ReadCIS is a program to automate CompuServe navigation from the Psion Series 3a computer. ThreeCIS is the script that performs the online work. ReadCIS requires ThreeCIS version 3.0 or higher.
ReadCIS and ThreeCIS are shareware, and can be registered together online. This trial version can send only one Cismail message per session, and visits only one forum. The registered version can send five mail messages, works with three forums, and includes a Help module which provides a summary of all Names and Switches by pressing the <Help> key. Registration details are at the end of this file.
THREECIS FEATURES
Offline operation:
1) Configures the 3 Link serial port or 3Fax modem.
2) Allows user to control modem settings for travel: dial tone recognition, tone or pulse dialing, dialout code, and speaker status, without editing initialization string.
3) Allows user to choose from 5 stored phone numbers, enter a manual number, or use a built-in directory of CIS nodes.
Automatic online operation:
4) Dials and logs on through a direct CIS node, or through the Datex-P, Falnet, Fenics I, GNS Dialplus, Infonet, Israkav, Mercury, Sprintnet, Telepac and Transpac supplementary networks.
5) Receives Cismail messages and binary files, deletes or saves mail in online mailbox.
6) Sends Cismail, maximum five text messages per session, plus one binary mail file.
7) Collects Associated Press Latest News and Sports Scoreboard summaries, UK Press Association stories, AP France and Deutsche Presse-Agentur news headlines, Online Today stories, financial quotations, weather forecasts, and if you are a ZiffNet member, MacBeat and MacWeek articles.
8) Visits three forums, collects waiting messages, new messages, or all messages posted in last 24 hours in selected sections, sends forum messages, and retrieves library files.
9) Navigates to user selected online area, configures CIS for interactive use, calls user written script, or logs off.
READCIS FEATURES
File Management
10) Displays Cismail, news stories, financial reports, weather forecasts, and forum messages from In Basket.
11) Allows user to select Word, Reader, or VR3a for viewing news stories and forum messages.
12) Creates and edits Cismail, forum messages and replies in Out Basket. Files are automatically named and stored in the correct formats.
13) Allows user to optionaly choose word processor with word wrap for Cismail creation.
14) Prepares files to be sent via binary Cismail.
15) Deletes message files, singly or in groups.
16) Archives selected files to separate directory.
Script Management
17) Creates, deletes, and shows current status of script switches.
18) Toggles switches On/Off.
19) Allows user to hide infrequently changed switches.
20) Launches script for online execution.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
To use this script you must have:
Psion Series 3a computer with 3Fax modem;
-OR- all of the following:
1) Psion 3Link RS 232 interface;
2) Psion Modem Adapter Cable, or null modem adapter and gender changer;
3) Hayes compatible modem.
If you do not have the 3Fax modem, Psion's Modem Adapter Cable is strongly recommended, because many null modem adapters do not connect the proper pins for RTS/CTS hardware handshaking.
At least one SSD is also recommended for reading news stories and forum messages. These files can be quite large, and the internal disk may provide inadequate storage. Also, an improperly configured modem can cause a serial overload, which may lock the computer and require a reset. Files stored on the internal disk could be lost. If you use the internal disk, backup your files before each online session, and close applications to make the internal disk as large as possible.
FILE INSTALLATION
Copy files to any 3a disk in the specified directories:
\APP\
Readcis.opa ReadCIS program
\SCO\
3cis.sco Logon, mail & services script
Forums.sco Forum script (Optional)
Logoff.sco Logoff script (Optional)
Cisnames.nam Names file; stores variables
To finish installation, press <Psion-I> from system screen, choose "Readcis.opa" (change the disk if necessary to find it), press <Enter>. The ReadCIS icon will appear.
If it is not already on your screen, you should also install the Comms icon. Attach 3Link or 3Fax to the Series 3a, press <Psion-I>, set the Disk to C, and choose "Comms.app" or "Fcomms.app". It is most convenient to install ReadCIS and Comms side-by-side.
You should also assign a button to ReadCIS, as explained on page 228 of the User Guide. These instructions assume that you have assigned it to [Control+Word].
Please read "Readcis.txt" for instructions on configuring and using the program.
REGISTRATION
ThreeCIS and ReadCIS are shareware. You may use them for a free trial period of 14 days, and we will provide assistance to get it to work with your modem during that period, but further support and customization are available only to registered users.
Questions pertaining to ReadCIS should be directed to David Keppler via CIS:MAIL at 100034,2641.
Questions pertaining to ThreeCIS should be directed to Dennis Lefebvre via CIS:MAIL at 71660,1273.
Questions pertaining to the interaction between ThreeCIS and ReadCIS may be addressed to either of us.
To register, GO SWREG on CompuServe. If you have a new CIS account, you will not be able to use SWREG until you receive your permanent password through the mail. The registration ID number is 3440, and includes both ThreeCIS and ReadCIS. The cost is $25.00. Alternately, you may mail payment to:
Dennis Lefebvre
Box 681278
Miami, FL 33168
USA
US ($25.00), or British (UKL16.00) funds only, please.
Upon receipt of your registration, we will send a .ZIPped file via binary CompuServe Mail containing the latest version of 3CIS.SCO and FORUMS.SCO plus READCIS.HLP.
DISCLAIMERS
ReadCIS and ThreeCIS work reliably on our computers, with our modems, but we do not assume any liability for lost data, telephone cost, or CIS charges if they doesn't work properly for you. Use at your own risk.
