VersiCOMM-Plus 3.1
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Software Included With VersiCOMM-Plus
Selected Features
For Your Information
What is VersiCOMM-Plus?
VersiCOMM-Plus is a versatile, general purpose communications program for AMOS based Alpha Micro
computers. If you are familiar with PC software, it's similar in function to ProComm or CrossTalk. First released in the summer of 1983, VersiCOMM continues to be the right choice for Alpha Micro serial
communications. Day in and day out, year after year, VersiCOMM-Plus does what it was designed to do: Provide your Alpha Micro system with reliable, efficient and convenient access to other computers and
services. VersiCOMM-Plus works!
What can I use it for?
VersiCOMM-Plus can be used to efficiently perform a broad range of communications services. For example:
- Dial in support of clients around the block or around the world.
- Access to the Internet.
- Automated access to information services such as Dow Jones News/Retrieval, Lexis, WestLaw, Compuserve, Delphi, NewsNet, Genie, and most other information services that can be accessed via a terminal and modem.
- Electronic submission of insurance claims, authorization of credit transactions, and EDI.
- Automated, scheduled data collection from multiple remote sites.
- Sending paper, overnight, and electronic mail and telexes.
- Access to IBM mainframe and System /3x hosts via a protocol converter.
- Capturing data from instruments and other devices.
- Recording and playing back software demonstrations.
What is the difference between VersiCOMM and VersiCOMM-Plus?
The entry level VersiCOMM package includes many of the features and capabilities of the full VersiCOMM-Plus package.
The following commands/software require a VersiCOMM-Plus Product Installation Code:
- TRANS - High performance AMOS to AMOS send with data compression.
- RETRV - High performance AMOS to AMOS receive with data compression.
- SENDX - XMODEM send.
- RECX - XMODEM receive.
- SENDZ - YMODEM and ZMODEM send.
- RECZ - YMODEM and ZMODEM receive.
- BPXFER - Compuserve BPlus send and receive.
- RUN - Run AlphaBASIC programs with link to Communication SBR's.
- SELECT - VersiCOMMander File Manager.
- X - X Command wildcard processor.
- RECORD - Enable special RECORD mode when saving captured data.
Will VersiCOMM-Plus work with my high-speed modem?
VersiCOMM-Plus has been used with a wide range of high speed modems, including various models of Multi
-Tech, U.S. Robotics, UDS, Cardinal, Practical Peripherals, Hayes, and many other modems.
What are the system requirements for running VersiCOMM-Plus?
VersiCOMM-Plus 3.1 requires an AMOS based Alpha Micro system running AMOS/L 1.3D or AMOS/32 1.0D or
later versions of the AMOS operating system. VersiCOMM-Plus 3.1 is compatible with the AM4000.
The bare minimum amount of memory needed to execute COMM.LIT is about 60K, but because VersiCOMM
dynamically allocates memory for many operations, such as executing TRANS or RETRV, at least 100K of memory is recommended.
If FasTrans compression is used, approximately 375K is required by the job transmitting the files. If this
amount of memory is not available, then Adaptive compression is used.
Can I automate access to client sites using VersiCOMM-Plus?
Using the DIALER, access to client sites is as easy as selecting a client name and pressing a button. If desired,script files can be written to automate access to client sites, computer services, and other
computers. Data collection and other sophisticated applications can be created in this manner.
Can I transfer files between my PC and an Alpha Micro using VersiCOMM-Plus?
Absolutely! Files can be transferred by a user running VersiCOMM-Plus on the Alpha Micro and connected to a
PC running a communications program such as ProComm Plus in host mode. Alternatively, a PC user can connect to an Alpha Micro using a program such as ProComm Plus, and transfer files by entering an
appropriate command on the Alpha.
How is the Record and Playback software used?
Let's assume you're accessing the Internet via Netcom and you want torecord and playback your visit to a
particular World Wide Web site using lynx. After logging on to Netcom:
- Switch to VersiCOMM Command mode by pressing <HOME> and enter the command "RECORD."
