Formula 1 is a communication module that improves the performance of point or BBS programs. F1 can be used as a replacement of TabbyNet and Call modules for Tabby and Copernicus, but it can be used with CounterPoint, MacWoof, Alice, Pizza, and Aeolus too.
This is what F1 improves:
- Full support of EMSI, WaZoo and FTS-0001 protocols.
- File transfers with ZedZap and ZedZip with crash recovery
- Full support of high speed modems:
- serial speed up to 57600 baud
- hardware handshake
- Support for all the devices and tool registered with the Communication
Toolbox.
- Private Nodelist allows different modem setup for selected nodes.
- Front-end mode and Serial Switch Tool support allows receiving crashmail calls
even if the BBS software doesn't support them.
Points:
- 4D or 5D address (or fakenet if the boss requires it)
BBS:
- 3 levels of File Request: Default, for ‘known’ nodes and for protected sessions
Hardware Requirements
F1 works on any Macintosh with at least 2MBytes of RAM and System 7 or newer.
If you use the hardware handshake you need a suited cable.
Acknowledgement
F1 passed a full beta-test cycle before this release, this is the list of beta-testers that made possible the development of F1 with their suggestions and tests:
Matteo Adreani
Lucio Cosmo
Massimo Finizio
Luca Gissi
Stephen Head
Marcello Missiroli
Andrea Mosconi
Jerry Ronchi
Salvatore Sarno
Massimiliano Pini for F1 icons...
...and all the users of proLINK BBS and MAC.ITA, the Italian Fidonet Mac conference...
...and thanks to Andreas Fink, Goran Larsson and the other 1.1.1 beta tester.
Technical Support
This manual should be useful to help you install and use F1, if you need more help you can reach me at these electronic addresses:
Fidonet 2:331/313.1
Compuserve 71531,32
AppleLink ITA0245
Internet 71531.32@Compuserve.com
Fax : +39 382 308562 (will be +39 382 304741 from June 15th 1994)
BBS: +39 382 27622 - V32bis
Or by mail:
Massimo Senna
via Calchi 5
27100 PAVIA ITALY
Installing F1
First Step
Before going on with the installation of F1 you must install the software you want to use with the mailer, then you usually must copy Formula 1 and F1 Setup in the same folder as the other Tabby, Copernicus or CounterPoint applications.
F1 and Tabby
Delete the original TabbyNet module and rename Formula 1 to TabbyNet.
F1 and Copernicus or Counterpoint
Delete the original Call module and rename Formula 1 to Call.
F1 and Pizza
Pizza already creates a simple installation for Formula 1, after installing Pizza use F1Setup to check that all data are ok.
Next Step
Now launch F1 Setup that allows you to configure Formula 1.
If F1Setup doesn't find an existing preference file, it asks for a name of this file and where to create it. The default name is 'Formula1 Prefs', don't change it!
F1 Setup and Tabby, Copernicus or CounterPoint
From the File menu choose Read Tabby/Copernicus Setup, F1 Setup will convert the existing configuration.
From the Setup menu choose Communication, make the changes you need and click Ok, remember that your modem must be set to answer with ‘extended’ messages, read Appendix B to have more suggestions on setting up your modem.
If you use F1 as a Point, check the Boss data (System Addresses from Setup menu).
If you use F1 as a BBS, check the PrivateNet (System Addresses from Setup menu), then choose Applications from Setup menu, with this window you can set-up the applications launched after a successful or failed crash call.
If your Boss uses Tabby and the ‘Pointmail’ method you need to create an Areas.BBS file in the Support files folder (:Common Folder:). This file must contain the list of connected areas in this form:
number<tab>tagname<tab>Boss address<cr>
Example:
1 MAC.ITA 331/313
2 GRAFICA.ITA 331/313
3 TABBY 331/313
4 MACDEV 331/313
F1 Setup Reference
This chapter contains all the information you need to use F1 Setup.
Bracketed numbers printed near the options are codes used by Formula 1 Prefs file, and are useful only to expert users that use the ‘Show File’ option.
FILE MENU
Read Tabby/Copernicus Configuration
Can be used to convert the existing configuration of Tabby, Copernicus or CounterPoint to F1 format. You should carefully check the converted configuration before using F1.
Show File
Allows you to manually edit the Formula 1 Prefs file, this option should be used by expert users only.
