DOCS: BobTerm 1.1
From: Doug Wokoun (aa384)
Date: 12/23/89-09:34:27 PM Z
From: aa384 (Doug Wokoun)
Subject: DOCS: BobTerm 1.1
Date: Sat Dec 23 21:34:27 1989
BOB TERM v1.1 Documentation
A ShareWare Terminal Program
by
Robert Puff 06/11/89
GEnie Mail Address: BOB.PUFF
CIS Mail Address: 72377,2045
Suite 222 2117 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY 14624
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 1
INTRODUCTION
BobTerm is a fully featured Multi-Tasking terminal program for ANY
Atari 8 bit machine with at least 48K of memory. BobTerm has been fully
tested under MYDOS, SpartaDOS, SpartaDOS X, TopDos, and Atari DOS 2, along
with many others.
BobTerm supports XModem, XModem-CRC, 1K-XModem, CIS Fast XModem,
YModem (batch) and FModem (batch) protocols. Also supported are floating
buffer size (depending on your machine and DOS), chat window recall,
online/real-time clock, RTime8 support, a dialing system, the ability to
load modules for additional features (such as XEP80 and SpartaDOS command
line support modules included), both RS232 ports on the 850 and P:R:, and
much more!
SETTING UP BOBTERM
BobTerm is compatible with all known RS-232 interfaces, and most
direct-connect modems. If your modem is connected to a Black Box or MIO,
no set-up is necessary. If you are using an 850 interface or P:R:
Connection, BobTerm will automatically load the handler from the interface;
no disk handler should be used. When using any other type of interface or
direct-connect modem, a disk-based handler is necessary. Handlers have
been provided for the Atari SX212 modem, Atari 835/1030/XM301 modem, and
the Supra/MPP 1000x modems. Note that the SX-212 handler is only needed if
you are using the modem 'direct-connect', and not through a RS232
interface. Either load the handler prior to running BobTerm, or rename it
to "RS232.COM," and place it in your "default directory," which is drive 1
for most DOSes.
To create a BobTerm boot disk, boot up your DOS and format a blank
disk. Write DOS files. Now copy the BOBTERM.COM file to this disk, and
rename it to AUTORUN.SYS. If you need a modem handler, copy the
appropriate file <XM.COM for 835/1030/XM301 modems, SX.COM for the SX-212,
or MPP.COM for the Supra/MPP 1000x> to this disk, and rename it to
RS232.COM. Users of the Black Box, MIO, 850, or P:R: connections do not
need and should not have a RS232.COM file, since the handlers for those
interfaces are built-in. Your BobTerm boot disk has now been created. If
you want to use any of the module programs for BobTerm, they should be
placed on this disk as well. See the section entitled MODULES for more
information. BobTerm loads a default dialing list when it first boots
<D:BOBTERM.PH1>, so after adding all the entries to your dialing list, save
it to this disk.
BobTerm looks to the "default" drive for all support files, so MYDOS
and SpartaDOS X users can place all files for the term in a separate
subdirectory <on a hard disk> for convenience. All other DOSes will look
to drive 1 for these files, which is why it is a good idea to make up a
boot disk as described above.
SpartaDos X users please see the file called "SDX.DOC" for more
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 2
information.
BobTerm loads right from DOS as a binary file. Use the [L]oad
Binary File option of your DOS menu, or consult your DOS manual for the
correct command. Be sure to DISABLE BASIC is using SpartaDOS - use the 'X'
command with SpartaDOS X.
HELP MENU FUNCTIONS
Modem Parameters
Note: Unless otherwise stated, the command within the [] brackets is the
toggle for the command parameters.
[A] TRANSLATION
Changes your translation between ASCII, ATASCII, and VIDTEX. ASCII
is the universal text standard, and should be used on most national
telecommunications networks, and non-Atari 8 bit Bulletin Boards (When in
doubt, use ASCII). ATASCII is the Atari-specific text mode only usable on
boards which support it (typically, only Atari 8 Bit Bulletin Boards). The
VIDTEX mode is actually a combination of CompuServe's VIDTEX mode and VT-52
emulation. The ESC I sequence is the only VT-52 command not supported
(because VIDTEX uses this for a different function), but some of the
additional ST-specific VT-52 codes are supported. When logging onto CIS,
it is best to be in VIDTEX translation. Do a "GO TERMINAL" and set your
page length to 23 and your columns to 40. Then make the settings
permanent.
