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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #843)
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Information about “OMEGA-LINK”
OMEGA-LINK is a communications program for the modem, which can be
configured to suit your needs. Configure the communication
parameters, file names, modem and printer, buffer sizes, windows and
colors. Commands are easy-to-use, and can be viewed on a pop-up menu.
There are 50 user-definable macros for frequently-used command
sequences. An on-screen clock will help you keep track of how much
time you spend on the phone lines.
OMEGA-LINK has extensive file functions to view a file, rename a file,
change attributes, or delete a file. Any directory listing will show
all files on the disk, including hidden files, read-only files, and
subdirectories. Create or delete a subdirectory and show the amount of
disk space available. Change the path and default drive, and shell to
DOS. ANSI graphics can be toggled on or off and sessions can be
*captured onto disk.
OMEGA-LINK has several built-in file transfer protocols. These
protocols include: ASCII, XMODEM and YMODEM. If these aren't enough,
there is an external protocol handler that allows you to add
additional protocols such as ZMODEM, WXMODEM and KERMIT.
FILES843.TXT
Disk No: 843
Program Title: OMEGA-LINK version 2.10
PC-SIG version: 2.2
OMEGA-LINK is a communications program for the modem, which can be
configured to suit your needs. You can configure the communication
parameters, file names, modem and printer, buffer sizes, and windows and
colors. Commands are easy-to-use, and can be viewed on a pop-up menu.
The 10 function keys can be defined for your 10 most commonly-used
commands. An on-screen clock figure helps you keep track of how much
time you spend on the phone lines.
OMEGA-LINK has extensive file functions. You can view a file, rename a
file, change file attributes, or delete a file. Any directory listing
will show all files on the diskette, including hidden files, read-only
files, and subdirectories. You can create or delete a subdirectory and
show the amount of disk space available. You can change the path and
the default drive, and shell to DOS. ANSI graphics can be toggled on or
off, and sessions can be captured onto disk.
Usage: Communications.
Special Requirements: A modem.
How to Start: Type GO (press enter).
Suggested Registration: $40.00
File Descriptions:
FREE TXT Informational text file.
LICENSE DOC Note on registration.
OMEGA DOC Documentation.
OMEGA EXE Main program.
OMEGA ARC Archived version of program.
OMEGADIR DAT Data file.
OMEGAEXT DAT Data file.
OMEGAEXT DOC Documentation for OMEGAEXT.EXE.
OMEGAEXT EXE Omega-Link External protocol handler.
PRICE Informational text file.
README DOC Note on registration.
PC-SIG
1030D E Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1987,88,89 PC-SIG, Inc.
FREE.TXT
We will send a disk containing public domain and shareware
external protocols to anyone sending $3.50 to cover shipping handling
to the address below. If you require a 3-1/2" diskette, please add
$1.00.
Our address:
Omega-Link Software
P.O. Box 1471
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471
Sorry, no MasterCard, Visa or COD's for this item unless you are
registering Omega-Link at the same time.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #843 OMEGA-LINK >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To copy the documentation to your printer type: MANUAL (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To start OMEGA LINK, type: OMEGA (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To start the External Protocal handler, type: OMEGAEXT (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ Please Note: One-to-one has been moved to disk #1031. We are sorry for ║
║ any inconvenience this may have caused you. ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
LICENSE.DOC
What to do If You Wish to Distribute Omega-Link
Please feel free to distribute the Omega-Link demonstration version
to anyone that you wish. DO NOT distribute the registered version.
Also, you may not distribute copies of the printed documentation. When
you distribute Omega-Link, distribute the program and its documentation
in electronic form together and in unmodified form.
Generally, no fee may be charged for copying Omega-Link other than
the cost of the diskette. There is one exception to this, and that is
for those clubs who charge some minimal fee for copying to offset their
costs. This fee must not exceed $10.
How to Contribute for Omega-Link
We recommend that you send $29.95 if you use Omega-Link often or if
appreciate it. In return for your contribution, we will send you a
registered copy of the MOST RECENT version of Omega-Link complete with
all available utilities designed to work with Omega-Link. Also, we
will provide you with telephone support and will put you on our mailing
list for future product announcements.