- Enter the command "SAVE LYNXDM.SHW." VersiCOMM automatically switches to Conversational mode.
- In Conversational mode start up lynx.
- Access the WWW pages you want to record.
- Exit from lynx.
- Switch to VersiCOMM Command mode enter the command "SAVE OFF."
- Exit from VersiCOMM.
To play back the session in "simulated real time" enter the command "SHWVT1 LYNXDM.SHW" at AMOS command level:
Can I access the Internet using VersiCOMM-Plus?
Yes! See the discussion regarding Internet Access Support.
Software Included With VersiCOMM-Plus
VersiCOMM Communications Supervisor
COMM, the VersiCOMM-Plus communications supervisor, is the heart of the VersiCOMM-Plus communications
system. It controls access to the communication ports and all subsequent communication between the user and the port.
COMM may be used in either of two, functionally distinct, full screen windows called the "Conversational"
and "Command" windows. The user can flip back and forth between these windows by using a key such as the 'HOME' or '\' key.
When in the Conversational window of COMM, characters typed by the user are redirected and output via a
communications port and modem to the remote computer. Any responses from the remote computer are captured at the communications port and displayed on the user terminal. In effect, it is as if your terminal is
directly connected to the remote computer. You can enter commands and view displays of data as if you were using a terminal at the remote site.
When you switch to the Command window you will see a status display similar to the following:
VersiCOMM-Plus Command Mode (7K GIF)
This display gives the current settings of various operational parameters. As in VUE, the ">" character is a prompt for VersiCOMM commands.
Command mode is used to dial the modem, send and receive files, configure the modem port, set
operational parameters, redefine program control keys, and to perform many other functions. From the command mode prompt you can run BASIC programs or execute AMOS LIT files, or get help information on
over one hundred VersiCOMM-Plus commands. Status information such as the currently selected modem port, the port configuration, the time of day and the current login account are displayed while in command mode.
In case of program conflicts or user preferences, the various keyboard characters that control the operation of COMM may be redefined by the user in the VersiCOMM INI.TLK file.
Script File Processor
A script file can be specified as part of the VersiCOMM command line. For instance, COMM USING MCI could access MCI Mail, while COMM USING ELINK could access EasyLink.
USING files are just VUE files that contain VersiCOMM commands and text that would normally be typed at
the keyboard. When a USING file is processed the VersiCOMM commands are executed and "keyboard" text is transmitted to the host computer. A USING file can configure VersiCOMM to operate in particular way,
then dial your modem, wait for a connect and password prompt, enter the appropriate password and logon sequence, wait for an acknowledgment and then when that's all done, turn operation of VersiCOMM back to you.
Command line parameters can be passed to a script file.
VersiCOMMander File Manager
The VersiCOMMander File Manager provides a "point and select" method or working with files in VersiCOMM
command mode. By entering the command "SELECT" in VersiCOMM-Plus command mode you can display a scrollable window of files and select the files you want to transfer, view, copy, rename, hash or erase. Pull
down menus makes it easy!
VersiCOMMander (8K GIF)
The DIALER Dialing Directory
The DIALER is a fully integrated system than enables the user to dial, connect, and log on to most computers and services without having to write script files.
The DIALER is much more than just a program that dials phone numbers. It is an extremely flexible system
that gives the user several options for establishing communications with a remote system. In addition, the DIALER can be used as a conventional (voice) phone number dialer.
The DIALER user interface is simple and easy to use. An entry can be dialed, added, modified or deleted at
the press of a function key. Information is added to the database via a full-screen "fill-in-the-blank" form.
Example DIALER Site Screen (7K GIF)
FasTrans "Alpha to Alpha" File Transfer Software
VersiCOMM-Plus's FasTrans file transfer software will transfer any type of AMOS file with FastQ input processing, CRC16 error detection, Adaptive or FasTrans Data Compression, adaptive packet sizing and data rate. Many additional advanced features are supported, such as the capability to transfer a file only if
it's hash total is not the same as the file on the receiving system, or only if the version is later than the version of the file on the receiving system, and more. FasTrans
accepts standard AMOS wildcard file specifications.
