Category : Communication (modem) tools and utilities
Archive   : TAPDO541.ZIP
Filename : TAPDOC.4

arameters command.
Press the letter

on your keyboard to go to the parameters screen. Like
all TAPCIS commands shown in angle brackets <>, you press that letter to
select the option. Upper or lowercase letters are fine.

[Figure 4-2: Parameters Screen Before Set-up]



------------------------------------
COMn: Port

To change the selected COM: port, press until it cycles through to the
desired port. Modems are serial devices so TAPCIS talks to the modem
through a serial port on the computer. The serial ports are referred to as
COM: ports and are usually numbered 1-4. External modems (that are not
installed inside the computer and are connected to the computer through a
25-pin cable) require a COM: port inside the computer. This port is usually
configured as COM1: or COM2:. Internal modems which install as circuit
boards inside the computer's chassis sometimes offer the flexibility of
COM3: or COM4:. Note: you don't necessarily need a COM1: to have a COM2:.

TAPCIS supports COM: ports 1-8 without any modification. If your COM: port
uses a unique interrupt (IRQ) and base address setting you can use the
command line or configuration options /IRQ and /BASEADDR. For more
information on these options, refer to Start Up Options beginning on page
B-1.

It is beyond the scope of this documentation to tell you how to determine
which COM: port your modem is using. You should be able to find that out
from the person who installed your computer or from the manuals that came
with your computer. If all else fails, start with COM1: and work your way
up! If you select a COM port that TAPCIS cannot find, "Not Found" will be
displayed next to the COM port choice.

TAPCIS is coded to use only the 8 bits, no parity setting (the B+ protocol
requires 8 data bits to work). This setting works fine on all known
networks. TAPCIS also support both CTS (preferred) or XON/XOFF flow control
(see Startup Options beginning on page B-1).

Also note that some computers can give a false reading on their COM: port
numbers. If you find that the program cannot communicate with your modem on
one COM: port, try the other settings. We've also found many conflicts
between user ports and devices like mice and tape drives. You may wish to


TAPCIS Setup 4-9

use the command from the main menu to try to communicate with your
modem if you run into configuration trouble.


------------------------------------
Initialize Modem

To change the initialize modem command, press and enter the new
command. If you are using a Hayes or AT command set compatible modem that
is properly configured, you should not need to change the initialize modem
command. Unfortunately, most new modems are shipped with two improper
settings for use with TAPCIS. Those are the monitoring of Carrier Detect
(CD) and the modem's response to Data Terminal Ready (DTR). Those modems
will need one of two things: either dip switches (physical switches on the
modem) will need to be changed or software commands will have to be added
to the initialization string. Carrier Detect needs to track the status of
the CD signal (rather than presuming the presence of a carrier). DTR when
switched from on to off needs to tell the modem to drop carrier.

You'll have to refer to your modem manual to see how your modem sets these
options. Many new modems use the software switches &C1 and &D2 to set these
choices properly. So, a "proper" nitialization string for those modems
might be: ATV1E1X4&C1&D2DT

If your modem returns ERROR when you try to dial, omit the &C1 and &D2 from
the initialization string. Look for switches on your modem to do the same
thing as these two commands (track true carrier and hang up when DTR
switched from on to off). Consult your modem manual for location and
setting of these switches.

The DT at the end of the initialization string tells the modem to dial
using touch tones. Pulse or rotary dial lines can be used by changing it to
DP. If your modem requires a more complex setup command refer to Modem
Commands on page A-1.


------------------------------------
Online Report

To change the online report, press followed by a response of one or
four characters. If you are using a Hayes compatible modem, you should not
need to change the online report. The online report is the response from
the modem when a connection is made with the remote modem. A Hayes
compatible mode sends CONNECT, so TAPCIS uses the last 4 characters NECT.

There may be times where you want TAPCIS to assume a connection has been
made without receiving any online report (eg. run a script instead of using
the initialization string). In such cases use NONE for the online report.
TAPCIS will then continue the login process immediately after sending the
initialization string and phone number.









4-10 Setup TAPCIS

------------------------------------
Fail Report

To change the fail report, press followed by a response of one or four
characters. The default report of RIER is for the last 4 characters of NO
CARRIER. When TAPCIS sees the fail report, it pauses for 30 seconds and
then redials. If you have a 100% Hayes compatible, you can use a fail
report of "HAYS" (Hayes without the E), and add X4 to your initialization
string. This activates busy signal detection.

