Dec 312017
| The original, now pretty obsolete. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| File Name | File Size | Zip Size | Zip Type |
| PC-TALK.DOC | 119424 | 28205 | deflated |
| PC-TALKB.DOC | 72320 | 21330 | deflated |
| PC-TALKB.EXE | 84224 | 55135 | deflated |
| PCTB.MAC | 13824 | 5120 | deflated |
Download File PCTALK.ZIP Here
Contents of the PC-TALK.DOC file
=== The PC-TALK III User's Guide starts on the next page ===
830424
---------------------------------------------------
===== PC-TALK III =====
Communications Program for The IBM Personal Computer
=== User's Guide by Andrew Fluegelman ===
---------------------------------------------------
=== FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ===
Copyright (c) 1983 The Headlands Press, Inc.
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide ---
=== Contents ===
To Users of PC-TALK version 2.00 4
Summary of Commands 6
Making Working Copies of PC-TALK 9
Starting PC-TALK 11
=== Screen, Keyboard, and Printing ===
Echo: Alt-E 13
The Width Alarm: Alt-W 13
Printscreen: Shift-PrtSc 14
Simultaneous Printout: Ctrl-PrtSc (or Ctrl-PgUp) 14
Screendump: Alt-S 16
Clearscreen: Alt-C 16
=== Receiving and Transmitting Files ===
Receiving a File: Alt-R (or PgDn) 17
Transmitting a File: Alt-T 19
The Binary transmit option: '=b' 20
The Pacing transmit option: '=p' 21
XMODEM Transmitting and Receiving: '=x' 24
A Note on Communications Terminology 26
=== More File Commands ===
Status Messages: Alt-M 27
Viewing a File: Alt-V 28
Deleting a File: Alt-Y 29
The Logged Drive: Alt-L 29
File Specification Conventions 30
=== Dialing ===
The Dialing Directory: Alt-D 32
Adding to the Directory 34
Other Directory Options 35
Auto-dialing 36
Long Distance Services: '+#' and '-#' 36
Manual Dialing: 'm' 38
Redialing: Alt-Q 38
Stripping and Converting Characters 39
Pacing Instructions 41
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide ---
=== Parameters and Defaults ===
Communications Parameters: Alt-P 44
Program Defaults: Alt-F 45
=== Input Strings ===
The Function Key Directory: Alt-K (or Alt-J) 52
Using the Function Key Assignments 53
Temporary Alt Keys: Alt-1 through Alt-0 55
=== Miscellaneous Features and Commands ===
Elapsed Time: Alt-Z 58
Exit: Alt-X 58
Sending a Break Signal: Ctrl-End 58
Command Summary: Home key 59
Toggle Commands 59
=== More Applications and Advanced Features ===
XON/XOFF: Alt-O 60
Communications Errors: <<>> and <
=== PC-TALK III File Information ===
Programming Information 63
Copying PC-TALK 64
Modifying PC-TALK 64
Thank You! 66
FREEWARE 67
Appendix A: Communications Parameters 69
Appendix B: The XMODEM Protocol 70
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 4
=== To Users of PC-TALK version 2.00 ===
This brief summary is to acquaint you with the new or revised
features in PC-TALK version III. Each of these features is
described in detail in the documentation.
1. PC-TALK III is supplied in an interpreter BASIC source code
version (PC-TALK.BAS) for systems with 64K of memory and a
compiled BASIC version (PC-TALK.EXE) for systems with 128K or
more of memory. The .EXE version will give optimum performance
and is recommended if you have sufficient memory.
To run PC-TALK ...
-- If you have 64K of memory, type 'TALK64'
-- If you have 128K or more of memory, type 'TALK128'
2. The 'fast' mode from previous versions has been eliminated.
All features now operate fully at up to 1200 baud in both the
BASIC interpreter and the BASIC compiled version.
3. A Screendump feature (Alt-S) now permits writing the contents
of the screen to a disk file.
4. A margin Width feature (Alt-W) signals when keyboard input has
exceeded a specifiable right margin.
5. Three Transmit options are now provided for transmitting
binary files (=b), for transmitting files with line pacing (=p),
and for transmitting and receiving files using the XMODEM error-
checking protocol (=x).
6. The Dialing Directory (Alt-D) has been expanded to sixty entry
capacity. Optional parameters allow selective character
stripping and/or converting and for storing pacing instructions
for each entry.
7. An auto-redial feature has been added (Alt-Q).
8. There are now forty possible permanent input strings (Alt-K).
These permanent strings are now stored to be input with the
Function keys in combination with the Alt, Shift, and Ctrl keys.
9. The temporary input strings (Alt-=) have been switched to the
ten key combinations Alt-1 through Alt-0.
10. Because of the expansion of the Dialing Directory and the
Function Key Directory, the special keys for dialing CompuServe
and the Source and for sending specific commands to these
networks have been eliminated.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 5
11. A routine has been added for interactively specifying and
changing all program defaults while the program is running (Alt-
F).
12. The conventions for specifying files and input strings within
the program have been standardized. Control characters can now
be specified as part of input strings.
Even if you are familiar with earlier versions of PC-TALK, it is
recommended that you read through the entire documentation, most
of which has been thoroughly revised.
The PC-TALK III User's Guide is 70 pages long. It is supplied on
a file called PC-TALK.DOC, which is either on the program disk,
or on a separately labeled disk if two disks have been provided.
To print the User's Guide, see the instructions at paragraph 9 of
the following section, "Making Working Copies of PC-TALK."
I hope that you find PC-TALK III to be more useful, and just as
friendly, as version 2.00.
- Andrew Fluegelman
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 6
=== Summary of Commands ===
Alt-E When activated, Echoes keyboard input to the
screen. (Toggle) USE IF YOUR KEYBOARD INPUT IS
BLANK OR DOUBLE.
Shift-PrtSc Prints current screen contents at any time.
Ctrl-PrtSc When activated, simultaneously prints all
(or Ctrl-PgUp) screen output to the printer. (Toggle)
Alt-R Starts/stops routines to Receive input from
(or PgDn) the communications port to files on disk.
Alt-T Starts/stops routines to Transmit files from
(or PgUp) disk through the communications port.
Alt-V Starts/stops routine to View a file which has
been saved to disk.
Alt-Y Permits deleting a file from disk.
Alt-D Calls up the Dialing Directory. Permits
storing parameters for 60 phone numbers and
auto-dialing.
Alt-Q Redials the last number dialed.
Alt-M When activated, sends status Messages as part
of the transmit and receive routines.
(Toggle)
Alt-P Permits changing the communications Parameters.
Alt-F Permits temporary or permanent changes to the
program defaults.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 7
Alt-K Calls up the Function Key Directory. Permits
(or Alt-J) specifying up to 40 Function key combinations
to input permanent i.d. #s and logon
sequences.
Alt-= Permits programming of keys Alt-1 through Alt-0
(Alt-equals) as temporary input while the
program is running.
Alt-S Writes contents of the screen to a file
SCRNDUMP.PCT on the Logged drive.
Alt-L Changes the Logged drive for file specifications.
Alt-W Sets an optional Width alarm for keyboard input.
Alt-Z Displays the elapsed time for the current call.
Alt-C Clears the screen.
Alt-O Permits re-starting transmission manually when
the remote computer has sent an XOFF signal.
Alt-X Exits the program and returns to DOS.
Ctrl-End Sends a 'Break' signal to the remote computer.
Home Displays an on-screen summary of these commands.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 8
File Specification Commands:
? or ?+[spec] - When given as response to a file specification,
lists files currently on logged or specified
drive. Wild card characters * and ? are allowed.
re-inputs the last file Transmitted, Received,
or Viewed.
cancels Transmit, Receive, View, and Delete routines.
=p[n][c] - When added to the end of a Transmit file
specification, paces transmission one line at a
time--either every n seconds or after the
prompt c is received.
=b - When added to the end of a Transmit file
specification, permits transmitting file in
binary format.
=x - When added to the end of a Transmit or Receive
file specification, invokes the XMODEM error-
checking protocol.
String Specification Commands:
} - Signifies a carriage return as part of the string.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 9
=== Making Working Copies of PC-TALK ===
Before you use your PC-TALK program disk(s), you should make a
working copy of the program. Follow these steps carefully:
(Please note that you may have been provided with two disks,
marked "PC-TALK.III" and "PC-TALK.DOC", or a single disk marked
"PC-TALK.III". If you have been provided with a single disk, it
contains all of the necessary PC-TALK files.)
