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Twin Express User's Guide
Twin Express 1.1
User's Guide
Copyright 1991 OMNICODE. All rights reserved.
Twin Express User's Guide
Copyright: This document and its accompanying software are
copyrighted by OMNICODE (Montréal, CANADA) which retains all
rights of ownership and copyright. Registered users have
specific rights as stated in the license agreement. Others may
only distribute the complete package as described in the
distribution statement.
Disclaimer: The software, the documentation and all the files
included in the package are provided without any warranty.
Moreover, OMNICODE does not guarantee that the software, the
documentation and the files are accurate, reliable or fit any
particular task. The users of this software package accept all
risks related to its use. OMNICODE shall not be held
responsible for any damage, costs or loss arising from the use
of this software package.
Trademarks: IBM, IBM AT, IBM PS/2, PC-DOS and OS/2 are
registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation. IBM PC and IBM XT are trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation. MS-DOS is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. Amiga is a registered trademark of
Commodore-Amiga Inc. AmigaDOS and Amiga Workbench are
trademarks of Commodore-Amiga Inc. Unix is a registered
trademark of AT&T Bell Laboratories.
II
Twin Express User's Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................ IV
1 GETTING STARTED........................................... 1
1.1 Summary of Features.................................. 1
1.2 Installation on the Amiga Computer................... 2
1.3 Installation on the IBM-PC Computer.................. 3
1.4 The Serial Cable..................................... 4
1.5 Running Twin Express................................. 5
1.6 Of Ports and Baud Rates.............................. 6
1.7 Startup Problems..................................... 6
1.8 Registration......................................... 8
1.9 Support.............................................. 9
2 TUTORIAL.................................................. 10
2.1 Vocabulary........................................... 10
2.2 Purpose of a File Transfer Program................... 10
2.3 Commands and Aliases................................. 11
2.4 Local Versus Remote Resources........................ 11
2.5 Transferring Files with the COPY Command............. 12
2.6 Syntax of File and Directory Names................... 13
2.7 File Groups and Wildcards............................ 15
2.8 Moving Text Files to a Different Type of Computer.... 16
2.9 Enabling Fast Transfers.............................. 17
2.10 Input from a Command File............................ 18
3 COMMANDS.................................................. 19
3.1 CHDIR................................................ 19
3.2 COPY................................................. 20
3.3 DELETE............................................... 21
3.4 DIR.................................................. 21
3.5 ECHO................................................. 23
3.6 HELP................................................. 23
3.7 MKDIR................................................ 24
3.8 QUIT................................................. 24
3.9 RENAME............................................... 24
3.10 RMDIR................................................ 25
3.11 SET.................................................. 26
3.12 SHOW................................................. 26
3.13 TREE................................................. 27
3.14 TYPE................................................. 28
APPENDIX A: Error Messages.................................. A1
APPENDIX B: License Agreement............................... B1
APPENDIX C: Distribution Statement.......................... C1
APPENDIX D: Problem Report Form............................. D1
APPENDIX E: Registration and Order Form..................... E1
III
Twin Express User's Guide
INTRODUCTION
Twin Express is a file transfer program that allows a
user to quickly transfer files between two computers via a
cable connected to their serial ports. It is an attractive
solution to the problem of transferring data to a computer
equipped with a different type of floppy drive or to a
floppyless workstation. It is also an inexpensive alternative
to those time-consuming exchanges of floppy disks and slow
communication programs.
Speed is its main feature. Between two 12.5 MHz
AT-type computers or two Amiga 3000 computers you can transfer
data at about 22,000 bytes/second. This is 2 times faster than
many other serial file transfer utilities and 7 times faster
than utilities relying on the serial handler of AmigaDos.
Its second main feature is its ability to exchange
files between different types of computers (e.g. Amiga and
IBM-PC). In this case, it may even translate some special
characters (e.g. ±, £, ½, ß, é, â, ï, ñ) in your text files.
As of December 1991, the program runs under AmigaDOS and
PC-DOS (or MS-DOS). It can also execute as a DOS process under
Windows and OS/2.
Twin Express is a shareware program. That is, a
program that you can try before you actually pay for it. As
such, you can copy it, distribute it or store it in a library
as long as the package is not modified, not sold and not
linked to any salable item. However, if you install the
program on a computer and decide to use it after the free
one-week evaluation period you must purchase a license from
OMNICODE. In return you become a registered user and are thus
entitled to a manual, a diskette containing the latest version
of Twin Express, an invoice (as proof of purchase) and
customer support in case of problems.
This manual describes the features, installation
procedures and commands of Twin Express. The tutorial in
chapter 2 shows some basic examples of Twin Express commands.
However, if you just cannot wait to get your hands on the
keyboard you may want to proceed with the information
available through the on-line HELP command.
IV
Twin Express User's Guide
GETTING STARTED
This chapter describes the features, the installation
and the start-up procedures for Twin Express. Typical error
messages plus suggestions for solutions are outlined in order
to help you establish communications between the computers.
Registration and support sections terminate the chapter.
1.1 SUMMARY OF FEATURES
This section highlights the most important features of
Twin Express:
1. Fast serial transfers: about 22,000 bytes/second between
two 12.5 MHz AT-type computers or two Amiga computers
(ram disk to remote ram disk transfers).
2. Compatible versions run under AmigaDOS and PC-DOS.
3. Translation of text files when they are transferred to a
different type of computer (useful for transfers between
Amiga and IBM-PC computers).
4. Simple, easy to use commands similar to those used by
your operating system (e.g. DIR, COPY, RENAME, etc).
5. Command name aliases compatible with AmigaDOS, PC-DOS
and UNIX commands (e.g. MAKEDIR, XCOPY, LS).
6. Support for wildcard characters allowing users to select
a group of files with a single command. The operation
can be extended to include files found in
subdirectories.
7. User may list directory files, change the default
directories and create or remove directories.
8. Copies of files get the same date stamp as the original
files.
9. On-line help.
10. Support for command files (batch files).
11. Transmission errors are detected and corrected (by
retransmission of bad packets).
12. Support for ports COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 on the IBM-PC
or compatible computers.
13. Support for baud rates up to 115200 on IBM-PC or
compatible computers and 290000 on Amiga computers.
1
Twin Express User's Guide
14. Detection of busy ports, incompatible baud rates and of
non-present, non-standard or malfunctionning serial
ports.
15. Distributed as a shareware program: "you can try it
before you buy it".
1.2 INSTALLATION ON THE AMIGA COMPUTER
Requirements:
1. AmigaDOS 1.2 or higher.
2. 75K of disk space.
3. 150K of free memory.
4. A null-modem cable.
5. A free serial port (SER: is mandatory).
Distribution files:
1. INSTALL
2. INSTALL.INFO
3. README
4. README.INFO
5. TWIN
6. TWIN.INFO
7. TWINDOC
8. TWINDOC.INFO
Installation:
1. If your are using your Amiga with Workbench, activate the
CLI task by clicking the appropriate icon.
2. Set the default directory to the directory containing the
Twin Express package. The following example assumes this
to be the root directory on floppy disk DF0:
CD DF0:
3. Examine file README for any last-minute changes:
TYPE README
4. Copy the file TWIN to a directory whose name appears in
the search path of AmigaDos (e.g. utilities, c, system).
