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JRTELE.COM Ueckert Software Systems 3573 Dexter Way Marietta, GA 30062 December, 1985 Release 1.0 (C) Copywrite 1985 by Ueckert Software Systems All rights reserved. The disk containing the JRTELE.COM program and this documentation may be copied and shared with others. Printed copies of this documentation may not be distributed in any manner without the express written consent of Ueckert Software Systems. TABLE OF CONTENTS Limited License Granted ................. 1 Machine Configuration ................... 2 Introduction ............................ 3 Getting Started ......................... 5 Menu .................................... 7 Dialing Directory ....................... 10 Communication Parameters ................ 13 File Transfers .......................... 14 Program Defaults ........................ 16 Error Messages .......................... 17 Registration Benefits ................... 18 JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 1 Limited License Granted You are free to use and copy the program to share with others. However, you must follow these rules: 1.) The program and the documentation must be distributed together. 2.) The program and the documentation must be distributed unchanged in any way. 3.) You may not charge for the program or its distribution, other than the cost of the distribution medium (i.e.; the cost of a disk, connect charges, or similar items) without the express written permission of Ueckert Software Systems. 4.) You may not distribute printed copies of this documentation without the express written permission of Ueckert Software Systems. This program and documentation are the property of Ueckert Software Systems, which owns and retains all rights to them. There is no warranty, implied or expressed, about this program's ability to perform in any manner. Any user of this program does so at that user's own risk, with no recourse to Ueckert Software Systems for its performance or lack thereof. Limited Licesnse Granted JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 2 Machine Configuration JRTELE.COM will run on 128k PCjr with an external speaker, a color or monochrome 80-column display, an internal IBM or external Hayes-compatible modem (at 300 or 1200 bps), and a single disk drive. It will also support a RAM disk if you have the additional memory. Other configurations (second disk drives, etc.) may or may not work. This program depends heavily on PCjr specific interrupts and ports. If it doesn't work on your specific configuration, register and advise the author of the problem. If it can be fixed without changing the basic purpose of the program, it will be incorporated into a future release. There are no plans, currently, to make JRTELE.COM work on a PC, XT, AT, or other "compatible". IMPORTANT NOTICE If you are using add-on memory and are changing the location of the screen memory, you must allocate enough memory for two (2) pages of screen memory. If this is not done, results are unpredictable. Machine Configuration JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 3 Introduction JRTELE.COM is a communications program written specifically for the PCjr. It makes full use of the Video Gate Adapter, the internal sound chip, and an IBM internal or external Hayes compatible modem, and optionally a printer. It also supports a capture buffer (to a maximum of 32k). It is designed to communicate with RBBS, using its color graphics and music, FIDO type, and NOCHANGE bulletin board systems (BBS). NOCHANGE graphics, music, and NMODEM protocol are not currently supported. This is the basic purpose of this program and it will not be altered in future releases. JRTELE.COM was written in Turbo Pascal V3.01A with the BCD option. There are approximately 4000 lines of source code in the program. The source code is available with a limited use license; see the user registration information at the end of the manual. The communications routines in JRTELE.COM are based on the program DUMTRM.PAS by Jim McCarthy of Borland International and Andy Botany of Teleware Incorporated. The disk directory read routine is based on the program QDL.PAS also by Jim McCarthy of Borland International. Both programs are in the public domain and are available on the Borland International SIG on Compuserve and some BBS's. The following limitations are present in this version of JRTELE.COM: 1. Only odd, even, and no parity are supported. 2. Only 300 and 1200 bps are supported. These limitations do not prevent JRTELE.COM from performing its purpose as stated above. If you are using an IBM internal modem, it has had a revision since its first release. The later revisions (marked "REV J" and later) corrected a problem occuring during transmission of non-text files; i.e., uploads of programs would not work Introduction JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 4 properly. If you own an internal modem with a revision identification lower than "J", you may have problems with XMODEM uploads. Unfortunately, this is a problem beyond the control of JRTELE.COM or its author. If possible, upgrade to a revision "J" or higher of the IBM internal modem. If you are using a Hayes compatible external modem, it must be truly compatible in the command set and responses. If it is a Hayes compatible and does not work properly with JRTELE.COM, it's probably not as compatible as you think. (Paraphased from Borland International.) Introduction JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 5 Getting Started Be sure and read the important notice in the machine configuration chapter if you have more than 128k of memory. Also make sure the volume on your external speaker is high enough to hear the sounds generated by JRTELE.COM. To begin, type (without the quotes) "JRTELE.COM" at the DOS prompt (a:>, where a is the default drive number). The first time you run JRTELE.COM, it may ask you for information which then becomes defaults for the program and the dialing directory. The control file is then written for future runs. The directory file is created, using the defaults, for later runs. The next time you run JRTELE.COM, it will read and use these files. If you are using an IBM internal modem, the defaults are set to 300 BPS, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. If