were using paKet when version 5.0 was released over two
years ago, might remember a very similar set of circumstances caused the
release of 5.1 soon after 5.0 hit the streets! Then it was to do with
the way the XT BIOS handled the video settings. This time it is to do with
the way it handles the keyboard - not the same problem - but just as
serious for those who have experienced it.
To help me feel better I need to tell you that I DID send paKet 6.0 to
some selected XT users before its release to check it out. I wanted to
avoid a repetition of that incident two years ago. It checked out OK.
During that testing we found and rectified some further bugs, but
eventually when everyone was happy, paKet 6.0 was released. You can
imagine my embarrassment when I find now this keyboard problem AFTER the
new release. Obviously those XT users who tested the pre-release copy
were using systems that handled the keyboard codes correctly!
Oh dear...
Anyway, rather than cover it up and sneak a slightly modified version of
paKet 6.0 out the door, I will stand up, red faced, and announce the fix
in the form of paKet version 6.1.
The installation process will create a configuration file, PAKET.CFG,
which contains lots of settings used by the paKet program. If you are
using an Enhanced Keyboard (with the 12 function keys along the top row of
your keyboard) there will be a new entry in your PAKET.CFG file:
ENHKB=Y
But if you are using the older Standard keyboard (with the 10 function
keys down the left hand side) it should read:
ENHKB=N
paKet 6.1 should make the correct decision now so in most cases you can
simply ignore this information. But JUST IN CASE it is still not working
on your system, you can manually edit your PAKET.CFG file using your
favourite TEXT editor and correct that option to indicate Y or N as
appropriate.
--------------------
While I am at it, I have attended to a couple of other minor details that
paKet 6.0 users have told me about. None of these things are sufficiently
serious to warrant a maintenance release, but as we now have 6.1 anyway...
This was a printing problem...
the Print Log function (<Alt-P> key) has assumed your printer
automatically generates a Line Feed when a Carriage Return is "printed".
Some printers are not configured this way and the Print Log can result in
one rather black and totally unreadable line of ink! If you have this
problem, edit your PAKET.CFG file using your favourite TEXT editor, and
add the line:
ADDLFPRT=Y
The first line of the CFG file must be the line beginning "VERS=" so add
this new line AFTER that one.
Note that most items in the PAKET.CFG file can be adjusted via the
Online Configuration options - press <Alt-Z> while running paKet. These
two late additions are not available in the Online Configuration Windows.
So if you need to make these changes you will have to manually edit the
CFG file. But please note you must use a text editor, NOT a Word
Processor, and be sure to make a copy of the CFG file BEFORE you hack
into it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorised Distributors:
At this time, there are four authorised paKet distributors.
Any of these distributors are authorised to take new registrations, issue
updates, and to issue paKet Serial Numbers.
I would be happy for you to approach any of them for your registration and
for information and help on paKet so choose the distributor that is most
convenient to you.
They are:
Jim Mahoney, Internet: paKet@g1xgp.demon.co.uk
Essex Packet Shareware, Packet Radio: G6FCL@GB7DUG.#32.GBR.EU
89 Tyefields,
Pitsea,
Basildon,
Essex,
SS13 1JA,
UK
Jim Flannery, Internet: jim_flannery@mcimail.com
8098 South Carr Court,
Littleton Colorado 80123-5304
USA
Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) Internet: tapr@tapr.org
8987-309 E. Tanque Verde Rd #337, Telephone: 817-383-0000
Tucson, Az 85749-9399 Fax: 817-566-2544
USA
Australian Amateur Packet Radio Association (AAPRA)
59 Westbrook Ave, Internet: aapra@research.canon.oz.au
Wahroonga NSW 2076 Packet Radio: vk2in@vk2daa.nsw.aus.oc
Australia Telephone: +61 2 489 4393
----------------------------------------------------------------------
paKet Serial Number
If you already have a paKet Serial Number, you will find 6.1 will accept
the same number. If you have registered an earlier release of paKet,
you can request a new Serial Number from your authorised distributor.
When calling for help or support, please advise your Serial Number.
Sometimes there can be a lot of mail to attend to and this will help us to
ensure the registered users receive priority attention.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Manual
The Manual provided with the system is rather large but you can print it
in separate sections if you like. You might get by without the Manual if
you are upgrading from an earlier version of paKet or if you have had a lot
of experience with Packet Radio and Computing. But even then, I think it
would be advisable to at least have a look through the Manual to see what
is available in version 6 and to see how it all works.
Note the Manual for paKet 6.1 is almost identical to that distributed with
version 6.0 so if you have that one, there is no need to print it all
again. (References to 6.0 were changed to read 6.1, but it is the same
manual).
But now there is an even better way! AAPRA, whose address is shown
above, have produced a printed and bound copy of the full paKet 6 Manual
and this is available to any paKet user for $A25. I have authorised them
to print this Manual, requiring only that my original text remain
unchanged. Of course some minor adjustments were found necessary with the
production of the new format (2 columns, double sided, less than 150
pages), but they have my blessing with this project and I am sure many
paKet users will want to take them up on their offer.
paKet users in other countries should contact their local distributor for
further information - it may be available locally as well.
------------------------------------------------------------------
For those who felt the frustration of trying to install and run the
earlier version on one of those XTs, please accept my sincere apologies.
Same goes to those who have installed 6.0 and now find there is another
one to be installed.
I hope you find it is all worthwhile and that paKet makes your
communications easier, more pleasant and more satisfying.
Thank you for supporting paKet.
Tony Lonsdale
VK2DHU @ VK2ATM