If you send $39.95, we will send you $5 for each copy of Omega-Link
that has been registered with your serial number on it. For example,
if someone registered their copy of Omega-Link, and it had the serial
number of your copy, we would send you $5.
Registration of Omega-Link for corporations.
Corporations that wish to use Omega-Link MUST register. Cost for
corporate registration is $29.95. Discounts are available for multiple
copies (5 or more). Contact us for details.
Limited Warranty
Omega-Link IS OFFERED "AS-IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND
PERFORMANCE OF Omega-Link IS WITH YOU (AND NOT THE AUTHORS OR OMEGA
SOFTWARE.) THE AUTHORS AND OMEGA SOFTWARE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNC-
TIONS OF Omega-Link WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS, OR THAT THE PROGRAM WILL
OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY OR ERROR FREE.
When you send in your contribution, please take the time to
fill-in the following form and send it in also. The Serial Number may
be found on the opening screen, or it will be printed automatically by
the demonstration version of Omega-Link when you tell it to print a
registration form.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Company (Optional): _______________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
Telephone Number: __________________________________________________________
Billing Address (Fill in only if different than above)
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
Diskette Size (Check One): _____ 5.25" (360K) _____ 3.5" (720K)
(All diskettes are formatted as double-sided, double-density diskettes.)
NOTES:
o We cover shipping and handling for all orders EXCEPT C.O.D.
o All registrations come with a 30 day, money-back policy.
If you do not wish to keep Omega-Link, just return everything and
we will refund your money (minus a $5.00 re-stocking charge).
o An additional $10 included with your registration will enable you
receive $5 for every copy of Omega-Link registered with the serial
number that we issue to you.
____ Registered Version(s) of Omega-Link (at $29.95): ___________
4 percent sales tax (Michigan Residents Only): ___________
$5.00 Shipping & Handling Fee (C.O.D. Only): ___________
Total: ___________
(All prices are in United States Dollars)
Payment Method (Check One): ______ Check ______ Money Order ______ C.O.D.
______ MasterCard ______ Visa
Account Number: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: _______
Authorized Signature: _____________________________________________________
Serial number of the copy of Omega-Link that you are using:
Contact us at:
(By Mail) (By Telephone)
Omega Software (616) 962-8007
P.O. Box 1471 Business hours are:
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471 11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. (Eastern Time)
7 Days a week
Please enter any comments you have about this product on the opposite side.
FREE.TXT
We will send a disk containing public domain and shareware
external protocols to anyone sending $3.50 to cover shipping handling
to the address below. If you require a 3-1/2" diskette, please add
$1.00.
Our address:
Omega-Link Software
P.O. Box 1471
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471
Sorry, no MasterCard, Visa or COD's for this item unless you are
registering Omega-Link at the same time.
LICENSE.DOC
What to do If You Wish to Distribute Omega-Link
Please feel free to distribute the Omega-Link demonstration version
to anyone that you wish. DO NOT distribute the registered version.
Also, you may not distribute copies of the printed documentation. When
you distribute Omega-Link, distribute the program and its documentation
in electronic form together and in unmodified form.
Generally, no fee may be charged for copying Omega-Link other than
the cost of the diskette. There is one exception to this, and that is
for those clubs who charge some minimal fee for copying to offset their
costs. This fee must not exceed $10.
How to Contribute for Omega-Link
We recommend that you send $29.95 if you use Omega-Link often or if
appreciate it. In return for your contribution, we will send you a
registered copy of the MOST RECENT version of Omega-Link complete with
all available utilities designed to work with Omega-Link. Also, we
will provide you with telephone support and will put you on our mailing
list for future product announcements.
If you send $39.95, we will send you $5 for each copy of Omega-Link
that has been registered with your serial number on it. For example,
if someone registered their copy of Omega-Link, and it had the serial
number of your copy, we would send you $5.
Registration of Omega-Link for corporations.
Corporations that wish to use Omega-Link MUST register. Cost for
corporate registration is $29.95. Discounts are available for multiple
copies (5 or more). Contact us for details.
Limited Warranty
Omega-Link IS OFFERED "AS-IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND
PERFORMANCE OF Omega-Link IS WITH YOU (AND NOT THE AUTHORS OR OMEGA
SOFTWARE.) THE AUTHORS AND OMEGA SOFTWARE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNC-
TIONS OF Omega-Link WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS, OR THAT THE PROGRAM WILL
OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY OR ERROR FREE.