TAPCIS uses this report to indicate that the attempt to call and connect
with the remote modem failed (it didn't receive a carrier signal). This
could mean several things. The number could be busy. You may not be getting
a clear connection (lots of static or low volume keeping the modems from
talking). The remote modem may not be answering, or you may have the wrong
number!

I strongly recommend that you monitor your calls using the built-in speaker
on your modem. If your modem does not have a speaker, dial the phone number
first using your phone to confirm that the number is answered by a modem
(with a high pitched tone). We have had our voice numbers listed as modem
numbers at various times over the years. If you are unfortunate enough ever
to have this happen to you, you'll be grateful for those people that
monitor their calls instead of blindly letting the computer redial every
minute for three hours straight.


------------------------------------
Reset Modem

The command to reset the modem is given by pressing followed by the
command. The default of ?3 produces a 3 second delay-usually long enough
for the remote modem to hang up. Some modems may require a more elaborate
sequence to hang up and reset the modem for the next call. If you have such
a modem, please turn to the Modem Commands section on page A-1.

When you first start using TAPCIS, you should monitor whether TAPCIS is
hanging up the phone after a call is completed. If not, you should first
make sure that the DTR signal is being properly handled by your modem.
Next, you could try changing the reset string to:

?2+++?2ATH^M

This reset string will hang up the phone and reset the modem.


------------------------------------
Telephone Numbers

TAPCIS supports up to six telephone numbers. The phone numbers are entered
using the command on the parameters screen. You choose one of the six
as the "selected" number for the next call by pressing a number on the
keyboard from <1> through <6>.

Press to add/change the currently selected phone number. TAPCIS will
allow you to edit that entry. Use the arrow keys, , , and
to edit the field. If you want to enter a totally new number,


TAPCIS Setup 4-11

just start typing; the contents of the field will be replaced by what you
type. When you are finished, press . To cancel editing and restore
the field to its original contents, press .

A list of access phone numbers is printed in the section Access Phone
Numbers on page D-1. A 2400 bps CompuServe node is the best choice provided
you have a 2400 bps modem. Our experience shows that you should look for
numbers in the following order:

* 2400 bps CompuServe
* 1200 bps CompuServe
* 2400 bps Tymnet/Sprintnet
* 1200 bps LATA
* 1200 bps Tymnet/Sprintnet

At times we have chosen to call a 2400 or 9600 bps CompuServe number long
distance rather than use a local Tymnet or Sprintnet number. The long
distance charge to a neighboring city might not be as high as the surcharge
for use of the local Sprintnet/Tymnet number during the day. And, you'll
get the fastest response and throughput from direct CompuServe numbers.

If you have a V.32 compatible 9600 baud modem there are times when you can
benefit from the higher speed. Remember that 9600 access does have a higher
surcharge. The time savings must balance the higher cost of use. For
downloading lots of messages or large files 9600 access can pay off.

If you only have a 300 bps modem follow the same order, but if you are
going to be using CompuServe regularly, it will quickly pay to get a faster
modem.

As an example, consider Baltimore, Maryland. According to the phone list,
there is a 2400 bps CompuServe number in that city at 301/832-0160. Since
it is a local call, the area code is dropped and we enter: "832-0160".

TAPCIS then asks for the rate. This is a 2400 bps number (and we have a
2400 bps modem) so we enter "2400", and press . You can enter any
rate up to 38,400 (without the comma), though there is no advantage to
entering a number higher than the communications line rate.





















4-12 Setup TAPCIS

Non-CompuServe Access Numbers

If you must use a non-CompuServe access phone number, you must follow the
phone number with the proper character to tell TAPCIS what network you are
using. The network characters are as follows:

! Tymnet
. Sprintnet
: LATA
_ Optional user defined script in TAPCIS.SCR (underscore < _ >
character) or specific login script file (e.g., _DPC for DataPac).

The phone number list for Baltimore, Maryland (area code 301) might look
like those shown in the completed parameters screen in Introductory Sign-on
section that follows (although you need only define one number). Phone
number 1 is selected by pressing <1>. Telephone <6> is a long distance 2400
bps CompuServe node in Pittsburgh, PA, the number we use from our McHenry,
MD offices.

You can also enter a short comment after the phone number and network/
script codes by putting in a semicolon: 1-412-261-4192;Pittsburgh


------------------------------------
User ID

You must enter your user identification number by pressing followed by
the number. All CompuServe User ID's are in two parts separated by a comma
with no spaces. Existing accounts start with a 7 followed by four digits, a
comma, then 2 to 4 digits. Some new accounts start with a 1 followed by 5
digits, a comma, then 2-4 digits. If you already have a permanent ID, press
and enter the number.