This way you can run Twin Express from any directory and
AmigaDos will find it. You can use the PATH command to
display the current search path. The following example
assumes that the UTILITIES directory on disk DH0 is in
the search path:
PATH
COPY TWIN DH0:UTILITIES
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Twin Express User's Guide
COPY TWIN.INFO DH0:UTILITIES
5. Print the documentation file TWINDOC:
COPY TWINDOC PRT:
6. Connect one end of a null-modem cable to the standard
serial port "SER:" on the Amiga and the other end to a
serial port on the remote computer. See section 1.4 for
details about the serial cable.
7. You have one week to evaluate the program. After this
period you must either remove the program from your
system or register your copy.
1.3 INSTALLATION ON THE IBM-PC COMPUTER
Requirements:
1. PC-DOS (MS-DOS) 2.0 or higher.
2. 75K of disk space.
3. 150K of free memory.
4. A null-modem cable.
5. A free serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4) with a ...
a) standard address (3F8h, 2F8h, 3E8h or 2E8h).
b) compatible UART chip (8250, 82050, 16450).
c) standard UART clock of 1.8432 MHz.
Distribution:
1. INSTALL.TXT
2. README.TXT
3. TWIN.EXE
4. TWINDOC.TXT
Installation:
1. If your are using your IBM-PC with Windows or OS/2, acti-
vate the DOS environment by clicking the appropriate
icon.
2. Set the default directory to the directory containing the
Twin Express package. The following example assumes this
to be the root directory on floppy disk A:
A:
CD \
3. Examine file README.TXT for any last-minute changes:
TYPE README.TXT
4. Copy the file TWIN.EXE to a directory whose name appears
in the search path of DOS (e.g. DOS, c, bin). This way
3
Twin Express User's Guide
you can run Twin Express from any directory and DOS will
find it. You can use the PATH command to display the
current search path. The following example assumes that
the DOS directory on disk C is in the search path:
PATH
COPY TWIN.EXE C:\DOS
5. Print the documentation file TWINDOC.TXT:
PRINT TWINDOC.TXT
6. Connect one end of a null-modem cable to a serial port
(COM1 is used by default) on the IBM-PC and the other end
to a serial port on the remote computer. See section 1.4
for details about the serial cable.
7. You have one week to evaluate the program. After this
period you must either remove the program from your
system or register your copy.
1.4 THE SERIAL CABLE
A null-modem cable connects the computers by their
serial ports. Such a cable can be bought in a computer store
or can be made from an eight-wire cable and two connectors.
The table below shows how the different signals are wired
along with the pinout in use with different types of
connectors (9 and 25 pins):
------ CONNECTOR 1 ----- ----- CONNECTOR 2 ------
DB25 DB9 SIGNAL SIGNAL DB9 DB25
07 05 GND <---> GND 05 07
02 03 TD <---> RD 02 03
03 02 RD <---> TD 03 02
05 08 CTS <---> RTS 07 04
04 07 RTS <---> CTS 08 05
06 06 DSR <---> DTR 04 20
20 04 DTR <---> DSR 06 06
Usually the serial port has a male connector. The cable should
therefore have two female connectors. However, it is safer to
verify this before you buy a cable...
There are some null-modem cables with only 3 wires.
These cables can also be used with Twin Express. However, it
is not possible to select the high speed transmission mode
with such cables. There are also null-modem cables with a
wiring pattern different from that in the above table. Twin
Express is likely to "see" them as 3-wire cables. So, be
careful before buying a pre-wired cable and compare the wiring
with the above table.
4
Twin Express User's Guide
You can also transform a modem cable into a null-modem
cable with a null-modem adapter. You can get an MF-DB25
adapter (part 26-1496) or an MF-DB9 adapter (part 26-264) for
about 8 CAN$ from Radio Shack. This might be a convenient
solution if your cable has the proper connectors (usually a
female connector at each end).
WARNING 1: Do not use a cable with more than these 7
connections (extra wires should be disconnected).
This is very important on the AMIGA computers since
they have a non-standard serial connector.
WARNING 2: Cables longer than 20 meters should be used with
caution. You might need to reduce the baud rate or
use a more expensive low capacitance cable.
WARNING 3: Avoid putting the cable near appliances. This could
add noise to the signals. If this cannot be avoided
you might consider buying a more expensive shielded
cable.
1.5 RUNNING TWIN EXPRESS
You can start up the program by typing TWIN at the
system prompt of the computer:
C> TWIN <enter>
The program should now display its version number, a short
message about the help facility and the TWIN prompt:
TWIN EXPRESS - Version 1.1 released on 1991/12/20 (shareware)
~~~~~~~~~~~~ Copyright 1991 OMNICODE. All rights reserved.
HELP:
... Some information on HELP ...
TWIN>
At this point, Twin Express waits for the user to type in
commands or to receive a request from the remote computer.
If Twin Express is also running on the remote computer
and a cable is connected to the default ports (COM1 on the PC
and SER on the Amiga) you should get the following message on
both screens:
>>> Communication is established with the remote computer <<<
This message indicates that you are ready to transfer files to
the remote computer. If it does not appear see sections 1.6
and 1.7 for help.
5
Twin Express User's Guide
1.6 OF PORTS AND BAUD RATES
By default, Twin Express uses port COM1 on an IBM PC
and SER on an Amiga. In both cases the default baud rate is
115200.
It is possible to use baud rates other than the
default value and, on IBM compatible computers, to use a port
other than COM1. Ports COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4 can be used
on the IBM PC or compatible systems. Only SER can be used on
the Amiga.
The baud rates available on both machines are: 115200,
57600, 38400, 19200 and 9600. The Amiga version also accepts
the following baud rates: 130000, 150000, 170000, 190000,
210000, 230000, 250000, 270000 and 290000 (190000 is
recommended).
To change a default value, the user must supply both
the port and the baud rate as parameters to TWIN. For example,
to communicate at 57600 baud using port COM2 on the IBM
compatible:
C> TWIN COM2 57600
whilst the command for the Amiga is:
1> TWIN SER 57600
1.7 STARTUP PROBLEMS
This section highlights the most common problems that
a user might encounter in establishing communication. It
presents error messages along with suggestions for solving the
problem. More general errors are discussed in appendix A.
>>> Communication is established with the remote computer <<<
does not appear on the screen of computers.
First, verify that the cable is connected to the serial
ports on both computers. Second, make sure that Twin Express
has been activated on both machines with the proper port and
baud rate. Third, check the programs running in the
background. Some of them might "steal" too many CPU cycles.
Fourth, examine the cable. Is it a null-modem cable? Is
there a bad connection (connectors, wires, etc)?
Error: Unrecognized device
An invalid serial device has been used as a parameter to
Twin Express. Re-execute the program with one of the valid
devices specified in section 1.6.
Error: Unrecognized speed
6
Twin Express User's Guide
An invalid baud rate has been specified as a parameter to
Twin Express. Note that you must also specify a device when
you indicate a baud rate. Re-execute the program with one of
the valid baud rates specified in section 1.6.
