Gold Medal Software 3/Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso/netutils/tsetuk.arj/TSETUK.DOC

Text File | 1993-11-01 | 25KB | 481 lines

                              TIMESET-UK (tm)
                              Version 7.20uk

                 Accurate Time for Your Computer by Modem

                  Copyright 1993, Life Sciences Software
                       Stanwood, Washington, U.S.A.



                               Introduction

TimeSet-UK is a specially designed program for getting accurate time for your
computer by modem from a commercial digital time source serving serving the
British Isles.  This service updates its own system clock frequently and
regularly from international atomic clock time services and uses internal
clock stabilisation to ensure the highest possible clock accuracy for your
computer.

The program features automatic reconfiguration for Summer Time and Winter
Time, using the current British time season rules (Summer Time begins on the
last Sunday in March, Winter Time the day after the third Saturday in October,
both at 02:00:00).

Once you have configured TimeSet-UK, using it is very simple.  All you have
to do is press a function key to initiate the call.

The program will work with any computer from a PC on, but maximum performance
can be expected only with a 286 computer or later.



                          Configuring TimeSet-UK

This is probably the most important section of this manual.  Please read it
carefully and refer to it again if you have any problem running TimeSet-UK.
In almost every case, problems with running TimeSet-UK are due to improper
configuration.

If your copy of TimeSet-UK has never been used before, it will automatically
present the configuration screen when you first run it.  If you have
downloaded your copy from a BBS, there is a good chance that someone has
already configured the program for his own system.  In that case, the program
present the main screen when you load it.  That screen is recognizable by the
big running digital time display.  In that happens, you should press F3 to
get to the configuration screen.  When the configuration screen appears,
press E to get into editing mode, so you can change each configuration item
as needed.

The configuration consists of six lines of data that appear at the tope of
the configuration screen, as in this example:

                Time season:  WINTER TIME
         Port configuration:  COM1    3F8    IRQ4
                Modem speed:  1200
             Dialing method:  TONE
       Modem initialization:  &C1&D2X4
        Phone number prefix:

Press E to get into editing mode.  This will cause the data fields to the
right of the labels to be highlighted and will move the cursor to the start
of the first entry, which in this example is WINTER TIME.  You can move to
each line to make changes by pressing the up-arrow or down-arrow key.  On any
given line, you can use the right-arrow, left-arrow, HOME and END keys to
position the cursor anywhere on that line where you wish to make a change.
To remove a character at the location of the cursor use the DELETE key.  To
insert a character between existing characters, simply move to the correct
location on the line and type it (the configuration editor opens in insert
mode by default).  If you wish to replace one character with another, press
the INSERT key once to get into strikeover mode, then move to the desired
location and type the character.  To replace an entire line, move the cursor
to the far left and press Delete repeatedly until the existing line is empty,
then type in your new data.An easy configuration option is now available via
the CTRL-I option,you simply enter CTRL-I option at the relevant field you
will then see a list a valid options to choose from,this is the recommended
way of configuring timeset.

As you scroll from line to line while in the editor, a help window will
automatically appear on your screen to list options for that line.

Each configuration line is discussed in the following sections.


Time Season

One of three options must be entered on this line: SUMMER TIME, WINTER TIME,
or UNIVERSAL TIME.  (The "TIME" part is optional.)  Summer Time is the period
between late March and late October when our clocks are set ahead one hour.
Winter Time is the period between late October of the current year and late
March of the following year, when our clocks are set normally.  If what you
see on the Time Season line does not match the current time season, simply
delete what is there and type in the correct season.