Introductory Sign-on ID

If you are going to be using an Introductory Membership Kit to sign onto
CompuServe and get an official account setup, now is the time to open it.
Read the Service Agreement Terms. If you agree to the terms, look for the
temporary user ID number and password. Press and then enter that
number. For example, press ser ID, type "177000,1521", and press
.


------------------------------------
Password

You must enter the correct password for TAPCIS to work properly. Your
CompuServe password is entered from the parameters menu by pressing

.
Confirm that you want to change the password by pressing , type the
password and press . Press to write the password to disk.
The password is the "key" to your user ID and no one can access your
account unless they have your password. Keep it secret and change it often.
When you do want to change it, you'll first call CompuServe and use the GO
PASSWORD command to change it on the CompuServe computers and then change
it inside TAPCIS.




TAPCIS Setup 4-13

Notice that the password is not displayed on the screen except when you
enter it. At other times it shows as [ blanked ]. Your password is stored
on disk in disguised form, too, so a casual look at PARAMS.CIS will not
show the password.

However! Someone else with TAPCIS could take your PARAMS.CIS file and use
your account-even though they could not figure out what your password is.
Protect your PARAMS.CIS file. Never give a copy of it to anyone else
(TAPCIS will create a blank one if it can't find an existing parameter
file). And, change your password regularly.

Another option is to enter a single asterisk (*) as your password. Then,
when you enter TAPCIS, the program will request your password and not store
it on disk. If you enter the asterisk as the password, you will have to
exit TAPCIS then re-enter before you can logon to CompuServe.


------------------------------------
Storage Disk Path

Where would you like to store the files that TAPCIS creates? See Filenames
and Descriptions on page 4-1 for a complete list and description of files
created by TAPCIS. Press and enter the drive and directory (make sure
you have created the directory from DOS first or TAPCIS will reject your
entry). If none is entered, which is probably the best way to go while
learning the program, the directory where you started the program will be
used. This applies to the download file path as well.

TAPCIS does not store all the files it creates in the storage disk path.
Only forum message, header, send, catalog, download, and advanced commands
are stored there. Section lists, transfer and online logs, and time logs
are stored in the directory where you start TAPCIS. For that reason we
typically recommend that you use one directory where you have the program
and all files as the storage disk path provided you have enough disk space
on that drive.

You can enter a sub-directory of the main TAPCIS directory by typing only
the name of the directory. For example, to specify C:\TAP\STORAGE, you only
need to type STORAGE. TAPCIS assumes the C:\TAP.


------------------------------------
Download File Path

When you have TAPCIS automatically download files from forum libraries or
you receive binary mail, the files are stored in the directory specified
here. You can use a special directory or the standard TAPCIS directory used
for other files. Press and enter the drive and path for those files
(e.g., C:\TAP\DL). Again, it is important that you enter this path
correctly and that the directory specified already exists. Note: manual
downloads (in nteractive mode) do not use the download path. You should
give the full pathname in interactive mode for all files, or they will be
stored in the default directory.

We do recommend that you use a download storage path. It helps to keep your
binary mail and downloaded files organized in one subdirectory.



4-14 Setup TAPCIS

Like the storage disk path the download file path can be entered relative
to the main TAPCIS directory. (eg. Enter DL for C:\TAP\DL.)


------------------------------------
Log Times/Transfers

TAPCIS optionally keeps track of the time you spend online in each forum.
This information is stored in LOGMM-YY.CIS where MM is the month and YY is
the year (e.g., LOG10-91.CIS is a log file for October 1991). The <$>
function uses these logged times to generate reports. If you do not want
these reports, you can save some disk space by pressing to turn time
logging off.

This option is also used to activate or deactivate transfer logging. A
record of all file transfers can be made to the file XFER.LOG if activated
here.

The four options are: none (no logging), time only, transfers only, or
time and transfers. Pressing on the parameters screen cycles through
these options.


------------------------------------
Monitor Colors

The standard TAPCIS colors are normal intensity "white" on a black
background with highlighted reversed, prompt, and input text all in reverse
video (black on white). Press and select from the displayed color chart
to modify these defaults.

On an color monitor I prefer high intensity colors. My choices are:

Normal: 79 Reverse: 31 Hilite: 30
Prompt: 31 Input: 31

The choice is, of course, up to you. Color choices like 68 (red on red),
119 (white on white), and 17 (blue on blue) are patriotic but might cause
you a bit of confusion.