1. Place your own copy of PC-DOS (versions 1.00, 1.10, or 2.00)
in drive A and press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys simultaneously. Enter
the date and time, when required. You should see the DOS A> prompt.
2. Place a blank disk (or one that can be REFORMATTED) in drive B.
3. Type 'FORMAT B:/S'
drive B with the DOS system and command files.
4. Type 'COPY BASIC.COM B:'
BASIC.COM to the disk in drive B.
5. Now remove the DOS disk from drive A and insert the PC-TALK.III
program disk in drive A.
6. Type 'COPY *.* B:'
the program disk onto the disk in drive B.
7. Remove the program disk from drive A and store it in a safe
place. Take the disk from drive B and label it "PC-TALK.III".
Use this as your working program disk.
8. If you have been provided a separate disk marked "PC-TALK.DOC",
repeat steps 1 through 7 above, using the PC-TALK.DOC disk.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 10
9. Before you start using the program, please make sure that you
have printed and read the PC-TALK III User's Guide.
-- If you have been provided with two disks, place the working
copy of the PC-TALK.DOC disk in drive A.
-- If you have been provided with one disk, place the working
copy of the PC-TALK.III disk in drive A.
Now type 'PRINTDOC'
will print the file PC-TALK.DOC.
10. You are now ready to run PC-TALK. Place the working program
disk marked PC-TALK.III in drive A and proceed with the following
instructions, "Starting PC-TALK".
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 11
=== Starting PC-TALK ===
First make sure that PC-DOS is loaded so that you see the A>
prompt. Place the disk marked "PC-TALK.III" in drive A. Then...
-- If you have 64K of memory, type 'TALK64'
This will load and run the BASIC file PC-TALK.BAS.
-- If you have 128K or more of memory, type 'TALK128'
This will load and run the compiled BASIC file PC-TALK.EXE.
You can also run PC-TALK.EXE by simply typing 'PC-TALK'
When you see the prompt "===Proceed ..." PC-TALK is in operation.
At this point, you should turn on your modem, if you have not
already done so.
-- If you have a direct connection modem:
You can proceed to send the appropriate modem commands
directly from the keyboard. (Making use of auto-dialing
features is described in the documentation under "The Dialing
Directory.")
-- If you have an acoustic modem:
Dial the phone number you wish, place the telephone receiver
in the modem cradle, and switch to 'Data'. Once you have made
a connection, you can proceed with keyboard instructions.
At this point, your PC has been set up as a "dumb" terminal,
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 12
connected with the remote computer. You can send information to
the remote computer by typing on the keyboard, and see
information sent by the remote computer displayed on your screen.
NOTE: IF YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR KEYBOARD INPUT, press Alt-E to put
the program into Echo mode.
PC-TALK is capable of doing many "smart" things too, such as
receiving and sending disk files, dialing phone calls, and
storing commands for future use. All the program features are
described in the documentation, which is contained in a file on
the program disk called PC-TALK.DOC.
********** PLEASE PRINT AND READ THE DOCUMENTATION! **********
This will save you from having unanswered questions and greatly
increase your enjoyment of the program.
To print the documentation, follow these instructions:
-- If you have been provided with two disks, place the working
copy of the PC-TALK.DOC disk in drive A.
-- If you have been provided with one disk, place the working
copy of the PC-TALK.III disk in drive A.
*** Now type 'PRINTDOC'
This will print the file PC-TALK.DOC. Please take some time to
read through the documentation before trying to use the program.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 13
=== Screen, Keyboard, and Printing ===
Echo: Alt-E
With some systems, the remote computer will send back to your
screen the characters you type at the keyboard. This is known as
"full duplex" communications. In other cases, the remote
computer will not send back the characters you type ("half
duplex"). You can adjust for either of these situations with the
Echo option, which is toggled on and off by pressing Alt-E.
If you can't see your own keyboard input on the screen once
communications are in progress, turn on the Echo option (Alt-E).
This might make your modem commands appear as double characters,
but should produce proper screen output during communications.
If your regular communications input appears as double charac-
ters, disable the Echo function by pressing Alt-E.
----------------------------------------
The Width Alarm: Alt-W
Many remote systems place a limit on the length of a line which
can be entered. It can be a nuisance to have to keep track of
this limit when typing on the screen.
As you send information using the keyboard, you will notice that
the program beeps when you type more than 70 characters on a
line. This is the Width alarm feature. It operates like the
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 14
margin alarm on a typewriter.
The beeps will continue until you press the
you have typed more than ten additional characters. The beeps
are merely reminders--the characters are still sent as typed,
even if the alarm sounds.
You can specify a different margin width by pressing Alt-W. If
you want to disable the Width alarm, enter 0 (zero) as the value
for the margin width.
----------------------------------------
Printscreen: Shift-PrtSc
At any time during program operation, hitting the Shift key in
combination with the PrtSc key will print the contents of the
screen to the printer. (This is the regular DOS function).
----------------------------------------
Simultaneous Printout: Ctrl-PrtSc (or Ctrl-PgUp)
You can also produce simultaneous printout while communications
are in progress by pressing Ctrl-PrtSc or *ctrl-PgUp. A message
will indicate "===PRINTOUT ON===" and all subsequent information
displayed on the screen will be sent to the printer as well.
You can disable the Printout function by hitting Ctrl-PrtSc or
Ctrl-PgUp again. A message "===PRINTOUT OFF===" will be displayed
and the Printout function will be toggled off. The Printout
function can be turned on and off without disturbing
communications.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 15
If the Printout function is invoked when the printer is not
turned on, a message "===CHECK PRINTER===" will appear, the function
will remain off, and communications will continue.
**Applications Notes:
Running the Printout option may slow communications because many
printers cannot keep pace with the communications rate. If you
are communicating at 1200 baud (described below under "Commu-
nications Parameters") you should not try to run simultaneous
printout, as you will likely overflow the communications buffer.
If this happens, the program will attempt to recover by turning
off the Printout function.
A new feature in PC-TALK III buffers the printout to take correct
account of backspace characters within each line.
If you happen to run the BASIC interpreter version of the program
under BASIC 2.0, the Ctrl-PrtSc key will turn on continuous
printing, but not with PC-TALK's support features described
above. In this case, you should use the Ctrl-PgUp key to control
the Printout function. (Note, however, that if you have enough
memory to run BASIC 2.0, you will get better performance by
running the compiled version of the program, PC-TALK.EXE. See
"Starting PC-TALK", above.)
----------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 16
Screendump: Alt-S
Another new feature in PC-TALK III allows you to dump the
contents of the screen to a disk file at any time by pressing
Alt-S.
When you start the program, the Screendump file is a file on
drive B called SCRNDUMP.PCT. Each time you press Alt-S, the
screen contents is appended to that file. The date and time is
automatically recorded for each screendump.
You can specify a different Screendump file from within the
Default routine (described below).
----------------------------------------
Clearscreen: Alt-C
Pressing Alt-C will clear the screen at any time. This command
does not send any character or signal to the remote computer.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 17
=== Receiving and Transmitting Files ===
Receiving a File: Alt-R (or PgDn)
The file receiving routine permits you to save information you
receive from a remote computer on your own disk files. It
operates manually and requires no special protocol.
To start the Receiving routine, press Alt-R. The program will ask
for a drive and filename under which to receive the file.
Once the Receiving routine is in operation, you will see a
reminder on line 25 of the screen indicating the name of the file
being received. From that point on, all information passing
through the communications port, whether it is being typed from
your keyboard or coming from the remote computer, will be saved
to the specified disk file.
To guard against accidentally erasing existing files, if a
filename is specified that already exists on the disk, the new
input will be appended to the end of the existing file.
To terminate receipt of the file, press Alt-R once again. You
can receive different files to disk, or keep appending to the
same disk file, many times during a communications session.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
Certain remote computer systems may send unwanted characters to
your computer. If you have need to strip or convert certain
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 18
characters as they are being received, you can specify those
characters with the Strip option described below.
PC-TALK can receive binary files without any special file
receiving specification. You do have to be careful, however, to
open and close your file for receiving so that you do not receive
any extraneous characters or messages from the remote computer.
The recommended procedure for receiving binary files is to have
the Message option (described below) ON for the receiving
computer and OFF for the transmitting computer and for the
transmitting computer operator to give the receiving computer
ample time to open and close the file. Please note also that if
you want to receive a binary file, you must not have any
stripping in effect and must be communicating at 8 data bits.
(These communications parameters are described below.)
PC-TALK is also capable of receiving files using the XMODEM
error-checking protocol. The use of this protocol is described
separately below.
