Magnum One

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Magnum One / Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso / d7 / commo452.arc / COMMO.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1991-03-19 | 161.6 KB | 4,528 lines

____________ {COMMO} (tm) ____________ "A New Standard in Telecommunications" by Fred P. Brucker Post Office Box 9103 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 User Guide and Reference Release 4.52 March 2, 1991 This program and associated documentation are the property of the author and may not be sold without permission. They may be freely distributed, unaltered and as a unit, via electronic bulletin board systems. Permission to distribute on diskette or in any other manner must be obtained in writing. See the file LICENSES for additional details. The author does not guarantee the 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. (C)Copyright 1989,1991 Fred P. Brucker All Rights Reserved {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page ii ===================== Licensing Information ===================== {COMMO} is not a public domain program and is not free. It is classified as "SHAREWARE." What this means is that you may use the program for 30 days to determine its suitability to your application. If after that time you decide to continue using {COMMO} you must pay the registration fee. {COMMO} is a unique program and represents a great deal of work. A lot of functionality has been compressed into a small package, and more features are being added on a continuing basis. If you find {COMMO} useful and enjoyable, you can help support future improvements by registering your copy. A single-user license is $25.00. A diskette containing the current release (specify 5.25" or 3.5") will be provided for a $5.00 handling fee. Send a check or money order (US funds) to the address below. Details and a multi-user (site) license fee schedule are provided in the file REGISTER.FRM. See also the enclosed file LICENSES for complete licensing, distribution and copyright information. My (voice) telephone number for inquiries and support for registered users is (707) 573-1065. Please restrict calls to business hours (Pacific time). Thank you, and I hope you enjoy {COMMO}. Fred P. Brucker P.O. Box 9103 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page iii ======== Contents ======== Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Principal Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Best Way to Learn {COMMO} Quickly . . . . . . . . . 4 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 {COMMO} Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Saving the Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Initialization Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Terminal Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 {COMMO} Key Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 [Alt-A] ASCII Upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 [Alt-B] Send Break Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 [Alt-C] Clear Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 [Alt-D] Dialing Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 [Alt-G] Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Explanation of items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 [Alt-H] How to Use Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Modifying the Help File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 [Alt-I] Screen Image Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 [Alt-K] Scrollback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 [Alt-L] Set Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Parameter Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Setting Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 [Alt-M] Macro Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 [Alt-O] Send Modem Initialization String . . . . . . . 29 [Alt-P] Send Current Password . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 [Alt-Q] Quit Call (hang up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 [Alt-S] Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 [Alt-U] Multi Number Dialing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO} . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 [Alt-1] Capture File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 [Alt-2] Print Log Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 [Alt-3] Sound Control Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 [Alt-4] AutoBaud Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 [Alt-5] Local Echo Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 [Alt-0] Signal Lights Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 [Alt--] Chat Mode Toggle (Alt minus) . . . . . . . . 34 [Alt-=] Doorway Mode Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Uploading / Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 {COMMO} Auto Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page iv Programming {COMMO} Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Macro-id and Function Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Additional Macro File Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Executing Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Additional Macro Execution Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 {COMMO} Macro Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Function Arguments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Description of Functions (alphabetical) . . . . . . . . 42 Table of {COMMO} Key-id's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Enhanced Keyboard Key-id's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Appendix A Setting Up Your Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Appendix B {COMMO} and Multi-Tasking . . . . . . . . . . . 68 DESQview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 OmniView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 DoubleDOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Appendix C Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Appendix D ASCII Character Representation . . . . . . . . . 71 Appendix E Terminal Emulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Printer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 ANSI-BBS Keyboard Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 VT102 Keyboard Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Appendix F Error Message Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . 75 {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 1 ======= Preface ======= {COMMO} is a general purpose telecommunications program, also called a "terminal" program. It offers the capability to dial remote systems and to communicate using a choice of terminal emulations. Many features are available to enhance your communications needs. Other than the ability to transfer ASCII text files, {COMMO} has no internal file transfer protocols. Instead it provides you with powerful tools to execute external programs which specialize in this ability. {COMMO} will run on any PC compatible computer with at least 64k of memory and one diskette drive. A serial port or internal modem with an 8250, 16450 or 16550 series UART chip is required. {COMMO} can be configured to work with virtually any type of modem that supports asynchronous operations. LIST is a product of Vernon D. Buerg DESQview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems OmniView is a trademark of Sunny Hill Software DoubleDOS is a trademark of SoftLogic Solutions, Inc. DSZ is a product of Omen Technology Inc. AutoDownload is a trademark of Omen Technology Inc. MPt is a product of Matthew Thomas {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 2 ================== 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 logins, reading messages, uploading/downloading. You can sit back and watch {COMMO} do the work -- or you can let {COMMO} perform these tasks in the middle of the night while you sleep. 2) assign Function Keys, Alt Keys, Keypad Keys, etc., to send a string to the modem, execute any DOS command, start any macro or initiate any {COMMO} function. 3) edit all macros without exiting {COMMO}, using the Internal Editor. 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 DESQview aware, operates in as little as 40k and will execute with DSZ in a 120k DV window (depending on support file sizes). Also supports OmniView, DoubleDOS and others. Built-in ANSI-BBS and VT102 emulation. Supports ANSI editing functions, scrolling region, graphics character set, tab set/clear, printing, modes, reports, etc. Complete auto-switching VT102 keyboard support via Macro Processor. ASCII Upload to send messages and text files. Features line pacing and blank line expansion. Configuration File, Dialing Directory and Macro File may be edited with full-function Internal Editor. String search available in all file windows. Most features are fully configurable. Support for all display text modes, including 132 column screens. Split-screen Chat Mode -- 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} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 3 {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature lets you configure any four strings to automatically trigger any four macros. Thus any protocol with a "signature" can be set to start automatically. Zmodem and MPt are two examples that are pre-configured. Support for any four serial ports. Port addresses and IRQ's are configurable. Port speeds up to 115,200 bps (hardware dependent). 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 to save all text from the screen to a disk file. Three different capture modes are available. Screen Image Save to write current screen to a disk file. Print Log to write 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. Support for visually impaired users, including BIOS Terminal Screen writes and special sounds when errors occur. Enhanced keyboard support. Extensive context-related Online Help. And {COMMO} is elegant, easy to learn and fun to use! {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------------------------- 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 pertaining to your specific hardware. 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." =============== Getting Started =============== Note: Refer to Appendix F for explanations of any error messages you receive during your initial use of {COMMO}. First 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.CFG the Configuration 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: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 5 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. 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 may 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). {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 6 The strings may consist of any part of a Dialing Directory entry line (including passwords) and may be separated by commas or spaces. The following characters may not appear in a command line Dialing String: space, comma, slash (/). After entries in the Dialing Directory are marked, {COMMO} will check for a Startup Macro (see below). If no valid macro-id is present Multi Number Dialing of the marked systems will begin. If a macro is present it will be started instead. The Modem Initialization String will be sent before dialing begins unless the switch "/I=no" is present on the command line. Examples: commo telegodzilla joes-bbs 4567 commo zilla,joes,4567 IMPORTANT: Your modem should be turned on and ready to receive the Modem Initialization String before starting the program. ________ Switches ________ Case is ignored and the switches may be in any order (Dialing Strings must be first, however). The alternate forms without the "=" must be used if switches are to be passed as batch file parameters ("=" acts as a delimiter on the command line). /C=filename or /Cfilename default: COMMO.CFG Alternate Configuration File. The alternate file must reside in the {COMMO} home directory. /I=[yes/no] or /I[yes/no] default: none This switch may be used to inhibit the Modem Initialization when Dialing Strings and/or a Startup Macro are present: "/I=no." It may also be used to bypass the question "Initialize modem?" on the Initialization Screen: "/I=yes" or "/I=no." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 7 /M=macro-id or /Mmacro-id default: none Startup Macro. The "macro-id" is a three character macro identifier. If the macro is found in the Macro File it will be started. If the macro is not found the switch will be ignored. The Modem Initialization String will be sent before starting the macro unless the switch "/I=no" is present on the command line. Example: commo joes zilla /c=other.cfg /m=abc Two systems will be marked in the Dialing Directory. The alternate Configuration File "other.cfg" will be used (it must be located in the {COMMO} home directory). The macro "abc" will be started if it exists in the Macro File. ===================== {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). In addition all but the Online Help File may be edited with {COMMO}'s Internal Editor. Key definitions for the Internal Editor are given in Online Help. A Color Chart will be displayed in the editor when F10 is pressed (useful in the Configuration File and for the DISPlay function in the Macro File). NOTE: {COMMO} generally retains the files 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. Following is a brief description of each file. 1) COMMO.CFG. The Configuration 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 Configuration File" for details on each item. 2) COMMO.FON. The Dialing Directory File. This file contains information about the systems you will be calling, including the telephone numbers, passwords, macro link and serial port parameters. Use the Alt-D key command to dial numbers and to edit this file. Details are given in the section "Alt-D Dialing Directory." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 8 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 section "Programming {COMMO} Macros" in this document. 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 support file (by {COMMO} or by you), the internal change flag is set for that file. When you exit {COMMO}, changed files will automatically be saved to disk. File changes are also saved in the following situations: 1) In the Internal Editor you may press Alt-F and the file will be saved to disk immediately. 2) The memory occupied by the Configuration File is released at certain times (e.g., when you Shell to DOS). In this case the file will be saved prior to releasing the memory. If you do not wish to save your changes to the Dialing Directory or Macro File, then 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. ======================== Initialization Procedure ======================== When {COMMO} begins running it will process the Configuration File. 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 Dialing Strings are present (and matches are found), or if the Startup Macro Switch is present (see "Command Line Options"). {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 9 Otherwise you will be asked if you want to initialize your modem. Answer "yes" unless 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 Configuration File for details. See also the section "[Alt-G] Configuration 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-P to send your password, for example). ==================== {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 Alt-H from any command window to invoke {COMMO}'s context-related help system. Note that certain features are only available as macro functions. Read the section "Programming {COMMO} Macros" for details. ====================== [Alt-A] ASCII Upload ====================== {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 10 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. 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 Zmodem or MPt. 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} 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. The initial pacing character is configurable. See "[Alt-G] Configuration 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." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 11 ________________ 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 characters are dropped. 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 is a Configuration File item. _____________________ 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 is a Configuration File item. =========================== [Alt-B] Send Break Signal =========================== A one second Break Signal will be sent. This signal is used by some systems to interrupt certain operations, such as continuous output. ====================== [Alt-C] Clear Screen ====================== The Terminal Screen will be cleared and the current colors will be set to the Configuration File defaults. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 12 =========================== [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. _______________________________ Dialing Directory Entry Example _______________________________ System Telephone System Linked Serial Port Last Name Number Password Macro Parameters Called _____________ __________ _________ _____ ____________ ________ File City BBS {555-1234} {aardvark} {abc} {2400,8n1,1} 05/20/90 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 (up to 255 characters). 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} ______________________________________ Spaces and hyphens are ignored by most modems. The Dialing Prefix, Telephone Number and Dialing Suffix are used to form a dialing command. Refer to your modem manual for details on dialing commands. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 13 The Dialing Prefix may be chosen from a list of four in the Configuration File and is indicated by #1,#2,#3 or #4. The prefix code must appear right after the left curly brace: {#2 1-707-555-1234} Use prefix 2 Dialing Prefix 1 is the default if none is specified. The Telephone Number is limited to 40 characters, excluding any prefix code. _________________________________ 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 using Alt-P or by using the # symbol 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 {abc} _______________________ If a Linked Macro is specified it will be executed when a connection is established with the remote system. If no macro is specified (or the macro-id is invalid), {COMMO} will enter the Terminal Screen. ________________________________________ Serial Port Parameters {2400,8n1,1} ________________________________________ {Speed,Format,Comport} This item allows you to override the default settings for the current call. Include only the parameters that are different from the settings in your Configuration File. For example you might have "{,7}", which would set the Data Format to "7e1", but use the default settings for the other parameters. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 14 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 (outside the curly braces). Place "00/00/00" to start it. The Dialing Directory file will be saved to disk when you exit {COMMO}. ============================ [Alt-G] Configuration File ============================ Pressing Alt-G brings up the Configuration File in edit mode (see "Internal Editor" in Online Help for details). The Configuration File contains settings for many parameters used by {COMMO}. Some of these are "initial" or "start" values only and are controlled during a session with key commands. Others (marked with a "*" in the sample file) may be changed for the current session using the Internal Editor. Each item in the Configuration File is enclosed in curly braces and must be present even if the contents are "null." A null item would look like this: {}. All text outside the curly braces is commentary and is ignored by {COMMO}. Explanation of items ==================== _________________________________________________________ 1 * {2400,8n1,1} Default Serial Port Parameters: {Speed,Format,Comport} _________________________________________________________ These default values will be set at program startup and each time dialing begins. Use the "Serial Port Parameters" item in the Dialing Directory to set overrides for the current call. Use Alt-L or the macro function PARMs to set parameters at other times. See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description of each field. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 15 _____________________________________________________ 2 * {A} Default Terminal-Type (Ansi-bbs/Vt102/Tty) _____________________________________________________ This default value will be set at program startup and each time dialing begins. Use Alt-L or the macro function TERMinal to change it at other times. See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description. ________________________________________________ 3 * {0} Default Inter-Character Delay (0-999) ________________________________________________ This default value will be set at program startup and each time dialing begins. Use Alt-L or the macro function DELAy to change it at other times. See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description. _____________________________________________ 4 * {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. ______________________________________________________ 5 * {yes} Software (XON/XOFF) Flow Control (yes/no) 6 * {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 information. See Appendix C for details. __________________________________________ 7 * {~AT S0=0 S7=180 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |} Modem Init String (2400 bps and higher) __________________________________________ This string (up to 128 characters) is normally sent to your modem when {COMMO} is started or when you press Alt-O. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 16 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." ___________________________________________ 8 * {.z.,^xB00} Auto Receive, Zmodem 9 * {.m.,^v^h^vMPt} Auto Receive, MPt 10 * {.m.,^v^h^vPuma} Auto Receive, Puma 11 * {} Auto Receive ___________________________________________ The general form of this item is: {macro-id,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. Set the item to null {} to disable it. Operates in Terminal Mode only (use GOLOok/LOOKfor in macros). ___________________________________________________ 12 * {} Com1 Port address and IRQ overrides. 13 * {} Com2 These are normally left blank. 14 * {} Com3 Refer to COMMO.DOC for 15 * {} Com4 important details. ___________________________________________________ Port I/O addresses and IRQ numbers are determined as follows: If there is an address in the DOS port table for the requested serial port, then that address will be used. Otherwise the {COMMO} default address will be used. Default base addresses and IRQ numbers for each port (in hex) are: Com# Address IRQ 1 3f8 4 2 2f8 3 3 3e8 4 4 2e8 3 Port base address and/or IRQ no. may always be overridden. For example to set Com4, port address = 238, IRQ = 5: {238,5} Com4 Your serial adapter manual may give a range of addresses, for example "3f8-3ff." Use the first value as the base address. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 17 After changing these with the Internal Editor you must use Alt-L to re-initialize the port for the current session (just enter and exit the Alt-L window and {COMMO} will make the necessary adjustments). ___________________________________________________ 16 {no} Start with AutoBaud Detect on (yes/no) ___________________________________________________ Determines the initial state of the AutoBaud toggle. See "AutoBaud Detect." ________________________________________________________________ 17 * {yes} Clear dialing marks when saving directory (yes/no) ________________________________________________________________ If this is "yes", dialing marks will not be written to disk when saving the Dialing Directory file. Set it to "no" if you wish the marks to be saved with the file (to be used in the next session). Note that changes to dialing marks (mark or unmark) will not cause the file to be saved upon exit from {COMMO}. If no other changes occur (such as Date Last Called), you must use Alt-F in the Internal Editor to save the marks. _____________________________________________ 18 * {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. ____________________________________________________ 19 * {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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 18 ________________________________________________________________ 20 * {CONNECT} Dialing success response(s) 21 * {BUSY,NO CARRIER,NO DIALTONE} Dialing failure response(s) ________________________________________________________________ These response codes can be found in your modem manual. Do not include the speed in the CONNECT response if you are enabling AutoBaud. Responses are case sensitive. Maximum length of each response set is 80 characters. There should be no null strings or extra spaces. _______________________________________________________ 22 * {ATDT} Dial Prefix #1 (default) see Online Help 23 * {} Dial Prefix #2 24 * {} Dial Prefix #3 25 * {} Dial Prefix #4 26 * {|} Dial Suffix _______________________________________________________ These strings (up to 32 characters each) are used to create the dialing command. The prefix, telephone number and suffix will be strung together in that order and sent to your modem. Any one of the four prefixes may be selected in the telephone number string (see "Dialing Directory"). The default is #1. 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. __________________________________________ 27 * {c:\commo} Path to find uploads 28 * {c:\commo} Path to place downloads __________________________________________ The upload path will appear in the ASCII Upload window and will also be substituted for "%u" in EXECute macro functions. The download path will be substituted for "%d" in EXECute macro functions. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 19 ______________________________________________________________ 29 {c:\commo\commo.cap} Pathname for initial Capture File ______________________________________________________________ If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current directory will be used. The Capture File pathname is substituted for "%c" in EXECute macro functions. See also "Capture File Options." _________________________________________ 30 {c:\commo\commo.scn} Pathname for initial Screen Image file _________________________________________ Information is appended to this file when you use the "Screen Image Save" function or when you write to a disk file in the "Scrollback" function. See the sections on these functions for details. If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current directory will be used. The pathname of an open Capture File is not allowed. ___________________________________________________ 31 * {c:\commo\commo.log} Pathname for Usage Log ___________________________________________________ The Usage Log keeps a record of all the calls you make. If a valid pathname is specified, entries will be made automatically when you connect to a system and when you disconnect. Use a null pathname {} to disable the Usage Log. IMPORTANT! In order for the log to function properly your modem must be set to provide "true carrier detect" (see Appendix A). 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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 20 _________________________________________ 32 * {yes} Expand blank lines (yes/no) 33 * {yes} Strip linefeeds (yes/no) 34 {} Startup pacing character _________________________________________ See "ASCII Upload" for details on these items. __________________________________________________ 35 {no} Default to Dialing Directory (yes/no) __________________________________________________ If this is set to "yes" the Dialing Directory will be entered when {COMMO} is started. ______________________________________________ 36 {no} Start with Local Echo on (yes/no) ______________________________________________ If this is set to "yes" Local Echo will be on when {COMMO} is started. See "Local Echo." _________________________________________________ 37 {no} Start with Signal Lights on (yes/no) _________________________________________________ If this is set to "yes" Signal Lights will be on when {COMMO} is started. See "Signal Lights Display." __________________________________________________ 38 {no} Start with Capture File open (yes/no) __________________________________________________ If this is set to "yes" Capture will be open when {COMMO} is started. See "Capture File Options." ______________________________________________________________ 39 * {screen} Startup Capture File mode (screen/filter/raw) ______________________________________________________________ See "Capture File Options" for a description of each mode. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 21 ________________________________________________ 40 * {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 "Table of {COMMO} Key-id's". ___________________________________________________________ 41 * {yes} Display time of day with System Name (yes/no) ___________________________________________________________ If this is "yes" only the first 30 characters of the System Name will be displayed on the Status Line. The time will be displayed in the remaining space. If "no" the System Name will be displayed in 40 characters. _________________________________________________ 42 {yes} Start with Master Sound on (yes/no) _________________________________________________ If this is set to "yes" sound will be on when {COMMO} is started. See "Sound Control." _______________________________________________ 43 * {yes} Dialing connection alarm (yes/no) _______________________________________________ Controls the alarm signalling a connection when Auto Dialing is used. __________________________________________________ 44 * {yes} ASCII Upload finished alarm (yes/no) __________________________________________________ Controls the alarm signalling that an ASCII Upload has completed. _________________________________________________ 45 * {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 page 22 _______________________________________________________ 46 {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. For a 25 line screen it will be around 4k bytes -- it will be larger for screens with more lines. This includes room to save the current screen. Setting the size to 0 disables the Scrollback feature. See "Scrollback" for details. _____________________________________________________________ 47 * {no} Snow checking on CGA adapter (yes/no) 48 * {yes} Use BIOS for Terminal Screen scrolling (yes/no) 49 * {no} Use BIOS for Terminal Screen output (yes/no) _____________________________________________________________ Change these video parameters only if necessary. o Snow checking will slow the display somewhat, but will help to eliminate the "snow" effect on CGA monitors. o BIOS scrolling enables external scrollback programs to work, but may cause "flicker" in certain displays. o The Terminal Screen BIOS display is intended primarily for use with speech synthesizers (enabling blind users to "see" the computer display). This also slows the display. ____________________________________________________________ 50 {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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 23 ______________________________________________________ 51 * {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. _____________________________________________________________ 52 * {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. ____________________________________________ 53 * {no} Enable mono attributes (yes/no) ____________________________________________ If this is "no" the default mono attributes will be used. Set it to "yes" if you want to set your own monochrome attributes (colors). This has no effect on color displays. __________________________________________________ 54 * {07} Terminal Screen colors 55 * {17} File window text colors 56 * {70} File window border colors 57 * {3f} File window cursor colors 58 * {70} Small window text colors 59 * {17} Small window border colors 60 * {17} Status Line colors __________________________________________________ Press F10 in the Configuration File window to pop up the color chart. You may use it with color or monochrome displays. Note: 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. "File windows" are full-screen windows such as the Dialing Directory, Macro File, Scrollback Buffer, etc. "Small windows" are the pop up windows such as Capture File Options or ASCII Upload. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 24 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 various windows. ================================ [Alt-H] How to Use Online Help ================================ A summary of {COMMO}'s operations is available by pressing Alt-H. The Online Help support file, COMMO.HLP, must be in the {COMMO} home directory or you will get an error message, "Unable to open Help file." 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 with an external editor -- you can even set up your own menu. The search keys are the bars separating the topics. The two digit number in the middle of the bar may be changed to create your own key. The HELP macro function enables you to assign a key to go directly to any topic in Online Help. For example: {cf6} {help 12} {} will go to topic 12 when Ctrl-F6 is pressed. If you change the Help File, remember to keep a backup copy of the original. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 25 =========================== [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 Configuration 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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 26 ================================= [Alt-L] Set Terminal Parameters ================================= Lets you change the current Data Rate, Data Format, Serial Port, Terminal Emulation Type and Inter-Character Delay. Press Alt-L to temporarily change the parameters from the Terminal Screen (these will be set to Configuration File defaults or Dialing Directory overrides when dialing begins). Observe your changes on the left side of the Status Line. The Terminal Parameters affect the transmission of data to and from your computer. Parameter Descriptions ====================== _____ Speed _____ The rate at which data travels between your computer and the remote system. 