------------------------------------
Append/Overwrite Message Files

When you go online with TAPCIS to get new messages using ew, your old
messages will be overwritten with the new messages unless you choose the
Append option here. Pressing lets you choose between the two
possibilities.

Overwrite is the default. If you choose the Append option, you'll have to
manually clear your .MSG files using the ill command in TAPCIS or
the DEL command from DOS.







TAPCIS Setup 4-15

------------------------------------
Keep Outbox File

Do you want to keep a copy of the messages that you send? If you do not,
leave this parameter as the default "Never." Press to choose from the
three possible choices.

The outbox file is actually the .SAV file. If you change this option
to Always, every message you write-whether an original or a reply to
another message-will have a copy stored in the save file. If there is a
question about something you wrote, you can review your message using the
iew command. If you write many messages, this can consume quite a bit of
disk space. Another possibility is to save only private CompuServe Mail
messages you write.


------------------------------------
Name

Please press to change the default name before you connect with
CompuServe! If you do, you'll get to snicker at all the people who did not
read this far and are sending all their messages under the name "!!! Please
Change !!!" Use mixed case (not all upper or lowercase). This name is used
when you join any forum and will be attached to every message you send.
Once you set your CompuServe and forum defaults, any change to your name
will have to be made manually by going online in the forums using the
"OPTION;NAME" command or using an dvanced ser command from the main
menu (OPTION;NAME;Your Name;P). You can change the name in CompuServe Mail
by setting the CompuServe default parameters again using the command
from the main menu or going nteractive to Mail and using the
ADDRESS NAME command (as you will have to do to set your return address for
postal delivery messages).

Forum protocol dictates that you use your full name. Most forums also
discourage inclusion of various titles such as Ph.D, M.D., J.D., etc., on
the name. A member information profile is available for such interests and
affiliations (Forum command "MD", Membership Directory).


------------------------------------
When Done,

Press to return to the main menu after completing the parameter
settings.















4-16 Setup TAPCIS

===========================================================================
Introductory Sign-on
===========================================================================

****> If you already have a CompuServe account, you may skip this
section.

If you are using an Introductory Membership Kit to establish a new
CompuServe account, you will need to choose a billing option from the
choices in the Kit. Make sure that you have your credit card information
ready before proceeding.

You cannot transfer the $15 usage credit to an existing account. It is only
available for use by new subscribers signing on using an Introductory Kit.
You can give the Kit to someone else, or use it to create a back-up
account.

The parameters for signing on with an Introductory Membership Kit are
exactly the same as you will use with a regular account with two
exceptions: your initial account number and your initial password are
temporary. You will be assigned a permanent user ID and a new temporary
password during this sign-up procedure.

If you skipped the previous section on Parameters, go back and complete the
items. You must at least set your COM: port, the local access telephone
number, the user ID from the Introductory Kit, the password from the Kit,
and your name. If you don't, this sign-on won't work. The next figure shows
a completed parameters screen, ready for use.


------------------------------------
Final Checklist

* Recheck the parameters to make sure that you have entered the modem
parameters, Introductory account number, password, and your name
properly according to the instructions above. Make sure that no forums
are selected by pressing then then .

* Have your credit card or CheckFree information ready for billing.

* The Kit where you get your sign-on account number and password also
has your serial number and agreement number. You will need to enter
these during the sign-on process.

* Review the Service Agreement Terms. You will be asked to agree to
these terms as part of your application.



[Figure 4-3: Introductory Kit Initial Sign-on Parameters]









TAPCIS Setup 4-17


------------------------------------
The Sign-on Procedure


As a precaution, before going online, press then then to
make sure no forums are active. The nteractive command causes TAPCIS to
dial the phone, connect to CompuServe, enter your user id and password, and
then switch to "terminal mode" where you respond directly to CompuServe
prompts. When you press to sign-on using your Introductory Kit, you
should see a screen similar to Figure 4-4.

[Figure 4-4: Introductory Kit nteractive Dialing Screen]


If This Doesn't Work

For the above to work, all your parameter settings have to be correct. If
you do not connect, press . This should return you to the main
menu. Try the command again. If that doesn't work, the number you are
dialing could be wrong or busy. The parameters for the modem may be
specified incorrectly. You may have chosen the wrong COM: port. Go back
through the parameters to verify those entries. You may have to modify the
modem commands as described in Modem Commands on page A-1.

If you do connect but the system responds: ?? LOGINE - Invalid entry - try
again you entered the wrong password or user ID on the parameters screen.
You may also have hit line noise which caused CompuServe to receive your
account and password incorrectly. If you suspect a noisy line, try the call
again.

