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-
-
-
- ____________
-
- {COMMO} (tm)
- ____________
-
-
- "A New Standard in Telecommunications"
-
-
-
-
-
-
- by
-
- Fred P. Brucker
-
- Post Office Box 9103
- Santa Rosa, CA 95405
-
-
-
-
-
-
- User Guide and Reference
-
-
-
-
- Release 5.1
-
- December 21, 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 licensing and distribution details.
-
- The author does not guarantee this program to be free from defects
- and may not be held responsible for loss caused by such. Your use
- of this program constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
-
-
-
-
- (C)Copyright 1989,1991 Fred P. Brucker All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- ========================
- Registration Information
- ========================
-
- {COMMO} is a "SHAREWARE" product. You are entitled to evaluate it
- for 30 days. If it suits your needs and you would like to continue
- using it, then you must pay the licensing fee. Please use the order
- form in the file REGISTER.FRM (or the one below).
-
- Send to: Fred P. Brucker
- Post Office Box 9103
- Santa Rosa, CA 95405
-
- When you REGISTER you will be licensed to use all future releases of
- {COMMO}. You will never have to pay an "update" charge. You will
- also receive instructions for removing the Shareware Notice at
- program startup.
-
- My (voice) TELEPHONE NUMBER for inquiries and support for registered
- users is (707) 573-1065. Please restrict calls to business hours
- (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Pacific time).
-
- Registered users will also receive priority support on Bulletin
- Boards, CompuServe and GEnie (see READ.ME).
-
- Call or write for pricing information on MULTI-USER (site) licenses.
- Discounts are given on quantities greater than 10.
-
- See the file LICENSES for licensing and distribution details.
-
-
-
-
- {COMMO} 5.1 SINGLE USER REGISTRATION FORM
-
-
- Name ___________________________________________________________
-
- Company name (if company address) ________________________________
-
- Address ___________________________________________________________
-
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- ====================================================================
- All prices shown are US DOLLARS.
- Please remit US funds on US bank only.
- NET 30 TERMS will be accepted on orders totalling $100.00 or more.
- Payment accepted as check or money order,
- payable to FRED P. BRUCKER.
- SORRY, I am unable to accept credit cards at this time.
- ====================================================================
-
- {COMMO} single user license, SPECIAL PACKAGE ... $50.00 $ ________
- Includes: (1) Printed, bound, indexed manual.
- (2) Latest release on diskette plus utilities
- (COMMOPNS, MOSTHOST, CMC, etc., see READ.ME).
- Choose format: 5.25" ____ 3.5" ____
- Current release ____ or next ____
-
- {COMMO} single user LICENSE only ................ $35.00 $ ________
- You may also order a diskette.
-
- Registered users may order PRINTED MANUAL only .. $20.00 $ ________
- Limit of one per license. Your serial no. _________
-
- Registered users may order DISKETTE only ........ $5.00 $ ________
- Limit of one per license. Your serial no. _________
- Choose format: 5.25" ____ 3.5" ____
- Current release ____ or next ____
-
- Subtotal $ ________
-
- California residents add sales tax, 7.5% $ ________
- (No tax when ordering license alone)
-
- Special Package or Manual order, add SHIPPING:
- USA/Canada/Mexico ........ $3.00
- All other countries ...... $10.00 $ ________
-
- Total $ ________
-
-
- Thank you, and I hope you enjoy {COMMO}.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page ii
-
-
- ========
- Contents
- ========
-
-
- Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
-
- Principal Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
- The Best Way to Learn {COMMO} Quickly . . . . . . . . . 3
-
- Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- Quick Start Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- Preparing Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
- Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
- {COMMO} Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
- Saving the Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
- Initialization Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
- Terminal Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
-
- {COMMO} Key Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- [Alt-A] ASCII Upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
- [Alt-B] Send Break Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- [Alt-C] Clear Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- [Alt-D] Dialing Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
- Dialing Directory Entry Example . . . . . . . . . . 14
- [Alt-G] Edit Setup File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
- Predefining Variables with SET . . . . . . . . . . 17
- Explanation of Setup File Items . . . . . . . . . . 18
- [Alt-H] Hang Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
- [Alt-I] Screen Image Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
- [Alt-K] Scrollback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
- [Alt-M] Macro Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
- [Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
- [Alt-O] Send Modem Initialization String . . . . . . . 31
- [Alt-P] Set Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 31
- Parameter Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
- Setting Terminal Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
- [Alt-S] Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
- [Alt-T] Set Toggles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
- Sound Control Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
- AutoBaud Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
- Local Echo Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
- Signal Lights Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
- [Alt-U] Utility Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
- [Alt-W] Send Current Password . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
- [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO} . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
- [Alt-1] Capture File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
- [Alt-2] Print Log Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
- [Alt--] Chat Mode Toggle (Alt minus) . . . . . . . . 38
- [Alt-=] Doorway Mode Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
- [F1] How to Use Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
- Modifying the Help File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page iii
-
-
-
- [PgUp]/[PgDn] Uploading/Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
- How to Install External Protocol Drivers . . . . . . . . 41
- Using DSZ or GSZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
- Using OZBEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
- {COMMO} Auto Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
-
- Appendix A Setting Up Your Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
- Answering a call from another computer . . . . . . . . . 47
- Connecting two computers (null modem cable) . . . . . . 47
-
- Appendix B {COMMO} and Multi-Tasking . . . . . . . . . . . 48
- DESQview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
- OmniView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
- DoubleDOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
-
- Appendix C Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
-
- Appendix D ASCII Character Representation . . . . . . . . . 51
-
- Appendix E Terminal Emulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
- Printer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
- ANSI-BBS Keyboard Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
- VT102 Keyboard Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
-
- Appendix F Usage Log Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
-
- Appendix G Error Message Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . 56
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page iv
-
-
- =======
- Preface
- =======
-
- {COMMO} is a general purpose telecommunications program, also called
- a "terminal" program. Use it to dial remote systems and to
- communicate using a choice of terminal emulations. Many features
- are available to enhance your communications needs.
-
- Minimum system configuration:
-
- IBM PC compatible computer.
- MS-DOS 2.1 or higher.
- 128k of memory.
- One diskette drive.
- A serial port or internal modem with an 8250, 16450 or 16550
- series UART chip.
-
- {COMMO} can be configured to work with virtually any type of modem.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- DESQview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems
- OmniView is a trademark of Sunny Hill Software
- DoubleDOS is a trademark of SoftLogic Solutions, Inc.
- HS/Link is a product of Samuel H. Smith
- DSZ and GSZ are products of Omen Technology Inc.
- MPt is a product of Matthew Thomas
- LIST is a product of Vernon D. Buerg
- The IBM PC is a product of IBM Corp.
- MS-DOS is a trademark of MicroSoft Corp.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 1
-
-
- ==================
- Principal Features
- ==================
-
- {COMMO} is small in size, loads rapidly and performs all functions
- with great speed.
-
- The powerful Macro Processor allows you to:
-
- 1) Write macro "scripts" to automate many common operations
- such as logging in, reading messages, uploading/downloading.
- {COMMO} will perform these tasks in the middle of the night
- while you sleep.
-
- 2) Assign Function Keys, Alt Keys, Keypad Keys, etc., to:
-
- (a) send a string to the modem
- (b) execute any DOS command
- (c) start any macro
- (d) initiate any {COMMO} function.
-
- 3) Edit all macros without exiting {COMMO}, using the Internal
- Editor. Macros become effective immediately.
-
- 4) Call your computer from a remote location using {COMMO}'s
- convenient Host Mode, written in {COMMO}'s macro language.
-
- The free-form Dialing Directory has space for hundreds of entries.
- Multi Number Dialing is supported from the command line. AutoBaud
- detect adjusts to the speed of the connection. A macro may be
- linked to each directory entry.
-
- Multi-tasking support. {COMMO} is fully DESQview aware, operates in
- far less memory than comparable programs. Also supports OmniView,
- DoubleDOS and others.
-
- 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.
-
- ENQ/ACK terminal protocol support.
-
- Built-in Xmodem and Xmodem-1k (old Ymodem) protocols.
-
- ASCII Upload to send messages and text files. Features line pacing
- and blank line expansion.
-
- The Setup File, Dialing Directory and Macro File may be edited with
- the full-function Internal Editor. String search is available in
- all file windows. Most features are fully configurable.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 2
-
-
- Any file up to 64k in size may be edited within {COMMO} using the
- Internal Editor.
-
- {COMMO} supports all text display modes, including 132 column
- screens.
-
- Split-screen Chat Mode for communicating with another computer which
- is also running a terminal program. All program features are
- available while in Chat Mode.
-
- Doorway Mode lets you operate remote applications with full use of
- your screen and keyboard.
-
- {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature lets you configure any eight strings
- to automatically trigger any eight macros. Thus any protocol with a
- "signature" can be set to start automatically. Zmodem, HS/Link and
- MPt are pre-configured.
-
- Support for any four serial ports. Port addresses and IRQ's are
- configurable. Port speeds up to 115,200 bps (hardware dependent).
- Automatic support for NS16550A (or AF) buffered UART chip.
-
- Serial port signal lights may be displayed on the status line,
- including send and receive. Very useful with internal modems.
-
- Scrollback buffer up to 64k bytes gives instant replay of the text
- that has scrolled off the screen.
-
- Capture Log saves all text from the screen to a disk file. Three
- different capture modes are available.
-
- Screen Image Save writes the current screen to a disk file.
-
- Print Log writes all text from the screen to the printer.
-
- Usage Log records date, time, length of call and other information
- about each call. Date of last call can be saved in the Dialing
- Directory.
-
- Support for visually impaired users with {COMMO}'s configurable
- Speech Friendly Interface.
-
- 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 3
-
-
- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- -------------------------------------
- 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 regarding 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 G for explanations of any error messages
- you receive during your initial use of {COMMO}.
-
- See the section "Preparing Your System" for more details on getting
- started.
-
-
- Quick Start Instructions
- ========================
-
- 1) If you have a hard drive, create a subdirectory named "COMMO."
- Copy all of the files from the {COMMO} archive or distribution
- diskette into this subdirectory.
-
- If your system has only floppy drives, copy the {COMMO} files to
- a formatted diskette.
-
- Now change to the {COMMO} subdirectory or log in to the diskette
- where you have copied the {COMMO} files.
-
- 2) Run the "New User's Guide" by typing "guide" at the DOS prompt.
- Follow the instructions carefully. A macro will automatically
- take you on a tour of some of {COMMO}'s main features.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 4
-
-
- When you are in the Setup File you will be in {COMMO}'s Internal
- Editor and you may change any portion of the file using the arrow
- keys, PgUp, PgDn and other editing keys. Press Alt-E for Edit
- Help to see a list of editing keys.
