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PLEASE NOTE: This documentation covers a greatly enhanced version of PC-TALK III. The program has been licensed for posting on the CompuServe IBMPC SIG, by express written permission of The Headlands Press, Inc. It may be freely copied and distributed according to the terms of license given below. tm ===== F R E E W A R E ===== User-Supported Software ======================================================================= | If you have received this program from another user and | | find it of value, your $35 contribution will be appreciated. | | | | === FREEWARE === | | P.O. Box 862 | | Tiburon, CA 94920 | | | | You are encouraged to copy this program as described below. | | | | ***NOTICE: Users of this program are granted a limited license to | | make copies for trial use by others on a private, non-commercial | | basis. This license does not include distribution: | | | | 1. In connection with any other product or service; | | 2. For general use within a company or institution; | | 3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'; or | | 4. Distribution in modified form... Please cooperate. | | | | Copyright 1984, 1985 The Headlands Press, Inc. | ======================================================================= It is the first and the only version to date that has been awarded this privilege by Andrew Fleugelman and The Headlands Press, Inc., to whom I express my gratitude. Due to its size, there are considerable difficulties involved in producing an executable file, therefore only the executable program is supplied and the basic source code is not included. The updates provided in this version are so ramified and extensive that exhaustive testing is simply not possible for me to do in a free program environment. Extensive testing has been done, by experienced beta testers, 3 of whom are CompuServe SysOps. However, you may find either 'creature comfort' or actual bugs. Please let me know of any problems you may find or modes of operation that would give you greater creature comfort. I'll get msgs left on CIS on the IBM PC SIG (PCS-131). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPUSERVE IBM PC SIG WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THIS VERSION OF PC-TALK III. -- Jim Gainsley (SysOp) CompuServe IBM PC SIG [76703,1007] -- 1 PC-TALK III VERSION C DOCUMENTATION FOR UPDATES INCORPORATED IN PC-TALK III VERSION C Level 851111 (Documentation Revision 7.0) by Jim Gainsley, 116 Third Ave N., Mpls MN 55401 (612) 338-6124 CompuServe [76703,1007] 11/11/85 Licensed for Posting on the CompuServe IBM PC SIG by The PC-TALK III Copyright holder: The Headlands Press, Inc. and Andrew Fluegelman Copyright 1983, 1984, 1985 IN MEMORIAM Though not positively confirmed, at this writing it is believed that Andrew Fluegelman has passed away. I've done this work and promulgated it, in the hope that it will benefit others, as much it has benefited me. In addition, this work is now dedicated to his memory, in the hope that it will serve to continue the philosophy of useful affordable software, which Andrew pioneered. The additions herein which I have written and compiled from the work of others, which by themselves, now amount to more code than in the total original program. Though I ask no remuneration, I do ask that you, as a satisfied beneficiary of the product, make a special effort in this circumstance to comply with the FREEWARE(tm) principle founded by Fleugelman, and remit the suggested $35. to his family business, the Headlands Press. * * * * * *** NOTE: TO RUN THIS VERSION, YOU MUST HAVE 192K OF FREE MEMORY. THIS MEANS THAT YOU WILL NEED 256K OF RAM, IF YOU USE PROGRAMS THAT REMAIN RESIDENT, SUCH AS SIDEKICK, SUPERKEY, PROKEY ETC. The chronological list of enhancements has grown very long, and my versions of PC-TALK have become widely distributed and known to many. Thus, the habit of maintaining a full listing is being discontinued, to save users time and expense in downloading much material which may be redundant or unimportant to them. Henceforth, just the enhancements in the current version will be given. There are many, many versions and modifications of PC-TALK III. The license provides that my work will be denoted by the use of version letters, A, B, C, and, I hope, etc! ENHANCEMENTS IN VERSION C, LEVEL 851111: 1) ALT-N: Implements the use of the SHELL Command. This command may also be used in Macros, and can access DOS command sequences stored in the ALT-1/0 keys. Also, the CTTY command can be used to provide remote operation of the computer. 2 2) CRC error checking has been added to the XMODEM file transfer routines. Also, the speed of the Xmodem routines has been greatly increased. 3) A 20-block moving average tabulation has been added to the Xmodem receive screen and the screen has been re-organized. Block xfer time indication has been added to the xmit screen. An embedded "M" command allows reset of MAX TIME reading. 4) The ALT-F, Default Routine, has been rewritten, adding 10 additional user programmable defaults. NOTE: THE DEFAULT FILE, PC-TALK.DEF, WILL BE RE-INITIALIZED THE FIRST TIME YOU RUN THE PROGRAM!! You may now elect to send Line Feeds, alter the default character for the macro command delimiter and the time delay produced in a macro. 15 character positions have been added to the MODEM INIT capacity. Also, this string is sent when the Default routine is exited. A modem de-initialize string has been provided, which is sent when you exit the program. It is now possible to strip ASCII 0 (00h) in the Default routine. 5) ALT-V provides a full DOS directory listing, File, Size, Date. 6) The ALT-P routine has been re-written to provide protocol and baud rate changes up to 9600. Additionally, the com line is no longer broken when these parameters are changed, thus DTR support is no longer a problem in any portion of the program. 7) The ALT-D Dial Directory has been rewritten to allow for user expansion *and* contraction from 4 to 66 pages of 15 entries each, 990 entries total. Also, you may now go directly to a desired page, rather than just F(orward) and B(ackward) as before. NOTE: THIS ENHANCEMENT WILL *NOT* CAUSE YOUR CURRENT DIAL DIRECTORY TO BE REINITIALIZED. Changes have been made to speed up the screen work in this routine also. Sight-impaired persons who use opticon screen readers, have a problem with inverse video, which is used in portions of the program. An embedded command, "Z", in the ALT-D routine, changes inverse video throughout the program to hi-inten. 8) The cursor and time clock code has been changed to provide a more robust flicker-free cursor. 9) Provision has been made for adaptive dialing features and recognition of the the extended return codes used in the US Robotics, Courier 2400. 10) The Macro system: a) A dial entry number can now be specified with just the significant characters, i.e. what was say -01, can now be entered as -1, (or -01, if you want). b) Provision has been made to allow loading an alternate Altkey file within a macro. The Type 4 command is used for this, with a letter A-Z following. c) The code has been improved to provide additional speed, error trapping, and is now more robust. 11) The entire program has been re-organized in this version to be compiled with the IBM BASIC COMPILER Version 2.0, including the development of Subprogram libraries. This permits and will 3 permit a vastly expanded program now and in the future. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA & SOURCES (All files necessary to this pgm are public domain, except for #1, which is User Supported Software.) 1) PC-TALK III, Ver 3.0, Level 830424: Andrew Fluegelman, The Headlands Press, P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 2) PCT3SC.MRG -- Split-Screen: Wes Meier, Source: CIS 3) PCFIX2.MRG -- Automatic switching of comm params for XMODEM: Author unknown. Source: Gene Plantz, Chicago BBS 4) DSK.BAS, DSK.DOC, DSK.ASM, DSK.OBJ -- Give disk free space under View File (Alt-V). I've enhanced this to operated in the file xfer modules & modified it to read over 1mb. Also in this version, I've added a full DOS directory display. By: Jack Wright Source: Ben Blackstock, Hawkeye BBS Iowa. 5) Portions of PCT35.MRG & PCT36.MRG -- Used here are: Load/Unload Alt-1/0 keys from/to a file, Get a new Sub-directory. Several fixes were made. Also fixed a couple things in the Alt-Key section, one of which now makes it possible to enter a filename longer than 3 char. when entering after exiting the dialing directory. John Chapman, Source: CIS 6) SPLITFIX.MRG, provides for sending multiple lines in Split- Screen mode, and one fix for Backspace when ECHO is ON, in split mode. (We made one fix to this mod to prevent crashes in the compiled ver. when bckspcg beyond position 1 in line 25.) Also modified code to work with macros re cursor positioning.: by Dennis Cheves, Source: Tampa IBM-PC BBS. 7) FIX366.MRG: Allows DTR support. When using the older Hayes 1200B modem which requires a DTR signal at all times, you will not be disconnected when the program automatically switches comm parameters, in file xfer modes. Does not fix this problem in the Alt-P routine. Author: Dan Frank. Source: Gene Plantz IBBS, Chicago. 8) SKIP GILBRECH: Provided the code forming the basis for enabling baud rate change, without dropping the com line, in the Alt-P. 9) CRC error checking in XMODEM: Provided a BASIC implementation of the CCITT standard.: by Walt Kloss under a grant from David Huxford. 