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- ____________
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- {COMMO} (tm)
- ____________
-
-
- "A New Standard in Telecommunications"
-
-
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-
-
-
-
-
-
- by
-
- Fred P. Brucker
-
- Post Office Box 9103
- Santa Rosa, CA 95405
-
-
-
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-
-
- User Guide and Reference
-
-
-
-
- Release 5.4
-
- December 19, 1992
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-
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- (C)Copyright 1989-1992 Fred P. Brucker All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
-
-
- The {COMMO} program and associated on-disk documentation are the
- property of the author and may not be sold without permission.
- The Shareware version may be distributed, unaltered and as a
- unit, via Electronic Bulletin Board Systems.
-
- SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTORS and clubs, please see the file VENDOR.DOC
- for distribution guidelines.
-
-
- THE AUTHOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THIS PROGRAM TO BE FREE FROM
- DEFECTS AND MAY NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS CAUSED BY SUCH.
- YOUR USE OF THIS PROGRAM CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE
- TERMS.
-
-
-
-
- DESQview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems
- OmniView is a trademark of Sunny Hill Software
- DoubleDOS is a trademark of SoftLogic Solutions, Inc.
- HS/Link is a product of Samuel H. Smith
- DSZ and GSZ are products of Omen Technology Inc.
- MPt is a product of Matthew Thomas
- LIST is a product of Vernon D. Buerg
- The IBM PC is a product of IBM Corp.
- MS-DOS is a trademark of MicroSoft Corp.
-
-
-
-
- (C)Copyright 1989-1992 Fred P. Brucker All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- ================================
- {COMMO} Registration Information
- ================================
-
- {COMMO} is a "SHAREWARE" product. You are entitled to evaluate it for
- 30 days. If it suits your needs and you would like to continue using
- it, then you must pay the licensing fee. Please use the REGISTRATION
- FORM on the next page.
-
- When you REGISTER you will be licensed to use all future SHAREWARE
- releases of {COMMO}. You will never have to pay an "update" charge.
- You will also receive instructions for removing the Shareware Notice
- at program startup.
-
- My (voice) TELEPHONE NUMBER for inquiries and support for registered
- users is (707) 573-1065. Please restrict calls to business hours
- (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Pacific time).
-
- Registered users will also receive priority support on Bulletin Boards,
- CompuServe and GEnie (see READ.ME).
-
- Call or write for pricing information on MULTI-USER (site) and
- DISTRIBUTION licenses. Discounts are given on quantities greater than
- 10. See the file LICENSE.DOC for details.
-
- All prices shown are US DOLLARS. Please remit US FUNDS on US BANK only.
- NET 30 TERMS will be accepted on purchase orders totalling $100.00 or
- more.
-
- PAYMENT OPTIONS:
-
- 1) Payment by CHECK or MONEY ORDER: make payable to FRED P. BRUCKER.
- Mail the Registration Form and payment to the address below.
-
- 2) Payment by CREDIT CARD: fill in the credit card information at the
- bottom of the Registration Form. The following cards are accepted:
-
- VISA, MASTERCARD, CARTE BLANCHE, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB.
-
- You can mail the Registration Form to the address below or:
-
- Order by phone: (707) 573-1065, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Pacific time.
- Have your credit card ready when you call.
-
- Order by E-mail on CompuServe (71021,356) or GEnie (F.BRUCKER1).
- Upload the completed Registration Form as a message.
-
- The company name on the charge will be "New Standard Software."
-
-
- SEND TO: Fred P. Brucker
- Post Office Box 9103
- Santa Rosa, CA 95405
-
-
-
- {COMMO} 5.4 SINGLE USER REGISTRATION FORM
-
- Name _______________________________________________________________
-
- Company name (if company address) ____________________________________
-
- Address _______________________________________________________________
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
-
- {COMMO} single user license, SPECIAL PACKAGE .... $50.00** $ __________
- Includes: (1) Printed, bound, indexed manual.
- (2) Latest release on diskette plus utilities
- (COMMOPNS, MOSTHOST, CMC, etc., see READ.ME).
- Diskette format: 5.25" ____ 3.5" ____
-
- {COMMO} single user license, with DISKETTE ...... $40.00 $ __________
- Diskette format: 5.25" ____ 3.5" ____
-
- {COMMO} single user LICENSE alone ............... $35.00 $ __________
-
- BBS sysops, students, seniors, low-income ....... $25.00 $ __________
- (license only; provide details on back of form)
-
- Subtotal $ __________
-
- California residents add sales tax, 7.5% $ __________
- (No tax when ordering license alone)
-
- ** SPECIAL PACKAGE ORDER, ADD SHIPPING:
- USA/Canada/Mexico ......... $3.00
- All other countries ...... $10.00 $ __________
-
- Total $ __________
-
- Payment method: Check__ Money order__ Visa__ MasterCard__ PO__
- Carte Blanche__ Diners Club__ Discover__ JCB__
-
- CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
-
- Card No. ________ ________ ________ ________ Expires ____/____
-
- Cardholder signature _____________________________________________
-
- Cardholder name __________________________________________________
-
- Daytime telephone (_____) _____ _______
-
-
-
-
- Answers to the following questions will help me serve you better in the
- future:
-
- How did you obtain {COMMO}? (If BBS, please give name and phone number)
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- What kind of systems do you call with {COMMO}?
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- What type of computer and modem do you use?
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
-
- Comments / Questions ___________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
- ________________________________________________________________________
-
-
- Thank you, and I hope you enjoy {COMMO}.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 6
-
-
- ========
- Contents
- ========
-
-
- Program Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
-
- Principal Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
-
- The Best Way to Learn {COMMO} Quickly . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
-
- Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- Quick Start Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- Preparing Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
- Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
- {COMMO} Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
- Saving the Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- Initialization Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
- Terminal Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
-
- {COMMO} Key Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
- [Alt-A] ASCII Upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
- [Alt-B] Send Break Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
- [Alt-C] Clear Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
- [Alt-D] Dialing Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
- Dialing Directory Entry Example . . . . . . . . . . 24
- [Alt-G] Edit Setup File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
- Predefining Variables with SET . . . . . . . . . . 28
- Explanation of Setup File Items . . . . . . . . . . 28
- [Alt-H] Hang Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
- [Alt-I] Screen Image Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
- [Alt-K] Scrollback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
- [Alt-M] Macro Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
- [Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
- [Alt-O] Send Modem Initialization String . . . . . . . 48
- [Alt-P] Set Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 48
- Parameter Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
- How to Set Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . 50
- [Alt-S] Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
- [Alt-T] Set Toggles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
- Sound Control Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
- Local Echo Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
- Signal Lights Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
- [Alt-U] Utility Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
- [Alt-W] Send Current Password . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
- [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO} . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
- [Alt-1] Capture File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
- [Alt-2] Print Log Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
- [Alt--] Chat Mode Toggle (Alt minus) . . . . . . . . 55
- [Alt-=] Doorway Mode Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
- [F1] How to Use Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
- Modifying the Help File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 7
-
-
-
- [PgUp]/[PgDn] Uploading/Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
- Internal Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
- ASCII Upload/Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
- External Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
- Using DSZ or GSZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
- Using HS/Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
- Using MPt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
- Using OZBEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
- {COMMO} Auto Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
-
- Appendix A Setting Up Your Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
- Answering a call from another computer . . . . . . . . . 66
- Connecting two computers (null modem cable) . . . . . . 67
-
- Appendix B {COMMO} and Multi-Tasking . . . . . . . . . . . 68
- DESQview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
- OmniView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
- DoubleDOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
-
- Appendix C Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
-
- Appendix D ASCII Character Representation . . . . . . . . . 72
-
- Appendix E Terminal Emulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
- Printer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
- ANSI-BBS Keyboard Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
- VT102 Keyboard Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
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- Appendix F Usage Log Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
-
- Appendix G Error Message Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . 79
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 8
-
-
- ===================
- Program Description
- ===================
-
- {COMMO} is a very powerful, high-performance, communications
- program. Designed for the discriminating user, it has
- professional features not found in other programs -- including
- those with "pro" in their name. The comprehensive macro
- programming (script) language allows a very high degree of
- automation and customizing.
-
- {COMMO} handles high speed modems with ease, is fully DESQview
- aware and uses plain text support files (Setup File, Dialing
- Directory and Macro File). It is small in size, yet has an
- amazing amount of functionality (it is written entirely in
- assembly language).
-
- See the full list of features starting on the next page.
-
-
- Minimum system configuration:
-
- IBM PC compatible computer.
- MS-DOS 2.1 or higher.
- 128k of memory.
- One diskette drive.
- A serial port or internal modem with an 8250, 16450 or 16550
- series UART chip.
-
- {COMMO} can be configured to work with any type of modem.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 9
-
-
- ==================
- Principal Features
- ==================
-
- {COMMO} is small in size, loads rapidly and performs all
- functions with great speed.
-
- The powerful Macro Processor allows you to:
-
- 1) Write macro "scripts" to automate many common
- operations such as logging in, reading messages,
- uploading/downloading. {COMMO} will perform these
- tasks in the middle of the night while you sleep.
-
- 2) Assign Function Keys, Alt Keys, Keypad Keys, etc., to:
-
- (a) send a string to the modem
- (b) execute any DOS command
- (c) start any macro
- (d) initiate any {COMMO} function.
-
- 3) Create pop-up menus with "hot keys" to start any macro.
-
- 4) Edit all macros without exiting {COMMO}, using the
- Internal Editor. Macros become effective immediately.
-
- 5) Call your computer from a remote location using
- {COMMO}'s convenient Host Mode, written in {COMMO}'s
- macro language.
-
- The free-form Dialing Directory has space for hundreds of
- entries. Multi Number Dialing is supported from the command
- line. AutoBaud detect adjusts to the speed of the connection. A
- macro may be linked to each directory entry.
-
- Multi-tasking support. {COMMO} is fully DESQview aware, operates
- in far less memory than comparable programs. Also supports
- OmniView, DoubleDOS and others.
-
- Swap to disk is optional when shelling to DOS or executing
- external programs. The resident program kernel occupies less
- than 2k of memory.
-
- Built-in ANSI-BBS and VT102 emulation. Supports ANSI editing
- functions, scrolling region, 132 column mode, graphics character
- set, tab set/clear, printing, modes, reports, etc. Complete
- auto-switching VT102 keyboard support via Macro Processor.
-
- ENQ/ACK terminal protocol support.
-
- Built-in protocols include Ymodem Batch, Ymodem-G Batch,
- Xmodem-1k, Xmodem-1k-G and Xmodem.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 10
-
-
-
- ASCII Upload to send messages and text files. Features line
- pacing and blank line expansion.
-
- The Setup File, Dialing Directory and Macro File are plain text
- files and may be edited with the full-function Internal Editor,
- or with any external editor.
-
- Any file up to 64k in size may be edited within {COMMO} using the
- Internal Editor.
-
- String search is available in all support file windows.
-
- {COMMO} supports all text display modes, including 132 column
- screens.
-
- Character Translate Tables for both sending and receiving.
- Tables can be modified dynamically via macros.
-
- Split-screen Chat Mode for communicating with another computer
- which is also running a terminal program. All program features
- are available while in Chat Mode.
-
- Doorway Mode lets you operate remote applications with full use
- of your screen and keyboard.
-
- {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature lets you configure any eight
- strings to automatically trigger any eight macros. Thus any
- protocol with a "signature" can be set to start automatically.
- Zmodem, HS/Link and MPt are pre-configured.
-
- Support for any four serial ports. Port addresses and IRQ's are
- configurable (including IRQ 8 to 15). Port speeds up to 115,200
- bps (hardware dependent). Automatic support for NS16550A (or AF)
- buffered UART chip.
-
- Serial port signal lights may be displayed on the Status Line,
- including send and receive. Very useful with internal modems.
-
- Scrollback buffer up to 64k bytes gives instant replay of the
- text that has scrolled off the screen.
-
- Capture Log saves all text from the screen to a disk file. Three
- different capture modes are available.
-
- Screen Image Save writes the current screen to a disk file.
-
- Print Log writes all text from the screen to the printer.
-
- Usage Log records date, time, length of call and other
- information about each call. Date of last call can be saved in
- the Dialing Directory.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 11
-
-
-
- Date and time formats used in logs and displays are configurable.
-
- Support for visually impaired users with {COMMO}'s configurable
- Speech Friendly Interface (set SFI=yes in COMMO.SET).
-
- Support for the enhanced keyboard.
-
- Extensive context-related Online Help.
-
-
- And {COMMO} is elegant, easy to learn and fun to use!
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 12
-
-
- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- -------------------------------------
- The Best Way to Learn {COMMO} Quickly
- -------------------------------------
- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
-
- 1) Read the section "Getting Started" which will get you up and
- running.
-
- 2) Read Appendix A "Setting Up Your Modem" for some very
- important instructions.
-
- 3) Read through the section "{COMMO} Key Commands" to
- familiarize yourself with {COMMO}'s commands and features.
-
- 4) Use Online Help as a reference while you use {COMMO}.
-
-
- How is it pronounced??? Just like "comma" (,) except for the
- last letter. It's technical jargon for "communications."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 13
-
-
- ===============
- Getting Started
- ===============
-
- NOTE: Refer to Appendix G for explanations of any error messages
- you receive during your initial use of {COMMO}.
-
- For greater detail, see the next section "Preparing Your System."
-
-
- Quick Start Instructions
- ========================
-
- 1) If you have a hard drive, create a subdirectory named
- "COMMO." Copy all of the files from the {COMMO} archive or
- distribution diskette into this subdirectory.
-
- If your system has only floppy drives, copy the {COMMO}
- files to a formatted diskette.
-
- Now change to the {COMMO} subdirectory or log in to the
- diskette where you have copied the {COMMO} files.
-
- 2) Run the "New User's Guide" by typing "guide" at the DOS
- prompt. Follow the instructions carefully. A macro will
- automatically take you on a tour of some of {COMMO}'s main
- features.
-
- When you are in the Setup File you will be in {COMMO}'s
- Internal Editor and you may change any portion of the file
- using the arrow keys, PgUp, PgDn and other editing keys.
- Press Alt-E for Edit Help to see a list of editing keys.
-
- You may need to change some of the items to conform to your
- system setup. Notice that {COMMO} only looks at the items
- that are contained in curly braces: { }. All other text is
- treated as commentary and is not used by the program.