When you send in your contribution, please take the time to
fill-in the following form and send it in also. The Serial Number may
be found on the opening screen, or it will be printed automatically by
the demonstration version of Omega-Link when you tell it to print a
registration form.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Company (Optional): _______________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
Telephone Number: __________________________________________________________
Billing Address (Fill in only if different than above)
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________
Diskette Size (Check One): _____ 5.25" (360K) _____ 3.5" (720K)
(All diskettes are formatted as double-sided, double-density diskettes.)
NOTES:
o We cover shipping and handling for all orders EXCEPT C.O.D.
o All registrations come with a 30 day, money-back policy.
If you do not wish to keep Omega-Link, just return everything and
we will refund your money (minus a $5.00 re-stocking charge).
o An additional $10 included with your registration will enable you
receive $5 for every copy of Omega-Link registered with the serial
number that we issue to you.
____ Registered Version(s) of Omega-Link (at $29.95): ___________
4 percent sales tax (Michigan Residents Only): ___________
$5.00 Shipping & Handling Fee (C.O.D. Only): ___________
Total: ___________
(All prices are in United States Dollars)
Payment Method (Check One): ______ Check ______ Money Order ______ C.O.D.
______ MasterCard ______ Visa
Account Number: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: _______
Authorized Signature: _____________________________________________________
Serial number of the copy of Omega-Link that you are using:
Contact us at:
(By Mail) (By Telephone)
Omega Software (616) 962-8007
P.O. Box 1471 Business hours are:
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471 11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. (Eastern Time)
7 Days a week
Please enter any comments you have about this product on the opposite side.
OMEGA.DOC
Quick Help Sheet of Commands for Omega-Link
Quick Help Sheet of Commands for Omega-Link
Alt Keys
________
Alt-A) ASCII File Transfer (Upload/download ASCII files, perform session
Alt-A)
captures, etc. . . .)
Alt-B) Toggle Split Screen mode on or off
Alt-B)
Alt-C) Clear the screen (and change to any new colors)
Alt-C)
Alt-D) Dial a telephone number or go into the dialing directory
Alt-D)
Alt-E) Turn local echo on or off (hit this if you can't see what you type
Alt-E)
or characters are appearing double)
Alt-F) Execute the file system
Alt-F)
Alt-G) Turn automatic on-line ANSI graphics viewing on or off
Alt-G)
Alt-H) Hang up the phone
Alt-H)
Alt-I) Set the speed at which macros are sent
Alt-I)
Alt-J) Load Alt 1-0 keys from a disk file
Alt-J)
Alt-K) Call up the function key definitions for viewing/editing
Alt-K)
Alt-L) Initialize the printer
Alt-L)
Alt-M) Initialize the modem
Alt-M)
Alt-N) Send a null signal
Alt-N)
Alt-O) Toggle automatic ANSI music playing on or off
Alt-O)
Alt-P) Call up the parameters menu (used to set modem commands, colors, and
Alt-P)
many other features)
Alt-Q) Toggle automatic on-line RLE graphic (picture) viewing on or off
Alt-Q)
Alt-R) Redial the last number that was dialed
Alt-R)
Alt-S) Toggle the sound on or off
Alt-S)
Alt-T) Set the Time and Date
Alt-T)
Alt-U) Run a script file
Alt-U)
Alt-V) View a RLE graphics (picture) file
Alt-V)
Alt-W) Wait for XX seconds (this is a macro command)
Alt-W)
Alt-X) Exit to DOS
Alt-X)
Alt-Y) Toggle external help windows on or off
Alt-Y)
Alt-Z) Shell to DOS
Alt-Z)
Other Keys
__________
Ctrl-PgUp ) Upload a binary file (using XMODEM, YMODEM, etc. . .)
