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!Term93 v 4.07
Section A - Preamble
Part 1 - Contents
Part 2 - Introducing !Term93
Part 3 - Terms and conditions
Section B - Setting up
Part 1 - Setting up quickly (for the impatient!)
Part 2a - Connecting your TNC to the Archimedes
Part 2b - Connecting an old A310
Part 3 - Setting up via the icon bar menu
Part 4 - Setting up the windows
Part 5 - Miscellaneous settings
Section C - Using the program
Part 1 - Using the TX/RX window
Part 2 - Connecting to other stations
Part 3 - Transmitting data
Part 4 - Saving data
Part 5 - Sending commands to the TNC
Part 6 - Using the Tool bar
Part 7 - Using the function and control keys
Part 8 - Transfer of text from the Buffer window or
the receive window to the transmit window.
Section D - Advanced use of the programme
Part 1 - Keeping an automatic log
Part 1a - Using the manual logging facility
Part 2 - Exploiting the RX and TX buffers
Part 3 - Using TXlines windows to exploit Nodes/BBS stations etc
Part 4 - Using a password for BBS access
Part 5 - Creating and using message footers
Part 6 - Hi -Lights
Part 7 - User Directories
Section E - Technical information
Part 1 - The serial port and certain TNCs
Part 2 - The block drivers
Part 3 - Default paths in the save and spool window
Section F - Assorted hints and pieces of information.
A2-Intro
An introduction to !Term93
==========================
In 1993 I was living at my mother-in-law's while the normal QTH was being
saved from subsidence. During this 6 month period my mother-in-law put up
with my wife, two children and my Archimedes, 2 metre rig and Slim Jim in
her living room. It was during this time that !Term93 (version 1) was
written - hence the 93 in its title.
At that time, I had little to do in the evenings. Since then (and despite
having more to do in the evenings nowadays) the program has gone through a
few developments and improvements, and now has a slightly more user-friendly
manual.
Additionally, this new version contains several features which I find
useful, such as ...
- an ever expanding buffer (depending on memory limits)
- an alert on connect
- auto or manual log; password for NNA users
- several user configurable bits like a 'connect to' menu
- use of the !SerialDev code modules (!Term93 can even talk to itself)
- easy transfer of message numbers etc. from BBS list to TX window
- buffer save to any other application
- buffer save selected section
- buffer search for string
- definition of message footer
- and much more!
Finally, many people have helped with this program (and some have helped
unknowingly, when I have found out how to do things by looking at programs
they have sent and/or written). To all of them a great big "Thank you"!
A3-Terms
Terms and conditions
====================
The copyright to !Term93, !Mail and !LogBook is retained by the author.
Furthermore individual copies of !Term93, !Mail and !LogBook may be passed
on freely, as long as they are passed on complete with all accompanying
files and documentation. When passing on a copy of !Term93 please note that
once you have entered your callsign in the new user box the program is
personalised to you so ONLY pass on the original. !Term93, !Mail or
!LogBook may not be sold for profit but a public domain library may make a
small charge as is normal with such organisations. However, IT IS AGREED
AND UNDERSTOOD THAT ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION WHO WISHES TO DISTRIBUTE THIS
SOFTWARE WILL OBTAIN MY PERMISSION BEFORE ANY SUCH DISTRIBUTION TAKES PLACE.
All this software is provided "as is"; G4RQN makes no warranty, express or
implied, of the merchantability of this software or its fitness for any
particular purpose. In no circumstances shall G4RQN be liable for any
damage, loss of profits, or any indirect or consequential loss arising out
of the use of this software or inability to use this software, even if
G4RQN has been advised of the possibility of such loss. "Software" describes
the complete package and includes any circuits or connection hints included
in the package.
You have received this program without charge. Should you wish to make some
payment then a donation to the following would be most suitable. THE
SPECIAL CARE BABY UNIT, QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, GAYTON ROAD, KING'S LYNN,
NORFOLK. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Special Care Baby Unit'.
73s de Neil G4RQN
(I may be contacted via packet @ GB7OPC.#22.GBR.EU, alternatively via snail
mail to:
Mr.W. N. Rodger,
4 Burn's Nurseries,
Off Wootton Road,
King's Lynn,
Norfolk PE30 3BG
or by phone: 01553 675676 after 8pm or weekends)
B1-Setup
Getting going for the impatient
===============================
To run !Term93, double click in the normal manner - as is done with all good
desktop applications - and the icon will appear on the icon bar. Some
support is provided for Acorns Interactive !Help especially the tool bar.
Click on the icon bar icon with the middle mouse button (menu) to set up the
serial port, screen colours and a few other items, or open the main TX/RX
window, or (of course) to QUIT.
Click on the iconbar icon with the left mouse button (select) to open the
TX/RX window.
Assuming that the serial port is configured correctly, then communication
with the TNC should be working. But be warned! If the wire from pin 8
(Tiny2 pin 1) of the TNC to the computer's RS (serial) port pin 9 - aka "The
Ring Indicator" does not exist - then some facilities will not work. The
automatic log relies on the ring indicator connection being there, as does
the 'Notify' facility.