-
- Most items will not need to be changed until you are more
- familiar with {COMMO}. For now, check the following:
-
- The Default Dialing Parameters in the first item. Make
- sure you have the correct port number (the third
- field). If your modem is on COM2, change it to "2",
- COM3 to "3", etc. Using COM2 it would look like this:
- {2400,8n1,2,A,0}.
-
- The Modem Initialization String. If you know the
- commands for your own modem, make the necessary
- adjustments. If you don't, then leave it like it is.
- Refer to Appendix A for more information.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 14
-
-
- The items under "Paths and Files" (page down to see
- these).
-
- Press [Esc] to save the file and continue the tour.
-
- 3) The next stop is the Dialing Directory. To alter an entry
- or to add new ones, just press "E" to enter edit mode. This
- is the same Internal Editor you used to modify the Setup
- File. When you are finished making changes, press Esc to
- bring back the Selector Bar. Then press Esc again to
- continue.
-
- 4) Next you will see a sample menu created by the Macro
- Processor. Press Enter to continue and return to the
- Terminal Screen. Then exit {COMMO} with the Alt-X command.
-
- 5) From the DOS prompt type "commo<cr>" to restart the program.
- The new Setup File items will now be in effect.
-
- 6) IMPORTANT! {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature is set up to
- automatically start the program DSZ.COM (from Omen
- Technology) when the remote system sends a file using the
- Zmodem protocol.
-
- Do not request a file for downloading with Zmodem until you
- have this program installed in a directory that is in your
- DOS path (or in the current directory). If "Bad command or
- filename" is displayed by DOS, just keep pressing Ctrl-X
- until it stops. This message means you haven't installed
- DSZ properly.
-
- If things happen too quickly to see what is happening, you
- can use EXECute Preview Mode, which will allow you see the
- results of the command execution. Use Alt-T to toggle
- Preview Mode on/off.
-
- The same principle applies to any other protocol drivers
- that you use, such as HS/Link, MPt, etc. If you don't have
- any external protocol drivers installed, use the internal
- Xmodem or Ymodem protocols.
-
- 7) When you see the Status Line at the bottom of the screen,
- you are in the Terminal Screen. Now you may press Alt-D to
- enter the Dialing Directory. Use the up and down arrow keys
- to select a system to call and press Enter. {COMMO} will
- begin dialing.
-
- 8) When a connection is made with a remote system, {COMMO} will
- return to the Terminal Screen where you may interact with
- the remote.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 15
-
-
- NOTE: If your modem does not seem to operate properly (no
- connection is made or the data is garbled), read Appendix A
- "Setting Up Your Modem." You may need to change the Modem
- Initialization String in the Setup File. If you change it,
- you will need to exit {COMMO} and restart the program. Then
- try dialing again.
-
-
- Preparing Your System
- =====================
-
- The following sections give startup instructions in greater
- detail.
-
- Make sure that all of the files from the {COMMO} package are in
- one directory or on one diskette. Four of these files are
- required to run the {COMMO} program:
-
- COMMO.COM the Program File
- COMMO.SET the Setup File
- COMMO.FON the Dialing Directory File
- COMMO.MAC the Macro File
-
- In addition, if Online Help is used (recommended):
-
- COMMO.HLP the Online Help File
-
- There are two ways to make sure that {COMMO} will be able to find
- all of its files. The first method is the simplest and should be
- used if you are not too familiar with DOS commands:
-
- 1) Make sure you are logged into the directory or disk drive
- where the files are located. Then simply type "commo" at
- the DOS prompt. If your files are in the directory
- "C:\COMMO" you would type:
-
- c:<cr>
- cd \commo<cr>
- commo<cr>
-
- (<cr> is the [Enter] or Return key)
-
- Or if the files are on a diskette in drive A you would type:
-
- a:<cr>
- commo<cr>
-
- {COMMO} will remember where the files are, so you will be
- able to change directory or drive later without concern.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 16
-
-
- 2) The second method is a little more advanced, but allows you
- to run {COMMO} no matter what directory or drive you are
- currently logged into:
-
- Use the SET command in DOS to store the {COMMO} path into
- the "environment." If you place this command in your
- AUTOEXEC.BAT file you won't have to change directories or
- diskettes to run {COMMO}. If your files are in the
- directory "C:\COMMO" the command would be:
-
- set commo=c:\commo
-
- If the files are on the diskette in drive B the command
- would be:
-
- set commo=b:
-
- Do not use any extra spaces in the SET command. And
- remember to place the {COMMO} directory or drive in your
- PATH command.
-
- IMPORTANT! Be sure to check your "set commo=" command if
- you install {COMMO} into a different directory or onto
- another drive (or if you install a later release of the
- program). If it points to the wrong directory, {COMMO} will
- not operate properly. This is a common error and can cause
- a lot of head scratching.
-
-
- Command Line Options
- ====================
-
- _______________
-
- Dialing Strings
- _______________
-
- Dialing Strings are used to indicate numbers to dial at program
- startup. If present, they must be placed before any command line
- switches. {COMMO} will search the Dialing Directory for each
- string and mark the first entry where a match is found (case is
- ignored).
-
- The strings may consist of any part of a Dialing Directory entry
- line (usually part of the system name) and may be separated by
- commas or spaces. The following characters may not appear in a
- command line Dialing String: space, comma, slash (/), curly
- braces.
-
- After entries in the Dialing Directory are marked, {COMMO} will
- check for a startup macro (specified on the command line or in
- the Setup File). If a startup macro is present, it will be
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 17
-
-
- started. Otherwise Multi Number Dialing of the marked systems
- will begin.
-
- Examples:
-
- commo telegodzilla joes-bbs 4567
-
- commo zilla,joes,4567
-
- IMPORTANT! The Modem Initialization String will normally be sent
- before dialing begins. Your modem should be turned on and ready
- to receive the command string before you start {COMMO}.
-
- ________
-
- Switches
- ________
-
- Case is ignored and the switches may be in any order (Dialing
- Strings must precede them, however).
-
- NOTE: Environment variables may also be used to communicate data
- to {COMMO} at program startup. See the description of the
- SETVariable function in the Macro Programming Guide.
-
- /:label Startup Macro.
-
- This switch can be used to override the "mac=" item in the
- Setup File. The "label" is a one to eight character macro
- label. If the label is found in the Macro File, macro
- processing will be started. If the label is not found the
- switch will be ignored.
-
- /sfilename Alternate Setup File.
- /dfilename Alternate Dialing Directory File.
- /mfilename Alternate Macro File
- /hfilename Alternate Online Help File.
-
- Only the filename should be specified. The {COMMO} home
- directory will be assumed for the path.
-
- If an alternate Macro File is specified, it will become the
- default Macro File. This means it will be reloaded when the
- "R" switch is used with the MACLoad macro function.
-
- /knn Scrollback Buffer size.
-
- This switch will override the "sbs=" item in the Setup File.
- "nn" is kilobytes and may be 0 to 64.
-
- /vnnnnn Size of String Variable Space.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 18
-
-
- The size of String Variable Space can be adjusted from 512
- bytes to 65535 bytes. The default is 1536 bytes.
-
- /i[y/n] Modem Initialization override.
-
- Forces the Modem Initialization String to be sent ("/iy") or
- not sent ("/in"). This will override the "min=" item in the
- Setup File.
-
- Example:
-
- C:\COMMO> commo joes zilla /:mailrun /dother.dir /k25 /v2000 /in
-
- Two systems will be marked in the Dialing Directory.
-
- The macro "mailrun" will be started if it exists in the
- Macro File.
-
- The alternate Dialing Directory "other.dir" will be loaded.
-
- The Scrollback Buffer will be set to 25k in size.
-
- The size of String Variable Space is set to 2000 bytes.
-
- The Modem Initialization String will not be sent.
-
-
- {COMMO} Support Files
- =====================
-
- The {COMMO} files are standard ASCII text files and may be
- modified with any editor (or word processor in "non-document"
- mode). From within {COMMO} they may be edited with {COMMO}'s
- Internal Editor.
-
- The only control characters (below ASCII 28) allowed in the
- support files are CR/LF pairs and an EOF at the end. {COMMO}'s
- Internal Editor adheres to this rule. Control characters may be
- represented as shown in Appendix D. For example, an ASCII 16
- would be written as ^P.
-
- Key definitions for the Internal Editor are given in Online Help.
- A Color Chart will be displayed in the editor when F7 is pressed
- (useful in the Setup File and for the DISPlay function in the
- Macro File).
-
- NOTE: {COMMO} generally retains the Dialing Directory and Macro
- File in memory during program operation. If you use an external
- editor to modify them while in the Shell to DOS (or using the
- EXEC macro function), your changes could be lost. See "Saving
- the Support Files" below.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 19
-
-
- Following is a brief description of each file.
-
- 1) COMMO.SET. The Setup File contains settings for many
- important parameters. The first time you run {COMMO} you
- should use the Alt-G key command to edit this file to your
- own needs. See "Alt-G Edit Setup File" for details on each
- item.
-
- 2) COMMO.FON. The Dialing Directory File. This file contains
- information about each system that you will be calling,
- including the telephone number, password, Linked Macro and
- Terminal Parameter overrides. Use the Alt-D key command to
- dial numbers and to edit this file. Details are given in
- the section "Alt-D Dialing Directory."
-
- 3) COMMO.MAC. The Macro File. Use the Alt-M key command to
- select a macro for execution and to edit this file. A
- complete description of {COMMO} macros is given in the Macro
- Programming Guide. A summary of macro functions and key
- designators is also given in Online Help.
-
- 4) COMMO.HLP. The Online Help File. This file contains the
- information for {COMMO}'s context-related Online Help. See
- "How to Use Online Help" later in this document.
-
-
- Saving the Support Files
- ========================
-
- Whenever a change is made to any file, the internal change flag
- is set for that file (indicated by an "*" next to the column
- number in the Internal Editor).
-
- The Dialing Directory and/or Macro File will be saved
- automatically when you exit {COMMO} (if the change flag is set).
- The Setup File and other files that you may edit will be saved
- when you press Esc to exit the editor.
-
- You may press Alt-F in the Internal Editor to immediately save
- any file.
-
- If you do not wish to save your changes to the Dialing Directory
- or Macro File, you may press Alt-Q while in the Internal Editor.
- This will reset {COMMO}'s change flag and the file will not be
- saved when exiting the program. Any subsequent changes to the
- file will set the change flag again. Pressing Alt-Q while
- editing any other file will simply cancel the edit.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 20
-
-
- Initialization Procedure
- ========================
-
- When {COMMO} begins running it will read and process the Setup
- File, COMMO.SET. Then it will attempt to load into memory:
-
- 1) the Dialing Directory COMMO.FON
- 2) the Macro File COMMO.MAC
-
- Any problems encountered will be reported. These problems must
- be corrected before restarting the program.
-
- Automatic modem initialization will occur if requested in the
- Setup File with {min=yes}, or by the "/iy" command line switch.
- Use the "/in" switch to suppress modem initialization if you are
- already on line.
-
- Please note that {COMMO} does NOT change the video display mode.
- Instead {COMMO} can adapt to any text mode that is set when the
- program is started. Check the items under "Video and Chat Mode"
- in the Setup File for details. See also the section "[Alt-G]
- Edit Setup File" later in this document.
-
- If the display does not look right try executing the DOS command
- "mode co80" or "mode bw80" prior to calling {COMMO}.
-
-
- Terminal Screen
- ===============
-
- The Terminal Screen allows you to see the characters coming in
- from the serial port. Any characters that you type will be sent
- out to the serial port. If you are connected to another system
- you will be interacting with that system.
-
- Keep in mind that you will also be interacting with {COMMO} and
- with your own computer via key commands (Alt keys, for example).
- These key commands have no effect on the remote system unless
- they cause characters to be sent to the serial port (pressing
- Alt-W to send your password, for example).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 21
-
-
- ====================
- {COMMO} Key Commands
- ====================
-
- The Alt Keys shown in this section are the built-in default key
- assignments for the various {COMMO} commands. Once you are
- familiar with these commands you may use the Macro Processor to
- reassign any of the keys.
-
- Keys used within the various command windows are properly
- detailed in Online Help. Please press F1 from any command window
- to invoke {COMMO}'s context-related help system.
-
- Note that certain features are only available as macro functions.
- Refer to the Macro Programming Guide for details.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-A] ASCII Upload
- ======================
-
- This command is used to send prepared messages or any text files
- to the remote system. Enter the pathname of the file you wish to
- send. Note that the input field will be blank unless a macro is
- used to prompt with a path. The macro supplied in COMMO.MAC is:
-
- {:ala} {ascii %uldir\} {} ASCII Upload with path
-
- Notice the "\" following the path variable. It tells {COMMO} to
- prompt for the filename. If you needed to specify a colon for
- pacing (see below) you could change this to:
-
- {:ala} {ascii %uldir\,:} {} ASCII Upload with path
-
- There is no special error checking associated with ASCII Upload.
- It is intended primarily for sending message responses and other
- short text files. For longer files, binary files or compressed
- files (.ARC, .ZIP) you will want to use error checking protocols
- such as Xmodem, Zmodem, MPt, etc. See "Uploading / Downloading."
-
- A number of parameters are used to control an ASCII Upload:
-
- ___________
-
- Line Pacing
- ___________
-
- IMPORTANT! Line Pacing is used to keep transmitted data
- synchronized with received (echoed) data and is normally used
- ONLY when the remote is sending a prompt for each line, usually
- "nn:" or "nn?". "nn" is a line number and ":" or "?" is the
- prompt or "pacing character."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 22
-
-
-
- {COMMO} will wait up to 5 seconds for the pacing character, then
- send the next line. If there is a 5 second delay between the
- sending of each line, then either you have the wrong pacing
- character or you don't need line pacing (you don't need it when
- using a full-screen editor, for example).
-
- At any time, the Spacebar may be pressed to force transmission of
- the next line. This is very useful when you have set the wrong
- pacing character or if you wish to send each line manually. In
- the latter case, use any pacing character that is different from
- the one in the line prompt.
-
- To use line pacing, enter the pacing character when {COMMO} asks
- for it in the ASCII Upload window. NOTE: The receive Translate
- Table can affect the pacing character if receive translation is
- ON.
-
- The initial pacing character is configurable. See "[Alt-G] Edit
- Setup File."