If you aren't sure what season it is (which is not uncommon near the
transition times), do not leave the field empty, make a guess.  TimeSet-UK
automatically calculates the correct starting and ending dates for Summer
Time and Winter Time for any given year each time you run it, and if you have
guessed wrong about the current season, the program will automatically
reconfigure itself for the right season and adjust the clock accordingly the
first time you place a call to the telephone time service.  As soon as
TimeSet-UK captures the time and date information it compares the captured
date with what you entered as the time season and makes any necessary
adjustment.  The same mechanism operates when the seasons actually change,
so it will never again be necessary for you to manually reconfigure the Time
Season; the program will reconfigure itself automatically the first time it
is run after any season change.

Not many users will need to select UNIVERSAL TIME.  Universal Time is another
name for Greenwich Mean Time.  It is an international reference time (the
time at 0 degrees longitude) and it has no seasons; that is, it is not
advanced by an hour in early spring and set back an hour in autumn.  This
option is for people who want their computer clocks set to universal time for
astronomical or other special purposes.  Airlines, for example, operate
internally on Universal Time (though this is not reflected in the arrival and
departure schedules they provide the public, which are in civil time and do
follow time seasons).


Port Configuration

This line consists of three groups of characters as follows:

                          COMx      yyy     IRQz

where x, yyy, and z are numbers.   x is the number of the serial port to
which your modem is attached.   yyy is the address (in hexadecimal notation)
that your system uses for that port.   z is the number of the IRQ (Interrupt
Request line) your system uses for that port.

You need to be very careful when you edit this line, particularly with the
port address and IRQ (yyy and z).  Refer to the help window, which opens
automatically when you reach this line.  The window is a table of standard
addresses and IRQs for COM1 to COM8, with the column on the left for standard
computers and the one on the right for PS/2 computers.  Scan the column that's
appropriate for your kind of machine until you see the COM port to which your
modem is attached, then edit the Port Configuration line to match it.  If you
are using a nonstandard IRQ number for a particular port, you will need to
put that number immediately after "IRQ" instead of the number that's listed
in the table.


Modem Speed

Since the time signal generator system you'll be calling transmits at 1200
bps, this is the preferred modem speed setting for TimeSet-UK.  It is
possible with some modems to lock the local speed high, at 38400 bps for
example, while the line speed drops to 1200 bps to match the remote after
connection is made, but nothing is gained by it.  It's best to set your modem
speed to 1200 in the first place and be done with it.  If you do opt to
maintain a high local speed, you'll need to put appropriate commands in
TimeSet-UK's modem initialization string, which is discussed in a later
section.  Depending on the quality of your modem, a high local speed can
interfere with proper functioning in TimeSet-UK.


Dialing Method

You have two choices:  TONE dialing or PULSE dialing.  If you type in TONE,
TimeSet-UK will put ATDT in front of the phone number.  If you type in PULSE,
the program will use ATDP.


Modem Initialization

If your modem is a simple asynchronous modem that can accept software
configuration commands and lacks such refinements as error correction, data
compression, and protocol negotiation with the remote modem, the only
initialization commands you'll need are &C1 (wait for a carrier), &D2 (hang
up when DTR is turned off) and X4 (use a result code set that includes BUSY,
CONNECT, NO DIALTONE, and NO CARRIER).  There is no need to separate any
modem commands with spaces; they can be run together:  &C1&D2X4.

If you have an old modem that is configured with switches rather than with
software commands, you'll only need X4 on the modem initialization line, but
you'll have to flip appropriate switches in the modem to force it always to
wait for a carrier and to hang up when the DTR is turned off.

Whether done with software commands or with switches, TimeSet-UK will not
work correctly unless the modem is configured to wait for a carrier and to
hang up when DTR is turned off.  This means that &C1&D2 should be part of any
TimeSet-UK initialization string for a modem that accepts software commands,
unless they are default conditions in a particular modem (which is the case
with certain brands).


