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1987-09-29
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******************************************************************************
GT POWER Notes
Paul Meiners
******************************************************************************
GT POWER 13.00 is a full feature release. Virtually now area of the program
has remained untouched. It has been over 3 months since the last release
and we have been busy. I cannot list every single change, there are simply
too many. For example, the user options for custom colors have been
expanded. A minor thing, but it gives you an idea of how every facet has
been examined. The major new item in this release is the new netmail
function. Of course, we have received a fair amount of criticism that
the netmail feature is just for the GT host users. Nothing could be
further from the point. The point is that the netmail feature will allow
GT POWER users to easily communicate with the P&M support people in
Houston, and of course with other GT POWER users! So netmail is a powerful
new feature for ALL GT POWER users.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a current user of GT POWER 12.21, backup all your
GT 12.21 files before running GT POWER 13.00. As the usage
counter in GT POWER 13.00 will alter the format of the GT files
and not allow you to go back to GT 12.21 unless you restore
all the files used with GT 12.21.
Here is a list of other new features:
1. This version has a changed approach to the "time measurement"
function. Due to the large number of users complaining about the
invalid time measurement obtained from DOS time services, I have
implemented a new approach. The "Time Base" has been removed from
the config, to be replaced with a number referred to as the "Millisec
Loop Count". A rather cryptic name, but I have included a program to
calculate it, with source code for everyone to examine. The standard
IBM PC value is 50 & everything should work its way up from that.
PLEASE RUN THE timer PROGRAM AND INSTALL THE "Millisec Loop Count"
BEFORE RUNNING THE PROGRAM.
2. This version includes a bug fix to prevent the SEAlink protocol --
or any other protocol -- from generating the INTEGER overflow error
that has been experienced.
3. This version includes a (NO KILL) option for message entry. So now
there will be three options for message security: Private, No Kill
and None.
4. A extra sysop command has been added: Ctrl-T, which will cause GT to
terminate host mode after the current caller exits, and ring the alarm
to notify the sysop. The alarm will continue until someone taps a key.
5. Sysop mail will now be placed into a message base instead of the
log file. The format calls for the message to go into the then current
message base with the addressee listed as Sysop and marked as private.
6. The upload description procedure has changed. The description will now
be appended description to the FILES.BBS in the upload area. So don't
put a Ctrl-Z at the end of this file! The format of the description
line calls for the following:
7. The CALL command has been reinstated. This may be a surprise to some,
but I never willingly gave it up. It was removed, because it became
apparent that I had no way to assure myself that it would not be miss
used, causing subsequent system crashes. Now, thanks to Chris Smith,
I have a new technique to prevent accidental overflow of the handle
table. Thus I am once again confident that CALL is safe to use again.
8. The memory allocation scheme has been changed. When GT is initially
loaded into memory, it will now allocate all free memory to itself,
for use with capture buffers, etc. You can specify three command line
options to control this usage:
/S Small memory model, GT releases all but 50k of
free memory for its use.
/M Medium memory model, GT release all but 100k of
free memory for its use.
/L Large memory model, GT releases all but 150k of
free memory for its use.
The default state, where GT uses all available memory for itself, is not
suitable for running the external programs (no memory left free for them),
but is very good for sorting large phone directories or running the
capture buffer.
9. A new Sysop command, Ctrl-N, is being introduced. It allows Sysops to
raise the access level of a caller while online.
10. A new feature at logon to the host mode, the ability to read and respond
to all personal mail stored on the system.
11. A new feature called the Scheduler has been added to the Host Mode.
The Scheduler allows events to be scheduled for later execution.
12. The MegaLink protocol now encompasses a new version. It has been brought
about thru the kind suggestions of Mr. Chuck Forsberg. And will be known
as CRC-32f, or the "Forsberg Variation". This variation improves the
ability of MegaLink to detect overrun situations, and thus dropped data.
Complete downward compatability has been maintained.
13. Two new authorizations: MS and FR are being added to the host mode. The
MS authorization is needed to read messages. The FR authorization is
needed to use the .FR and .FA netmail commands. Please adjust your
GTPASSWD.BBS files accordingly, otherwise users will not be able to read
the mail.
14. A new command line option is now available for those who wish to let GT
answer the modem in Host Mode, i.e. set S0=0. This is the /R option
which specifies the ring upon which to answer the phone. For example,
/R1 would cause GT to answer on the first ring, /R5 would cause it to
answer on the 5th ring.