-
- The pacing character may be any character including control
- characters, e.g. "^m" or "|" for carriage return. See Appendix D
- for details on how to represent special characters.
-
- See also Appendix C "Flow Control."
-
- ________________
-
- Character Pacing
- ________________
-
- You may insert a delay between each character using the Inter-
- Character Delay feature. This should only be used when the
- remote is so slow that it drops characters. See "Set Terminal
- Parameters" for details.
-
- ___________________
-
- Stripping Linefeeds
- ___________________
-
- Normally you will want to strip linefeeds from your outgoing
- text. This will appear to the remote as if you are typing the
- data. But if all your data displays on the same line at the
- remote, then you must configure {COMMO} to send the linefeeds.
-
- NOTE: This item is initialized in the Setup File.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 23
-
-
- _____________________
-
- Expanding Blank Lines
- _____________________
-
- You may configure {COMMO} to send a space character whenever a
- blank line is encountered in the text file you are sending. This
- will prevent your message from terminating prematurely if you are
- sending to a BBS message editor. Blank line expansion is not
- normally required when sending to a "full screen" BBS editor.
-
- NOTE: This item is initialized in the Setup File.
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-B] Send Break Signal
- ===========================
-
- A one second Break Signal will be sent. This signal is used by
- some systems to interrupt certain operations. Use it only when
- the remote system directs you to do so.
-
- NOTE: The duration of the Break Signal may be varied using the
- BREAk macro function. See the Macro Programming Guide for
- details.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-C] Clear Screen
- ======================
-
- The Terminal Screen will be cleared and the current colors will
- be set to the Setup File defaults.
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-D] Dialing Directory
- ===========================
-
- The Dialing Directory is your data base of telephone numbers.
- From the directory window you can select numbers to dial and also
- update the directory using the Internal Editor.
-
- Refer to Online Help for a complete description of the commands
- available in the Dialing Directory window.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 24
-
-
- _______________________________
-
- Dialing Directory Entry Example
- _______________________________
-
-
- System Last Telephone System Linked Terminal
- Name Called Number Password Macro Parameters
- _____________ ________ __________ _________ ______ __________
-
- File City BBS 02/14/92 {555-1234} {pword} {city} {}
-
- NOTE: Any number of Variable Items may be added following the
- Terminal Parameters item (see below).
-
-
- IMPORTANT! Items in curly braces must be present (they are
- positional). Items which are not used must have a null string {}
- as a placeholder. You may omit null strings at the end of the
- line.
-
- Directory entries are limited to one per line. Lines may be up
- to 255 characters in length. {COMMO}'s Internal Editor will
- scroll horizontally to follow the cursor.
-
- Comments may be placed anywhere outside the curly braces or on
- separate lines.
-
- ______________________________
-
- System Name File City BBS
- ______________________________
-
- Up to 40 characters in length, it must NOT be enclosed in
- curly braces. The System Name will be displayed on the
- Status Line after connection, unless the Signal Lights
- option is selected. It will also be part of a Usage Log
- entry if the log is enabled.
-
- ______________________________________
-
- Telephone Number {1-707-555-1234}
- ______________________________________
-
- The Dialing Prefix, Telephone Number and Dialing Suffix are
- strung together to form a dialing command (may be up to 128
- characters total). Spaces and hyphens are ignored by most
- modems (your modem manual has more detailed information on
- dialing commands).
-
- Normally the default Dialing Prefix (usually "ATDT") and the
- default Dialing Suffix (usually "|") will be used. These
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 25
-
-
- are specified in the Setup File. You may also have any
- number of alternate prefixes and suffixes by defining them
- with SET items in the Setup File.
-
- For example, suppose that you need to turn off modem error-
- correction when calling certain numbers. The command to do
- this varies from modem to modem, but let's assume the
- command is "\N0". Then the Dialing Prefix you would use for
- those entries would be "AT \N0 DT" (spaces optional) and you
- would put this item in your Setup File:
-
- {set no_ec,AT \N0 DT} Prefix to turn off EC
-
- The directory entry would be as follows:
-
- File City {%no_ec%555-1234} {pword} {city} {}
-
- The prefix "no_ec" will override the default prefix if it is
- at the very beginning of the telephone number field
- (immediately following the left curly brace). Similarly, an
- override suffix may be specified if it is at the very end of
- the field (immediately preceding the right curly brace).
-
- Notice that these are variable names and must be bracketed
- between "%" characters. Variables may be placed anywhere
- else within the number field as well, but they will not
- override the default prefix or suffix unless they are at the
- very beginning or very end, respectively (insert a space if
- you want the default AND the variable).
-
- You may use variables defined with SET items in the Setup
- File or variables set within macros.
-
- IMPORTANT: The tilde (~) will not work as a delay in the
- dialing command. This is because the modem does not start
- dialing until it receives a carriage return (the Default
- Suffix). Therefore you must use the modem's own delay
- character, which is usually a comma (,). For example, use
- the following prefix to disable Call Waiting (with most tone
- systems):
-
- {set _dialpf,ATDT *70,} Default Dialing Prefix
-
- This will cause {COMMO} to send "*70" and then delay two
- seconds before sending the telephone number.
-
- NOTE: If you "dial" an entry in the directory and the
- telephone number field is NULL (no characters between the
- left and right curly braces), then {COMMO} will act exactly
- as if a connection had been made -- WITHOUT actually
- dialing. The password and any variables will be defined and
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 26
-
-
- the Linked Macro will be started. This is useful when you
- want to "call" a host that is on a "direct connection."
-
- _________________________________
-
- System Password {mypassword}
- _________________________________
-
- A different Password String may be defined for each system
- that you call. Passwords may be up to 64 characters in
- length.
-
- The Password String may be sent by pressing Alt-W or by
- using the variable "_pas" in a SEND macro function.
-
- Passwords are invisible in the Dialing Directory window, but
- appear when you enter [E]dit mode.
-
- Rules for writing passwords are in Appendix D.
-
- ________________________
-
- Linked Macro {city}
- ________________________
-
- If a valid Linked Macro is specified, it will be started
- when a connection is established with the remote system. If
- no macro is specified (or the macro label is not found),
- {COMMO} will enter the Terminal Screen.
-
- ___________________________
-
- Terminal Parameters {}
- ___________________________
-
- This item allows you to override any or all of the Default
- Dialing Parameters for the current call.
-
- The Dialing Default Parameters are initialized with the
- "ddp=" item in the Setup File and may be changed during a
- session with the Alt-P key command (press F2) or with the
- DPARms macro function.
-
- Prior to dialing each number, {COMMO} will set all current
- Terminal Parameters to the Dialing Defaults. Then it will
- set any overrides specified in this item.
-
- The general form of this item is:
-
- {speed,format,comport,terminal-type,delay}
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 27
-
-
- For example, you might have "{,7,,V}", which would set the
- Data Format to "7e1" and the Terminal-type to VT102, but
- would use the Dialing Defaults for the other parameters.
-
- See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description of
- each field. See also "AutoBaud Detect."
-
- _________________________
-
- Last Called 05/20/90
- _________________________
-
- If this item is present, {COMMO} will replace it with the
- current date whenever a connection is made with the system.
- It may appear anywhere on the entry line. Place "00/00/00"
- to start it. The Dialing Directory file will be saved to
- disk when you exit {COMMO}.
-
-
- _________________________________
-
- Variable Items {name,string}
- _________________________________
-
- Any number of Variable Items may be included in a directory
- entry and will be set just prior to dialing. The "string"
- may not contain any variables. The first Variable Item must
- follow the Terminal Parameters item (all other items must be
- present as placeholders even if some are null). Example:
-
- Joes-BBS {555-1234} {pword} {mac} {} {bbsid,joesbbs} ...
-
-
- See also "[Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing."
-
-
- =========================
- [Alt-G] Edit Setup File
- =========================
-
- Pressing Alt-G allows you to edit the Setup File, COMMO.SET (see
- "Internal Editor" in Online Help for details on editing). The
- Setup File contains initial settings for many parameters used by
- {COMMO}.
-
- Items changed with the editor are not effective until the next
- time you start the program. However, most items may be changed
- with key commands and/or macro functions while the program is
- running.
-
- Each item in the Setup File is enclosed in curly braces. Items
- are designated with three letter "keywords" and may be present in
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 28
-
-
- any order. There are no "required" items. Most missing items
- will take on the default values shown in the examples below (AUT
- items and SET items have no default values).
-
- All text outside the curly braces is commentary and is ignored by
- {COMMO}. Avoid using curly braces other than to bracket setup
- items.
-
-
- Predefining Variables with SET
- ==============================
-
- SET items predefine variables in {COMMO}'s String Variable Space.
- The general form of a SET item is
-
- {set name,string}.
-
- name Any valid variable name.
-
- string A text string to assign to the name. The
- string may not contain any variables.
-
- Any number of SET items may appear in the Setup File. They may
- be used later in macros, in telephone numbers, etc.
-
- See the Macro Programming Guide for more information on
- variables.
-
-
- Explanation of Setup File Items
- ===============================
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- {ddp=2400,8n1,1,A,0} Default Dialing Parameters, set
- when you dial:
- (speed,format,port,terminal,delay).
-
- These are also the current settings
- when you start the program.
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- These values will be used as the current settings when
- {COMMO} is started and each time dialing begins. Use the
- "Terminal Parameters" item in the Dialing Directory to set
- overrides when required. Use Alt-P or the macro function
- DPARms to change dialing parameters at other times.
-
- See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description of
- each field and how to change current parameters as well.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 29
-
-
- NOTE: PCjr users without the internal modem should specify
- Com2.
-
- ______________________________________________
-
- {min=yes} Send Modem Init String (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________
-
- If "yes" this will instruct {COMMO} to send the Modem
- Initialization String at program startup. You can override
- this item with the "/iy" or "/in" command line switch.
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {set _modini,~AT S0=0 S7=180 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |}
-
- Modem Init String (2400 bps and higher)
- ___________________________________________________
-
- This item defines the reserved variable "_modini" (notice
- that the string itself begins following the comma).
-
- The Modem Initialization String is normally sent to your
- modem when {COMMO} is started or when you press Alt-O.
-
- If you are using a 1200 bps modem you should remove the "&C1
- &D2" commands. In either case the "X" command may have to
- be adjusted. See Appendix A "Setting Up Your Modem."
-
- ________________________________________________________
-
- {sfc=yes} Software (XON/XOFF) Flow Control (yes/no)
- {hfc=no} Hardware (RTS/CTS) Flow Control (yes/no)
- ________________________________________________________
-
- These are used to control the flow of data between your
- computer and the remote system. They prevent loss of data
- when one end can send faster than the other end can process
- the information. See Appendix C for details.
-
- _________________________________________________________
-
- {sld=no} Stop serial input during disk I/O (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________________
-
- This should be set to "yes" if your system drops characters
- when a disk (hard or floppy) is accessed. The symptoms are
- missing characters in the Terminal Screen when capture is on
- or excessive CRC/csum errors during internal protocol file
- transfers.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 30
-
-
- This is equivalent to what some programs call "handshake
- slow." In {COMMO} it works in conjunction with Hardware
- Flow Control (RTS/CTS), so both {COMMO} and your modem must
- have Hardware Flow Control engaged.
-
- If you use an external protocol driver be sure to set the
- "handshake slow" parameter in that program as well.
-
- ________________________________________________
-
- {dex=no} Drop DTR and RTS on exit (yes/no)
- ________________________________________________
-
- Leave this "no" if you want to exit {COMMO} and return while
- still connected to a host. "Yes" will normally cause the
- modem to hang up when exiting.
-
- ___________________________________________
-
- {enq=no} Answer ENQ with ACK (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________
-
- Some hosts send an ENQ control character (^E) periodically
- and require that the terminal "answer back" with an ACK
- (^F). Set this item to "yes" only if your host requires
- this.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {ncr=} Macro to execute when carrier is lost
- ____________________________________________________
-
- Specify a macro label here and {COMMO} will execute the
- macro when carrier detect is lost. Example:
-
- {ncr=carrlost}
-
- IMPORTANT: This feature is enabled only when a connection
- is made using {COMMO}'s Auto Dialer. Also, if carrier drops
- while a macro is running or a command window is open (such
- as the Dialing Directory or Capture File Options), the
- carrier lost macro will not activate.
-
- Be sure that you have your modem configured to provide the
- carrier detect signal. See Appendix A for modem
- information.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 31
-
-
- ______________________________________________
-
- {aut=pzbr,^xB00} Auto Receive, Zmodem
- {aut=phbr,HS*^bR} Auto Receive, HS/Link
- {aut=phbr,HS*^bQ} Auto Receive, HS/Link
- {aut=pmpr,^v^h^vMPt} Auto Receive, MPt
- ______________________________________________
-
- The general form for this item is: {aut=label,string}.
- When the specified string (up to 32 characters, case
- ignored) is received, the macro will be started.
-
- These are normally used for automatically starting
- downloads, but may be used to trigger any macro upon
- receiving any string.
-
- Up to eight Auto Receive Strings may be specified. Operates
- in Terminal Mode only (use GOLOok/LOOKfor in macros).
-
- See the section "{COMMO} Auto Receive" for more details.
-
- ________________________________________________
-
- {rtr=} Receive Translate Table initialization
- {str=} Send Translate Table initialization
- ________________________________________________
-
- These items are used to place values into the character
- translation tables at program startup and, if desired, to
- turn translation ON. Multiple receive or send items may be
- present.
-
- Character translation is used when you wish certain
- characters to be changed into other characters as they are
- received from, or as they are sent to, the remote system.
- You may also cause received characters to be ignored.
-
- Examples:
-
- {rtr=y,7,0,36,156}
-
- Turn ON receive translation ("y").
-
- Change the bell character (ASCII 7) to null (ASCII
- 0, which will not display).
-
- Change the "$" (ASCII 36) to ASCII 156.
-
- {str=#26,97,65,42,43,#10,48,128}
-
- Change 26 consecutive values starting at 97 to
- consecutive values starting at 65. This will
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 32
-
-
- change all lowercase letters (ASCII 97 to 122) to
- uppercase letters (ASCII 65 to 90).
-
- Change the "*" (ASCII 42) to a "+" (ASCII 43).
-
- Change 10 consecutive values starting at 48 to
- consecutive values starting at 128. This will
- change the digits 0 through 9 (ASCII 48 to 57) to
- ASCII 128 to 137.