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 Serial Port Parameter strings. See "AutoBaud Detect" for more information on setting the Speed. ___________ 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 parameter strings, such as: {2400,8,1} {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 27 ___________ 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). _______________________ 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). _____________________ 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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 28 Setting Terminal Parameters =========================== __________________________ With the Alt-L Key Command __________________________ Alt-L may be used at any time to change parameters temporarily. Remember that parameters will be reset to the Configuration File defaults whenever dialing begins. _________________________ In the Configuration File _________________________ Set the default items (Serial Port Parameters, Terminal-Type, Inter- Character Delay) to establish values that will be used at program startup and when dialing begins. ________________________ In the Dialing Directory ________________________ Serial Port Parameters may be specified in a Dialing Directory entry to override the default settings. Specify only values that are different. For example: {,,3} Different serial port is required for this call {,8o2} Unusual format ________________________________________________ Using the Macro functions PARMs, TERMinal, DELAy ________________________________________________ Use these to set parameters during macro execution -- to set a Terminal-Type during a login macro, for example. See "Programming {COMMO} Macros." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 29 ========================= [Alt-M] Macro Processor ========================= The Macro Processor executes and maintains {COMMO} macros. See the section "Programming {COMMO} Macros" which shows you how easily you can automate program operations, link to external protocols (for Uploading/Downloading), assign keys and perform a myriad of other functions. The Macro File is maintained with the Internal Editor. See Online Help for details on operations within the Macro Processor window. ========================================== [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. This is useful if your modem was powered off or if the modem setup was changed. =============================== [Alt-P] Send Current Password =============================== Each entry in the Dialing Directory can have its own Password String. After dialing a number, the Alt-P key command will send the current Password String to the remote system. For additional details on Passwords see "Dialing Directory." ============================= [Alt-Q] Quit Call (hang up) ============================= Quits 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: {nf0} {send ~~~+++~~~ATH|} {} Press F10 to hangup Of course, you may assign this macro to any key you like. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 30 ====================== [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. ============================== [Alt-U] 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) 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. 2) Specify entries with Dialing Strings in a macro, using the MARK function (see "Programming {COMMO} Macros"). 3) 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-U to begin dialing at the location of the Selector Bar. 4) Press Alt-U from the Terminal Screen. Dialing of marked entries will resume with the next system in the sequence. =========================== [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO} =========================== This key command will cause {COMMO} to terminate. 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 "Configuration File"). Then if you re-enter {COMMO} you would answer "no" to the question about initializing your modem. Alt-X may also be pressed from the Dialing Directory or Macro File windows for a quick exit. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 31 ============================== [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. Data may be captured in one of three modes. The startup Capture File Mode is selected in the Configuration File. The mode may be changed later via the CAPMode macro function. If the mode is set to SCREEN, data will be captured exactly as it appears on the Terminal Screen. This mode greatly improves the appearance of screens drawn with ANSI positioning sequences (animation). FILTER mode is used primarily when you need to capture lines longer than 80 characters (e.g., to be printed on a wide carriage printer). ANSI controls will still be stripped out if ANSI-BBS or VT102 emulation is on. Use RAW mode when you want everything captured exactly as it comes from the serial port. ANSI control sequences will not be stripped and length of lines will be preserved. This is good for capturing 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 (including when 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 File Mode is set to SCREEN, text will be saved as it scrolls OFF the screen. 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 File Mode is set to FILTER or RAW, text will be saved as it arrives from the serial port. See also "Screen Image Save." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 32 ========================== [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. 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 (see Appendix C) should be used if your printer cannot keep up with the incoming data. ============================== [Alt-3] 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 Configuration File and with the "%a" parameter in EXECute macro functions. ========================= [Alt-4] AutoBaud Toggle ========================= AutoBaud Detect enables {COMMO} to automatically adjust to the line speed of the system you are calling, thus relieving you from having to hang up and call back when you get the wrong speed. TIPS on using AutoBaud: Your modem must be set to return the connection speed responses such as "CONNECT 1200" (see Appendix A "Setting Up Your Modem"). The default serial port speed in the Configuration File should be set to your modem's highest speed. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 33 ____________________ Most 2400 bps modems ____________________ Toggle AutoBaud Detect to the ON state (uppercase "B" on the Status Line). Set the default speed in the Configuration File to 2400. The following result-codes will cause the indicated actions: CONNECT 2400 --> serial port remains at 2400 bps CONNECT 1200 --> serial port adjusted to 1200 bps CONNECT --> serial port adjusted to 300 bps _________________ High-speed modems _________________ Most high-speed modems require that the serial port be "locked" at 19200 bps or 38400 bps. The modem will then automatically adjust to the line (modem-to-modem) speed. In this case AutoBaud must be turned OFF to prevent {COMMO} from changing the serial port speed. Some of these modems may also be operated such that the serial port must be adjusted to the speed given in the CONNECT message. In this case follow the instructions for 2400 bps modems above. =========================== [Alt-5] Local Echo Toggle =========================== Local Echo (sometimes called half-duplex) is normally used when you connect to a host that does not echo what you type. {COMMO} will assume that the host is sending a linefeed with each carriage return. Typed characters will be displayed directly to the screen. ============================== [Alt-0] Signal Lights Toggle ============================== Turns ON/OFF the "modem lights" display on the status line. Shows the state of the RS-232 signals, including send/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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 34 ========================== [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 set in the Configuration 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 characters. Doorway Mode means that 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: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 35 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 may be turned on in Doorway Mode by using the "s" parameter in a macro: {al=} {doorway s} {} The "s" parameter 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 mode parameters when starting Doorway Mode, use a macro. For example: {al=} {clear} {term 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. ======================= Uploading / Downloading ======================= ASCII Upload is the only file transfer protocol internal to {COMMO}. The Macro Processor enables you to execute external protocol drivers with ease and rapidity. The Macro File is pre-configured with macros that execute various popular protocol drivers, including DSZ.COM which performs Xmodem, Ymodem and Zmodem uploads and downloads. Use the Alt-M key command to select one of these macros. You may add macros for any other protocol drivers that you need. See "Programming {COMMO} Macros" for details on writing macros. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 36 Installing DSZ.COM ================== DSZ is a Shareware program from Omen Technology and is highly recommended for reliable file transfers. Like {COMMO} it must be registered for continued use. DSZ may almost always be obtained from the source where you obtained {COMMO} and is usually archived as DSZmmdd.ZIP (mmdd is a release date). To install DSZ just place DSZ.COM 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 DSZ.COM in your C:\COMMO directory. Be sure to change to this directory before you start {COMMO}. MPT.EXE may be installed in a similar fashion for doing MPt (Puma) transfers. {COMMO} Auto Receive ==================== This feature will automatically start a macro when a specified string is received from the serial port and is normally used for starting downloads. Up to four strings and respective macro-id's may be defined in the "Terminal and Modem" section of the Configuration File. These are preconfigured for the Zmodem and MPt protocol "signature" strings, but you may change them or add new ones as desired. Once you have installed the DSZ.COM or MPT.EXE programs (see above) you must change the macro-id's in the Macro File. These are initialized to {zzz} and {mmm} to prevent {COMMO} from trying to execute programs that aren't there. Just press Alt-M and change: {zzz} to {.z.} for Zmodem AutoDownload {mmm} to {.m.} for MPt (Puma) Auto-Start Don't change them until you have installed the respective programs. {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 the protocol program). 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 several times to abort the sender and cancel the transfer. TIPS on using Auto Receive: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 37 Auto Receive operations are not available in these situations: 1) While a macro is running. 2) Within 2 seconds after an Auto Receive macro has stopped (this prevents repeated signature strings from triggering the macro more than once). If you need to download within a macro, you should do a LOOKfor to wait for the signature string, then CALL the download macro (place a RETUrn at the end of it). 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. A string may be disabled by removing the corresponding macro-id in the Macro File, but this degrades performance since the Macro File must be scanned each time a "hit" occurs. Instead the Configuration File item should be replaced with a null {}. 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: {ncd,^jNO CARRIER^m} Then enter a macro in the Macro File: {ncd} {dial ,} {} When your modem sends "NO CARRIER" the macro will start and Multi Number Dialing will resume if any more systems are marked in the Dialing Directory. See also "TIPS on creating LOOKfor strings" in the section describing the LOOKfor function. ========================== Programming {COMMO} Macros ========================== IMPORTANT: Please read the next few pages before you attempt to write any macros! The rules for writing {COMMO} macros are few in number, but must be followed carefully. Examples of more complex macro programming are given in the sample Macro File, COMMO.MAC, and in the supplied file, MACROS.TXT. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 38 The following sections assume familiarity with {COMMO}'s key commands and with other features of the program. Since many macro functions have corresponding key commands, duplicate explanations will not be given here. Refer to the description of the key command in a previous section. {COMMO} macros may be used to perform many different operations, yet their structure is simple and consistent. Here are some examples: {alk} {clear} {stop} This macro will define Alt-K to clear the screen. "alk" is called a "macro identifier" or "macro-id" for short, and is three characters in length. Certain macro-id's are reserved to represent keys on the keyboard, such as "alk" in this case, and are called "key-id's." CLEAr is called a "function" and is represented by four or more characters of which only the first four are necessary. The STOP function is used here to terminate the macro and may be used in either it's long or short form: ... {stop} long form ... {} short form Note that the default key to clear the screen, Alt-C, is still in effect unless it is reassigned. All of {COMMO} key-id's and functions are described in later sections. They are also summarized in Online Help. {abc} {setlook 30,hng,3,|} {lookfor first name?} {send Fred|} {return} In this macro the SETLook function will set timeout parameters for subsequent LOOKfor functions. The LOOKfor will then watch the data coming in from the modem and when it sees "first name?", control will pass to the next function. In this case the next function, SEND, will send the string "Fred" followed by a carriage return (indicated by the "|"). The macro ends with a RETUrn function. If the macro was CALLed from another macro, control will return to the CALLing macro. Otherwise the RETUrn will behave like a STOP. {bbs} {capture y,commo.cap} {call abc} {asciiup textfile.xyz,:} {} This macro will open the capture file "commo.cap" (the "y" means "yes", open the file). Then it will execute the previously {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 39 described macro "abc." Then it will ASCII Upload the file "textfile.xyz" using the pacing character ":". Note that macros may occupy more than one line in the Macro File. Macro-id and Function Summary ============================= MACRO-ID's must be three characters (commas and curly braces should not be used). Case is ignored so that "GK1" is the same as "gk1" or "gK1." Macro-id's should be unique within each Macro File. {COMMO} will always use the first occurrence of a duplicated macro-id. Macro-id's may appear anywhere within macros and may be the targets of CALL, GOTO and other functions. Multiple macro-id's may appear before any function: {aln} {aly} {dial 50,abc} {}. FUNCTION NAMES are four or more characters and may always be abbreviated to the first four. Case is ignored here as well. Remember to terminate each macro with a STOP function unless it already ends with a function which does not return control in line, such as GOTO, RETUrn, EXIT, etc. If you don't, processing will continue with the next macro in your Macro File! Additional Macro File Rules =========================== The Macro File is entirely free-form. Macro-id's and functions may appear on the same line or on separate lines. More that one macro-id may appear on the same line: {ala} {clear} {} {alw} {sound n} {} Note that only the first may be executed from the Macro File window using the Selector Bar. Comments may appear anywhere outside the curly braces. Executing Macros ================ Macro execution may be started in a number of ways: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 40 1) Open the Macro Processor window (Alt-M), position the Selector Bar on the macro-id and press [Enter] (the macro-id must be in the first set of curly braces on the line). 2) If the macro-id is also a key-id, then you may press that key from the Terminal Screen. If the same key-id appears more than once, the first occurrence will be used. 3) The macro may be linked to a Dialing Directory entry. In this case it will be CALLed when a connection is established with that system. 4) The macro may be specified on the command line with the switch "/m=". It will be started as soon as {COMMO} has initialized itself. 5) The macro may be an argument of another function such as CALL, GOTO, DIAL or SETLook (these are detailed in a later section). Additional Macro Execution Rules ================================ Use [Ctrl-Enter] instead of [Enter] to start a macro and {COMMO} will wait after preparing EXECute functions (before they are executed by DOS). {COMMO} will also wait before returning to the Terminal Screen so that you may see any error messages from the executing program. ASCII keys may be typed to the serial port during LOOKfor, PAUSe and HOLD functions. The [Esc] key is used to terminate macro processing. To send an Esc code to the remote (ASCII 27) during macro execution, press Ctrl-[ (Ctrl + left bracket). The Macro Processor will execute functions in order until one of the following conditions occur: 1) A CALL, GOTO, RETURn, STOP, EXIT, etc. is encountered. 2) Control is transferred to an alternate macro from certain functions when a special condition occurs. An example of this is the SETLook function. The alternate will execute when a subsequent LOOKfor times out. 3) A macro error occurs. This will bring up the Macro Error window, indicating the location of the problem. The macro is terminated. 4) [Esc] is pressed. Macro processing is terminated. 5) The end of the Macro File is reached. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 41 Current function execution may be terminated by pressing [Ctrl-Break]. For example, this can be used to terminate a LOOKfor, PAUSe or HOLD prematurely. The macro will advance to the next function. Some macro functions show their current action on the status line at the bottom of the screen. In addition, a "face" character in the middle of the status line indicates that a macro is executing. ======================= {COMMO} Macro Functions ======================= The purpose of this section is to show the syntax of each function and the meaning of its arguments through examples. All functions are listed here, but details on functions which are also default key commands are found in the section "{COMMO} Key Commands." Function names are shown with their four-letter abbreviations in uppercase. The following conventions are used in many functions: "y" or "yes" is used to indicate "yes", "on", "open", etc. "n" or "no" is used to indicate "no", "off", "close", etc. This provides a highly consistent macro structure which is very easy to remember. Function Arguments ================== Arguments are the parameters that follow the function name. One space separates the function name from the arguments (extra spaces must be avoided). Multiple arguments are separated by commas. {bbs} {capture y,commo.cap} {call abc} {asciiup textfile.xyz,:} {return} Here the function CAPTure has two arguments: "y" and "commo.cap." {abc} {lookfor first name?} {send Fred|} {} The function LOOKfor has one argument: "first name?". Quotation marks are NOT used to enclose data strings or filenames in {COMMO} macros. When a function is also associated with a default key command, the lack of arguments will cause the function to behave like the key {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 42 command -- usually bringing up a window or toggling a toggle. This is useful for reassigning keys. ======================================= Description of Functions (alphabetical) ======================================= ALARm ----- Default key: none Description: Ring the alarm. Examples: {alarm} Ring alarm, ring count in Config. File. {alarm 2} Ring alarm 2 times. {COMMO} will wait until the alarm has stopped ringing before proceeding to the next macro function (the alarm may be terminated early by pressing a key). ASCIiup ------- Default key: Alt-A Description: Upload an ASCII (text) file. General form: {ASCIiup pathname,pace} pathname The complete path and filename (if the path is absent, the current directory will be used). pace The pacing character to be used. Examples: {asci} Open ASCII Upload window. {asci c:\msgs\file.xyz,:} Upload "file.xyz." Use ":" for pacing. {asci c:\msgs\file.xyz} Same, but use current pacing character. {asci c:\msgs\file.xyz,} Same, but no pacing. {asci ,?} Set current pacing character to "?" {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 43 {asci ,} Set current pacing to "no" pacing. The pacing character may be entered according to the rules in Appendix D "ASCII Character Representation." For example, "^m" or "|" may be used to represent the carriage return. AUTObaud -------- Default key: Alt-5 Description: Set AutoBaud toggle. Examples: {auto} Toggle AutoBaud on/off {auto y} Turn on AutoBaud {auto n} Turn off AutoBaud BEEP ---- Default key: none Description: Sound a beep. Example: {beep} No arguments. BREAk ----- Default key: Alt-B Description: Send a break. Example: {break} No arguments. CALL ---- Default key: none Description: Execute another macro. Example: {call abc} Execute macro abc. If the macro "abc" executes a RETUrn function, then control returns to the function following the CALL. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 44 Note that macros may be nested up to 32 deep. See also RETUrn, PUSHstack, POPStack. CAPMode ------- Default key: none Description: Set Capture File Mode. Examples: {capmode screen} Set capture mode to SCREEN. {capmode filter} Set capture mode to FILTER. {capmode raw} Set capture mode to RAW. CAPTure ------- Default key: Alt-1 Description: Capture File Options. Examples: {capture} Open Capture File Options window. {capture y} Open current Capture File. {capture n} Close current Capture File. {capt y,c:\commo\file.xyz} Open indicated Capture File. {capt n,c:\dl\newfile.cap} Close current Capture File, set new file as indicated. Note: The current Capture File will always be closed when a new file is opened. CHATmode -------- Default key: Alt-- (Alt minus) Description: Set Chat Mode toggle. Examples: {chat} Toggle Chat Mode on/off. {chat y} Turn on Chat Mode. {chat n} Turn off Chat Mode. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 45 CLEAr ----- Default key: Alt-C Description: Clear Terminal Screen to default colors. Example: {clear} No arguments. CONFig ------ Default key: Alt-G Description: Edit Configuration File. Example: {config} No arguments. CURSor ------ Default key: none Description: Terminal Screen cursor on/off. Examples: {cursor} Toggle Terminal cursor on/off. {curs y} Turn on Terminal Screen cursor. {curs n} Turn off Terminal Screen cursor. DELAy ----- Default key: none Description: Set Inter-Character Delay factor. Example: {delay 25} Set factor to 25. DIAL ---- Default key: Alt-D, Alt-U Description: Dialing Directory. Examples: {dial} Open Dialing Directory window (like Alt-D). {dial ,} Multi Number Dial (like Alt-U). {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 46 {dial 25,abc} Multi Number dial with try count. 25 Maximum number of dialing tries. If no connection is established when the try count is exhausted, the macro in the second argument will be started. May be 0 to 999. "0" means unlimited. abc Macro to GOTO if the try count in the first argument is exhausted. If no macro is specified or if the macro-id is invalid, control will pass to the next function. Default arguments are: Dialing tries 0 (unlimited) Macro none Null arguments in the DIAL function will revert to these defaults. Marked numbers will be redialed in sequence. Numbers may be marked in several ways: 1) Manually in the Dialing Directory window. 