Quit
Quit F1 Setup and save modified configuration to disk.
EMULATION MENU (133)
Choose the emulation mode of F1:
Formula 1 native mode not supported by other programs.
Tabby if you use F1 with Tabby
Copernicus If you use F1 with Copernicus or Counterpoint
MacWoof if you use F1 as a mailer for MacWoof.
Setup Windows
System Addresses…
System Info:
Name (021)
BBS or Point name
Sysop (022)
Sysop or Point user name
Address (094)
It’s the main address of the BBS or the Point. The format is Zone:Net/Node.Point@domain (example: 2:331/313.1@Fidonet.org)
PrivateNet (070)
This field is usually needed only if you use F1 with a BBS. Points need to fill this field only if Boss doesn’t accept 4D or 5D address.
Boss Info:
Address (023)
Boss Address in the format Zone:Net/Node@domain (example 2:331/313@Fidonet.org).
Phone (018)
Boss phone number.
Password (019)
Session password
AKA…
This button opens a windows for AKAs Setup
Address
It’s an AKA address of the BBS or the Point. The format is Zone:Net/Node.Point@domain (example: 2:331/313.1@Fidonet.org)
Add, Change, Delete
These buttons Add, Modify and Delete an AKA address.
Communication…
Driver (013)
Choose with this popup menu the I/O Driver to use:
Serial Driver The standard Macintosh serial driver it support also all the devices registered with the Communication Toolbox.
CTB Serial Tool Choose this to select a CTB 'Serial Tool' like the Apple Serial Tool.
CTB Tool Choose this to select other CTB Tools.
CTB Serial Switch Tool This is a special driver for F1 Serial Switch Tool. Read the Serial Switch Tool documentation (Appendix E) before using this method.
Choose…
This button is active only if you select a 'CTB' driver with the Serial Driver popup menu. It opens the standard Communication Toolbox setup dialog.
If you select CTB Tool the following fields are meaningless, you must set them using the Tool setup dialog. You MUST set them if you use a Serial Driver , CTB Serial Tool or CTB Serial Switch Tool.
Port (014) (Serial Driver only)
Choose with this popup menu the port or Communication Toolbox device that you want to use. It is active only if you select the Serial Driver with the Serial Driver popup menu.
Baud (012) (Serial Driver only)
The speed used to communicate with the modem.
Carrier (015) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
Choose the method used for Carrier Detect:
CTS [HSKi] Modem CD pin is connected to pin HSKi of Macintosh. This set-up is often used also for Communication Toolbox devices. If you use the built-in serial ports this set-up is incompatible with Hardware Handshake.
GPi Modem CD pin is connected to GPi pin of Macintosh. This is the suggested setting for Macintoshes with connected GPi (All ADB models excluded Mac Classic, LC and LCII).
Simulated There is no ‘true’ carrier detection. This setting is not suggested for use with a BBS because F1 cannot detect a lost carrier, if this happens, F1 will break connections after a few time-out errors.
CSI Card A special call used with CSI multi-serial card.
Locked Speed (042) (Serial Driver only)
The speed of serial port is locked.
Hardware Handshake (132) (Serial Driver only)
Activate Hardware Handshake.
Init (029) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
String sent to the modem at start and then every 10 minutes. Modem must be set so that it sends extended messages (Connect 2400 and not simply Connect). If you use Locked Speed and Hardware Handshake your modem must be set to support these settings. F1 sends a <CR> at the end of the string, end the string with ‘;’ to disable this feature.
HangUp (055) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
String sent to HangUp the phone. F1 sends a <CR> at the end of the string, end the string with ‘;’ to disable this feature.
Dial (031) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
String sent to the modem to dial a number.
Busy (030) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
String sent to the modem when F1 quits. F1 sends a <CR> at the end of the string, end the string with ‘;’ to disable this feature.
Answer (091) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
String sent to the modem when F1 detects a ‘Ring’ message. Usually set to ATA. If you set the modem in autoanswer mode (with ATS1=1) you must leave this field empty. F1 sends a <CR> at the end of the string, end the string with ‘;’ to disable this feature.
Slow Commands (045) (Serial Driver AND CTB Serial Tools)
If your modem cannot receive commands at full speed, activate this option, F1 will introduce a small delay.
ATTENTION: Modem strings can contain special characters, see Appendix B for more information.