Error: Cannot get pathname of current default directory
Error: Cannot establish an abort receiver
These are internal errors. They should not occur. Please
contact OMNICODE (fill in and mail the problem report form
in appendix D).
Error: This protocol cannot be used with a 3-wire cable
This error may occur when a user selects the high speed
transmission mode with the SET MODE command. This mode
requires a 7-wire cable as defined in section 1.4. First,
check your cable. Second, use only the STANDARD mode with
3-wire cables.
Error: Mode EXPRESS failed to initialize properly
This error may occur when a user selects the high speed
transmission mode with the SET MODE command. It indicates
that transfers would not be reliable using this mode. It may
occur on some computers, especially with long cables. In
this case you must use the default STANDARD mode.
>>> Non-present or non-standard device <<<
The selected serial port was not found in the system or, if
found, it does not appear to be a serial device. This error
may occur if the user selects a device that is not installed
(e.g. COM4), if a serial device has been installed at a non-
standard address (e.g. COM1 address different from 3F8h) or
if a different type of hardware has been installed at an
address normally assigned to a serial device. First, try to
execute Twin Express with a different device (e.g. COM2).
Second, check the address of your serial port and compare it
with the addresses defined in section 1.3.
>>> Malfunctionning serial device <<<
The serial device does not appear to work correctly. First,
verify that your serial port works with a different type of
software. Second, compare the type of the UART chip of your
serial port with those listed in the installation section.
>>> Selected serial device appears to be busy <<<
The serial port seems to be connected to an external device
(e.g. modem, printer). This error is likely to occur if you
execute Twin Express with the default port and this port is
7
Twin Express User's Guide
connected to a device. It may also occur if you disconnected
an external device from a serial port in order to connect
the null-modem cable. First, make sure to execute Twin
Express with the appropriate serial port. Second, if the
message appears only on one computer, re-execute Twin
Express on this computer otherwise you will need to reboot
both systems.
>>> Local computer is too slow for current baud rate <<<
>>> Remote computer is too slow for current baud rate <<<
These messages indicate that a computer is not fast enough
to communicate at the current baud rate. It may occur if you
try to execute Twin Express on an Amiga 500/1000/2000
computer with a baud rate exceeding 190000 or on a 4.77 MHz
PC-type computer with a baud rate of 115200. Try again with
a lower baud rate.
>>> Remote computer appears to use a different baud rate <<<
This message is displayed when a computer receives many
unrecognized characters from the serial port. It usually
occurs when the program is activated with a different baud
rate on each computer. Note that this error is usually
displayed on the screen of the computer having the fastest
baud rate. It may also occur if you use a high baud rate
(e.g. 290000) with a long cable or if your serial port does
not use a standard clock rate. First, re-execute both
programs with the same baud rate. Second, try to reduce the
baud rate on the machine that does show this message. Third,
try with a lower baud rate (e.g. 57600). Fourth, make sure
that you use the serial ports connected to the null-modem
cable. Fifth, compare the clock rate of your serial port
with the value found in the installation section.
1.8 REGISTRATION
Twin Express is a shareware package. It is not free
software nor public domain software. The main difference here
is that you must purchase a license to use it after an
evaluation period. Note that the cost of the license is never
included in the price of disks from public domain and
shareware software distributors.
The package contains files that can be evaluated,
free of charge, during a one-week period. During this week,
you can test the program and examine the documentation. After
this period, you must decide if you want to keep the program
or not. If the product is found to be not useful, the package
must be removed from the system. However, if you do decide to
keep it, you must become a registered user by purchasing a
license from OMNICODE.
The cost of a basic license for two machines is 30
8
Twin Express User's Guide
CAN$ (including Canadian taxes where applicable). Add to this
an extra fee of 10 CAN$ for each additional machine. If Twin
Express is to be installed on a server, you will need a
license for every computer that can access the program from
the server. Upon registration, you receive a manual, a
diskette containing the latest version of Twin Express, an
invoice (as proof of purchase) and support for 6 months in
case of problems. The registration and order form can be found
in appendix E.
1.9 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
You might experience problems with the program or the
documentation or you might just want to obtain the latest
release. Registered users can contact OMNICODE to get help.
Just send a letter or a FAX to:
OMNICODE
P.O. Box 128 Ahuntsic
Montréal [Québec]
CANADA H3L 3N7
FAX: (514)385-6455
You will find a problem report form in appendix D to be used
in describing your problems and for making suggestions. Fill
in the form in appendix E in order to get the latest update.
9
Twin Express User's Guide
TUTORIAL
This chapter introduces the new user to Twin Express.
The experienced user is referred to chapter 3 for more
detailed information.
We assume here that the installation has been
completed and that a cable is connected between the two
computers running Twin Express.
2.1 VOCABULARY
D.O.S. means Disk Operating System. Throughout this
manual, this term is used without designating a particular
implementation of this software (e.g. PC-DOS, UNIX).
A null-modem cable is a cable that connects to the
serial ports of two computers. This is not the same as a modem
cable (the wiring is different).
Serial transfers means data transmission between two
computers by their serial devices through a null-modem cable.
Remote system indicates the computer to which your
computer (known as the local system) is connected. By
extension, remote files, remote directories, remote volumes,
remote devices and remote resources indicates files,
directories, volumes, devices and resources located on the
remote system.
A volume is a structured group of directories and
files, sometimes called a file system, installed on a disk, a
disk partition or in a dedicated area of the main memory.
2.2 PURPOSE OF A FILE TRANSFER PROGRAM
The purpose of a file transfer program is to transfer
files between two computers. It allows a user to exchange
files between computers equipped with floppy drives of
different sizes or to exchange files with a floppyless
computer. It performs this job better than a communications
program since it is usually much faster and adapted for this
task. Finally, it is also simpler and faster then using a
floppy disk to transfer files between the hard disks of two
computers (especially when the size of a file is larger than
the capacity of the floppy disk).
A file transfer program needs a link between the
computers involved in these transfers. This can be done by
connecting a cable to a serial port on each computer. Such a
port works with fairly long cables, provides some protection
against noise and is inexpensive.
10
Twin Express User's Guide
2.3 COMMANDS AND ALIASES
The user interacts with Twin Express by typing
commands that have a name similar to the commands of your
D.O.S. For example, to get a list of the files kept in the
local current directory:
TWIN> DIR <enter>
The full set of commands is given in the table below:
DIR : Shows file(s) in a directory.
CHDIR : Changes the default directory.
MKDIR : Creates a directory.
RMDIR : Removes a directory.
TREE : Shows directory structure.
COPY : Makes a copy of file(s).
DELETE : Deletes file(s).
RENAME : Changes the name of file(s).
TYPE : Shows the contents of a text file.
HELP : Provides help on Twin Express.
SET : Changes the transmission mode.
SHOW : Displays various information.
ECHO : Outputs a string on the console.
QUIT : Exits from Twin Express.
In order to assist the users who transfer files
between systems having two different D.O.S., Twin Express
accepts popular aliases for some commands and options. These
aliases are shown in the table below:
DIR : LIST, LS
CHDIR : CD
MKDIR : MD, MAKEDIR
RMDIR : RD
COPY : XCOPY, CP
DELETE : DEL, ERASE, RM
RENAME : REN, MV
TYPE : MORE, CAT, DISPLAY
HELP : ?