This may also be changed while in terminal mode by pressing Shift
Control F.
[B] BAUD RATE
The speed at which your modem and the other system's modem can
receive information. Rates supported are from 300 baud to 19.2K BAUD, but
of course you cannot go any higher than your modem is capable. Note that
some modem interfaces (namely the 850 and P:R: Connection) will not support
19.2K BAUD. Baud rates like 9600 and 19.2K are used mostly for
"null-modem" transfers, where you hook up the output of your RS-232
interface to another computer's RS-232 port, through a special cable or
adaptor.
[D] DUPLEX
Duplex controls how characters appear on your screen, that is,
whether they are put on your screen by the terminal program, or echoed back
from the host computer. Full Duplex means that the characters are echoed
from the host. Half Duplex means the characters are sent from your
keyboard to the screen. Full Duplex is usually the default of most online
services (except GEnie), so unless otherwise stated, try Full Duplex first.
If you can not see what you are typing, go into Half Duplex. If you see
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 3
double of each character you type, you should use full. BobTerm also
supports "Echoplex". This is enabled by holding [START] while pressing
[D]. This will cause everything to be reflected, just as a BBS does.
Echoplex is handy for answering a call, when the other person is in full
duplex. Remember to switch into echo mode ONLY after connecting, and out
of it after disconnecting.
You may change the duplex while in term mode by pressing Shift
Control D.
[I] DIALING TYPE
This toggles the dialing mode of your modem. PULSE dialing is
supported by all telephone companies, but TONE dialing is MUCH faster. If
your call does not go through using tone dialing, switch to pulse.
Dialing Commands
[E] DIALING MENU
Provides you with various lists from which you pick the phone
number(s) you wish to call. See "The Autodialer and Entries" below.
[F] ORIGINATE
Allows your terminal program and modem to send a carrier to be answered by
another modem. An example of this is if you originally connected using a
voice line, then wished to use your modem. Use this command to connect to
a BBS if you are dialing manually (with a telephone).
[G] SEND CARRIER
Known on other terminal programs as "ANSWER MODE," this will send an
answering carrier to the other computer. If connecting to another person
also using a term, one should Originate, and the other should "Answer," or
send carrier.
[H] HANG UP
This will hang up your modem. BobTerm first drops the DTR line; if
it sees that a carrier is still present, it will send a +++, wait, then
ATH. This should take care most all modem configurations. The online
timer will stop. The timer will restart when dialing manually, or if Shift
Control T is pressed.
System Commands
[C] CAPTURE BUFFER
The "Capture Buffer" is a feature that lets you record whatever you
are receiving. If there is a special message or something you want to
save, simply enable your capture ahead of time. When you type [C], it will
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 4
ask you for the destination filename. Capture will then be turned on;
characterized by the screen's border color turning red. You may toggle the
capturing by pressing [OPTION]. To close the capture (ending it), use this
same option. It will ask you "Close Capture?". Press [Y]. You will now
be prompted for the filename to write the file. If BobTerm cannot save the
file correctly, it will re-prompt you for a filename.
While you are capturing data, you will see the buffer count on the
top status line slowly decrease. When it gets to around 256 bytes left, it
will pause the other end, save the buffer to disk, and resume operation.
You cannot change the disk in the drive you are capturing to, until the
capture is closed.
You may also start capturing by simply pressing [OPTION] (without
first setting it up). When the buffer fills, it will prompt you for the
filename to save it as. If you want to cancel the save, simply press
[ESC].
If you want to erase the buffer <say you turned on capture, but you
really don't want to save it>, you can clear the buffer by selecting [C].
Now hit [ESC] at the filename prompt, then hit [ESC] again to return to
terminal mode.