Configuring for Data Compression/Error-Checking Modems

As modem prices continue to drop, more and more people are buying new high-
speed modems capable of using data compression and error checking protocols.
All of these nice features should be turned off when you're trying to get
time by modem.  Your new modem should be configured to run in what is called
"basic" or "direct" asynchronous mode, in other words just like an
old-fashioned modem.  Here is where things can get a bit complicated, because
different modem manufacturers use different commands to achieve that state.
Many of them use &Q0, but some use some other command.  You'll need to check
your own modem manual and, if necessary, call the modem manufacturer's
technical support department to find out how to turn off all the frills and
get your modem into basic asynchronous mode.

In addition to a command for basic asynchronous mode, you'll need a command
to defeat negotiation with the remote modem.  Fortunately, the command for
that doesn't seem to vary among manufacturers.  It's N0 (N zero).  Next,
you'll need to set a speed register to force connection at 1200 bps.  The
command for that is S37=5 for most of the newer modems.

Putting it all together, an initialization string that allows TimeSet-UK to
work with several brands of high-speed protocol modems is:


                             &Q0N0S37=5&C1&D2X4


If this string doesn't work with your modem, consult your modem manual for
equivalent commands for basic asynchronous mode, no negotiation, and forced
connection at 1200 bps.  &C1&D2X4 means the same thing in all Hayes-compatible
modems and should not be changed.  It's what goes in front of that group that
can vary by modem brand.

Note that "AT" should not be in your modem initialization string since
TimeSet-UK supplies the necessary attention codes itself.


Please note that Timeset(UK) will support error correction MNP levels
2-4,these protocols inevitably introduce slight delays in time string
processing.So to an extent there is a tradeoff between accuracy and
precision.


Phone Number Prefix

The time service phone number is already coded into TimeSet-UK, so you never
have to think about it.  There are situations, however, where an actual phone
number has to be preceded by some other code.  For example, in an office
environment you may need to enter a number to get an outside line before you
can dial the actual phone number.  The Phone Number Prefix line is where you
should place that code, using commas to create any needed pauses.


Saving the Configuration

Before saving the configuration, check your work to make sure there are no
errors, paying special attention to the Port Configuration and Modem
Initialization lines.  When you're satisfied that everything is correct,
press F10 to save the configuration to TimeSet-UK's source file (TSETUK.COM).
As soon as the data are saved, the program will switch to the opening screen,
ready to make a call to set your computer's clock.  Whenever you wish to
inspect or change your configuration, simply press F3 at the opening screen.
If you're just checking, you can get back to the opening screen by pressing
F3 again.  If you want to make make changes press E to edit.  To save your
revised configuration, press F10.  If you change your mind and don't want to
save your revisions, press F3, and you'll be returned to the opening screen
with the older values preserved.


                             Calling for Time


Initiating the Call

To call press F1 at the opening screen.



the software should then receive time data strings from the time service.
Strings are displayed on your monitor as they are received, one every second.  Several
strings are "wasted" to provide time for modem "jitter" to abate.  If there
is no corruption by line noise, the 10th string is captured for parsing and
time setting.

Your switchboard may have call barring against 0891 prefix calls if so ask
your system manager to remove it for your extension, many newer boards will
allow you to make calls to a specific number but not numbers of a general
prefix eg you can call 0891 616717 but not other 0891 numbers.


The Summary Screen

The final screen summarizes the results of the call.  The top half displays
the string that was captured and the data that was extracted and calculated
from it.  The lower half displays the time values put into the computer at
the instant of time setting:  the computer clock time before and after, the
date before and after, and the time season.  The final screen also shows when
the next time season change will occur.  If TimeSet-UK is configured for
Winter Time, the date and hour for the next switch to Summer Time are shown.
If the program is configured for Summer Time, the date and hour for the next
switch to Winter Time are shown.  If TimeSet-UK is configured for Universal
Time, both dates are shown for the current year, but only for reference;
since Universal Time has no seasons TimeSet-UK will not make any automatic
reconfiguration on those dates.Please note the date appears in ISO format
but will not affect the way in which time/date is shown by DOS,Windows or
your application.