----------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 19
Transmitting a File: Alt-T
Just as you can receive information and store it on disk files,
you can transmit information from your disk files to the remote
computer.
The regular file transmitting routine is "plain vanilla" -- it
requires no special protocol from the remote computer. It can
therefore be used to send your disk files to virtually any other
personal computer, to network bulletin boards, and to many large
computer systems.
To start the Transmit routine, press Alt-T. The program will then
ask for the specification of the file to be transmitted. Once you
have given the specification and press the
transmission of the file will proceed.
Once transmission is in progress, you will see the text of your
file displayed on the screen. Line 25 of the screen will indicate
the name of the file being transmitted and the approximate
minutes remaining to complete the transmission. The transmission
routine will terminate automatically at the end of the file.
You can terminate transmission manually at any time by pressing
Alt-T.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
The transmitting routine can be used to send files to personal
computers and to network bulletin board services. When you are
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 20
ready to send your file, start the Transmit routine (Alt-T),
specify the file to be sent, and press
specification prompts you see on your screen will be sent to the
remote computer -- only the text of your file.
If the remote computer requires a special character to begin
receipt of the file, it should be sent manually via the keyboard
prior to giving the Alt-T command.
----------------------------------------
**File Transmitting Options:
PC-TALK offers some advanced transmit options for sending binary
files, for pacing transmission, and for transmitting with an
error-checking protocol. In each case, the option is invoked by
adding an equals sign plus the letters 'b', 'p', or 'x' to the
end of the file specification. Each of these options is
described below; however, it is recommended that you do not try
these options until you are familiar with the basic features of
the program.
----------------------------------------
The Binary transmit option: '=b'
PC-TALK permits transmitting binary files (.COM and .EXE files
and BASIC programs not saved in ASCII format). To transmit a
binary file, add '=b' to the end of the transmit file
specification.
For example, to transmit the file MYFILE.COM, you would
give the transmit file specification by typing
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 21
'MYFILE.COM=b'
'b' is typed in upper or lower case.)
When you transmit using the binary option, the text of the file
will not be displayed on the screen.
You must be communicating at 8 data bits (No parity) to transmit
a binary file.
----------------------------------------
The Pacing transmit option: '=p'
Because of the increased performance of this version of PC-TALK,
the Transmit routine may operate too fast for some remote
computers (such as the Source and many mainframe systems). PC-
TALK now offers a Pacing option to slow down transmission of
files. This feature will send your file to the remote computer
one line at a time, pausing between lines.
To invoke the Pacing option, specify '=p' following the
specification of the file to transmit; e.g., 'MYFILE.123=p'.
At this point you have two options:
-- If you want the line pacing to be governed by a time delay,
enter a number following the '=p' to indicate how many seconds to
pause between transmission of lines of your file.
For example, if you specified 'MYFILE.123=p2', the
program would pause approximately two seconds between
lines.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 22
You can enter a fractional number, such as '=p.5' for a half-
second pause. You should experiment with your remote system to
determine the optimum time delay for pacing.
-- The second line pacing option waits for a prompt from the
remote computer before sending the next line. This is invoked by
specifying the character(s) for the prompt immediately following
the '=p'.
For example, specifying 'MYFILE.123=p?' would cause the
program to wait for the receiving computer to send a
question mark before the program continued transmitting
the next line. You can specify a control character as
the prompt; for example, '=p' followed by a control-R
would cause the program to wait for an ASCII 19.
When paused for a prompt in the line pacing transmit mode, you
always have the option of proceeding with transmission manually
by hitting the space bar, or terminating transmission by hitting
Alt-T.
You can store pacing instructions as one of the parameters in the
Dialing Directory (described below).
**Technical Note:
The Pacing option will automatically strip line feed characters
(ASCII 10) during transmission. It will also add a space
preceding each carriage return (ASCII 13). In other words, each
carriage return/line feed sequence (ASCII 13/10) in the file will
be transmitted as a space/carriage return (ASCII 32/13). The
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 23
Pacing routine will then either pause for the specified time
delay, or wait for the specified prompt before sending the next
line.
If for some reason you want to strip line feeds and pad carriage
returns with spaces during transmission, but don't want to pause
with either a time delay or to wait for a prompt, just add '=p'
to the file spec. The Pacing routine will proceed without
stopping. (Please note that if you specify '=p0' as the pacing
option, the program will wait for a '0' (zero) from the remote
computer before proceeding with the next line.)
The pacing option is a powerful feature that greatly extends the
versatility of PC-TALK in communicating with a variety of remote
computer systems. However, it is not recommended that you try to
use transmit pacing unless you know of a specific need for it.
One common application in which transmit pacing is useful is
transmitting files to the Source using Telenet or Tymnet.
Depending on how heavily the system is being used, you may find
it necessary to pace transmission with a 2- or 3-second delay
between lines to make sure that your file is properly received by
the remote system.
----------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 24
XMODEM Transmitting and Receiving: '=x'
One of the noteworthy features in PC-TALK III is the inclusion of
the XMODEM protocol originally developed by Ward Christensen.
The purpose of the XMODEM protocol is to guard against
inaccuracies in file transfer caused by bad signals on the
telephone line. It is a "hand-shaking" and error-checking
protocol that ensures accurate transmission and receipt of data
and binary files. The protocol is in wide use today among a
variety of microcomputer systems.
The XMODEM protocol can be used for both transmitting and
receiving files. In each case, you should add '=x' to your file
specifications; for example, 'MYFILE.123=x'.
Once you have entered the file spec and pressed
see a message indicating that the protocol is in effect and the
notice, "*** Holding for Start..." The rest of the file transfer
occurs automatically.
If you are transmitting, line 25 of the screen will indicate how
many blocks (of 128 bytes) comprise the file. You will see a
message "Sending block # n", followed by the message "- verified"
when the remote computer has successfully received that block.
The file transfer will proceed, block by block, until the end of
the file is reached. The transfer will then terminate
automatically.
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--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 25
If you are receiving, you will see the same "*** Holding for
Start..." notice, followed by messages "Received block # n -
verified" as each block is received. You will not see any
indication of how long the file is, but the receiving routine
will terminate automatically.
If the program detects an error while transferring the file, you
will see either a message "**Re-sending block..." in transmit
mode, or a variety of error messages in receive mode. In either
case, the program will attempt to recover, indicate when the
transmission/receipt is verified, and continue with the transfer.
In some cases, the program will not be able to recover,
particularly if the line signal is degraded. The transfer will
automatically terminate after repeated errors. You can also
terminate manually at any time by pressing Alt-R or Alt-T.
If the XMODEM transfer does not succeed, please do not assume
that there is something wrong with your computer or with PC-TALK.
It is suggested that you hang up, re-establish communications
over a new line, and try again.
To operate with the XMODEM protocol, you must be communicating at
8 data bits, No parity (Communications Parameter options 2 or 4
-- see below). Both computers must have communications software
capable of running the XMODEM protocol.
The XMODEM routine in PC-TALK III has been tested with other
implementations of the protocol and should give you good results.
If the other computer is running PC-TALK III, you can be
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reasonably assured of a rapid and accurate file transfer.
The XMODEM routine operates automatically. For those who are
interested, a brief technical description of how the file
transfer takes place can be found in Appendix B at the end of
this documentation.
Before leaving the subject of XMODEM, it is appropriate that
acknowledgment be given to Ward Christensen, who originated the
protocol and who has been a landmark pioneer in computer
communications.
----------------------------------------
A Note on Communications Terminology --
The PC-TALK prompts and documentation generally avoid use of the
words 'uploading' and 'downloading'. A convention in the
mainframe world has been to use 'uploading' to refer to
transmitting a file to a remote computer and 'downloading' to
refer to receiving a file from a remote computer. In the case of
two microcomputers communicating with each other, the notion of
'up' and 'down' seems less appropriate.
For those who feel more comfortable with the mainframe terms, PC-
TALK offers the option of using the PgDn key (in addition to Alt-
R) to start and stop Receiving a file and the PgUp key (in
addition to Alt-T) to start and stop Transmitting a file.
---------------------------------------
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=== More File Commands ===
Status Messages: Alt-M
The Message option (invoked with Alt-M) will send messages to the
remote computer when receiving and transmitting files.
When receiving a file with the Message option in effect, the
message "===READY TO RECEIVE===" will be sent to the remote
computer as soon as the receiving routine is in operation and
"===FILE RECEIVED===" when the receiving routine is terminated.
During transmission, the messages are "0 '===START OF FILE==="
and "65529 '===END OF FILE===" or, if the file was terminated
prematurely, "===TRANSMISSION OF FILE TERMINATED===". These
messages will appear on the remote computer's terminal, signalled
with a "bell" or "beep".