[Q] QUIT TO DOS
This will exit to DOS WITHOUT dropping carrier, allowing you to copy
files, run other programs, such as ARC or UNARC, all without hanging up!
To return to online, just reload BOBTERM (you may need to change
translation, baud rate and duplex). It is not necessary to reload your
modem handler, if applicable. If capturing was enabled, it will be saved
before exiting. BobTerm will NOT perform the BOOTUP.BTM modem
initialization function if it sees that you are re-entering BobTerm, so no
junk data will be sent if you reload the term while the modem is online.
[R] RECEIVE FILE
Use this when Downloading, or receiving a file or files from the
host computer using a transfer protocol of XModem, XModem-CRC, 1K-Xmodem,
YModem, CIS Fast XModem, and FModem. See below for "Send and Receive files
explained".
[S] SEND FILE
This is the entry point for Uploading, or sending files TO the host
computer. In addition to the protocols listed above, you may also do a
simple text upload (the exact opposite of capturing). See below for "Send
and Receive files explained."
[J] SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
This sets your bootup terminal and system defaults, as well as
macro editing. See "[J] System Configuration" below.
[K] DOS FUNCTIONS
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 5
This takes you to a menu which supports the most common DOS
functions. Use them just as you would from your DOS menu. Note that the
subdirectory commands may not be supported in your DOS (they work under
MYDOS and SpartaDOS). These are the options:
[1] Rename File: Format is: OLDNAME.EXT,NEWNAME.EXT
[2] Delete a File: Asks for a filename.
[3] Lock a File: Asks for a filename.
[4] Unlock a File: Asks for a filename.
[5] Format Disk: Prompts for device number to format. It
will format under the current DOS. SpartaDos X users are
taken to the SDX format menu. This will format a disk in
DOS 2 format if using SpartaDOS disk based.
[6] Load a File: Use this to load the Sparta XINIT file to
format disks. This may also be used in the future
to load utility programs for BobTerm. Do NOT use this
function with TOPDOS.
[7] Set Directory: Used to set a working directory under a DOS
that supports subdirectories.
[8] Create Directory: Creates a new subdirectory under a DOS that
supports them.
[9] View a File: Allows you to view TEXT files. Use
the SpaceBar to pause, and ESC to quit.
[1-9] DISK DIRECTORIES
Pressing the appropriate disk device number will prompt you for a
"PATH NAME or RETURN". Simply pressing [RETURN] will display the main
directory of the drive. If your DOS supports subdirectories, you may enter
the subdirectory name, followed by a [>]. If you just wanted to look at
all files ending with .BAS, you could enter "*.BAS". This function pauses
at each page: pressing [RETURN] will continue, [ESC] will abort.
[J] System Configuration
This area allows to set such things as macros, screen colors, modem
port, etc., and optionally save them so that they will be loaded each time
you use BobTerm. There are two sub-menus that you encounter when you
select this option. The first sub-menu allows you to select from:
[1] EDIT MACROS, ETC.: Takes you to the second menu area.
[2] RELOAD DEFAULT PARAMETERS: Lets you reload the way
BobTerm was set up by your BOBTERM.CNF file.
[3] SAVE DEFAULT PARAMETERS: Saves your settings to a
file called BOBTERM.CNF on the DEFAULT drive.
The second sub-menu is entered by pressing the [1] key above. This
menu is the one that actually allows you to edit your macros, screen
colors, and modem port.
To modify your screen colors, use the arrow keys (CONTROL is not
needed) until the screen color and intensity is pleasing to you.
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 6
BobTerm supports a total of 16 macros. A macro is a series of keys
which, when pressed, will send out a pre-defined message. The macros in
BobTerm are grouped by size and type of access.
[A]-[H] Allows you to set the "Large Macros" of BobTerm. These
macros may be up to 31 characters long. Large Macros are accessed by
pressing the SHIFT, CONTROL, and a number key (from 1 to 8) all at the same
time. (In these docs, holding SHIFT and CONTROL while typing another
character will be referred to as 'SHIFT CONTROL x', where x is the
character.) To define a large macro, just press the letter from A-H and
type in the macro that you wish to store. Note that you can use the
standard Atari editing keys; use [SHIFT] [DELETE] to clear out whatever is
on the line. Press [RETURN] when you are finished entering the macro text.