The RX/TX window should acquire the caret the first time it is opened and
you can begin typing. Do not worry about watching for the end of each line,
as a carriage return is inserted for you at the first space after 65
characters - or at the 80th character, if there are no spaces. This gives a
very crude form of left justfication.
B2a-Wiring
Connecting the TNC to the Archimedes
====================================
Some of the older Archimedes badged machines had real problems with the
serial port then Acorn introduced the field change order mentioned below to
correct this problem. If this change has not been carried out and you have
problems then it may pay you to visit your dealer.
If the serial chip field order has been carried out on the
A300 series - the Acorn reference is FCO-2003, (replacement of C65SC51
serial chip) - then the connections below should work.
ARC 9-WAY D CONNECTOR TNC 25-WAY D CONNECTOR TNC 9-WAY CONN.
No connection 1 Cable screen (optional) No connection
3 TXD 2 TX data 3 TX data
2 RXD 3 RX data 2 RX data
7 RTS } {* 4 RTS 7 RTS
} { 20 DTR
8 CTS 5 CTS 8 CTS
5 Signal gnd 7 Signal gnd 5 Signal gnd
1 DCD}
4 DTR} All linked together No connection No connection
6 DSR}
9 Ring indicator # 8 Connect status (optional) ** No connection
* Some TNCs like the PK use pin 4 (RTS) for the handshake input, whereas
others like the BSX2 use pin 20 (DTR) instead. So, if you make up a cable
with RTS from the Micro connected to both 4 and 20 on the TNC, then it
should be suitable for any TNC you are likely to use.
# This connection is not actually required all programs, but you may wish
to use it to preserve compatibility with all software. It is used by !Term93.
** On any TNC where the "Connect status" is not reflected by a pin on its rs
port it should be noted that some facilities in the program will not work
fully, the main effect is that commands to the tnc cannot be sent while
connected. Tiny2 users can connect the ring indicaor (computer pin9) to
tnc pin 1.
B2b-Wiring
Connecting the TNC to the older A310's
======================================
On my elderly A310 I use the following connections.
Archimedes TNC 25-WAY D CONNECTOR
Pin 1 Cable screen (optional)
Pin 1+4+8 connected together. NONE TO TNC !
Pin 2 Pin 3
Pin 3 Pin 2
Pin 6 Pin 5
Pin 5 Pin 7
Pin 7 Pin 4
Pin 9 (ring indicator) Pin 8 (connect status on most tnc's).
B3-IconBar
Setting up via the icon bar menu
================================
Having loaded the program, go to the icon on the icon bar and call up its
menu (click with the middle mouse button over it). You will be offered the
following options: 'Info', 'Configure', 'Open window', and 'Quit'.
Clicking on 'Info' provides the usual info box (showing the version number
and authors name), clicking on 'Open window' opens up the transmit and
receive windows (see later for more details - this has the same effect as
clicking on the icon bar icon). The final option, 'Quit' removes !Term93
from the icon bar and memory. Please note that objections will appear if
you have a file open, have a log entry open, are transmitting a file, have
not saved the receive buffer or are connected to another station (with the
latter depending on the rs port ring indicator being wired up).
To configure !Term93 to your likings and hardware requirements, go out right
from 'Configure', and if you are familiar with this sort of comms program
you can then work your way through the various sub-menus.
Alternatively for the new-comer, the most important one to get you up and
running quickly is the 'Set Serial' option. Clicking on this will enable
you to tell !Term93 the parameters under which your computer will be able to
communicate effectively with the TNC. Many TNC's operate at 1200 Baud, with
8 Word bits, 1 Stop bit, with Parity set at 'None', and the Control on
'CTS/RTS'. Change these settings as appropriate, then click on the yellow
'Save as Defaults' box. The computer is now ready to communicate with the
TNC.B4-Windows
B4-Setting up the windows
=========================
The icon bar "configure" option also enables you to configure the position
of all the windows used in the programme - as well as determining the
colours used in the TX/RX window.
Positioning the windows
-----------------------
To set up the position of all the windows used in the program, first click
on the sub-menu entry "Open all". You will be presented with all the
windows in their default positions. Now position each window to suit your
requirements (use the left hand mouse button to drag each window's title
section).
When you have finished, return to the sub-menu and click on "Save windows".
Finally, to remove all the windows from the screen, simply click on the
"Close all" entry in the configure sub-menu.
If you wish to amend the position of any window later, simply re-position it
and return to the configure sub-menu in order to click on "Save windows".
TX/RX window colours
--------------------
To set up the TX/RX window colours, open the Colours Window by clicking on
the sub-menu entry "Colours". Set the foreground colours of the receive,
transmit and review windows to your taste, then click on "Save" to store
these preferences.
As above, these settings may be modified at any time simply by repeating
this procedure.
B5-Miscellaneous settings
=========================
It is also possible, via the Configure sub-menu to make some further, more
general, but still important settings. Specifically you can set the filters
you require, switch on the connect warning window, enable auto-logging, and
set the buffer defaults. All of these particular settings are stored under
the sub-menu heading "SetMisc.", which when clicked, produces a dialogue box
with the required options available for selection.
The first filter (the high filter) filters out all characters of a value
over 127 (eg. ~) except Delete. The second (the low filter) filters out all
characters of a value under 32 (eg. Space) except Newline. You should click
on the appropriate "radio buttons" to select the desired filters.
