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▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▒▒█▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ Ansi/Avatr/Ascii In RIP - Version 2.0 - (C)Copyright 1993, Rand Nowell - RaLin Enterprises "Putting Bits Together" (tm) - P R O G R A M D O C U M E N T A T I O N - ( FREEWARE Release!) - Manual Index - Copyright.........................................1 Distribution......................................1 Disclaimer......................................1,2 Version Numbers...................................2 Overview........................................2,3 Running AIR.......................................3 Command Line with parameters..................3,4 Command Line with "Command File"................5 Interactive Mode............................5,6,7 Commands and Colors.............................7,8 Editing Keys....................................8 Color Codes.....................................8 External Lists....................................9 Format of AIR screens..........................9,10 Available Frame Templates........................10 Creating a screen file.....................10,11,12 Error Levels.....................................13 Why Register?.................................13,14 Your Suggestions.................................14 Submit your screen for use in AIR..............14 Author Contact................................14,15 Support..........................................15 Acknowledgements.................................16 Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 1 ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ COPYRIGHT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ AIR, Ansi/Avatar/Ascii In RIP, the program and documentation, are not a Public Domain program. It is the (C)Copyrighted 1993 work of Rand Nowell dba Ralin Enterprises. All rights are reserved. Copying, duplicating, selling or otherwise distributing this product except as noted in the Distribution Policy below is a violation of Federal Copyright Law. This version is released as FREEWARE. A Registered version is available, with several more options. Though this copy is FREEWARE, the author maintains all Copyrights to code, documentation etc. If you would like to receive the Registered version, fill out AIR.REG. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ DISTRIBUTION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ 1. Feel free to distribute the FREEWARE version of this program as often as you like to any interested parties. Distribution to Electronic Bulletin Boards is encouraged. 2. Please do not distribute this program without all the original related files such as documentation, readme files, registration forms etc. 3. Please distribute ONLY the original authenticated ZIP format file. 4. Please obtain our written permission before including the program with any "bundled" software packages. 5. Please do not accept payment for the program; a copying fee of $5.00 per diskette may be charged by a non-profit user-group. 6. Please do not alter the program or documentation in any way. 7. Individuals, groups, vendors or other software distribution companies which market diskettes containing shareware or test-drive evaluation programs, for profit, must obtain written permission from RaLin Enterprises prior to distribution. This will insure that you have the most current copy. DISTRIBUTION of the REGISTERED version of this program is in violation of the license agreement and copyright law. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ *** DISCLAIMER *** ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This program is supplied "as is" without warranty of any kind. The entire risk of using, and results from the use of, is assumed by you the user. You assume all costs of repair, servicing and corrections stemming from the use of this program. Rand Nowell and/or RaLin Enterprises, or any other associated company of the program author will not be held liable for any In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 2 damages from the use of this program. No warranties are expressed or implied. ******************************************************************** To the original licensee of the REGISTERED version of the program, RaLin Enterprises DOES warrant that the program disk(s) on which the program is recorded, be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of (90) ninety days from date of delivery as evidenced by your receipt. Our entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be replacement of the defective disk not meeting the standards of this limited warranty. And in no case shall exceed the cost of reimbursement of monies paid for program registration. The Author is not obligated to produce further versions of this program. The Author also reserves the right to convert any SHAREWARE program, to that of COMMERCIAL status without prior notice. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ VERSION NUMBERS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Version 1.0 DOC stated that all FREE versions would be X.0 and Registered would be X.xx, but that has already shown to be messy. So starting with this release, 2.0, updates will follow the standard, next release will be 2.01 and so forth. If major enhancements or additions warrant it, the major version number will change. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ OVERVIEW ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ AIR was created to allow Sysops to easily include Ansi,Avatar,Ascii screens in a RIP graphic window. It is being distributed as FREEWARE, but a more useful and configurable copy is available if you wish to register. AIR can be run from a batch file, or in interactive mode. Here are a few features: Features.... {+} = in Registered copy only a) Three modes to run in, 1) Command line mode with parameters 2) Command line mode with "Command File" {+} 3) User friendly interface, with pick lists for files and colors. b) Currently 9 pre-defined RIP frames available, three with Mouse/Key button(s). More being added. ** Four frames available to "use" in FREEWARE version. ** c) Edit the "Sysop Message" displayed in frame. {+} d) Specify color message is displayed in. e) Testing mode, does not reset RIP text window, for test viewing. f) Includes a copy of FLATVIEW.EXE from Jon Kent, author of the In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 3 FLATLINE RIP Editor/Painter, for viewing files. *** New version, interprets Ansi codes! *** (Distributed with Authors permission) g) Command to create samples of ALL available frames, samples contain a ruler line, to show width allowed/wrap columns for text window. h) Manual contains directions on how to set up a screen file to be used with AIR, and the proper menu setup for the RemoteAccess BBS system. i) AIR is FAST! Works great for BBS maintenance event. j) Now uses external lists, that you create/maintain, to store frequently used screen file names, and RIP file names. Though there are a couple of features de-activated in the FREEWARE copy, it is a fully functional program, and will serve you well as is. Registration is not required, but if you want the extra features, and updated releases, then........ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ RUNNING AIR! ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ There are three ways to run AIR, two command line modes, and one interactive mode. They will be covered separately in the following text. No matter which way you run AIR, the screen will display a program Name and Copyright line at the top, and also display what copy you have. That display will either say "FREEWARE Version" or "Registered Version" You can type AIR ? for a command syntax Help Screen = OR = AIR SAMPLES, to generate a sample of ALL screens available, named SAMPLE1.RIP, SAMPLE2.RIP etc. These samples will contain a ruler line,to advise you of what the wrap column is. (NEW) If you give a directory name as in AIR <directory>, AIR will change to that directory, and put you in interactive mode. All files created will be created in that directory, considered the "working" directory. ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │Command Line with Parameters: │ └──────────────────────────────┘ Run AIR with parameters on the DOS command line. The Syntax is as such: AIR <screenfile> <new rip file> <sysop message> <message color> <frame#> [TEST] A minimum of 5 parameters must be used on the command line, else you are taken into Interactive mode. The parameters in <> are required, [] are optional. If more than 6 parameters are given, AIR will abort. Parameters must have one space between them. See note below on spaces in the Sysop Message. Screenfile and RipFile can be 40 characters in length, but totaled together with other parameters, cannot exceed the DOS maximum line length. In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 4 <screenfile> Name of the file to display, Ansi/Avatar/Ascii. This file will be displayed in the text window of the RIP frame that AIR creates. If the file cannot be found, AIR will abort with an error message. NOTE: The program RipTerm, the free communications program from TeleGraphix, does not properly display Avatar files, so you may want to limit your screens to Ansi and Ascii for now. While QModemPro, will display the Avatar screen properly, it does not work well with the current 1.54 RIP specs, and will incorrectly display many screens. <new ripfile> The name you wish to save the new Ansi/RIP file under, if for some reason AIR cannot create the file, it will abort with an error message. If you want the file created in a directory other than the current one, supply a full path name. Up to 40 characters allowed. <sysop message> {+} A message of up to 65 characters to be displayed in the RIP frame, this is not configurable in the FREEWARE copy, a pre-defined message will be displayed. When you enter this message on the DOS command line, it must contain SOLID or HARD spaces between the words, this is to insure that the message is treated as ONE parameter. Use the Alt-255 char for your spaces. Hold down the ALT key, and type 255 on the numeric key pad. A sample line is shown here, each * represents the Alt-255 solid space.... MESSAGE = The*Daily*News,*From***The*RaLin*BBS do not put a solid space after the message. <message color> The color in which to display the Sysop Message. Color must be in HEX format, if you type a lower case char, 0a instead of 0A, AIR will take care of the conversion. A list of color numbers is provided at the end of this section. <frame#> Number of AIR/RIP frame to be used. If an invalid number is given, AIR will abort with an error message. [TEST] This is an "optional" parameter, by default AIR writes code to the end of your screen file, to reset the RIP text window, so any following BBS menu will have the complete screen to display in. But if you want to do a test view of the screen, with the supplied FLATVIEW.EXE, or any other program, using the TEST keyword will inhibit the writing of this code. IMPORTANT!! Do NOT use TEST for a finished product that will be displayed on the system. TEST may be upper or lower case, and is only supported in the DOS command line mode, and interactive mode. In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 5 ┌───────────────────────┐ │ Using a COMMAND file: │ └───────────────────────┘ AIR supports the use of an external file, containing all the command line parameters to be used. See the included file AIRTEST.DAT for format instructions. To use the external file, you specify it on the command line as such: AIR @filename (no space between the @ and the filename.) The filename can be a full path name if you wish. The TEST switch is NOT supported when using an external file. Either of the command line modes, using online parameters, or a Command File, are perfect for updating screens in a daily or nightly event on your BBS. Multiple screens can be created by wrapping the command lines in a batch file. You can even maintain a log file of the actions performed. AIR does not currently write to a log file, I will probably add this soon. But you can do it in your batch file, a sample is in order..... *=solid space, Chr(255) @echo off AIR onceonly.ans onceonly Shows*once*unless*updated.**Read*It! 0E 4 echo Onceonly Screen updated >> AIRMAINT.LOG AIR @mailcall.dat (using a command file here) echo New Mail Call screen created >> AIRMAINT.LOG RUNBBS And the last line will re-start your BBS. Remember to use >> not just > to direct your text to the file, if it doesn't exist in the first line, it will be created, after that it will append the entry to the log. As mentioned, the ability to write log entries will most likely be added soon, probably as an optional command. Error levels may be checked in the batch file for problems. A listing of error levels returned by AIR is included later on. ┌───────────────────┐ │ Interactive Mode: │ └───────────────────┘ Typing AIR with no parameters, will place you in interactive mode. Here you type all specs into data fields. In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 6 After each successful RIP creation, AIR will ask you if you'd like to do another... Hitting 'Y' or the ENTER key will run you through the process again, hitting 'N' will Exit AIR. There are pick lists available for choosing the Screen File, and the Sysop Message color. At the bottom of the data area, a help line is displayed for each field you enter, explaining what this value is for, and some warnings. Lets cover each field now, in the order you will enter data. At the end of this section, a list of several command keys, not displayed, will be given. Scrn File: Enter the name of the file, Ansi,Avatar etc. that you wish to have displayed in the RIP frame. If you forget the name of a file, pressing the F1 function key will display a picklist of all files in the current directory. Select the file you want, and press <ENTER>, it will be placed in the data field, press ENTER again to accept it. You can also travel through the directories, when you select a directory, the name will be displayed just below the pick list. Once a file name has been selected, you will be returned to the working directory (the one you started in, or specified), before processing/editing continues. Rip Name: The name you wish to assign to the newly created Rip file. If you do not give an extension, .RIP will be added by AIR. If you have the external file RIPNAMES.AIR available, you can load it into a window, by pressing F1, then select the filename to create, from that list. See the file RIPNAMES.AIR for examples. {+} Message: Here you type in the message, up to 65 characters, that you would like displayed in the message area on the AIR/RIP frame. The freeware version does not allow editing of this message. This is 5 more than 1.0's 60 character limit, it may be a bit tight on a couple of frames, you will have to experiment. If you have the external file MESSAGES.AIR available, you can load it into a window, by pressing F1, then select the message to use, from that list. See the file MESSAGES.AIR for examples. NOTE: In the FREEWARE version, you can choose a message from the list, but when you leave the field, it will be replaced with the default message. Message Color:Enter the color value, the color you want the message to be displayed in. Be sure you have