One special note about Large Macros A, B, and C: These macros are updated
by the dialing list. Any macros set by your BOBTERM.CNF file will be
over-written by the dialing list, if used. You may, however, reload the
defaults AFTER dialing, and restore these three macros.
[I]-[P] Allows you to define the "Small Macros" of BobTerm. These
macros are limited to 15 characters and are accessed by pressing the
CONTROL and a number key (from 3 to 0) at the same time. Entering these
macros is the same as the Large Macros.
[Q]-[U] Allows you to define five special one character macros that
are controlled by the joystick in port #1 of the computer. Typical uses
for this would be the CONTROL-S or CONTROL-Q character to stop and start
text flow on most BBSes. To execute these macros, simply move the joystick
or press the fire button.
SPECIAL MACRO CHARACTERS
There are three "special" characters that may be included in the
Large and Small Macros. These are:
CONTROL-P will cause a 3 second delay in the sending of the
macro, then resume. You may stack as many of these
characters as you need.
CONTROL-, (little heart) will cause the macro to execute as
normal, but it will NOT send a RETURN at the end
of it. (Normally a RETURN is sent at the end.)
CONTROL-M will send a RETURN, but still continue with the
rest of the macro.
An example of using the special macro characters might be to call a
BBS, send a RETURN, wait, send your password, wait, and send your name
without a RETURN at the end. This would be coded in a macro as:
^M^P^Ppassword^M^P^Pmy name
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 7
(note that the ^P means CONTROL-P, and ^M means CONTROL-M.)
If you are using an Atari 850 or P:R: Connection, BobTerm will let
you use serial port #2. This is useful when null-modeming between the
Atari and other machines, because you can leave your null-modem cable
connected to port #2, and your modem to port #1. No cable swapping is need
now! You COULD hook a modem to port #2 as well, but since the carrier
detect of port 2 is always forced on, BobTerm's dialer will not function
correctly. Pressing [V] in this config menu will alternate between ports 1
and 2. This has no effect if you are not using an 850 or P:R:.
[S] Send Files and [R] Receive Files Explained
The first thing you will be asked for is the protocol that you wish
to use to transfer a file. This choice is based totally on what the other
computer or system supports. When in doubt, try standard XMODEM, since
almost all hosts support this.
The choices you have and a brief description of each are:
[1] STANDARD XMODEM
This is a 128 byte block size with a mathematical checksum for error
detection and correction. It is supported by almost all BBSes and
telecommunications networks.
[2] XMODEM-CRC
A 128 byte block size with a cyclic checksum for error detection and
correction. This protocol is supported by the vast majority of BBSes and
telecommunications networks. Whenever possible, you should use XModem-CRC
over Standard XModem because the CRC option will catch almost all errors.
[3] CIS FAST XMODEM
This is a BobTerm exclusive: when uploading or downloading from CompuServe,
use this protocol; yet tell CIS that you are using XModem. I developed a
modification to the XModem protocol that dramatically increases the
transfer speed for the CIS host. Its almost as fast as their own Quick B!
This protocol should be used ONLY on CIS, as it will not work correctly on
any other system.
[4] 1K-XMODEM
This protocol is basically XModem-CRC with a 1K (1024 bytes) block size.
The advantage to 1K XModem is that there are fewer "header" bytes sent per
file, therefore, making 1K-XModem about 15% faster than XModem-CRC. Note
that some systems incorrectly call this "YModem"; the difference being
YModem is 1k XModem with batch capabilities.
[5] YMODEM (batch)
YModem is a modified 1K-XModem that allows the transfer of multiple files
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 8
at one time. The file name and size are sent in a header block that
BobTerm decodes for you. This way, you can set up a transfer of as many
files as you like, and the filenames will be automatically saved for you!
You only set up the transfer once, and there are no limits (except your
disk space) to the number of files you can receive!