**Applications and Advanced Features:
The best use of the Message function is for the receiving
computer to have Messages ON and the transmitting computer to
have Messages OFF. That way, the transmitting computer knows
when the receiving computer is ready to receive the file.
The numbers in the Transmit messages do make it possible to have
the Message function active when transmitting a BASIC file in
ASCII format. The messages then become remarks in the
transmitted program.
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The Message function should not be used when transmitting or
receiving files to or from a network or mainframe system.
The Receive and Transmit file specification prompts are always
displayed on your screen, regardless of whether the Message
option is in effect. These local messages are not transmitted and
do not interrupt communications.
---------------------------------------------
Viewing a File: Alt-V
PC-TALK permits you to view any file which is on your disk drives
while the program is running. This feature makes it possible for
you to refer to files on disk while communications are in progress.
To View a file, press Alt-V. The program will ask for file
specifications in the same manner as the procedures for
transmitting and receiving files.
Once Viewing is in progress, twenty lines of the file will be
displayed on the screen at a time. To see more of the file,
press the space bar. To cancel the Viewing routine, press Alt-V
again.
The text of the file you see displayed on your screen will not be
sent to the remote computer.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
If the remote computer sends you information while you are
viewing a file, that information will be stored in the
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communications buffer. A continuous stream of information from
the remote computer could overflow the buffer. You should
therefore view a file only during a pause in communications.
You can print the contents of the file as you are viewing it
by turning on the Printout function (Ctrl-PrtSc) before giving
the Alt-V command. You can also print selective portions of the
file by using the Printscreen function (Shift-PrtSc).
---------------------------------------------
Deleting a File: Alt-Y
You can delete any file from your disk(s) while communications
are in progress. Press Alt-Y and follow the file specification
prompts. You will be shown the first five lines of the file and
then asked whether you are sure that you want to delete the file.
If you respond 'y' to the prompt, the file will be permanently
deleted from your disk. Be careful!
----------------------------------------
The Logged Drive: Alt-L
For the Transmit, Receive, View, and Delete routines, the program
assumes a default "Logged" drive if no drive is given as part of
the file specification prompts. Initially, this is drive B.
For example, if drive B is the Logged drive and you
respond to a file specification prompt with just
'MYFILE', the program will automatically look for a file
'B:MYFILE'. If you want to transmit, receive, or view a
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file on drive A, you should respond to the file
specification prompt with 'A:MYFILE'.
To change the Logged drive during program operation, press Alt-L
and follow the instructions. The Logged drive can also be
changed as part of the Default modification routine (described
below).
----------------------------------------
File Specification Conventions --
PC-TALK III uses a standard set of commands for responding to
file specification prompts in the Receive, Transmit, View, and
Delete routines.
If you do not include a drive indicator as part of the
specification (e.g., 'MYFILE.123'), the program will assume that
the file is to be located on the Logged drive (see above).
If you would like to see a list of the files presently on the
Logged drive, you can type a question mark in place of the file
spec. You will be shown a listing of the files on the Logged
drive. To see the files on another drive, type a question mark
followed by the letter designation of the drive.
For example, if drive B is the Logged drive and you
respond to a file spec prompt with '?', you will be
shown a list of the files on drive B. If you respond
with '?a', you will be shown a list of the files on
drive A.
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You can also use the 'wild card' characters '*' and '?' as part
of these file listing requests.
For example, if you respond to the file spec prompt with
'? a:*.bas', you will be shown a list of all the files
on drive A with the extension '.bas'.
If you decide you do not want to continue with the Receive,
Transmit, View, or Delete routines once you have made your
initial request with Alt-R, -T, -V, or -Y, press
file spec prompt and the routine will be cancelled.
If the Receive, Transmit, or View routines are invoked more than
once during a communications session, you can hit the space bar
in response to the file spec prompt, and the name of the last
file specified for receiving, transmitting, or viewing will
appear. You can then either press
receiving, transmitting or viewing that file, or modify that file
spec before pressing
---------------------------------------------
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=== Dialing ===
The Dialing Directory: Alt-D
The Alt-D command calls up the Dialing Directory, which is one of
PC-TALK'S most useful features. The Directory can list up to
sixty names and phone numbers, plus communications parameters and
echo, message, stripping and pacing instructions for each entry.
The following instructions will first show you how to place names
and phone numbers into the Directory and then describe how to use
the Directory as part of your standard communications routines.
When the Directory is called up for the first time, all entries
will be blank. To add names and phone numbers to the Directory or
to revise the Directory later on, enter 'r' at the "Dial entry
#:" prompt. (It doesn't matter whether you use lower or upper
case.) Then enter the entry number you want to add or revise.
To add/revise entries, type in the name, followed by
the phone number (area codes optional), followed by
to 36 characters may be specified for the phone number; only the
rightmost 14 characters will be displayed in the Directory.
You will then be asked whether the communications parameters are
"ok". If 300 baud-even parity-seven data bits-one stop bit is
acceptable (this is the most common protocol), type 'y'
If you respond with 'n', you will be asked to specify
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communications parameters. The program will not let you dial
using invalid parameters. (If you run into trouble, re-specify
'300-E-7-1'.)
The revise entry routine will then ask whether you want to echo
characters to the screen (common for inter-personal computer
communications, but usually not necessary for public networks
such as CompuServe and the Source), and whether you want to send
status messages as part of the file Receiving and Transmitting
routines (see above). Press
prompt.
The routine will then ask whether you want to strip or convert
characters for that entry. It is recommended that you respond
with 'n' unless you have a special applications need. (See the
explanation of the Stripping option below.)
Finally, the routine will ask whether you want to specify a
Pacing instruction for that entry.
If you want to specify a Pacing instruction, enter either a time
delay number or a pacing prompt character in response to the
"Pacing? p=" prompt. Respond with 'n'
any pacing in effect for that entry. It is recommended that you
do not specify a Pacing instruction unless you know of a specific
need for it.
If you make an error specifying a directory entry, type 'n'
specification routine again. For each parameter, you can either
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specify a new value or press
unchanged.
After you have responded with 'y' to the final "ok?" prompt, the
Directory will clear, showing the new information you input. The
name, phone number, and communications specs will be permanently
stored in a separate file on your program disk named PC-TALK.DIR.
----------------------------------------
Adding to the Directory --
As indicated above, specifying communications parameters, echo,
message, stripping, and pacing can all be considered advanced
features that need not be dealt with the first time you use the
program. The following example lists the commands for merely
adding a name and phone number to the Directory.
1. Press Alt-D. You will see Page 1 of the Directory displayed
and the prompt "Dial entry #:".
2. Type 'r'
3. Type '1'
4. Type the name you want for entry #1 (maximum 20 characters)
followed by
5. Type the phone number you want for entry #1 (maximum 36
characters) followed by
"Communications parameters ok (y/n)?".
6. For this example, the parameters are ok, so type 'y'
or just press
7. Type 'n'
prompt "Messages on (y/n)?".
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8. Type 'n'
prompt "Strip/convert characters (y/n)?".
9. Type 'n'
prompt "Pacing? p=".
10. Type 'n'
prompt "Is entry #1 ok (y/n)?".
11. Type 'y'
of the Directory re-displayed with the name and phone number you
just entered.
12. Repeat the above steps for each name and phone number you
want to add to the Directory.
----------------------------------------
Other Directory Options --
Although the Directory has a capacity of sixty entries, the
screen will display only fifteen entries at a time. You can
"page" forward or back through the directory by entering 'f' or
'b' at the initial "Dial entry #:" prompt.
You can dial any entry, regardless of whether it is displayed.
However, you can revise only those entries that are on the
displayed page of the Directory.
If you enter 'c' at the "Dial entry #:" prompt, you have the
option of clearing Directory entry #s within the range 1-60. You
will be asked "Are you sure?" before your selected entries are cleared.
----------------------------------------
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Auto-dialing --
The Dialing Directory will automatically dial a Directory entry
if your modem supports this function.
The first time the Directory is called up, you will see a notice
that says "modem dialing command = ATDT". This is the command
used by the D.C. Hayes Smartmodems
To specify a different dialing command--such as for pulse dialing
or for another auto-dial modem--enter 'r' to revise the
Directory and then type 'm'
prompt. Then type your desired dialing command, followed by
'ATDP'.)
Whatever modem dialing command you specify will be permanently
stored in the Directory file (until revised again).