The next option, "Notify connected status", will only work if you have a
link to your TNC which will alert the program to a connection (see Part 2a
and Part 2b elsewhere for details). If this is selected, a connection
warning window will appear when you connect to a station, or when another
station connects to you.
If you wish to have your contacts automatically logged, you should select
the "Logging" button (see elsewhere for more details on this).
The last option, "Receive buffer", determines whether the receive buffer
will be open or closed when the program begins. If you would prefer to
decide yourself when to open the buffer, leave the button unselected.
When you have made the necessary changes to this window, it should be saved
by clicking on the "Save as defaults" box.
C1-Using the TX/RX window
=========================
The window (and note that it is one window - the RX and TX components cannot
be split) is opened either by clicking on the icon bar icon, or by clicking
on 'Open window' in the icon bar menu.
Should you feel that the position of the TX/RX window in the screen would be
better elsewhere. you should first move the window to the desired position,
then return to this 'Configure' sub-menu and simply click on 'Save Windows';
the preferred window position will be used from now on. (This 'Save
Windows' utility applies to all windows and their positions, incidentally)
Assuming the program is correctly configured, both windows will function
appropriately when called up. So, for example, any text entered in the
lower (TX) window - when not connected - will enable you to address the TNC,
and any responses elicited from the TNC will be displayed on the upper (RX)
window. Thus after issuing instructions for the TNC to monitor the
frequency (usually MON ON), the upper screen will display any currect packet
traffic.
Both TX and RX windows may be cleared at any time. Click on the red 'Clear'
area at the bottom of the TX window to clear that window, and simply click
the mouse's right hand button ('adjust') when in the RX window to clear that
window. A simple warning double-checks that you are really sure before
clearing the window.
Further utilities are available by clicking the mouse's middle ('menu')
button when over the TX/RX window. Most are fairly self-explanatory, but
see subsequent sections of this manual for further details.
C2-Connecting to other stations
===============================
Connect commands can be issued from the keyboard (eg C GB7OPC <Return>), but
a range of connect commands can be saved to disc and executed by mouse
clicks as follows.
Load the file "!Term93.User_1.Calls" into !Edit. The file can be located
quickly by first opening the TX/RX window (make sure it has the caret) and
pressing the control key and the O key together <Ctrl>O. See also the tool
bar. The user directories will open, and the "User_1.Calls" will be
visible.
You will find several calls already loaded into this file, but you should
amend the file to your requirements, and then save it (UNDER THE SAME NAME).
Note that the file MUST EXIST WITH AT LEAST ONE ENTRY. and that lines should
be no longer than 12 characters and contain at least one character. Also
note that commands to the tnc selected from this menu may be sent while
connected but may not work properly if the rs port 'ring indicator' is not
wired up. Refer to the section on connecting the computer to the tnc.
When the program is next loaded, these calls will be accessible as follows.
Bring up the menu from the TX/RX window and move out right on "Connect to".
By clicking on the appropriate connect line, that connect request will be
sent to the TNC. If you wish to issue a succession of connect requests (eg.
for node-hopping) you should use the right hand mouse button, in order to
keep the sub-menu on the screen.
C3-Transmitting text/messages
=============================
In addition to material being typed into the TX window, pre-prepared files
may be transmitted using !Term93. This is done as follows.
Prepare the file for transmission. It must not have any special effects
(ie. it must be pure ASCII characters) then save it. The location of the
saved file is not important, and need only suit your requirements.
Next establish contact with its destination, either by connecting with the
desired station or by accessing the TNC's PMS (eg. for autoforwarding).
Then drag the file icon into the TX window. When it is dropped there you
will notice the icon bar icon go partly red, indicating that !Term93 is
ready to transmit the dragged file.
To actually transmit the file, press f6. (Alternatively call up the menu
when over the TX/RX window, go out on "Misc" and click on "TX file".) A
window will appear enabling you to monitor the progress of the file's
transmission by showing you how many bytes have been sent. See also the tool
bar. Please note that you cannot see the contents of the file as it is
transmitted (but see below).
If you wish to pause or abort the transmission at any time, this window will
allow you to do this. Additionally transmissions can be aborted by calling
up the menu when over the TX/RX window, going out right on "Misc" and
clicking on "Abort TX" or by pressing <Ctrl>f6. Once the file has been
completely transmitted or an abort instigated, this window will disappear,
and further instructions will be able to be sent. See also the tool bar.
Certain technical considerations concerning this are discussed later on in
this manual.
C4-Saving data
==============
Two sorts of data may be saved by !Term93 - firstly, the data received in
the RX window, but secondly - and perhaps less commonly - the data entered
by the user into the TX window may also be saved. However, in both cases,
the data must be put into a "buffer" first of all.
The TX buffer is opened either by going out right on the "Misc." entry of
the main menu and clicking on "TX=>Buff", or by pressing the function key
f7. The more useful RX buffer is opened either by clicking on the "RX
Buffer" box on the main window, or by pressing f2 or <Ctrl>B. All data
subsequently received in the TX or RX window will be kept in this buffer,
with the number of bytes being displayed at the foot of the main window.