-
- You may need to change some of the items to conform to your
- system setup. Notice that {COMMO} only looks at the items that
- are contained in curly braces: { }. All other text is treated as
- commentary and is not used by the program.
-
- Most items will not need to be changed until you are more
- familiar with {COMMO}. For now, check the following:
-
- The Default Dialing Parameters in the first item. Make sure
- you have the correct port number (the third field). If your
- modem is on COM2, change it to "2", COM3 to "3", etc. Using
- COM2 it would look like this: {2400,8n1,2,A,0}.
-
- The Modem Initialization String. If you know the commands
- for your own modem, make the necessary adjustments. If you
- don't, then leave it like it is. Refer to Appendix A for
- more information.
-
- The items under "Paths and Files" (page down to see these).
-
- Press [Esc] to save the file and continue the tour.
-
- 3) The next stop is the Dialing Directory. To alter an entry or to
- add new ones, just press "E" to enter edit mode. This is the
- same Internal Editor you used to modify the Setup File. When you
- are finished making changes, press Esc to bring back the Selector
- Bar. Then press Esc again to continue.
-
- 4) Next you will see a sample menu created by the Macro Processor.
- Press Enter to continue and return to the Terminal Screen. Then
- exit {COMMO} with the Alt-X command.
-
- 5) From the DOS prompt type "commo<cr>" to restart the program. The
- new Setup File items will now be in effect.
-
- 6) IMPORTANT! {COMMO}'s Auto Receive feature is set up to
- automatically start the program DSZ.COM (from Omen Technology)
- when the remote system sends a file using the Zmodem protocol.
-
- Do not request a file for downloading with Zmodem until you have
- this program installed in a directory that is in your DOS path
- (or in the current directory). If "Bad command or filename" is
- displayed by DOS, just keep pressing Ctrl-X until it stops. This
- message means you haven't installed DSZ properly.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 5
-
-
- If things happen too quickly to see what is happening, you can
- use EXECute Preview Mode, which will allow you see the results of
- the command execution. Use Alt-T to toggle Preview Mode on/off.
-
- The same principle applies to any other protocol drivers that you
- use, such as MPt, etc. If you don't have an external protocol
- driver installed, use the internal Xmodem protocol (use Xmodem-1k
- whenever possible since it is much faster).
-
- 7) When you see the Status Line at the bottom of the screen, you are
- in the Terminal Screen. Now you may press Alt-D to enter the
- Dialing Directory. Use the up and down arrow keys to select a
- system to call and press Enter. {COMMO} will begin dialing.
-
- 8) When a connection is made with a remote system, {COMMO} will
- return to the Terminal Screen where you may interact with the
- remote.
-
- NOTE: If your modem does not seem to operate properly (no
- connection is made or the data is garbled), read Appendix A
- "Setting Up Your Modem." You may need to change the Modem
- Initialization String in the Setup File. If you change it, exit
- and restart {COMMO} to send the new string. Then try dialing
- again.
-
-
- Preparing Your System
- =====================
-
- The following sections give startup instructions in greater detail.
-
- Make sure that all of the files from the {COMMO} package are in one
- directory or on one diskette. Four of these files are required to
- run the {COMMO} program:
-
- COMMO.COM the Program File
- COMMO.SET the Setup File
- COMMO.FON the Dialing Directory File
- COMMO.MAC the Macro File
-
- In addition, if Online Help is used (recommended):
-
- COMMO.HLP the Online Help File
-
- There are two ways to make sure that {COMMO} will be able to find
- all of its files. The first method is the simplest and should be
- used if you are not too familiar with DOS commands:
-
- 1) Make sure you are logged into the directory or disk drive where
- the files are located. Then simply type "commo" at the DOS
- prompt. If your files are in the directory "C:\COMMO" you would
- type:
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 6
-
-
-
- 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.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 7
-
-
- Command Line Options
- ====================
-
- _______________
-
- Dialing Strings
- _______________
-
- Dialing Strings are used to indicate numbers to dial at program
- startup. If present, they must be placed before any command line
- switches. {COMMO} will search the Dialing Directory for each string
- and mark the first entry where a match is found (case is ignored).
-
- The strings may consist of any part of a Dialing Directory entry
- line (usually part of the system name) and may be separated by
- commas or spaces. The following characters may not appear in a
- command line Dialing String: space, comma, slash (/), curly braces.
-
- After entries in the Dialing Directory are marked, {COMMO} will
- check for a startup macro (specified on the command line or in the
- Setup File). If a startup macro is present, it will be started.
- Otherwise Multi Number Dialing of the marked systems will begin.
-
- Examples:
-
- commo telegodzilla joes-bbs 4567
-
- commo zilla,joes,4567
-
- IMPORTANT! The Modem Initialization String will normally be sent
- before dialing begins. Your modem should be turned on and ready to
- receive the command string before you start {COMMO}.
-
- ________
-
- Switches
- ________
-
- Case is ignored and the switches may be in any order (Dialing
- Strings must precede them, however).
-
- /:label Startup Macro.
-
- This switch can be used to override the "mac=" item in the Setup
- File. The "label" is a one to eight character macro label. If the
- label is found in the Macro File, macro processing will be started.
- If the label is not found the switch will be ignored.
-
- /sfilename Alternate Setup File.
- /dfilename Alternate Dialing Directory File.
- /mfilename Alternate Macro File
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 8
-
-
- Only the filename should be specified. The {COMMO} home directory
- will be assumed for the path.
-
- If an alternate Macro File is specified, it will become the default
- Macro File. This means it will be reloaded when the "R" switch is
- used with the MACLoad macro function.
-
- /knn Scrollback Buffer size.
-
- This switch will override the "sbs=" item in the Setup File. "nn"
- is kilobytes and may be 0 to 64.
-
- /i[y/n] Modem Initialization override.
-
- Forces the Modem Initialization String to be sent ("/iy") or not
- sent ("/in"). This will override the "min=" item in the Setup File.
-
- Example:
-
- C:\COMMO> commo joes zilla /:mailrun /dother.dir /k25 /in
-
- Two systems will be marked in the Dialing Directory.
-
- The macro "mailrun" will be started if it exists in the Macro
- File.
-
- The alternate Dialing Directory "other.dir" will be loaded.
-
- The Scrollback Buffer will be set to 25k in size.
-
- The Modem Initialization String will not be sent.
-
-
- {COMMO} Support Files
- =====================
-
- The {COMMO} files are standard ASCII text files and may be modified
- with any editor (or word processor in "non-document" mode). From
- within {COMMO} they may be edited with {COMMO}'s Internal Editor.
-
- The only control characters (below ASCII 28) allowed in the support
- files are CR/LF pairs and an EOF at the end. {COMMO}'s Internal
- Editor adheres to this rule. Control characters may be represented
- as shown in Appendix D. For example, an ASCII 16 would be written
- as ^P.
-
- Key definitions for the Internal Editor are given in Online Help. A
- Color Chart will be displayed in the editor when F7 is pressed
- (useful in the Setup File and for the DISPlay function in the Macro
- File).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 9
-
-
- NOTE: {COMMO} generally retains the Dialing Directory and Macro
- File in memory during program operation. If you use an external
- editor to modify them while in the Shell to DOS (or using the EXEC
- macro function), your changes could be lost. See "Saving the
- Support Files" below.
-
- Following is a brief description of each file.
-
- 1) COMMO.SET. The Setup File contains settings for many important
- parameters. The first time you run {COMMO} you should use the
- Alt-G key command to edit this file to your own needs. See
- "Alt-G Edit Setup File" for details on each item.
-
- 2) COMMO.FON. The Dialing Directory File. This file contains
- information about each system that you will be calling, including
- the telephone number, password, Linked Macro and serial port
- parameter overrides. Use the Alt-D key command to dial numbers
- and to edit this file. Details are given in the section "Alt-D
- Dialing Directory."
-
- 3) COMMO.MAC. The Macro File. Use the Alt-M key command to select
- a macro for execution and to edit this file. A complete
- description of {COMMO} macros is given in the Macro Programming
- Guide, MACRO.DOC . A summary of macro functions and key
- designators is also given in Online Help.
-
- 4) COMMO.HLP. The Online Help File. This file contains the
- information for {COMMO}'s context-related Online Help. See "How
- to Use Online Help" later in this document.
-
-
- Saving the Support Files
- ========================
-
- Whenever a change is made to any file, the internal change flag is
- set for that file (indicated by an "*" next to the column number in
- the Internal Editor).
-
- The Dialing Directory and Macro File will be saved automatically
- when you exit {COMMO} (if the change flag is set). The Setup File
- and other files that you may edit will be saved when you press Esc
- to exit the editor.
-
- You may press Alt-F in the Internal Editor to immediately save any
- file.
-
- If you do not wish to save your changes to the Dialing Directory or
- Macro File, you may press Alt-Q while in the Internal Editor. This
- will reset {COMMO}'s change flag and the file will not be saved when
- exiting the program. Any subsequent changes to the file will set
- the change flag again.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 10
-
-
- Pressing Alt-Q while editing any other file will cancel the edit.
-
-
- Initialization Procedure
- ========================
-
- When {COMMO} begins running it will read and process the Setup 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 requested in the Setup
- File with {min=yes}, or by the "/iy" command line switch. Use the
- "/in" switch to suppress modem initialization if you are already on
- line.
-
- Please note that {COMMO} does NOT change the video display mode.
- Instead {COMMO} can adapt to any text mode that is set when the
- program is started. Check the items under "Video and Chat Mode" in
- the Setup File for details. See also the section "[Alt-G] Edit
- Setup File" later in this document.
-
- If the display does not look right try executing the DOS command
- "mode co80" or "mode bw80" prior to calling {COMMO}.
-
-
- Terminal Screen
- ===============
-
- The Terminal Screen allows you to see the characters coming in from
- the serial port. Any characters that you type will be sent out to
- the serial port. If you are connected to another system you will be
- interacting with that system.
-
- Keep in mind that you will also be interacting with {COMMO} and with
- your own computer via key commands (Alt keys, for example). These
- key commands have no effect on the remote system unless they cause
- characters to be sent to the serial port (pressing Alt-W to send
- your password, for example).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 11
-
-
- ====================
- {COMMO} Key Commands
- ====================
-
- The Alt Keys shown in this section are the built-in default key
- assignments for the various {COMMO} commands. Once you are familiar
- with these commands you may use the Macro Processor to reassign any
- of the keys.
-
- Keys used within the various command windows are properly detailed
- in Online Help. Please press F1 from any command window to invoke
- {COMMO}'s context-related help system.