-
- The ON/OFF state of send translation will not be
- changed (no "y" or "n" is present).
-
- A "y", to turn translation ON, must be the first argument,
- if present. It may be used on any "rtr" or "str" item and
- will apply to all 256 values in either the receive table or
- the send table. Note that translation defaults to OFF when
- {COMMO} is started.
-
- Use a PAIR of arguments to change a single value.
-
- Use THREE arguments to change a range of consecutive values
- to another range of consecutive values. The "#" operator on
- the first argument specifies the number of values to change,
- followed by the starting values for each range.
-
- The macro functions RTRAn and STRAn have similar argument
- lists. In addition they allow you to restore each Translate
- Table to default values and to turn translation ON and OFF
- without disturbing the values in the tables. See the Macro
- Programming Guide for more details.
-
- _________________________________________
-
- {com=1,3f8,4} Com1 port address/IRQ
- {com=2,2f8,3} Com2 port address/IRQ
- {com=3,3e8,4} Com3 port address/IRQ
- {com=4,2e8,3} Com4 port address/IRQ
- _________________________________________
-
- These are the hardware serial port base address and IRQ
- assignments. The settings shown are the most common, but
- some serial adapters are different. The serial adapter
- manual may give a range of addresses, for example "3f8-3ff."
- Use the first value as the base address.
-
- Port addresses are in hexadecimal and may range from 0 to
- ffff. IRQ numbers are decimal and may range from 0 to 15
- (avoid use of IRQ numbers that are used by system hardware,
- e.g., 0, 1, 8, etc.). IRQ numbers from 8 to 15 are
- available only on AT class machines.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 33
-
-
- The current serial port base address and IRQ number are
- available to macros in the built-in variables "_pad" and
- "_irq" respectively.
-
- __________________________________________
-
- {abd=no} AutoBaud Detect on (yes/no)
- __________________________________________
-
- AutoBaud Detect enables {COMMO} to automatically adjust to
- the line speed of the system you are calling.
-
- IMPORTANT! This is normally set to "yes" ONLY for non-
- error-correcting 2400 bps modems. It should be set to "no"
- for all other modems.
-
- To use AutoBaud Detect, set your modem to return the
- connection speed responses such as "CONNECT 1200" (see
- Appendix A "Setting Up Your Modem"). The Default Dialing
- Speed {ddp=...} should be set to your modem's highest speed.
-
- ______________________________________________________
-
- {cdm=yes} Clear dialing marks at startup (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________________
-
- If this is "yes", {COMMO} will clear all dialing marks in
- the Dialing Directory when you start the program. Set it to
- "no" if you want to retain dialing marks from the previous
- session. Note that the marks are normally saved with the
- Dialing Directory file whenever it is written to disk.
-
- _______________________________________________
-
- {set _dialpf,ATDT } Default Dialing Prefix
- {set _dialsf, |} Default Dialing Suffix
- _______________________________________________
-
- These reserved variables define strings that will be used to
- create the modem dialing command. The prefix, telephone
- number and suffix will be strung together in that order and
- sent to your modem when you dial.
-
- Any number of additional prefixes and suffixes may be used
- by including variables in the telephone number string (see
- "[Alt-D] Dialing Directory" for details).
-
- Use "ATDP" if you don't have a tone line. Use "ATDT9," to
- get an outside line on a switchboard. The suffix is usually
- just a carriage return (|). Your modem manual has
- additional tips on dialing prefixes and suffixes.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 34
-
-
- _______________________________________________
-
- {dct=45} Dialing cycle time-out (seconds)
- _______________________________________________
-
- The maximum time to wait before hanging up and redialing.
- Adjust if your modem needs more time to complete a call.
-
- _______________________________________________________
-
- {idt=2} Delay between dialing attempts (seconds)
- _______________________________________________________
-
- Amount of time to wait between dialing attempts. Adjust to
- give incoming calls a greater chance of getting through.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {set _dialsr,CONNECT} Dialing success response(s)
- {set _dialfr,BUSY,NO CARRIER,NO DIALTONE}
- Dialing failure response(s)
- {set _dialir,RING} Inter-dial response(s)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- These reserved variables each define a list of response
- strings that are returned by your modem during dialing
- operations. Most "Hayes compatible" modems use similar
- responses, but there may be subtle differences. Consult
- your modem manual for details.
-
- "Success" responses are received when the modem has
- connected with a remote modem. "Failure" responses occur
- when the number being called is busy, doesn't answer or when
- something is wrong with the telephone line. {COMMO} will
- automatically redial the number after a failed attempt.
-
- Inter-dial Delay responses may occur during the delay
- between dialing attempts, usually when someone is trying to
- call you. These may be handled by using the Inter-dial
- Delay macro label in the DIAL macro function. See the Macro
- Programming Guide for details.
-
- Some modems use a CARRIER response to indicate the modem
- speed, e.g. CARRIER 2400. In this case using CARRIER
- instead of CONNECT will improve the accuracy of the Usage
- Log. In order to avoid confusion with a NO CARRIER
- response, you should use:
-
- {set _dialsr,CARRIER } Notice the space after CARRIER.
-
- Do not include the speed in the CONNECT or CARRIER response
- if you are enabling AutoBaud.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 35
-
-
-
- Responses are case sensitive and there should be no null
- strings or extra spaces.
-
- _____________________________________________________
-
- {set uldir,c:\commo} Path to find uploads
- {set dldir,c:\commo} Path to place downloads
- _____________________________________________________
-
- These variables are used in some of the macros in COMMO.MAC
- and SAMPLES.MAC, primarily in the Uploading and Downloading
- macros. They are not reserved variables, so you may change
- their names.
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- {set dszprog,DSZ.COM} Name of program in DSZ family that you
- have (DSZ.COM, GSZ.EXE or DSZ.EXE)
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- This variable is used in macros that require an Omen
- Technology external protocol driver program. Just enter one
- of the three programs shown and the Zmodem macros will use
- it (including those in the MOSTHOST).
-
- _________________________________________________________
-
- {set _uselog,c:\commo\commo.log} Pathname for Usage Log
- _________________________________________________________
-
- This is a reserved variable that tells {COMMO} where to find
- your Usage Log. The Usage Log keeps a record of the calls
- you make. If a valid pathname is specified, entries will be
- made when:
-
- 1) You connect to a system.
- 2) You transfer a file using an internal protocol.
- 3) You disconnect (or exit {COMMO}).
- 4) The macro function OFFLog executes.
-
- IMPORTANT! In order for the log to function properly your
- modem must be set to provide "true carrier detect" (see
- Appendix A). The macro function OFFLog is provided for
- situations where this is not possible.
-
- Use a null pathname or remove this item to disable the Usage
- Log. A null pathname would look like this:
-
- {set _uselog}
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 36
-
-
- The Usage Log should be disabled when you are connecting
- directly to another computer (with a null modem cable).
-
- Specify the same log file as your external protocol driver
- (e.g., DSZ.LOG or MPT.LOG) and you will have a complete
- record of your calls, including upload/download statistics.
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current
- directory will be used. The pathname of an open Capture
- File is not allowed.
-
- See also Appendix F "Usage Log Format."
-
- _______________________________________________________
-
- {cap=c:\commo\commo.cap} Pathname for Capture File
- _______________________________________________________
-
- This is the initial setting for the Capture File pathname.
- It may be changed later with the Alt-1 key command or with
- the CAPTure macro function (do not try to change the "_cap"
- built-in variable with SETV).
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current
- directory will be used.
-
- See also "Capture File Options."
-
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- {scr=c:\commo\commo.scr} Pathname for Screen Image File
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- This is the initial setting for the Screen Image File
- pathname. It may be changed later with the Alt-I key
- command, with the SCREen macro function, or from within the
- Scrollback Buffer window (do not try to change the "_scr"
- built-in variable with SETV).
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current
- directory will be used. The pathname of an open Capture
- File is not allowed.
-
- See also "Screen Image Save" and "Scrollback"
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 37
-
-
- _____________________________________________
-
- {swp=} Pathname for Swap to Disk File
- _____________________________________________
-
- You can free up most of the memory occupied by {COMMO} when
- you use the Shell to DOS key command or the EXECute macro
- function. The file specified in this item will be used to
- save the program and data during a Swap to Disk.
-
- IMPORTANT: You must also specify the "S" switch on any
- EXECute or SHELl macro functions where swapping is desired.
-
- A unique filename not likely to be used by other
- applications should be specified. For example:
-
- {swp=c:\commo\swap$$$.1}
-
- NOTE: If the file already exists, {COMMO} will attempt to
- modify the name by changing the last character to an "A",
- then to a "B", etc.
-
- Before using this feature, read the sections covering
- EXECute and SHELl in the Macro Programming Guide.
-
- ________________________________________________
-
- {ebl=yes} Expand blank lines (yes/no)
- {slf=yes} Strip outgoing linefeeds (yes/no)
- {pac=} ASCII Upload pacing character
- ________________________________________________
-
- These items are used with the ASCII Upload feature.
-
- Blank line expansion sends a space and a carriage return,
- instead of just a carriage return for lines with no data.
- This prevents BBS line editors from terminating prematurely.
-
- Stripping linefeeds gives the data the appearance of being
- entered manually. Linefeeds should not be stripped when the
- remote is not in "edit" mode.
-
- The pacing character shown is null (no pacing). To use a
- ":" for pacing, change the item to
-
- {pac=:}
-
- See "ASCII Upload" for more details.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 38
-
-
- __________________________________
-
- {mac=} Startup macro label
- __________________________________
-
- This item indicates a macro to run when {COMMO} starts up.
- The command line switch "/:" can be used to override it.
- See "Command Line Options."
-
- Example: {mac=begin}.
-
- _______________________________________________
-
- {edd=no} Enter Dialing Directory (yes/no)
- _______________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" the Dialing Directory will be
- entered when {COMMO} is started (if no Dialing Strings or
- Startup Macro are present on the command line).
-
- _____________________________________
-
- {loc=no} Local Echo on (yes/no)
- _____________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Local Echo will be on when {COMMO}
- is started. See also "Alt-T Set Toggles."
-
- ______________________________________
-
- {sts=yes} Status Line on (yes/no)
- ______________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" the Status Line will be on when
- {COMMO} is started.
-
- ________________________________________
-
- {sig=no} Signal Lights on (yes/no)
- ________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Signal Lights will be on when
- {COMMO} is started.
-
- _________________________________________
-
- {cpf=no} Capture File open (yes/no)
- _________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Capture will be open when {COMMO} is
- started. See "Capture File Options."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 39
-
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {cpm=screen} Capture Mode (screen/filter/raw)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- See "Capture File Options" for a description of each mode.
-
- __________________________________________________
-
- {tek=no} Test for enhanced keyboard (yes/no)
- __________________________________________________
-
- Set this to "yes" if your system supports the enhanced (101
- key) keyboard. This will enable you to assign F11, F12 and
- a number of other keys to your macros. See Appendix A
- "Table of {COMMO} Key-labels" in the Macro Programming
- Guide.
-
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- {tsn=yes} Display time of day with System Name (yes/no)
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- If this is "yes" the time of day will be displayed on the
- right side of the Status Line. Set this to "no" if you want
- the System Name given more space. Note that the time is
- always shown when the Signal Lights are displayed.
-
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- {dat=mdy} Order of date parameters (m=month,d=day,y=year)
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- This item allows you to specify any order for the three date
- parameters. The default shown would display May 20, 1992 as
- 05/20/92. "ymd" would display as 92/05/20.
-
- This format will appear in the Date Last Called field of the
- Dialing Directory, the Usage Log and the built-in variable
- "_dat".
-
- _______________________________________
-
- {tim=12} Time format (12/24 hour)
- _______________________________________
-
- You can specify 12 or 24 hour time format. 12 hour will add
- "am" or "pm" as in "2:30 pm". 24 hour would show the same
- time as "14:30".
-
- The time format appears on the Status Line, in the Usage Log
- and in the built-in variable "_tim".
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 40
-
-
-
- _______________________________________
-
- {snd=yes} Master Sound on (yes/no)
- _______________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" sound will be on when {COMMO} is
- started. If "no" all sounds will be silenced.
-
- ________________________________________________
-
- {dca=yes} Dialing connection alarm (yes/no)
- ________________________________________________
-
- Controls the alarm that signals a connection when Auto
- Dialing is used. The alarm will not be sounded when a valid
- Linked Macro is specified in the Dialing Directory.
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {afa=yes} ASCII Upload finished alarm (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________________
-
- Controls the alarm that signals completion of an ASCII
- Upload.
-
- ______________________________________________________
-
- {ers=yes} Make sounds on errors/warnings (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________________
-
- This controls the special sounds made for certain errors and
- warning messages.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {rng=3} Maximum number of alarm rings (1-999)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- Sets the number of times the alarm will ring. You may press
- a key at any time to stop the alarm.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 41
-
-
- _________________________________________________________
-
- {sbs=10} Scrollback buffer size in kilobytes (0-64)
- _________________________________________________________
-
- The actual minimum size of the buffer (which {COMMO} will
- compute) depends on the number of screen lines and columns.
- For a 25x80 screen it will be about 4k bytes -- it will be
- larger for screens with more lines and/or columns. This
- includes room to save the current screen.
-
- Setting the size to 0 disables the Scrollback feature. See
- also "Scrollback."
-
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- {adn=no} Auto-detect number of rows and columns (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- {COMMO} will support 25 to 127 rows and 80 to 255 columns on
- the display, but you MUST set the display into the proper
- mode before starting the program (EGA/VGA adapters usually
- come with utilities to set modes such as 50x80, 44x132,
- etc.).
-
- Set this item to "yes" if you want {COMMO} to automatically
- obtain the current number of rows and columns from the
- system. Most systems provide this information. If the
- display is unsatisfactory, you may have to set it to "no."
-
- NOTE: The cursor may not display properly in 43 line mode.
- This is a problem with some EGA adapters.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {avm=} Alternate video mode (mode,rows,cols)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- You can toggle between two hardware video modes (text modes
- only) if this item is defined. One important application
- for this is the 132 column feature in VT102 emulation . It
- can also be used to toggle between any two different video
- modes using the VIDEo macro function.