The same actions may be used to close the RX buffer.See also the tool bar.
To save existing data in the RX window, press f4, and its contents (which
may not be all the data received during that session) will be passed into
the RX buffer. Subsequently received data will continue to be passed on
from the RX window to the RX buffer until the buffer is closed as above.
The RX (or TX) buffer's contents may be transferred directly into a savable
!Edit file, either by pressing f5, or by calling up the menu over the TX/RX
window, going out right on "Misc" and clicking on "Buff => Edit". The
resulting file may then be saved according to your preferences. (1)
Once the buffer's contents have been saved, you should empty the buffer (eg.
to allow for any subsequent data saving). Press and release <E> whilst
holding <Ctrl> - or, alternatively go out on the "Misc." entry on the main
menu and select "Empty buffer". You will be asked to confirm this choice.
Another route for the saving of data is the use of the "Save/Spool" window,
which is called up by pressing f3. With the Spool option, the incoming data
may be saved either to a default directory or to to a file of your choice.
With with the Save option, the RX Buffer's contents may be saved as above.(2)
(1) This method is usefull for small amounts of data up to about 64 kbytes.
(2) This method is preffered for larger buffer sizes.
See also the tool bar.
C5-Issuing commands to the TNC
==============================
The entry "TNC cmd" (in the menu called up when over the TX/RX Window)
enables the user to send commands to the TNC while connected if required.
This menu is designed to hold commands of the "MON ON", "Status" etc.
These entries are constructed from the instructions in the file "Monitor" in
the "User_1" directory. Again these miscellaneous commands (relating partly
to the desired levels of monitoring) can be amended and saved again by the
user who wishes to set the monitor levels, etc, via the mouse.
The bottom set of TNC instructions are constructed from the file "Commands"
(again in the directory "User_1"). Here again, the user can amend the file
to save his preferred set of instructions for easy command of the TNC via
the mouse (eg. "MHeard", "DISPlay" etc).
The top line of the sub-menu ("User files") gives access to material stored
in the directory "User_2". These files can be pre-saved sets of
instructions for the TNC, and may be such things as the user's TNC
parameters (which have been saved in order to be easily re-loaded in the
event of their loss from the TNC's memory). These files may be accessed,
amended and re-saved according to the user's requirements. Their filenames
will appear when you go out right from the "User files" and, if clicked,
will be transmitted direct to the TNC. Note that NO check is done as to
whether you are connected or not.
To set the TNC's internal clock from the computer, click on "Set Time" which
is found in the "Misc" entry in the main menu.
To send an asterisk to the TNC (for use when the it is on autobaud) click on
"Send *", found under the "Misc" entry of the main menu.
C6-Issuing commands to PMS's, BBS's and Nodes
=============================================
As well as issuing standard commands to your TNC, you may also wish to list,
read and possibly kill messages which are stored either in a BBS or your
own PMS. This may be done as follows.
After issuing a "List" command and obtaining (either in the RX or the Review
Window) a screenful of message listings from a PMS or a BBS, you can read a
desired message (or messages) as follows. Firstly, use the mouse to locate
the pointer over the message line, then hold down either "Alt" key and click
with the left hand ('select') mouse button. The TX window will now display
an "R" followed by the message number (eg. "R 12345" and that instruction
may now be sent to the PMS/BBS by pressing Return. Multiple message reading
can be achieved simply by clicking on the lines of the desired messages; the
numbers will be added to the command line in the TX Window.
To kill messages, repeat the above procedure, but this time hold down the
"Shift" key whilst clicking on the message(s) to be killed. Note that not
all PMS protocols support "K" as the "kill" command.
Alternatively, you may wish to amend the "TNC cmd" sub-menu (inside the Main
Menu) so that it includes a list of your most commonly used PMS/BBS
commands. This is done by amending the file "Commands" in the "User_1"
directory, as described earlier. These commands may now be issued via mouse
clicks.
Similarly the mouse may be used to issue commands via the "TX lines" windows
(use the Main Menu to open these up). These windows can be used to store
and issue "General" (eg. TNC/PMS) commands, "BBS commands and even Node
commands. The first window ("Misc. text") gives access to the other windows
(click on the appropriate left arrow to call them up). Users should enter
their preferred commands, then click on "Save (at the foot of the first
window) to store them to disc. For more information on this option, see the
later section on using "TX lines".
See also the tool bar.
C6-Using the Tool bar
=====================
The 'Tool bar' window opened by clicking on "Tool bar" in the main menu.
This window allows mouse control over a large number of usefull functions,
it also supports Acorn's interactive !Help. To run Interactive !Help click
on the small Help icon in the toolbar window.
C7-Using the function and control keys
======================================
As long as the TX/RX window has the caret then the following key
combinations are available.
f1 Brings up the help window (this guide).
f2 Toggles the receive buffer.
f3 Opens the 'save as' window.
f4 Will attempt to save as much from the receive screen as there is
room in the receive buffer.
f5 Will copy the contents of the receive buffer into an !Edit window,
running !Edit if necessary. Subsequent saves will open a further
!Edit window if one is already open.
f6 Transmit a previously dragged file.
f7 Toggles whether transmit text is sent to the buffer.
f8 Opens the 'Search' window if there is anything in the rx buffer.
f9 Sends a file WHICH MUST BE CALLED "!Term93.User_2.On_Line" to the TNC.
f10 Sends a file WHICH MUST BE CALLED "!Term93.User_2.Off_Line" to the TNC.
f11 Toggles notify.