Once the appropriate dialing command has been entered in the
Directory, you can have the program dial phone numbers
automatically. Simply type the Directory entry # you wish to
call, followed by
will then be dialed.
----------------------------------------
Long Distance Services: '+#' and '-#'
The Dialing Directory is also able to route calls through
supplemental long distance services such as Sprint
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MCI
Directory, which are listed in the Directory as '+#' and '-#'.
To add a long distance service number to the Directory, type 'r'
specify a long distance number command.
When entering the long distance number, include both your local
access number and your i.d. number. Separate the two numbers with
your modem's "pause" command indicators (commas on the
Smartmodem) so that your i.d. number will not be input until a
connection with the access number has been made. The long
distance service # might thus appear in the Dialing Directory as:
'987 6543,,,,123456'.
If your long distance service requires a different sequence --
such as inputting your account number following the number dialed
-- you can program a Function key combination for your account
number. See "The Function Key Directory" below.
Once a long distance service # has been entered into the
Directory, it will reside there permanently (until revised) and
display whenever the Directory is called up.
To dial a Directory entry # using the long distance service,
input a '+' or a '-' immediately preceding the desired entry #.
For example, to dial Directory entry #3 using the
service number listed as '+#', you would type '+3'
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Manual Dialing: 'm'
You can also use auto-dialing to call phone numbers not stored in
the Dialing Directory. From the main Dialing Directory prompt,
type 'm'
be dialed. Type the phone number and press
number will be dialed automatically.
As in the Dialing Directory, preceding the phone number with '+'
or '-' will route the call through one of the supplemental long
distance service numbers (if they have been stored in the Directory.)
----------------------------------------
Redialing: Alt-Q
If you have a Hayes Smartmodem
have dialed can be redialed at any time by pressing Alt-Q, which
calls into effect the Redial routine.
The routine will display the time the Redial routine was started
and redial the number approximately every minute until a
connection is made.
When a connection is made, the program will sound an alarm,
prompting you to hit any key to resume communications. You can
exit from the auto-redial routine at any time before a connection
is made by hitting any key.
You can adapt the Redial routine for longer or shorter delays, or
for other modems with auto-dialing features, from within the
Default routine described below.
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Stripping and Converting Characters --
PC-TALK III provides for optional selective stripping and/or
converting of characters as they are received during
communications. This is an advanced feature.
The program default is not to strip any characters. When you
call up the Dialing Directory with Alt-D, the "Strip" column will
show "N" for each entry, indicating that no stripping is to take
place.
To specify selective stripping as part of the stored parameter
for a Directory entry, revise the entry and respond with 'y' to
the prompt "Strip/convert characters?". You will then be prompted
to enter the "strip/convert string" for that entry. This string
should be structured as follows:
Each character to be stripped or converted must be specified with
a three-digit representation of its decimal ASCII code, followed
by a slash (/), followed by a three-digit representation of the
decimal ASCII code to substitute for that character, followed by
another slash.
For example, to convert the commonly used end-of-file
character Ctrl-Z (ASCII 26) to a space (ASCII 32), the
strip/convert string would be '026/032/'. PLEASE NOTE
THAT A ZERO SHOULD PRECEDE THE ASCII NUMBER IF IT IS
LESS THAN 100.
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If you simply want to strip out a character, rather than convert
it, enter three zeros as the second part of the string:
'026/000/'.
If you want to strip or convert more than one character, continue
with more string specifications.
For example, to strip all ASCII 26's and ASCII 127's and
convert each capital A (ASCII 65) to lowercase (ASCII
97), the strip/convert string would be
'026/000/127/000/065/097'. Up to 3 characters can be
specified for stripping/converting in this manner.
You will have opportunities to correct the newly-specified string
within the revise entry routine of the Dialing Directory. (The
program pads the strip/convert string with extra slashes.) The
strip/convert string will be stored in the Dialing Directory.
When you dial a remote computer with the stripping option in
effect, the appropriate characters will be stripped and/or
converted during all incoming communications, including files
that you receive with the Receive routine. You can not have
stripping in effect when you use the XMODEM error-checking
protocol (described above).
**Applications Notes:
Please note that it is not recommended that you strip or convert
characters unless you know of a specific application or need
related to the remote computer you are calling.
It is not necessary to specify stripping of line feeds for the
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purpose of correcting the screen display, as PC-TALK does this
automatically. (Line feeds are not automatically stripped during
file receiving, however.)
----------------------------------------
Pacing Instructions --
As noted above, you can also store a Pacing instruction as part
of each Directory entry. (Pacing is discussed above in
connection with transmitting files.)
If you have stored a Pacing instruction, the pacing suffix will
automatically be added to each transmit file specification.
For example, if you had stored the pacing instruction
'p=2' for the entry you have dialed, and specify a file
to transmit simply as 'MYFILE'
beep and the file will be re-specified as 'MYFILE=p2'.
If you press
transmitted with a 2-second pacing delay.
Continuing with the above example, if you did not want
to transmit using the Pacing option, you could backspace
to eliminate the 'p=2' portion of the file spec, press
in effect.
Please note from the above examples that the Pacing instructions
stored in the Directory do not automatically transmit every file
using Pacing--they merely re-display the Transmit file specs to
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include the Pacing instruction.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
Even if you do not have an auto-dialing modem, you can use the
Communications Parameter, Echo, Message, Stripping, and Pacing
specifications to customize the program for different
applications. Store the name in the Directory and a 'dummy'
phone number such as '--' or '
specifications. Then "dial" the entry number. Even though no
phone number will be dialed, the specifications will have been
put into effect.
You should also note that when you place a call through the
Dialing Directory, the Communications Parameters and the Echo,
Message, Stripping, and Pacing specifications will remain in
effect, even after the call is completed. You might want to set
up Directory entry #60 as a 'dummy default' entry to reset
certain specifications. You can also reset the program
parameters and defaults with the Parameter and Default routines
(Alt-P and Alt-F) described below.
**Applications Note: CompuServe and the Source
This version of PC-TALK requires that you place access numbers
for CompuServe and the Source as regular entries in the Dialing
Directory. This enables you to specify various communications
parameters and stripping instructions when calling these
networks. (You may want to place several CompuServe or Source
entries in your Directory to reflect different parameters, such
as 300-baud and 1200-baud entries.)
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**Note that some of the Source utilities, such as UPI news, may
send an ASCII 26 to mark the ends of articles or messages. If
you receive the files with these ASCII 26 characters, DOS will
later interpret them as end-of-file markers and you will not be
able to view the rest of the file, even though the information
might still be there.
If you encounter this problem, you may want to specify stripping
of ASCII 26's as part of your Source Dialing Directory entry, or
convert them to carriage returns (ASCII 13) or spaces (ASCII 32).
In such cases, your strip/convert string should be specified as
'026/000' (strip) or '026/013' (convert to carriage return) or
'026/032' (convert to space).
The feature of reprogramming the End, Ins, and Del keys for
CompuServe and the Source networks has also been eliminated from
PC-TALK III. The recommended procedure is to assign whatever
commands you regularly use either to permanent Function key
strings or to temporary Alt key strings (both of which are
described below).
----------------------------------------
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=== Parameters and Defaults ===
Communications Parameters: Alt-P
It is not necessary that you understand communications protocols
to use PC-TALK, but you might find it helpful to read the brief
explanation of communications parameters included as Appendix A
at the end of this documentation.
Pressing Alt-P at any time while the program is running will call
up a menu which allows you to set the communications parameters
to one of four options.
The most common parameters for personal computer communications
are 300 baud, even parity, 7 data bits, and 1 stop bit (option
1). These parameters transmit text files as ASCII characters.
To transmit binary data, you should communicate with 8 data bits
(option 2). This option is also used to transmit "high-bit"
encoded files (such as Wordstar
Options 3 and 4 will transmit text and binary files at 1200 baud.
Option "F" of the Communications Parameters menu permits you to
reset the parameters to those specified as the program Defaults
(see below).
If you want to specify parameters other than one of the four
options, you should first press 'x' to exit to the terminal mode
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and then invoke the Default routine by pressing Alt-F.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
If either you or the remote computer is receiving unintelligible
information on the screen, you are probably using different
communications parameters. Sometimes you will be able to change
the parameters while communications are in progress, but it may
cause a break in communications, depending on the system you are
calling and the modems in use.
If you specify 8 data bits, (options 2 or 4), your modem might
not give intelligible result codes. Also, if you transmit text
files using option 2, as is required to transmit re-formattable
Wordstar
characters during transmission. The file is being transmitted
accurately, however.