15. A new command line option is now available for those who wish to have GT
answer the modem after a "ring back". The option /RB allows this. To
completely enable this option, the host mode modem init string MUST have
the S0=0 and the /R2 command line option MUST be used. Once properly
installed this option causes GT to answer the phone on the second ring
after a gap of between 9 and 30 seconds between rings. If the gap
is less than 9 seconds or greater than 30 seconds, GT will not answer
the phone, in which case you could use the phone for voice or a phone
answering machine, which would be programmed to answer on a later ring.
16. A new option for message bases. A message base may now be declared to
be for Public message only.
17. The EXIST command is being added to the script language to allow for
the testing of a files existence.
18. Also, a much asked for command, the ASCII XMIT command has been
added to the script language.
19. The Ctrl-D sysop command is being added. When pressed the current
schedule will be displayed for you to examine.
20. Support for Ymodem-G is being added.
21. Support for CIS "B" is being added.
22. A daily time limit is being added to the host mode time controls. This
allows greater flexibility in controlling users on a busy BBS.
23. A character may now be added to display screens in the GT host mode to
diable the ^C/^K user break.
24. Of course, the new netmail system.
25. Many, many minor changes. Like the expanded custom user defined colors.
26. The system now also sports a usage counter. The count will allow 150
uses. Hopefully this counter will encourgage registrations. The user
will get a "key" to allow unlimited uses when he registers. The concept
is to encourage the shareware ideal, the software is provided for an
evaluation, at the end of the evaluation, the user should make either
buy the product or discontinue use of it.
Enjoy!
******************************************************************************
GT POWER 12.21 is a bug fix release. It is surprising to me how many
bugs have accumulated from the release of 12.20. There are very few
feature changes in this release: the SYSOP.BBS file has been added to the
Host Mode so that the welcome to Chat Mode can be customized, the E)nter
command has been added to the Read Messages sub-menu.
This release is being made with a do-it-yourself serial number. This will
allow registered users of 12.20 to install their serial number in 12.21
without charge. The upgrade will not be mailed, unless you send in a mailer
and some diskettes, but you can download it and install your own serial
number. We feel this version should be provided at no charge to registered
holders of 12.20. The serial number is an string of 7 ASCII characters
starting at address 2DA0 of the main .COM file. Here is the usual way to
install it:
debug gt1221.com
-e 2da0 "0000235"
-w
-q
Note: the "-" character in the example is the prompt from DEBUG and not to
be entered by the user. DEBUG is a program supplied with your copy
of DOS. The "0000235" should be your serial number within the "...".
This same procedure should be used to install your number on the GTO
version of the program also. This note only applies to version of the
program downloaded from BBS systems, all version of the program sent
out in response to orders will have the number pre-installed by P&M
Software Co.
******************************************************************************
GT POWER 12.20, a feature release is now ready. There was enough work
done on this release to justify a jump to 13.xx, but on general principles,
I have resisted this. I will probably choose to rename the product before
going to this extreme, 12 is a big enough version number, isn't it? Here
are the new features:
1. Addition of the SEAlink protocol. Very nice for use with the OPUS
system.
2. Addition of the Ymodem Batch protocol. On some systems, this is the
only batch protocol that is supported.
3. Introduction of another GT exclusive protocol - MegaLink. This is
a full streaming protocol, ideal for use on 'packet switched'
networks, such as PC Pursuit. Also ideal for use with MNP and high
speed modems, 9600+ baud.
4. Full support for the new breed of 9600 baud modems, including the
introduction of a new top baud rate: 19200! It is simply amazing
how fast a file can be transfered at 9600 using MegaLink. We have
done tests indicating that 440+ blocks per minute is the crusing
speed of MegaLink at 9600 baud. Which is roughly 950 cps!!
150k files can be transferred in about 3 minutes flat!
5. When using the non-batch protocols, Xmodem, Ymodem, WXmodem, GT now
scans the screen looking for the filename previously typed by the
user to the host. GT will look for words that begin with a ";" or
":", ignoring blanks, and meet the normal DOS definition for a
filename. Saves keystrokes! To use this feature, set the default
transfer protocol in the phone directory to one of the protocols
listed above.