[6] FMODEM
This protocol is used on some ST BBS programs and in the Puff BBS. It is
basically YModem with a 4K block size. Note that this protocol is also
capable of batch file transfers, as is YMODEM. This is best used for
null-modem transfers, because it gives the highest throughput of all
protocols.
[7] SEND ASCII (XON/XOFF)
This is a send ONLY protocol (use "Capture Buffer" to receive) that simply
dumps ASCII text to the other computer. Since this is not an actual
protocol, there is no error checking that can be done. Use this to upload
messages while in the BBSes message editor, etc... You can specify a delay
rate of 0 through 9; 0 is no delay, and 9 is the largest. A value of 3
should be sufficient for most purposes. XON/XOFF control is supported (^S
to pause, ^Q to resume).
HOW TO SEND/RECEIVE FILES
For transfers using XMODEM, XMODEM-CRC, CIS FAST XMODEM, and
1K-XMODEM, the following applies:
RECEIVE or DOWNLOAD
1. Instruct the host to send (download) a file with the
appropriate protocol.
2. Press [R] from the BobTerm main menu.
3. Select the appropriate protocol on BobTerm.
4. Type the entire filename for the file, as you want it to
appear on your disk, and press [RETURN].
You will be returned then to terminal mode.
5. Press [SELECT] to begin the transfer.
SEND or UPLOAD
1. Instruct the host to receive (upload) a file with the
appropriate protocol.
2. Press [S] from the BobTerm main menu.
3. Select the appropriate protocol on BobTerm.
4. Enter the source filemask and filename, if you know what
it is. If not, you can enter "*.*". Bobterm will
prompt you for each file it finds. Type [Y] to send that
file, [N] to keep looking, or [ESC] to re-enter the source
filemask. Once you have selected a file, you will be returned
to terminal mode.
5. Press [SELECT] to begin the transfer.
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 9
For transfers using YMODEM and FMODEM protocols, the following applies:
RECEIVE or DOWNLOAD
1. Instruct the host to send a file in the appropriate protocol.
For batch transfers, see the host documentation for how
to specify more than one file. Most often it is done by
"marking" the files you want to download, then issuing the
command to download.
2. Press [R] from the BobTerm main menu.
3. Select the appropriate protocol on BobTerm.
4. Provide the device name, and path name ONLY. BobTerm will
take care of the filenames. (An example of a pathname is
"D1:" or "D2:DLS>".) You will be returned then to terminal
mode.
5. Press [SELECT] to begin the transfer.
SEND or UPLOAD
1. Instruct the host to receive a file in the appropriate protocol.
For batch transfers, see the host documentation for how to
specify more than one file. Batch sending is rarely used on
a BBS; it is meant more for term-to-term communications.
2. Press [S] from the BobTerm main menu.
3. Select the appropriate protocol on BobTerm.
4. Provide the pathname (and filename, if known) for the files
that you wish to send, one at a time. If you used wildcards,
BobTerm will display each file found and query you if
you wish to send it. Press [Y] to add it to the list, [N]
to skip it, or [ESC] to enter a new pathname. Depending on
the size of your path and filenames, you may be able
to mark up to 100 or more files to be sent all at once! Note
that the memory used to hold the dialing list is used for
this list of files, so you will have to reload the dialing
list to dial a new number. To end entering filenames, simply
press [RETURN] at the "Enter filemask" prompt. You
will be returned to terminal mode.
5. Press [SELECT] to begin the transfer.
The following applies to ASCII sends:
1. Instruct the host to receive ASCII text.
2. Press [S] from the BobTerm menu.
3. Select item 7 for SEND ASCII.
4. Provide path and filename to send.
5. Provide a delay rate. The delay rate determines the time
between each character sent. You will need to experiment
with different BBSes and telecommunications services to
determine what the delay rate should be. A delay of 0
is none, 9 is the greatest. A value of 3 usually words
ok for most BBS message editors. You will then be returned
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 10
to terminal mode.
6. Press [SELECT] to begin the transfer.
FEATURES COMMON TO ALL TRANSFERS
BobTerm is the ONLY 8 bit terminal to remove the excess
double-padding added to files by the online services. The timing used in
the protocols should be loose enough for any system, yet tight enough to
maintain fast transfers.