-
- The "normal" video mode is the mode that is in effect when
- {COMMO} is started. That mode will always be restored
- automatically when you exit the program (but not when you
- Shell to DOS or use the EXECute macro function).
-
- The mode field must be expressed as a hexadecimal number,
- while the rows and columns are decimal numbers (minimum
- dimensions are 25x80). As an example, suppose that your
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 42
-
-
- video adapter uses mode 23h (hexadecimal) to support a
- 25x132 screen. Then you would write this item as:
-
- {avm=23,25,132} Alternate video mode
-
- Note that some "modes" are not hardware modes and cannot be
- toggled using this feature. These include the 50 line mode
- supported by VGA adapters or the 43 line mode supported by
- EGA adapters. Consult your video adapter manual for a list
- of hardware modes supported (or contact the manufacturer).
-
- _____________________________________________________
-
- {edi=yes} Startup editor in insert mode (yes/no)
- _____________________________________________________
-
- Set this to "yes" if you want insert mode turned on the
- first time you start the Internal Editor. This also applies
- to the input field editor.
-
- ________________________________________________________
-
- {ucw=18} Number of lines in upper Chat Mode window
- ________________________________________________________
-
- This allows you to adjust the line "split" in Chat Mode.
- The minimum number of lines in the upper or lower window is
- three.
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- {swe=no} Send when Enter is pressed in Chat Mode (yes/no)
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- If "no" {COMMO} will send each character as you type it. If
- "yes" {COMMO} will wait until you press Enter, then send all
- that you have typed.
-
- _________________________________________________
-
- {sfi=no} Speech Friendly Interface (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________
-
- If this is "yes" {COMMO} will be much friendlier to users
- with speech synthesizer boards (these enable blind users to
- read the computer display). Terminal Screen data and many
- error and information messages will be displayed using the
- BIOS. Also, the up and down arrow keys move the cursor
- instead of scrolling the screen in windows such as Online
- Help, Scrollback and View String Variable Space.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 43
-
-
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- {bsc=no} Use BIOS for Terminal Screen scrolling (yes/no)
- {sno=no} Snow checking on CGA adapter (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________________________
-
- Change these video parameters only if necessary.
-
- o BIOS scrolling enables external scrollback programs to
- work, but is slower and may cause "flicker" in certain
- displays.
-
- o Snow checking will also slow the display, but will help
- to eliminate the "snow" effect on CGA monitors.
-
- _________________________________________
-
- {gdc=} Graphic display characters
- _________________________________________
-
- This item allows you to specify the graphic characters used
- by {COMMO} to form the various display windows and is
- provided for compatibility with display adapters used in
- certain countries.
-
- When using this item, eleven ASCII character codes may be
- listed (omitted fields will revert to the defaults). Codes
- are specified as decimal numbers from 1 to 255 (0, 10 and 13
- are not allowed).
-
- As an example, here is how the default characters would be
- listed:
-
- {gdc=213,184,212,190,205,179,185,204,176,250,177}
-
- where:
-
- 213 = upper left box corner
- 184 = upper right box corner
- 212 = lower left box corner
- 190 = lower right box corner
- 205 = horizontal line
- 179 = vertical line
- 185 = left side of box title
- 204 = right side of box title
- 176 = file window title fill
- 250 = input fill and password hiding
- 177 = Online Help separator bar
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 44
-
-
- ______________________________________________
-
- {ema=no} Enable mono attributes (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________
-
- If this is "no" the default mono attributes will be used, no
- matter what colors are set in the following items. Set it
- to "yes" if you want to set your own monochrome attributes
- (high intensity, reverse video, underline, etc.). This has
- no effect on color displays.
-
- NOTE: Press F7 while editing the Setup File (or other
- files) to pop up the color chart. You may use it with color
- or monochrome displays.
-
- __________________________________________________
-
- {kts=07,17} Terminal Screen, Status Line colors
- __________________________________________________
-
- For the most accurate ANSI-BBS or VT102 terminal emulation,
- the Terminal Screen colors should be set to 07. In many
- cases, {COMMO} uses this color when clearing portions of the
- screen or when a "reset attributes" sequence is received
- from the host.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {kdd=1e,70,4f} Dialing Directory window colors
- {kmf=1e,70,4f} Macro File window colors
- {ksb=03,70,4f} Scrollback window colors
- {khf=1e,70} Online Help file window colors
- {kee=1e,70} Edit external file window colors
- {kvs=1e,70} Variable Space window colors
- ____________________________________________________
-
- These are the "file" window colors. The three parameters
- are the text, titles and selector bar, respectively. Note
- that some of the windows do not have a selector bar.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 45
-
-
- ______________________________________________________
-
- {kcf=70,17} Capture File Options window colors
- {ksi=70,17} Screen Image file window colors
- {kdw=03,47} Dialer window colors
- {kau=70,17} ASCII Upload window colors
- {kpw=70,17} Protocol window colors
- {kid=70,17} Input data window colors
- {kst=70,17} Set Toggles window colors
- {ktp=70,17} Terminal Parameters window colors
- {kep=70,17} Execute Preview window colors
- {kmw=4f,6f} Message window colors
- {set _mcolor,70,17} Macro Menu colors
- ______________________________________________________
-
- These are the "pop-up" window colors. The two parameters
- are the text and border, respectively. The "Macro Menu"
- colors are the initial colors to be used on menus created
- with the MENU macro function. They may be changed at any
- time by redefining the variable "_mcolor".
-
- Colors should be set so that the different parts of the
- screen contrast with each other. For example the Status
- Line should be easily discernable from the rest of the
- Terminal Screen. And the borders and Selector Bar should
- stand out against the text portion of the file windows.
-
-
- (End of Setup File items)
-
-
- =================
- [Alt-H] Hang Up
- =================
-
- Disconnects the call by dropping DTR. This will put the modem
- "on-hook" if response to DTR is enabled (see Appendix A). If
- your modem does not respond properly, you may define a macro to
- send a "hang-up" command. For modems using the "AT" command set
- the macro would look like this:
-
- {:alh} {send ~~~+++~~~ATH|} {} Press Alt-H to hangup
-
- This macro will run when Alt-H is pressed, but you may assign any
- key you like.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 46
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-I] Screen Image Save
- ===========================
-
- The Screen Image Save is used to append all of the text currently
- on the screen to a disk file. This is sometimes handier than
- repeatedly opening and closing the Capture File.
-
- TIPS on using Screen Image Save:
-
- > The pathname may not be the same as the pathname of an open
- Capture File.
-
- > If the file cannot be opened, the old pathname is retained.
-
- NOTE: The current Screen Image Save file is also used to save
- blocks of text in the Scrollback feature.
-
- See also "Capture File Options" and "Scrollback."
-
-
- ====================
- [Alt-K] Scrollback
- ====================
-
- Scrollback allows you to see what was previously on your screen.
- Screen data is saved to a memory buffer (the size is defined in
- the Setup File). Set the size to 0 to disable the feature
- entirely.
-
- A number of commands are available in Scrollback:
-
- 1) You may navigate as in the Online Help file -- scroll
- up/down, page up/down, beginning/end of buffer, etc.
-
- 2) Use the String Search feature available in all {COMMO} file
- windows.
-
- 3) Change the Screen Image Save pathname.
-
- 4) Write any part of the Scrollback buffer to the current
- Screen Image Save file.
-
- 5) Exit and return to the same place the next time you call
- Scrollback.
-
- 6) Jump directly to the Dialing Directory or Macro Processor
- windows.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 47
-
-
- =========================
- [Alt-M] Macro Processor
- =========================
-
- The Macro Processor executes {COMMO} macros which are resident in
- memory. Macros are loaded at program startup from a Macro File
- (the default is COMMO.MAC, but an alternate file may be loaded
- using the "/m" command line switch). A new Macro File can be
- loaded at any time using the MACLoad macro function. The Macro
- File is maintained with the Internal Editor.
-
- IMPORTANT: Only macros resident in memory may be executed.
-
- The Macro Programming Guide shows you how easily you can automate
- program operations, link to external protocols (used for
- Uploading/Downloading), assign keys and perform a myriad of other
- functions.
-
- See Online Help for details on operations within the Macro
- Processor window.
-
-
- ==============================
- [Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing
- ==============================
-
- Any number of entries may be "marked" in the Dialing Directory,
- then automatically dialed in sequence until a connection is
- established. Multi Number Dialing may be initiated in one of
- four ways:
-
- 1) Bring up the Dialing Directory window with Alt-D, then move
- the Selector Bar to each desired entry and press [Space]
- (repeat the procedure to unmark an entry). Press Alt-N to
- begin dialing at the location of the Selector Bar.
-
- 2) Specify entries with Dialing Strings on the command line
- used to run {COMMO} (see "Command Line Options"). Specified
- entries will be marked and dialed in sequence when {COMMO}
- is started.
-
- 3) Specify entries with Dialing Strings in a macro, using the
- MARK function. Refer to the Macro Programming Guide.
-
- 4) Press Alt-N from the Terminal Screen. Dialing of marked
- entries will resume with the next system in the sequence.
-
- See also "[Alt-D] Dialing Directory" and the DIAL function in
- the Macro Programming Guide.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 48
-
-
- ==========================================
- [Alt-O] Send Modem Initialization String
- ==========================================
-
- Pressing Alt-O at any time from the Terminal Screen will cause
- the Modem Initialization String to be sent to the modem (if one
- is defined). This is useful if your modem was powered off or if
- the modem setup was changed.
-
-
- =================================
- [Alt-P] Set Terminal Parameters
- =================================
-
- The Terminal Parameters determine the method of transmission of
- data to and from your computer. In {COMMO}, they are usually
- displayed or defined with a string. For example:
-
- {2400,8n1,1,A,0} Speed,format,port,terminal,delay.
-
- {COMMO} keeps two complete sets of Terminal Parameters:
-
- 1) The CURRENT Parameters, always shown on the left side
- of the Status Line. These reflect the current
- settings.
-
- 2) The DEFAULT DIALING Parameters. These are used each
- time a number is dialed, unless overridden by
- parameters in the Dialing Directory. The Current
- Parameters are changed to the Dialing Parameters (or
- overrides) just before dialing.
-
-
- Parameter Descriptions
- ======================
-
- _____
-
- Speed
- _____
-
- The rate at which data travels between your computer and your
- modem (or remote system if no modem is used). It is specified as
- "bits per second" or "bps." Allowable values are 300, 600, 1200,
- 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200. These may be
- abbreviated to the first two characters in Terminal Parameter
- strings.
-
- See "AutoBaud Detect" for more information on setting the Speed.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 49
-
-
- ___________
-
- Data Format
- ___________
-
- This consists of three parts. Allowable values are:
-
- character length: 7, 8
- parity: [n]one, [e]ven, [o]dd, [m]ark, [s]pace
- stop-bits: 1, 2
-
- Examples:
-
- 7o2 7 bit characters, odd parity, 2 stop bits
- 8m1 8 bit characters, mark parity, 1 stop bit
-
- The most common formats, "8n1" and "7e1", may be abbreviated to
- "8" and "7" in Terminal Parameter strings, such as:
-
- {2400,8,1,A,0}
-
- ___________
-
- Serial Port
- ___________
-
- The channel your computer uses to talk to the outside world. May
- be 1, 2, 3 or 4 (for Com1, Com2, Com3 or Com4).
-
- NOTE: PCjr users without the internal modem should specify Com2.
-
- _______________________
-
- Terminal Emulation Type
- _______________________
-
- {COMMO} supports the following terminal types:
-
- ANSI-BBS (A) For calling most bulletin board systems.
- VT102 (V) For calling certain mainframes and online
- services.
- TTY (T) For turning off almost all control functions
- (lets you see ANSI control sequences).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 50
-
-
- _____________________
-
- Inter-Character Delay
- _____________________
-
- This factor defines the amount of delay to insert between
- characters transmitted by the SEND macro function and by ASCII
- Upload. Use only when the remote is too slow to process the data
- (drops characters).
-
- Each unit is about 5 thousandths of a second (5 ms) on a 4.77 MHz
- XT class machine. Faster machines require higher values -- on a
- 12 MHz AT each unit will only be about 1 ms.
-
- For example, to delay 20 ms between characters (50 cps) use a
- factor of:
-
- 4 on 4.77 MHz XT
- 16 on 12 MHz AT
- 27 on 20 MHz 386
-
- The factor will also vary when you use multi-tasking software, so
- adjust as necessary. The maximum delay allowed is one second.
-
-
- How to Set Terminal Parameters
- ==============================
-
- __________________________
-
- With the Alt-P Key Command
- __________________________
-
- Alt-P may be used at any time to change the CURRENT Parameters or
- the DEFAULT DIALING Parameters (use F2 to toggle between the two
- sets). Remember that Current Parameters will be reset to the
- Default Dialing Parameters whenever dialing begins.
-
- ________________________
-
- In the Dialing Directory
- ________________________
-
- Serial Port Parameters may be specified in a Dialing Directory
- entry to OVERRIDE the Default Dialing Parameters. Specify only
- values that are different. For example:
-
- {,,3,V} A different serial port and terminal emulation is
- required for this call.
-
- {,7e1} Unusual format required.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 51
-
-
- __________________________________________
-
- Using the Macro functions PARMs and DPARms
- __________________________________________
-
- Use these to set Terminal Parameters during macro execution. See
- the Macro Programming Guide for details.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-S] Shell to DOS
- ======================
-
- When you Shell to DOS {COMMO} remains resident in memory and you
- may perform any DOS functions as you normally do. Since {COMMO}
- is small in size, most of your memory is available when you use
- this key command.
-
- If you need additional memory you can use {COMMO}'s Swap to Disk
- feature. To use this feature you will need to do two things:
-
- 1) Be sure that a Swap File is specified in your Setup
- File (look for the "swp=" item under "Paths and
- Files").
-
- 2) Enter the following simple macro in your Macro File:
-
- {:als} {shell-s} {}
-
- This macro will Shell to DOS using Swap to Disk when
- you press Alt-S (by using a different key assignment,
- Alt-S can still be used for Shell to DOS with no swap).
-
-
- =====================
- [Alt-T] Set Toggles
- =====================
-
- This key command is used to set a number of miscellaneous toggle
- (yes/no) parameters. Some take effect while you are still in the
- Set Toggles window -- others when you exit the window.