Shift+f5 Will copy the contents of the receive window into an !Edit window,
running !Edit if necessary. Subsequent saves will open a further
!Edit window if one is already open.
Ctrl+f5 Will copy the contents of the transmit window into an !Edit window,
running !Edit if necessary. Subsequent saves will open a further
!Edit window if one is already open.
Ctrl+f6 (<Ctrl>+f6) Will abandon a current file transmit.
Ctrl+B Toggles the receive buffer. (CHR$2)
Ctrl+D Sends the date. (CHR$4)
Ctrl+E Empties the receive buffer. (CHR$5)
Ctrl+F Toggles the 'spool to disc' option, where a duplicate file exists
the new text is appended with a warning. (CHR$6)
Ctrl+O Opens up the user directories for editing.
Ctrl+R Opens the review buffer window. (CHR$18)
Ctrl+T Sends the time. (CHR$20)
Ctrl+W Opens the 'Search' window if there is anything in the rx buffer.
C8-Transfer of text from the Buffer window or
the receive window to the transmit window.
=============================================
After issuing a "List" command and obtaining (either in the RX or the Buffer
Window) a screenful of message listings from a PMS or a BBS, you can read a
desired message (or messages) as follows. Firstly, use the mouse to locate
the pointer over the message line, then hold down either "Alt" key and click
with the left hand ('select') mouse button. The TX window will now display
an "R" followed by the message number (eg. "R 12345" and that instruction
may now be sent to the PMS/BBS by pressing Return. Multiple message reading
can be achieved simply by clicking on the lines of the desired messages; the
numbers will be added to the command line in the TX Window.
Using the <Shift> key instead of the <Alt> key has a similar effect but
instead of the line starting wiht "R" it strts with "Kill".
To copy any word from the Buffer window or the receive window to the
transmit window simply place the pointer on the first character that you want
transfered into the tx window and double click the left ('select') mouse
button. Text will be transfered starting at the character you pointed at and
continuing to the next space or end of line whichever comes first. Should
you double click on a space then only that space will be copied to the tx
window. Note that there is a time limit on how long you may take to do two
clicks, at present this time is set at half a second.
D1-Using the automatic logging facility
=======================================
!Term93 supports both manual and automatic logging as long as the
application !LogBook has been seen by the filer.
If you wish to take advantage of the automatic logging facility, make sure
two requirements are fulfilled: firstly, check that the TNC is wired so as
to relay its "Connect status" to the computer; and secondly, ensure that the
application !LogBook has been seen by the program (this application can be
on any disc as long as it is available at all times * see below).
To enable the automatic logging facility, select "Set Misc" at the Configure
section of the icon bar menu. A "Misc. setup" window appears, in which you
should select "Logging", and finally click on "Save as defaults".
To configure the logging facility to your station's characteristics, you
should call up the "Log Book" window, by calling up the main menu and
clicking on "Logging". Then amend the frequency, mode and power as
necessary, and finally click on "Save as defaults".
The automatic log will now record single connects (i.e. one entry at a
time). On a connect, the start time and callsign will be noted, and the
callsign shown at the top of the RX window. On a disconnect, the entry will
be closed and written to the log file located in !LogBook.
NB. The "Log Book" window also contains three writable icons, namely "First
connect" (the text normally returned on connect), "Second connect" (the text
normally returned on a second connect through a node), and "Disconnect" (the
normal disconnect text). Please note the trailing space on the first
connect string. These entries are saved along with the other default log
items, but it is only the second entry that is likely to be different.
The licence regulations as last read say that the log may be kept on a disc
used solely for that purpose but they do not say how that is done on a one
floppy computer !
D1a-Using the manual logging facility
=====================================
The manual logging facility is accessed by clicking on "logging" in the main
menu. This brings up the "Log Book" window. Note that it may be necessary
to use the scroll bar on the right of the window to bring the top of the
window into view.
By clicking in the relevant boxes, you may enter the details of callsign,
frequency, mode and power, as appropriate. When the details are correct,
click on "Manual open".
The start time is taken from the computer's internal clock, and this time
will be displayed in the "Start" box. An entry is opened by pressing
<Return> while the caret is in the callsign box. If you wish to specify a
particular start time, this should be entered in the "Start" box AFTER
clicking on "Manual open".
To update a current entry after making another connect via a node click on
"Update auto-entry".
At the end of transmission, so as to close the entry and write the log data
to disc, simply click on "Close entry". The logbook file will be updated
with the appropriate QSO details.
To register in the log the fact that you have closed down your station,
click on "Close log" and this fact will be recorded in the logbook file.
You should bear in mind that a manual entry can only be made provided that
there is no manual or automatic entry open at the time. It is worth also
pointing out that manually opened entries must be closed manually.
If you attempt to quit !Term93 whilst a log entry is still open, the entry
will be saved, and a warning box will appear to remind you.
D2-Exploiting the Review (buffer) Window
========================================
This section assumes you have data in the buffer.