-
- Note that certain features are only available as macro functions.
- Refer to MACRO.DOC for details.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-A] ASCII Upload
- ======================
-
- This command is used to send prepared messages or any text files to
- the remote system. Enter the pathname of the file you wish to send.
- Note that the input field will be blank unless a macro is used to
- prompt with a path. The macro supplied in COMMO.MAC is:
-
- {:ala} {ascii %uldir\} {} ASCII Upload with path
-
- Notice the "\" following the path variable. It tells {COMMO} to
- prompt for the filename. If you needed to specify a colon for
- pacing (see below) you could change this to:
-
- {:ala} {ascii %uldir\,:} {} ASCII Upload with path
-
- There is no special error checking associated with ASCII Upload. It
- is intended primarily for sending message responses and other short
- text files. For longer files, binary files or compressed files
- (.ARC, .ZIP) you will want to use error checking protocols such as
- Xmodem, Zmodem, MPt, etc. See "Uploading / Downloading."
-
- A number of parameters are used to control an ASCII Upload:
-
- ___________
-
- Line Pacing
- ___________
-
- IMPORTANT! Line Pacing is used to keep transmitted data
- synchronized with received (echoed) data and is normally used ONLY
- when the remote is sending a prompt for each line, usually "nn:" or
- "nn?". "nn" is a line number and ":" or "?" is the prompt or
- "pacing character."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 12
-
-
-
- {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] Edit
- Setup File."
-
- The pacing character may be any character including control
- characters, e.g. "^m" or "|" for carriage return. See Appendix D
- for details on how to represent special characters.
-
- See also Appendix C "Flow Control."
-
- ________________
-
- Character Pacing
- ________________
-
- You may insert a delay between each character using the Inter-
- Character Delay feature. This should only be used when the remote
- is so slow that it drops characters. See "Set Terminal Parameters"
- for details.
-
- ___________________
-
- Stripping Linefeeds
- ___________________
-
- Normally you will want to strip linefeeds from your outgoing text.
- This will appear to the remote as if you are typing the data. But
- if all your data displays on the same line at the remote, then you
- must configure {COMMO} to send the linefeeds.
-
- NOTE: This item is initialized in the Setup File.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 13
-
-
- _____________________
-
- Expanding Blank Lines
- _____________________
-
- You may configure {COMMO} to send a space character whenever a blank
- line is encountered in the text file you are sending. This will
- prevent your message from terminating prematurely if you are sending
- to a BBS message editor. Blank line expansion is not normally
- required when sending to a "full screen" BBS editor.
-
- NOTE: This item is initialized in the Setup File.
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-B] Send Break Signal
- ===========================
-
- A one second Break Signal will be sent. This signal is used by some
- systems to interrupt certain operations. Use it only when the
- remote system directs you to do so.
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-C] Clear Screen
- ======================
-
- The Terminal Screen will be cleared and the current colors will be
- set to the Setup File defaults.
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-D] Dialing Directory
- ===========================
-
- The Dialing Directory is your data base of telephone numbers. From
- the directory window you can select numbers to dial and also update
- the directory using the Internal Editor.
-
- Refer to Online Help for a complete description of the commands
- available in the Dialing Directory window.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 14
-
-
- _______________________________
-
- Dialing Directory Entry Example
- _______________________________
-
-
- System Telephone System Linked Terminal Last
- Name Number Password Macro Parameters Called
- _____________ __________ _________ ______ __________ ______
-
- File City BBS {555-1234} {aardvark} {city} {} 05/20/90
-
- NOTE: Any number of Variable Items may be added following the
- Terminal Parameters item (see below).
-
-
- IMPORTANT! Items in curly braces must be present (they are
- positional). Items which are not used must have a null string {} as
- a placeholder. You may omit null strings at the end of the line.
-
- Directory entries are limited to one per line. Lines may be up to
- 255 characters in length ({COMMO}'s Internal Editor will scroll
- horizontally to follow the cursor).
-
- Comments may be placed anywhere outside the curly braces or on
- separate lines.
-
- ______________________________
-
- System Name File City BBS
- ______________________________
-
- Up to 40 characters in length, it must NOT be enclosed in curly
- braces. The System Name will be displayed on the Status Line
- after connection, unless the Signal Lights option is selected.
- It will also be part of a Usage Log entry if the log is enabled.
-
- ______________________________________
-
- Telephone Number {1-707-555-1234}
- ______________________________________
-
- Spaces and hyphens are ignored by most modems. The Dialing
- Prefix, Telephone Number and Dialing Suffix are strung together
- to form a dialing command (may be up to 128 characters total).
- Refer to your modem manual for details on dialing commands.
-
- Normally the default Dialing Prefix (usually "ATDT") and the
- default Dialing Suffix (usually "|") will be used. These are
- specified in the Setup File. You may also have any number of
- alternate prefixes and suffixes by defining them with SET items
- in the Setup File.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 15
-
-
-
- For example, if you wanted your prefix for a certain entry to be
- "ATM1L3DT" (to turn on the modem speaker LOUD), you could put
- this item in your Setup File:
-
- {set spkrpref,ATM1L3DT} Loud speaker prefix
-
- Then your entry might look like this:
-
- File City {%spkrpref%555-1234} {pword} {city} {}
-
- The prefix "spkrpref" will override the default prefix if it is
- at the very beginning of the telephone number field. Similarly,
- an override suffix may be specified if it is at the very end of
- the field.
-
- Notice that these are variable names and must be bracketed
- between "%" characters. Variables may be placed anywhere else
- within the number field as well, but they will not override the
- default prefix or suffix unless they are at the very beginning or
- very end, respectively.
-
- You may use variables defined with SET items in the Setup File or
- variables set within macros.
-
- _________________________________
-
- System Password {mypassword}
- _________________________________
-
- A different Password String may be defined for each system that
- you call. Passwords may be up to 64 characters in length.
-
- The Password String may be sent by pressing Alt-W or by using the
- variable "_pas" in a SEND macro function.
-
- Passwords are invisible in the Dialing Directory window, but
- appear when you enter [E]dit mode.
-
- Rules for writing passwords are in Appendix D.
-
- ________________________
-
- Linked Macro {city}
- ________________________
-
- If a valid Linked Macro is specified, it will be started when a
- connection is established with the remote system. If no macro is
- specified (or the macro label is not found), {COMMO} will enter
- the Terminal Screen.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 16
-
-
- ___________________________
-
- Terminal Parameters {}
- ___________________________
-
- This item allows you to override any or all of the Dialing
- Default parameters for the current call. Prior to dialing each
- number, {COMMO} will set all Terminal Parameters to the Dialing
- Defaults (Dialing Defaults are initialized in the Setup File, but
- may be changed with the DPARms macro function or with the Alt-P
- key command).
-
- If a system requires parameters that are different from the
- Dialing Defaults, specify them in this item.
-
- The general form of this item is:
-
- {speed,format,comport,terminal-type,delay}
-
- For example, you might have "{,7,,V}", which would set the Data
- Format to "7e1" and the Terminal-type to VT102, but would use the
- Dialing Defaults for the other parameters.
-
- See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description of each
- field. See also "AutoBaud Detect."
-
- _________________________
-
- Last Called 05/20/90
- _________________________
-
- If this item is present, {COMMO} will replace it with the current
- date whenever a connection is made with the system. It may
- appear anywhere on the entry line (outside the curly braces).
- Place "00/00/00" to start it. The Dialing Directory file will be
- saved to disk when you exit {COMMO}.
-
-
- _________________________________
-
- Variable Items {name,string}
- _________________________________
-
- Any number of Variable Items may be included in a directory entry
- and will be set just prior to dialing. The "string" may not
- contain any variables. The first Variable Item must follow the
- Terminal Parameters item (all other items must be present as
- placeholders even if some are null). Example:
-
- Joes-BBS {555-1234} {pword} {mac} {} {bbsid,joesbbs} ...
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 17
-
-
- See also "[Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing."
-
-
- =========================
- [Alt-G] Edit Setup File
- =========================
-
- Pressing Alt-G allows you to edit the Setup File (see "Internal
- Editor" in Online Help for details on editing). The Setup File
- contains initial settings for many parameters used by {COMMO}.
-
- Items changed with the editor are not effective until the next time
- you start the program. However, most items may be changed with key
- commands and/or macro functions while the program is running.
-
- Each item in the Setup File is enclosed in curly braces. Items are
- designated with three letter "keywords" and may be present in any
- order. There are no "required" items. Missing items will take on
- the values shown in the examples below, except for SET items, which
- become null (0 characters) when they are missing.
-
- All text outside the curly braces is commentary and is ignored by
- {COMMO}. Avoid using curly braces other than to bracket setup
- items.
-
-
- Predefining Variables with SET
- ==============================
-
- SET items predefine variables in {COMMO}'s String Variable Space.
- The general form of a SET item is
-
- {set name,string}.
-
- name Any valid variable name, either reserved or user-
- defined.
-
- string A text string to assign to the name. The string
- may not contain any variables.
-
- Any number of SET items may appear in the Setup File. They may be
- used later in macros, in telephone numbers, etc.
-
- See MACRO.DOC for more information on variables.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 18
-
-
- Explanation of Setup File Items
- ===============================
-
- ____________________________________________________________________
-
- {ddp=2400,8n1,1,A,0} Default Dialing Parameters, set when you
- dial (speed,format,port,terminal,delay).
-
- These are also the current settings when
- you start the program.
- ____________________________________________________________________
-
- These values will be used as the current settings when {COMMO} is
- started and each time dialing begins. Use the "Terminal
- Parameters" item in the Dialing Directory to set overrides when
- required. Use Alt-P or the macro function DPARms to change
- dialing parameters at other times.
-
- See "Set Terminal Parameters" for a complete description of each
- field and how to change current parameters as well.
-
- NOTE: PCjr users without the internal modem should specify Com2.
-
- _________________________________________________
-
- {min=yes} Send Modem Init String (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________
-
- If "yes" this will instruct {COMMO} to send the Modem
- Initialization String at program startup. You can override this
- item with the "/iy" or "/in" command line switch.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {set _modini,~AT S0=0 S7=180 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |}
-
- Modem Init String (2400 bps and higher)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- This item defines the reserved variable "_modini" (notice that
- the string itself begins following the comma).
-
- The Modem Initialization String is normally sent to your modem
- when {COMMO} is started or when you press Alt-O.