---------------------------------------------
Program Defaults: Alt-F
The "defaults" of a program are those values that the program
assumes every time it is started. PC-TALK makes a number of such
assumptions, which can be changed at any time while the program
is running by pressing Alt-F.
When you press Alt-F, the screen will clear and you will see a
list of the present program defaults. They are as follows:
Baud rate 300
Parity E
Data bits 7
Stop bits 1
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These are the four communications parameters described
previously. The permissible baud rates are 75, 110, 150, 300,
600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, and 9600. Parity may be E(ven),
O(dd), S(pace), M(ark), or N(one). Data bits may be 4, 5, 6, 7,
or 8. Stop bits may be 1 or 2.
Note: If you specify 8 data bits, you must specify N parity. Do
not experiment with any of these values unless you have a
specific application.
Echo N
Messages N
The default is to have both the Echo and Message functions
inactive at program startup. To have either function be active,
enter 'Y'.
Note that both functions can be controlled by the Alt-E and Alt-M
keys, regardless of how the defaults are set.
Strip #1 0
Replace #1 0
Strip #2 0
Replace #2 0
Strip #3 0
Replace #3 0
These defaults provide the opportunity to strip and/or replace
characters as they are received from the remote computer.
The "Strip #" values represent the decimal ASCII values of the characters
to be stripped or converted and the corresponding "Replace #"
values indicate the ASCII characters to replace them.
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A 0 (zero) Strip value indicates that no character is to be
stripped or converted. A 0 (zero) Replace value indicates that
the strip character is to be replaced by a null (no character).
The values listed in this menu are only the default values for
program startup. Stripping can be put into effect via the
Dialing Directory, as described in detail above. Stripping is an
advanced feature that should not be used without a specific
application in mind.
Pacing p= ''
This gives you the opportunity of specifying a default pacing
instruction, as explained previously. This default is overridden
by whatever pacing instructions may be put into effect through
the Dialing Directory. The symbol '' indicates a null entry.
Logged drive B:
Margin Width 70
Both of these default values can be controlled by the Alt-L and
Alt-W commands described previously.
Please note that all of the above defaults can be controlled
independently through program commands. The values listed in the
Default menu represent only the values the program assumes at
startup.
In contrast, the following defaults (those listed in the second
column of the Default menu) can be set only from within the
Default menu.
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Screendump file B:SCRNDUMP.PCT
This is the specification of the file that is written to when
Alt-S is pressed to activate the Screendump function.
Redial delay 20
Connect prompt CONNECT
These defaults pertain to the Alt-Q Redial function. The "Redial
delay" governs the length of time between re-dial attempts (in
seconds). The "Connect prompt" specifies the message that the
modem sends to indicate that a connection has been made.
These defaults are set to redial every minute on the Hayes
Smartmodems
modems. (Consult your modem manual.)
Line 25 help Y
This default governs whether the brief prompt on line 25 of the
screen is displayed. To turn off the prompt, enter 'N'.
Foreground 7
Background 0
High inten. 15
These three values determine how characters are displayed on the
screen. If you have a color monitor, you can substitute color
values as explained in the IBM BASIC manual. Be careful that you
don't assign the same value to Foreground and Background!
Print port LPT1:
Print init. ''
Print width 80
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These three values govern the use of the printer. You can
specify 'LPT2:' as an optional printer port, if that is where
your printer is connected.
The "Print init." default permits you to send characters to the
printer for alternate character fonts. The "Print width"
specifies how many columns per line the printer will handle.
For example, to print in condensed type at 132 columns
per line on the IBM Matrix Printer, enter
as the Print init. value and '132' as the Print width.
Comm. port COM1:
Comm. init. ,CS,DS
The first of these defaults permits you to specify 'COM2:' as the
communications port.
The second default disables checking of the "Clear to Send" and
"Data Set Ready" signals when the communications port is opened.
This default should not be changed unless you have a specific
application. Consult the IBM BASIC Manual under the OPEN "COM...
statement for details.
Modem init. ''
This provides the option of sending an initializing command to
your modem. The '' symbol indicates a null entry.
C/R subst. }
This final default specifies which character is to be used to
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indicate carriage returns when defining Function key and Alt key
input strings (see below). This character may be changed at will
without altering the actual input string.
The procedure for entering new default values is simple. When
you first call up the Default menu, the cursor will be paused
next to the default for the baud rate. You can enter new values
for all the defaults or leave them unchanged as follows:
-- If you want to enter a value, type the new value and then
press
-- If you want to leave the value unchanged, simply press
-- If you want to enter a null (blank) value, type
When you do not want to change any more values, type
(Pressing the
screen.)
You will then be asked whether the new values you entered are ok.
If you do not respond with 'y', you will exit the Default routine
and all of the old defaults will remain in effect.
If you indicate that the new values are ok, you will be asked
whether you want to make the changed default values permanent.
If you respond 'y', your changes will be written to a file called
PC-TALK.DEF. The new values will be put into effect, and they
will become the new default program values the next time PC-TALK
is run.
If you do not want to make the changes permanent, your new values
will be put into effect, but the old values will remain as the
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--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 51
defaults the next time PC-TALK is run.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
The Default routine provides you with a great degree of control
over your use of the program. The program will do some checking
for invalid default values, but you should be careful when
changing the defaults and do so only if you know of a specific
need.
If you run into trouble specifying the defaults, you can exit to
DOS and simply delete the file PC-TALK.DEF from your program
disk. PC-TALK will create a new default file if it does not
locate the PC-TALK.DEF file.
---------------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 52
=== Input Strings ===
The Function Key Directory: Alt-K (or Alt-J)
One of PC-TALK's other powerful features is the Function Key
Directory, which is called up by pressing Alt-K. (To accommodate
users of the KEYNOTE program, you can also call up the Function
Key Directory with Alt-J.)
The Function Key Directory permits you to assign permanent
strings of up to 126 characters to the ten Function keys F1
through F10, and to the combinations of Alt-, Shift-, and Ctrl-
F1 through F10. A total of forty keys can thus be assigned
permanent strings, which can be used to input i.d. numbers, logon
sequences, frequently-used phrases and other text with a single
keystroke.
The information in the Function Key Directory is stored in a file
called PC-TALK.KEY and is loaded every time PC-TALK is run.
The first time the Function Key Directory is called up, you will
see that the keys F1 through F10 have no strings assigned to
them. To program a key (or to revise a previously programmed
key), press 'r' at the first prompt. You will then be asked to
specify which Function key (1 through 10) you wish to revise.
Type the appropriate number and hit
You will then be prompted to enter the string you want to assign
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 53
to that Function key. Type the desired characters, followed by
key. (If you make an error, press 'r' again and respecify for
that key.)
If you want to specify carriage returns as part of the input
string, input a "right curly bracket" -- the shifted key '}' just
to left of the
If you want the input string to terminate with a carriage return,
enter '}' as the last character of the string.
For example, if you wanted to assign the string 'ABC
the input string as 'ABC}123}'.
The input string may be up to 126 characters in length; only the
leftmost 30 characters will be displayed in the directory.
You can "page" forward or back through the Function Key Directory
by pressing 'f' or 'b' at the initial prompt. This will permit
you to assign or revise strings for the key combinations Alt-F1
through Alt-F10, Shift-F1 through Shift-F10, and Ctrl-F1 through
Ctrl-F10.
Using the Function Key Assignments --
Once any of these forty Function keys or key combinations have
been assigned, hitting that key will send the input string
directly to the communications port (sending carriage returns in
place of '}').
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 54
Continuing with the example above, if you pressed F1 during
communications, you would send the following to the remote
computer:
ABC
123
You can specify a new string for any of the Function keys at any
time. If you want to clear the key, type
new input string.
The Alt-K command can be used simply to display the Function Key
Directory for reference. You can page through the Directory as
needed to confirm your key assignments. To continue with
communications, press 'x' at the initial prompt and you will
be returned to the regular terminal mode of the program. You
can then proceed by pressing any of the Function keys to send
an assigned string or proceed by typing information from the
keyboard.
IMPORTANT! DO NOT PLACE CONFIDENTIAL ID NUMBERS OR PASSWORDS IN
THE FUNCTION KEY DIRECTORY IF OTHERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR
PROGRAM DISK. When you want to make a copy of PC-TALK for others,
do not copy the file PC-TALK.KEY, as this file may contain
confidential information.
**Applications and Advanced Features:
You can also use the Function keys to store filespecs. Pressing
the appropriate key will input the filespec in response to a
Receive, Transmit, or View file prompt.