Ctrl-PgUp )
Ctrl-PgDn ) Download a binary file (" " " ")
Ctrl-PgDn )
Ctrl-End ) Send a break signal
Ctrl-End )
Shift-Tab ) Turn linefeeds on or off (use this if lines are being written
Shift-Tab )
on top of one another or things are double spaced)
Ctrl-Break) Will terminate the execution of a macro
Ctrl-Break)
Omega-Link
(Formerly "Omega-Term")
Version 2.10a
(C)Copyright 1987-1988 by Thomas Goodson and Eugene Kopf
All Rights Reserved
Omega-Link took time and effort to develop. Like many large pro-
jects, the credit cannot go to a select handful. It took suggestions,
patience, and a great deal of thinking on everyone's part to make this
program what it is today. While we cannot list the names of all those
who helped us, here is a small list of some people to whom we would
especially like to send our thanks:
Dave Manning One of our most helpful "Beta-Testers," and
Dave Manning
whose constant "nagging" on various items
greatly improved the quality of the program.
Jim Rhoads First, we must thank Jim for his patience as
Jim Rhoads
"Sysop" of The Strange Quark [(616) 964-0930]
whose patience was probably tried a great deal
by our constant "log-ons" to his system to help
debug the program. In addition, we owe him our
thanks for permitting us to use his machines at
his home and his creative ideas.
Jan Goodson Whose perspective as a new user to telecommu-
Jan Goodson
nications and abilities for relating to people
proved to be a constant benefit.
Steve Harke Without Steve's abilities in writing "BBS"
Steve Harke
software, Omega-Link would be seriously lack-
ing. And so would our enthusiasm.
Bob Gavrun We cannot thank this individual enough for the
Bob Gavrun
time he took away from his own free time (which
he has little enough as it is) to help us with
the program, documentation, and interfaces.
Bill Bailey He suggested the name of "Omega," meaning the
Bill Bailey
first and last you will ever need in modem
communications, just as Omega is the last
character in the Greek alphabet.
Fione Chase Her wisdom and ideas have proven invaluable.
Fione Chase
Mike Curry Who helped us give our business a boost.
Mike Curry
The members of the various Bulletin Boards of the Battle Creek
area, and the members of "Personal Computers of Battle Creek."
And finally, we cannot ignore our family members and close friends.
Their patience and tolerance in regard to our severe mood swings,
bizarre hours, and crazy actions should not be ignored. We owe them
almost infinite gratitude for all of this, which so few mortals can
take so well.
In this manual, we use the Trademarked word "Hayes," whose trade-
mark is held by Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Additional Tips for Beginners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Command Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Terminal Mode Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASCII Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Print Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Send Null . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
View an RLE file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
File System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Changing File Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Parameters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Communications Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dialing Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Uploading & Downloading Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 11
Function Keys (Macros) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Function Key Options & Conversion Tables . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Script Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Script Language Commands & Syntaxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
BAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ECHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ELSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ENDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
EXIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
GOSUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
GOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
HANGUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
IF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LINEFEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PARITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
RECEIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SOUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
STOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
TIMEOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
WAITFOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MULTPILE COMMANDS PER LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
COMMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix A - ASCII & Extended ASCII Character Codes . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix B - Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix C - Trouble Shooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix D - Commands for Editing Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix E - Sequence of Steps Performed by Omega When It Begins . 33
Appendix F - Suggestion Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Omega-Link Reference Manual
Omega-Link Reference Manual
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Omega-Link is a program that lets you use your modem to communi-
cate with other computers. It was written entirely in 8088 assembly
language, for speed and ease of use. For the beginning user, Omega-
Link offers powerful commands with easy-to-remember keystrokes.
The file-system of Omega-Link can perform functions that rival
those of MSDOS. Any directory listing will show ALL files on the dis-
kette, including hidden files, read-only files, and subdirectories.
The best way to learn Omega-Link is to use it. If you are unsure
of what various functions do, try them. You cannot harm anything. If
you are about to do something that you might regret, such as deleting a
file, Omega-Link will give you a warning message to confirm the action.
Good luck and enjoy yourself!
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Welcome to Omega-Link. These next few paragraphs are designed for
the novice user. If you consider yourself an advanced user and are
familiar with the area of communications, we suggest you skip this por-
tion and go directly to the reference manual, which begins at the
section entitled "The Command Directory."
Telecommunications can be a puzzling and sometimes exasperating
field, and can require some patience in learning. We have tried to
make this as simple a task as possible without sacrificing power. How-
ever, it will still require effort on your part to learn because it
requires not only that you know how to use Omega-Link, but also how to
use the software of the computer with which you are communicating.
This start-up document is not intended to teach you everything,
and we recommend that you consult the reference manual afterwards.