10) I have written the following: -- New Freeware Notice screen and presentation. -- New Start-up Screen and Command Summary Menu. -- New Redial routine with Recycle command 'R' and change disconnect time ']'. -- New Hangup routine, Alt-H. New options provision for Manual dialing. -- Function Key timed and character pacing routine, including ability to access dialing directory and do commands from macros. Fully automatic sequencing is possible. -- Access macros from command line. 4 -- The use of ESC for terminating file transmit and receive modes. -- Continuous clock displayed on line 25. -- Improvements in message line handling. -- Rewrite of the XMODEM file transfer routines, to enable successful operation in network environments. Also many enhancements providing more efficiency and sensitivity to the communications environment. User controllable XMODEM timing in Receive Mode. Select from 2-70 secs/block, default = 10 secs. Also, greatly enhanced screen work showing Actual Time, Max time, & Timing per block, as well as block length. In transmit mode, manual block resend is possible. -- Enhanced Free Disk Space to operate in all File modes & to be automatic in Receive. Also, to show space over 1mb & work with up to 6 drives (3 previously). -- New Time Display Module, providing complete Start, Stop and elapsed times for all file xfers and hhmmss display for Alt-Z. -- Implementation of the SHELL command in Alt-N and in disk directory display routines. -- Many misc. items regarding cleanup and fixes. I want to thank all the others for the super contributions they have made to the continuing development of the finest comm program that ever was! -jg- THE FOLLOWING PAGES REPLACE THE EQUIVALENTS IN THE PC-TALK III MANUAL, FOR THE LEVEL 830424 RELEASE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THAT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION, YOU MAY OBTAIN IT BY DOWNLOADING THE FILE PCTORG.DOC ON THE COMPUSERVE IBM PRO SIG. 5 --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- === Contents === To Users of PC-TALK version 2.00 4 Summary of Commands 6 Making Working Copies of PC-TALK 9 Starting PC-TALK 11 === Screen, Keyboard, and Printing === Echo: Alt-E 13 The Width Alarm: Alt-W 13 Printscreen: Shift-PrtSc 14 Simultaneous Printout: Ctrl-PrtSc (or Ctrl-PgUp) 14 Screendump: Alt-S 16 Clearscreen: Alt-C 16 === Receiving and Transmitting Files === Receiving a File: Alt-R (or PgDn) 17 Transmitting a File: Alt-T (or PgUp) 19 The Binary transmit option: '=b ' 20 The Pacing transmit option: '=p ' 21 XMODEM Transmitting and Receiving: '=x ' & '=c' 24 A Note on Communications Terminology 26 === More File Commands === Status Messages: Alt-M 27 Viewing a File & Disk Free Space: Alt-V 28 (See also bottom of Page 18) Deleting a File: Alt-Y 29 The Logged Drive: Alt-L 29 File Specification Conventions 30 === Dialing === The Dialing Directory: Alt-D 32 Adding to the Directory 34 Other Directory Options 35 Auto-dialing 36 Long Distance Services: '+# ' and '-# ' 36 Manual Dialing: 'm ' 38 Redialing: Alt-Q 38 Stripping and Converting Characters 39 Pacing Instructions 41 --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- === Parameters and Defaults === Communications Parameters: Alt-P 44 Program Defaults: Alt-F 45 === Macros and Input Strings === The Function Key Directory: Alt-K (or Alt-J) 52 Using the Function Key Assignments 53 Pacing, Timed & Character 54A Use of Alt Keys, Alt-1 thru 0. Shift-TAB 55 Directory Display for Alt-1 thru 0 keys. Alt-A 55 Saving & Recalling Alt key assignments: Alt-U, Alt-I 57 === Miscellaneous Features and Commands === Elapsed Time Alt-Z 58 Exit Alt-X 58 Sending a Break Signal Ctrl-End 58 Command Summary Home key 59 Split-Screen operation Cntrl-Home 59 Select another Subdirectory Alt-G 59 Hangup Alt-H 59 Run Silent Alt-B 59 Do DOS Commands Alt-N 59 Using the Command Line 59A Toggle Commands 60 Clock Display, Update Disable Alt-D 'y' 60 Inverse Video Toggle Alt-D 'z' 60 === More Applications and Advanced Features === XON/XOFF: Alt-O (letter) 60A Communications Errors: <<>> & <<OVERFLOW>> 60A === PC-TALK III File Information === Programming Information 63 Copying PC-TALK 64 Modifying PC-TALK 64 Thank You! 66 FREEWARE 67 Appendix A: Communications Parameters 69 Appendix B: The XMODEM Protocol 70 --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 6 === Summary of Commands === Home Displays an on-screen summary of these commands. Ctrl-Home Split-Screen Operation. Keyboard input appears at bottom of screen. (Hit Esc to erase line.) Ctrl-PrtSc When activated, simultaneously prints all (or Ctrl-PgUp) screen output to the printer. (Toggle) Ctrl-End Sends a 'Break' signal to the remote computer. Shift-PrtSc Prints current screen contents at any time. Shift-TAB Permits programming of keys Alt-1 through Alt-0 as temporary input while the program is running. Alt-A Directory Display for Alt keys 1 thru 0. Alt-B Run Silent, almost... Audible signals are still provided in the event of errors, invalid or, illegal events. Alt-C Clears the screen. Alt-D Calls up the Dialing Directory. Permits storing parameters for 60 phone numbers and auto-dialing. Alt-E When activated, Echoes keyboard input to the screen. (Toggle) USE IF YOUR KEYBOARD INPUT IS BLANK OR DOUBLE. Alt-F Permits temporary or permanent changes to the program defaults. Alt-G Select another Subdirectory on the same drive. Alt-H Hangup: Disconnects from telephone line. Alt-I Programs the contents of a Temp Alt Key file to the designated Alt keys 1 thru 0. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 7 Alt-J Calls up the Function Key Directory. Permits (or Alt-K) specifying up to 40 Function key combinations to input permanent i.d. #s and logon sequences. Alt-L Changes the Logged drive for file specifications. Alt-M When activated, sends status Messages as part of the transmit and receive routines. (Toggle) Alt-N Do Dos Commands. This feature makes use of the DOS SHELL command. Alt-O Permits re-starting transmission manually when the remote computer has sent an XOFF signal. Alt-P Permits changing the communications Parameters. Alt-Q Redials the last number dialed. "R" to recycle, Space Bar to Terminate, Alt-D to directly access Dialing Directory, "]" to change Time-Delay- before-disconnect, plus 3 options to temporarily change disconnect time. Allows fast recycling. Alt-R Starts routines to Receive input from the (or PgDn) communications port to files on disk. Sub- commands allow display of disk directory and free space. Press ESC to terminate. Alt-S Writes contents of the screen to a file DMP.PCT on the Logged drive. Alt-T Starts routines to Transmit files from disk (or PgUp) through the communications port. Can also obtain disk free space & disk directory. Press ESC to terminate. Alt-U Stores the contents of the Temp Alt Keys 1 thru 0 in disk file. Alt-V Starts/stops routine to View a file which has been saved to disk. Gives disk free space. Alt-W Sets an optional Width alarm for keyboard input. Alt-X Exits the program and returns to DOS. Alt-Y Permits deleting a file from disk. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 8 Alt-Z Displays the elapsed time for the current call. ESC Aborts all file xfer routines & Macros. File Specification Commands: / or /+[spec] - When given as response to a file specification, ? or ?+[spec] lists files currently on logged or specified drive. Wild card characters * and ? are allowed. ? may be used in place of /. <space> - When given as response to file specification, re-inputs the last file Transmitted, Received, or Viewed. <Enter> - When given as response to file specification, cancels Transmit, Receive, View, & Delete routines. =p[n][z] - When added to the end of a Transmit file specification, paces transmission one line at a time--either every n seconds or after the wait-for prompt character (z) is received. =b - When added to the end of a Transmit file specification, permits transmitting file in binary format. =c =x - When added to the end of a Transmit or Receive file specification, invokes the XMODEM error- checking protocol. Communications parameters are automatically changed to the required No parity, 8 data bits & 1 Stop bit. When '=x' is used, error checking is done via Checksum, and when '=c' is used error checking is done via CRC. Note: When you are the Sender, it doesn't matter which you use, since the Receiver will determine which protocol to use... CRC has priority. =c[n] =x[n] Used with RECEIVE via XMODEM mode. n is a number between 2 & 70, which controls block timing. For use with networks, & where long pauses may occur. Default for n = a timing of 10 seconds/block. Tab - Pressing while receiving via Xmodem allow you to change timing. See Text before attempting to use. \ M - The '\' is used to manually resend the current block during Xmodem UPLOADS, when the msg. 'Waiting...' appears. 'M' can be used to reset the 'Max Time' indicator, during DOWNLOADS. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 8A Special Characters Used in Strings (Macros): (For F-Keys & Alt-1/0 Keys) | - Switch Character: Used to indicate the beginning of a string segment within a macro. The next character must a Type no. 1-5. Can be changed in Defaults. ~ - (Tilde) Time Delay Character. The character and the time can be changed in the Defaults. } - Signifies a carriage return as part of the string. Subcommands Used in String (Macro) Editing: <space><Enter> - Clears a previously specified string. <Enter> - Leaves a previously specified string unchanged. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 8B The PC-TALK III Version C, Level 851111 Start-up Screen ============================================== | ===== PC-TALK III ===== | | Experimental Mod Version C. For the use | | of, and supported by, the IBM PC SIG. | | Compiled by Jim Gainsley (SysOp) 76703,1007| | Licensed for posting by written agreement | | with The Headlands Press, Inc. | ============================================== | | | PRESS: <Home>: For Command Summary. | | <Alt-E>: If you cannot see | | your keyboard input. | | <Ctrl-Home>: Split-Screen ON/OFF | | (Toggle). Use <ESC> | | to erase line & the | | <CR> substitute to | | send multiple lines. | | | | DOS 2.1 & up | | Level 851111 | ============================================== The PC-TALK III Version C, Level 851111 Command Summary ======================================== | ===PC-TALK III COMMAND SUMMARY=== | ======================================== |Shft-PrtSc=Prnt Scrn ^PgUp=Contin Prnt| | =x =c XMODEM '=p' Pacing '=b' Binary | | Shft-TAB- Set/Clear Temp Alt Keys | | Alt-A Disp Alt-1/0 Alt-B Silent | | Alt-C Clearscreen Alt-D Dial Nmbr| | Alt-E Echo Toggle Alt-F Defaults | | Alt-G Get a New Subdirectory | | Alt-H Hang up (Disconnect) | | Alt-I Set Alt-1/0 from file | | Alt-J Set/Clear Func Keys (Alt-K) | | Alt-L Chge Def Drv Alt-M Messages | | Alt-N Do DOS Cmd Alt-P Com Parms | | Alt-Q Redial Nmbr Alt-R Recv File | | Alt-S Screendump Alt-T Xmit File | | Alt-U Unload Alt-1/0 to file | | Alt-V View a File & Show Free Space | | Alt-W Set Margin Width Alarm | | Alt-X eXit to DOS | | Alt-Y Delete a File Alt-Z Time | |Ctrl-End = Send Sustained Break Signal| ======================================== --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 18 characters as they are being received, you can specify those characters with the Strip option described below. PC-TALK can receive binary files without any special file receiving specification. You do have to be careful, however, to open and close your file for receiving so that you do not receive any extraneous characters or messages from the remote computer. The recommended procedure for receiving binary files is to have the Message option (described below) ON for the receiving computer and OFF for the transmitting computer and for the transmitting computer operator to give the receiving computer ample time to open and close the file. Please note also that if you want to receive a binary file, you must not have any stripping in effect and must be communicating at 8 data bits. HOWEVER, this is NOT true as regards XMODEM, where stripping and communications parameter changes are made automatically. (These communications parameters are described below.) PC-TALK is also capable of receiving files using the XMODEM error-checking protocol. The use of this protocol is described separately below. ---------------------------------------- Disk Free Space & Directory Functions: After pressing PgDn (or Alt-R), PgUp (or Alt-T), or Alt-V, the Specification: prompt is presented. The Msg line will show subcommands available for reading disk directories, free space and files. Example formats are as follows: (d: stands for any drive designator, A: B: C: etc.) You may use a '?' in place of the '/'. However, a '/' is an unshifted '?', thus one less keystroke. / =Directory of logged drive. // =Directory & free space of logged drive. /d: =Directory of drive other than logged drive. /d:/ =Directory and free space of drive other than logged drive. In PC-TALKC a full DOS style directory is given when the / or ? is pressed in the above situations. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 20 ready to send your file, start the Transmit routine (Alt-T or PgUp), specify the file to be sent, and press <Enter>. None of the specification prompts you see on your screen will be sent to the remote computer -- only the text of your file. **** NOTE RE PC-TALK VERSION B & UP: ESC is used to terminate all file transfers and NOT Alt-T, R, or PgUp, PgDn. If the remote computer requires a special character to begin receipt of the file, it should be sent manually via the keyboard prior to giving the Alt-T command. ---------------------------------------- **File Transmitting Options: PC-TALK offers some advanced transmit options for sending binary files, for pacing transmission, and for transmitting with an error-checking protocol. In each case, the option is invoked by adding an equals sign plus the letters 'b', 'p', 'x', or 'c' to the end of the file specification. Each of these options is described below; however, it is recommended that you do not try these options until you are familiar with the basic features of the program. ---------------------------------------- The Binary transmit option: '=b' PC-TALK permits transmitting binary files (.COM and .EXE files and BASIC programs not saved in ASCII format). To transmit a binary file, add '=b' to the end of the transmit file specification. For example, to transmit the file MYFILE.COM, you would give the transmit file specification by typing --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 24 XMODEM Transmitting and Receiving: '=x' or '=c' One of the noteworthy features in PC-TALK III is the inclusion of the XMODEM protocol originally developed by Ward Christensen. The purpose of the XMODEM protocol is to guard against inaccuracies in file transfer caused by bad signals on the telephone line. It is a "hand-shaking" and error-checking protocol that ensures accurate transmission and receipt of data and binary files. The protocol is in wide use today among a variety of microcomputer systems. The XMODEM protocol can be used for both transmitting and receiving files. In each case, you should add '=x' or '=c' to your file specifications; for example, 'MYFILE.123=x'. Two forms of error checking are available, Checksum and CRC. Briefly, Checksum is merely the sum of the ASCII codes of all 128 data characters in the block, while CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) is a complex mathematical function, which is much more sensitive to data errors than Checksum. In the receive mode, '=x' will use Checksum, while '=c' will use CRC, if available. In the send mode, it does not matter which you enter. If the receiver can do CRC then it will be used, if not, Checksum will be used. Note that XMODEM is a RECEIVER controlled protocol, that is, the receiver determines when blocks will be sent and the error checking method to be used. Many BBS' and networks are not adapted for the CRC method. This need not be of concern to you, as the program automatically handles these situations. If you select CRC and it is not available, a message to that effect will be given, but you need do nothing. You should note it however, so that you will not choose it there next time, since a certain amount of time is wasted in making the determination. The CRC implementation used is the CCITT standard. Once you have entered the file spec and pressed <Enter>, you will see a message indicating that the protocol is in effect and the notice, "*** Holding for Start..." The rest of the file transfer occurs automatically. If you are transmitting, line 25 of the screen will indicate how many blocks (of 128 bytes) comprise the file. You will see a message "Sending block # n", followed by the message "- verified" when the remote computer has successfully received that block. The file transfer will proceed, block by block, until the end of the file is reached. The transfer will then terminate automatically. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev 7) --- 26 reasonably assured of a rapid and accurate file transfer. The XMODEM routine operates automatically. For those who are interested, a brief technical description of how the file transfer takes place can be found in Appendix B at the end of this documentation. Before leaving the subject of XMODEM, it is appropriate that acknowledgment be given to Ward Christensen, who originated the protocol and who has been a landmark pioneer in computer communications. ---------------------------------------- Advanced Features: Multi-user networks may have long pauses in transmission. In order to operate with these, it may be necessary to vary the block timing in the RECEIVE mode. Since the implementation of XMODEM in PC-TALK is such that the protocol is receiver driven, i.e. the receiver controls all transmission, no provision need be made for the transmit mode, except that if the msg "*** Waiting..." appears, you may manually resend the current block by pressing the '\' within 2 seconds after the appearance of the msg. However, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNTIL AFTER 3 APPEARANCES OF THE MESSAGE, OR IN THE EVENT THAT THE XFER APPEARS TO BE HUNG UP. Waits are common in network xfers, so don't be impatient... Let the program do the work. THE DEFAULT OR STANDARD TIMING IS SET AT 10 SECONDS. However, you may vary this from 2 to 70 seconds by typing the desired time after the '=x' e.g. =x4, WHICH SHOULD BE USED WITH NON-NETWORKS, SUCH AS ORDINARY BBS's. Longer periods such as 20 or 30 seconds are common with networks such as CompuServe, during "busy" periods, when many "slows" are being experience. (A "slow" is just a term meaning bursts of characters, with relatively long periods, between them.) Note however, that provision is made for automatic incrementing of the block timing. Two steps are provided, 30 secs, and 60 secs. Decrementing is not provided, nor is it mandatory. In passing it is to be noted that some BBS's notably IBBS requires that the timing *at the end of the transfer* be no greater than 4 seconds per block. Therefore, the timing is automatically reset to 4 seconds at this point. This also results in a faster termination sequence in all cases. The effect of long times in block timing, is to prolong error correction conditions. The screen gives the time per block, the maximum time for a block, received up to the current block, a 20-blk moving average, and the block timing in effect -- all in seconds. If this display indicates that you are nearing or exceeding the timing you have allowed, you may change it by pressing TAB and then two digits e.g. 06, 15, etc. between 02-70, the timing limits. DO NOT PRESS ENTER. The program WAITS for you to enter these digits, so don't dally! NOTE: Longer --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev 7) --- 26A times increase the probability of xmission errors, which mean more blocks needing retransmission and also increase the abort, error and exit sequence times. Pressing 'M' in receive mode, will cause the MAX TIME indicator to be reset to the current block. You may have to hold the key down or press it several times quickly to achieve the reset. Note that during Send mode, you cannot alter block timings. REMEMBER, "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!". Timing changes are automatic. Your intervention should not be necessary except under unusual conditions or as noted above. In Xmodem Receive mode, you will be given the total block length after the first block is received, which information maybe of interest to some. Information is also presented during the transfer concerning error conditions. The