you are using an external modem, you are asked for its speed. Then the defaults are set using the speed you supplied, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. These are the communications parameters recommended by most BBS's. Later in the documentation, instructions are given on changing the defaults. If you are using the IBM internal modem, it is not necessary to enter any commands to set the modem's format, dial a number, or do uploads. JRTELE.COM was written to do that for you. A few comments about the notations used in this documentation and the program. When the phrase "Alt-" proceeds a letter, it means you should hold down the key marked "Alt" key (to the left of the space bar) while pressing the named letter key. It is not necessary to also press the shift key, even if the indicated letter is capitalized. For example, Alt-M means: hold down the "Alt" key while pressing the "M" key. The phrase "Ctrl-" preceeding a letter means to hold down the "Ctrl" key (to the left of the "A" key) while pressing the named letter key. Again, it is not Getting Started JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 6 necessary to press the shift key. The phrase "Fn-" and number or phrase implies you to press the "Fn" key (top right corner of the keyboard) and the number or phrase key. Additional information about key combinations can be found in the IBM manual, Guide to Operations, supplied with your PCjr. When you see angle brackets around a letter in a word, it means you use that letter to select the action implied by the word. For example, the word "e<X>it" means you are to press the "X" key to exit from the routine. Again, it is not necessary to press the shift key with the letter. On occasion, JRTELE.COM will request a name, phone number, or other information from you. When you provide this information, certain keys can be used to change what you have entered before you press the Enter key. The backspace key will backspace one character position and put a space there. The Esc key will backspace over all characters you have entered. The Enter key indicates you are finished entering characters. JRTELE.COM will inform you (visually and audibly) that it is ready. It will also tell you how large the capture buffer is; usually, it will have between 12k (on a 128k PCjr) to a maximum of 32k (on PCjr's with extended memory). When you've read the first screen, you can press any key to continue. If this is your first time running JRTELE.COM, press Alt-M to display the menu. Getting Started JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 7 Menu The menu screen is provided to give you a quick summary of the functions available. Each of these functions is listed below along with a brief description of that function. Pressing any key will take you out of the menu. If it is a function on the menu, that function will be performed. Most functions perform in this manner. The function window will remain on the screen until you press a key; the key you press will be sent or the appropriate function will be performed, based on the key. The exceptions to this are the dialing functions (Alt-D and Alt-Q) and the file transfer functions (Alt-R and Alt-T). Remember, the shift key is not required for "Ctrl-" and "Alt-" combinations. Alt-P Communications Parameters Allows you to set the communications parameters. This is used primarily when making a manual (i.e., not in the directory) call. Alt-F Program Defaults Allows you to set the parameters used by the program; e.g., screen colors. Alt-E Keyboard Echo Allows you to see the characters you enter if the system with which you're communicating (host) doesn't echo (send back) the characters you type. Most systems do echo. Alt-C Clear Screen Clears the screen. Alt-X Exit Program Allows you to exit the program after answering a verification question. Menu JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 8 Alt-M Show Menu Shows the menu screen. Fn-Echo Echo to Printer Allows every character received and typed to be sent to the printer. Obviously, you must have a printer attached and it must be ready. Toggling the printer on and using 1200 BPS may cause loss of characters sent by the host. Fn-PrtSc Print Screen Allows you to print the screen, including any window visible. The normal print screen function is changed while JRTELE.COM is running. This allows the program to tell the sender to stop sending while the screen prints; this helps prevent the loss of characters from the host. When printing is completed, the sender is told to resume sending. Alt-D Dialing Directory Brings up the dialing directory. You may add, change, and delete entries; call an existing entry; make a manual call; redial the last call; and, of course, do nothing. Dialing may be terminated by pressing any key. A later chapter details this function. Alt-Q Redial Last Number Redials, repeatedly, the last number dialed. This can be terminated by pressing any key. Alt-Z Show Elapsed Time Shows the time since the last call was dialed; useful when you're using long distance. Alt-H Hangup modem Forces the modem on-hook (i.e., it hangs up). F1 - F10 Sends the value associated with the pressed function key from the associated directory entry. Not effective with manual calls. Menu JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 9 Alt-B Send Break Sends a sustained break signal. May be required by some systems, but not most BBS's. Alt-L Logged Drive Shows the current logged drive and allows you to change it. Alt-V View Disk Directory Displays an abbreviated directory and free space on the current logged drive. Alt-R Receive File Sets the program in file receive mode. A later chapter discusses file transfers. Alt-T Send File Sets the program in file send mode. A following chapter discusses file transfers. Alt-Y Delete File Allows you to delete a file. Alt-O Open Buffer Opens the capture buffer; that is, starts capturing each character sent and received. If the buffer was previously open, the capture starts without destroying the buffer contents. Alt-K Clear Buffer Clears the capture buffer. Once cleared, the data is lost. Alt-W Write Buffer Writes the contents of the capture buffer to a file you've specified as the log file for the current call. After writing, the buffer is cleared. Alt-I Close