Also, please note that there is a glossary at the end of the reference
manual, and a quick help sheet in the beginning. We suggest that you
print these out and have them nearby while you are beginning the learn-
ing process.
Before we go any further, you need to locate your modem manual(s)
and find out the baud rate, which com port your modem is connected to,
and whether it is "Hayes(tm) Compatible" i.e., compatible with a Hayes
modem.
Start Omega-Link by typing "OMEGA" at the DOS prompt. When the
opening screen appears, read it, and then press any key when you are
done. The next screen will point out how to get the main help menu.
Ignore it for now and hold down the "Alt" key and press "P." Now
release them. The keys that you have just press (Alt & P) held
together are known as "Alt-P." Likewise, if you would see a mentioning
-3-
Omega-Link Reference Manual
Omega-Link Reference Manual
in the program for "Alt-Z," simply hold down the "Alt" key and press
"Z," and then release them.
Press "C," and you will be in the Communications Parameters set
up screen. If you need to change the baud rate, make sure the baud
rate field is highlighted, press F1, type in the new baud rate, and
press enter. Now look at the entry for the active port. If it is dif-
ferent than the com port that your modem is connected to, move the cur-
sor to that field and enter the proper number for you com port. To
finish, press F10.
If your modem is Hayes compatible, you may skip the following sec-
tion, and go to the section entitled "Additional Tips for Beginners."
If it is not, please read on.
Press "M" to display the Modem and Printer commands screen. Using
your modem manual, find the information needed for: Dialing Prefix,
Dialing Suffix, Hang-up String, and the Connect Prompt. Erase the modem
initialization string, and the no connect prompts. Before entering the
information you just located you will need to translate your manual's
direction of pressing return or enter to "{" and were your manual calls
for a delay use ' ~ ' for a one-half second delay. If you require more
than one-half second delay, use more than one ' ~ '. Press F10 when
you are finished. You are at the parameters menu once again.
When you are finished configuring Omega Link to your hardware,
press Q to save your set up to the disk.
To use any additional options available in the parameters menu,
use the help windows and/or the reference manual as a guide.
You are almost ready to use Omega-Link. But before you are, we
have a few brief items for you to keep in mind:
Additional Tips for Beginners
Additional Tips for Beginners
Know the computer that you are calling: When you discover a new
Know the computer that you are calling:
computer system to call, make sure to find out the number of data bits,
the parity that they are using, the number of stop bits, and the baud
rate. Most systems use 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit, but not all.
Most host computers will support 300 baud. Some systems that you call
will not support higher baud rates, so you may need to experiment.
Do not be afraid to experiment: If you do not know what baud
Do not be afraid to experiment:
rates, data bits, stop bits, or parity they use, try experimentation.
The first step is to try 300 baud. Then try changing the number of
data bits, and the parity. Once you are on a new system, they will
probably tell you if they support higher baud rates, so higher baud
rates while experimenting are usually not necessary. Your main objec-
tive is to get a hold of the host system and be able to read what they
send to you.
Use the Alt-D command to dial a telephone number: The dialing
Use the Alt-D command to dial a telephone number:
screen will ask you to type the phone number, then you should press
-4-
Omega-Link Reference Manual
Omega-Link Reference Manual
enter to dial it. If you wish to change the number of data bits, stop
bits, parity, or baud rate, do so from the "Communications Parameters"
menu which is in the "Parameters Menu" (Alt-P).
If you dial a telephone number frequently, we suggest that you
store the number inside of the dialing directory. This way, whenever
you dial a telephone number, the number of data bits, stop bits, par-
ity, and baud rate, in addition to other features, are all set for you
automatically when you dial.
THE COMMAND DIRECTORY
THE COMMAND DIRECTORY
Omega-Link features four major subsystems: Terminal mode, the
Dialing Directory, the Files Menu, and the Parameters Menu. Commands
to control how the system operates, and its external functions, are
entered from the subsystem menus. This would include data items such
as phone numbers, as well as utility commands to show disk space, get a
directory, and so forth. These functions have their own menu.
We will discuss each of the four subsystems separately; however,
note that there is some duplication in related functions between menus.