6. The Capture Mode has been completely redone. Special attention has
been given to the Alt-8, View Capture Buffer Command. This command
has been redone so that it will scroll the screen exactly 1 line or
1 screen, and a locate command has been added so that you can scan
the buffer for that piece of text you need. A Capture PATH has been
added to the configuration, so that your captures will be organized
in 1 location, and an Append option has been included so that
multiple captures can be made to the same file without fear of losing
the previous captures.
7. The Host Mode now supports separate WELCOME and BULLET files for
each message base on the system.
8. The Whereis command has been added to the main menu of the Host Mode.
This will enable users to quickly find the files they are searching
for across all file areas they are authorized to access.
9. A Non-Stop option has been added to the Read Messages sub-menu. This
allows callers to continuously read message, beginning with the last
message read, pausing only if the user hits [Ctrl-K].
10. A Questionaire has been added to the Host Mode. This will allow
Sysops to obtain information about their callers. Up to 40 different
questions may be included in the questionaire, which is totally
flexible in its design.
11. DOORS have been added to the Host Mode. Any system may now have up
to 99 different DOORS. The ARC View door is becoming one of the most
popular, however many are putting adventure games in doors as well.
12. The Host Mode now offers optional ANSI graphics to callers. This
allows Sysops to design two sets of menus and screens, one for regular
text type displays and one for color graphics. Some very spectacular
color screens have already been designed!
13. The Sysop may perform a local shell while the Host Mode is in operation,
by pressing Alt-1 while the Host Mode is at the main menu. Very handy
to be able to move files about while the caller is still waiting online.
14. DoubleDOS awareness has been added, so that GT will automatically
give up time, while in wait loops, when DoubleDOS is active. Helps
the other partition run more efficiently.
15. The log may now be printed, as well as recorded on disk. The command
line option "/p" will enable this, so that everything logged will
also be sent to the system printer.
16. Support for DSZ has been altered, so that it is now activated via
batch files: ZMTX.BAT to transmit and ZMRX.BAT to receive. This was
done to offset the effect of DSZ's rapidly changing syntax and to
make a hook available so that other protocol drivers could be used
by modification of these batch files.
17. The CALL command of the script language has been removed. To be
replaced with the CHAIN command. This has become necessary due to
the problems surrounding the recursion used with CALL. CHAIN will
cause a branch to be made, like CALL, but the return is no longer
automatic.
18. The LOG command has been added to the script language. It will
enable users to make manual entries in the log file from a script.
19. A new command line option, "/k", will turn on capture mode from the
very start of the program.
20. Multiple keyboard macro files are now supported. They can be
exchanged as easy as phone directories!
21. The base address for each serial port is now configurable via a
command line switch. This allows use of GT with many non-standard
serial port cards and internal modems. An example:
GT1220 /3 $458
Would change the base address of COM3 to hex 458. The address must
be given in hex with a leading $ sign.
22. A new command has been added to the terminal mode, Alt-5, which will
allow the user to force GT to use Xmodem Checksum when performing
downloads. This is very useful when trying to download from non-
standard systems that have the regular Xmodem protocol available, but
do not support an IBM version of CRC.
23. The Split Screen mode has been cleaned up and a command key is now
used to invoke it, instead of the old configuration parameter (which
has been removed). The Alt-7 command key will now invoke Split Screen
mode.
24. The security system used in Host Mode has been completely upgraded.
All access levels are now user configurable. This allows almost
unlimited flexibility.
******************************************************************************
GT POWER stability release 12.10 is now ready. Well, there were a few
errors that the beta testers didn't catch. Such as the script WAIT command
which wouldn't timeout anymore! Release 12.10 addresses these problems and
provides some requested features:
1. The long standing "modem init freeze" bug has been fixed.
2. The script commands: WAIT, WHEN and CASE, are now case insensitive.
Several script users have asked for this one!
3. Multiple message base areas are now provided for, including private
areas and message base areas accessible by application.
4. The GTMAIL.CTL file has undergone a series of changes and additions.
The most important of these are: 1. personalized passwords,
2. storage of phone numbers, 3. daily call count.
5. When logging locally onto the Host Mode, GT will now ignore the
serial port. This will keep the Sysop from being interrupted
while using the system.
6. In the phone directory, the spacebar may now be used to "mark"
entries for the circular dialer.
7. The Alt-X bug, wouldn't let you exit the program sometimes, when
using scripts, has been fixed.