Your options at the final screen are to press the Backspace key to return to
the opening screen, press the Spacebar to redial, or press ESC to exit to DOS.
These same keys function the same way on any TimeSet-UK screen when a call is
in progress.  On most screens the desired action will occur immediately.
If you press them while line delay measurement is in progress, however, it
may take several seconds before you see a response.  This is because the
program is devoting most of its attention to measuring the delay accurately,
and checks the keyboard only occasionally.



                   Running TimeSet-UK from a Batch File

The description so far has been on how to run TimeSet-UK by loading it and
pressing a key to initiate a call for time.  The program can also be run
automatically from an AUTOEXEC.BAT file by including putting tsetuk /A
the command line./A means call automatically without line delay measurement.
In an automatic run,the program loads, immediately dials the time service,
sets the clock, and exits to DOS or back to the AUTOEXEC file.

Putting TimeSet-UK in your AUTOEXEC file will cause a call to the time service
each time you boot your computer.  This may be more frequent than you desire,
or more frequent than necessary if RighTime is installed and has learned its
clock correction factor.  If so, you can use the batch file enhancer program
If2Day to limit automatic calls to a certain day of the week or month.
If2Day is a free program by Gary Miller, who has kindly granted permission to
include his program in the TimeSet package.

If you wanted TimeSet-UK to call the time service on bootup every Wednesday
morning, you could put the following line in your AUTOEXEC file:

            If2Day is_Wednesday aft_8:00 B4_9:00 run TSETUK /A

which translates to, "If today is Wednesday and the time is after 8 am and
before 9 am, run TimeSet-UK automatically with line delay measurement."

The documentation that accompanies If2Day also shows how to specify a run
between specific hours on a particular day of the month.


                     Summary of Command Line Switches

Several command line switch options are available for TimeSet-UK.
They include:

     /M -- Force a monochrome display.  This may be useful in certain
     laptop computers that might not show sufficient contrast between
     TimeSet-UK's screen colors.

     /P -- Generate a pulse at the parallel port at the instant the clock is
     set.  The pulse generated when /P is invoked occurs at pin 1 of the
     parallel port, where the voltage at the instant of the pulse drops from
     the normal +5 volts to zero (with respect to ground, pin 25) for about
     55 msec.  The pulse can be inverted, shaped, or amplified to trigger an
     external electronic device.  The default port for this action is LPT1,
     but another command is available if you wish to use another parallel
     port (see next item).  This function should not be invoked if a printer
     is attached to the selected port.

     /LPTn -- Select a printer port other than the default LPT1 for pulse
     generation.

     /0P -- Generate a pulse at the default or selected parallel port after
     the computer clock has been set, but wait until seconds = 0, that is,
     until the start of the next minute.  This is useful for calibrating
     certain electronic clocks that can be preset to the next minute,
     inactivated, then triggered into activity with an electrical pulse.
     When this switch is used, a countdown to zero seconds is displayed
     after the computer clock is set.  At zero seconds the pulse is generated
     at the selected parallel port.

     /0C --  This is similar to /0P, except that a pulse is not generated
     when the countdown reaches zero.  It's mainly for those who want a
     countdown to synchronize their watch or clock, although this can be
     done readily with the large clock display at the opening screen,
     especially if one-second audible ticks are toggled by pressing the
     Delete key.

     /LF --  Open and maintain a log file for timesetting action.  The file
     created, which can viewed with any editor or with the TYPE
     command in DOS, displays relevant before/after clock information
     that can reveal how much your computer clock drifts.  It also includes
     data on RighTime's warm and cold correction rates, if you have
     RighTime 2.54 or later installed.

     /FS --  Stands for "Fast Screen."  This command eliminates the
     "parting curtains" effect when TimeSet-UK changes displays a new
     screen, causing them to snap into view instead.