-
- If you are using a 1200 bps modem you should remove the "&C1 &D2"
- commands. In either case the "X" command may have to be
- adjusted. See Appendix A "Setting Up Your Modem."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 19
-
-
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- {sfc=yes} Software (XON/XOFF) Flow Control (yes/no)
- {hfc=no} Hardware (RTS/CTS) Flow Control (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- These are used to control the flow of data between your computer
- and the remote system. They prevent loss of data when one end
- can send faster than the other end can process the information.
- See Appendix C for details.
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {dex=no} Drop DTR and RTS on exit (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________________
-
- Leave this "no" if you want to exit {COMMO} and return while
- still connected to a host. "Yes" will normally cause the modem
- to hang up when exiting.
-
- ______________________________________________
-
- {enq=no} Answer ENQ with ACK (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________
-
- Some hosts send an ENQ control character (^E) periodically and
- require that the terminal "answer back" with an ACK (^F). Set
- this item to "yes" only if your host requires this.
-
- ________________________________________________
-
- {aut=pzbr,^xB00} Auto Receive, Zmodem
- {aut=phbr,^bR} Auto Receive, HS/Link
- {aut=pmpr,^v^h^vMPt} Auto Receive, MPt
- ________________________________________________
-
- The general form of this item is: {aut=label,string}. When the
- specified string (up to 32 characters, case ignored) is received,
- the macro will be started.
-
- These are normally used for automatically starting downloads, but
- may be used to trigger any macro upon receiving any string.
-
- Up to eight Auto Receive Strings may be specified. Operates in
- Terminal Mode only (use GOLOok/LOOKfor in macros).
-
- See the section "{COMMO} Auto Receive" for more details.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 20
-
-
- ____________________________________________
-
- {com=1,3f8,4} Com1 port address/IRQ
- {com=2,2f8,3} Com2 port address/IRQ
- {com=3,3e8,4} Com3 port address/IRQ
- {com=4,2e8,3} Com4 port address/IRQ
- ____________________________________________
-
- These are the hardware serial port base address and IRQ
- assignments. The settings shown are the most common, but some
- serial adapters are different. The serial adapter manual may
- give a range of addresses, for example "3f8-3ff." Use the first
- value as the base address.
-
- _____________________________________________
-
- {abd=no} AutoBaud Detect on (yes/no)
- _____________________________________________
-
- Determines the initial state of the AutoBaud toggle. See
- "AutoBaud Detect" under "[Alt-T] Set Toggles."
-
- ____________________________________________________________________
-
- {cdm=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.
-
- __________________________________________________
-
- {set _dialpf,ATDT } Default Dialing Prefix
- {set _dialsf, |} Default Dialing Suffix
- __________________________________________________
-
- These reserved variables define strings that will be used to
- create the modem dialing command. The prefix, telephone number
- and suffix will be strung together in that order and sent to your
- modem when you dial.
-
- Any number of additional prefixes and suffixes may be used by
- including variables in the telephone number string (see "[Alt-D]
- Dialing Directory" for details).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 21
-
-
- 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.
-
- __________________________________________________
-
- {dct=45} Dialing cycle time-out (seconds)
- __________________________________________________
-
- The maximum time to wait before hanging up and redialing. Adjust
- if your modem needs more time to complete a call.
-
- __________________________________________________________
-
- {idt=2} Delay between dialing attempts (seconds)
- __________________________________________________________
-
- Amount of time to wait between dialing attempts. Adjust to give
- incoming calls a greater chance of getting through.
-
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- {set _dialsr,CONNECT} Dialing success response(s)
- {set _dialfr,BUSY,NO CARRIER,NO DIALTONE}
- Dialing failure response(s)
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- These reserved variables each define a list of response codes
- that can be found in your modem manual. Do not include the speed
- in the CONNECT response if you are enabling AutoBaud.
-
- Some modems use a CARRIER response to indicate the modem speed,
- e.g. CARRIER 2400. Using this instead of CONNECT will improve
- the accuracy of the Usage Log. In order to avoid confusion with
- a NO CARRIER response, you should use:
-
- {set _dialsr,CARRIER } Notice the space after CARRIER.
-
- Responses are case sensitive. There should be no null strings or
- extra spaces.
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {set uldir,c:\commo} Path to find uploads
- {set dldir,c:\commo} Path to place downloads
- ___________________________________________________
-
- These variables are used in some of the macros in COMMO.MAC and
- SAMPLES.MAC, primarily in the Uploading and Downloading macros.
- They are not reserved variables so you may change their names.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 22
-
-
- __________________________________________________________________
-
- {set dszprog,DSZ.COM} Name of program in DSZ family that you
- have (DSZ.COM, GSZ.EXE or DSZ.EXE)
- __________________________________________________________________
-
- This variable is used in macros that require an Omen Technology
- external protocol driver program. Just enter one of the three
- programs shown and all of the Zmodem and Ymodem macros will use
- it (including the MOSTHOST).
-
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- {set _uselog,c:\commo\commo.log} Pathname for Usage Log
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- This is a reserved variable that tells {COMMO} where to find your
- Usage Log. The Usage Log keeps a record of the calls you make.
- If a valid pathname is specified, entries will be made when:
-
- 1) You connect to a system.
- 2) You transfer a file using an internal protocol.
- 3) You disconnect (or exit {COMMO}).
-
- IMPORTANT! In order for the log to function properly your modem
- must be set to provide "true carrier detect" (see Appendix A).
-
- Use a null pathname or remove this item to disable the Usage Log.
- A null pathname would look like this:
-
- {set _uselog}
-
- The Usage Log should be disabled when you are connecting directly
- to another computer (with a null modem cable).
-
- Specify the same log file as your external protocol driver (e.g.,
- DSZ.LOG or MPT.LOG) and you will have a complete record of your
- calls, including upload/download statistics.
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current directory
- will be used. The pathname of an open Capture File is not
- allowed.
-
- See also Appendix F "Usage Log Format."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 23
-
-
- __________________________________________________________
-
- {cap=c:\commo\commo.cap} Pathname for Capture File
- __________________________________________________________
-
- This is the initial setting for the Capture File pathname. It
- may be changed later with the Alt-1 key command or with the
- CAPTure macro function (do not try to change the "_cap" built-in
- variable with SETV).
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current directory
- will be used.
-
- See also "Capture File Options."
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- {scr=c:\commo\commo.scr} Pathname for Screen Image File
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- This is the initial setting for the Screen Image File pathname.
- It may be changed later with the Alt-I key command, with the
- SCREen macro function, or from within the Scrollback Buffer
- window (do not try to change the "_scr" built-in variable with
- SETV).
-
- If a filename only (no path) is specified, the current directory
- will be used. The pathname of an open Capture File is not
- allowed.
-
- See also "Screen Image Save" and "Scrollback"
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {ebl=yes} Expand blank lines (yes/no)
- {slf=yes} Strip outgoing linefeeds (yes/no)
- {pac=} ASCII Upload pacing character
- ___________________________________________________
-
- These items are used with the ASCII Upload feature.
-
- Blank line expansion sends a space and a carriage return, instead
- of just a carriage return for lines with no data. This prevents
- BBS line editors from terminating prematurely.
-
- Stripping linefeeds gives the data the appearance of being
- entered manually. Linefeeds should not be stripped when the
- remote is not in "edit" mode.
-
- The pacing character shown is null (no pacing). To use a ":" for
- pacing, change the item to
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 24
-
-
- {pac=:}
-
- See "ASCII Upload" for more details.
-
- _____________________________________
-
- {mac=} Startup macro label
- _____________________________________
-
- This item indicates a macro to run when {COMMO} starts up. The
- command line switch "/:" can be used to override it. See
- "Command Line Options."
-
- Example: {mac=begin}.
-
- __________________________________________________
-
- {edd=no} Enter Dialing Directory (yes/no)
- __________________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" the Dialing Directory will be entered
- when {COMMO} is started (if no Dialing Strings or Startup Macro
- are present on the command line).
-
- ________________________________________
-
- {loc=no} Local Echo on (yes/no)
- ________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Local Echo will be on when {COMMO} is
- started.
-
- _________________________________________
-
- {sts=yes} Status Line on (yes/no)
- _________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" the Status Line will be on when {COMMO}
- is started.
-
- ___________________________________________
-
- {sig=no} Signal Lights on (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Signal Lights will be on when {COMMO} is
- started.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 25
-
-
- ____________________________________________
-
- {cpf=no} Capture File open (yes/no)
- ____________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" Capture will be open when {COMMO} is
- started. See "Capture File Options."
-
- _______________________________________________________
-
- {cpm=screen} Capture Mode (screen/filter/raw)
- _______________________________________________________
-
- See "Capture File Options" for a description of each mode.
-
- _____________________________________________________
-
- {tek=no} Test for enhanced keyboard (yes/no)
- _____________________________________________________
-
- Set this to "yes" if your system supports the enhanced (101 key)
- keyboard. This will enable you to assign F11, F12 and a number
- of other keys to your macros. See Appendix A "Table of {COMMO}
- Key-labels" in MACRO.DOC.
-
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- {tsn=yes} Display time of day with System Name (yes/no)
- _______________________________________________________________
-
- If this is "yes" the time of day will be displayed on the right
- side of the Status Line. Set this to "no" if you want the System
- Name given more space. Note that this has no effect when the
- Signal Lights are displayed.
-
- __________________________________________
-
- {snd=yes} Master Sound on (yes/no)
- __________________________________________
-
- If this is set to "yes" sound will be on when {COMMO} is started.
- If "no" all sounds will be silenced.
-
- ___________________________________________________
-
- {dca=yes} Dialing connection alarm (yes/no)
- ___________________________________________________
-
- Controls the alarm that signals a connection when Auto Dialing is
- used. The alarm will not be sounded when a valid Linked Macro is
- specified in the Dialing Directory.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 26
-
-
- ______________________________________________________
-
- {afa=yes} ASCII Upload finished alarm (yes/no)
- ______________________________________________________
-
- Controls the alarm that signals completion of an ASCII Upload.
-
- _________________________________________________________
-
- {ers=yes} Make sounds on errors/warnings (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________________
-
- This controls the special sounds made for certain errors and
- warning messages.
-
- _______________________________________________________
-
- {rng=3} Maximum number of alarm rings (1-999)
- _______________________________________________________
-
- Sets the number of times the alarm will ring. You may press a
- key at any time to stop the alarm.
-
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- {sbs=10} Scrollback buffer size in kilobytes (0-64)
- ____________________________________________________________
-
- The actual minimum size of the buffer (which {COMMO} will
- compute) depends on the number of screen lines and columns. For
- a 25x80 screen it will be about 4k bytes -- it will be larger for
- screens with more lines and/or columns. This includes room to
- save the current screen.
-
- Setting the size to 0 disables the Scrollback feature. See also
- "Scrollback."