If The Connection Is Made

Once CompuServe has verified the sign-on user ID and password you entered
on the TAPCIS parameters screen, the first screen will clear and CompuServe
will ask for the Agreement and Serial number.

Record Your Sign-on

TAPCIS can capture (meaning record to disk) everything that appears on your
screen during the sign-on session. To tell TAP to do this, press the
key on your keyboard. TAPCIS will request the filename, and you should
enter SIGNON.TXT followed by . Then enter the agreement number and
serial number from the Introductory Kit at the prompts.

Follow The Prompts

The sign-on is straightforward. Just follow CompuServe's lead. If you hit
any snags during the process, try again. If it still doesn't work, contact
CompuServe Customer Service at 800/848-8990 (in Ohio call 614/457-8650).
Assuming that everything went according to plan, write down your permanent
account number and temporary password. After logging off, go to the
parameters screen and enter the new user id and password.

Next we'll have TAPCIS set our CompuServe default settings.




4-18 Setup TAPCIS

===========================================================================
Getting TAPCIS to
Work with CompuServe
===========================================================================

****> This section is critical. If the CompuServe defaults are not set
properly, TAPCIS will not work. Also, if you have not already done
so, return to the parameters screen and enter your permanent user
ID and your current password.

Now, let's have TAPCIS start doing some work for us! CompuServe has a
profile for each user ID. It contains information on your computer, the
width of your screen, your logon actions, etc. TAPCIS needs all these
options set a certain way, and with one simple command-Alt-P-the program
will call CompuServe, login, set the options, and logoff with no input
required on your part. It also enters your name in your CompuServe Mail
address book. The entire process takes about 3 minutes at 2400 bps, 6
minutes at 1200 bps, and 24 minutes at 300 bps. You will need to do this
process at each rate (300, 1200, 2400, and 9600 bps) at which you will use
TAPCIS.

Make sure the supplied PARAMS.SCR file is in the same directory from which
you started TAPCIS. Then from the main menu, hold the key and press

. TAPCIS will logon and change your CompuServe defaults for the rate you
have selected. If you are going to be using different speeds at other
times, you may want to go to the parameters screen, change the active phone
number using the <1>-<6> keys, and use again. If you do this for
all speeds (300, 1200, and 2400 bps), TAPCIS will be set up regardless of
the speed you call CompuServe. (Some people use 300 bps because of its
cheaper hourly rate for Conferences, CB, and the Convention Center where
you are typing interactively). None of the changes made by TAPCIS should
keep you from using CompuServe with another communications package.


------------------------------------
Default Settings List

The following are the settings that are made by the script (stored
in PARAMS.SCR). You could do the same manually if you desire using the GO
DEFAULT command and following the menus to change your permanent settings.
You would also need to add your name in CompuServe Mail and change to
COMMAND mode, with no line numbers in the editor.

















TAPCIS Setup 4-19

PERMANENT SETTINGS

1 Explanation
2 Logon/Service options
3 Display options
4 Terminal type/parameters
5 Transfer protocol/graphic support
6 Make session settings permanent

LOGON/SERVICE OPTIONS (Option 2)

1 First service at logon [COMMAND]
2 CompuServe Mail waiting [NOTIFY ONLY]
3 Personal menu established [NO]
(Select this to create or
change a personal menu.)
4 TOP goes to [MAIN]
5 Online editor [EDIT]
6 Forum presentation mode [COMMAND]

PERMANENT DISPLAY OPTIONS (Option 3)

1 PAGED display [NO]
2 BRIEF prompts [YES]
3 CLEAR screen between pages [NO]
4 BLANK lines sent [YES]
5 Line feeds sent [YES]

TERMINAL TYPE/PARAMETERS (Option 4)

1 TERMINAL type [OTHER]
2 Screen WIDTH [79]
3 LINES per page [0]
4 Form FEEDS [SIMULATED]
5 Horizontal TABS [SIMULATED]
6 Chars. received (CASE) [U/L]
7 Chars. sent in CAPS [NO]
8 PARITY [ZERO]
9 Output DELAYS [0]
10 ERASE when backspacing [YES]
11 Micro inquiry sequence at logon [NO]

TRANSFER PROTOCOLS/GRAPHICS SUPPORT (Option 5)

FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL
1 PROTOCOL preference [B PROTOCOL]

GRAPHICS SUPPORT
2 GIF SUPPORT [NO]
3 NAPLPS SUPPORT [NO]
4 RLE SUPPORT [NO]








4-20 Setup TAPCIS