Experts
Opens a window with advanced settings.
Buffers setting allows a fine-tuning of input/output buffers size. Default value is 4096 bytes for all buffers, bigger buffers can increase efficiency with high speed modems. F1 will try to allocate the I/O Buffer in the application heap, if there isn’t enough free RAM here it will allocate them in the multifinder temporary memory, some CTB Tools allocate the buffers only in the application heap, and in this case you should increase the reserved memory for F1 if you use big buffers.
Input Buffer (113)
Input buffer used by Macintosh I/O driver.
Output Buffer (126)
Output buffer used by Macintosh I/O driver.
Check if driver is already open (098) (Serial Driver only)
If active, F1 won’t use the serial port if it is already in use by another application.
Don’t close Serial Driver (062) (Serial Driver only)
If active, F1 won’t close the serial driver when exits.
Leave DTR ON (103) (Serial Driver only)
If active, F1 will leave DTR ON when exits.
Don't show CTB windows (097) (CTB only)
If active, F1 will open the CTB tools in 'quiet' mode.
BBS Link…
This window is useful only if you use F1 in front end mode, you must use it to set the BBS Link method.
Link (136)
The method used to redirect the call to the BBS software.
None No BBS Link. It can be used on Mail Only nodes too.
CTB Serial Tool Choose this to select a CTB 'Serial Tool' like the Apple Serial Tool. CTB Tool Choose this to select other CTB Tools. Apple Events [Telefinder] This is a special mode for Telefinder only. It uses Apple Events to control the BBS software. You MUST specify the Node Server name in the Server name field.
CTB Serial Switch Tool This is a special driver for F1 Serial Switch Tool. Read the Serial Switch Tool documentation (Appendix E) before using this method.
BBS Client Strings… (058)
If you use a graphical BBS with a client application, you can use these field to detect an incoming call from the BBS client. The string must be in hexadecimal format and veries from software to software. For example: for First Class BBS you should use 'EDED'.
User Timeout… (043)
It is a value (in seconds). If F1 can't start a Fidonet session and can't detect a BBS client call, nor a standard user call, it will redirect the call to the BBS after this time.
Link Failed (067)
This text will be displayed to the user if the redirection of the call fails.
Folders & Files…
Support (134)
The path of the folder where Tabby (or Copernicus) stores its files (usually :Tabby: or :Common Folder:). You can use a full or partial path, don’t forget the colon at the end.
Temporary (026)
The path of the folder where F1 looks for files to send (usually Mail or Gateway folder), is used as a temporary place to store converted MacBinary files before sending. You must use a full path and don’t forget the colon at the end.
Received (027)
The path of the folder where F1 stores incoming 'non mail' files, it should be different from the 'Fidonet' folder if the internal MacBinary converter is enabled. You must use a full path and don’t forget the colon at the end.
Fidonet (028)
The path of the folder where F1 stores all incoming Fidonet files (usually Mail or Gateway folder), F1 then moves non-mail files to the 'Received' folder. You must use a full path and don’t forget the colon at the end.
ATTENTION: You must set Temporary and Fidonet path to the same folder if you use Tabby
Log (016)
The full path to the log file. If this field is empty, no log file will be used.
Level (011)
Log level: 1 = less information, 5 = full log.
EMSI Setup…
Disable EMSI (051)
EMSI protocol will be disabled if this flag is set.
EMSI Security (093)
If this flag is set, F1 will drop the connection as soon as it detects a wrong password. If it is not set F1 will simply remove the address from the session list.
EMSI IDENT Info
These are optional info sent in the IDENT section of emsi packets.
Town (064)
Phone (065)
Flags (066)
Advanced Settings…
Don’t Use WaZoo (096)
If active will disable WaZoo protocol, F1 will become a FTS-0001 only mailer.
Start Block Size (119)
If you select Auto, F1 will automatically adjust the size of starting block (256 to 8192 bytes) in Zmodem send file. If you choose a value, F1 will always start using the selected size. F1 will dynamically change the size of successive blocks during transfers.
Don’t use SEALink Overdrive (044)
Disable the Overdrive protocol during FTS-0001 or DietIFNA sessions. If you get many errors during lo-tech sessions, try to disable Overdrive.
Small Window (046)
If you use a high-speed modem you can select this option to enhance the efficiency during Xmodem transfers on bad lines. This setting doesn’t influence Zmodem.