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- {adn=no} Auto-detect number of rows and columns (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- {COMMO} will support 25 to 127 rows and 80 to 255 columns on the
- display, but you MUST set the display into the proper mode before
- starting the program (EGA/VGA adapters usually come with
- utilities to set modes such as 50x80, 44x132, etc.).
-
- Set this item to "yes" if you want {COMMO} to automatically
- obtain the current number of rows and columns from the system.
- Most systems provide this information. If the display is
- unsatisfactory, you may have to set it to "no."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 27
-
-
- NOTE: The cursor may not display properly in 43 line mode. This
- is a problem with some EGA adapters.
-
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- {ucw=18} Number of lines in upper Chat Mode window
- ___________________________________________________________
-
- This allows you to adjust the line "split" in Chat Mode. The
- minimum number of lines in the upper or lower window is three.
-
- __________________________________________________________________
-
- {swe=no} Send when Enter is pressed in Chat Mode (yes/no)
- __________________________________________________________________
-
- If "no" {COMMO} will send each character as you type it. If
- "yes" {COMMO} will wait until you press Enter, then send all that
- you have typed.
-
- ____________________________________________________
-
- {sfi=no} Speech Friendly Interface (yes/no)
- ____________________________________________________
-
- If this is "yes" {COMMO} will be much friendlier to users with
- speech synthesizer boards (these enable blind users to read the
- computer display). Terminal Screen data and many error and
- information messages will be displayed using the BIOS. Also, the
- up and down arrow keys move the cursor instead of scrolling the
- screen in windows such as Online Help, Scrollback and View String
- Variable Space.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- {bsc=no} Use BIOS for Terminal Screen scrolling (yes/no)
- {sno=no} Snow checking on CGA adapter (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________________________
-
- Change these video parameters only if necessary.
-
- o BIOS scrolling enables external scrollback programs to work,
- but is slower and may cause "flicker" in certain displays.
-
- o Snow checking will also slow the display, but will help to
- eliminate the "snow" effect on CGA monitors.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 28
-
-
- _________________________________________________
-
- {ema=no} Enable mono attributes (yes/no)
- _________________________________________________
-
- If this is "no" the default mono attributes will be used, no
- matter what colors are set in the following items. Set it to
- "yes" if you want to set your own monochrome attributes (high
- intensity, reverse video, underline, etc.). This has no effect
- on color displays.
-
- ____________________________________________
-
- {tsc=07} Terminal Screen colors
- {slc=17} Status Line colors
- {fwt=17} File window text colors
- {fwb=70} File window border colors
- {fws=3f} File window cursor colors
- {swt=70} Small window text colors
- {swb=17} Small window border colors
- ____________________________________________
-
- Press F7 while editing the Setup File 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.
-
- Colors should be set so that the different parts of the screen
- contrast with each other. For example the Status Line should be
- easily discernable from the rest of the Terminal Screen. And the
- borders and Selector Bar should stand out against the text
- portion of the file windows.
-
-
- (End of Setup File items)
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 29
-
-
- =================
- [Alt-H] Hang Up
- =================
-
- Disconnects the call by dropping DTR. This will put the modem "on-
- hook" if response to DTR is enabled (see Appendix A). If your modem
- does not respond properly, you may define a macro to send a "hang-
- up" command. For modems using the "AT" command set the macro would
- look like this:
-
- {alh} {send ~~~+++~~~ATH|} {} Press Alt-H to hangup
-
- Of course, you may assign this macro to any key you like.
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-I] Screen Image Save
- ===========================
-
- The Screen Image Save is used to append all of the text currently on
- the screen to a disk file. This is sometimes handier than
- repeatedly opening and closing the Capture File.
-
- TIPS on using Screen Image Save:
-
- > The pathname may not be the same as the pathname of an open
- Capture File.
-
- > If the file cannot be opened, the old pathname is retained.
-
- NOTE: The current Screen Image Save file is also used to save
- blocks of text in the Scrollback feature.
-
- See also "Capture File Options" and "Scrollback."
-
-
- ====================
- [Alt-K] Scrollback
- ====================
-
- Scrollback allows you to see what was previously on your screen.
- Screen data is saved to a memory buffer (the size is defined in the
- Setup File). Set the size to 0 to disable the feature entirely.
-
- A number of commands are available in Scrollback:
-
- 1) You may navigate as in the Online Help file -- scroll up/down,
- page up/down, beginning/end of buffer, etc.
-
- 2) Use the String Search feature available in all {COMMO} file
- windows.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 30
-
-
- 3) Change the Screen Image Save pathname.
-
- 4) Write any part of the Scrollback buffer to the current Screen
- Image Save file.
-
- 5) Exit and return to the same place the next time you call
- Scrollback.
-
- 6) Jump directly to the Dialing Directory or Macro Processor
- windows.
-
-
- =========================
- [Alt-M] Macro Processor
- =========================
-
- The Macro Processor executes and maintains {COMMO} macros. See the
- Macro Programming Guide, MACRO.DOC, which shows you how easily you
- can automate program operations, link to external protocols (used
- for Uploading/Downloading), assign keys and perform a myriad of
- other functions. The Macro File is maintained with the Internal
- Editor.
-
- See Online Help for details on operations within the Macro Processor
- window.
-
-
- ==============================
- [Alt-N] Multi Number Dialing
- ==============================
-
- Any number of entries may be "marked" in the Dialing Directory, then
- automatically dialed in sequence until a connection is established.
- Multi Number Dialing may be initiated in one of four ways:
-
- 1) Bring up the Dialing Directory window with Alt-D, then move the
- Selector Bar to each desired entry and press [Space] (repeat the
- procedure to unmark an entry). Press Alt-N to begin dialing at
- the location of the Selector Bar.
-
- 2) Specify entries with Dialing Strings on the command line used to
- run {COMMO} (see "Command Line Options"). Specified entries will
- be marked and dialed in sequence when {COMMO} is started.
-
- 3) Specify entries with Dialing Strings in a macro, using the MARK
- function (see MACRO.DOC).
-
- 4) Press Alt-N from the Terminal Screen. Dialing of marked entries
- will resume with the next system in the sequence.
-
- See also "[Alt-D] Dialing Directory" and the DIAL function in
- MACRO.DOC.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 31
-
-
-
-
- ==========================================
- [Alt-O] Send Modem Initialization String
- ==========================================
-
- Pressing Alt-O at any time from the Terminal Screen will cause the
- Modem Initialization String to be sent to the modem (if one is
- defined). This is useful if your modem was powered off or if the
- modem setup was changed.
-
-
- =================================
- [Alt-P] Set Terminal Parameters
- =================================
-
- The Terminal Parameters affect the transmission of data to and from
- your computer. They are usually displayed or defined with a string.
- For example:
-
- {2400,8n1,1,A,0} Speed,format,port,terminal,delay.
-
- {COMMO} keeps two complete sets of Terminal Parameters:
-
- 1) The Current Parameters as shown on the left side of the
- Status Line.
-
- 2) The Default Dialing Parameters. These will be set each time
- a number is dialed unless overridden by parameters in the
- Dialing Directory.
-
-
- Parameter Descriptions
- ======================
-
- _____
-
- Speed
- _____
-
- The rate at which data travels between your computer and your modem
- (or remote system if no modem is used). It is specified as "bits
- per second" or "bps." Allowable values are 300, 600, 1200, 2400,
- 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200. These may be abbreviated
- to the first two characters in Serial Port Parameter strings.
-
- See "AutoBaud Detect" for more information on setting the Speed.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 32
-
-
- ___________
-
- 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,A,0}
-
- ___________
-
- Serial Port
- ___________
-
- The channel your computer uses to talk to the outside world. May be
- 1, 2, 3 or 4 (for Com1, Com2, Com3 or Com4).
-
- NOTE: PCjr users without the internal modem should specify Com2.
-
- _______________________
-
- Terminal Emulation Type
- _______________________
-
- {COMMO} supports the following terminal types:
-
- ANSI-BBS (A) for calling most bulletin board systems
- VT102 (V) for calling certain mainframes and online services
- TTY (T) for turning off almost all control functions (lets
- you see ANSI control sequences).
-
- _____________________
-
- 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).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 33
-
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- Setting Terminal Parameters
- ===========================
-
- __________________________
-
- With the Alt-P Key Command
- __________________________
-
- Alt-P may be used at any time to change the Current Parameters or
- the Default Dialing Parameters. Remember that Current Parameters
- will be reset to the Default Dialing Parameters whenever dialing
- begins.
-
- ________________________
-
- In the Dialing Directory
- ________________________
-
- Serial Port Parameters may be specified in a Dialing Directory entry
- to override the Default Dialing Parameters. Specify only values
- that are different. For example:
-
- {,,3,V} A different serial port and terminal emulation is
- required for this call.
-
- {,8o2} Unusual format required.
-
- __________________________________________
-
- Using the Macro functions PARMs and DPARms
- __________________________________________
-
- Use these to set parameters during macro execution. See MACRO.DOC.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 34
-
-
- ======================
- [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-T] Set Toggles
- =====================
-
- This key command is used to set a number of miscellaneous toggle
- (yes/no) parameters. Some take effect while you are still in the
- Set Toggles window -- others when you exit the window.
-
- Some of the toggles will be described here. The others are detailed
- in their respective sections of this document.
-
-
- Sound Control Toggle
- ====================
-
- This is the Master Sound Control toggle. When sound is OFF all
- alarms, sounds and beeps will be silenced. Alarms are individually
- controlled with items in the Setup File and with the "A" switch in
- EXECute macro functions.
-
-
- AutoBaud Toggle
- ===============
-
- AutoBaud Detect enables {COMMO} to automatically adjust to the line
- speed of the system you are calling. You won't have 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 Dialing Speed in the Setup File should be set to your
- modem's highest speed.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 35
-
-
- ____________________
-
- Most 2400 bps modems
- ____________________
-
- Toggle AutoBaud Detect to the ON state. Set the Default Dialing
- Speed in the Setup 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.
-
- IMPORTANT! Check your modem manual for details.
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- Signal Lights Toggle
- ====================
-
- Turns ON/OFF the "modem lights" display on the status line. Shows
- the state of the RS-232C signals, including send and receive.
-
- This toggles the right half of the Status Line from the System Name
- to the Signal Lights Display. See "What is on the Status Line" in
- Online Help for a complete description of the Status Line
- indicators.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 36
-
-
- ======================
- [Alt-U] Utility Menu
- ======================
-
- The Utility Menu is supported by a macro in COMMO.MAC. It contains
- a selection of features created by {COMMO} macros.
-
- Example features include:
-
- Edit any external text file less than 64k in size.