-
- Some of the toggles will be described here. The others are
- detailed in their respective sections of this document.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 52
-
-
- Sound Control Toggle
- ====================
-
- This is the Master Sound Control toggle. When sound is OFF all
- alarms, sounds and beeps will be silenced. Alarms are
- individually controlled with items in the Setup File and with the
- "A" switch in EXECute macro functions.
-
-
- Local Echo Toggle
- =================
-
- Local Echo (sometimes called half-duplex) is normally used when
- you connect to a host that does not echo (i.e., send back) what
- you type. Also, {COMMO} will assume that the host is sending a
- linefeed along with each carriage return.
-
- Typed characters will be displayed directly to the screen.
-
-
- Signal Lights Toggle
- ====================
-
- Turns ON/OFF the "modem lights" display on the Status Line.
- Shows the state of the RS-232C signals, including send and
- receive.
-
- This toggles the right half of the Status Line from the System
- Name to the Signal Lights Display. See "What is on the Status
- Line" in Online Help for a complete description of the Status
- Line indicators.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-U] Utility Menu
- ======================
-
- The Utility Menu is supported by a macro in COMMO.MAC. It
- contains a selection of features created by {COMMO} macros.
-
- Example features include:
-
- Edit any external text file less than 64k in size.
- Run any macro by name (label).
- Run the host mode macro, MOSTHOST.MAC.
- Edit the host mode macro.
-
- NOTE: The Utility Menu will not be available when another Macro
- File has been loaded by the MACLoad macro function.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 53
-
-
- ===============================
- [Alt-W] Send Current Password
- ===============================
-
- Each entry in the Dialing Directory can have its own Password
- String. After dialing a number, the Alt-W key command will send
- the current Password String to the remote system.
-
- For additional details on Passwords see "[Alt-D] Dialing
- Directory."
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO}
- ===========================
-
- This key command will cause {COMMO} to terminate, saving all
- support files with outstanding changes.
-
- You may configure {COMMO} to leave DTR high when exiting so that
- you may exit and remain connected to a system (this is the
- default, see "[Alt-G] Edit Setup File").
-
- If you re-enter {COMMO} while still online you should use the
- "/in" command line switch to prevent the Modem Initialization
- String from being sent.
-
- Alt-X may also be pressed from the Dialing Directory, Macro File
- or Scrollback windows for a quick exit.
-
-
- ==============================
- [Alt-1] Capture File Options
- ==============================
-
- When Capture is OPEN all information written to your screen will
- be saved to the designated disk file. This command allows you
- to:
-
- 1) OPEN/CLOSE the Capture File.
- 2) Change to a different file.
- 3) Change the Capture Mode.
-
- Data may be captured in one of three modes. The startup Capture
- Mode is selected in the Setup File.
-
- If the mode is set to SCREEN, data will be captured exactly
- as it appears on the Terminal Screen (note that lines that
- wrap on the screen will appear as separate lines in the
- output file). This mode greatly improves the appearance of
- data captured from screens drawn with ANSI positioning
- sequences (e.g., animation).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 54
-
-
-
- FILTER mode is used primarily when you need to capture lines
- longer than the width of the screen (e.g., to be printed on
- a wide carriage printer). ANSI control sequences will be
- stripped out if ANSI-BBS or VT102 emulation is on.
- Characters will be translated if the receive Translate Table
- is on.
-
- Use RAW mode when you want all data captured exactly as it
- comes from the serial port. ANSI control sequences will not
- be stripped and length of lines will be preserved. This
- mode can be used to capture ANSI animation and color to be
- "played back" later.
-
- TIPS on using the Capture File:
-
- > IMPORTANT! When capturing to a floppy drive, the diskette
- should not be removed until the Capture File is closed (this
- also applies if the "disk full" message appears). DOS is
- unaware of a disk change and may overwrite the replacement
- disk.
-
- > The old file will be closed if a new file is opened.
-
- > If Capture Mode is set to SCREEN, text will be saved as it
- scrolls OFF the screen. To prevent loss of data, the entire
- screen will be saved in the following situations:
-
- (1) whenever the screen is cleared
- (2) Capture is closed with Alt-1
- (3) {COMMO} is terminated
- (4) the mode is changed from SCREEN to FILTER or RAW
-
- > If Capture Mode is set to FILTER or RAW, text will be saved
- as it arrives from the serial port.
-
- See also "Screen Image Save."
-
-
- ==========================
- [Alt-2] Print Log Toggle
- ==========================
-
- Turns the Print Log ON/OFF. When ON all information written to
- your screen will be printed to LPT1. Handy for getting hard-copy
- of file lists, messages, etc.
-
- TIPS on using the Print Log:
-
- > Text is printed as it scrolls OFF the screen.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 55
-
-
- > To prevent loss of data, the entire screen will be printed
- in the following situations:
-
- (1) whenever the screen is cleared
- (2) Print Log is turned off with Alt-2
- (3) {COMMO} is terminated
-
- > Flow Control should be used if your printer cannot keep up
- with the incoming data (see Appendix C).
-
-
- ==========================
- [Alt--] Chat Mode Toggle (Alt minus)
- ==========================
-
- Chat Mode is normally used when you wish to converse via
- keyboard. The screen will be split with the upper portion showing
- what the remote is sending, while the lower portion shows what
- you type.
-
- The method used to send typed characters is selected in the Setup
- File under the section "Video and Chat Mode." The two possible
- methods are:
-
- 1) Each character is sent as you type it. This method is
- normally used when you are chatting with another person
- who is also in Chat Mode.
-
- 2) All characters are sent at once when you press Enter
- (up to 240 characters will be buffered). Use this
- method when you are using a teleconferencing system or
- "CB Simulator."
-
- The number of lines in the upper and lower portions of the screen
- (the "line split") may also be set in the "Video and Chat Mode"
- section.
-
- TIPS on using Chat Mode:
-
- > Alt-- (Alt minus) is used to enter AND exit Chat Mode.
-
- > All {COMMO} functions are available in Chat Mode except
- Doorway Mode.
-
-
- =============================
- [Alt-=] Doorway Mode Toggle
- =============================
-
- Definition: "Extended keys" are function keys, Alt keys, cursor
- keys, etc. In other words, keys that do not generate ASCII
- characters.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 56
-
-
-
- In Doorway Mode all extended keys will send their key codes to
- the remote (instead of activating {COMMO} functions). Thus
- Doorway Mode can be used to operate most application software on
- the remote system when used with a host program such as Marshall
- Dudley's Doorway. In addition some BBS full-screen editors use
- Doorway Mode.
-
- TIPS on using Doorway Mode:
-
- > The Alt-= key is necessarily reserved for exiting Doorway
- Mode and thus cannot be sent to the remote. Be sure to
- configure remote applications accordingly.
-
- > The display should be set to the number of lines expected by
- the host program. Usually this is 25 lines of text. If
- your display is not in the proper mode, the results will be
- unpredictable.
-
- > The Status Line is normally suppressed in Doorway Mode, but
- may be turned on by using the "S" switch in a macro:
-
- {:al=} {doorway-s} {}
-
- The "s" switch is ignored when exiting Doorway Mode and the
- Status Line will be restored to its previous state.
- Remember that when the Status Line is on, there is one less
- usable line on the Terminal Screen.
-
- > If it is necessary to clear the screen or to reset the
- terminal emulation mode parameters when starting Doorway
- Mode, use a macro. For example:
-
- {:al=} {clear} {parms ,,,a} {doorway} {}
-
- This macro will execute when entering or exiting Doorway
- Mode (Alt-= must be used to exit, but any key may be
- assigned to enter Doorway Mode).
-
- > For most applications you will want Terminal-Type set to
- ANSI-BBS. It's a good idea to enter Doorway Mode before
- starting the host program. The host may send commands to
- initialize the terminal.
-
- > If Software Flow Control is enabled, the ASCII character
- values 17 and 19 (XON and XOFF) will not display. If these
- characters are needed, Software Flow Control must be turned
- off.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 57
-
-
- =============================
- [F1] How to Use Online Help
- =============================
-
- A summary of {COMMO}'s operations is available by pressing F1.
- The Online Help support file, COMMO.HLP, must be in the {COMMO}
- home directory or you will get an error message.
-
- This message will also be issued if there is not enough memory to
- load the Online Help file. Note that the file is retained in
- memory until {COMMO} requires memory for some other program
- function. It will automatically be re-read when necessary.
-
- Once the Help window is entered you will see the Help control
- keys listed at the bottom of the screen. At this point you may
- obtain more detailed information about using Online Help by
- typing "H".
-
-
- Modifying the Help File
- =======================
-
- When you are familiar with {COMMO} you may wish to reduce the
- size of the Help File. Feel free to edit this file -- you can
- even set up your own menu.
-
- The search keys are in the bars separating the topics. The
- character following the "T" in the middle of the bar may be
- changed to create your own key. Keep in mind that the context-
- related Help uses topic characters that cannot be changed.
-
- The HELP macro function enables you to assign a key to go
- directly to any topic in Online Help. For example:
-
- {:cf6} {help J} {}
-
- will go to topic "TJ" when Ctrl-F6 is pressed. Use any single
- character as the key (do not include the "T").
-
- If you change the Help File, remember to keep a backup copy of
- the original.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 58
-
-
- ====================================
- [PgUp]/[PgDn] Uploading/Downloading
- ====================================
-
- When you press PgUp or PgDn you will be presented with a menu
- from which you may select a file transfer protocol. Protocols
- provide the ability to transfer (send and receive) any type of
- data using error detection and correction techniques.
-
- The PgUp and PgDn menus are implemented using {COMMO}'s powerful
- Macro Processor which enables you to execute internal and
- external protocols easily and seamlessly. You may alter these
- macros to suit your individual needs.
-
-
- Internal Protocols
- ==================
-
- {COMMO} provides a number of variations on the Xmodem and Ymodem
- protocols which afford you varying degrees of convenience, speed
- and security.
-
- Xmodem is the most basic protocol, sending data one block at a
- time and waiting for a response to each block. If the block was
- received with errors, the receiver requests retransmission. A
- filename must be supplied at both ends of the transfer (they need
- not be the same).
-
- Ymodem adds the capability of batch (multi-file) transfers. It
- also sends the name and size of each file just prior to
- transmission of the file (the receiver does not supply any
- filenames).
-
- NOTE: If an incoming filename matches an existing filename in
- the target directory, the batch transfer will be cancelled. You
- can force overwriting of like-named files by adding the "Y"
- switch to the Ymodem macros.
-
- There are a number of variations which apply to both Xmodem and
- Ymodem. Their use depends upon what is offered by the remote
- system and whether or not you have an error-correcting modem.
-
- CRC This is a very reliable block-check method and
- should be used whenever possible.
-
- Csum This block-check method is not as reliable and
- should not be used unless there is no other
- option.
-
- 1k byte block size The larger block size is much more
- efficient and is preferred unless
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 59
-
-
- noisy lines are causing a lot of
- block retransmissions.
-
- 128 byte block size The small block size should be used
- only when there is no other option
- or on noisy lines.
-
- G The "G" method eliminates the receiver's response
- to each block and is much faster. It still
- performs error checking, but not error recovery.
- Therefore it should only be used with an error-
- correcting modem or on a direct connection between
- computers.
-
- When an error is encountered, the transfer will be
- cancelled. Partial files will be kept. The "G"
- method always uses CRC and 1k blocks.
-
- Software (XON/XOFF) Flow Control may be required
- by some remote systems and/or public networks. If
- you get frequent errors when using the "G" method,
- make sure that Software Flow Control is on.
-
- IMPORTANT: The macros that support the internal protocols are
- set up for the most common situations. Many variations are
- possible by modifying these macros. Please refer to descriptions
- of the functions RXMOdem, RYMOdem, SXMOdem and SYMOdem in the
- Macro Programming Guide for details.
-
-
- ASCII Upload/Download
- =====================
-
- Text files may be sent and received using the ASCII protocol.
- This method performs no error checking or error correction and
- should only be used when other protocols are not available.
-
- It might be used, for example, to upload a prepared message to a
- host that was waiting for you to type the message. Or it could
- be used to receive a bulletin or other information that you would
- normally read while on line.
-
- To upload a text file, use the Alt-A key command. See "Alt-A
- ASCII Upload."
-
- To download text information to a file, use {COMMO}'s Capture
- File feature. Use the Alt-1 key command to set the filename and
- Capture Mode. Open the Capture File just prior to receiving the
- information. Then close it after all data has been received.
- Note that the file may require some editing. See "Alt-1 Capture
- File Options."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 60
-
-
-
- External Protocols
- ==================
-
- The Macro File is pre-configured with macros that execute various
- popular protocol "drivers" (external protocol programs). You may
- add macros for any other protocol drivers that you need. See the
- Macro Programming Guide for details on writing macros.
-
- Protocols such as Zmodem, HS/Link and MPt offer convenience,
- speed and reliability. They include features such as:
-
- 1) Automatic startup.
- 2) Transmission of file names, sizes and dates.
- 3) Batch (multiple file) transfers.
- 4) Resuming partial (failed) transfers.
- 5) Bi-directional transfers (HS/Link only)
-
- External protocol drivers can be obtained from BBS's and other
- sources. You can download them using {COMMO}'s internal
- protocols.
-
- To install DSZ, HS/Link, MPt or OZBEXT, just place the executable
- file (e.g., DSZ.COM, HSLINK.EXE, MPT.EXE, OZBEXT.EXE) in a
- directory which is specified in your DOS path statement. If you
- don't have a path statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, place the
- executable in your C:\COMMO directory. In the latter case,
- change to this directory before you start {COMMO}.
-
- Each of the protocol driver programs has additional features that
- may be useful to you. Refer to the program's documentation for
- more information.
-
-
- Using DSZ or GSZ
- ================
-
- NOTE: DSZ/GSZ are Shareware programs from Omen Technology. Like
- {COMMO}, they must be registered for continued use (be aware that
- some features are not enabled in the unregistered versions). DSZ
- may almost always be found where you obtained {COMMO} and is
- usually archived as DSZmmdd.ZIP (mmdd is a release date).
-
- DSZ will transfer files using the popular Zmodem protocol.
-
- The executable file to install is DSZ.COM.
-
- GSZ is functionally equivalent to DSZ. In addition GSZ provides
- an attractive graphic display of the file transfer in progress.