To abort any transfer, hold down the [START] key. To retry an
aborted transfer, press [SELECT]. This will try the exact same transfer
again. Note: if the transfer aborted because of an error on your end (like
a wrong protocol, disk error, etc...) that has not been corrected, the
transfer will simply abort again.
Once you begin a transfer, you will see the BobTerm transfer
display. The top line of the file transfer window displays the file name
including path, followed by the file size (for batch receives only). The
line under that shows the status of the transfer, the block number being
transferred, and the number of tries for the current block. The only time
you will not see this display is when you are doing an ASCII send (you will
stay in term mode for ASCII sends).
If the transfer is aborted because of a disk error on your end, the
transfer will first abort, then the disk error message will be displayed.
Press [RETURN] twice to return to terminal mode. If the transfer was
aborted from thee other side or timed out, you will be returned to term
mode, and the top status line will display "Xfer Aborted!".
Holding [SHIFT] when entering the protocol number will select the
ASCII <-> ATASCII translation mode. This is used for text files only!
When sending files, ATASCII files will be converted to ASCII format
(CR/LF). When receiving, ASCII will be converted back to ATASCII (CR,
CR/LF, or just LF). This allows you to let BobTerm handle the translations
so you do not have run separate translation programs! Just be sure you
don't accidentally enable the translation on a file that is NOT a text
file, else your file will be corrupted.
Setting up BOOTUP.BTM
Some Hayes-compatible modems default to some parameters that are not
what you want for standard terminal use. For this reason, BobTerm will
send whatever is in a file called BOOTUP.BTM on the default drive (drive 1
for most users) to the modem at the default baud rate, when the term first
loads. <Note: the term will send this only once - if you quit to DOS and
reload the program again without rebooting, it will NOT send it again.> It
will input a line, send it to the modem, wait 1 second, then input again,
etc., until it reaches the end of file. A control M is not needed at the
end of each line. My suggestion might be to have something like this in
your BOOTUP.BTM file:
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 11
ATX3 V1 L2 M1 E1 S7=30 &C1 &D2
You could change S registers to perhaps increase dialing speed,
etc... Remember it is not necessary to have this file present; it's just
there in case you have need of it.
Keyboard Command Summary
CONTROL 3-0: 15 byte macros. (All the rest are SHIFT CONTROL:)
1-8: 31 byte macros (1-3 are the ones the Dialer updates)
SHIFT CONTROL:
Q: Recalls last two chat buffers (alternates between the 3).
W: Toggle word wrap,
E: Toggle the chat window in and out.
R: Reset the online time counter.
T: Start/stop the online time counter.
Y: Swap the online counter/real time on the top status line.
O: Takes a snapshot of the term screen, and saves it in the buffer.
P: Does a screen dump of the term mode screen to your printer,
replacing any non-printable characters with a period.
M: Toggle left margin between 0 and 2.
9: Toggles the key click sound.
When Word wrap is enabled, words will not be split if the text you
are reading is formatted for something over 40 columns. This has no effect
on captures; it simply makes reading text a little easier, especially if
the text is formatted for 80 columns. BobTerm also accounts for
backspacing in word wrap; so if it is enabled and you are typing a message,
you can backspace to the previous line without fear of deleting too many
characters, as is the case with other term programs. Word Wrap is toggled
by pressing Shift Control W, and its status is seen by the first character
in the top status line.
You may change the left margin to 2 (incase your TV has overscan) by
pressing Shift Control M. Note that this does NOT affect the edit window;
the edit window remains in 40 columns.