On calling up the Buffer review menu, you will notice that the usually
greyed out "View buffer" and "Search" entries are now live. By clicking on
"View buffer", the contents of the RX buffer are displayed in the "Review"
window.
Additionally in order to search the Review window (for specific words,
callsigns etc), click on "Search" in the main menu (or use function key f8).
Use the "T93 search" window which you are presented with to carry out such
searches as you require.
You should enter the text to look for (up to 80 characters) and press
<Return> or click on 'OK'. If the text is found, it will be high-lighted,
and you may then continue to search for the next occurence (or the previous
one). Bear in mind that entries are not "case-sensitive", so, for example,
g4RqN will find G4RQN and g4rqn etc.
Clicking on "Count" will count the number of lines in which the
'searched for' text appears.
It is also possible to mark and highlight whole sections of text for later
saving. Click with the right hand mouse button at the beginning and ends of
the section(s) required and the text will then be highlighted. (It is
possible to undo this highlighting by returning to the main menu and
clicking on "Clear markers")
To save part or all of the review window, click on the "Open save box" entry
in the "T93 search" window. When presented with the "Save/Spool" window,
select how much of the review window you wish to save (marked and/or matched
sections) then click on OK. The selected material will be saved to the
named file. Emptying the buffer is done as in section C4.
D3-Using the 'TX lines' windows
===============================
As mentioned earlier, the "TX lines" windows can be used to send any text
either to your TNC/PMS or to another station (eg a BBS/Node). They are
accessed via the Main Menu or Tool bar.
To amend the existing entries to your requirements, click with 'select' in
the writable icon and type in the required text, bearing in mind that 16
entries each with up to 80 characters are allowed in each window. Then
click with 'select' on 'Save' to save your edited lines. You will now be
able to click with 'select' on 'OK' to send the entry showing in the
writable icon. (Alternatively, press "Return" when the caret is in the
writable icon, and the entry will be sent).
Certain control characters can also be included in the text, and can be
entered in upper or lower case (eg. for Control+C, you can enter |c or ^c,
and for Control+M, you can enter ^M or |M).
From the examples, you can see that it is not necessary to put 'Control M'
(ie. "Return") at the end of a line, and either the | character or the ^
character may be used.
The following control characters are catered for:
Control C Character 3
Control M Carriage return
Control N
Control O
Control V Preceeds ^M in multi-line CTEXT messages.
Control Z
Note that the titles of each window can be edited by typing into the top
three icons in TX Lines(1) and saving as above.
D4-Using a password to access a BBS (NNA type only)
===================================================
On "NNA" BBS's, a password system is used, in which the user calls up the
BBS and sends a certain character. After the BBS response, the user replies
with certain characters read from a matrix (previously supplied by the BBS
SysOp). This rather complicated procedure can be handled for you by !Term93
as follows.
Firstly, check whether your Home BBS is an "NNA" type. If it is, ask your
local SysOp to send you a password matrix. Also ensure you know EXACTLY how
the BBS prompts you for new instructions (eg. "Next Neil>").
Next, call up the "Password (NNA)" Window from the Main Menu (you may need
to open it up fully) and click on 'Clear'. Carefully type the matrix
characters into the grid. When that is done, write your BBS prompt in the
lower writable icon, and your local BBS callsign in the top writable icon.
Finally click on "Save". (NB. You may ignore the NNA and FBB buttons at the
foot of the window. The FBB password system could be added if there is
sufficient demand).
A password matrix for a second BBS may be entered if required, in which case
you should click on the icon containing the figure '1'. The '1' will change
to a '2', and you may then repeat the procedure outlined above.
You may now click on the 'GO' button next to the BBS callsign to log on
and exchange password information. Alternatively, if you are already
connected, click on the 'GO' button next to "Send password only".
WARNING! *** DO NOT SEND ANYTHING ELSE TO THE BBS ***
*** UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THE PASSWORD EXCHANGE IS OVER ***
D5-Using "Footer" messages
==========================
You may wish to standardise the way in which you sign off your messages with
a customised "footer". Firstly, find the "Configure" sub-menu from the icon
bar's menu. Then, clicking on "Footer" will bring up a window in which your
personalised Footer can be edited and saved.
You should enter the desired text on the five lines available. Any unused
lines should be ticked at the end, to show that they are to be 'excluded'
(ie. not to be saved or transmitted). The text lines may also be aligned by
clicking on the appropriate alignment button at the bottom of the window.
Normally you will want to transmit a /EX at the end of your message, and
this will be done automatically. Should you wish to do this manually,
delete the /EX at the bottom left, and it will not be transmitted.
It is also possible to have a date/time stamp within the Footer (stating the
date and time when the footer was sent. This is done by entering {TIME} at
the right-hand end of a message line (eg. "Date and time of origin {TIME}").
If you wish to see how it looks, click on the preferred justify icon, and
the {TIME} text will be converted into the current time string.
You should now delete the time string, put {TIME} in its place, and then
click on "Save". Remember to tick the relevant "Exclude" boxes for the
lines you do not wish to use, or they also will be saved.