                          TimeSet-UK and Windows

It is possible to run TimeSet-UK under Microsoft Windows.It's best to run it
in DOS either before you start Windows or after you have shut it down.  The
reason it's not a good idea is that Windows is so busy with the system that it
sets the new time when it gets around to it.  As a result, clock settings made
under Windows are always a fraction of a second slow.  If that is acceptable,
then go ahead and use TimeSet-UK in Windows, although the timesetting delay,
which may be variable, will probably prevent RighTime from developing a
stable correction for your computer's clocks.

If you run TimeSet-UK in Windows 386 Enhanced Mode, you'll need to edit
TimeSet-UK's PIF to give the program maximum priority (10000) and to let no
other program share its idle time.  You'll also need to run the program in
full text mode, not in a graphics window, because painting a graphics window
slows things too much.  It will also help to load TimeSet-UK with the
fast-screen (/FS) switch.There is also an icon included in the package
called TSETUK.ICO

The package Clock manager from Graphical Dynamics (Seattle,Washington) is
included in the professional package.This enable you to launch applications
at a given time and date.For you convenience two batch files are included
ONEPC.BAT will call Timeset(UK) for a single PC while NETPC.BAT will call
Timeset(UK) and then transfer this time to the server (note the calling
workstation must have sufficient privelege to transfer time for more
details see Novell networks section below)

                        Timeset(UK) and Novell Networks

A PD utility called servtime has been included in the package to allow a
workstation to transfer its date/time to the server.Note the calling
workstation must be logged onto the network with supervisor privelege.A
batch file is included (NETPC.BAT) to call Timeset(UK) and then update
the server , PC's then logging onto the system will then pick up the
correct date/time.

If you wish to lock any PC's on a network to the server use the utility
NOVSYNC.SYS on each PC you wish to lock (further details in NOVSYNC.DOC),
this will prevent users or their software altering the time on their PC.
NOVSYNC.SYS is only included in the professional release.

If there are any PC's that you wish not to get their time from the
server (eg If you've got Righttime installed on the master clock PC) the
procedure is as follows
   - The login shell must be level 3.70 or above.
   - Dosup7 should be installed.
   - You put "SET_STATION_TIME OFF" in users login script.
When this user logs into Novell there time/date will not reflect the servers
time/date.

An ideal way to lock an entire network of PC's to the correct date/time for
only 20 pence per call is to do the following:
   - Nominate one PC as the master clock with this PC having console
   priveleges,Righttime loaded , no novsync.sys and server time/date
   update disabled.
   - All other PC's pick up time/date from server and if desired have
   Novsync loaded.
   - The master time pc has a program launcher loaded (for windows clock
   manager is recommended) this then initiates (say) weekly calls to
   Timeset(UK).



                    Timeset(UK) and Windows for Workgroups

The software Netsync from David Warren(Pleasant Hills,California) is included
in the professional package.As at the time of writing (October 1993) There are
few sites in the UK using Workgroups for Windows I feel it best you refer
directly to the documentation in NETSYNC.WRI.



                            Using AUTOTSET.COM

AutoTset is a memory resident program that can trigger dialing by TimeSet-UK
at a specific time every day or as long as you keep it memory-resident.  This
is most useful for people who never turn off their computers.  With AutoTset
preloaded, TimeSet-UK will wait at its opening screen until the appointed
time, when it will be triggered by AutoTset to dial, with or without line
delay measurement depending on how AutoTset is loaded.

Instructions for loading AutoTset are available just by typing AutoTset at
the DOS prompt:
                            autotset hh:mm

This triggers dialing without line delay measurement at the appointed time
(hh:mm).  In setting the dial time, follow the DOS convention, where midnight is 00:00
and 1:00 pm is 13:00.  If you want the call to occur on the hour, it's not
necessary to add :00 for minutes;  the program will accept 3 as equivalent
to 03:00.In order to avoid congestion if you you use autodial please put in
an irregular time eg 02:27 and not exact hours or quarter hours.

To remove AutoTset from memory, type AutoTset /U.