8. An 8th bit stripping option has been added. Some folks using protocol
converters wanted this one.
9. The result code fields in the GT setup have been widened for a 3rd
time to allow non-Hayes modems to work with GT. Currently the fields
are 30 characters in width.
10. Ymodem Batch support has reluctantly been dropped. I know this will
disappoint a few of you, but it was necessary. This function was
performed by DSZ and it was very flaky.
11. Numerous other minor fixes are included in this release. Too many to
enumerate.
12. For floppy and laptop users we introduce a 'terminal only' version of
GT. It will be called 'GTerminal Only' or just GTO for short. It is
about 40k smaller than the full version of GT, of course both programs
will be distributed in 1 package - these are NOT DEMO versions.
******************************************************************************
Here is the long awaited 12.00. It's most notable new feature is the
expanded host mode. The home BBS for GT POWER now uses the host
mode of GT instead of Fido, which was used prior to 12.00. The new
capabilities of the GT host will require all users of this mode to make
a careful review of the GTHOST.DOC file.
Here are some high-lights:
1. A message base has been added to the host mode. This will allow
a full message service to be performed by GT.
2. Corrections to several items in the VT-100 emulation have been made.
3. Several bugs, such as the lack of filename validation in the "save
capture buffer" routine, have been fixed.
4. In host mode, the caller's name is continuously displayed on the
status line.
5. The program GTCTL.EXE has been added to the support programs for GT.
It will aid GT sysop's to maintain the control files related to host
mode operations.
6. Comment capabilities have been added to the script language. Just
place a ";" in column 1 of a script line and the line will be ignored.
7. The PCKERMIT.EXE, DSZ.EXE and GTDOOR.BAT files will now be searched for
in GT's home directory, regardless of how the DOS PATH variable is
set. This should simplify installation of the program.
Note: the DSZ.EXE file is the one used to perform the new protocols:
Zmodem and Batch YAM (also known as Ymodem Batch!).
8. Ctrl characters may now be placed into macro keys via the %nnn
mechanism. For example, if you wished to place a Ctrl-Z into a
macro key, put %26. Where 26 is the decimal value of the ASCII
character Ctrl-Z.
9. There is a new config parameter: max baud rate. The idea is that
you can move your phone directory around from home to office, from
high speed modem to slow speed, and all you'll have to do is
adjust the maximum baud rate. This will cause GT to automatically
use no rate higher than specified.
11. Scripts will now be given the extension of .SCR if none if specified.
For example: FOO will become FOO.SCR automatically, but
FOO. will remain FOO. and
FOO.BAR will likewise remain FOO.BAR
Several people have requested this one!
12. The Alt-S command has a new option, switch the COM port. To go
along with this, the script command SET has been expanded to allow
a COM port change. The old syntax will continue to work. Here is
a sample of the new SET command:
SET COM2 2400 E 7 1
This would set COM2 as the current port and adjust it to 2400 E 7 1.
13. A new script command, SWAP KEYS, enables the user to swap the normal
position of the Backspace and Del keys. The syntax is:
SWAP KEYS TRUE
or SWAP KEYS FALSE
Swaps done in this way are temporary, i.e. they are not recorded in
the .CNF file. Use the Alt-I command to make permanent the swap of
these two keys (look under the miscellaneous options sub-menu).
14. The script "parser" has been rewritten and optimized. In other words,
scripts should execute "a whole lot faster"! The old "parser" was a
real dog.
15. Variable assignments had a small flaw, which is now fixed. The
following will now work (it didn't before).
V1 = "Now is the time for all good men..."
V2 = %1
WRITELN %2
Now some may ask, "Why not just write %1 instead of %2"? Good
question. Some folks are passing variables to sub-scripts and
they needed to perform these types of assignments, only problem
was that they were only getting the 1st word, "Now" in this example.
It is now fixed so it works properly. However, the restrictions
placed on variable substitution are now more severe. If you use this
feature please review the GT1200.DOC file for a complete explanation
of the new rules.
WARNING: One of the things that used to be possible is a command like
this:
SENDLN "%1"
it will not work anymore. It must be changed to:
SENDLN %1
which will work as before. It is important that you check your
scripts for this syntax and correct it.
16. Two new protocols have been added, thanks to the DSZ program from
Omen Technology INC. DSZ brings with it the Ymodem Batch and the
Zmodem protocols. In GT, we will refer to Ymodem Batch as Batch
YAM, our abbreviation.