Terminal Mode Commands
Terminal Mode Commands
Frequently-used commands can be executed directly from terminal
mode, using some combination of the Alt key, Ctrl key, and the other
keys of the keyboard. These terminal mode commands do not execute from
a menu, but you can display the list by hitting the Home key.
ASCII Transfer (Alt-A)
ASCII Transfer (Alt-A)
This feature allows you to upload or download a file using the
binary protocols, or to capture any incoming text with a text capture
option. Here is a description of the ASCII protocols used for upload-
ing a file that you can access through this command:
ASCII - This will send the file to the host system exactly as it
is stored in a disk file.
Prompted ASCII - Will send a file to the host computer one line at
a time. After a line is sent, it will wait to receive a character
(which you define when you select the Prompted ASCII mode) from the
host system, and then continue.
Files can be downloaded by only two methods. The first method is
a straight ASCII transfer. Omega-Link will store every character it
receives in a disk file until it receives an end-of-file character
(ASCII value 26). The second method is a straight text capture. This
will store every character that is received from your modem in a disk
file until you press Alt-A again, which will close the file.
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Print-Screen (Shift-PrtSc)
Print-Screen (Shift-PrtSc)
Omega-Link intercepts the Print Screen function of MSDOS to pro-
vide another data capture method, accomplished with the Shift and PrtSc
keys. Screen data is saved to a disk file specified in the Parameters
Menu, usually SCREEN.DMP. The difference is that the screen dump data
consists of the data on the screen only. It is also appended to the
end of the file.
Both the session capture data and the screen dump data can be sent
directly to the printer, by specifying PRN or LPT1 as the capture file
or screen dump file. Generally, you will send the session capture data
to a disk file, and screen dumps to the printer, but your needs may be
different.
Send Null (Alt-N)
Send Null (Alt-N)
Null and sustained-break signals are sometimes useful in communi-
cating with a mainframe computer. A Null character has the ASCII value
of 0. A sustained-break is not actually a character, but is a line
condition. Omega-Link sends a sustained-break signal when you key
Ctrl-End.
On a serial line not using a modem, a Break signal pulls the line
low for a duration of 200 to 600 milliseconds. When using a modem, the
Break signal tells the modem to send a constant Space tone, which the
receiving end interprets as a Break. When communicating with a main
frame computer, a Break signal is typically used to get attention for
the terminal, but it could be programmed to mean anything.
View an RLE file (Alt-V)
View an RLE file (Alt-V)
You can view what is known as a RLE file on the screen by using
this command. A RLE file is a file that contains special characters
designed so that you may view a graphics picture on the screen. They
were originally used on certain subscription host systems for display-
ing weather maps, but the computer community has expanded their role so
that all sorts of pictures can be distributed. They chief advantage to
an RLE file is that a graphics picture can be distributed over the
modems so that they may be viewed by many types of computers, rather
than just one specific brand.
In order to use this feature, you must have a Color Graphics or
Enhanced Graphics adapter.
Shell to DOS (Alt-Z)
Shell to DOS (Alt-Z)
This is a "terminate and stay resident" command. Omega-Link
remains in memory, but reloads the MSDOS command processor to execute
other programs. When you wish to return to Omega-Link, type "Exit" at
the DOS command prompt. You will re-enter Omega-Link at the same point
where you left.
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Warning: If you have shelled to DOS, use any other memory-resident
programs with caution. These programs also install themselves in mem-
ory, and may cause problems when returning to Omega-Link! Furthermore,
do not shell to a different version number of MSDOS, or the system may
crash.
File System Commands
File System Commands
The file-system of Omega-Link lets you handle disk files without
having to exit to DOS. The file-system also has several commands not
directly available from the operating system of the microcomputer.
The File-System Menu is brought-up with the Alt-F key combination.
You will see a list of available commands. You may select these com-
mands by either pressing the key indicated, or by using the cursor keys
to move to the entry you want, then pressing the return key.
While you are learning the commands, work on a scratch (spare)
diskette. If you accidentally corrupt or erase some files on your
disk, you will not destroy some irreplaceable program.
All commands are thoroughly described in their help screens, with
one exception: "Changing File Attributes." This command is described
below.
Changing File Attributes (F)
Changing File Attributes (F)
With this command, you can change the attributes of any file. The
file attributes indicate various information about the file. File
attributes can be:
Read-Only - This indicates that the file can only be read, and can
Read-Only
not be written to or deleted. Useful for files that you do not wish to
change or delete.