QUIT : EXIT
SUBDIR : ALL, /S
This feature should help those who are used to PC-DOS, MS-DOS,
AmigaDOS or UNIX. However, Twin Express commands have their
own behavior and options. Therefore, they may not recognize
certain options or perform exactly like their counterparts in
these operating systems.
2.4 LOCAL VERSUS REMOTE RESOURCES
11
Twin Express User's Guide
All the commands related to file or directory
operations can work on local or remote resources. These
resources may be: files, directories, volumes and devices.
Accessing a local resource is simple. You just specify
the name of the resource in your command. For example, to
delete the local file OLDDEMO.C:
TWIN> DELETE OLDDEMO.C
Unless otherwise specified, Twin Express always uses local
resources. In the example above, the program deletes the local
file OLDDEMO.C from the local default directory. You always
have access to the local resources even if no communication
has been established with a remote computer.
Accessing a remote resource is simple too! This time,
the name of the resource must have a ~ prefix (tilde). For
example, to delete the remote file OLDDEMO.C:
TWIN> DELETE ~OLDDEMO.C
In this case, the request is sent to the remote computer where
it is executed. In the example above, the remote file
OLDDEMO.C is deleted from the remote default directory.
Communication must have been established with a remote system
before you can use commands specifying remote resources.
The procedure is the same with all the commands. Twin
Express uses a remote resource if the name has a ~ prefix and
a local resource otherwise. The commands themselves are the
same for both the local and the remote operations. Note: there
must be no space between the ~ prefix and the name of the
resource.
2.5 TRANSFERRING FILES WITH THE COPY COMMAND
The main purpose of a file transfer program is to copy
files from one computer to another. With Twin Express, this is
done by the COPY command.
This command can work with both local and remote
files. To copy a file between two computers it is just a
matter of using a local name and a remote name. For example,
to copy the local file ALPHA to the file Bravo on the remote
computer:
TWIN> COPY ALPHA ~Bravo
This command actually transfers a copy of the local file ALPHA
to the remote system since the ~ prefix specifies a remote
file. The new file is stored as file Bravo in the remote
default directory. Note: whenever possible, Twin Express
12
Twin Express User's Guide
preserves lower case letters used in file and directory names.
The target name of the COPY command can be a device.
For example, to print the local file README.DOC, you can copy
it to the remote printer PRT:
TWIN> COPY README.DOC ~PRT:
The following devices are available on the Amiga computer:
CON:, PRT: and NIL:. SER: can also be used locally if the port
is not connected to a remote computer. The following devices
are available on the IBM-PC or compatible systems: CON:,
COM1:, COM2:, LPT1:, LPT2:, LPT3:, PRN: and NUL:.
Of course, you can also copy a remote resource to your
local system. For example, to copy the remote file CHARLIE to
the local file DELTA:
TWIN> COPY ~CHARLIE DELTA
This time, a copy of the file CHARLIE is transferred from the
remote to the local system. The command is the same as before
but the remote resource is now the source file.
The source file and the destination file may also be
located on the same computer. For example, to copy the local
file ALPHA to the local file BRAVO:
TWIN> COPY ALPHA BRAVO
No transfer occurred between the computers, in this case,
because both names specified local files. A remote copy can
also be done if both names specify remote files. For example,
to copy the remote file CHARLIE to the remote file DELTA:
TWIN> COPY ~CHARLIE ~DELTA
With such an operation, the request is sent to the remote
system where it is executed locally. This kind of operation
can be useful if you have to perform some disk management on a
distant remote system.
The thing to remember here: COPY always performs a
file transfer whenever one name specifies a local resource and
the other name a remote resource. Otherwise, it is a plain
copy.
2.6 SYNTAX OF FILE AND DIRECTORY NAMES
By using only simple file names, like CHESS.C, the
user can access only the files in the local and remote default
directories. These directories correspond to the directories
in use on the local and remote system when Twin Express was
activated.
13
Twin Express User's Guide
Twin Express also accepts file names that specify a
path to reach the selected file or directory. Such names are
often called pathnames. The path may contain a volume name
and/or directory names.
Directory and file names must be separated by either /
(slashes) or \ (back-slashes). For example, to delete file
CHESS.C from subdirectory SOURCES in subdirectory GAMES:
TWIN> DELETE GAMES/SOURCES/CHESS.C or
TWIN> DELETE GAMES\SOURCES\CHESS.C
The choice between / and \ is yours; you can use both on all
the systems. To specify the root directory (the main directory
on a volume) you can use, as well, the slash, the back-slash
or the colon. For example: to change the local default
directory to the root directory of the current volume:
TWIN> CHDIR / or
TWIN> CHDIR \ or
TWIN> CHDIR :
However, a path may start with a volume name. This name may be
the physical name of a disk (e.g. DH0, E) or, where
applicable, the volume name specified during a disk format.
When a volume name is included in a path, this name must be
followed by a colon. For example, to remove directory TRASH on
remote volume DH0:
TWIN> RMDIR ~DH0:TRASH
A volume name also forces the path to start at the root
directory of this volume. Note: this behavior is different
from PC-DOS and MS-DOS where the path starts at the current
default directory (unless a \ is used). Actually, Twin Express
accepts all the following pathnames to reach the directory
DEMOS on volume C:
TWIN> CHDIR C:/DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR C:\DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR C:DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR :/DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR :\DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR /DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR \DEMOS
TWIN> CHDIR :DEMOS
The last five commands above assume that the directory DEMOS
is on the current default volume. Again, you have the choice
of selecting the pathname syntax that most resembles that of
your system even when you transfer files to/from a different
D.O.S.
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2.7 FILE GROUPS AND WILDCARDS
Quite often, the user needs to transfer more than one
file: it may be all the files in a directory, C source files
or only the files having a name starting with HOTEL. Some
commands (DIR, COPY, DELETE and RENAME) accept the popular *
and ? wildcard characters in order to specify a group of
files.
The ? wildcard character matches any single character
in a file name. For example, to list all the four-letter file
names starting with L and ending with MA:
TWIN> DIR L?MA
The * wildcard character matches any number of characters in a
file name. For example, to delete all the files ending with
.BAK:
TWIN> DELETE *.BAK
Twin Express also lets you specify the variable part of the
file name with a selection from a set of substrings. In this
case, the substrings are separated by | and the complete set
is enclosed by (). For example, to list the .C files starting
with TWIN and ending with either HOST, COMM or MAIN:
TWIN> DIR TWIN(HOST|COMM|MAIN).C
Of course the selection can be combined with wildcards; this
can be quite powerful. For example, to delete all the files
ending with .LST, .MAP or .BAK:
TWIN> DELETE *.(LST|MAP|BAK)
However, the selection and wildcards can be used only in file
names. They cannot be used in a path (i.e. volume name or
directory name).