- To use GSZ you need only change one item in the Setup File:
-
- {set dszprog,GSZ.EXE}
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 61
-
-
-
- The executable file to install is GSZ.EXE.
-
-
- Using HS/Link
- =============
-
- HS/Link is a Shareware program that offers very fast file
- transfers. The HS/Link protocol has all of the features of
- Zmodem. In addition, it has bi-directional capability for
- uploading and downloading simultaneously with a full-duplex modem
- (make sure the remote system allows this feature before
- attempting it).
-
- When you select a download with HS/Link (or if it is started
- automatically, see "Auto Receive"), you will be asked to enter a
- "Filename to Upload" as well. Just press Enter for download
- only.
-
- The executable file to install is HSLINK.EXE.
-
-
- Using MPt
- =========
-
- MPt is a Shareware program that transfers files using the MPt
- protocol (similar to Zmodem, but not compatible). It offers an
- excellent graphic display during file transfers.
-
- The executable file to install is MPT.EXE.
-
-
- Using OZBEXT
- ============
-
- OZBEXT is a file transfer program for CompuServe users (download
- it from CIS in the IBMCOM forum under Protocols -- it is free for
- personal use). This protocol offers much better network
- throughput than Xmodem.
-
- When you see the protocol selection menu on CompuServe, always
- select the "B" or "B+" protocol (NOT "Quick B").
-
- The executable file to install is OZBEXT.EXE.
-
-
- {COMMO} Auto Receive
- ====================
-
- This feature will automatically start a macro when a specified
- string is received from the serial port and may be used for
- starting downloads.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 62
-
-
-
- Up to 8 strings and respective macro labels may be defined in the
- "Terminal and Modem" section of the Setup File. These are
- preconfigured for the Zmodem, HS/Link and MPt protocol
- "signature" strings, but you may change them or add new ones as
- desired.
-
- As an example, suppose one of the Auto Receive strings in your
- Setup File is:
-
- {pzbr,^XB00} Zmodem Auto Receive
-
- This means that when the string "^XB00" is received, the macro at
- label "pzbr" will be started. This string is the Zmodem
- "signature" string and is sent repeatedly by the sender until the
- receiver is ready to receive files.
-
- In your Macro File you would have the corresponding macro:
-
- Z BATCH {:pzbr} {exec %dszprog port %_por rz -mr %dldir} {}
-
- {COMMO} will execute the macro as soon as the signature string is
- received (be patient, a BBS may take several seconds to load and
- execute its own protocol program).
-
- IMPORTANT! If you have not properly installed the protocol
- program, the message "Bad command or file name" will be
- periodically displayed by DOS. If this happens type Ctrl-X
- repeatedly until the sender cancels the transfer.
-
- TIPS on using Auto Receive:
-
- > If the macro called by Auto Receive EXECutes a DOS command,
- you may want to use EXECute Preview Mode for preliminary
- testing. This will allow you to view the command before
- execution and to see the results afterwards. Preview Mode
- may be toggled on/off using the Alt-T key command.
-
- > Auto Receive will not trigger on characters that are
- displayed to the screen while a macro is running. If you
- need to download within a macro, you should do a LOOKfor to
- wait for the signature string, then CALL the download macro
- (make sure you have a RETUrn at the end).
-
- > Using short strings, such as "^E" for CIS B protocol may
- result in unexpected triggering of the macro. This is
- because other systems may send the same string for a
- different purpose (to display a "club" symbol, for example).
- Thus it may be necessary to disable a string at times or to
- discontinue its use.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 63
-
-
- > A string may be disabled by removing the corresponding macro
- label in the Macro File. This may degrade performance since
- the Macro File must be scanned each time a "hit" occurs.
- The best way is to remove the Setup File item.
-
- > Auto Receive can be set up for protocols that do not send
- signature strings, such as Xmodem, Ymodem, Ymodem-G, etc.
- Use the prompt that the BBS sends just prior to the file
- transfer. For example, "Start your Ymodem-G now." Note
- that different systems may use different prompts.
-
- > An Auto Receive string can be used to automatically continue
- Multi Number Dialing after you disconnect (in manual mode).
- Set one of the strings to:
-
- {aut=nocar,^jNO CARRIER^m}
-
- Then enter a macro in the Macro File:
-
- {:nocar} {dial ,} {}
-
- When your modem sends "NO CARRIER" the macro will start.
- Multi Number Dialing will resume if any more systems are
- marked in the Dialing Directory.
-
- See also "TIPS on creating LOOKfor strings" in the Macro
- Programming Guide, under LOOKfor.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 64
-
-
- ========== =====================
- Appendix A Setting Up Your Modem
- ========== =====================
-
- Please be aware that there are many different modems in use and
- that it is of the utmost importance that you configure your modem
- to work correctly with {COMMO}. A few tips will be given here,
- but they are no substitute for the detailed installation
- instructions in your modem manual!
-
- When {COMMO} is started, a command string called the Modem
- Initialization String will be sent to the modem. You must make
- certain that you have the correct string in your Setup File.
- This string will perform part or all of the modem setup depending
- on the type of modem. Examples will be given for the most common
- types.
-
- If your modem is external to your computer, be sure you have
- followed the installation instructions carefully and that the
- cable is connected to the computer's serial port. It is wise to
- turn off power to the computer and the modem when connecting or
- disconnecting any cables.
-
- Also check the Default Dialing Parameters in the Setup File.
- Make sure the serial port number is correct.
-
- _______________
-
- 1200 bps Modems
- _______________
-
- Most 1200 bps modems have switches on them which must be set to
- provide the proper interaction with your computer and with
- {COMMO}. Consult your modem manual concerning these switches and
- pay particular attention to the following:
-
- 1) Enable command recognition. Allows the modem to
- recognize commands (dial, set registers, etc.). Must
- be in the "enable" position or modem will be unusable.
-
- 2) Send result codes in English. This switch should be
- set so that the modem will send verbal responses to
- commands instead of numbers. This is usually
- controlled by a command also (such as ATV1).
-
- 3) Respond to DTR (data terminal ready). This should NOT
- be in the "ignore" or "on all the time" position. This
- switch allows the computer to signal the modem to hang
- up.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 65
-
-
- 4) Respond to carrier detect or "allow true carrier."
- This should NOT be set to the "on all the time"
- position.
-
- Here is an example Modem Initialization String which will set up
- a 1200 bps modem and override the switch settings (if possible):
-
- {~AT S0=0 S7=60 E0 Q0 V1 X1 |}
-
- The most important command to check is the "X" command, since its
- function varies the most from modem to modem. The "X" command
- determines which responses the modem will generate during dialing
- (e.g. CONNECT, BUSY, etc.). It may also activate an additional
- modem feature such as automatic redialing which will interfere
- with {COMMO}'s own redialing procedure.
-
- Your modem manual gives a description for each level of the "X"
- command: X0, X1, X2, ... , etc. Generally you want to use the
- highest level that does not activate undesirable features. If
- you will be using {COMMO}'s AutoBaud feature you will need the
- extended connect responses such as CONNECT 1200. Also the BUSY
- response should be provided if possible. In any case you should
- modify the Modem Initialization String to work with your
- particular modem.
-
- ____________________________
-
- 2400, 9600, 14400 bps Modems
- ____________________________
-
- Most of the information in the section above on 1200 bps modems
- applies to higher speed modems as well. However, these modems
- usually have software command settings to replace the switches.
- These commands may be given every time you start {COMMO} or they
- may be permanently remembered by modems which have "non-volatile"
- memory.
-
- It will be assumed here that the commands are given every time
- you start {COMMO}. If you wish to place the settings in non-
- volatile memory, consult your modem manual for instructions
- (usually the "&W" command). Here is an example Modem
- Initialization String for most higher speed modems:
-
- {~AT S0=0 S7=180 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |}
-
- See the comments above concerning the "X" command since they
- apply to these modems as well.
-
- IMPORTANT! Many modems that operate at 2400 bps and above
- require additional commands to control features such as error
- correction and data compression. Consult the modem manual for
- details. Insert these commands into the above string.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 66
-
-
-
- If you need to change the Modem Initialization String, edit the
- Setup File with the Alt-G key command, then restart the program
- to send the string to the modem.
-
-
- Answering a call from another computer
- ======================================
-
- The following information assumes that you are not using the
- MOSTHOST or other {COMMO} host mode macro. If you use a host
- macro, follow the instructions for installing and operating the
- host.
-
- There are two easy ways to use {COMMO} to answer when a friend or
- associate calls you by computer. For best results, make sure you
- are in Chat Mode. Press Alt-- (Alt minus) to enter/exit Chat
- Mode.
-
- 1) While in Chat Mode or in the Terminal Screen, wait for the
- phone to ring, then type "ATA<cr>" (upper case is not
- necessary with many modems). Your modem should answer
- immediately (go off hook) and begin handshaking with the
- remote modem.
-
- When you see the CONNECT message you are ready to
- communicate. At this point you can type, send data with
- macro keys, send a text file with ASCII Upload or send any
- file with an internal or external protocol.
-
- You can use a macro key to send the answer command to the
- modem. For example, to send it by pressing F5, place the
- following macro in your Macro File:
-
- {:nf5} {send ATA|} {} Answer the phone!
-
- When the telephone rings, press F5.
-
- 2) The other method involves setting your modem into Auto
- Answer Mode. This method is useful in some situations, but
- will cause the modem to answer whenever the phone rings.
- This can be undesirable if you get a voice call.
-
- To set Auto Answer just type "ATS0=1<cr>" (or make "S0=1"
- part of your Modem Initialization String). This will tell
- the modem to answer on ring "1" (adjust to as many rings as
- desired). To turn off Auto Answer type "ATS0=0<cr>". These
- may also be sent with macro keys.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 67
-
-
- Connecting two computers (null modem cable)
- ===========================================
-
- {COMMO} may be used on a "direct connection" between two
- computers or between a computer and another serial device.
- Connect the two serial ports with a "null modem" cable. Then
- start the program on each computer, having selected the
- appropriate Default Dialing Parameters in the Setup File(s).
-
- The null modem cable should be designed so that the transmit line
- on each end connects to the receive line on the other end. No
- other signals are needed, but none of the RS-232C signals should
- be left "floating." They should be tied high or low (or at least
- grounded).
-
- You may have to disable the Usage Log in the Setup File by
- setting the path to null: {set _uselog}. The log is triggered by
- changes in Carrier Detect and will slow things down if CD is
- unpredictable.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 68
-
-
- ========== =========================
- Appendix B {COMMO} and Multi-Tasking
- ========== =========================
-
- ________
-
- DESQview
- ________
-
- Special care has been taken to ensure that {COMMO} is compatible
- with Quarterdeck Office Systems' DESQview(tm), a multi-tasking
- supervisor. DESQview allows more than one program to execute at
- the same time.
-
- A sample Program Information File (CO-PIF.DVP) has been included
- in the {COMMO} package for your convenience. This file is
- installed as follows:
-
- 1) Copy the file to your DESQview directory (usually
- C:\DV).
- 2) Run "Add a Program" (AP) from the "Open Window" menu.
- 3) Select "Other." Specify the DESQview directory as the
- "Path."
- 4) Mark the {COMMO} entry, press Enter. "CO" should now
- appear on your "Open Window" menu.
-
- The CO-PIF.DVP file has been set up to define a 150k memory
- window. The amount of memory actually required is affected by
- the size of your COMMO.FON file, your COMMO.MAC file and the size
- of your Scrollback buffer.
-
- Test the size of the window by running DSZ, HS/Link, LIST, etc.,
- from the Macro Processor or Shell to DOS. Be sure to test the
- execution of external programs with a "wait" at the end (or use
- EXECute Preview Mode) so that you can see any error messages (see
- EXEC function).
-
- CO-PIF.DVP can be changed with the "Change a Program" (CP)
- command on the "Open Window" menu. You may also want to change
- the directory information or other parameters.
-
- TIPS on using {COMMO} with DESQview:
-
- > For best performance the foreground and background "tick
- counts" should both be 10 or less.
-
- > If you switch to another task, do not attempt to access any
- files which may be in use in the {COMMO} window. Examples
- are the Capture File, the Screen Image File and files that
- may be currently involved in a file transfer (upload or
- download). The result may be a loss of part or all of the
- data in the file. This is a general DESQview no-no. You
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 69
-
-
- may freely access these files in the Shell to DOS or Macro
- Processor features of {COMMO} (within the same window).
-
- > If the memory allocated to the window is too small, {COMMO}
- will not be able to load the Online Help file. Since the
- Online Help file is loaded only when requested, you needn't
- be concerned if you don't intend to use it.
-
- > The video display may seem less smooth in DESQview. This is
- a result of {COMMO} using the fastest possible display
- method, and is quite normal. This effect can be reduced by
- specifying fewer clock ticks for foreground and background
- (4 and 4 seems to work well).
-
- > The Snow Checking option should not be used when {COMMO} is
- run under DESQview. If you see "snow" type interference in
- your CGA display, use DESQview's own snow checking (request
- "synchronized access" in the Setup program).
-
- ________
-
- OmniView
- ________
-
- Display bleed-through may be avoided by telling OmniView that
- {COMMO} "Supports TopView Functions" or by using the "/T" switch
- on the OmniView command line.
-
- See "TIPS on using {COMMO} with DESQview" in the previous
- section, most of which apply to OmniView as well.
-
- _________
-
- DoubleDOS
- _________
-
- Color displays require the "DISPLAY = TEXT" option in
- DDCONFIG.SYS. Run {COMMO} in the bottom partition -- about 130k
- to 150k should suffice if you plan to use Online Help and/or
- external protocols. Increase this size in proportion to the size
- of your Scrollback buffer.
-
- Some non-multi-tasker-aware, direct-screen-writing programs
- executed with the Macro Processor or Shell to DOS may not display
- properly. If this happens you may have to run {COMMO} in the top
- partition.
-
- Use the supplied DBLDANSI.SYS driver in place of your ANSI.SYS
- for running other programs in this partition ({COMMO} doesn't use
- it).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 70
-
-
- With this setup you may run any non-graphics program in the top
- partition, including direct screen writers.
-
- Monochrome displays require the REFRESH option in DDCONFIG.SYS.
- Refer to the DoubleDOS user's manual for information on this.