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--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 55
You can include control characters (ASCII 0 through 31) as part
of the input string. The program will display these characters
as their highlighted letter equivalents (e.g., an ASCII 12 will
be displayed as a highlighted letter 'L').
You can change the character used as the carriage return
substitute from the right curly bracket to any other character
from within the Default specification routine. This carriage
return substitute only affects how the string is specified and
how it is displayed on the screen; the program always stores a
"real" carriage return (ASCII 13). Thus, you can switch back and
forth using different characters as the substitute.
A new user of the program does not need to have the PC-TALK.KEY
file on his/her disk. If the program does not locate PC-TALK.KEY
on the program disk, it will initialize and create a new blank
Function key file. The same is true for the file PC-TALK.DIR,
which contains the information used by the Dialing Directory.
---------------------------------------------
Temporary Alt Keys: Alt-1 through Alt-0
In addition to the permanent Function key combinations described
above, the ten key combinations Alt-1 through Alt-0 can be
programmed for temporary custom input while communications are in
progress.
Pressing Alt-'=' (Alt-equals) at any time during communications
will display a prompt on line 25 of the screen, asking for the
key to be programmed. Type any of the numbers 1 through 0.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 56
You will then be prompted to enter the temporary string for that
Alt key. All keystrokes entered subsequently will input text for
that key, until you press
As with the Function key assignments described above, you can use
a right curly bracket '}' to include a carriage return as part of
the temporary string. Control characters will be displayed as
their highlighted letter equivalents.
When a temporary Alt key has been assigned, the program will
display the first seven characters of the programmed input on
line 25 of the screen and return to normal keyboard operation.
Once an Alt key 1 through 0 has been assigned, pressing it will
send the assigned string, just as though it had been typed from
the keyboard. The Alt keys can also be used to input filespecs.
You can change an Alt key assignment at any time by pressing Alt-
equals, followed by the number of the key to be respecified and
the new assignment.
If you want to clear a key, press Alt-equals, the number of the
key, and then type
are in effect, the display on line 25 will disappear.
**NOTE the difference between these Alt key assignments and the
Function key assignments described above:
The Alt keys can be easily reprogrammed during communications and
are displayed on line 25 of the screen. This makes them con-
venient for holding temporary input strings needed for quick
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--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 57
reference. However, the Alt-key assignments are not saved when
the program is terminated.
The Function key assignments, on the other hand, are stored
permanently on disk and reloaded each time PC-TALK is run. This
makes them convenient for storing id numbers and logon sequences.
However, you cannot continue with communications while you are
reassigning the Function keys.
---------------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 58
=== Miscellaneous Features and Commands ===
Elapsed Time: Alt-Z
At any time during program operation, you can display the elapsed
time for the current call by typing Alt-Z. For updated time, hit
Alt-Z again. (The elapsed time is reset whenever a new call is
made.)
Exit: Alt-X
Pressing Alt-X at any time will give you the option of
terminating the program and returning to DOS.
Sending a Break Signal: Ctrl-End
Various remote computer systems use different signals to effect a
break during communications. For example, the break signal for
CompuServe is a Control-C; the Source Break signal is a Control-
P. Any key sequence (including all control key combinations) may
be sent via the keyboard. Some break sequences may also be
programmed via the Function Key Directory.
Some systems require a special "sustained" Break signal. This
signal can be sent by hitting the Ctrl and the End keys
simultaneously. You will have to experiment, or consult your
remote system's documentation to determine the correct Break
signal to use.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 59
CAUTION: do not attempt to use the combination of the Ctrl key
and the ScrollLock/Break key as this may terminate PC-TALK.
Command Summary: Home key
An on-screen summary of all the PC-TALK program commands
described above can be displayed at any time by hitting the Home
key.
Toggle Commands:
The following keys toggle on/off their respective functions and
operate at any time while the program is running:
Alt-T Transmit Alt-E Echo
Alt-R Receive Alt-M Messages
Alt-V View Ctrl-PtrSc Printout
----------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 60
=== More Applications and Advanced Features ===
Even though this section is described as "advanced," the
following information should be of interest to all users of the
program.
XON/XOFF: Alt-O
PC-TALK supports the sending of XON/XOFF signals to the remote
computer in the event of a communications buffer overflow (see
below), and will trap for XON/XOFF signals sent by the remote
computer during transmission of files. The default XON signal is
ASCII 17; the default XOFF signal is ASCII 19.
If the remote computer sends an XOFF signal during transmission
of a file, the symbol "<
the screen until the remote computer sends an "XON" signal, at
which time transmission will resume automatically. If transmis-
sion has been halted, it may be resumed manually by typing Alt-O
(the letter 'oh') at the keyboard.
Communications Errors: <<>> and <
PC-TALK will indicate certain types of errors if they occur
during communications. If there is an ambient signal on the
line, the program will display the symbol '<<>>' in high
intensity. Communications will not be interrupted in most cases,
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 61
but this symbol should put you on notice that you are sending or
receiving corrupted data. On a very noisy line, you may see the
symbol repeatedly. You should disconnect and try for a better
connection.
With some modems, including the Hayes Smartmodems
see the <<>> symbol when communications are first opened. This
should not be a cause for concern, provided you do not see the
symbol once communications are in progress.
PC-TALK opens a communications buffer for receiving data through
the communications port. In most cases, the program should be
able to process data as fast as it is received. If the
communications buffer does fill faster than the program can
handle the incoming data, you will see the symbol <
the screen. The program will then try to recover, by sending an
XOFF signal to the remote computer, processing the contents of
the buffer, and then sending an XON signal.
Two situations should be noted which may cause an overflow
condition. If you are running the uncompiled BASIC version of
the program at 1200 baud, you may experience an overflow
condition if you are making use of the character stripping
options, or if the remote computer does not support XON/XOFF.
If you are trying to perform simultaneous printout at 1200 baud,
your printer will probably not be able to keep up and eventually
the buffer will overflow, even with the .EXE version of the
program. PC-TALK will attempt to recover by turning off the
print feature.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 62
=== PC-TALK III File Information ===
PC-TALK III is supplied with the following files:
PC-TALK.BAS -- The BASIC source code for the program. It will
run on a 64K system using DOS 1.00 or 1.10 and BASIC 1.10.
PC-TALK.EXE -- The compiled BASIC version of the program. It
will run under DOS 1.00, 1.10, or DOS 2.00 on a system with 128K
or more of memory.
PC-TALK.DOC -- The text file containing this documentation.
TALK64.BAT -- A batch file that runs the 64K version. The file
contains the single command 'BASIC PC-TALK/C:1024'. This
sets up a 1024-byte communications buffer.
TALK128.BAT -- A batch file that runs the 128K version. It
contains the single command 'PC-TALK'. The .EXE version can, of
course, be run directly from DOS with the command 'PC-TALK'
PRINTDOC.BAT -- A batch file with a series of prompts to print
the documentation file from DOS.
COPYTALK.BAT -- A batch file to aid in making copies of PC-TALK
for other users. It will not copy your personal .DIR, .KEY, and .DEF
support files.
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--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 63
The first time PC-TALK III is run, the program looks for three support
files. If it does not find them, these three files will be created on
the program disk:
PC-TALK.DIR -- The file that stores Dialing Directory information.
PC-TALK.KEY -- The file that stores Function Key information.
PC-TALK.DEF -- The file that stores Default Menu information.
----------------------------------------
Programming Information --
One additional file is supplied on the program disk: PCTKREM.MRG.
This is a BASIC file saved in ASCII format that contains REMark
statements. It can be MERGED into PC-TALK.BAS to improve the
readability of the program. However, once merged, PC-TALK.BAS
will no longer run on a system with 64K of memory.
PC-TALK.EXE can be compiled directly from PC-TALK.BAS, as all
timing functions are handled independently through the BASIC
SOUND and TIME$ functions.
Once PC-TALK.BAS has been saved in ASCII format, it can be
compiled using the IBM BASIC Compiler with the following commands:
BASCOM PC-TALK.BAS /E/O/S/C:4096
LINK PC-TALK+IBMCOM
The '4096' argument determines the size of the communications
buffer and can be increased if you have sufficient memory. For
all but the most demanding applications, however, the 4096-byte
buffer should be more than sufficient.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 64
---------------------------------------------
Copying PC-TALK --
You are encouraged to make copies of PC-TALK III and distribute
them to other users, within the terms of the limited license set
forth below. A special batch file has been provided for this
purpose.
To copy PC-TALK III, insert the program disk in drive A. From
the DOS A> prompt, type 'COPYTALK'
prompts. If you do copy PC-TALK for other users, please be sure
to provide them with the PC-TALK.DOC and PRINTDOC.BAT files.