The * wildcard character, alone, can also be used in a
target name. For example, to copy all the .EXE files from the
local subdirectory PROJECTS to the remote subdirectory TESTS:
TWIN> COPY PROJECTS/*.EXE ~TESTS/* or
TWIN> COPY PROJECTS/*.EXE ~TESTS
As shown above, the * wildcard character in the target name
matches the corresponding files of the source name. Actually,
this is equivalent to the second command which simply
specifies the target directory. However, when the target
directory is a default directory, the * wildcard character
reduces the number of characters to type. For example, to copy
the local file CHESS.C to the remote default directory:
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Twin Express User's Guide
TWIN> COPY CHESS.C ~*
It may be useful to abort a command when a group of
files is specified. This may occur, for example, when you
delete, by error, the wrong group of files! In this case, the
command may be aborted by typing <CTRL-C>.
2.8 MOVING TEXT FILES TO A DIFFERENT TYPE OF COMPUTER
An important feature of Twin Express is its ability to
transfer files between different types of computers (e.g.
between Amiga and IBM-PC computers). This is of particular
interest for text files since binary files containing data or
programs are almost useless on a different type of computer.
Text files contain printable characters. They are used to
store letters, documents, ASCII data and source programs.
Unfortunately, each computer has its own internal
organization for text files. The end-of-line marker, end-of-
file marker and the coding of special characters may change
from one computer to another.
At this time, Twin Express handles the translation of
the end-of-line marker, the end-of-file marker and 50 non-
standard characters common to both Amiga and IBM compatible
computers. The changes are described in the following
paragraphs:
1. The end-of-line marker is translated between NL (new
line) on the Amiga and CR/LF (carriage return / line
feed) on the IBM-PC or compatible computers.
2. A <CTRL-Z> marker is appended to the end of all text
files on IBM-PC or compatible computers. Note: this
marker is added even if the marker is missing from the
source file.
3. The Amiga and IBM-PC machines share 50 characters having
the same typeface but a different code. A simple
translation is done in this case. These characters are:
á, à, â, ä, é, è, ê, ë, í, ì, î, ï, ó, ò, ô, ö, ú, ù, û,
ü, ÿ, ç, Ç, É, Ä, Ö, Ü, ¿, ¡, ñ, Ñ, å, Å, æ, Æ, ß, µ, ¥,
±, £, ¢, ¬, °, ², «, », , Ø, ¼, ½. The remaining special
characters are left unmodified.
The TEXT option of the COPY command indicates that the
source file contains text rather than binary or raw data. It
enables the translation process. It is not required when the
transfer is done to the same type of computer. For example, to
transfer the text file TWIN.DOC from the local directory to
the file TWIN.TXT on a different remote computer:
TWIN> COPY TWIN.DOC ~TWIN.TXT TEXT
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The TYPE command displays on screen the contents of a
text file. Twin Express automatically translates the file to a
format compatible with the local computer when the file is a
remote file from a different type of computer. For example, to
display the contents of the remote file SONGS.SPA:
TWIN> TYPE ~SONGS.SPA
The TYPE command assumes that SONGS.SPA is a text file and
translates it, if necessary.
A word of caution about word processors. These
programs keep some formating information in your text files.
This information may change from one type of computer to
another. Twin Express does not translate this type of
information. Therefore you may want to transfer the file
without the TEXT option and then use a conversion program. On
the other hand, if the word processor output can be redirected
to an ASCII file, instead of the printer, this output file can
be transferred with the TEXT option since it does not contain
the formating information.
2.9 ENABLING FAST TRANSFERS
The main feature of Twin Express is its speed. High
speed serial transfers can be achieved by using a high baud
rate and/or a special transmission mode.
On the Amiga computer, the hardware can transfer more
than 1,000,000 bits per second (according to Commodore-Amiga).
To get the fastest serial transfers between two Amiga
computers it is thus a matter of selecting the highest baud
rate possible. In practice, this baud rate is actually limited
by CPU speed and cable capacitance (ability to oppose to
changing voltages). The highest baud rate recommended for the
Amiga family of computers is 190000. However, if you have two
Amiga 3000 and a short cable you may use baud rates of up to
290000. For example, to execute Twin Express at 230000 baud:
A> TWIN SER 230000
With such a baud rate, the effective transfer speed is about
22,000 bytes per second. Raising the baud rate, from its
default 115200 baud, is the recommended method to get high
speed serial transfers between two Amiga computers.
On a 12.5 MHz AT-type computer, the hardware can
transfer data at up to 115200 bits per second. Speed is
actually limited by the hardware, not by the CPU. To get
faster speeds, the user must select a special transmission
mode (EXPRESS). On a 12.5 MHz AT-type computer, it transfers
about 100% more data than the default STANDARD mode. For
example, to enable the EXPRESS mode:
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Twin Express User's Guide
TWIN> SET MODE EXPRESS
This allows a user to transfer files at about 22,000 bytes per
second using the default baud rate of 115200. You can also use
this mode with Amiga computers. However, with a high baud rate
the increase in performance is lower.
The EXPRESS mode is the recommended mode of transfer
unless you are using a 3-wire cable or you run into a lot of
transmission errors.
2.10 INPUT FROM A COMMAND FILE
Twin Express reads its commands from the standard
input file used upon activation. This file is usually
connected to the keyboard. However, it is possible to execute
commands from a disk file. The user just needs to redirect the
standard input to this file. For example, to execute the
commands in file BACKUP.TNX:
TWIN <BACKUP.TNX
The file contains the same commands as would be entered from a
keyboard, including the final QUIT command. For example:
COPY C:*.C ~D: SUBDIR TEXT
COPY C:*.ASM ~D: SUBDIR TEXT
QUIT
Note: commands files can be created with any text editor.
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COMMANDS
This chapter provides detailed information about each
Twin Express command.
The full syntax is given for each command. Square
brackets ([]) indicate optional parameters. Braces ({ })
indicate a choice from a list.
3.1 CHDIR
Syntax: CHDIR [~]DirectoryName
Twin Express supports two default directories: the
local directory and the remote directory. These are defined by
the volumes and directories in use when Twin Express was
activated.
The CHDIR command changes the default directory of the
local system or the remote system. The default directory is
used whenever the user specifies a name not starting at the
root directory of a volume (e.g. CHESS.C as opposed to
/GAMES/SOURCES/CHESS.C).
The name of a local directory is used with the CHDIR
command to change the local default directory. For example, to
change the local default directory to IBMGAMES on volume B:
TWIN> CHDIR B:IBMGAMES or
TWIN> CHDIR B:/IBMGAMES or
TWIN> CHDIR B:\IBMGAMES
The default drive is changed when a volume is specified in the
pathname, as in the example above. This also indicates that
the directory specified can be found in the root directory of
that volume even though a slash or a back-slash is not
specified after the colon. Note: This behavior is different
from that of PC-DOS and MS-DOS.
A remote directory name is used to change the remote
default directory. Since this refers to a remote resource the
name must have the ~ prefix. For example, to change the remote
default directory to AMIGAMES on volume DH0:
TWIN> CHDIR ~DH0:AMIGAMES or
TWIN> CHDIR ~DH0:/AMIGAMES or
TWIN> CHDIR ~DH0:\AMIGAMES
3.2 COPY
Syntax: COPY [~]SourceOfData [~]DestinationOfData [SUBDIR]
[{BINARY|TEXT}]
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Twin Express User's Guide
The COPY command creates copies of files. Source and
destination files may be local or remote resources.