COMMCENTRE Service Access System
The COMMCENTRE is an AlphaMENU controlled communications center that illustrates how VersiCOMM can be
used to provide "push-button" access to several remote services or even to provide "push-button" retrieval
of mail, news, stock data and other information from remote services without operator intervention. The COMMCENTRE includes selections to automatically setup and access most popular communication and
information services including the Internet via Netcom Online Communications.
The COMMCENTRE (11K GIF)
XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM and B-Plus File Transfer Protocols
Using the XMODEM, files can be transferred between an Alpha Micro and a PC that has a communications
package that supports this popular error correcting protocol. Most PC communication packages and online computer services can use the XMODEM protocol. Either the Alpha user or the PC user may originate the
transmission or receipt of a file. Both "checksum" and "CRC16" error detection are supported. XMODEM 1K packets are also supported.
ZMODEM is a robust file transfer protocol originally developed to alleviate throughput problems experienced
by packet-switched network customers using the XMODEM and KERMIT file transfer protocols. Unlike XMODEM, it does not pad the last block of a transferred file. Much faster than KERMIT, ZMODEM uses a
streaming protocol with very low overhead, enhanced FastQ input processing, and a 32-bit CRC checksum.
Multiple files may be downloaded in a single transfer with automatic download initiation, and should the transfer be interrupted you can dial back into the system and resume the transfer. The ZMODEM software
also includes YMODEM batch file transfer support. YMODEM offers an alternative protocol for transferring multiple files to or from a system that does not support ZMODEM.
Compuserve B Plus file transfer software enables VersiCOMM-Plus to transfer files to, or from, the
Compuserve Information Service using the B Plus protocol. Network induced delays can severely impede the speed of simple ACK/NAK file transfer protocols such as XMODEM. The B Plus protocol supports deferred
acknowledgment of transferred packets, and while not as fast as a streaming protocol such as ZMODEM, is much faster than XMODEM in the Compuserve network environment. Automatic download and upload
initiation is supported, as well as the resumption of an interrupted download.
AlphaBASIC Communication Subroutines
Subroutines that enable an AlphaBASIC program to: exchange data with a VersiCOMM script file; wait for
specified strings to be received at the modem port; read data from, or write data to, the modem port.
The X Command
The X COMMAND wildcarding program. Enables using commands such as COMPIL and TYPE as wildcard file commands.
VersiCOMM-Plus Utilities
- The baud-matching modem security program MATCH, which automatically adjusts the baud rate of a port to the speed of the terminal using the port, then prompts the user for an optional password.
- The utility CHGTDV. When placed on a remote system, CHGTDV.LIT can be used to switch terminal drivers "on the fly". The program will display drivers that are available in the Terminal Definition
Chain or in System Memory. It will prevent changing to a driver that requires more impure area memory than is available.
- The utility TRMSTS. This program displays the state of all the status bits for a specified terminal, and enables the user to clear bits and conditions as required.
- VPSTRN, a program that enables the user to directly modify an emulation's keyboard translation file.
- The MLON and MLOFF modem locking and unlocking commands. These commands are executed by a remote user to prevent a local user from using a modem port while the remote user is using the modem port.
Selected Features
FastQ
FastQ, an enhanced input processing technology, enables VersiCOMM-Plus to transfer files to small or heavily burdened systems with dramatically faster throughput and fewer retries. Originally incorporated into
VersiCOMM-Plus's proprietary Alpha to Alpha file transfer software, the FastQ technology has now also been added to our ZMODEM software.
FastTrans File Compression
Now, in addition to the very effective Adaptive compression technology already found in VersiCOMM-Plus's TRANS and RETRV programs, we have added the compression technology of the Z/Archive System, and achieved even higher compression ratios.
FasTrans gets the most out of your dialup and fixed serial data links by transferring more data in less time.