standard block length is 132 bytes including the protocol bytes, sometimes called 'overhead', when Checksum ('=x') is used, and 133 bytes when CRC, ('=c') is used. The data portion of all implementations is 128 bytes. ______________________________________ A Note on Communications Terminology -- The PC-TALK prompts and documentation generally avoid use of the words 'uploading' and 'downloading', except where clarity is served. A convention in the mainframe world has been to use 'uploading' to refer to transmitting a file to a remote computer and 'downloading' to refer to receiving a file from a remote computer. In the case of two microcomputers communicating with each other, the notion of 'up' and 'down' seems less appropriate. However, where these words are used, they do have the meanings given here. ------------------------------------------ --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 32 === Dialing === The Dialing Directory: Alt-D The Alt-D command calls up the Dialing Directory, which is one of PC-TALK'S most useful features. The Directory as supplied can list up to sixty names and phone numbers, plus communications parameters and echo, message, stripping and pacing instructions for each entry. The Directory can be expanded to 990 entries. The following instructions will first show you how to place names and phone numbers into the Directory and then describe how to use the Directory as part of your standard communications routines. When the Directory is called up for the first time, all entries will be blank. To add names and phone numbers to the Directory or to revise the Directory later on, enter 'r' at the "Dial entry #:" prompt. Then enter the entry number you want to add or revise. Note: It is not necessary to press <Enter> for any Dial Directory single-letter command, and it does not matter whether you use upper or lower case any place in PC-TALK. Note: In what follows below, pressing <Enter> installs the parameter or condition then indicated on the screen. To add/revise entries, type in the name, followed by, and the phone number (area codes optional), followed by. Up to 36 characters may be specified for the phone number; only the rightmost 14 characters will be displayed in the Directory. You will then be asked whether the communications parameters are "ok". If say, the screen shows 1200 baud-Even parity-7 data bits- 1 stop bit, and this is acceptable, then type 'y'. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) 33 (Note: PC-TALKC supports Adaptive Dialing. If you set your baud rate for 2400 baud, and have a modem that has provides for "Adaptive Dialing", which means that the modem will automatically switch to 1200 baud if the remote computer does not support 2400 baud, then PC-TALKC, will also automatically change to 1200 baud.) If you respond with 'n', you will be asked to specify communications parameters. The program will not let you dial using invalid parameters. (If you run into trouble, re-specify '1200-E-7-1'.) The revise entry routine will then ask whether you want to echo characters to the screen (common for inter-personal computer communications, but usually not necessary for public networks such as CompuServe and the Source), and whether you want to send status messages as part of the file Receiving and Transmitting routines (see above). Press <Enter> after responding to each prompt. The routine will then ask whether you want to strip or convert characters for that entry. It is recommended that you respond with 'n' unless you have a special applications need. (See the explanation of the Stripping option below.) Finally, the routine will ask whether you want to specify a Pacing instruction for that entry. If you want to specify a Pacing instruction, enter either a time delay number or a pacing prompt character in response to the "Pacing? p=" prompt. Respond with 'n' <Enter>, if you do not want any pacing in effect for that entry. It is recommended that you do not specify a Pacing instruction unless you know of a specific need for it. If you make an error specifying a directory entry, type 'n' <Enter> at the final "ok?". You will be taken through the specification routine again. For each parameter, you can either --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 34 specify a new value or press <Enter> to leave the present value unchanged. After you have responded with 'y' to the final "ok?" prompt, the Directory will clear, showing the new information you input. The name, phone number, and communications specs will be permanently stored in a separate file on your program disk named PC-TALK.DIR. ---------------------------------------- Adding to the Directory -- As indicated above, specifying communications parameters, echo, message, stripping, and pacing can all be considered advanced features that need not be dealt with the first time you use the program. The following example lists the commands for merely adding a name and phone number to the Directory. 1. Press Alt-D. You will see Page 1 of the Directory displayed and the prompt "Dial entry #:". 2. Type 'r'. You will see the prompt "Revise/add entry #:". 3. Type '1'. You will see the prompt "Name:". 4. Type the name you want for entry #1 (maximum 20 characters) followed by <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Phone number:". 5. Type the phone number you want for entry #1 (maximum 36 characters) followed by <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Communications parameters ok (y/n)?". 6. For this example, the parameters are ok, so type 'y' <Enter>, or just press <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Echo on (y/n)?". 7. Type 'n' <Enter> or just press <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Messages on (y/n)?". --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 35 8. Type 'n' <Enter> or just press <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Strip/convert characters (y/n)?". 9. Type 'n' <Enter> or just press <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Pacing? p=". 10. Type 'n' <Enter> or just press <Enter>. You will see the prompt "Is entry #1 ok (y/n)?". 11. Type 'y' <Enter> or just press <Enter>. You will see Page 1 of the Directory re-displayed with the name and phone number you just entered. 12. Repeat the above steps for each name and phone number you want to add to the Directory. ---------------------------------------- Other Directory Options -- Although the Directory has a capacity of sixty entries, the screen will display only fifteen entries at a time. You can "page" forward or back through the directory by entering 'f' or 'b', or 'pn' (where 'n' is a page number), at the initial "Dial entry #:" prompt. You can dial any entry, regardless of whether it is displayed. However, you can revise only those entries that are on the displayed page of the Directory. If you enter 'c' at the "Dial entry #:" prompt, you have the option of clearing Directory entry #s within the full range the existing directory entries, used or not, in the directory. You will be asked "Are you sure?" before your selected entries are cleared. ---------------------------------------- --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 36 Auto-dialing -- The Dialing Directory will automatically dial a Directory entry if your modem supports this function. The first time the Directory is called up, you will see a notice that says "modem dialing command = ATDT". This is the command used by the D.C. Hayes Smartmodems<tm> for using touch tone dialing. To specify a different dialing command--such as for pulse dialing or for another auto-dial modem--enter 'r' to revise the Directory and then type 'm' at the "Revise/add entry #:" prompt. Then type your desired dialing command, followed by <Enter>. (The Smartmodem command for pulse dialing would be 'ATDP'.) Whatever modem dialing command you specify will be permanently stored in the Directory file (until revised again). Once the appropriate dialing command has been entered in the Directory, you can have the program dial phone numbers automatically. Simply type the Directory entry # you wish to call, followed by <Enter>. The phone number listed for that entry will then be dialed. ---------------------------------------- Long Distance Services: '+#' and '-#' The Dialing Directory is also able to route calls through supplemental long distance services such as Sprint<tm> and --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 37 MCI<tm>. Two different service numbers can be stored in the Directory, which are listed in the Directory as '+#' and '-#'. To add a long distance service number to the Directory, type 'r' at the "Dial entry #:" prompt. Then type '+' or '-' plus at the "Revise/add entry #:" prompt. You can then specify a long distance number command. When entering the long distance number, include both your local access number and your i.d. number. Separate the two numbers with your modem's "pause" command indicators (commas on the Smartmodem) so that your i.d. number will not be input until a connection with the access number has been made. The long distance service # might thus appear in the Dialing Directory as: '987 6543,,,,123456'. If your long distance service requires a different sequence -- such as inputting your account number following the number dialed -- you can program a Function key combination for your account number. See "The Function Key Directory" below. Once a long distance service # has been entered into the Directory, it will reside there permanently (until revised) and display whenever the Directory is called up. To dial a Directory entry # using the long distance service, input a '+' or a '-' immediately preceding the desired entry #. For example, to dial Directory entry #3 using the service number listed as '+#', you would type '+3' <Enter> at the "Dial entry #:" prompt. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 38 Manual Dialing: 'm' You can also use auto-dialing to call phone numbers not stored in the Dialing Directory. From the main Dialing Directory prompt, type 'm' <Enter>. The current Comm params will be displayed & you will be given options to use or alter them. (Note: if the current params in effect are different from the default, & if you select default, call the number and then go to Redial (Alt-Q), you will see the current params listed on the screen, but the call will be made with the default params.) A prompt will then ask for the phone number to be dialed. Type the phone number and press <Enter>, and the number will be dialed automatically. As in the Dialing Directory, preceding the phone number with '+' or '-' will route the call through one of the supplemental long distance service numbers (if they have been stored in the Directory.) Expanding and Contracting the DIAL DIRECTORY: The directory default size is 4 pages of 15 entries each, totaling 60 entries. You may alter this size by selecting the 'S' option. You will be shown the current number of pages and asked for the new number of pages. The maximum directory size is 66 pages of 15 entries each or 990 entries. The minimum is 4 pages. You cannot change the number of entries per page. NOTE: If you have entries on a page and you elect to contract the directory, such that that page is eliminated, then the entries on it will be lost. You may not select a smaller size than 4 pages. The number of pages selected in all cases -- expand or contract -- begin with page 1. ---------------------------------------- Redialing: Alt-Q If you have a Hayes Smartmodem<tm>, the last phone number you have dialed can be redialed at any time by pressing Alt-Q, which calls into effect the Redial routine. The routine will display the time the Redial routine was started, the time the current "pass" started, elapsed time, and the number of the pass, and the no. of seconds into the pass. The redial delay period, or cycle length which was set in the Default table, can be changed for a redial session by pressing ' ] ' when in Redial. This allows faster cycling when telephone conditions permit. (This delay does not affect the internal modem delay in register S7.) You are also given 3 options for temporarily altering the delay, which thus allow even faster recycling, increasing your chances of connecting. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 38A When a connection is made, the program will sound a 2-note alarm twice, and show with whom you are connected. If a macro is in progress, execution will continue, otherwise you are returned to the terminal mode. You can exit from the auto-redial routine at any time before a connection is made by pressing the space bar. You can cause an immediate recycle at anytime during a pass by pressing 'R'. You may go directly to Redial from normal dial. The first pass will automatically abort the in-progress normal dial sequence. Pressing the space bar will not hangup if connect has occurred. Pressing Alt-D anytime in the redial sequence takes you to the Dialing Directory. You can adapt the Redial routine for longer or shorter delays, or for other modems with auto-dialing features, from within the Default routine described below. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 44 === Parameters and Defaults === Communications Parameters: Alt-P It is not necessary that you understand communications protocols to use PC-TALK, but you might find it helpful to read the brief explanation of communications parameters included as Appendix A at the end of this documentation. Pressing Alt-P at any time while the program is running will call up a menu which allows you to set the communications parameters to one of four options. The most common parameters for personal computer communications is 1200 baud, even parity, 7 data bits, and 1 stop bit (option 3). These parameters transmit text files as ASCII characters. To transmit binary data, you should communicate with 8 data bits (option 4). This option is also used to transmit "high-bit" encoded files (such as Wordstar<tm> formatted text files). Options 1 and 2 will transmit text and binary files at 300 baud, while Options 5,6 = 2400 baud, 7,8 = 4800 baud, and 9,10 = 9600. Option "F" of the Communications Parameters menu permits you to reset the parameters to those specified as the program Defaults (see below). If you want to specify parameters other than one of the four options, you should first press 'x' to exit to the terminal mode --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 45 and then invoke the Default routine by pressing Alt-F. **Applications and Advanced Features: If either you or the remote computer is receiving unintelligible information on the screen, you are probably using different communications parameters. Sometimes you will be able to change the parameters while communications are in progress, but it may cause a break in communications, depending on the system you are calling and the modems in use. If you specify 8 data bits, (even-numbered options), your modem might not give intelligible result codes. Also, if you transmit text files using the even-numbered options, as is required to transmit re-formattable Wordstar<tm> files, your screen may display unintelligible characters during transmission. The file is being transmitted accurately, however. --------------------------------------------- Program Defaults: Alt-F The "defaults" of a program are those values that the program assumes every time it is started. PC-TALK makes a number of such assumptions, which can be changed at any time while the program is running by pressing Alt-F. When you press Alt-F, the screen will clear and you will see a list of the present program defaults. They are as follows: --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 46 =============================================================== PRESENT PROGRAM DEFAULTS =============================================================== Baud Rate 1200 Screendump File B:DMP.PCT Parity N Redial Delay 28 Data Bits 8 Connect Prompt CONNECT Stop Bits 1 Line 25 Help Y Echo N Foreground 7 Messages N Background 0 Strip #1 000 High Inten. 15 Replace #1 0 Print Port LPT1: Strip #2 0 Print Init Replace #2 0 Print Width 80 Strip #3 0 Comm. Port COM1: Replace #3 0 Comm. Init. ,CS,DS Pacing p= Modem Init. Logged Drive B: Modm Init Cntd Margin Width 70 Modem De-init. Macro Dly Time 3.0 Rsvd Macro Dly Char ~ Rsvd Macro Separator | Rsvd C/R Subst. } Rsvd Snd LF (term'l) N Rsvd ================================================================ An explanation of each follows: Baud rate 300 Parity E Data bits 7 Stop bits 1 These are the four communications parameters described previously. The permissible baud rates are 75, 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, and 9600. Parity may be E(ven), O(dd), S(pace), M(ark), or N(one). Data bits may be 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Stop bits may be 1 or 2. Note: If you specify 8 data bits, you must specify N parity. Do not experiment with any of these values unless you have a specific application. Echo N Messages N The default is to have both the Echo and Message functions inactive at program startup. To have either function be active, enter 'Y'. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 47 Note that both functions can be controlled by the Alt-E and Alt-M keys, regardless of how the defaults are set. Strip #1 000 Replace #1 0 Strip #2 0 Replace #2 0 Strip #3 0 Replace #3 0 These defaults provide the opportunity to strip and/or replace characters as they are received from the remote computer. The "Strip #" values are the ASCII values of the characters to be stripped or converted and the corresponding "Replace #" values indicate the ASCII characters to replace them. A 0 (zero) Strip value indicates that no character is to be stripped or converted. A 0 (zero) Replace value indicates that the strip character is to be replaced by a null (no character). HOWEVER, if three 0's are used, as in 'Strip #1' above, then it means that ASCII 0, also called NUL, is to be stripped. You may not use 000 as a replace character. The values listed in this menu are only the default values for program startup. Stripping can be put into effect via the Dialing Directory, as described in detail above. Stripping is an advanced feature that should not be used without a specific application in mind. Pacing p= '' This gives you the opportunity of specifying a default pacing instruction, as explained previously. This default is overridden by whatever pacing instructions may be put into effect through the Dialing Directory. The symbol '' indicates a null entry. Logged drive B: Margin Width 70 Both of these default values can be controlled by the Alt-L and Alt-W commands described previously. Please note that all of the above defaults can be controlled independently through program commands. The values listed in the Default menu represent only the values the program assumes at startup. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 48 In contrast, the following defaults can be set only from within the Default menu. Macro Dly Time 3.0 Macro Dly Char ~ Macro Separator | These three defaults are used in making up Macros. The Delay Time is in seconds and may be any numeric value up to 32,000 seconds. See the section in Input Strings and Macros, for a complete discussion. C/R subst. } This final default specifies which character is to be used to indicate carriage returns when defining Function key and Alt key input strings (see below). This character may be changed at will without altering the actual input string. Snd LF (term'l) N This option if set to 'Y', will cause Line Feed characters (ASCII 010) to be sent whenever a carriage return character (ASCII 013), is sent when in the terminal mode. This may be necessary in communicating with some mainframe computers. It has no effect during file transfer routines. Screendump file B:DMP.PCT This is the specification of the file that is written to when Alt-S is pressed to activate the Screendump function. Redial delay 28 This pertains to the Alt-Q Redial function. The "Redial delay" governs the length of time between re-dial attempts (in seconds). Note however, that if your modem has 'dial tracking', that is, can respond to a busy signal, by issuing a return code of "BUSY", then that will have priority over the Redial Delay time. See your modem manual. Connect prompt CONNECT This must be set to the return code your modem issues when a connect is established. This is used in several places in the program. You may use the 'extended' codes 'CONNECT 1200' etc., though it generally is not necessary for proper operation of the program. Note that it is probably better to use just word than the extended numerical portion. In developing macros, it is less constraining to key on the final "T" than on the final "0" in the extended codes, since "0"'s are often used in the phone number. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 49 Line 25 help Y This default governs whether the brief prompt on line 25 of the screen is displayed. To turn off the prompt, enter 'N'. Foreground 7 Background 0 High inten. 15 These three values determine how characters are displayed on the screen. If you have a color monitor, you can substitute color values as explained in the IBM BASIC manual. Be careful that you don't assign the same value to Foreground and Background! Print port LPT1: Print init. '' Print width 80 These three values govern the use of the printer. You can specify 'LPT2:' as an optional printer port, if that is where your printer is connected. The "Print init." default permits you to send characters to the printer for alternate character fonts. The "Print width" specifies how many columns per line the printer will handle. For example, to print in condensed type at 132 columns per line on the IBM Matrix Printer, enter <Ctrl>-O (oh) as the Print init. value and '132' as the Print width. Comm. port COM1: Comm. init. ,CS,DS The first of these defaults permits you to specify 'COM2:' as the communications port. The second default disables checking of the "Clear to Send" and "Data Set Ready" signals when the communications port is opened. This default should not be changed unless you have a specific application. Consult the IBM BASIC Manual under the OPEN "COM... statement for details. Modem Init. (Example:) ATS7=99S8=1 Modm Init Cntd. (") S10=10S0=0X4 Modem De-init. (") ATZ --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 50 The first to provide the ability to send the modem an string to initialize it. The second entry is simply a continuation of the first. DO NOT BEGIN THE SECOND ENTRY WITH THE MODEM'S COMMAND CHARACTERS, "AT" in the case of the Hayes and Courier 2400. The examples are merely to illustrate possible entries. The last five entries marked, 'Rsvd' are reserved for future expansion. The procedure for entering new default values is simple. When you first call up the Default menu, the cursor will be paused next to the default for the baud rate. You can enter new values for all the defaults or leave them unchanged as follows: -- If you want to enter a value, type the new value and then press <Enter>. -- If you want to leave the value unchanged, simply press <Enter>. -- If you want to enter a null (blank) value, type <space> <Enter>. When you do not want to change any more values, type <Esc> <Enter>. (Pressing the <Esc> key will display a small left arrow on the screen.) You will then be asked whether the new values you entered are ok. If you do not respond with 'y', you will exit the Default routine and all of the old defaults will remain in effect. If you indicate that the new values are ok, you will be asked whether you want to make the changed default values permanent. If you respond 'y', your changes will be written to a file called PC-TALK.DEF. The new values will be put into effect, and they will become the new default program values the next time PC-TALK is run. If you do not want to make the changes permanent, your new values will be put into effect, but the old values will remain as the --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 52 === Input Strings (Macros) === The Function Key Directory: Alt-J or Alt-K One of PC-TALK's other powerful features is the Function Key Directory, which is called up by pressing Alt-K, or Alt-J (to accommodate users of the KEYNOTE program.) The Function Key Directory permits you to assign permanent strings of up to 126 characters to the ten Function keys F1 through F10, and to the combinations of Alt-, Shift-, and Ctrl- F1 through F10. A total of forty keys can thus be assigned permanent strings, which can be used to input i.d. numbers, logon sequences, frequently-used phrases and other text with a single keystroke. Also, they may be used to execute selected PC-TALK commands, initiate calls by accessing the dialing directory, and do both timed and character pacing, i.e. strings are not sent until a certain time has elapsed, or until a certain character appears on your screen. The information in the Function Key Directory is stored in a file called PC-TALK.KEY and is loaded every time PC-TALK is run. The first time the Function Key Directory is called up, you will see that the keys F1 through F10 have no strings assigned to them. To program a key (or to revise a previously programmed key), press 'r' at the first prompt. You will then be asked to specify which Function key (1 through 10) you wish to revise. Type the appropriate number and hit <Enter>. You will then be prompted to enter the string you want to assign --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 54A You can include control characters (ASCII 0 through 31) as part of the input string. The program will display these characters as their highlighted letter equivalents (e.g., an ASCII 12 will be displayed as a highlighted letter 'L'). You can change the character used as the carriage return substitute from the right curly bracket to any other character from within the Default specification routine. This carriage return substitute only affects how the string is specified and how it is displayed on the screen; the program always stores a "real" carriage return (ASCII 13). Thus, you can switch back and forth using different characters as the substitute. Macro Formats: An Input String or MACRO as we shall call them here can have two basic formats: 1) A regular line of text which may include all characters in any sequence from ASCII 1 to 127, except ASCII 124, the vertical bar '|'. When the '}' is used, it represents a carriage return/line feed sequence as stated above. 2) A formatted macro is one containing one or more '|', which is used as a special formatting character. There are 5 Types of sequences, which we will call segments. The segment type is denoted by the number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, which must follow a '|'. You may freely intermix segment types within a macro, except that a Type 4 segment may only follow a Type 3 segment. The ~ (tilde) will call a 3 second time delay, when used in the first OR second position, but not both, of a Type 2 or the first position of a Type 5, as will be explained below. The contents of each segment is strictly limited as follows: Type 1: Used for dialing directory entries. The format is as follows: |1nnn or |1-nnn or |1+nnn where the | indicates the beginning of the segment, the 1 indicates the segment type. You may then enter up to four characters, the first one of which must be a + or - service designator, if applicable. The next 3 are the dial directory entry number, from 1 - 990, (or the maximum for which your directory is configured). Leading 0's need not be included, but are accepted. Type 2: Used for Timed and Character pacing, and sending strings of data such as test etc. to the other computer. Formats may be as follows: |2:data or |2~data or |2?~data Where, the | and 2 indicate beginning and type number. The next character indicates the character to wait-for or to pace upon, unless it is a ~, in which case a 3 second delay is --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 55 produced (timed pacing), before the data string that follows is sent. In the first example the string "data" will not be sent until the remote computer has sent a ':'. In the third case the string 'data' will not be sent until a '?' has been received from the remote computer. This initiates a three second delay, after which, the string 'data' is sent. (A carriage return indicator (}) need not follow the last character of the string, unless you want a carriage return/line feed. TILDES (~) MAY ONLY BE USED IN TYPE 2 SEGMENTS & ONLY ONE PER SEGMENT. IF A SECOND TILDE IS USED IT WILL SIMPLY BE CONSIDERED A PART OF THE STRING TO BE SENT. (A subcommand is provided to allow extension of the time delay if desired, or you may program a series of |2~ segments without limit. The Tilde can't be used as a Wait-for character. The 3-sec delay can be changed in the Default section (Alt-F). Type 3: Used for doing commands. The following commands may be accessed: Alt- B,C,E,G,H,I,L,N,P,Q,R,T,V,X,Y,Z. Format is as follows: |3Z or |3C Where, The | and 3 indicate start and type number, and the CAPITAL letter indicates the commands (upper or lower case). Self-completing commands such as Alt-C & Z etc. will be fully executed. Non-self completing commands such such as Alt- G, I, L, N, R, T, V, etc. will proceed to the first point at which keyboard entry is expected. You must then complete the sequence, by 1) entering the filename and pressing Enter etc. After the command has completed, the rest of the macro will again be in control. OR, 2) Programming a Type 4 segment described next. Type 4: Call a Filename from the Alt-1/0 keys. The format is: |4n Where, n = one of the Alt-1/0 keys, e.g. |47 would call the data in Alt-7. A Type 4 segment may only follow a Type 3 segment. n may be only 1 digit, if you use more than one digit, only the first will be used and you will then get an error msg. if any segments remain. A Type 4 segment is only valid for the file commands, Alt-G, I, L, N, R, T, V. This powerful feature allows you to completely automate the xfer of files or viewing of a file. To use this feature you must first install a filespec in one or more of the Alt-1/0 keys (the Shift-Tab command). Any standard DOS 2.0 filespec format is acceptable, except paths. & MUST include the PC-TALK extensions =x, =b, =p, etc., if you are going to use them. Do not put a <cr> (}) after a filenmae, it isn't necessary. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev 7) --- 55A Special Feature: 1) By using the Alt-I command in a Macro, you can call and load another Alt-1/0 file that has previously been made either in your WP or with the Alt-U command. Thus, you may chain and loop. If an Alt-1/0 file called PC-TALK.ALT exists when PC-TALK is booted, it will be automatically loaded. If the command line which boots the program, calls an F-Key which has a macro that in turn does a |3I|4n, where n is an Alt-1/0 key containing the filename of another Alt-1/0 file, then that file will be called to replace the one then in effect, (in this example, PC-TALK.ALT). 2) If the Alt-I command is used in a macro (|3I) a Type 4 command having the format: |4x may be used, where 'x' is a letter A-Z, in order to load an ALT file having the name PC-TALKx.ALT, where the 'x' is a letter A-Z used in the |4x format. Example: An ALT file called PC-TALKD.ALT can be loaded by a macro which includes: |3I|4D Note that NO error checking is done on the Type 3 to make sure that it is |3I, so if you try |3G etc. -- you're gonna be in big trouble!!! Type 5: Send a Plain String Immediately. The format is: |5xxxxxxxx This is the equivalent of an unformatted input string, that can be used inside a Macro. When a Type 5 segment is encountered the program immediately sends the characters which follow, up to the next |. You may use the ~ as the first character to produce a delay if desired. In this respect it is like a Type 2 segment. Error Checking: Each segment is checked for errors in protocol as it is sent, and if an error in format or type is found, the msg "ABORT: INVAL MACRO TYPE" is given, followed by the msg., "MACRO TERMINATED". If you have chosen a command not allowed or a directory number is not entered properly, the msg., "INVALID NUMBER OR COMMAND", followed by, "MACRO TERMINATED" is given. Any error detected terminates the macro. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev 7) --- 55B NOTE: The Vertical Bar (|) may not be used in any manner other than indicated above and may not be a part of a data string. The Tilde (~), may not be used for character pacing (the wait-for character). The Tilde may be used in a data string in Type 2 & 5 segments provided that it is NOT: In Type 2: a) Used as the first character. b) Used as the second character, if it is used as the first character. In Type 5: a) Used as the first character. A blank space (ASCII 32) may be used for character pacing, which will in most cases produce immediate sending of the data string. It may also of course be a part of the data string in the Type 2 & 5 segments. Tildes & blanks are not allowed in Types 1, 3, & 4 segments, which are restricted to the formats shown above. MACROS CANNOT BE NESTED i.e. you can't call one from another. An Alt-1/0 key may not contain a | if it to be called from a macro already running. Note that both the '|' and the '~' characters can be changed in the Alt-F Defaults routine, as well as the time given by the tilde. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 56 The timing character can be changed in the default file to any character you wish. It is called F-Key Dly Char: (bottom right). Pressing ']' during a timing sequence cause another time period to be added. Pressing ESC will terminate a macro. What happens if you either don't know the prompt to expect or the expected prompt doesn't appear or is different from what you expected? Easy, in the first case simply either build in dummy prompts. In all cases, when the program is waiting hit '{' and the next segment will be sent. IMPORTANT: The '{' will cause only the current segment to be sent, i.e. up to the next |. To test a new string, simply hit the F-Key, then type the expected characters and the string will "play" out. (Modem must be on.) Programmers Note: The program looks at the last 4 characters printed to the screen for the prompt character. Example 1: |11|2T~^C|2:777777,777}|2:pass*word}|2!G PCS131} Logs you onto CompuServe and takes to the IBM SIG with one keystroke. Macro dials directory entry #1, waits for 3 sec. after seeing the T in CONNECT, then sends a control-C, waits for a colon two times, and the ! the next, sending respectively, i.d., password & GO command. Example 2: (Typical BBS) Macro located in function key F1. |1-5|20|20~}|2~}|2?Y}|2?FirstName}|2?LastName}|2?pswd}|2?F}|2~|2~ |2?D;FILESPEC}|2?~X}|2~|3R|46 (Blanks are not allowed as partitions in macros. Blanks in Type 2 & 5 strings are ok. Double or Single Quotes have no special meaning in strings.) ASSUME: Hayes Modem set to echo CONNECT 1200. The number and info for the BBS is stored in directory entry #5 and that a special service is to be used, that the tel no. has a 0 in it. A BBS requiring 2 <cr>'s before commencing. The 1rst question Can Your Term. Disp Lower Case? A ? being the wait-for character. A download using Xmodem. The FILESPEC being located in Alt-6. THEN: When the command line at bootup is given as PC-TALKC F1, or, when program is already in operation and the function key F1 is pressed the following will occur. Dials Directory entry #5 using the '-' special service. Passes the 0 in the Tel no. Sees the 0 in CONNECT 1200 & sends delay allowing BBS to prepare. Sends delay and 1rst <cr>. Sends delay and 2nd <cr>. Answers the first question Yes, (Can Display Lower Case?). Waits for ? --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 56A and sends first name, waits for ? & sends last name. Waits for ? & sends password. Waits for ? and selects Files section. Waits 2 delay periods for BBS to cycle menus, one of which may have a ? mark in it which we need to bypass. Waits for ? & sends D;FILESPEC. Waits for ? for mode selection, gives delay to allow BBS to cycle & then sends X (Xmodem), then gives delay to allow BBS to cycle. Then calls for Alt-R (Recv File). Then gets FILESPEC from Alt-6. Download then proceeds to automatic completion. Note: If your macro does not play out as you expect, chances are that your wait-for character is appearing in an unexpected place. The ways around that are to either provide delay segments or dummy wait for segments that merely pass the wait-for character without sending anything. Variable Length Fields: You may insert a "break" in the string, enter whatever you wish from the keyboard and then, using the '{' Send subcommand, have the rest of the string continue. Simply enter a wait-for character that you are not likely to receive, say a little used cntrl code like Cntrl- (ASCII 31). The program wait for a character which will never come. You may type what you wish (except the {), then type the '{'. --------------------------------------------- A new user of the program does not need to have the PC-TALK.KEY file on his/her disk. If the program does not locate PC-TALK.KEY on the program disk, it will initialize and create a new blank Function key file. The same is true for the file PC-TALK.DIR, which contains the information used by the Dialing Directory. ----------------------------------------------- Temporary Alt Keys: Alt-1 through Alt-0: In addition to the permanent Function key combinations described above, the ten key combinations Alt-1 through Alt-0 can be used for temporary custom input while communications are in progress. Pressing Shift-TAB during communications will display a prompt on line 25 of the screen, asking for the key to be used. Type any of the numbers 1 through 0. (Pacing features also apply.) Originally, Alt-= was used for this function. This was changed due to interference with Prokey. You will then be prompted to enter the temporary string for that Alt key. All keystrokes entered subsequently will input text for that key, until you press <Enter> (maximum 50 characters). --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 56B As with the Function key assignments described above, you can use a right curly bracket '}' to include a carriage return as part of the temporary string. Control characters will be displayed as their highlighted letter equivalents. When a temporary Alt key has been assigned, the program will display the first seven characters of the programmed input on line 25 of the screen and return to normal keyboard operation. Once an Alt key 1 through 0 has been assigned, pressing it will send the assigned string, just as though it had been typed from the keyboard. The Alt keys can also be used to input filespecs, and commands for use with Alt-N. You can change an Alt key assignment at any time by pressing Shift-TAB, followed by the number of the key to be respecified and the new assignment. If you want to clear a key, press Shift-TAB, the number of the key, and then type <space> <Enter>. If no Alt-key assignments are in effect, the display on line 25 will disappear. **NOTE the difference between these Alt key assignments and the Function key assignments described above: --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 57 The Alt-1/0 keys can be easily reprogrammed during communications and are displayed on line 25 of the screen. You may also view the Alt Key Directory at anytime by pressing Alt-A. This makes them convenient for holding temporary input strings needed for quick reference. However, the Alt-key assignments are not saved when the program is terminated, unless you save them with Alt-U. To permanently save the temporary Alt-key 1 thru 0 assignments in a file, press Alt-U. You will be asked for a filename. It is good practice to use the extension .ALT for these files. To recall them from such a file, press Alt-I and give the filename. If you create a file called PC-TALK.ALT, it will automatically be loaded each time you boot PC-TALK. To create PC-TALK.ALT, simply program an Alt-1/0 key, press Alt-U and give the filename PC-TALK.ALT. Note, though you may have as many Alt Key files as