Beep when Connected (053)
If active, F1 will beep at every modem connection.
Disable MacBinary conversion (140)
If set, it will disable the automatic MacBinary conversion of received files.
Front End Mode (040)
If active, F1 will activate the Front End mode.
Internal Scheduler (003)
Useful only if Front End Mode is set, this flag will activate the internal scheduler if set..
Failed Calls Before Down (092)
F1 usually tries to call a chosen node until a successful session or the end of the event. A session can fail because the other node is busy or down, or because it has other problems. The value in this field sets a maximum number of attempts to call another node if the modem answer (‘connect xxxx’ message) but the session fails. As soon as F1 gets a successful session the counter is reset. When a node is signed ‘down’ F1 will leave a file named Net/Node.$$x (example 331/313.$$8) in the ‘Temporary Files’ folder.
F1 will never try to call the ‘down’ node until you delete this file.
Apple Events Server (038)
If set, will activate the Apple Events Server mode: F1 will disable every automatic events and schedules processing and will wait external Apple Events.
Ticks for WaitNextEvent (130)
It’s the value used in the WaitNextEvent() call. Higher numbers mean more time for the other applications.
Quit Finder (006)
If this flag is set, F1 will close the finder when it is launched..
Leave at least … KBytes (125)
It is a value in kilobytes. When the free space on the receiving HD will drop below this value, F1 will refuse any uploads. F1 calculates the free space considering also the size of the file it is going to receive.
Delete Files with the same Name (039)
During file transfers F1 usually renames incoming files a file with the same name is already present. If you activate this option F1 will delete existing files. Mail packets are ALWAYS renamed.
Applications…
If Launch Fails: (056)
Select what happens if F1 cannot launch the next application of the Tabby event. It is ignored if the internal scheduler is enabled.
Reboot Restart the computer.
BBS Launch the application set as BBS in the Tabby/Copernicus application.
Finder Exit to Finder.
Successful (063)
List of applications to launch after receiving a successful crash call. The format of the field is the same as Tabby event list.
If MacWoof emulation is selected, this field can be used to set the application to launch after every call.
Failed (057)
List of applications to launch after receiving a failed crash call. The format of the field is the same as Tabby event list.
Read from "connect.bbs" (009)
When not in front-end mode, F1 will use the "connect.bbs" file created by the BBS Software to handle incoming crashmail calls. You can select what data F1 should read from this file. For standard installation F1 shouldn't read the port nor the baudrate.
Port
Select the port written in the connect.bbs file. If the flag is not set, F1 will use the port selcted with F1Setup..
Baudrate
If selected, F1 will set the serial baudrate to the value read from the 'connect.bbs' file.
Notes…
Banner (037)
The message sent to a user when it’s F1 to answer and not the BBS.
Note (068)
This note should explain that the BBS is in a mail-only event.
File Requests…
No FReq (048)
If active, F1 will refuse File Requests.
Accept FReq when calling (041)
Select this if you accept File Request even when you are the calling node.
Magicname FILES (033;077;083)
Path to the file sent when the user requests FILES.
Magicname ABOUT (035;079;085)
Path to the file sent when the user requests ABOUT, usually contains info on the BBS.
Files list for F1 (034;078;084)
It’s the path to the file that contains the list of magicnames, passwords and folders to scan. See Appendix C for more information.
Answer File (076;082;088)
It’s the path to the template used to prepare an answer message sent after a File Request. See Appendix C for more information.
Files Limit (010;081;087)
Maximum number of file that can be sent during a session.
KBytes (116;117;118)
Maximum number of KBytes that can be sent during a session.
Minutes (120;121;122)
Session time limit.
Known Nodes
The same data as Default, but used only in sessions with known nodes. Empty fields will inherit the value from the Default setting. To be ‘known’ a node must be set in the Routing list of Tabby.
Protected Sessions
The same data as Default, but used only during password protected sessions.
Node
The address of the Node you want to set-up. The format is Zone:Net/Node.Point@domain (example: 2:331/313.1@Fidonet.org)
Password
The password used in sessions with the selected node.
Add, Modify, Delete
These buttons Add, Modify and Delete the node.
More Info…
Name
The name of the selected node.
Sysop
The Sysop of the selected node.