-
- See "TIPS on using {COMMO} with DESQview" in the previous
- section, most of which apply to DoubleDOS as well.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 71
-
-
- ========== ============
- Appendix C Flow Control
- ========== ============
-
- Flow Control is a signalling system used by communications
- devices to prevent data from being transmitted faster than it can
- be processed by the receiving system. This is especially
- important when data is transferred at high speeds.
-
- Flow Control is initialized in the Setup File and is used by
- {COMMO} for both sending and receiving. You may specify Software
- Flow Control, Hardware Flow Control or both. Changes may be made
- at any time using the "[Alt-T] Set Toggles" key command (or with
- the HFLOw and SFLOw macro functions) and will be effective
- immediately.
-
- Software Flow Control uses a control character called XOFF (or
- ^S) to signal the remote to pause. XON (^Q) is the signal to
- "resume transmission." This is normally used only for ASCII
- data, since these characters may appear randomly within binary
- data. An XOFF pause will automatically be released in 20 seconds
- if no XON is received. It will also be released if you type a
- character in the Terminal Screen.
-
- Hardware Flow Control uses the RTS/CTS lines in your RS-232C
- (serial port) cable to signal pause/resume without interfering
- with the data. It should only be used when you are connected to
- a device which also recognizes RTS/CTS Flow Control (such as a
- high-speed modem or another computer connected with a null modem
- cable). A CTS-off (send) pause will not be released
- automatically. Turn off Hardware Flow Control (using Alt-T) if
- you need to override it.
-
- TIPS on using Flow Control:
-
- > Your modem must be properly initialized to utilize flow
- control (consult the manual for details).
-
- > Since Software Flow Control uses the XOFF (ASCII 19) and XON
- (ASCII 17) characters, these will not display on the screen.
- If it is necessary to display them, Software Flow Control
- must be turned off.
-
- > It is especially important to use Flow Control when the
- Print Log is on, since data is usually received faster than
- it can be printed. If you type a character to the remote
- during a flow control pause, the remote may begin sending
- again (some systems resume on any character, not just XON).
- You may have to turn off the Print Log if this happens.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 72
-
-
- ========== ==============================
- Appendix D ASCII Character Representation
- ========== ==============================
-
- Sometimes it is necessary to enter control characters and other
- special characters in the {COMMO} support files or as input to
- {COMMO} key commands.
-
- For example, a carriage return (typed with the Enter key) is used
- to terminate your typed input. Therefore a carriage return must
- be represented by some other character (or characters) in order
- to be used as data.
-
- The process of converting represented characters to actual
- characters is done in many places in {COMMO}. Some examples are:
-
- 1) Strings sent to the modem. These include the Modem
- Initialization String, dialing prefixes and suffixes,
- telephone numbers, the Password String, strings defined
- in macro functions such as SEND, SETLook (prompt
- response), VTCUr and VTPAd.
-
- 2) Strings defined in other macro functions such as
- LOOKfor, GOLOok, EXECute and DISPlay.
-
- All control characters may be represented using the (^) caret
- symbol (it is the shift character above the top row "6"). If you
- need to send a caret, use two carets (^^).
-
- For convenience, two "normal" characters have special meanings in
- certain contexts:
-
- The vertical bar (|) may be used to represent a carriage
- return. If you need a vertical bar, use (^|). In the
- EXECute function the vertical bar is never converted (it is
- used by DOS as the "pipe" symbol).
-
- The tilde (~) forces a one-half second delay when it is
- encountered in a string that is being sent to the modem. If
- you need a tilde, use (^~). This is effective only in
- strings that are sent to the modem. In other strings the
- tilde is used as a tilde.
-
- Finally, curly braces { } are very special characters and may not
- be used as data in the support files. They are represented as
- follows, using parentheses:
-
- Left curly brace ^(
- Right curly brace ^)
-
- Here is a list of some of the most common control characters and
- how to represent them. Upper or lower case may be used.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 73
-
-
-
- Carriage return ^M or |
- Linefeed ^J
- Formfeed ^L
- Escape ^[
- Bell ^G
- XOFF ^S
- XON ^Q
- End of file ^Z
-
- Here is a table of all ASCII control characters. Values are
- decimal:
-
- 0 ... ^@ 7 ... ^G 14 ... ^N 21 ... ^U
- 1 ... ^A 8 ... ^H 15 ... ^O 22 ... ^V
- 2 ... ^B 9 ... ^I 16 ... ^P 23 ... ^W
- 3 ... ^C 10 ... ^J 17 ... ^Q 24 ... ^X
- 4 ... ^D 11 ... ^K 18 ... ^R 25 ... ^Y
- 5 ... ^E 12 ... ^L 19 ... ^S 26 ... ^Z
- 6 ... ^F 13 ... ^M 20 ... ^T 27 ... ^[
-
- ASCII 28 to 31 and those in the extended graphic character set
- (128 to 255), may be typed using the ALT-NUMERIC-KEYPAD method as
- follows:
-
- 1. Hold down the Alt key (and keep it down).
- 2. Enter the ASCII code in decimal using the numeric
- keypad keys (1, 2 or 3 digits are ok).
- 3. Release the Alt key.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 74
-
-
- ========== ==================
- Appendix E Terminal Emulation
- ========== ==================
-
- Terminal Emulation Type is indicated on the Status Line (in the
- Terminal Parameters string). Available types are:
-
- A ANSI-BBS Used on bulletin boards and other systems.
- V VT102 Used on minicomputers and mainframes.
- T TTY Supports only the basic control characters.
-
- The Terminal Emulation Type (as defined by the Default Dialing
- Parameter string) will be set whenever a system is dialed. It
- may be changed temporarily using the Alt-P key command or the
- PARMs macro function. The Default Dialing Parameters may be
- changed using the Alt-P key command or the DPARms macro function.
-
- TIPS on using terminal emulation:
-
- > Whenever a change is made, a reset of mode parameters will
- be performed. It is therefore important that the change be
- made BEFORE (or at the time of) connecting with a host (mode
- settings may be transmitted by the host).
-
- > If some screens do not look right when VT102 emulation is
- used, you may need to turn LINEWRAP off (it defaults to on).
-
- > Linewrap may be turned on/off locally using the DISPlay
- macro function. Place one of the following in your login
- macro (or assign one of them to a key and execute it
- manually):
-
- {display ,,,^[[?7h} linewrap ON
- {display ,,,^[[?7l} linewrap OFF
-
- > {COMMO} will support auto-switching to 132 column mode, but
- you must define the hardware video mode that causes your
- video adapter to switch to 25x132 (rows, columns). See the
- item {avm=} under "[Alt-G] Edit Setup File" for details.
- Note that your video adapter should be in 25x80 when you
- start {COMMO}.
-
- > If colors do not always look right, it may be necessary to
- set the Terminal Screen colors in the Setup File to {07}.
- See the note under "Colors" in the section "[Alt-G] Edit
- Setup File."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 75
-
-
- Printer Support
- ===============
-
- {COMMO} supports the ANSI/VT102 printer functions, controlled by
- the remote system.
-
- The "Printer ON/OFF" function will turn {COMMO}'s Print Log
- ON/OFF.
-
- The "Dedicated Printing" function will send all input from
- the serial port directly to the printer. This allows for
- "transparent" transmission of printer data, including
- control codes.
-
- The "Print Screen" function will print the entire current
- screen.
-
- The printer should be on and ready to print when these functions
- are used. When "Dedicated Printing" is active no characters will
- be displayed on the screen.
-
-
- ANSI-BBS Keyboard Support
- =========================
-
- The sample Macro File is set up so you can use the PC keypad keys
- (arrow keys, PgUp, PgDn, etc.) with most BBS full-screen editors.
-
-
- VT102 Keyboard Simulation
- =========================
-
- Two keyboard files, VT102-1.MAC and VT102-2.MAC, provide support
- to simulate the VT102 keyboard. You may merge one of these into
- COMMO.MAC if you intend to use VT102 all the time (replace the
- ANSI-BBS keys). Be sure that you have no conflicting key-labels
- (remember that {COMMO} will use the first occurrence of a key-
- label).
-
- Or you can use the MACLoad function in your login macro to load
- the VT102 file automatically when you connect to the host. Use
- the "R" switch to reload COMMO.MAC at disconnect. For example:
-
- {macload-r vt102-1.mac}
-
- Both files support the following PC keypad functions (^ indicates
- the Ctrl key):
-
- Four cursor (arrow) keys
- Home - Home cursor
- ^Home - Insert line
- PgUp - Page up
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 76
-
-
- ^PgUp - Delete line
- PgDn - Page down
- ^PgDn - Clear screen
- End - End of line
- Ins - Insert mode
- Del - Delete
- ^bs - Ctrl backspace (delete)
-
- VT102 numeric keypad keys are auto-switched by the host system
- between numeric mode and application mode.
-
- The four cursor keys are auto-switched between cursor mode and
- application mode.
-
- These files may be modified to create any keyboard support you
- desire (see description of VTCUr and VTPAd functions in the
- section "{COMMO} Macro Functions."
-
- ___________
-
- VT102-1.MAC
- ___________
-
- This file contains keyboard assignments that work best with the
- enhanced keyboard (because of the separate cursor keys, etc.).
-
- With Numlock ON the ten digits and period will simulate their
- equivalent VT102 functions. In addition:
-
- F1 to F4 simulate PF1 to PF4
- Grey * is used for comma
- Grey - is used for dash
- Grey + is used for Enter
-
- ___________
-
- VT102-2.MAC
- ___________
-
- This file contains keyboard assignments that work best with the
- 83-key keyboard (because of the location of the function keys on
- the left side).
-
- The following diagram shows how the ten function keys (Fn) and
- ten shifted function keys (SFn) relate to the VT102 keypad keys:
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 77
-
-
- F1= PF1 F2= PF2 SF1= PF3 SF2= PF4
-
- F3= 7 F4= 8 SF3= 9 SF4= -
-
- F5= 4 F6= 5 SF5= 6 SF6= ,
-
- F7= 1 F8= 2 SF7= 3 SF8= Enter
-
- F9= 0 F10= 0 SF9= . SF10= Enter
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 78
-
-
- ========== ================
- Appendix F Usage Log Format
- ========== ================
-
- The {On} and {Off} entries should be self-explanatory.
-
- Here is an example of a file transfer entry:
-
- {SX} 0 c:\ul\nlbbs.rep 1664 CRC 1024 G 0 errors
-
- {SX} Send with Xmodem. {RX} is receive.
- {SY} and {RY} are used for Ymodem.
- 0 Transfer successful (0) or failed (1).
- c:\ul\nlbbs.rep Pathname of file.
- 1664 Bytes transferred.
- CRC Block check method, CRC or csum.
- 1024 Largest block size used.
- G Streaming method was used.
- 0 errors Total number of errors (corrected if
- transfer was successful).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 79
-
-
- ========== ==========================
- Appendix G Error Message Explanations
- ========== ==========================
-
- If you get an error message that you don't understand, check
- below for additional information.
-
- ________________________________
-
- Sorry, out of memory
- Not enough memory for Scrollback
- ________________________________
-
- These messages may occur at program startup. Check the
- following:
-
- 1) {COMMO} cannot allocate its internal buffers. You must
- make more memory available.
-
- 2) {COMMO} cannot load the Dialing Directory and/or Macro
- File. Try reducing the size of either of these files.
- Removing comments may help. Or make more memory
- available.
-
- 3) {COMMO} cannot allocate the Scrollback Buffer. Reduce
- its size or make more memory available.
-
- _______________________________
-
- Cannot locate command processor
- _______________________________
-
- This is an unusual condition. Type "SET" at the DOS prompt
- and be sure there is a "COMSPEC=" in the list. If there is,
- make sure that COMMAND.COM is in the path specified.
-
- _______________________
-
- Not enough memory
- Program file not found
- Unable to execute shell
- _______________________
-
- A problem was encountered during Shell to DOS or EXEC:
-
- 1) There may not be enough memory to execute the command
- processor or external program you have specified.
-
- 2) The program file you specified in an EXECute function
- using the "D" switch cannot be located. Make sure you
- specify the full path and filename.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 80
-
-
- 3) Some other system error condition may exist. Make sure
- that COMMAND.COM is still available in the "COMSPEC="
- path.
-
- ___________________________
-
- Hardware flow control pause
- ___________________________
-
- Hardware Flow Control is in effect and the remote system (or
- your modem) has requested a pause. Try waiting a few
- seconds for the pause to clear; if that fails you may have
- to turn off Hardware Flow Control (use Alt-T, Set Toggles).
-
- _________________________________________
-
- File space full! Delete unnecessary text
- _________________________________________
-
- {COMMO} allows about 65,000 bytes when editing any file (the
- Dialing Directory and Macro File occupy a common file
- space). This limit may be reached when editing any of the
- files with the Internal Editor. If this happens you must
- reduce the size of the file in question. Try removing
- comment lines and any other extraneous information.
-
- This message may also be the result of loading a resident
- program (TSR) in the Shell to DOS or via the EXEC macro
- function. Other causes involve a corruption of DOS
- parameters and require rebooting.
-
- ____________________________
-
- Swap Failure, exiting to DOS
- ____________________________
-
- This message will appear if {COMMO} cannot be fully restored
- when returning from a Swap to Disk. This can result from
- one of these conditions:
-
- 1) Unable to read the Swap File (file not found or
- file is unreadable).
-
- 2) Unable to allocate the necessary memory (a TSR may
- have been loaded above {COMMO}'s kernel).
-
- _____________________
-
- Dial command too long
- _____________________
-
- The dial command is limited to 128 characters.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference 81
-
-
-
- ________________________
-
- Unable to open file
- Unable to open Help File
- File not found
- Path not found
- Too many files
- ________________________
-
- Check the following:
-
- 1) Your "SET COMMO=" command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
- It may be specifying the wrong directory.
- 2) That the path exists where the file should be.
- 3) That the file itself exists (this won't be the problem
- if the file is being created).
- 4) Too many files may be open. You may need to increase
- your FILES= parameter in CONFIG.SYS.
- 5) The Online Help File must be less than 64K bytes in
- size.
- 6) You cannot use an open Capture File for any other
- purpose.
-
- ____________________________________
-
- Capture File Closed, disk is full!
- Information not saved, disk is full!
- ____________________________________
-
- The Capture File and Screen Image File should be edited
- regularly to ensure that they are not occupying too much
- disk space.
-
-
- - end -
-
-