Hidden - A hidden file attribute will prevent the file from show-
Hidden
ing in a directory listing, executed with the DIR command in MSDOS.
System - This attribute indicates that the file is part of DOS.
System
This attribute has limited value, since it does not affect usage of the
file.
Volume Label - Indicates that this really is not a file, but
Volume Label
rather the name is to be used as the volume label of the disk. Although
you are able to change this on screen, DOS will not permit the change
to actually occur.
Subdirectory - This attribute indicates that this is a subdirec-
Subdirectory
tory, and not a file. Although you are able to change this on screen,
DOS will not permit the change to actually occur.
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Archive Bit - Indicates that the file needs to be backed-up with
Archive Bit
the "BACKUP" command of DOS. This is really only of significance to
those people with hard disks.
The Parameters Menu
The Parameters Menu
The Parameters Menu is invoked by pressing Alt-P. It provides
routines to change screen colors, modem command strings, default file
names, communications settings, and many other things. To select an
item on the Parameters Menu, either press the first letter of the
selection desired, or use the cursor keys to move to the selection, and
then press the Enter key.
Some of the Parameters Menu commands are the same as Terminal Mode
commands. Bear in mind that changes made from the Parameters Menu are
default settings. That is, they are the settings in place when you
start the program. They may still be toggled or changed from one or
more menus, but the on-line changes are temporary. When you make a
change in the Parameters menu and wish for them to become defaults
every time you execute Omega-Link, press "Q," which stands for "Quit
and Save." If you wish to have the changes you have made become
default on a temporary basis (that is, if you wish for these changes to
remain in effect during this Omega-Link session), press "Z" for "Quit
and Don't Save." Finally, if you have made some changes that you do
not wish to remain in effect, but would rather have your old settings
back again, select "A" for "Abort Changes."
Here are some additional notes about the Parameters Menu that are
not covered in the Help Screens:
Communications Parameters
Communications Parameters
The communications parameters involve several factors. Here is a
detailed list of the options available on this menu, and what they do.
Active Port - The valid com port values for Omega-Link are 1, 2,
Active Port
3, and 4. Com ports 3 and 4 correspond to the I/O addresses 2E8 and
2E0 (these numbers are in hexadecimal).
Baud Rate - Valid values are 60, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350, 400,
Baud Rate
450, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400. Use only a number that
your modem can handle.
Stop Bits - Accepted values are 1, 1.5, and 2. Usually only 1
Stop Bits
stop bit is used. Please note that Omega-Link does not allow for 1.5
stop bits.
Strip/Convert - Omega-Link can change any character sent to the
Strip/Convert
host computer into another character. Enter the 3-digit ASCII code of
the character to change as the Strip value, and the character to change
it to as the Convert value. See the Omega-Link Function Key and con-
version table located in Appendix A for the ASCII values.
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The Dialing Directory
The Dialing Directory
The dialing directory contains the telephone numbers you can dial
by typing the entry number. This saves you the trouble of having to
memorize numbers, as well as giving you a means to store brief com-
ments, automatically set up parity, data bits, stop bits, etc. for
each number dialed, and to automatically redial a number.
Automatic dialing is invoked by pressing Alt-D. The program will
ask you for the number of your selection. Press return to see the
directory, or type in the number of the entry you wish to dial. If you
type in a number from 1 to 100, it will dial that corresponding entry.
If you type in a number longer than three digits, it will send that to
the modem "as is".
Assuming that you have pressed return and are viewing the list of
entries, here is a list of your options, what they do, and how to use
them:
Autodial
Autodial
Enter the number of the selection, and the computer will automati-
cally dial the number for you. It will also set the baud rate, word
length, parity, stop bits, and strip/convert characters associated with
the entry. If it fails to connect, it will redial five times. If you
want to keep dialing, press Alt-R. This brings up the redial function,
which redials the last number dial up to 50 times before aborting the
redial process.
Erase an Entry
Erase an Entry
This will erase the contents of an entry. Do this only if you are
sure you wish to erase the entry.