you wish, only a file called PC-TALK.ALT will be automatically loaded at boot time. Programmers Note: An Alt Key file is an ASCII text file consisting of up to 10 lines of not more than 50 characters each and enclosed in double quotes. Each line must be terminated with a CR/LF. It may if desired be prepared by a word processor. Each line represents an Alt key, beginning at 1. (The numbers 1-10 are not to be included.) The Function key assignments are stored permanently on disk and reloaded each time PC-TALK is run. This makes them convenient for storing id numbers and logon sequences. When making changes to the Function Keys or Alt Keys, your keystrokes are not output to the communications channel. --------------------------------------------- --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 59 Command Summary: Home key An on-screen summary of all the PC-TALK program commands described above can be displayed at any time by hitting the Home key. Split-Screen: Cntrl-Home (Toggle) All keyboard input from you appears on the bottom line of the screen in place of the message line, while all input from remote computer appears above. Press ESC to erase the line. You may divide the line into any number of sub-lines by terminating each sub-line with the carriage return substitute character, usually the '}'. Each time the <cr> is pressed one sub-segment will be sent. To discontinue the mode press Cntrl-Home again. Alt-C does not erase line 25. Macros can be sent (F-Keys/Alt-1/0) while in split mode. Select another Subdirectory: Alt-G Permits selection of subdirectories and the use of path commands, on the current logged drive only. (<cr> to cancel.) Hangup: Alt-H Causes the modem to disconnect. When connected, it is necessary to gain the modem's attention in order to give it commands. This process requires a 1 second silent 'guard' time, 3 '+' signs and another 1 second silent guard time. The hangup routine looks for the 'return codes' sent by the modem to signify command execution. It will try the sequence up to 4 times, in the event there was a disturbance during the guard times. The command given is 'ATH0'. In a normal sequence, you will hear 2 tones, if the attempt is successful. However, hangup may occur even if the 2 tones are not heard, be sure to check the CD lite on your modem if failure of the sequence is indicated. A failure of the sequence is a perfectly normal occurrence, most usually caused by characters entering the buffer during the guard times.... Just try again. Run Silent: Alt-B This is a toggle command, and causes all audible tones to be silenced, except in the case of an error event or an invalid or illegal sequence. Do DOS Commands: Alt-N This is an advanced feature, which allows you to do any DOS command. Alt-N uses the SHELL command to accomplish this. An explanation of the SHELL command is beyond the scope of this manual. A complete explanation can be found in your DOS manual. You may run your favorite word processor, spreadsheet etc. via this feature. You can even via the CTTY function, allow your computer to be operated by a remote computer. HOWEVER, YOU MUST NOT RUN ANY PROGRAM WHICH REMAINS RESIDENT AFTER IT TERMINATES. One such routine is the DOS MODE.COM and this has been locked out for 'normal' use, since using --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 59A the MODE command while on-line can dump you. However, advanced users can access these by entering 'COMMAND' at the Alt-N prompt. When you enter COMMAND<cr>, will be dropped into DOS and will see the DOS prompt appear. To return to the program, type EXIT<cr>. In all other cases, where COMMAND is not used, you will re-enter PC-TALK after completion of the DOS command or the program you've called for. Do NOT use quotes around your command. Also, you may not run another BASIC program, or call BASIC(A). Example: Do DOS Command: C:\WS <--- Will run WordStar Do DOS Command: COMMAND CTTY <--- Provides remote operation of your computer by another. Using the Command Line: You may call a macro located in one of the 40 Function key positions by typing at the DOS prompt, for example A>PC-TALK F1. F = function key positions from F1-10, A = Alt-F1/10, S = Shft-F1/10, and C = Cntrl-F1/10. The following are examples of valid formats which must follow PC-TALK and be separated from it by a space: F0 a7 c3 f4 S0 Note: Use 0 wherever 10 is wanted, e.g. f0 = f10. Only 1 macro may be called on the command line, e.g. PC-TALKC F4 C3 is invalid. The command line parameter must consist of ONE of the letters F,A,S, or C, & followed immediately by one digit. To further reduce keystrokes, you may use these in a batch file called P.BAT for example, as follows: Let's also assume you have ProKey Ver 3.0, which must be disabled. Also that the macro is located in function key F4, & Drive A: is where PC-TALK resides & is the current or default drive. The batch file would have the following lines, PK /S+ PC-TALKC %1 PK /S- At the DOS A> prompt type: P F4 and press <cr>. If you want to make a batch file to always do a specific thing located say in function key Alt-F10. Your batch file might look like this: (NOTE: Use 0 wherever 10 is wanted.) --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 60 PK /S+ PC-TALKC A0 PK /S- You would now at the A> prompt type: P In both illustrations the batch file would first disable ProKey and then call PC-TALKC, in the first case using the typed parameter F4 & in the second, using the batch contained parameter A0. Upon exiting PC-TALKC, the batch file would re-enable ProKey. Clock Display: A continuous time display is given on Line 25 during times when the 'standard msg' line is displayed. Refresh is roughly every 20 seconds. Note: The update can be disabled by doing Alt-D, then typing 'y' at the prompt. Do it again to restore the refresh. In any event, the clock is updated, whenever the standard message is restored to line 25. Toggle Commands: The following keys toggle on/off their respective functions. Alt-E Echo Alt-M Messages Alt-V View * Ctrl-PrtSc Printout Cntrl-Home Split-Screen operation Alt-B Run Silent * Alt-V will ask for a Specification. Press <cr> to exit. Inverse Video Switch: For those who do not desire the use of inverse video, a toggle is provided that converts inverse video to hi-intensity. Do Alt-D, then type 'Z'. To restore inverse, do the same thing again. === More Applications and Advanced Features === Even though this section is described as "advanced," the following information should be of interest to all users of the program. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 60A XON/XOFF: Alt-O PC-TALK supports the sending of XON/XOFF signals to the remote computer in the event of a communications buffer overflow (see below), and will trap for XON/XOFF signals sent by the remote computer during transmission of files. The default XON signal is ASCII 17; the default XOFF signal is ASCII 19. If the remote computer sends an XOFF signal during transmission of a file, the symbol "<<XOFF>>" will be displayed highlighted on the screen until the remote computer sends an "XON" signal, at which time transmission will resume automatically. If transmis- sion has been halted, it may be resumed manually by typing Alt-O (the letter 'oh') at the keyboard. Communications Errors: <<>> and <<OVERFLOW>> PC-TALK will indicate certain types of errors if they occur during communications. If there is an ambient signal on the line, the program will display the symbol '<<>>' in high intensity. This stands for Basic Error 57, Device I/O Error. It says that one or more of 4 types of errors have occurred, overrun, parity, framing or a break signal. In simple language, some incoming data is unusable. Communications will not be interrupted in most cases. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 61 The <<>> should put you on notice that you are sending or receiving corrupted data. On a very noisy line, you may see the symbol repeatedly. You should disconnect and try for a better connection. With some modems, including the Hayes Smartmodem<tm>, you may see the <<>> symbol when communications are first opened. This should not be a cause for concern, provided you do not see the symbol once communications are in progress. PC-TALK opens a communications buffer for receiving data through the communications port. In most cases, the program should be able to process data as fast as it is received. If the communications buffer does fill faster than the program can handle the incoming data, you will see the symbol <<OVERFLOW>> on the screen. The program will then try to recover, by sending an XOFF signal to the remote computer, processing the contents of the buffer, and then sending an XON signal. Of course the overflow condition will not be remedied by this action if the remote computer doesn't support the XON/XOFF protocol. The Buffer size is 5120 bytes. If you are trying to perform simultaneous printout at 1200 baud, your printer will probably not be able to keep up and eventually the buffer will overflow. PC-TALK will attempt to recover by turning off the print feature. --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 --- --- PC-TALK III User's Guide (Rev. 7) --- 63 The first time PC-TALK III is run, the program looks for four support files. If it does not find them, the files will be created on the drive containing the program, at the time they are required. PC-TALK.DIR -- The file that stores Dialing Directory information. PC-TALK.KEY -- The file that stores Function Key information. PC-TALK.DEF -- The file that stores Default Menu information. PC-TALK.ALT -- The file that stores data for Alt keys 1 thru 0. This file must be created by the user. If it exists it will be automatically loaded at boot time. It is not required. PC-TALKx.ALT -- An Altkey file similar to PC-TALK.ALT, but containing a letter A-Z in the 'x' position, which enables it to be automatically loaded via a macro command of the type |3I|4x. This file is not required. ---------------------------------------- --- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---