In its simplest form, the command COPY uses a source
file and a destination file on the same computer. For example,
to copy the local file AUTOEXEC.BAT into the local file
AUTOEXEC.OLD and to copy the remote file startup-sequence to
remote file old-startup-sequence:
TWIN> COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.OLD
TWIN> COPY ~startup-sequence ~old-startup-sequence
As shown above, the remote resources must have the ~ prefix.
Note: the target file gets the same creation date and time as
the source file.
A more useful form, from a file transfer program point
of view, is when the source file and the destination file are
not on the same system. This actually transfers the contents
of the source file to the destination system through the cable
connected to the serial devices of both computers. For
example, to copy the local file TITLES.LIB to file NEWHITS on
the remote system:
TWIN> COPY TITLES.LIB ~NEWHITS
Source file names may contain wildcards. This allows
the user to copy many files with a single command. For
example, to copy all the .C files of the current directory to
the directory SOURCES:
TWIN> COPY *.C SOURCES
Note: when the source name contains wildcards or is a
directory name, the target name must be the name of a
directory.
On request, COPY can also process the files of
subdirectories. This is indicated by the SUBDIR option. For
example, to copy all the remote .EXE files from the remote
directory GAMES, including all the .EXE files found in
sudirectories of directory GAMES, to the local directory
DEMOS:
TWIN> COPY ~GAMES/*.EXE DEMOS SUBDIR or
TWIN> COPY ~GAMES\*.EXE DEMOS SUBDIR
In this case, Twin Express first copies matching files found
in the source directory to the target directory. It then
copies matching files found in each of the source
subdirectories to subdirectories of the same name in the
target directory. If a matching target subdirectory does not
exist, Twin Express creates the subdirectory and then copies
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Twin Express User's Guide
the corresponding files to it. This produces a target
directory having the same structure as the source directory.
The TEXT option indicates that the source file contains
text (printable characters) rather than binary data. It allows
Twin Express to translate your text files when you transfer
them between an Amiga and an IBM computer. For example, to
transfer all the text files from the local directory BUSINESS
to the remote directory LETTERS:
TWIN> COPY BUSINESS ~LETTERS TEXT
More information about the translation process can be found in
section 2.8 of this manual. By default, the BINARY option is
used and no translation is done.
3.3 DELETE
Syntax: DELETE FileName [SUBDIR]
The DELETE command removes local or remote files from
a file system.
A local file name is used with the DELETE command to
delete a local file. For example, to delete the file
REPORT.OLD in the default local directory:
TWIN> DELETE REPORT.OLD
To delete a remote file, the file name must have the ~ prefix.
For example, to delete the remote file REPORT.OLD in the
default remote directory:
TWIN> DELETE ~REPORT.OLD
Usage of wildcards is permitted with this command. For
example, to delete all the .MAP files in the local default
directory:
TWIN> DELETE *.MAP
On request, DELETE can be extended to files found in
subdirectories. This is indicated by the SUBDIR option. For
example, to delete all the .LST files on the remote volume C:
TWIN> DELETE ~C:*.LST SUBDIR or
TWIN> DELETE ~C:/*.LST SUBDIR or
TWIN> DELETE ~C:\*.LST SUBDIR
3.4 DIR
Syntax: DIR [~][PathName] [SUBDIR]
The DIR command displays the names of the files in a
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Twin Express User's Guide
local or remote directory. The command provides the following
data regarding these files: the file size (bytes), date of
last modification, time of last modification and the file
attributes. For example, DIR might display the following
information:
Listing of directory C:\GAMES\CHESS
CHESS.BAT 193 91-03-31 09:10:47 --CA RW-D
CHESS.C 245002 91-09-26 15:28:18 ---A RW-D
CHESS.EXE 113247 91-09-26 15:31:58 ---- RWED
CHESS.DOC 35831 91-09-27 11:55:16 ---- RW-D
OPENINGS Directory 91-05-25 16:29:31 ---- RWED
CHESS.O 54645 91-09-26 15:31:04 ---- RW-D
Total size of files: 448918
A local file name is used with the DIR command to get
information on a specific local file. For example, to get
information on the local file CHESS.C:
TWIN> DIR CHESS.C
To get information on a remote file, the file name must have
the ~ prefix. For example, to get information on the remote
file GRAPHLIB:
TWIN> DIR ~GRAPHLIB
Usage of wildcard characters is permitted. For example, to
display information about all the files having a name starting
with HOTEL:
TWIN> DIR HOTEL*
To get the complete listing of a particular directory, the
user must supply a directory name instead of a file name. For
example: to get a complete listing of files in directory
A:\BACKUP1:
TWIN> DIR A:BACKUP1 or
TWIN> DIR A:\BACKUP1
TWIN> DIR A:/BACKUP1
To get a complete listing of a default directory, the user has
the choice of using the * wildcard character or no name at
all. For example, to display all the files of the remote
default directory:
TWIN> DIR ~ or
TWIN> DIR ~*
The SUBDIR option can be used to also display the matching
files in subdirectories. For example: to get a list of all the
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files having the .OLD extension on the current volume:
TWIN> DIR :*.OLD SUBDIR or
TWIN> DIR /*.OLD SUBDIR or
TWIN> DIR \*.OLD SUBDIR
The file attributes define some characteristics of the
file. Twin Express supports the following attributes:
S: File is a system file.
H: File is normally hidden.
C: File is a command file (batch file, script file).
P: File contains pure, re-entrant code.
A: File has been archived since its last modification.
R: File can be read (not read protected).
W: File can be written, modified (not write protected).
E: File can be executed (not execute protected).
D: File can be deleted (not delete protected).
Not all these attributes are supported on all of the systems.
Twin Express running on the IBM-PC or compatible machines does
not support the attribute P and simulates the attributes C, R,
W, E, D.
3.5 ECHO
Syntax: ECHO UserText
ECHO displays on the screen the text that follows the
command. For example, to get the message "Remote Backup" upon
the execution of the command ECHO:
TWIN> ECHO Remote Backup
The purpose of this command is to display comments when the
input to Twin Express comes from a command file rather than
the keyboard.
3.6 HELP
Syntax: HELP [{TWIN|CABLE|USAGE|COMMANDS|EXAMPLES}]
The HELP command provides on-line information to the
user.
The command may be used with or without a parameter.
Without a parameter, it is a request for information on the
command itself. Example:
TWIN> HELP
In this case, the command only displays the topics for which
help is available. Actually, the user can get information
about registration (TWIN), information about the wiring of the
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Twin Express User's Guide
null-modem cable used for the serial transfers (CABLE), an
introduction to the basic operations (USAGE), the command
syntax (COMMANDS) and some typical examples (EXAMPLES).
For more detailed information, the topic must be
specified in the command. For example, to display a summary of
all the commands:
TWIN> HELP COMMANDS
3.7 MKDIR
Syntax: MKDIR [~]DirectoryName
The MKDIR command creates a new directory in the file
system of the local or the remote computer.