Items Saved in BOBTERM.CNF
Default Drive (for any filename input)
Phone List Filename
Last Number Dialed
Long Distance Code
Tone/Pulse Dialing Mode
Term Translation
Term Duplex
Term Baud Rate
Default File Transfer Protocol
Delay Rate Used in ASCII Send Protocol
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 12
Status of the Keyboard (in upper case or lower)
Which Type of Time is Being Displayed (On=Online, Rt=Real Time)
Screen Colors
Key Click Flag
Chat Buffer Status (on or off)
Word Wrap Status
Left Margin Status
RS232 Modem Port Number
Joystick Characters
All 16 Macros
[E] The Autodialer and Entries
Pressing [E] from the BobTerm main menu will take you to the Dialing
Menu. The dialing menu has a number of choices as follows:
[A] ADD AN ENTRY
This option allows you to add a telephone number to your dialing
menu. You will be prompted for the name of the entry, the telephone
number, 3 macros (See section on System Configuration), the Baud Rate, the
Translation, the Duplex, and the wait (amount of time to wait for the other
computer to answer - should be 15-20 for average local calls).
[D] DIAL TAGGED
This option will continuously scan the "tagged" entries looking for
a terminal connection. To tag an entry, use the arrow keys to move to the
entry, and press the SPACEBAR to tag it. You will see a ">" in front of
each tagged entry. To clear the tag, press the SPACEBAR again.
[K] DELETE AN ENTRY
To delete an entry from your phone list, use the arrow keys to move
to the entry, and press [K].
[M] DIAL MANUALLY
By pressing [M], you may enter a phone number to dial from the
keyboard. Note, the current system configuration will be used for this
number (ie: baud rate, translation), and a wait time of 30 seconds will be
used.
[S] SAVE LIST
This option will save your phone list to disk. You will be prompted
for a device and filename, or you may use the last name used (by simply
pressing [RETURN]).
[V] VIEW ENTRY
This option will allow you to just look at the entry.
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 13
[X] LONG DISTANCE CODE
This is the code that is used by long distance dialing services such
as MCI, Sprint, etc... Although it is not needed much anymore because of
"equal access," some long distance telcos still have special numbers to
call and require a special code. Use this feature for those cases. To
execute the long distance code, simply insert an exclamation point (!) in
the phone number at the appropriate place (normally in the very beginning).
When you enter your long distance code from the dialing menu, it is saved
as part of your configuration file. For example:
LD code: 950-1111,,,,123456781
Dial: !716-247-8355
would do the following:
Dial 950-1111, wait 4 seconds, dial 123456781 (your LD code would be
here), followed by 716-247-8355.
Another use for the LD code is for those who have call waiting.
Insert an [!] before every number in your list, and make the LD code be the
numbers you have to dial to disable the call waiting feature. If you ever
want to dial the number without disabling the call waiting, simply erase
the LD code.
[C] CLEAR LIST
This will erase the current list from memory.
[E] EDIT ENTRY
This option allows you to make changes to any of the entries in the
dialing menu. First, select the entry to edit (by using the arrow keys),
then hit [E]. Each item will be available for editing; press [RETURN] when
done, or [ESC] to exit.
[L] LOAD LIST
Use this to load a new phone list from your disk. This may be used
to load something other than the default (if you have more than 1 list), or
if you have batch sent some files (since the batch send function will wipe
out the list in memory).
[P] PRINT LIST
Sends the current list to your printer.
[ESC]
Exits back to the main BobTerm menu.
[RETURN]
Dials the entry highlighted. (Use the arrow keys to move the bar to
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 14
the desired entry.)
To interrupt the dialing process at any time, press the SPACEBAR.
If your modem supports the BUSY string when calling a number that is
busy, BobTerm will detect it and re-dial or continue the scan.
The Terminal Mode Status Line
While in terminal mode, the upper line of your screen is being used
as follows:
WRAP:DUPLEX:TRANSLATION:BAUD RATE:BUFFER TOTAL:ONLINE/REAL-TIME CLOCK
The second line in the header is the changing status, which tells
you if there are transfers pending, errors have occurred, etc...
Miscellaneous Notes
One of the unique features of BobTerm is its multi-tasking. You are
ALWAYS in term mode; that is, any modem input is being printed to the term
screen, even if you are not viewing that screen. The only exceptions to
this are disk I/O and file transfer. You can be capturing, go do a disk
directory, and come back to term mode all without losing any data (assuming
the other end supports XON/XOFF)!
Another feature is the extremely fast text screen handler. Term
mode can keep up with text at 19.2K baud, even while capturing!