- Run any macro by name.
- Run the host mode macro, MOSTHOST.MAC.
- Edit the host mode macro.
-
- NOTE: The Utility Menu will not be available when another Macro
- File has been loaded by the MACLoad macro function.
-
-
- ===============================
- [Alt-W] Send Current Password
- ===============================
-
- Each entry in the Dialing Directory can have its own Password
- String. After dialing a number, the Alt-W key command will send the
- current Password String to the remote system.
-
- For additional details on Passwords see "[Alt-D] Dialing
- Directory."
-
-
- ===========================
- [Alt-X] Exit from {COMMO}
- ===========================
-
- This key command will cause {COMMO} to terminate, saving all support
- files with outstanding changes.
-
- You may configure {COMMO} to leave DTR high when exiting so that you
- may exit and remain connected to a system (this is the default, see
- "[Alt-G] Edit Setup File").
-
- If you re-enter {COMMO} while still online you should use the "/in"
- command line switch to prevent the Modem Initialization String from
- being sent.
-
- Alt-X may also be pressed from the Dialing Directory or Macro File
- windows for a quick exit.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 37
-
-
- ==============================
- [Alt-1] Capture File Options
- ==============================
-
- When Capture is OPEN all information written to your screen will be
- saved to the designated disk file. This command allows you to:
-
- 1) OPEN/CLOSE the Capture File.
- 2) Change to a different file.
- 3) Change the Capture Mode.
-
- Data may be captured in one of three modes. The startup Capture
- Mode is selected in the Setup File.
-
- If the mode is set to SCREEN, data will be captured exactly as it
- appears on the Terminal Screen. This mode greatly improves the
- appearance of data captured from screens drawn with ANSI
- positioning sequences (animation).
-
- FILTER mode is used primarily when you need to capture lines
- longer than the width of the screen (e.g., to be printed on a
- wide carriage printer). ANSI controls will still be stripped out
- if ANSI-BBS or VT102 emulation is on.
-
- Use RAW mode when you want all data captured exactly as it comes
- from the serial port. ANSI control sequences will not be
- stripped and length of lines will be preserved. This mode can be
- used to capture ANSI animation and color to be "played back"
- later.
-
- TIPS on using the Capture File:
-
- > IMPORTANT! When capturing to a floppy drive, the diskette should
- not be removed until the Capture File is closed (this also
- applies if the "disk full" message appears). DOS is unaware of a
- disk change and may overwrite the replacement disk.
-
- > The old file will be closed if a new file is opened.
-
- > If Capture Mode is set to SCREEN, text will be saved as it
- scrolls OFF the screen. To prevent loss of data, the entire
- screen will be saved in the following situations:
-
- (1) whenever the screen is cleared
- (2) Capture is closed with Alt-1
- (3) {COMMO} is terminated
- (4) the mode is changed from SCREEN to FILTER or RAW
-
- > If Capture Mode is set to FILTER or RAW, text will be saved as it
- arrives from the serial port.
-
- See also "Screen Image Save."
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 38
-
-
-
-
- ==========================
- [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.
-
- > To prevent loss of data, the entire screen will be printed in the
- following situations:
-
- (1) whenever the screen is cleared
- (2) Print Log is turned off with Alt-2
- (3) {COMMO} is terminated
-
- > Flow Control should be used if your printer cannot keep up with
- the incoming data (see Appendix C).
-
-
- ==========================
- [Alt--] Chat Mode Toggle (Alt minus)
- ==========================
-
- Chat Mode is normally used when you wish to converse via keyboard.
- The screen will be split with the upper portion showing what the
- remote is sending, while the lower portion shows what you type.
-
- The method used to send typed characters is selected in the Setup
- File under the section "Video and Chat Mode." The two possible
- methods are:
-
- 1) Each character is sent as you type it. This method is
- normally used when you are chatting with another person who
- is also in Chat Mode.
-
- 2) All characters are sent at once when you press Enter (up to
- 240 characters will be buffered). Use this method when you
- are using a teleconferencing system or "CB Simulator."
-
- The number of lines in the upper and lower portions of the screen
- (the "line split") may also be set in the "Video and Chat Mode"
- section.
-
- TIPS on using Chat Mode:
-
- > Alt-- (Alt minus) is used to enter AND exit Chat Mode.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 39
-
-
-
- > All {COMMO} functions are available in Chat Mode except Doorway
- Mode.
-
-
- =============================
- [Alt-=] Doorway Mode Toggle
- =============================
-
- Definition: "Extended keys" are function keys, Alt keys, cursor
- keys, etc. In other words, keys that do not generate ASCII
- characters.
-
- In Doorway Mode all extended keys will send their key codes to the
- remote (instead of activating {COMMO} functions). Thus Doorway Mode
- can be used to operate most application software on the remote
- system when used with a host program such as Marshall Dudley's
- Doorway. In addition some BBS full-screen editors use Doorway Mode.
-
- TIPS on using Doorway Mode:
-
- > The Alt-= key is necessarily reserved for exiting Doorway Mode
- and thus cannot be sent to the remote. Be sure to configure
- remote applications accordingly.
-
- > The display should be set to the number of lines expected by the
- host program. Usually this is 25 lines of text. If your display
- is not in the proper mode, the results will be unpredictable.
-
- > The Status Line is normally suppressed in Doorway Mode, but may
- be turned on by using the "S" switch in a macro:
-
- {:al=} {doorway-s} {}
-
- The "s" switch is ignored when exiting Doorway Mode and the
- Status Line will be restored to its previous state. Remember
- that when the Status Line is on, there is one less usable line on
- the Terminal Screen.
-
- > If it is necessary to clear the screen or to reset the terminal
- emulation mode parameters when starting Doorway Mode, use a
- macro. For example:
-
- {:al=} {clear} {parms ,,,a} {doorway} {}
-
- This macro will execute when entering or exiting Doorway Mode
- (Alt-= must be used to exit, but any key may be assigned to enter
- Doorway Mode).
-
- > For most applications you will want Terminal-Type set to
- ANSI-BBS. It's a good idea to enter Doorway Mode before starting
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 40
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- =============================
- [F1] How to Use Online Help
- =============================
-
- A summary of {COMMO}'s operations is available by pressing F1. The
- Online Help support file, COMMO.HLP, must be in the {COMMO} home
- directory or you will get an error message.
-
- This message will also be issued if there is not enough memory to
- load the Online Help file. Note that the file is retained in memory
- until {COMMO} requires memory for some other program function. It
- will automatically be re-read when necessary.
-
- Once the Help window is entered you will see the Help control keys
- listed at the bottom of the screen. At this point you may obtain
- more detailed information about using Online Help by typing "H".
-
-
- Modifying the Help File
- =======================
-
- When you are familiar with {COMMO} you may wish to reduce the size
- of the Help File. Feel free to edit this file -- you can even set
- up your own menu.
-
- The search keys are in the bars separating the topics. The
- character following the "T" in the middle of the bar may be changed
- to create your own key. Keep in mind that the context-related Help
- uses topic characters that cannot be changed.
-
- The HELP macro function enables you to assign a key to go directly
- to any topic in Online Help. For example:
-
- {:cf6} {help J} {}
-
- will go to topic "TJ" when Ctrl-F6 is pressed. Use any single
- character as the key (do not include the "T").
-
- If you change the Help File, remember to keep a backup copy of the
- original.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 41
-
-
- ====================================
- [PgUp]/[PgDn] Uploading/Downloading
- ====================================
-
- When you press PgUp or PgDn you will be presented with a menu from
- which you may select a file transfer protocol. Protocols provide
- the ability to transfer any kind of data using error correction
- methods.
-
- {COMMO} has the Xmodem and Xmodem-1k (old Ymodem) protocols built in
- and provides you with macros to send and receive. In addition the
- Macro File is pre-configured with macros that execute various
- popular protocol drivers, including DSZ which performs Zmodem,
- Ymodem Batch and Ymodem-G uploads and downloads.
-
- The PgUp and PgDn menus are implemented using {COMMO}'s powerful
- Macro Processor which enables you to execute internal and external
- protocols easily and seamlessly (see below for details on obtaining
- and installing several of these drivers).
-
- You may add macros for any other protocol drivers that you need.
- See the Macro Programming Guide, MACRO.DOC, for details on writing
- macros.
-
-
- How to Install External Protocol Drivers
- ========================================
-
- Protocols such as Zmodem, HS/Link and MPt offer greater convenience,
- speed and reliability. They include features such as:
-
- 1) Automatic startup.
- 2) Transmission of file names, sizes and dates.
- 3) Batch (multiple file) transfers.
- 4) Resuming partial (failed) transfers.
- 5) Bi-directional transfers (HS/Link only)
-
- External protocol "drivers" can be obtained from BBS's and other
- sources. You can download them using {COMMO}'s internal protocols.
-
- To install DSZ, HS/Link, MPt or OZBEXT, just place the executable
- file (e.g., DSZ.COM, HSLINK.EXE, MPT.EXE, OZBEXT.EXE) in a directory
- which is specified in your DOS path statement. If you don't have a
- path statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, place the executable in
- your C:\COMMO directory. In the latter case, change to this
- directory before you start {COMMO}.
-
- Each of the protocol driver programs has additional features that
- may be useful to you. Refer to the program's documentation for more
- information.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 42
-
-
- Using DSZ or GSZ
- ================
-
- NOTE: These are Shareware programs from Omen Technology. Like
- {COMMO}, they must be registered for continued use (some features
- are not enabled in the unregistered versions). DSZ may almost
- always be found where you obtained {COMMO} and is usually archived
- as DSZmmdd.ZIP (mmdd is a release date).
-
- DSZ will transfer files using Zmodem, Ymodem Batch and Ymodem-G.
-
- The executable file to install is DSZ.COM.
-
- GSZ is functionally equivalent to DSZ. In addition GSZ provides an
- attractive graphic display of the file transfer in progress. To use
- GSZ you need only change one item in the Setup file:
-
- {set dszprog,GSZ.EXE}
-
- The executable file to install is GSZ.EXE.
-
-
- Using HS/Link
- =============
-
- HS/Link is a Shareware program that offers very fast file transfers.
- It also has bi-directional capability for uploading and downloading
- simultaneously (make sure the remote system allows this feature
- before attempting it).
-
- When you select a download with HS/Link (or if it is started
- automatically, see "Auto Receive"), you will be asked to enter a
- "Filename to Upload" as well. Just press Enter for download only.
-
- Note that your download directory must be specified in HSLINK.CFG or
- received files will be placed in the current directory. For
- example, if your download directory is "c:\dlfiles", put the line
- "-uc:\dlfiles" in your HSLINK.CFG.