A local directory name is used to create a local
directory. For example, to create the subdirectory IBMNEWS in
the current default directory:
TWIN> MKDIR IBMNEWS
A ~ prefix is used at the beginning of the directory name to
create a remote directory. For example, to create the
directory AmiNews in the remote root directory:
TWIN> MKDIR ~/AmiNews or
TWIN> MKDIR ~\Aminews or
TWIN> MKDIR ~:AmiNews
3.8 QUIT
Syntax: QUIT
This command allows the user to exit from Twin
Express. Note that you also exit from the remote program if a
connection had been established with the remote.
After exiting from the program you are left in the
directory from which you activated Twin Express even if a
different default directory (via CHDIR) had been selected
during your session with the program.
3.9 RENAME
Syntax: RENAME [~]SourceName [~]TargetName [SUBDIR]
The RENAME command changes the current name of a local
or a remote file to a new name.
The current name and the new name are the two required
parameters to this command. For example, to change the name of
the local file TEST.ASM to DONJON.ASM:
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Twin Express User's Guide
TWIN> RENAME TEST.ASM DONJON.ASM
You can also "rename" the file so as to change its parent
directory. This actually moves the file to another directory.
For example, to move file DONJON.ASM to the directory GAMES:
TWIN> RENAME DONJON.ASM :GAMES or
TWIN> RENAME DONJON.ASM /GAMES or
TWIN> RENAME DONJON.ASM \GAMES
Usually, most systems won't allow the user to rename a file to
a different volume. In this case, the user must copy the file
to the new volume and delete the old file.
Both the current name and the new name must have the ~
prefix to rename a remote file. For example, to change the
name of remote file TEST.PAS to DRAGON.PAS in the directory
GAMES of the remote computer:
TWIN> RENAME ~TEST.PAS ~:GAMES/DRAGON.PAS or
TWIN> RENAME ~TEST.PAS ~:GAMES\DRAGON.PAS or
TWIN> RENAME ~TEST.PAS ~/GAMES/DRAGON.PAS or
TWIN> RENAME ~TEST.PAS ~\GAMES\DRAGON.PAS
The ~ prefix is required in both names, otherwise the meaning
would be "move file to another system" which is not the
purpose of this command.
The command RENAME also supports the use of wildcards.
This is used to move a selected group of files to another
directory. For example, to move all the files ending in .C to
the directory CSTUFF:
TWIN> RENAME *.C :CSTUFF or
TWIN> RENAME *.C /CSTUFF or
TWIN> RENAME *.C \CSTUFF
With such a command, all the selected files are moved to a new
directory. However, all of them keep their original name.
3.10 RMDIR
Syntax: RMDIR [~]DirectoryName
The RMDIR command removes a local or a remote
directory from the file system.
The name of a local directory is used with the RMDIR
command to delete a local directory from the system. For
example, to remove the local subdirectory OLDSTUFF from the
current default directory:
TWIN> RMDIR OLDSTUFF
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Twin Express User's Guide
A remote directory name must have the ~ prefix. For example,
to delete the directory OBSOLETE from the remote root
directory:
TWIN> RMDIR ~:OBSOLETE or
TWIN> RMDIR ~/OBSOLETE or
TWIN> RMDIR ~\OBSOLETE
Most systems prohibit deletion of non-empty directories, which
is a good security feature. The user must remove all the files
and any subdirectories from the directory before deleting it.
3.11 SET
Syntax: SET MODE {STANDARD|EXPRESS}
The SET command allows a user to select one of the two
serial transmission modes. These are: STANDARD (the basic
mode) and EXPRESS (a high speed mode).
The STANDARD mode transmits data at the speed defined
by the current baud rate. At 115200 baud, it transfers data at
about 11,000 bytes per second. This is the default mode. It is
also the mode recommended when transmission errors occur with
the high speed mode.
The EXPRESS mode is a high speed mode that transmits
more data than the standard mode for a given baud rate. At
115200 baud, it transfers data at about 22,000 bytes per
second on 12.5 MHz AT-type computers.
There is no need to type a SET command on both
machines. Twin Express automatically puts the remote system in
the same mode. For example, to enable the EXPRESS mode on both
computers:
TWIN> SET MODE EXPRESS
3.12 SHOW
Syntax: SHOW {DEVICE|BAUD|SPEED|STATUS|PATH}
The SHOW command allows a user to get information
about the current device, current baud rate, current speed,
default directories or status.
The DEVICE option indicates the current serial port in
use on the local computer.
The BAUD option indicates the current baud rate in use
on the local computer.
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The SPEED option indicates the estimated transfer
speed (in bytes per second) according to the current baud rate
and selected mode.
The PATH option indicates the default directories
(local and remote).
The STATUS option displays the type of the local and
the remote systems (Amiga or IBM compatible), the names of
local and remote ports and type of cable (3 or 7 wires) being
used.
For example, to display information about the
estimated transfer speed:
TWIN> SHOW SPEED
3.13 TREE
Syntax: TREE [~][DirectoryName]
The TREE command displays the structure of a directory
and of all the subdirectories nested within it. For example, a
GAMES directory might have the following structure:
GAMES
ADVENTURE
MS-TREK
COMBAT
ARCADE
BRICKS
PINBALL
MISC
GAMBLING
BLACKJACK
BOARDS
CHESS
CHECKERS
CARDS
BRIDGE
A local directory name is used with the TREE command
to display the structure of a local directory. For example, to
view the directory structure of the local directory GAMES:
TWIN> TREE GAMES
The directory name is not required to get the structure of the
default directory.
A directory name with a ~ prefix is used to display
the structure of a remote directory. For example, to view the
directory structure of the remote directory GAMES:
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Twin Express User's Guide
TWIN> TREE ~GAMES
3.14 TYPE
Syntax: TYPE TextFileName
The TYPE command displays the contents of a local or a
remote text file, one page at a time. The user may abort the
command by typing <CTRL-C>.
A local name is used with the TYPE command to display
a local text file. For example, to display the local file
AUTOEXEC.BAT:
TWIN> TYPE AUTOEXEC.BAT
To display a remote text file, the file name must have
the ~ prefix. For example, to display the remote file
startup-sequence:
TWIN> TYPE ~startup-sequence
You can display remote text files even if the remote computer
is not compatible with the local computer (e.g. Amiga vs IBM
PC). In this case, Twin Express will translate the file as
described in section 2.8 of this manual.
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ERROR MESSAGES
Errors fall in three classes: startup errors, usage
errors and communication errors.
Startup errors:
Startup errors are problems detected upon activation
of Twin Express. Section 1.7 describes these errors in detail.
Usage errors:
Usage errors indicate mistakes in a user command (e.g.
bad command, missing parameters) or an error detected during
execution of a command. These messages always start with the
word "Error". For example, an error message indicating a bad
command:
Error: Invalid command.
A usage error always terminates the program when the input is
from a command file.
Communication errors:
Communication errors are indicated by messages
enclosed between >>> and <<<. The message specifies some
unusual conditions related to communication with the serial
link. You should not see many of them under normal conditions.