Phone
The phone number of the selected node. If it is empty, F1 will use the phone number set by Tabby (or point software)
Baud
The baud rate used when calling the selected node. If the serial speed is set to locked in the communication window this value is ignored.
Modem Init String
The init string used to init modem before calling the selected node. If it is empty, F1 will use the string set in the Communication Window.
Don’t Use WaZoo
If active will disable WaZoo protocol, F1 will become a FTS-0001 only mailer.
Don’t use SEALink Overdrive
Disable the Overdrive protocol during FTS-0001 or DietIFNA sessions. If you get many errors during lo-tech sessions, try disabling Overdrive.
No EMSI
Disables the EMSI protocol for this node only.
Formula 1 Reference
Formula 1 dialogs
This window shows the active event and session status.
Hang-Up
Send the Hang-Up string to the modem.
Cancel
Break the active connection and quits.
Skip
Skip to the next node to call.
I/O Status
This window shows some useful data about the status of I/O device. This display is useful for fine-tuning buffers size and checking the carrier detection method.
Carrier
Reports thecarrier detection method used. If the string ‘CD’ is displayed, F1 is detecting the presence of the carrier. It is valid only for Serial Drivers and CTB Serial Tools.
Handshake
The current handshake method used. It is valid only for Serial Drivers.
Buffers
F1 uses a double-buffer for Input and Output. The four status bars display the current status for each buffer. The windows displays also the current size of the buffer and the highest number of character detected in the buffer while it is open.
Attention: updating I/O status data is time-consuming and slows down file transfers, you should open this window only when necessary.
Formula 1 ‘Mailer’ menu
Hang-Up
Send the Hang-Up string to the modem.
Cancel & Quit
Break the active connection and quits.
Skip
Skip to the next node to call.
Direct Connection [Call]
Direct Connection [Answer]
‘Direct’ connections are useful if you want to test F1 or other software using a direct connection between two computer without using a modem. The direct connection can be a serial cable connecting the two computer or a network connection (for example using the ADSP Tool).
When you want to start a session you select ‘call’ on one computer and ‘answer’ on the other.
Don’t use these option if F1 is connected to a modem, they changes some internal variables and you should restart F1 before putting it online again.
Carrier
The carrier submenu allows you to temporary change the carrier detection method. If the I/O Status windows always display ‘CD’ or it doesn’t display it when the modem detects an incoming call, you can change the carrier detection method until it is correct.
The changes done with this menu are not saved, you must use F1Setup to change the Formula1 Prefs file.
Appendix A
Modem cables
To use carrier detect and hardware handshake you must use a correct modem cable.
These are the suggested cables:
Type 1
This is the suggested cable, it allows hardware handshake and carrier detect, it is required to fully exploit high speed modems.
Hardware Handshake and CD on GPi
Macintosh Minidin DB25 (modem)
HSKo 1 ---------------------------- 4,20
HSKi 2 ---------------------------- 5
TxD- 3 ---------------------------- 2
GND 4 ---------------------------- 7
RxD- 5 ---------------------------- 3
TxD+ 6 n.c.
GPi 7 ---------------------------- 8
RxD+ 8 ---------------------------- 7
If your computer can’t use the GPi pin (MacPlus and older models, Mac Classic, Mac LC and LCII) you must set the carrier detect to ‘Simulated’, otherwise set the carrier detect to ‘GPi’.
If you use this cable you must disable hardware handshake and carrier detect must be set to ‘CTS [HSKi]’ or ‘Simulated’.
Appendix B
Modem Setup
You can use these special characters in the command strings:
‘|’ = send a CR
‘~’ = 1 second delay
‘^’ = DTR ON
‘_’ = DTR OFF
‘`’ = 1/10 second delay
‘@’ = send a Break signal
‘\’ = escape character - allows to send the special characters without processing by F1. To send the character ‘\’ you must type it 2 times (‘\\’).
Usually F1 sends automatically a CR at the end of the command string (this is not true for the ‘Dial’ command string), you can disable this CR by ending the string with ‘;’ (example: ATX3V1;).