Buffer Closes the capture buffer; that is, stops capturing data. No data is lost or written. Menu JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 10 Dialing Directory The dialing directory is used to store the name, dialing prefix (for example, long distance service phone number and access code) indicator, phone number, communication parameters, echo required, line feed needed, XOn/XOff protocol codes, last connected time and date, log file specification, and function key values. In order to maintain a directory as large as JRTELE.COM's directory, frequent access to the directory file must be made. If you remove the disk containing the directory, you must replace it prior to disconnecting a call or entering the dialing directory function. The directory file is always closed except when it is being accessed; that is, the file will be opened, used, and closed as necessary. Pressing Alt-D takes you into the dialing directory. Once there, you can dial a number by entering the number to the left of the name of the BBS you are calling and pressing Enter. The name and phone number being called will be displayed at the bottom of the window. If a connection is made, you will be notified visually and audibly. If no connection is made, a message will be displayed and the program will pause before redisplaying the directory. Calls may be placed to numbers not in the dialing directory by entering a M (for manual call) and pressing Enter. The program will ask you for a prefix code ("!" or "@" as stored in the program defaults and used to access long distance services) and then the phone number. After they are entered, the program will proceed as if the call had been made from the dialing directory; however, there are no values associated with the function keys. The last dialed number (from the directory or a manual call) may redialed by entering an R and Dialing Directory JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 11 pressing Enter. The program acts as if you had exited the dialing directory and pressed Alt-Q. Entries may be changed or added by entering a C and pressing Enter. You will then be asked the number of the entry to be changed; enter it and press Enter. The current values for that entry will then be shown and you change may them individually. Enter the letter of the appropriate value and then the new value. After all changes have been entered, press the "Esc" key. Remember, the prefix in the dialing directory is a "!" or a "@" which relate to long distance service access prefix definitions in the program defaults, not modem dialing prefixes. Phone numbers may contain 14 characters; valid characters are the digits 0 to 9 and other characters supported by your modem. Consult the documentation supplied with your modem. Normal usage (that is, without a switchboard) requires only that you enter the phone number of the BBS as you would dial it yourself. If you use a long-distance service, you should store the phone number and access code for the service in the program defaults and the phone number of the BBS in the directory. Tone and pulse dialing requirements are also maintained in the program defaults. Entries may be deleted by entering a D and pressing Enter. You will be asked which entry to delete; enter the number of the entry and press Enter. The entry will be reset to the initial program defaults. To view additional entries, use the Home, End, PgDn, and PgUp keys (lower right corner of the keyboard); remember these keys require you to press the "Fn" key first. Home will display the first 15 entries in the directory. PgUp will display the next 15 entries. PgDn will display the previous 15 entries. End will display the last 15 entries in the directory. To exit the dialing directory, enter an X and press Enter. You will be returned to the main screen. Dialing Directory JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 12 Important Notes If you captured data during a call and you enter the dialing directory with data in the buffer, the program will ask you what to do with the data in the capture buffer. You may clear the buffer, write it to a file of your choice, or write it to the log file for the last call made. If the file you specify exists, the data will be appended to that file. If you select to write the file, but have not specified a file name, a file name of "DEFAULT.FIL" is used. When sending the values corresponding to the function keys (F1 through F10), JRTELE.COM will always add a carriage return. To prevent this, enter a backslash (\) as the last character of a message. The function key values are useful for storing your first and last names, your password, and other frequently entered strings associated with that entry in the directory. For example, F1 could contain your first name, F2 your last name, and F3 your password. This can save several keystrokes. Another good idea (made easier by the function key values) is to use a unique password on every BBS you call. If a computerized vandal (also called "hacker", "cracker", or "wrecker") manages to break into a BBS and get a list of users and associated passwords, that vandal won't be able to get onto other BBS's with your name and password and then wreak their perverse, infantile havoc while destroying your good name and probably your ability to use the wrecked BBS's. Unfortunately, it's happened before and will continue. Dialing Directory JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 13 Communication Parameters These parameters are used to set or reset the communications parameters used for manual calls (the dialing directory maintains the parameters for calls made from the directory). The most common parameters are listed for easy selection and entry. If these do not meet your needs, select option 6 to specify the required settings. If you are using the IBM internal modem, the settings you select are checked for validity. Once selected, the parameters are changed for both the serial port and the modem. The parameters are changed in a manner and sequence appropriate for the modem you are using. Communication Parameters JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 14 File Transfers JRTELE.COM supports ASCII (XON/XOFF) and XMODEM protocol transmitting (uploading) and receiving (downloading) of files. There is a wealth of