Most communication error messages indicate that an
error was found in a block of data. These errors are generated
by bad connections, high baud rates, long cables and
electrical interference. As a result, one or more bits have
been changed in a block of data transmitted via the serial
cable. This condition may produce one of the following
messages:
>>> Last packet data transmitted with error <<<
>>> Last packet header transmitted with error <<<
>>> Last packet data received with error <<<
>>> Last packet header received with error <<<
In this case, Twin Express retransmits the block of data and
the corrupted block is discarded. It does not mean that the
transmitted files contain these transmission errors. However,
if you have many of these errors (say more than one error /
million bytes) you should consider using a slower transmission
mode or a slower baud rate to avoid possible undetected
errors.
Retransmission of bad blocks of data may produce other
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types of messages under some circumstances. As before, it does
not mean that errors have been introduced into your
transmitted files (serious errors abort the program instead).
These messages are:
>>> Duplicate of a packet (packet ignored) <<<
>>> Unexpected collision of two packets <<<
>>> Collision of two packets (recovered) <<<
>>> Fatal collision of two packets detected <<<
>>> Fatal packet numbering errors <<<
These messages might also appear as a result of a software
problem. Please contact OMNICODE if you repeatedly get these
messages at a low baud rate.
Once in a while you might see one of the following
messages:
>>> Break detected: bad device or cable problem <<<
>>> Remote computer does not respond <<<
>>> Waiting for remote to reply <<<
They usually indicate a cable with a bad connection, a dis-
connected cable or a program waiting for completion of a
system request. You should check whether the cable is still
properly connected or whether you have a system request on the
remote computer.
The remaining errors are usually encountered during the
debugging of the communication protocol or with a very bad
serial link. If you get one of the following messages, check
your cable and try to execute the program at a lower baud
rate:
>>> Sender got an out of sync ACK/NAK/SYN/CAN <<<
>>> Receiver got an out of sync ACK/NAK/SYN/CAN <<<
>>> Sender received an unrecognized reply <<<
>>> Receiver got an unrecognized character <<<
>>> Time-out while receiving packet header <<<
>>> Receiver failed to acknowledge packet header <<<
>>> Time-out while receiving packet data <<<
>>> Sender failed to send data checksum <<<
>>> Receiver failed to acknowledge packet data <<<
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Twin Express User's Guide
LICENSE AGREEMENT
In consideration of payment of the license fee,
OMNICODE grants the licensee the following non-exclusive
rights:
1. The licensee owns the media on which the software is
distributed. However, the software itself and the
documentation remain the property of OMNICODE.
2. The licensee may install and use this software on as many
computers as have been registered. The initial license
(registration) is valid for two computers.
3. Each of the computers on which the software has been
installed may be used by any number of users.
4. The licensee may move the software from one computer to
another as long as the number of computers that use the
software does not exceed the number of computers for
which the license costs have been paid.
All rights not expressly granted in this agreement are
reserved by OMNICODE.
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Twin Express User's Guide
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
For the purposes of this distribution statement, a
distributor is any person, organization, club, group or
company making the Twin Express package available to somebody
else.
Permission is hereby granted to any distributor to
copy, distribute, or store this package in a library, an
information system or a bulletin board system as long as all
the following rules are respected:
1. The package may not be sold or leased out.
2. The package may not be bound, attached or linked to a
salable product. In particular, it may not be installed
on the hard disk of a computer being sold or distributed
with any commercial product.
3. Notwithstanding rule 2, a distributor may charge a
reasonable fee to cover the cost of a diskette and/or
mailing and/or handling and/or connect time.
4. The package may not be distributed via a disk magazine.
For the purposes of this rule, a disk magazine is either
a magazine normally sold with an accompanying disk or a
simple advertising cover containing a disk. These disk
magazines are usually found in bookstores with other
computer magazines.
5. Notwithstanding rules 2 and 4, the publisher of a
standard magazine may offer, as a separate service, to
send a copy of this package to its readers or to make it
available for downloads. For the purposes of this rule,
a standard magazine is a magazine sold without an
accompanying disk.
6. Distribution of a printed copy of the documentation, in
whole or in part, is prohibited.
7. With one exception, the package may not be modified.
That is, the files included in the package may not be
modified, substituted, deleted or mixed with files of
other software. However, the distributor may add files
describing its distribution service to the package.
8. All the files included in the package must be distri-
buted together. The package shall be distributed via an
archive file (library format) or as files stored in
their own directory.
9. A distribution diskette may have many archive files or
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Twin Express User's Guide
directories containing other shareware or public domain
software.
10. The distributor may not distribute the package as free
software or public domain software. Whenever possible,
the distributor shall indicate that the package is
shareware software.
11. The distributor agrees to stop distribution of this
package as soon as notified by OMNICODE.
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Twin Express User's Guide
PROBLEM REPORT FORM
DATE ________________________________________________
NAME ________________________________________________
COMPANY ________________________________________________
ADDRESS ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Country ___________ Zip code __________________
TEL ___________________ FAX __________________
REGISTRATION # ___________________ (required for a reply...)
PRODUCT Twin Express_______ RELEASE __________________
COMPUTER BRAND _______________ OPERATING SYSTEM _______________
CPU TYPE _______________ RELEASE _______________
CPU CLOCK _______________ FLOPPY DISK TYPE _______________
PROBLEMS, ________________________________________________
ENHANCEMENTS, ________________________________________________
SUGGESTIONS, ________________________________________________
REQUESTS... ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Note: if possible, indicate how to reproduce the problem.
Send to OMNICODE
P.O. Box 128 Ahuntsic
Montréal [Québec]
CANADA H3L 3N7 FAX: (514)385-6455
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Twin Express User's Guide
REGISTRATION AND ORDER FORM
DATE ________________________________________________
NAME ________________________________________________
COMPANY ________________________________________________
ADDRESS ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Country ____________ Zip code _________________
TEL ____________________ FAX _________________
REGISTRATION # ____________________ (required for items 2 - 3)
COMPUTER BRAND _______________ OPERATING SYSTEM _______________
CPU TYPE _______________ RELEASE _______________
CPU CLOCK _______________ FLOPPY DISK TYPE _______________
COMPUTER BRAND _______________ OPERATING SYSTEM _______________
CPU TYPE _______________ RELEASE _______________
CPU CLOCK _______________ FLOPPY DISK TYPE _______________
HOW DID YOU GET A COPY OF TWIN EXPRESS (a-g) ? _______________
a) Friend Name & address of d,e,f,g
b) Office ___________________________
c) Information system (e.g. BIX) ___________________________
d) Bulletin Board System (BBS) ___________________________
e) Users group - club ___________________________
f) Shareware distributor ___________________________
g) Other ________________________ ___________________________
EXPECTED USAGE OF TWIN EXPRESS:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TWIN EXPRESS:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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Twin Express User's Guide
QTY PRODUCT PRICE
___ Registration for 2 computers (30.00 $) ________
(includes 1 manual and 2 diskettes)
___ Extra license for 1 computer (10.00 $) ________
___ Extra manual (9.00 $) ________
___ Latest update diskettes (7.00 $) ________
Total: ________
All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Prices include Canadian taxes where applicable.
Use a money order or a check drawn on a Canadian bank.
Send to OMNICODE
P.O. Box 128 Ahuntsic
Montréal [Québec]
CANADA H3L 3N7
E2