A few configuration examples:
‘standard’ Modem (300-2400bps)
F1 not set to hardware handshake
Modem configuration:
- Verbose answers (usually V1)
- ‘Real’ CD detection (usually &C1)
- DTR Off transition put modem in command mode (usually &D1)
Example Init: ATZ|~~ATV1&C1&D1
High Speed or MNP modem
with Type 1 cable
F1 set to hardware handshake and locked speed
Modem configuration:
- Verbose answers (usually V1) and extended (usually \V0)
- ‘Real’ CD detection (usually &C1)
- Speed locked (usually \J0)
- RTS/CTS Flow control (usually \Q3)
- DTR ignored (usually &D0)
Example Init: ATZ|~~ATV1\\V0&C1\\J0\\Q3&D0 (Character ‘\’ must be typed 2 times)
with Type 2 cable
F1 set to locked speed but not set to hardware handshake
Modem configuration:
- Verbose answers (usually V1) and extended (usually \V0)
- ‘Real’ CD detection (usually &C1)
- Speed locked (usually \J0)
- Xon-Xoff flow control (usually \Q1)
(The Xon/Xoff protocol can cause problems with the initial handshake of the WaZoo protocol and is incompatible with FTS-0001 sessions)
Example Init: ATZ|~~ATV1\\V0&C1\\J0\\Q1 (Character ‘\’ must be typed 2 times)
Other Examples:
HangUp:+++~~ATH0
Dial Prefix:ATDP
Busy:ATH1
Answer:ATA
Appendix C
File Requests
This chapter is useful only if you use F1 in a BBS.
Files List for F1
This file must contain all the data F1 needs to know where searching the requested file, the password (optional) needed for a file/folder, and the MagicNames conversion. This file can be created/edited with a standard text processor.
The structure of the file
Enabled Folder: type the path (complete or partial) of each folder enabled for File Request.
Example:
HD40:BBS:MacRequests:
Password protected folder: type the path of the folder, then the <tab> key the ‘!’ character and the password (max. length: 6 characters).
Example:
HD40:BBS:MacRequests: !MyPwd
You can password protect even files:
Example:
MacWoof.cpt !MWPass
MagicName:type the ‘@’ character, then type the ‘magicname’, <tab> and the ‘real’ filename path.
Example:
@F1DEMO BBSHD:MACFILES:F1DemoIta.cpt
This is a sample file:
@NEWFILES HD40:BBS:News.cpt
@F1BETA HD40:BBS:F1B1.cpt
HD40:BBS:MacRequests:
HD40:BBS:MacComm:
HD40:BBS:Fido: !FidPwd
HD40:BBS:F1B1.cpt !BetaPwd
The ‘Answer’ File
This file is a template for an answer message sent after a File Request. Usually it is sent only if the Request failed. These are the possible commands:
%abort abort and don’t send answer
%abort <num> don’t send answer if error number is <num>
%exit close answer file and send it.
%exit <num> close and send answer file if error code is <num>
%text <num> text text for error number <num>
%line <num> text send text if error code is <num>
%date current date
%time current time
%mynode BBS address
%system BBS name
%sysop Sysop name
%yrnode requester address
%request name of file requested
%status send text set by %text command
These are the error codes:
1 = File not found
2 = Update not necessary
3 = Wrong password
4 = File Request limit reached
5 = File Request not accepted
6 = File Request byte limit reached
7 = File Request time limit reached
9 = Successful request
Appendix D
The Internal Scheduler
When Formula 1 is in Front End mode, irt uses an internal scheduler that replaces the Tabby scheduler application. The Event Application List can now contain application names, aliases or scheduler commands.
Scheduler Commands ('%')
Scheduler Commands allows more control over F1 than the standard application, they can work only with the 'internal scheduler' flag set. In this mode, F1 is always running (until it process an %Exit or %Restart command), and launches the application of the list using the System 7 process manager and Apple Events. This way the memory fragmentation problem is reduced.
%Exit
F1 generates a 'launch.next' file with the remaining application in the event application list, launches the next application and quits.
%Closedev
Closes the serial driver, useful if another program needs to access the serial device.
%Opendev
Re-opens the serial driver after a %Closedev
%Busy
It sends to the modem the 'Busy' string set with F1 Setup and has the same use as the BusyOut application. It automatically sends a %Closedev command. You should use %Busy before launching application not very multifinder friendly (Tabby DeliverMail for example) or when you need disabling incoming calls.
%Wait
After a %Busy it re-opens the serial driver and re-enables the events processing. It is automatically sent at the end of the application list.
%Rescan
Resets the events data. You should issue an %Rescan event at least once in a day .