viewed the samples, so you know In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 7 what color is appropriate for the template you choose. Most have a light gray area for the message line, but some are of a different color. If you press the F1 function key while in this field, a list of colors will display. Choose the one you want, and press <ENTER>. The color always defaults to Black (00). NOTE: If you enter a color that's out of range, AIR will insert a color of its own choice, not always the right one! Until you, or unless you, know the color codes by heart, it is suggested you make use of the F1 key!! Template: Select the template you wish to use for this file. The FREEWARE version is limited to template #1 thru #4. Should you enter a number beyond what is allowed, or available, a message will display at the top of the screen, giving you the valid range. The template always defaults to #1 Win Reset: In most cases this will always be left at (Y)es. Setting this to (N)o, will tell AIR to not write the re-set code to the RIP file. Explanation: Lets say you create a screen with the Win Reset set to No. The screen will display properly, but when it exits, the text or TTY window will be as was set in the RIP file, if your next screen is a Menu, it's display will be done in that window, probably NOT in the correct display format. When Win Reset is Yes, as soon as the RIP frame exits, the text frame will be reset to the complete screen height and width, allowing any screen to display properly. This will also be explained further in the "Creating Screens" section later. Setting Win Reset to NO, is great for test viewing your screen, but most assuredly should be set to YES before you display the screen on your BBS. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ COMMANDS AND COLORS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Following are lists or keys available during Interactive Edit mode, and Color Values. Editing Keys: In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 8 During the editing of the screen parameters in the data entry section, you can use these keys, ESC: Abort editing and exit AIR CTL-W: Save current info and create RIP CTL-U: Will restore previous contents of field, must be used "before" accepting with <ENTER> All fields, except the Sysop Message are required to have a value in them, they will not allow you to leave, unless they do, or in some cases will insert the default value if you leave it blank. Once a field contains data, the Up and Down arrow keys will move between fields. If you press ENTER or Down Arrow on the last field, AIR will exit the data entry, and create the RIP file. This will also happen if you press Up Arrow while in the first field. All other normal editing keys are available, HOME,END INS,DEL,CTL-T etc, conforming to the Wordstar editing key commands. Fields may be moved to by placing the mouse cursor on the field and clicking the left mouse button. Color Codes: This is a chart of the proper color codes to be used for the message color. They must be given with two digits/character, forced to upper case if you enter in lower case. Use the pick list (F1) 00 Black 01 Blue 02 Green 03 Cyan 04 Red 05 Magenta 06 Brown 07 Light Gray 08 Dark Gray 09 Light Blue 0A Light Green 0B Light Cyan 0C Light Red 0D Light Magenta 0E Yellow 0F White ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ EXTERNAL FILES/LISTS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ As mentioned earlier, AIR will make use of two external files, In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 9 MESSAGES.AIR and RIPNAMES.AIR These are plain Ascii files which you maintain. They will be displayed in a window, when you press F1 while in the appropriate field in interactive mode. RIPNAMES.AIR: Here you keep a list of names to be assigned to your newly created RIP frames, these can be full path names, or just a standard file name, which will be created in the current working directory. File names can be up to 40 characters in length. MESSAGES.AIR: In this file, you can keep a list of Sysop Messages to be displayed in the Frame. When you are in the Message field, pressing F1 will display this list, and allow you to choose a line to use. Messages can be up to 65 characters in length. Both these files will allow and use up to 20 lines. You should make sure that the first 20 lines contain the information you want. I suggest you modify and use then included copies. AIR will display the first 20 lines, regardless of what they contain, if you have a comment in that range of lines, it will display. Selection is made by either highlighting the line you want and pressing ENTER, or clicking with the left mouse button. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ FORMAT OF AIR/RIP SCREENS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ A little info on what AIR creates. There is a Created by/Copyright notice displayed on every AIR screen, we have tried to not make it to obtrusive. Some of AIR's RIP frames enclose the screen area, then within these is defined a Text Window, where the screen file you choose will be displayed to the user. These windows use word wrapping, so if a line of text is longer than the space allowed, the balance will wrap to the next line. Some of the AIR frames, have a full 80 column text window width. This is why we have supplied FLATVIEW from Jon Kent, the author of the FLATLINE RIP Editor/Painter. Which, by the way, is probably the greatest shareware RIP editor on the market. And we owe Jon a big thanks for letting us distribute FLATVIEW with AIR!! The latest version of FlatView (1.04) now handles the Ansi codes, to a degree that gives you a real good look at what your user will see. It of course does NOT recognize any pausing or wait for Enter codes. The defined TEXT output area is enclosed in a green dashed line. When the samples are viewed, a ruler line is displayed, which shows you where the wrap will take place. This will be handy when you create a In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 10 screen to use with AIR, and will be covered in the Creating a File section. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ AVAILABLE TEMPLATES ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This section will run down the available templates as of version 2.0 It will list the template number, Message Area background color, text window width/wrap column, if it has an available Mouse/Keypress button, and if you should have Win Reset On/Off. If a screen has a button, when the user hits 'C' or clicks the button it will reset the window automatically. All you need to provide is the code to force your BBS software to wait for a ENTER keypress, the button will send the ENTER and reset code. "Choice" in the Window Reset column, means either way will work. Template Message Area Wrap Button Window Number Background Column Available Reset ──────── ─────────── ────── ───────── ─────── 1 Light Gray 72 No Yes 2 Blue 70 No Yes 3 Light Gray 80 No Yes 4 Light Gray 80 Yes(1) Choice 5 * Light Gray 80 Yes(1) Choice 6 * Light Gray 80 Yes(4) Choice 7 Light Gray 64 No Yes 8 Cyan 66 No Yes 9 Light Gray 68 No Yes Notes: (*) Templates 4 and 5 are pre-designed headers for your NEWS display. They use FONTS other than the standard, if you use ver 1.04 of FlatView, they will display properly, if not, you need the GOTH.CHR and LITT.CHR font files available. Template #6 has 4 buttons, and they are coded for Host Commands specific to Remote Access, if you don't run RA, you probably should not use #6. More screens available soon! ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ CREATING A SCREEN FILE ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ You will want to save your Ansi files with a line length that will fit In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 11 within the wrap width for the specified AIR frame. Files saved with unlimited line length in programs such as TheDraw, seem to have a problem. Sometimes, with a length of 255 or less, using the 80 column templates, a file done in TheDraw, will display correctly. I am still testing different variations of screens. I guess you can perhaps call the FREEWARE release of AIR, an open beta. Don't let the word BETA scare you, AIR will not harm your system, it's just that not all the questions have been answered as to all the variations of screens that will display properly in different windows. The best thing to do is, as stated above, save your drawing in the line length that matches, or is a little less than the column width for the AIR frame you wish to use. If you do want to experiment with longer lines, in no case save the screens with unlimited length, 255 at a maximum. AIR will not currently read in a line over 255 characters in length. Using TheDraw, you can save with Video Prep = Home Cursor or None. Do NOT use Clear Screen, that will erase the RIP frame in some cases. As for other Ansi drawing programs (are there any other <g>? ), I cannot tell you what to do, I have not used them, or tested with them. ************************************************************************** Not to try and sell you anything, <heh heh> but if you run Remote Access, may I suggest you look at our program RATE, the RaLin Ansi Test Editor. Its great for creating multi-page Ansi Text files, full word processor editing commands, pick lists, menus etc. Screens created by RATE, work perfectly with AIR! *************************************************************************** Anyway....... No matter what BBS software you are using, it should provide a character string that you can include in a screen file, that will wait for the caller to press ENTER, for Remote Access this is ^A (Ctl-A). You need to have one of these at the end of the screen file, do not add it after AIR has added the screen file to the RIP header, because AIR writes the Window Reset code, if used, "after" the LAST line in your screen file. If your BBS software has a provision for displaying a prompt at the end of the file, and waiting for the ENTER key.....do not rely on this, as it may not display when being used in a RIP screen. Manually insert the code required to generate the Wait For Enter signal. In TheDraw, with RemoteAccess, you would place the cursor at the end of