public domain programs (an astounding number of which run with no problems on the PCjr) available on the BBS's. If at all possible, it is recommended you use the XMODEM protocol to transmit or receive files, even text files. XMODEM has a 99.5% accuracy rate; your chance of receiving an error during the transfer is slim. ASCII transfers do no error checking; your exposure to error is then dependent on the telephone line, the weather, and any number of other uncontrollable items. To receive a file, enter Alt-R. To transmit a file, enter Alt-T. Once in file transfer mode, you will be asked to specify a file transfer method; press the appropriate key. Then you will be asked for a file specification; enter a normal file specification (drive:name.ext). The methods supplied for receiving files are XMODEM and ASCII. For transmitting files, you may use XMODEM, ASCII, and Paced ASCII. Paced ASCII is useful if you compose messages offline (not connected to a BBS, using a text/word processor), then enter them into the BBS mail section. Most BBS's use a colon (:) after a line number for pacing. Check your BBS carefully before you do this; there are no real standards of line length or number of lines. As an alternative to using Alt-R to download text files, open the capture buffer then tell the host to ASCII download the file. If the file is larger than the buffer, the buffer capture routine will tell the host to stop sending and tell you the buffer is full. You may then write or clear the buffer. The clear buffer routine will tell the host to start sending again. Remember, the write buffer routine also clears the buffer after writing it. File Transfers JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 15 Another note about ASCII downloads: the data being received is not displayed. Since some files do not have an end-of-file character, the receive file routine will not know it has received the end of the file. Watch the number of characters received and the length of the file; that way you will know when to stop the receipt of the file. The program uses the capture buffer to store data during file transfers; therefore, the capture buffer will be written before sending or receiving a file. Also, the buffer is filled before anything is written to disk, so don't panic if the disk doesn't spin much. It was designed that way. File Transfers JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 16 Program Defaults The program's defaults are available for change. These include the text color, background (and border) color, the window text color, window background color, default BPS rate, default stop bits, default data bits, modem type, redial delay, and tone with program messages. (Note that all "BEEP"'s issued by the program cannot be turned off; certain critical messages will always cause a "BEEP".) The access numbers for long distance services are also maintained in the program defaults as prefix codes "!" and "@". Pressing Alt-F will get you into the default change routine. The defaults are listed, then you are able to change them individually. Just enter the letter of the default to be changed, then the appropriate value. To indicate you have no more changes, press the Esc key. You will then be given an opportunity to save the changes for future runs. Any changes made to the program defaults will be effective immediately after you exit the default change function, whether the changes were saved or not. Program Defaults JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 17 Error Messages Error messages are displayed at the time of the error. Usually, JRTELE.COM will display the error message, then continue as if the request causing the error was not issued. When you are requested to select from a set of values, if you do not choose from the indicated values, JRTELE.COM will just ignore your selection. The only coded (non English) error messages you should get are listed below with their cause. Error Meaning and action 240 Disk full. Try a different disk. 241 Directory full. Try a different disk. 243 Too many open files. Add more files to CONFIG.SYS. If you consistently get other error messages (identified as Run-time or I/O Errors) and are a registered user, contact Ueckert Software Systems. Error Messages JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 18 Registration Benefits If you send a contribution ($20 suggested), you will be registed as a user of this program. This entitles you to advance notice (about a month) of new releases, and free reasonable telephone support. You will also have an opportunity to acquire new releases before non-registered users as well as acquire a program to convert the control and directory files, if necessary; both for less than $10 (to cover materials, postage, etc.). The conversion program will not be distributed to BBS's or CompuServe. In addition, change and enchancement requests from registered users will receive priority over any others. This is not an offer to do custom code for you for free, but rather a commitment on the author's part to support as best possible, within the purpose of JRTELE.COM, the registered users. To register, send your contribution along with your name, mailing address, and computer configuration to: Ueckert Software Systems 3573 Dexter Way Marietta, GA 30062 An acknowledgement of your contribution, plus current information about the product, will be sent by return mail. In addition to the items mentioned above, users who register will be able to acquire at additional cost, under a limited use license agreement, a copy of the source code for JRTELE.COM and documentation of the source code. For additional information about acquiring the source code, indicate your desire at any time after you register. Registration Benefits JRTELE.COM (Rel. 1.0) 19 Registration Form Mail to: Ueckert Software Systems 3573 Dexter Way Marietta, GA 30062 Name:_____________________________________ Address:_____________________________________ City, State, Zip:_____________________________________ Equipment Used:_____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Contribution:_____________________________________ Are you interested in receiving information about acquiring the source code for JRTELE.COM? YES NO Any suggestions for enchancements to JRTELE.COM? Registration Benefits