Much more data in much less time! In one series of tests the AMOS 2.2C file IDV681.M68 was transferred from an AM3000M to an AM3000VME over a 9600 bps link at a transfer rate in excess of 34500 bps! Used in
combination with FastQ, our super efficient input system, FasTrans speeds your AMOS data to its destination in record time.
Record and Playback Software
VersiCOMM-Plus includes tools to record and playback terminal sessions in simulated real-time. This feature
can be used to create software demonstrations that can be played on other computers, to record online sessions for later review, or just to share your latest Internet find with a friend.
Players are included for our VT100/102, V52, LEXis, and GENeric terminal emulations.
File List Processing
The VersiCOMM-Plus program TRANS can process a list of files, such as a VERIFY directory, and transmit each file specified in the list.
Modem Polling Files
Modem polling files define the sequence of modems that are to be used by a particular application. These
files have a default extension of "MPF" and reside in DSK0:[7,0]. They are specified in the COMM command line in the same manner as a modem.
Automatic Download Initiation
VersiCOMM will now automatically detect the start of a ZMODEM download and initiate the ZMODEM receive
program RECZ. The ZAUTO command is used to turn automatic ZMODEM downloading ON or OFF. The default is ON.
VersiCOMM can also automatically detect the start of a Compuserve B Plus protocol file transfer. The BAUTO
command is used to turn automatic file transfer initiation ON or OFF. The default is OFF.
Session Logging
If the file "trmdef.CLG" is found in the user account, VersiCOMM will add a line of usage information to the
file. Since the modem "trmdef" is usually "MODEM1", the name of the LOG file is usually "MODEM1.CLG". In
this case you would start the file by entering the command "MAKE MODEM1.CLG" at AMOS command level, or
use VUE to create the file "MODEM1.CLG". Log file entries include the date, time the communication session ended, the total time for the session, the AMOS job name, the AMOS terminal name used for the
communication session, ands the name of the TLK file used to initiate the session. For example,
31-Aug-86 12:45:32 5 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 LEXIS
31-Aug-86 16:20:00 2 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 MCIMBX
31-Aug-86 19:33:43 10 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 FYI
31-Aug-86 20:04:28 12 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 FYI
01-Sep-86 08:04:12 1 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 MCI
01-Sep-86 08:29:15 2 Minutes %TSKAA MODEM1 MCIMBX
01-Sep-86 09:46:09 1 Minutes %TSKAA MODEM1 ELMBX
01-Sep-86 09:51:32 2 Minutes %TSKAA MODEM1 FYINWS
01-Sep-86 09:55:12 2 Minutes %TSKAA MODEM1 FYISPT
02-Sep-86 13:44:32 1 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1
02-Sep-86 13:46:27 2 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 AMINFO
04-Sep-86 16:06:18 1 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 MCI
04-Sep-86 16:08:41 1 Minutes JOB1 MODEM1 NWSNET
Custom Initialization and Configuration
The following initialization files can be used to configure and customize the operation of VersiCOMM.
INI.TIW File
If a job attached to a modem is "waiting for input" or is "sleeping" COMM will check a list of programs
maintained in the file DSK0:INI.TIW[7,0] to see if its OK to detach the modem from that job while it is running that program and waiting. For example, you would probably let COMM use MODEM2 if the job it was
attached to was running a LOGON program and waiting for input, but you might not want to let it use MODEM2 if the program was ORDER.
INI.TLK File
Whenever VersiCOMM is executed it checks to see if there is an 'INI.TLK' file in the user account or in DSK0:
[7,0]. This is a text file that may contain VersiCOMM commands which redefine the various characters used
to control VersiCOMM. For example you could change the default definition of the "change mode" character
from <Control-^> to a backslash, <\>, by creating an INI.TLK file containing the command "$CHGMODE 92".
See the OPERATION chapter of this manual for more information on the use of an INI.TLK file.