---------------------------------------------
Modifying PC-TALK --
Please note that this version of PC-TALK makes use of virtually
all the memory available on a 64K system when running the
interpreter BASIC version (PC-TALK.BAS). Adding any modifica-
tions will exceed the memory capacity for 64K machines.
This version of PC-TALK has incorporated the suggestions of many
users who made modifications to earlier versions. Some of these
earlier modifications were posted on bulletin boards and became,
in effect, "standard" modifications to the earlier program.
There are still many more useful modifications which could be
made, and we would like to encourage this grassroots improvement
process. The only "dangers" are of different people writing
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 65
modifications which overlap or are inconsistent, and, of course,
people unwittingly writing bugs into the program.
You are free to modify PC-TALK as you wish to suit your personal
needs. One of the goals in creating PC-TALK was to produce a
program in easily modifiable BASIC. We do request, however, that
you do not distribute PC-TALK in modified form. The reason for
this is that when people have problems or questions, they
inevitably contact us, and we have no way of knowing what
modifications may have been made.
If you do come up with useful modifications, please keep them as
separate MERGE files which can be incorporated into PC-TALK.BAS
at the user's option.
To facilitate this process of creating mergeable mods, we would
appreciate your sending us copies of your mods (on disk, if they
are substantial). In certain cases, we may want to endorse
certain mods and "officially" reserve expansion areas for them.
Program lines from 10000 up have specifically been reserved for
this purpose.
Please understand that our reason for suggesting that we might
"approve" certain modifications is not in any way meant to
inhibit your insights or creativity. To the contrary, we're
greatly appreciative of the improvements which have been made to
the program so far, and we would merely like to make it easier
for more people to share in future improvements.
---------------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 66
Thank You!
While on the subject on user mods, I would like to express my
thanks to Larry Jordan, Rich Schinnell, Wes Merchant, Don
Winthrow, and the Capital PC Users Group for their many
suggestions, contributions, and continued support.
John O'Boyle of United Technologies has been particularly helpful
and encouraging in developing version III and in championing the
Freeware concept. Thanks also to Phil Ryals of Bank of America
and to Joe Doran of GCA Corporation for their programming insights.
Special thanks to Jeremy Joan Hewes for being my trusty cohort
and dear friend from the very beginning and to Larry Magid and
Stu Schwartz for their tireless beta testing and for never being
satisfied. And thanks to Patricia Navone and Susan Stone for
their loyal and excellent work.
Finally, thank you to the entire PC Community for your many words
of encouragement and your financial support. PC-TALK and
Freeware started as an experiment. It seems to have worked
beyond what anyone suspected. I hope that you find this version
of PC-TALK to be more useful and just as friendly as the prior
versions, and that we continue to find ways to share our
adventures in computing.
-- Andrew Fluegelman
---------------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 67
tm
======================== F R E E W A R E =======================
User-Supported Software
If you are using this program and finding it of value,
your contribution ($35 suggested) will be appreciated.
=== F r e e w a r e ===
The Headlands Press, Inc.
Post Office Box 862
Tiburon, CA 94920
Regardless of whether you make a contribution,
you are encouraged to copy and share this program.
---------------------------------------------
FREEWARE user-supported software is an experiment in distributing
computer programs, based on three principles:
First, that the value and utility of software is best assessed by
the user on his/her own system. Only after using a program can
one really determine whether it serves personal applications,
needs, and tastes.
Second, that the creation of independent personal computer
software can and should be supported by the computing community.
Finally, that copying and networking of programs should be
encouraged, rather than restricted. The ease with which software
can be distributed outside traditional commercial channels
reflects the strength, rather than the weakness, of electronic
information.
The user-supported concept:
Anyone may request a copy of a user-supported program by sending
a blank, formatted disk to the author of the program. An
addressed, postage-paid return mailer must accompany the disk (no
exceptions, please).
A copy of the program, with documentation, will be sent by return
mail. The program carries a notice suggesting a contribution to
the program's author. Making a contribution is completely
voluntary on the part of the user.
Regardless of whether a contribution is made, the user is
encouraged to copy and share the program with others. Payment for
use is discretionary on the part of each subsequent user.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 68
Will the user-supported concept really work?
Up to now, distribution of software has relied either on
restricting access (and charging for the cost of doing so), or
anonymously casting programs into the public domain. The user-
supported concept is a way for the computing community to support
and encourage creative work outside the traditional marketplace.
This is an experiment in economics more than altruism. Free
distribution of software and voluntary payment for its use
eliminates the need for money to be spent on marketing,
advertising, and copy protection schemes. Users can obtain
quality software at reduced cost, while still supporting program
authors. And the most useful programs survive, based purely on
their usefulness.
Please join the experiment.
FREEWARE is the trademark of The Headlands Press for its user-
supported software, but we invite all software authors to
participate in this distribution concept.
We would like to publish a FREEWARE CATALOG of user-supported
software by program authors who are willing to make their work
available on a free, non-restricted basis. If you would like your
program listed, please send a description of the program
(including system requirements) and the address to which requests
for copies should be sent. Fulfilling requests and suggesting
contributions are the sole responsibility of each program author.
Listings in the catalog are free.
We welcome your comments about the user-supported concept.
Thank you for your support.
Andrew Fluegelman
Freeware
----------------------------------------------------
NOTICE - A limited license is granted to all users of this program,
to make copies of this program and distribute them to other
users, on the following conditions:
1. The program is not to be distributed to others in
modified form.
2. No fee (or other consideration) is to be charged for copying
or distributing the program without an express written
agreement with The Headlands Press, Inc.
3. The notice displayed at program start-up is not to be
bypassed, altered, or removed.
Copyright (c) 1983 The Headlands Press, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 69
Appendix A: A Brief Explanation of Communications Parameters
The communications "parameters" are simply values that specify
how data is to be sent. The "baud rate" is the speed of
transmission--300 baud means 300 bits per second. Since it
usually takes 10 bits to transmit one character, 300 baud is a
transmission rate of approximately 30 characters per second. A
baud rate of 1200 is four times as fast--about 120 characters per
second. (Your modem must be able to support the baud rate you
select.)
As mentioned, it usually takes a stream of 10 bits to transmit
one ASCII character. One of these 10 bits can be designated as a
"parity" bit. The value of this bit can be set so that, when
added to the other data bits (described below), the sum of the
data and parity bits is either even, odd, always one ("mark
parity") or always zero ("space parity"). If you have chosen to
communicate with 8 data bits rather than 7 data bits (see next
paragraph), there is no "room" for a parity bit, and so you must
specify "no" parity.
You can choose to communicate with various numbers of data bits.
The most common values are 7 data bits, which allow you to send
any of the 127 standard ASCII characters, or 8 data bits, which
allow you to send an extended ASCII set of 255 characters.
For every character transmitted, the communications program sends
1 "start" bit. You have no option to vary this number. However,
you can specify how many "stop" bits are to be sent. There must
be at least 1 stop bit, and this is the most common value.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
--- PC-TALK III User's Guide --- 70
Appendix B: A Brief Description of the XMODEM Protocol
Once the protocol is put into effect ("Holding for Start..."),
the transmitter waits for the receiver to send an NAK character
(ASCII 21). Meanwhile, the receiver sends NAK signals every ten
seconds. Once the transmitter detects an NAK, it starts to send
the file in sections of 128 bytes.
Actually, more than 128 bytes are sent for each block. At the
beginning of the block is an SOH character (ASCII 01), followed
by the ASCII character representing the block number, followed by
the ASCII character of the "one's complement" of the block
number. Then the 128 bytes of the file are sent. Finally, the
block concludes with an ASCII character representing the sum of
the ASCII values of the 128 bytes sent (the "checksum"
character).
The receiver checks the block to verify that everything is in
order. First it makes sure that the block started with an SOH.
Then it makes sure that the block number is correct. Then it
performs its own calculations on the 128 data bytes and compares
its own checksum with the one received from the transmitter.
If everything is in order, the receiver sends an ACK character
(ASCII 06) to the transmitter, indicating that the next block is
to be sent. If the receiver can't verify, it sends an NAK,
requesting that the block be sent again. This continues, block
by block, until the entire file has been sent and verified.
At the end of the file, the transmitter sends an EOT character
(ASCII 04). The receiver acknowledges the EOT with an ACK, and
the transfer terminates.
--- FREEWARE - P.O. Box 862, Tiburon, CA 94920 ---
=== Finished printing the PC-TALK III User's Guide ===
December 31, 2017
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