-
- The executable file to install is HSLINK.EXE.
-
-
- Using MPt
- =========
-
- MPt is a Shareware program that transfers files using the MPt
- protocol (similar to Zmodem, but not compatible). It offers an
- excellent graphic display during file transfers.
-
- The executable file to install is MPT.EXE.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 43
-
-
- Using OZBEXT
- ============
-
- OZBEXT is a file transfer program for CompuServe users (it is
- available without charge from CIS). This protocol offers much
- better network throughput than Xmodem.
-
- OZBEXT will transfer files using the "B" and "B+" protocols.
-
- The executable file to install is OZBEXT.EXE.
-
-
- {COMMO} Auto Receive
- ====================
-
- This feature will automatically start a macro when a specified
- string is received from the serial port and is normally used for
- starting downloads.
-
- Up to 8 strings and respective macro labels may be defined in the
- "Terminal and Modem" section of the Setup File. These are
- preconfigured for the Zmodem, HS/Link and MPt protocol "signature"
- strings, but you may change them or add new ones as desired.
-
- As an example, suppose one of the Auto Receive strings in your Setup
- File is:
-
- {pzbr,^XB00} Zmodem Auto Receive
-
- This means that when the string "^XB00" is received, the macro at
- label "pzbr" will be started. This string is the Zmodem signature
- string.
-
- In your Macro File you would have the corresponding macro:
-
- Z BATCH {:pzbr} {exec %dszprog port %_por rz -mr %dldir} {}
-
- {COMMO} will execute the macro as soon as the signature string is
- received (be patient, a BBS may take several seconds to load and
- execute its own protocol program).
-
- IMPORTANT! If you have not properly installed the protocol program,
- the message "Bad command or file name" will be periodically
- displayed by DOS. If this happens type Ctrl-X repeatedly until the
- sender cancels the transfer.
-
- TIPS on using Auto Receive:
-
- > If the macro called by Auto Receive EXECutes a DOS command, you
- may want to use EXECute Preview Mode for preliminary testing.
- This will allow you to view the command before execution and to
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 44
-
-
- see the results afterwards. Preview Mode may be toggled on/off
- using the Alt-T key command.
-
- > Auto Receive will not trigger on characters that are displayed to
- the screen while a macro is running.
-
- > The serial port input buffer will be cleared following any
- EXECute function that is part of an Auto Receive macro. 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
- (make sure you have a RETUrn at the end).
-
- > Using short strings, such as "^E" for CIS B protocol may result
- in unexpected triggering of the macro. This is because other
- systems may send the same string for a different purpose (to
- display a "club" symbol, for example). Thus it may be necessary
- to disable a string at times or to discontinue its use.
-
- > A string may be disabled by removing the corresponding macro
- label in the Macro File, but this degrades performance since the
- Macro File must be scanned each time a "hit" occurs. Instead,
- the Setup File item should be removed.
-
- > Auto Receive can be set up for protocols that do not send
- signature strings, such as Xmodem, Ymodem, Ymodem-G, etc. Use
- the prompt that the BBS sends just prior to the file transfer.
- For example, "Start your Ymodem-G now." Note that different
- systems may use different prompts.
-
- > An Auto Receive string can be used to automatically continue
- Multi Number Dialing after you disconnect (in manual mode). Set
- one of the strings to:
-
- {aut=nocar,^jNO CARRIER^m}
-
- Then enter a macro in the Macro File:
-
- {:nocar} {dial ,} {}
-
- When your modem sends "NO CARRIER" the macro will start. Multi
- Number Dialing will resume if any more systems are marked in the
- Dialing Directory.
-
- See also "TIPS on creating LOOKfor strings" in the section
- describing the LOOKfor function.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 45
-
-
- ========== =====================
- Appendix A Setting Up Your Modem
- ========== =====================
-
- Please be aware that there are many different modems in use and that
- it is of the utmost importance that you configure your modem to work
- correctly with {COMMO}. A few tips will be given here, but they are
- no substitute for the detailed installation instructions in your
- modem manual!
-
- When {COMMO} is started, a command string called the Modem
- Initialization String will be sent to the modem. You must make
- certain that you have the correct string in your Setup File. This
- string will perform part or all of the modem setup depending on the
- type of modem. Examples will be given for the most common types.
-
- If your modem is external to your computer, be sure you have
- followed the installation instructions carefully and that the cable
- is connected to the computer's serial port. It is wise to turn off
- power to the computer and the modem when connecting or disconnecting
- any cables.
-
- Also check the Default Dialing Parameters in the Setup File. Make
- sure the serial port number is correct.
-
- _______________
-
- 1200 bps Modems
- _______________
-
- Most 1200 bps modems have switches on them which must be set to
- provide the proper interaction with your computer and with {COMMO}.
- Consult your modem manual concerning these switches and pay
- particular attention to the following:
-
- 1) Enable command recognition. Allows the modem to recognize
- commands (dial, set registers, etc.). Must be in the
- "enable" position or modem will be unusable.
-
- 2) Send result codes in English. This switch should be set so
- that the modem will send verbal responses to commands
- instead of numbers. This is usually controlled by a command
- also (such as ATV1).
-
- 3) Respond to DTR (data terminal ready). This should NOT be in
- the "ignore" or "on all the time" position. This switch
- allows the computer to signal the modem to hang up.
-
- 4) Respond to carrier detect or "allow true carrier." This
- should NOT be set to the "on all the time" position.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 46
-
-
- 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 most 2400 bps modems:
-
- {~AT S0=0 S7=180 E0 Q0 V1 X4 &C1 &D2 |}
-
- See the comments above concerning the "X" command since they apply
- to these modems as well.
-
- IMPORTANT! Many modems that operate at 2400 bps and above require
- additional commands to control features such as data compression and
- error correction. Consult the modem manual for details.
-
- If you need to change the Modem Initialization String, edit the
- Setup File with the Alt-G key command, then restart the program to
- send the string to the modem.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 47
-
-
- Answering a call from another computer
- ======================================
-
- There are two easy ways to use {COMMO} to answer when a friend or
- associate calls you by computer. For best results, make sure you
- are in Chat Mode. Press Alt-- (Alt minus) to enter/exit Chat Mode.
-
- 1) While in Chat Mode or in the Terminal Screen, wait for the phone
- to ring, then type "ATA<cr>" (upper case is not necessary with
- many modems). Your modem should answer immediately (go off hook)
- and begin handshaking with the remote modem.
-
- When you see the CONNECT message you are ready to communicate.
- At this point you can type, send data with macro keys, send a
- text file with ASCII Upload or send any file with an external
- protocol.
-
- You can use a macro key to send the answer command to the modem.
- For example, to send it by pressing Alt-W, place the following
- macro in your Macro File. When the phone rings, press F5:
-
- {nf5} {send ATA|} {} Answer the phone!
-
- 2) The other method involves setting your modem into Auto Answer
- Mode. This method is useful in some situations, but will cause
- the modem to answer whenever the phone rings. This can be
- undesirable if you get a voice call.
-
- To set Auto Answer just type "ATS0=1<cr>" (or make "S0=1" part of
- your Modem Initialization String). This will tell the modem to
- answer on ring "1" (adjust to as many rings as desired). To turn
- off Auto Answer type "ATS0=0<cr>". These may also be sent with
- macro keys.
-
-
- Connecting two computers (null modem cable)
- ===========================================
-
- {COMMO} may be used on a "direct connection" between two computers
- or between a computer and another serial device. Connect the two
- serial ports with a "null modem" cable. Then start the program on
- each computer, having selected the appropriate Default Dialing
- Parameters in the Setup File(s).
-
- The null modem cable should be designed so that the transmit line on
- each end connects to the receive line on the other end. No other
- signals are needed, but none of the RS-232C signals should be left
- "floating." They should be tied high or low (or at least grounded).
-
- You may have to disable the Usage Log in the Setup File by setting
- the path to null: {set _uselog}. The log is triggered by changes in
- Carrier Detect and will slow things down if CD is unpredictable.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 48
-
-
-
-
- ========== =========================
- 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 (or use EXECute Preview
- Mode) so that you can see any error messages (see EXEC function).
-
- CO-PIF.DVP can be changed with the "Change a Program" (CP) command
- on the "Open Window" menu. You may also want to change the
- directory information or other parameters.
-
- TIPS on using {COMMO} with DESQview:
-
- > For best performance the foreground and background "tick counts"
- should both be 10 or less.
-
- > If you switch to another task, do not attempt to access any files
- which may be in use in the {COMMO} window. Examples are the
- Capture File, the Screen Image File and files that may be
- currently involved in a file transfer (upload or download). The
- result may be a loss of part or all of the data in the file.
- This is a general DESQview no-no. You may freely access these
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 49
-
-
- files in the Shell to DOS or Macro Processor features of {COMMO}
- (within the same window).
-
- > If the memory allocated to the window is too small, {COMMO} will
- not be able to load the Online Help file. Since the Online Help
- file is loaded only when requested, you needn't be concerned if
- you don't intend to use it.
-
- > The video display may seem less smooth in DESQview. This is a
- result of {COMMO} using the fastest possible display method, and
- is quite normal. This effect can be reduced by specifying fewer
- clock ticks for foreground and background (4 and 4 seems to work
- well).
-
- > The Snow Checking option should not be used when {COMMO} is run
- under DESQview. If you see "snow" type interference in your CGA
- display, use DESQview's own snow checking (request "synchronized
- access" in the Setup program).
-
- ________
-
- OmniView
- ________
-
- Display bleed-through may be avoided by telling OmniView that
- {COMMO} "Supports TopView Functions" or by using the "/T" switch on
- the OmniView command line.
-
- See "TIPS on using {COMMO} with DESQview" in the previous section,
- most of which apply to OmniView as well.
-
- _________
-
- DoubleDOS
- _________
-
- Color displays require the "DISPLAY = TEXT" option in DDCONFIG.SYS.
- Run {COMMO} in the bottom partition -- about 130k to 150k should
- suffice if you plan to use Online Help and/or external protocols.
- Increase this size in proportion to the size of your Scrollback
- buffer.
-
- Some non-multi-tasker-aware, direct-screen-writing programs executed
- with the Macro Processor or Shell to DOS may not display properly.
- If this happens you may have to run {COMMO} in the top partition.
-
- Use the supplied DBLDANSI.SYS driver in place of your ANSI.SYS for
- running other programs in this partition ({COMMO} doesn't use it).
-
- With this setup you may run any non-graphics program in the top
- partition, including direct screen writers.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 50
-
-
- 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.