!Term93 will send the Footer if the character Ú is seen as the ONLY
character in a transmit line (ie. in the tx window) or if it is the ONLY
character in a line in a file to be transmitted. (The character Ú is
created by holding down either <Alt> key and pressing in turn the keys 2 1
and 8 on THE NUMERIC KEYPAD, then releasing the <Alt> key).
Alternatively the Footer will be sent if Control K is pressed, when the TX
Window has the caret.
D6-Automated searching of the Review Buffer and Hi-lights
=========================================================
It is possible to set up !Term93 to make a predetermined search of the
Review Buffer for certain items of regular interest. In this way, once the
Review buffer is viewed inside the Review window, it will immediately
"highlight" any line containing the words or items previously selected by
the user.
To set up this automated search, call up the icon bar's menu and go into the
'Configure' sub-menu. Click on "Hi-lights" and a further window will
appear, which offers three writable windows in which you can enter the words
(or text strings) which are to be highlighted in the review window.
Firstly enter your 3 preferred text strings, then click on "Save as
defaults". However, if you wish to use the entered strings without them
being saved, click on "OK". Clicking on "Cancel" will forget any changes
which have not been saved.
Once this is set up, every time the RX buffer is viewed in the Review Window
(use "View Buffer" from the Main Menu) the lines of text in which the
preferred text strings appear will be highlighted. Further searches may be
carried out in the usual way (such as the "Search buffer" window, accessed
via function key f8). The third line of text in the "Hi-Lights" window is
the one selected as a default in the search window.
D7-Exploiting the "User" Directories
====================================
!Term93 contains two "User" directories. "User_1" contains the files
"Commands" and "Monitor" (the contents of which are accessed from the Main
Menu's "tnc cmd" entry) and "Calls" (whose contents appear under the Main
Menu's "Connect" entry). "User_2" contains files whose contents may be
accessed via the Main Menu's "tnc cmd" sub-menu, "User files". Both
directories can be called up on screen in response to Ctrl-O, provided the
TX window has the caret or from the tool bar.
The files in both these directories should be 'text' (&FFF) - of the type
written using (for example) !Edit or !Zap or !StrongEd etc. They should only
contain lines that can be sent to your modem or TNC without any modification
by the program.
Concerning the "User_1" directory, the "Commands" and "Monitor" files MUST
NOT BE RENAMED and MUST EXIST WITH AT LEAST ONE ENTRY. Lines should be no
longer than 12 characters - including spaces - and should be a minimum of
one character long. If there are fewer than 6 entries total in these files,
the associated menu windows will be sized accordingly.
Note also that the commands in the "Monitor" file may be sent while
connected but will not work properly if the rs port 'ring indicator' is not
wired up. Refer to the section on connecting the computer to the tnc.
As far as the "User_2" directory is concerned, you are free to generate any
useful files you wish, such as a list or lists of your TNC's parameters.
They may be saved using any 'legal' filename(s). However if you should not
wish to use this directory and its functions (eg. to free up some disc
space), then leave at least one file - which may be of zero length - in this
directory.
E1-More on the serial port
==========================
In the configuration window all the normal serial port parameters can be set up.
The baud rate. Baud rates from 300 to 19200 are supported.
Control. CTS/RTS (hardwired and recommended) or Xon/Xoff can be selected.
Bits. The word length may be 7 or 8 bits. Note that an 8 bit
(AWLEN 8) word length is required for 7+.
Parity. Parity can be none, even or odd.
Most likely you will want to use 9600 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit and no
parity, commonly known in the IBM world as 8N1.
Some of you may find problems with TNC's such as the PK88 where the 'connect
status' although shown at the TNCs' pin 8 is inverted when compared with the
Kam units such as I use here. You should invert the 'connect sense' if when
you have 'notify' enabled it fails to work and commands from the TNC
commands menu sent when connected are transmitted. The automatic logging
facility will also fail to work under such circumstances. The same may apply
to the Tiny2 tnc's but in these pin1 has to be connected to the ring
indicator (computer serial port pin 9).
E2-Block drivers
================
!Term93 uses the block drivers system by Hugo Fiennes, which allows for the
selection of different driver software to suit the situation and equipment.
!Term93 can use the following drivers.
Econet II_Dual Internal Internal2 InternalPC PipeA
PipeB SP_Dual P_DualPC Telnet Term93
The last driver (Term93) is closely based on code written by Alan G7ALN. (My
thanks to Alan for permission to edit and use his code).
If you should wish to change the block driver required or to change the
required port number from "0" (eg for multi-port users), you should click on
"Set Serial" from the Configuration menu.
In the "Serial Set up" window which appears click on the up arrow marked
"Driver" until the desired driver is called up. Now click on 'Accept and
use' (or on 'save as defaults' if you wish it to be the permanent default).
Similarly set the port number (0 to 15) by clicking on the bottom arrow next
to "Use driver port" and save as required.
It is possible to have more than one copy of !Term93 running with different
drivers. For example, run one copy of !Term93, click on 'set serial' in the
main menu and in the serial setup window, click on the up arrow across from
the word "driver" until the word "PipeA" appears in the centre icon. Save as
required. Now repeat the above with a second copy of !Term93, but this time
choose "PipeB". Now, memory permitting, run a third copy, but this time
choose the Term93 driver. You should find that the first two copies of
term93 will talk to each other, whilst the third one communicates with the
TNC! Perhaps this is not too useful, but it does demonstrate the system.