18. A new command key, Alt-4, will suspend capture mode. While suspended
no data will be added to the capture buffer. Capture may be resumed
by hitting Alt-4 a second time. Hitting Alt-C will cause capture mode
to terminate.
19. Multiple WHEN statements can now be active in the script language.
Up to 6 different strings may be trapped and responded to. You
use the WHEN command in the normal way to start a trap, then to turn
it off you leave the THEN clause off. Example:
WHEN "More?" THEN "N" sets the trap.
WHEN "More?" disables the trap.
20. A "point and shoot" interface has been added to the phone directory.
You can use the UpArrow and DnArrow keys to highlight the desired
BBS and press the Return key to dial the number. Quite nice actually,
but I still prefer entering the number, so both ways are supported.
For now the "point and shoot" interface is implemented only for the
dialing function.
21. A new path has been added to the config. It is called the "Message
base PATH", and it is intended for use on PC's with only two floppy.
It will provide a way for the operator to specify that the message
related files are to be split out onto drive B:. Of course, it
can be used on other systems as well.
22. The "[G] Mark" command of the phone directory has been reworked, so
that you may now mark ALL entries in the directory with a single
command and when marking individual entries you may now mark a range
by using the notation m-n. For example:
43 21 10-18 34 would mark 21,34,43 and the range 10-18.
23. A number of people had reported that macro keys often transmitted
their content too fast and that some hosts had a habit of dropping
characters. Hence, the transmission of macro keys will now be paced
using the "ASCII Inter-character delay" from the config. If your
macro keys go too fast/slow adjust the value for this delay accordingly.
24. A new parity has been added to the supported list. GT now supports
Odd, even, none and mark parities.
25. A new incentive to register. A key to bypass the opening copyright
screen will be provided to users who register GT. In the spirit of
shareware, we ask that registered users not disclose the key to non-
registered users.
26. The registration fee has gone from $35 to $40. Why? First, the
requirement for additional support programs, such as GTCTL. To
build and support these programs, we have enlisted the aid of James
Davis, author of GTLOG, and now GTCTL. For his help, he will receive
a percentage of the registration fees. And we have finally gotten the
bank to approve our merchant account, so that we now can accept payment
by VISA OR MASTERCARD (r). Of course, the bank wants their cut too! This
has all meant that the registration fee had to be raised.
Users who are already registered may continue to get upgrades for
a $10 fee.
******************************************************************************
Well, P & M Software took vacation in December and when we got back there
were alot of bug reports and wish lists promptly handed to us. Version
11.20 is our reply. Here are the areas addressed:
1. Numerous fixes to the "color graphics" support code, bowing to
the new ANSI Animator program and other advanced color screen
generators.
2. Redesign of the status line. All indicators have been redone in
a more professional manner and the CONNECT time is now continously
displayed.
3. Host Mode refinements. The security levels have been reworked to
allow a more flexible structure when used in conjunction with the
GTDIR.BBS file. Please consult GTHOST.DOC for further details.
4. For PC-Pursuit users. The Phone Directory can now be "exchanged"
while CONNECTed. Be careful though, when you change directories, GT
is forced to book all statistics to the old directory before it can
be closed.
5. Correct error in the handling of prefix/suffix's when stored in the
phone directory. In the older version, the prefix/suffix indicator
character could be stripped out of the directory.
******************************************************************************
Version 11.10 is ready!
1. Support for COM3 and COM4. These are non-standard COM ports, so
you will not be able to use them with DOS functions, such as the
"Remote DOS Door" in the host mode. However, they should work with
most terminal functions. For your information:
COM Port Port Addr Interrupt
-------- --------- ---------
1 3F8H 4
2 2F8H 3
3 3E8H 4
4 2E8H 3
Note: support for COM3 and COM4 was actually introduced in 11.00, but
never worked. It now works with the Everex Internal modems, or
others that adhere to the addressing scheme shown in the table.
2. Bios video option. This should allow GT to run in a multi-tasking
environment and not bleed-thru on the screen. But let me tell you,
the Bios video routines really slow down the window routines.
3. Improved directory control in host mode. The operator can now
specify a list of directories available and the security for each
directory. This is very flexible compared to the old method.
******************************************************************************
Good Luck
Paul Meiners