-
-
- ========== ============
- Appendix C Flow Control
- ========== ============
-
- Flow Control is a signalling system used by communications devices
- to prevent data from being transmitted faster than it can be
- processed by the receiving system. This is especially important
- when data is transferred at high speeds.
-
- Flow Control is initialized in the Setup File and is used by {COMMO}
- for both sending and receiving. You may specify Software Flow
- Control, Hardware Flow Control or both. Changes may be made at any
- time using the "[Alt-T] Set Toggles" key command (or with the HFLOw
- and SFLOw macro functions) and will be effective immediately.
-
- Software Flow Control uses a control character called XOFF (or ^S)
- to signal the remote to pause. XON (^Q) is the signal to "resume
- transmission." This is normally used only for ASCII data, since
- these characters may appear randomly within binary data. An XOFF
- pause will automatically be released in 20 seconds if no XON is
- received. It will also be released if you type a character in the
- Terminal Screen.
-
- Hardware Flow Control uses the RTS/CTS lines in your RS-232C (serial
- port) cable to signal pause/resume without interfering with the
- data. It should only be used when you are connected to a device
- which also recognizes RTS/CTS Flow Control (such as a high-speed
- modem or another computer connected with a null modem cable). A
- CTS-off (send) pause will not be released automatically. Turn off
- Hardware Flow Control (using Alt-T) if you need to override it.
-
- TIPS on using Flow Control:
-
- > Your modem must be properly initialized to utilize flow control
- (consult the manual for details).
-
- > Since Software Flow Control uses the XOFF (ASCII 19) and XON
- (ASCII 17) characters, these will not display on the screen. If
- it is necessary to display them, Software Flow Control must be
- turned off.
-
- > It is especially important to use Flow Control when the Print Log
- is on, since data is usually received faster than it can be
- printed. If you type a character to the remote during a flow
- control pause, the remote may begin sending again (some systems
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 51
-
-
- resume on any character, not just XON). You may have to turn off
- the Print Log if this happens.
-
-
- ========== ==============================
- Appendix D ASCII Character Representation
- ========== ==============================
-
- Sometimes it is necessary to enter control characters and other
- special characters in the {COMMO} support files or as input to
- {COMMO} key commands.
-
- For example, a carriage return (typed with the Enter key) is used to
- terminate your typed input. Therefore a carriage return must be
- represented by some other character (or characters) in order to be
- used as data.
-
- The process of translating represented characters to actual
- characters is done in many places in {COMMO}. Some examples are:
-
- 1) Strings sent to the modem. These include the Modem
- Initialization String, dialing prefixes and suffixes,
- telephone numbers, the Password String, strings defined in
- macro functions such as SEND, SETLook (the prompt response),
- VTCUr and VTPAd.
-
- 2) Strings defined in other macro functions such as LOOKfor,
- GOLOok, EXECute and DISPlay.
-
- All control characters may be represented using the (^) caret symbol
- (it is the shift character above the top row "6"). If you need to
- send a caret, use two carets (^^).
-
- For convenience, two "normal" characters have special meanings in
- certain contexts:
-
- The vertical bar (|) may be used to represent a carriage return.
- If you need a vertical bar, use (^|). In the EXECute function
- the vertical bar is never translated.
-
- The tilde (~) forces a one-half second delay when it is
- encountered in a string that is being sent to the modem. If you
- need a tilde, use (^~). This is effective only in strings that
- are sent to the modem. In other strings the tilde is not
- translated.
-
- Finally, curly braces { } are very special characters and may not be
- used as data in the support files. They are represented as follows,
- using parentheses:
-
- Left curly brace ^(
- Right curly brace ^)
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 52
-
-
-
- Here is a list of some of the most common control characters and how
- to represent them. Upper or lower case may be used.
-
- Carriage return ^M or |
- Linefeed ^J
- Formfeed ^L
- Escape ^[
- Bell ^G
- XOFF ^S
- XON ^Q
- End of file ^Z
-
- Here is a table of all ASCII control characters. Values are
- decimal:
-
- 0 ... ^@ 7 ... ^G 14 ... ^N 21 ... ^U
- 1 ... ^A 8 ... ^H 15 ... ^O 22 ... ^V
- 2 ... ^B 9 ... ^I 16 ... ^P 23 ... ^W
- 3 ... ^C 10 ... ^J 17 ... ^Q 24 ... ^X
- 4 ... ^D 11 ... ^K 18 ... ^R 25 ... ^Y
- 5 ... ^E 12 ... ^L 19 ... ^S 26 ... ^Z
- 6 ... ^F 13 ... ^M 20 ... ^T 27 ... ^[
-
- ASCII 28 to 31 and those in the extended graphic character set (128
- to 255), may be typed using the ALT-NUMERIC-KEYPAD method as
- follows:
-
- 1. Hold down the Alt key (and keep it down).
- 2. Enter the ASCII code in decimal using the numeric keypad
- keys (1, 2 or 3 digits are ok).
- 3. Release the Alt key.
-
-
- ========== ==================
- 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 Terminal Emulation Type (as defined by the Default Dialing
- Parameter string) will be set whenever a system is dialed. It may
- be changed temporarily using the Alt-P key command or the PARMs
- macro function. The Default Dialing Parameters may be changed using
- the Alt-P key command or the DPARms macro function.
-
- TIPS on using terminal emulation:
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 53
-
-
-
- > 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 Setup File to {07}. See the
- note under "Colors" in the section "[Alt-G] Setup File."
-
-
- Printer Support
- ===============
-
- {COMMO} supports the ANSI/VT102 printer functions, controlled by the
- remote system.
-
- The "Printer ON/OFF" function will turn {COMMO}'s Print Log
- ON/OFF.
-
- The "Dedicated Printing" function will send all input from the
- serial port directly to the printer. This allows for
- "transparent" transmission of printer data, including control
- codes.
-
- The "Print Screen" function will print the entire current screen.
-
- The printer should be on and ready to print when these functions are
- used. When "Dedicated Printing" is active no characters will be
- displayed on the screen.
-
-
- ANSI-BBS Keyboard Support
- =========================
-
- The sample Macro File is set up so you can use the PC keypad keys
- (arrow keys, PgUp, PgDn, etc.) with most BBS full-screen editors.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 54
-
-
- VT102 Keyboard Simulation
- =========================
-
- Two keyboard files, VT102-1.MAC and VT102-2.MAC, provide support to
- simulate the VT102 keyboard. You may merge one of these into
- COMMO.MAC if you intend to use VT102 all the time (replace the ANSI-
- BBS keys). Be sure that you have no conflicting key-labels
- (remember that {COMMO} will use the first occurrence of a key-
- label).
-
- Or you can use the MACLoad function in your login macro to load the
- VT102 file automatically when you connect to the host. 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."
-
- ___________
-
- 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:
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 55
-
-
-
- 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 Usage Log Format
- ========== ================
-
- The {On} and {Off} entries are self-explanatory.
-
- Here is an example of a file transfer entry:
-
- {SX} 0 c:\ul\nlbbs.rep 1664 CRC 1024 0 errors
-
- {SX} Send {SX} or receive {RX} with Xmodem.
- 0 Transfer successful (0) or failed (1).
- c:\ul\nlbbs.rep Pathname of file.
- 1664 Bytes transferred.
- CRC 1024 Transfer method.
- 0 errors Total number of errors (corrected if
- transfer was successful).
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 56
-
-
- ========== ==========================
- Appendix G Error Message Explanations
- ========== ==========================
-
- If you get an error message that you don't understand, check below
- for additional information.
-
- ________________________________
-
- Sorry, out of memory
- Not enough memory for Scrollback
- ________________________________
-
- These messages may occur at program startup. Check the
- following:
-
- 1) {COMMO} cannot allocate its internal buffers. You must make
- more memory available.
-
- 2) {COMMO} cannot load the Dialing Directory and/or Macro File.
- Try reducing the size of either of these files. Removing
- comments may help. Or make more memory available.
-
- 3) {COMMO} cannot allocate the Scrollback Buffer. Reduce its
- size or make more memory available.
-
- _______________________________
-
- Cannot locate command processor
- _______________________________
-
- This is an unusual condition. Type "SET" at the DOS prompt and
- be sure there is a "COMSPEC=" in the list. If there is, make
- sure that COMMAND.COM is in the path specified.
-
- _______________________
-
- Not enough memory
- Program file not found
- Unable to execute shell
- _______________________
-
- A problem was encountered during Shell to DOS or EXEC:
-
- 1) There may not be enough memory to execute the command
- processor or external program you have specified.
-
- 2) The program file you specified in an EXECute function using
- the "D" switch cannot be located. Make sure you specify the
- full path and filename.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 57
-
-
- 3) Some other system error condition may exist. Make sure that
- COMMAND.COM is still available in the "COMSPEC=" path.
-
- ___________________________
-
- Hardware flow control pause
- ___________________________
-
- Hardware Flow Control is in effect and the remote system (or your
- modem) has requested a pause. Try waiting a few seconds for the
- pause to clear; if that fails you may have to turn off Hardware
- Flow Control (use Alt-T, Set Toggles).
-
- _________________________________________
-
- File space full! Delete unnecessary text
- _________________________________________
-
- {COMMO} allows about 65,000 bytes when editing any file (the
- Dialing Directory and Macro File occupy a common file space).
- This limit may be reached when editing any of the files with the
- Internal Editor. If this happens you must reduce the size of the
- file in question. Try removing comment lines and any other
- extraneous information.
-
- This message may also be the result of loading a resident program
- (TSR) in the Shell to DOS or via the EXEC macro function. Other
- causes involve a corruption of DOS parameters and require
- rebooting.
-
- _____________________
-
- Dial command too long
- _____________________
-
- The dial command is limited to 128 characters.
-
- ________________________
-
- Unable to open file
- Unable to open Help File
- File not found
- Path not found
- Too many files
- ________________________
-
- Check the following:
-
- 1) Your "SET COMMO=" command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It may
- be specifying the wrong directory.
- 2) That the path exists where the file should be.
-
-
-
- {COMMO} (tm) User Guide and Reference page 58
-
-
- 3) That the file itself exists (this won't be the problem if
- the file is being created).
- 4) Too many files may be open. You may need to increase your
- FILES= parameter in CONFIG.SYS.
- 5) The Online Help File must be less than 64K bytes in size.
- 6) You cannot use an open Capture File for any other purpose.
-
- ____________________________________
-
- Capture File Closed, disk is full!
- Information not saved, disk is full!
- ____________________________________
-
- The Capture File and Screen Image File should be edited regularly
- to ensure that they are not occupying too much disk space.
-
-
- - end -
-
-