2) By placing Dialing Strings on the {COMMO} command line. 3) Using the MARK macro function. If a connection occurs there are two possibilities: 1) If a valid macro-id is specified in the Dialing Directory, that macro will be started. When a RETUrn function is encountered {COMMO} will continue dialing other numbers if any are marked. When no more marked numbers are found, control returns following the DIAL function. This allows more than one system to be called with full automation. When manual operation is desired after login, use a {stop} or {} at the end of the login sequence. After disconnect press Alt-U to continue Multi Number Dialing. 2) If no macro is specified in the Dialing Directory, control is returned to the Terminal Screen and macro processing is terminated. See also: MARK, UNMArk. DISPlay ------- Default key: none Description: Display a string to the screen. General form: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 47 {DISPlay row,col,attr,string} row The row where the string will display. col The column where the string will display. attr The attribute (colors) of the string. string The text of the string (no quotes). Examples: {display 12,20,17,Hello!} Display "Hello!" at row 12, column 20. Colors are white on blue. {disp ,,,Hello, again.^m^j} Display "Hello, again." at the current cursor using the current attribute, followed by a cr/lf. {disp 3,40} Position the cursor at row 3, column 40. The attribute is specified in the same manner as the colors in the Configuration File (press F10 in the Internal Editor to display the Color Chart). Setting background colors to high intensity values will cause blinking (for example, using "9" instead of "1" will still give a blue background but the foreground character will blink). After the string is displayed, the previous Terminal Screen attribute will be restored. DOORway ------- Default key: Alt-= Description: Toggle Doorway Mode. Example: {doorway} Toggle Doorway Mode on/off. {door s} Status Line on when entering Doorway Mode. The "s" parameter is ignored when exiting Doorway Mode (the Status Line will be restored to its prior state). EXECute ------- Default key: none Description: Execute a DOS command. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 48 This function enables you to "build" a command to be executed by DOS. The DOS command processor (COMMAND.COM) is used, which implies that you may specify any command as you would type it from the DOS prompt. Thus you can execute batch files and internal DOS commands (REN, DEL, etc.). Also you can omit command paths and extensions (if the command is in your PATH). A number of special parameters are available which will either substitute the current value of a variable or perform a specific action before or after command execution. In addition, the user input parameter "%i" lets you enter information that is not known until execution time. For example you can insert a filename (or pathname) at a certain point in the command. The special parameters are detailed here and are also summarized in Online Help. They are also used in the EXED and EXEN functions. %i General user input prompt. May be used more than once in a command and will result in a prompt for input in the "Execute a DOS Command" window. %p Current serial port number (1,2,3 or 4). %s Current serial port speed (2400, 38400, etc.). %m Current modem speed obtained from the connect message. For example, "CONNECT 2400" sets %m to "2400". This is used to pass the modem speed to external protocols (for time estimation) when the serial port is "locked" at a higher speed. If your modem provides a "CARRIER" message containing the modem speed, then set the Dialing Success Response in the Configuration File to "CARRIER" instead of "CONNECT". Note that this value is "null" when no speed is returned in the connect message. %u Current upload directory (from Config File). %d Current download directory (from Config File). %c Current capture file (use Alt-1 to check). %k Insert an ASCII control character into the DOS command. For example to issue a formfeed to your printer you could have the macro function: {exec echo %k^L > prn}. See Appendix D for rules on representing control characters. %a Sound the alarm at the end of command execution. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 49 %w Wait (pause) before restoring the Terminal Screen. This is useful if you need to see the results of the command execution. %% Insert an actual "%" into the command. Use [Ctrl-Enter] instead of [Enter] to start a macro and you will be able to see the prepared EXECute functions before they are executed by DOS. {COMMO} will also wait before returning to the Terminal Screen so that you may see any error messages from the executing program. Examples: {exec dsz port %p speed %s sz %u\%i %a%w} {COMMO} will prepare the DSZ command by substituting the "%" parameters, then call DOS to execute the program. Note the "%i". This will bring up the "Execute a DOS Command" window and prompt you for input (in this case, a filename). The alarm will sound at completion ("%a") and {COMMO} will wait for a keypress ("%w") before restoring the Terminal Screen. {exec list %c} The LIST program will be executed with the current Capture File as a command line argument. {COMMO} will return immediately to the Terminal Screen when LIST exits. EXED ---- Default key: none Description: Execute an external program directly. Use this function to execute .EXE and .COM programs without the use of the command processor (COMMAND.COM). There are several advantages to this: 1) Only the memory needed to run the program must be available (the command processor requires that 32k or more be available when it is run). 2) About 4k of memory is saved by not having a copy of the command processor resident when the program is executed. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 50 3) The program executes faster, since COMMAND.COM is not loaded from disk. 4) The program's exit code is preserved and may be tested with the {COMMO} IFERrorlevel function. Two important rules must be followed when using EXED: 1) The full pathname of the program file must be specified, including the path where the file resides on disk and the file extension. For example: {exed c:\util\list.com %c} 2) Only .EXE and .COM files may be run with EXED (batch files and internal DOS commands cannot be executed without the command processor, use EXEC or EXEN). In all other respects EXED is the same as EXECute, including the use of all "%" parameters. EXEN ---- Default key: none Description: Execute a DOS command, do not clear the screen. This function is exactly the same as EXECute, but the Terminal Screen is not cleared when the command is sent to DOS. It is used to produce a smoother transition when programs or DOS commands execute rapidly. Examples: {exen del c:\commo\commo.cap} {exen ren commo.cap joes-bbs.cap} EXIT ---- Default key: Alt-X Description: Exit {COMMO}. Example: {exit} No arguments (return code = 0). {exit 3} With return code. The return code will be passed to DOS. It may be tested with the IF ERRORLEVEL batch command. Range is 0 to 255. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 51 GOLOok ------ Default key: none Description: Set a macro-id to GOTO if a string comes in during a subsequent LOOKfor function. Example construct: {setlook 60,hng,3,n|} ... {mac} {golook aaa,string1} {golook ,string2} {golook bbb,string3} {lookfor string4} {send answer4|} {goto ccc} {aaa} {send answer1|} {goto mac} {bbb} {call xyz} {goto mac} {ccc} ... In this example {COMMO} will look for four strings. When any string comes in, the LOOKfor is terminated (all strings are cancelled). It may be set up again by going back to "mac." The GOLOok functions for string1 and string3 will GOTO "aaa" or "bbb" respectively if one of the strings comes in. In the example control returns to "mac" and the four strings will continue to be looked for. The GOLOok for string2 has a null macro-id and control will pass to the function following the LOOKfor if the string comes in. The "," must be present. If string4 comes in, control will also pass to the function following the LOOKfor. GOLOok functions should immediately precede a LOOKfor (no string compares actually occur until the LOOKfor executes). Up to 15 GOLOoks may be used for a total of up to 16 strings to scan for. Since the LOOKfor is terminated whenever any of the strings come in (or when the LOOKfor timeout expires), this structure is unrestricted -- that is, CALLs, GOTOs, other GOLOok/LOOKfor constructs, etc., may be used freely in any of the branches. See the PUSHstack function for an example showing how to improve the structure of the GOLOok/LOOKfor sequence. See "TIPS on creating LOOKfor strings" in the section describing the LOOKfor function. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 52 See also: LOOKfor, SETLook, PUSHstack, POPStack. GOTO ---- Default key: none Description: Transfer control to a macro-id. Example: {goto x21} Control transferred to macro-id "x21". HANGup ------ Default key: Alt-Q Description: Disconnect by dropping DTR. Examples: {hangup} Prompt user for disconnect. {hangup y} Disconnect without prompting. HELP ---- Default key: Alt-H Description: Open Online Help window. Example: {help} Display topic 00 {help 5} Display topic 05 Topic numbers may range from 00 to 99. You may create your own Online Help file. See "Modifying the Help File." HOLD ---- Default key: none Description: Hold until specified time of day (24 hour format). Examples: {hold 3:30} Hold until 3:30 am. {hold 16:10} Hold until 4:10 pm. {hold 0:00} Hold until midnight. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 53 IFERrorlevel ------------ Default key: none Description: Test the exit code of an EXED function. Examples: {iferror 1,abc,def} number,macro-id,macro-id {iferror 5,abc} GOTO "abc" if exit code >= 5 {ifer 2,,def} GOTO "def" if exit code < 2 If the exit code (errorlevel) of the program is greater than or equal to the given number, control will GOTO the first macro-id. If it is less, control will GOTO the second macro-id. The default when either macro-id is omitted is to pass control to the next function. Many programs return an exit code greater than 0 when the result is unsuccessful. DSZ, for example, will return an exit code of 1 if the file transfer has failed. This test is meaningful only following an EXED function. EXEC, EXEN or Shell to DOS will normally set the exit code to 0. IFEXist ------- Default key: none Description: Test for existence of a disk file or files. Examples: {ifexist packet.zip,abc,def} pathname,macro-id,macro-id. {ifex a:file.xyz,,m20} GOTO "m20" if not found. {ifex c:\data\words.txt,345} GOTO "345" if found. {ifex c:\ul\*.rep,a01,a02} Using a wildcard. If the file is found, control will GOTO the first macro-id. If it is not found, to the second. The default when either macro-id is omitted is to pass control to the next function. Wildcards may be used to test for the existence of one or more files matching the specification. INITmodem --------- Default key: Alt-O Description: Send Modem Initialization String. Example: {init} No arguments {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 54 LIGHts ------ Default key: Alt-0 Description: Set Signal Lights toggle. Examples: {lights} Toggle Signal Lights on/off. {lights y} Turn on Signal Lights. {lights n} Turn off Signal Lights. LOCAlecho --------- Default key: Alt-6 Description: Set Local Echo toggle. Examples: {local} Toggle Local Echo on/off. {local y} Turn on Local Echo. {local n} Turn off Local Echo. LOOKfor ------- Default key: none Description: Look for a string in the modem input stream. Examples: {setlook 60,abc,4,n|} Set parameters. {lookfor first name?