When BobTerm expects input from the user, [RETURN] will accept
whatever is on the screen, and [ESC] will abort. On any filename or other
line-input needed, you can use the standard Atari cursor control to edit.
To delete the entire line, press SHIFT DELETE/BACK SPACE.
The edit window is another unique feature. Used mostly for the
"conference" section on the online services, this buffer is actually 3
buffers in one. When you press SHIFT CONTROL E, you will see three lines
at the bottom. You may now type away in the buffer. Nothing will be sent
out until you hit [RETURN]; then the whole buffer will be dumped. The only
exception to this is control characters. CONTROL A through CONTROL Z will
be sent when you type them; this is to allow you to pause the sender,
etc... By pressing SHIFT CONTROL Q, BobTerm will cycle through the last
two "buffers" you typed and the current one. Once you press [RETURN], the
current buffer gets copied into buffer 2, buffer 2 into 3, and buffer 1 is
cleared.
Another feature that might come in handy is the buffer screen
command. Let's say you are on a BBS, and you're viewing a file that you
just decided you want to capture, yet you don't have the capture turned on.
Simply press [OPTION], then press SHIFT CONTROL O. That last keypress will
take a "snapshot" of the screen, placing it in the buffer. Pressing
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 15
[OPTION] turned the buffer on, so now you will have saved everything that
was on your screen, plus everything that will be coming, till you disable
the capture (by hitting [OPTION] again). When you [C]lose the capture or
if the buffer fills, you will be prompted for the filename to save the
buffer.
Modules
BobTerm now allows the loading of modules, to allow for new features
to be added to the program without having to come out with special
versions. Two modules have been included with this versions: a XEP-80
driver, and a SpartaDOS command processor interface. I will probably be
writing a module to set the time for the real time counter, and a copy file
function.
When the term first loads, it looks on the default drive for
MODULE1.BTM. If it finds this module, it will continue and look for
MODULE2.BTM, etc., up to MODULE9.BTM. This is the only reliable way
modules should be loaded into BobTerm, although you may have limited
success with the LOAD A FILE option of the DOS functions. It is not
necessary to have modules present, but if you do have any, they should be
consecutively named (module1, 2, etc.).
Support Shareware
BobTerm has taken a fair chunk of my time, but has been very
rewarding. It started out to be just a transfer utility for null-modeming
files between an 8 bit and ST, but it kept growing!
This updated version fixes all known bugs with the earlier versions,
as well as adds a few more features, one of which is the ability to load
modules. This is the way new patches, transfer protocols, and other things
can be added to the program. If anyone has COMPLETED programs that they
wish to incorporate into the term, leave me E-Mail on GEnie, CompuServe, or
my BBS <Computer World>. The new version also accounts for bugs in Carina
II batch transfers, and other incorrectly-written BBS file transfer
sections.
I am releasing this program as "shareware," which means this: You
are encouraged to pass it around to your friends. What I ask is that if
you like the program, consider the time that went into such a program, and
send a donation ($15 suggested) to the address listed at the top. If you
have any questions/comments, please feel free to write, or leave a message
on one of the support boards. Thank you! Enjoy the term.
Bob Puff
Support BBSes for BobTerm
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 16
Computer World (716) 247-8355
The Moose BBS (716) 381-5139
The Breakfast Club BBS (916) 331-4722
Many thanks to all those who helped in getting all those nasty bugs out!
Special thanks to Marty & Gayle Albert and Glenn Garman for the
documentation & testing; the CompuServe 8 bit sysops Keith Joins, Don Lebow
and Bill Aycock for their many hours of testing, suggestions, and
downloading MANY versions of the term; Jeff "Alfred" Williams for the
dialer code, and Frank Walters for his many calls and helping to get things
totally bug-free.
Since the first release about a month prior to this writing, I have
received many letters and messages from helpful people, too numerous to
list. A big THANK YOU goes out to them!
BobTerm 1.1 Docs Page 17
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not
intended to supplant individual professional consultation,
but is offered as a community education service. Advice on
individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
--
/-] Doug Wokoun [-]aa384[-] Atari SigOp [-/ "I support the REVOLUTION!"
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