%Restart
Sends the Restart AEvent to the finder, it works like choosing Restart from the finder menu.
Next commands can be called 'low level' commands, usually you don't need them.
%Sched_off
Disables the scheduler until a %Wait or %Sched_On command
%Sched_on
Re-enables the scheduler
%Answ_off
Disable call answer processing
%Answ_on
Re-enables call answer.
%Init_off
Disable modem_init timed routine
%Init_on
ReEnable modem_init timed routine
Appendix E
The Serial Tool Patcher and the Serial Switch Tool
When F1 is in front-end mode, this new CTB Tools allows theredirection of incoming calls to the BBS without the overhead of ADSP Tool and similar methods, it also allows outgoing calls from the BBS if it needs this feature.
The Tool is based on the standard Apple Serial Tool, the Serial Switch Tool Patcher application on F1 disk creates the Serial Switch Tools modifying the Apple Serial Tool. If you don’t have the Apple Serial Tool, you can find it in the CTB Basic Connectivity kit, on BBS’s and other on-line services.
Patching the Apple Serial Tool
Use always a copy of your Apple Serial Tool, the Serial Tool Patcher will modifiy it and the changes can’t be undo.
Launch the Serial Tool Patcher application and select the copy of the Apple Serial Tool you want to patch and click on ‘open’. When the Serial Tool Patcher quits, move the modified tool to the Extensions folder. If you like you can give it a new name, I’ll use Serial Switch Tool in these instructions.
Configuring F1 for the Serial Switch Tool
Use the F1 Setup Communication window to choose the 'Serial Switch Tool' I/O method and choose the Serial Switch Tool with the 'Choose…' button. You must set the baudrate, handshake method and I/O port from the standard CTB dialog.
Use the 'BBS Link' window to choose the 'Serial Switch Tool' mode too.
Configuring your BBS for the Serial Switch Tool
You should now setup the BBS software to use the Switch Tool, it must be set as a 'real' CTB Tool, DON'T use a 'Serial CTB' or similar mode (if present: FirstClass, for example, has this option).
This is all, when F1 detects a non-fidonet call it redirects it to the BBS, resuming the serial port control when the call is finished.
If your BBS needs to call other BBS’s (usually for some internal network system), it can still use the Serial Switch Tool. Until now I have tested only FirstClass 2.4, so these are the instruction for setting up FC Gateways. You should setup the gateway as described in the FC manual, and choose 'Communication Toolbox' as the communication port. In the Communication Toolbox Setup field add this string:
PhoneNumber "123"
of course use the remote BBS phone number instead of 123, but be sure to write PhoneNumber as printed, with P and N in uppercase and the rest in lowercase and the quotes are required.
When the BBS makes a call, the ‘real’ dialing is done by F1 and then the control is given to the BBS.
Appendix F
Troubleshooting
Problem: F1 reports “no mail for node xxx/yyy” but there is mail for the node.
Cause: F1 doesn’t find outbound files.
Solution: Check pathnames in the Folder window. Check that main and Boss addresses have the same zone and domain.
Problem: F1 doesn’t dial the phone or tries to hang-up with no success.
Cause: The carrier detect method chosen is wrong, the modem cable is wrong, or the modem keeps the CD signal always on.
Solution: Check the modem cable. Check modem configuration. If you still have problems choose the ‘simulated’ method.
Problem: Zmodem transfers causes many retry and the efficiency is very low.
Cause: If you use a high speed modem (or MNP) there are handshake problems, the modem cable is wrong, or the modem configuration is wrong.
Solution: If possible use always a hardware handshake cable, activate the hardware handshake with F1 Setup and configure the modem this way. If you can’t use hardware handshake, disable it with F1 Setup and configure the modem to use Xon/Xoff flow control.
Problem: F1 counts ‘Busy’ calls as unsuccessful sessions and put the node ‘down’ after a few attempts.
Cause: The Carrier Detection method is wrong, F1 detect a carrier even when it is not present.
Solution: Check the modem configurationa, the modem cable and the carrier detection method, if you are unsure use the ‘Simulated’ Carrier Detection method.
Problem: Your points doesn’t receive mail, F1 always reports “no mail for node xxx/yyy”.
Cause: F1 doesn’t recognize the point address.
Solution: Check the fakenet and the address in the ‘Boss’ field of ‘System Addresses’, this must be the same as your main address or must be empty.