the last line of of text or line character, or on a separate line, then In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 12 press Ctl-A, TheDraw will insert the "happy face" character. If you are displaying multi-page Ansi files, such as those created with our program RATE, you can insert the PAUSE code in the screen file, which will pause and wait for the ENTER key (same as ^A). Something to remember, when a caller is in RIP graphics mode, they are in real time Graphics mode, the screen is now 80 characters by 43 rows in size, so 43 lines can be displayed per screen size. Of course if you are using a windowed screen, such as AIR templates, none of them have a full 43 lines visible. I think the largest is about 35 lines. So you need to make sure the screen will pause in respect to how many lines are visible at a time in the AIR/RIP window. A little side note......... I have a Viewing area set up on my RemoteAccess BBS system, where callers can view RIP screens and drawings made by others. All screens were loaded into the Flatline RIP editor, where I defined a one character by one character Text Frame, in which I placed a ^A character. This causes the system to wait for ENTER. I then created a Button, mousable, that reacts to the "C" key being pressed, or a mouse click. Of course, pressing ENTER works too. All screens are displayed via RemoteAccess's type 5 menu command, and it works GREAT!! Ascii files will work in RIP text windows too. Now, a NOTE on Avatar files. Most people are using the free program RIPTERM to call RIP compatible BBS systems. RIPTERM is from the same folks who got the RIP graphics rolling. Problem is, RipTerm will not handle Avatar graphics, so it is suggested that, for the time, all your screen files for use with AIR, be ANSI or ASCII. While it's true that Qmodem Pro, from Mustang Software, will handle Avatar, and supports RIP graphics too, Qmodem Pro, to my knowledge, is still using RIP ver 1.53 specs, all the AIR screens are done in 1.54 specs, and will many times NOT display properly when the caller is using QmodemPro. I have the Pro, and I speak from the experience of calling several systems using RIP, and having problems. I use RipTerm to call all RIP BBS systems. That should be enough for you to create some nice Ansi/RIP screens for your callers. Now....Go RIP 'em up!!! ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ ERROR LEVELS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 13 The following error levels are returned by AIR! 0 No errors, successful operation. 181 Unable to locate screen file. 182 Unable to create specified RIP file. 183 Unable to locate specified Command File (@filename) 184 Invalid template number specified. 185 To many parameters 0 Self explanatory 181 Invalid filename given, or not in current directory. 182 Should not occur, unless you use invalid characters in filename. 183 Command File does not exist, or not exist in the directory given. 184 Specified a template not allowed in the FREEWARE version, or one that is not available in the Registered version. 185 This will occur if you give more than the five parameters+the TEST switch. Total of 6 parameters allowed. The main cause is forgetting to use solid spaces between the words in the Sysop Message. IMPORTANT!!! When running in Command Line mode, in a batch file, be SURE you give all the parameters, total of 5 not counting the TEST switch, which you wouldn't be using. If you have less that the 5 required, AIR will go into Interactive Mode, and sit there waiting for an entry. There you are..... cutting Z's while the mail's waiting, callers can't log on, all because AIR is sitting there waiting.... Make sure you give the correct number of commands!! ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ WHY REGISTER? ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ First, it will get you the latest copy, and will allow you to receive all future Registered versions free of charge* Also, it will show me that you think AIR is a useful tool for Sysops, and will cause development to progress. Registrations do not make me rich! They simply help offset the cost of developing programs, and distributing them. * You will be given a password to use, and a filename, for down loading or In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 14 file requesting the Registered version. Or we may need a message from you stating the desire for the upgrade, and we will attache to either a Netmail or BBS message, for you to come and get.... undecided at present. If you need or want to receive updates via disk, then a $3.00 charge for material and shipping will be required. We read our download and file request lists "carefully", if it appears that the privilege of getting registered copies from our system is being abused, it will end. Not directed at anyone in particular, but this has been known to happen. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ YOUR SUGGESTIONS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ If you have comments or suggestions on ways to enhance or better AIR, by all means send them! I listen to the users, most of my programs have more than one feature that was requested by a user.... ┌────────────────────┐ │ SUBMIT YOUR SCREEN │ └────────────────────┘ If you have a nice screen you would like to see used in AIR, please submit it via upload or Fido mail to our system. If we use it, you will be given credit in the documentation. Submitted screens must have a place for the Sysop Message, that will accept a line of 60 characters, and a place for the program notice would be nice, if not it will be placed at the bottom of the screen, just under the text window. Submitted screens become the property of RaLin Enterprises, and we reserve the right to modify them as required to work properly with AIR! You will receive credit in the DOC's, pointing to the frame you designed. See the section below, for contacting us, or the means with which to send your screen to us. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ AUTHOR CONTACT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ I can be reached by several means. Phone: (510) 651-0253 Ask for Rand If you get my wife, or the answering machine, please leave your name, number, and a brief description of the problem, and I will get back to you ASAP! (See SUPPORT below) Net Mail: 1:161/710 -> Rand Nowell FIDO Echos: Shareware, RA_UTILS -> Rand Nowell Mail: Rand Nowell In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 15 RaLin Enterprises Software 40728 Sundale Dr. Fremont, Ca. 94538 BBS: (510) 651-0253,,3322 PHONE NUMBER: Our Mailer/BBS shares a voice line at the present, so connecting can sometimes be a problem. It also requires a modified dialing string. To switch to the Mailer/BBS requires that you send a 4 second pause, and a special code. The code is 3322 Most modems use a comma for a pause code, and most are set at 2 seconds per comma. Given the standard, your dialing string to connect to our system would be: 1-510-651-0253,,3322 Now, if you use a long distance call service, you may require more delay time than 4 seconds, before sending the code. The main thing is that the pause and the code should be sent after connecting to "our" number.... With a mailer: I can only tell you how to do it with FrontDoor, due to our number containing the commas, we cannot have our number in the nodelist, so we are listed UNPUBLISHED and PVT. You can over-ride this in FDNODE.CTL Simply enter a line as such: PHONE 1:161/710 1-510-651-0253,,3322 or whatever you end up needing to connect. Then re-compile the Nodelist. My business looks like it's going pick up, so a new dedicated line may be in store shortly. The programming certainly does not pay for the addition of such. <grin> Sorry for the gruesome phone situation, but hopefully it will be fixed soon. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ SUPPORT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Registered users receive full unlimited support, if I have to call you back, it will be on my dime! Unregistered users will receive help, but if I have to call, expect a collect one. See the AIR.REG file for our Registration plans. There are two ways to receive your Registration and Utilities. Disk by Mail and FIDO File Attach. NOTE: The FidoNet file attach is an experimental procedure, if it proves to NOT be cost efficient, we will be switching to DISK only shipping. If you have any comments (good or bad) or suggestions, please send them! Your help, and comments are appreciated, read, and often implemented! In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR! Ansi In RIP! AIR 2.0 - Program Documentation - Page 16 Thank You! ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ AIR was compiled under Turbo Pascal - Borland International. TheDraw is Copyright Ian Davis - TheSoft Programming Services Qmodem Pro is Copyright Mustang Software Flatline and Flatview are Copyright Jon Kent, The Thabes Co. And a special thanks to Jon for allowing us to include FLATVIEW with AIR....If you haven't tried the FLATLINE RIP Editor/Painter, you are missing out on a GREAT program! Available on many systems as FLTLN###.EXE - self installing file, ###= version number. Current is 103 RIPTerm is Copyright TeleGrafix Communications Inc. AIR is coded with RIP commands, taken from the RIPscript Graphics Protocol Specification Manual, Copyright by TeleGrafix Communications Inc. I would like to thank them for a job well done on their Specifications manual, while this project did not require a huge amount of knowledge of RIP graphics, what I did need was "clearly" explained. And will be a big help in future projects. Thanks guys..... Of course I need to thank my wife and kids for putting up with my countless hours at the PC, without complaining......well not much anyway. To those of you who do decide to Register, thank you! Registrations will show me that AIR has potential, and that I should continue to develop and enhance it. I hope you enjoy the FREEWARE copy, you'd like the Registered better! See the included file WHATSUP.DOC for plans for future additions to AIR. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ End-Of-File AIR.DOC ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ In todays SMOG.... Give your callers some AIR!