INIARG.TLK File
The INIARG.TLK file is similar in operation to the INI.TLK file, but it has a different purpose. The INI.TLK
file is a static initialization file that remains (more or less) the same each time VersiCOMM is executed. The
INIARG.TLK file is a dynamic initialization file that is used to set the value of the VersiCOMM arguments ARG0-ARG15, and flags FLG0-FLG15, and to set or configure other VersiCOMM switches and options. The
INIARG.TLK is session-oriented, i.e. it is intended for use during a particular session of VersiCOMM. In fact, VersiCOMM erases the INIARG.TLK file after it is processed.
Whenever VersiCOMM is executed it checks to see if there is an 'INIARG.TLK' file in the user account. If there is, VersiCOMM executes it, then erases it.
Usually the INIARG.TLK file is created on the fly in another program which then chains to VersiCOMM.
Comprehensive HELP System
The VersiCOMM HELP system can display a list of VersiCOMM commands or provide information on any individual command. Enter HELP at the VersiCOMM command prompt.
Effective Terminal Emulation
Terminal emulations are sometimes little more than a few keyboard translations. The VT100/102 emulation
included with VersiCOMM-Plus is a comprehensive emulation of Digital Equipment Corporation's VT100 terminal in 80 column, ANSI mode. The emulation supports use of the 14 character keypad in Application or
Numeric mode, the cursor keys in ANSI or Application mode, Scrolling Regions, PF Keys, New Line and Autowrap modes. The reduced intensity attribute is supported; and if the terminal running the emulation
supports "non-space" attributes, reverse, underline and blinking attributes are also supported.
VersiCOMM-Plus also includes VT52, VT220, LEXIS and Generic Terminal Emulations.
The LEXIS terminal emulation is a modified version of the VT100 terminal emulation that can be used when accessing the LEXIS˛ information service.
When used in combination with the VersiCOMM Generic terminal driver on a remote Alpha Micro, the
Generic terminal emulation provides terminal independent support for terminal specific functions such as cursor addressing, reduced intensity, reverse video, and line drawing.
MCI Mail and EasyLink QuikLetters
In addition to the other mail functions found in the COMMCENTRE, users that subscribe to MCI Mail and
EasyLink may now quickly and easily create and send any of several different types of messages by using MCI Mail and EasyLink QuikLetters. Not only electronic messages such as telexes and Email, but also fax
messages and paper mail such as laser printed overnight letters may be written and mailed. (The MCI Mail QuikLetter uses a certified implementation of MCI Mail Link, a special protocol used to communicate with
MCI Mail.)
Input Flow Control
Input flow control can be used with 2681 and 68681 based interfaces to prevent the loss of characters due to
high baud rates or an overburdened processor. Input flow control can be essential when linking one computer to another or when linking a computer to a device such as a protocol converter. It requires that the
transmitting device be controllable via a RS-232 input and that the interface cable connect pin 5 of the Alpha Micro to the controlling pin of the device, usually pin 4.
In addition to hardware flow control, "software" input flow control is now supported by VersiCOMM using XON/XOFF inband control characters.
Serial Port Configuration
VersiCOMM includes a full suite of commands that can be used to configure the characteristics of a serial
port. The baud rate, parity, data size, number of stop bits, DTR signal level, RTS signal level, flow control type, and carrier loss action can be programmed for many serial interfaces.
Using the SPARITY command, the configuration of a serial port can be set to seven bits, and even or odd parity, using virtually any serial interface.
Preserve Screen
If your terminal is an AM65A, or other terminal that supports the Save Screen Area function, you may use
the PRESERVE command to preserve information that is displayed in conversational mode when switching back and forth from conversational to command mode.
Idleout and Carrier Loss Disconnect
VersiCOMM can be configured so that if it remains inactive for a specified amount of time, either in
Conversational or Command mode, it will automatically exit, just as if the user had exited the program.
Similarly, the CABORT command can be used to configure VersiCOMM to exit if the DCD signal drops low.
Command Editing and Recall
Commands entered at the VersiCOMM Command mode prompt can be recalled and edited using a full complement of editing keys.
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