Should you be interested in further information, then feel free to read the
file "S_Dev.BlockSpec".
E3-Default paths in the save and spool window.
==============================================
The "Save/Spool" window has two icons where the path and file names can be
entered. Sometimes it is usefull to have the paths already set up eg. you
are in a hurry and want to open a file without having to worry about whether
the path is set up etc.
To set the paths select or create a directory to be used as the default and
then press and hold down either <Alt> key and drag the directory to the
!Term93 icon on the icon bar. A window willl open to tell you that the ath
has been stored. To change it simply repeat.
The new path will be used from the next time !Term93 is run.
After the paths are set up as shown above a spol to disc can be started by
simply pressing <Ctrl>F (^F) when the file will be opened, a warning will be
given if the file already exists in which case the new text will be appended
and the directory viewer containing the new file will be opened.
Section F
=========
Now a few assorted hints and pieces of information.
Here is a quick 'hit list' of the function and control keys used in !Term93.
============================================================================
f1 Brings up the help window.
f2 Toggles the receive buffer.
f3 Opens the 'save as' window.
f4 Will attempt to save as much from the receive screen as
there is room in the receive buffer.
f5 Will copy the contents of the receive buffer into an !Edit
window, running !Edit if necessary. Subsequent saves will
open a further !Edit window if one is already open.
f6 Transmit a previously dragged/dropped file.
f7 Toggles whether transmit text is sent to the rx buffer.
f8 Opens the 'Search' window if there is anything in the
rx buffer.
f9 Sends a file WHICH MUST BE CALLED "!Term93.User_2.On_Line"
to your TNC.
f10 Sends a file WHICH MUST BE CALLED "!Term93.User_2.Off_Line"
to your TNC.
^f6 (<Ctrl>+f6) Will abandon a current file transmit.
^B Toggles the receive buffer. (CHR$2)
^E Empties the receive buffer. (CHR$5)
^F Toggles the 'spool to disc' option, where a duplicate file
exists the new text is appended with a warning. (CHR$6)
^O Opens up the user directories for editing. (CHR$15)
^R Opens the review (rx buffer) window. (CHR$18)
^W Opens the 'Search' window if there is anything in the
rx buffer. (CHR$23)
^M means press the Control key and the letter M key at the same time.
Please note
-----------
The application "!SerialDev" needs to be seen by the filer therefore
it should be in a directory that is opened before !Term93 is run. It
can be treated like the !System application with a line in your
!Boot file that reads :-
Filer_Boot ADFS::MyDrive.$.!SerialDev
To comply with Hugo Fiennes wishes (he wrote the block driver code
that interfaces between the rs port(s) and !Term93) the
documentation and sample files which go along with !SerialDev have
been included in directory called "S_Dev".
Auto inclusion of the footer.
The file footer is sent if the character Ú is seen as the ONLY
character in a transmit line (ie. in the tx window) or as the ONLY
character in a line in a file to be transmitted or Control K is
pressed when the tx window has the caret.
A number of messages can be prepared for sending using !Edit and
could take the following format
SP G4RQN @ GB7OPC
Message 1
Text of message.
Ú
SP G4RQN @ GB7OPC
Message 2
Text of message.
Ú
SP G4RQN @ GB7OPC
Message 3
Text of message.
Ú
Each time the Ú character is seen the file "footer" will be
inserted. The last Ú should be followed by pressing the <Return> key
once.
The character Ú is aquired by holding down either <Alt> key and
pressing in turn the keys 2 1 and 8 on THE NUMERIC KEYBOARD, then
release the <Alt> key.
The Hi-lights window.
This window is opened by clicking over the icon bar menu
Configure.Hi-lights. Enter 3 text strings that are to be hi-lighted
in the review (receive buffer) window and either press return to
save and use the entries, click on cancel to forget any changes not
saved or click on 'OK' to use them without saving.
The third entry will be used as the default in the search window the
next time !Term93 is run.
NOTES
=====
* Files to be transmitted should be dragged to the icon or a window
ONLY after any tnc set up files have been sent (those selected from
the user sub menu) otherwise the dragged file will be forgotten.
* A 'drag save' from such as !Edit is now operational but I have to
admit to having fudged it somewhat. Files dragged directly from
!Edit are temporarily stored in the directory "!Term93.temp", this
file is deleted after sending or on a transmit abort command. The
only thing to remember here is that you MUST have enough room on the
disc containing !Term93 to store this temporary file. As soon as the
file is transmitted or the transmit aborted the file
"!Term93.temp.filename" is deleted.
* One of the results of this is that a 'spool to disc' can be started
by dragging the lower icon in the save box to a !Term93 window, a
file opened by selecting "Start" or by pressing <Ctrl>+F. The
resulting file can then be immediatly transmitted, a second attempt
at this without aborting the transmit will append the second file to
the existing "temp" file.
* Another effect is that the buffer can be 'saved' back into !Term93
and again transmitted, the rules about dragging the buffer
repeatedly again apply.
* On running !Term93 any files in "!Term93.temp" are deleted.
73's de Neil G4RQN