} Look for the string "first name?" {look ^(COMMO^)} Look for the string "{COMMO}". Parameters controlling LOOKfor execution are set with the SETLook function, which should be executed before any LOOKfor functions. See the description of the SETLook function for details. The LOOKfor function will scan for the requested string to appear, then macro execution will continue with the next function. Use the GOLOok function to scan simultaneously for up to 15 additional strings during a LOOKfor. TIPS on creating LOOKfor (and GOLOok) strings: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 55 There should be just one space following the LOOKfor function name. Any spaces beyond this point are part of the string. The string ends at the right curly brace. GOLOok and Auto Receive strings begin after the comma following the macro-id. There should be no spaces unless they are part of the string. Strings may be up to 32 characters in length (control characters like "^M" count as one). Upper/lower case is ignored. ANSI control sequences are filtered if ANSI or VT102 emulation is enabled. Remember that short strings may not be unique enough, long strings may not match due to line noise. Rules for representing special characters in LOOKfor strings are given in Appendix D "ASCII Character Representation." See also: GOLOok, SETLook. MACLoad ------- Default key: none Description: Load a new Macro File. General form: {MACLoad filename,macro-id,r} filename The new Macro File. Do not specify a path; the {COMMO} home directory will be used. macro-id A macro-id to GOTO when the new file is loaded (optional). r Specifies that COMMO.MAC will be reloaded when carrier detect is lost (optional). Examples: {macload vt102-1.mac,,r} Load vt102-1.mac, reload COMMO.MAC at the end of the call. {macl newmac.fil,abc} Load newmac.fil, start macro "abc" in the new file. IMPORTANT: The new macro file must reside in the {COMMO} home directory (do not specify a path). {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 56 If "r" is specified, be sure to wait for loss of carrier detect before opening a window (such as the Dialing Directory). COMMO.MAC cannot be reloaded if any window is on the screen. You might want to have a macro in the new file to reload COMMO.MAC. This is especially useful in direct-connect situations (no loss of carrier). Use with caution on noisy lines. The current file will be saved to disk if changes are outstanding. The new file is then loaded in place of the current one (all macros are replaced). MACLoad should be the last function in a macro, since control is not returned. MACRo ----- Default key: Alt-M Description: Open Macro Processor window. Example: {macro} No arguments. MARK ---- Default key: none Description: Mark Dialing Directory entries for dialing. Example: {mark joes-bbs,file-city} Mark entries for dialing. Dialing Strings may be separated by spaces or commas. {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 (including passwords). However the following characters may not appear in a macro Dialing String: space, comma, left or right curly brace. See also: DIAL, UNMArk. NOOP ---- Default key: none Description: No-op function, does nothing {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 57 Example: {noop} No arguments. PARMs ----- Default key: Alt-L Description: Set Serial Port Parameters General form: {PARMs speed,format,comport} speed The bps rate, such as 9600. format The data format, such as 8n1. comport The serial port number. Examples: {parms 2400,8,1} Set 2400 bps, 8n1, Com1. {parms ,,4} Set Com4. {parms 19200,7o1} Set 19200 bps, 7o1. Note that omitted parameters are not changed. PASSword -------- Default key: Alt-P Description: Send current password. Example: {password} No arguments. The current password is obtained from the Dialing Directory entry whenever a number is dialed. If no password is specified no characters will be sent. PAUSe ----- Default key: none Description: Pause for up to 999 seconds. Example: {pause 25} Pause for 25 seconds. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 58 POPStack -------- Default key: none Description: Pop an element from the macro stack. Example: {pops} No arguments. POPStack throws away the top element on the macro stack. This element would have been the target of the next RETUrn function. See PUSHstack for a more complete description of the use of this function. See also CALL, RETUrn, GOLOok, LOOKfor. PRINtlog -------- Default key: Alt-2 Description: Set Print Log toggle. Examples: {print} Toggle Print Log on/off. {print y} Turn on Print Log. {print n} Turn off Print Log. PUSHstack --------- Default key: none Description: Push a return point onto the macro stack. Examples: {push} Push the current location. {push abc} Push the location "abc". When there are no arguments, the location pushed is the location of the PUSHstack function itself (i.e., it will be executed again when a RETUrn is encountered). Explanation: Whenever a CALL is executed, the location of the function following the CALL (the "return point") is "pushed" onto the macro stack. When a subsequent RETUrn is executed, the location at the top of the stack is "popped" and control is transferred to that location. This allows "nesting" of CALLs and RETUrns. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 59 PUSHstack will push a return point onto the macro stack without transferring control to the location (control continues in sequence). A subsequent RETUrn will transfer control to the location that was pushed. POPStack will remove the top stack element without transferring control to it (control continues in sequence). These functions may be used to set a return point for GOLOok/LOOKfor functions, so that the same GOLOok routines may be used in more than one macro. They also help to create macros with improved structure. Here is a sample construct using PUSHstack and POPStack: {mmm} {call ggg} ... ... {ggg} ... {pushstack} {golook aaa,string1} {golook bbb,string2} {golook ccc,string3} {lookfor string4} {send answer4} {popstack} {return} {aaa} {send answer1} {return} {bbb} {send answer2} {return} {ccc} {send answer3} {return} If strings 1,2 or 3 come in, responses will be sent and control will RETUrn to the PUSHstack (and execute it again). If string 4 comes in the element pushed will be discarded by the POPStack and control will return following the {call ggg}. See also CALL, RETUrn, GOLOok, LOOKfor. RETUrn ------ Default key: none Description: Return from a CALLed macro. Example: {return} No arguments. This function is used in the following situations: 1) To return control to the location following a CALL function. 2) To return control to a location specified in a PUSHstack function. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 60 3) To end a Dialing Directory macro. If dialing was initiated from a DIAL macro function, dialing will continue if any more numbers are marked. If no more numbers are marked, then control will pass to the function following DIAL. See PUSHstack for a more complete description of the use of CALL/RETUrn. Note: If a RETUrn is encountered and no CALL or PUSHstack has been executed, a STOP will occur. This is useful in macros that are CALLed and are also used standalone (such as protocol file transfer macros). See also CALL, PUSHstack, POPStack. SCREen ------ Default key: Alt-I Description: Screen Image Save. Examples: {screen} Open Screen Image Save window. {screen y} Append screen image to current file. {screen y,commo.scn} Append screen image to indicated file. (and change current pathname). {screen n,c:\file.xyz} Change current screen image pathname (don't save screen to file). SCROllback ---------- Default key: Alt-K Description: Display Scrollback Buffer Example: {scroll} No arguments. SEND ---- Default key: none Description: Send a string to the modem. Example: {send Fred|~~Brucker|~~#|} Send my first and last name with carriage returns and 1 second delays, then send the current password and <cr>. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 61 Note: see Appendix D "ASCII Character Representation" for information on how to represent any character in a SEND function. SETLook ------- Default key: none Description: Set parameters for LOOKfor functions. Example: {setl 60,abc,4,n|} Set LOOKfor parameters 60 LOOKfor timeout. Maximum time in seconds to look for a string. If the string is not found in the allotted time, the macro in the second argument will be started. May be 0 to 999. "0" means forever. abc Timeout macro. Macro to GOTO if the time in the first argument expires. If no macro is specified or if the macro-id is invalid, control will pass to the function following the LOOKfor. 4 Prompt timeout. During a LOOKfor function unwanted prompts may appear like "Press any key" or "More [Y/n]", etc. This argument is the time in seconds to wait at a prompt (no input from the modem) before sending the string in the fourth argument. Usually you would send "|" or "n|". When the string is sent the process is restarted, allowing any number of prompts to be satisfied (until the LOOKfor itself is satisfied or times out). The timer will also be reset if any keys are typed while waiting. This allows a manual response to a prompt which the macro does not handle. Make sure this value is high enough to give the host system time to "think" when it is in between prompts. Some systems take longer to do things. May be 0 to 999. "0" means forever. n| Prompt response. String to send when the time in the third argument runs out. May be up to 32 characters. The SETLook function will set parameters for any subsequent LOOKfor's. SETLook may be executed at any time to modify the parameters. Default arguments are: LOOKfor timeout 0 (forever) Timeout macro none {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 62 Prompt timeout 0 (forever) Prompt response none Null arguments in the SETLook function will revert to these defaults. See also: LOOKfor, GOLOok. SHELl ----- Default key: Alt-S Description: Shell to DOS. Example: {shell} No arguments. SOUNd ----- Default key: Alt-3 Description: Set Master Sound toggle. Examples: {sound} Toggle Master Sound on/off. {sound y} Turn on Master Sound. {sound n} Turn off Master Sound. STATusline ---------- Default key: none Description: Set Status Line toggle. IMPORTANT: The Status Line is {COMMO}'s instrument panel. You should not turn it off until you are familiar with operating the program. Examples: {statusline} Toggle Status Line on/off. {status y} Turn on Status Line. {status n} Turn off Status Line. When the Status Line is off (not visible), the bottom line of the display becomes part of the Terminal Screen. The STATusline function is ignored while in Chat Mode. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 63 STOP ---- Default key: none Description: Halt macro execution. Examples: {stop} No arguments. {} Short form. STOP always returns {COMMO} to manual operation in the Terminal Screen. It should be used to end login macros. TERMinal -------- Default key: none Description: Set Terminal Emulation Type. Example: {terminal V} Set VT102 emulation. {term a} Set ANSI-BBS emulation. {term t} Set TTY emulation. UNMArk ------ Default key: none Description: Unmark Dialing Directory entries. Example: {unmark joes-bbs,file-city} Unmark listed entries. {unmark} Unmark all entries. See the description of the MARK function for the rules on writing macro Dialing Strings. See also: DIAL, MARK. VTCUr ----- Default key: none Description: Define a VT102 cursor (arrow) key. Example: {vtcur ^[[A|^[OA} Define up-arrow key strings. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 64 The first string is sent when cursor mode is active; the second string is sent when application mode is active (these modes are controlled by the host). The two strings must be separated by a "|". Use "^m" for carriage return if necessary. See also VTPAd. VTPAd ----- Default key: none Description: Define a VT102 keypad key. Example: {vtpad 5|^[Ou} Define keypad "5" key strings. The first string is sent when numeric mode is active; the second string is sent when application mode is active (these modes are controlled by the host). The two strings must be separated by a "|". Use "^m" for carriage return if necessary. See also VTCUr. ========================= Table of {COMMO} Key-id's ========================= Key-id's are also macro-id's with the added advantage that the macro can be started by pressing the associated key from the Terminal Screen. Most "extended" keys may be assigned this way. If the same key-id appears more than once, the first occurrence will be used. Note that key-id's are case insensitive. The caret (^) indicates the Ctrl key. Enhanced keyboard key-id's are listed below. Key Name Key-id Key Name Key-id ________ ______ ________ ______ Normal-F1 nf1 ... Normal-F10 nf0 Ctrl-F1 cf1 ... Ctrl-F10 cf0 Shift-F1 sf1 ... Shift-F10 sf0 Alt-F1 af1 ... Alt-F10 af0 Alt-A ala ... Alt-Z alz {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 65 Alt-1 al1 ... Alt-0 al0 Alt = al= Alt - al- Escape esc Grey * gr* Grey - gr- Grey + gr+ Backspace bsp ^Backspace cbs Tab tab Shift-tab stb Enter ent ^Enter cen Home hom End end PgUp pgu PgDn pgd Up-Arrow upa Down-Arrow dna Left-Arrow lfa Right-Arrow rta Insert ins Delete del ^Home chm ^End cnd ^PgUp cpu ^PgDn cpd ^Right-Arrow cra ^Left-Arrow cla Keypad-0 kp0 ... Keypad-9 kp9 Keypad-. kp. ^PrtSc cpr Enhanced Keyboard Key-id's ========================== Normal-F11 nfa Normal-F12 nfb Ctrl-F11 cfa Ctrl-F12 cfb Shift-F11 sfa Shift-F12 sfb Alt-F11 afa Alt-F12 afb Alt-[ al[ Alt-] al] Alt-; al; Alt-' al' Alt-, al< Alt-. al. Alt-/ al/ Alt-\ al\ Alt-* al* Alt-` al` Center Key cky The Center Key is the Keypad 5 with Numlock off. The keys in the second group may also work with the 83-key keyboard if your BIOS supports the enhanced keyboard. Try them. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 66 ========== ===================== 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 the correct string is set up in your Configuration 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 Item 1 in the Configuration File -- the Serial Port Parameters. This string consists of the default speed, data format and port number. For example if you usually use your modem at 2400 bps, data format 8n1, on Com1, your parameter string would be: {2400,8n1,1} _______________ 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 page 67 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 bps and higher ___________________ Modems which operate at 2400 bps and higher generally have commands to replace the switches (see the section above if yours has 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 on how to do this. Here is an example Modem Initialization String for 2400 bps (and most higher speed) modems: {~AT S0=0 S7=60 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |} See the comments above concerning the "X" command since they apply to these modems as well. If {COMMO} is already running you may edit the Configuration File with the Alt-G key command, change the Modem Initialization String, then use the Alt-O key command to send the string to the modem. Normally the string is sent to the modem when {COMMO} is started. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 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, 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 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: 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 may freely access these files in the Shell to DOS or Macro Processor features of {COMMO} (within the same window). {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 69 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. 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). 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 page 70 ========== ============ 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 activated from the Configuration 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 Internal Editor and will be effective immediately upon exiting the editor. 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-232-C (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 (in the Configuration File) 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 page 71 ========== ============================== Appendix D ASCII Character Representation ========== ============================== Sometimes it is necessary to enter special characters in the {COMMO} support files (Configuration File, Dialing Directory and Macro File) or as input to {COMMO} key commands. As an example, suppose you wanted to put a carriage return into a SEND macro function. If you pressed the Enter key while typing into the Macro File, {COMMO} would think you simply wanted the cursor to go to the beginning of the next line. In other words, certain control characters are used in the operation of {COMMO} and need to be entered in a special way if they are to be used as data. This section defines how to represent these characters as data. In general, Curly braces { } may ONLY appear as shown in the descriptions and examples for each of the support files. ASCII Data Strings __________________ Strings of ASCII characters appear in many places in the {COMMO} support files, including: Modem initialization string (Config. File) Dial prefixes (Config. File) Dial suffix (Config. File) Telephone number (Dialing Directory) Password string (Dialing Directory) Strings in macro functions such as SEND, SETLook and LOOKfor (Macro File) Note that most of these are sent to the modem. The following characters have special significance in ASCII Data strings: The vertical bar (|) represents a carriage return. The tilde (~) forces a one-half second delay (modem output only). The pound sign (#) will cause the current Password String to be sent in its place (in the SEND function only). Every character in the extended ASCII chart may be represented: {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 72 The caret (^) is used to represent ASCII values which may not be entered from the keyboard: 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 ... ^[ The caret (^) is also used to represent the following: { ... ^( the left curly brace } ... ^) the right curly brace | ... ^| the vertical bar ~ ... ^~ the tilde # ... ^# the pound sign ^ ... ^^ the caret These particular characters should only appear in this form, while others such as ASCII 28 through 31 and those in the upper 128 extended character set 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. ASCII 28 through 31 may also be typed using the Ctrl key on your keyboard: 28 ... Ctrl \ 29 ... Ctrl ] 30 ... Ctrl 6 31 ... Ctrl - All other characters are entered in the usual manner. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 73 ========== ================== Appendix E Terminal Emulation ========== ================== Terminal Emulation Type is indicated on the status line (to the right of the Serial Port 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 default Terminal Emulation Type (as defined in the Configuration File) will be set whenever a system is dialed. It may be changed temporarily using the Alt-L key command or the TERMinal 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 If colors do not always look right, it may be necessary to set the Terminal Screen colors in the Configuration File to {07}. See the note under "Colors" in the Configuration File section. 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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 74 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-id's (remember that {COMMO} will use the first occurrence of a key-id). Or you can use the MACLoad function in your login macro to load the VT102 file automatically when you connect to the host. Using the "r" option of MACLoad will reload COMMO.MAC at disconnect. For example: {macload vt102-1.mac,,r} 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 ^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." {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 75 ___________ 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: 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 ========== ========================== Appendix F Error Message Explanations ========== ========================== If you get an error message that you don't understand, check below for additional information. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 76 __________________________ Wrong number of braces { } __________________________ The Configuration File does not have the correct number of strings (items), or the left and right curly braces are not present in matched pairs. If necessary compare the file with the original one in the {COMMO} package. If you get this message at program startup, check your "SET COMMO=" command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It may be specifying a directory that has an old version of COMMO.CFG. ________________________________ 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. _______________________________ Check your "SET COMMO=" command _______________________________ 1) The Configuration File cannot be located or it has the wrong number of braces. Make sure your "SET COMMO=" points to the correct disk/directory. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 77 2) The path located in the system environment is too long. Do another "SET COMMO=" command to correct this. ___________________________________________ WARNING: another copy of {COMMO} is running ___________________________________________ This message lets you know that you have at least one other copy of {COMMO} resident in your computer. If possible you should exit back to that copy to avoid losing changes to your support files. _______________________ Not enough memory Program file not found Unable to execute shell _______________________ A problem was encountered during Shell to DOS, EXEC, EXEN or EXED: 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 EXED function cannot be located. Make sure you specify the full path and filename. 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 (in the Configuration File). _________________________________________ 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. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 78 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. _____________________ Dial command too long _____________________ The dial command consists of the dial prefix, the phone number string and the dial suffix. The total is limited to 72 characters. _______________________ Bad parameter after "%" _______________________ Allowable parameters are listed in the description of the "EXEC" macro function. ________________________ Command too long for DOS ________________________ DOS commands are limited to 127 characters. ________________________________ Unable to open file Unable to open Help File Unable to open Capture File Unable to open Screen Image File File not found Path not found Too many files ________________________________ Check the following: 1) That the path exists where the file should be. 2) That the file itself exists (this won't be the problem if the file is being created). 3) Too many files may be open. You may need to increase your FILES= parameter in CONFIG.SYS. 4) The Online Help File must be less than 64K bytes in size. 5) You cannot use an open Capture File for any other purpose. {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 79 _____________________________________ Closing Capture File, disk is full! Screen Image not saved, disk is full! _____________________________________ These files should be edited regularly to ensure that they are not occupying too much disk space. - end -