Load Another Directory
Load Another Directory
The dialing directory can store up to 100 entries. However, for
some users this is not enough. Therefore, you can create another
directory which has the capability for 100 more entries. In order to
use these entries, just call up the new directory, and the one cur-
rently in memory will be replaced.
Manual Dial
Manual Dial
This option lets you dial a telephone number without storing it in
the dialing directory. You will be asked for the number, baud rate,
number of data bits, parity, and number of data bits. If you want any
strip/convert capabilities, you must set that up also. Although you
may enter name and comments if you wish, the information will not be
stored.
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Page Through Directory Entries
Page Through Directory Entries
The dialing directory displays only ten items at a time. In order
to look at the next ten items or the previous ten items, you can use
the "+" key to jump to the next page, and the "-" key to look at the
previous page.
Quit the Dialing Directory
Quit the Dialing Directory
This exits the dialing directory and returns you to terminal mode.
Update an Entry
Update an Entry
This feature allows you to set up a dialing directory entry, and
to tell Omega-Link what options and features to enact when dialing the
entry or after connection. The entry fields and their functions are
described below:
Name: This is the name of the host system for that
Name:
particular entry number.
Command File: This is the name of a the script file that will
Command File:
be automatically loaded and executed if Ome-
ga-Link manages to connect with this entry. If
no file name is given, no script file will be
loaded, and this feature will be disabled.
Phone No.: The telephone number to be used for this entry.
Phone No.:
Macro File: The name of the Alt-1 through Alt-0 function
Macro File:
key file that will be loaded upon connection.
Xon/Xoff: Tells whether the entry on hand supports the
Xon/Xoff:
Xon/Xoff characters and their functions.
Linefeeds: A "Y" tells Omega-Link to display a linefeed
Linefeeds:
with every carriage return that is received by
this entry.
Echo: A "Y" tells Omega that local echo should be
Echo:
enabled while communicating with this entry.
Sound: A "Y" indicates that Omega may make sounds out
Sound:
of the speaker while communicating with this
entry.
Baud Rate: The baud rate of the entry on hand.
Baud Rate:
Data Bits: The number of data bits that this entry uses.
Data Bits:
Parity: The type of parity that the entry uses (E, O,
Parity:
or N).
Stop Bits: The number of stop bits that the entry uses.
Stop Bits:
Ansi Music: Tells whether Omega should try to play ANSI
Ansi Music:
music if told to do so. ANSI graphics must
also be enabled for this to work.
RLE Graphics: Tells whether on-line RLE graphics should be
RLE Graphics:
enabled for this system. As with ANSI music,
ANSI graphics must be enabled for this feature
to work.
Last Called: The date that the last call was made to this
Last Called:
system. You cannot edit this, only view it.
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Ansi Graphics: This tells whether Omega should support ANSI
Ansi Graphics:
graphics if they are sent by this entry. This
must be enabled for ANSI music and RLE graphics
to work properly.
Replace: This tells Omega to replace characters received
Replace:
from this entry with different characters that
you specify. Simply enter the ASCII value of
the characters to replace (a table of the ASCII
values is located in Appendix A of this man-
ual), and the value of the replacement charac-
ter.
UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING FILES
UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING FILES
Uploading is the process of sending a file from your computer to
another computer. Downloading is the process of receiving a file from
another computer. Before you can upload or download a file, you must
establish a protocol. Both your computer and the computer at the other
end of the connection must be using the same protocol. Here is a list
of the protocols Omega-Link has available, their advantages and their
disadvantages.
XMODEM
XMODEM
This is the famous protocol developed for CP/M by Ward Christen-
sen. All characters of the ASCII character set can be transmitted and
received. This protocol uses error-checking. Blocks received with
errors are retransmitted until success is achieved, or until the sender
or receiver gives up after ten unsuccessful attempts.
Xmodem has two error-checking methods, or Algorithms, checksum and
CRC. Xmodem checksum is guaranteed to be utilized by any computer that
has the Xmodem protocol, which is not true of Xmodem CRC. However,
Xmodem CRC is far better at error detection than Xmodem checksum. Bet-
ter than 99.99% of all errors are detected.
Omega-Link will automatically detect and use CRC transmission, if
possible. There are no advantages to utilizing checksum when CRC is
available. If the computer you are downloading from gives you a choice
between checksum and CRC, pick CRC.
YMODEM
YMODEM
This protocol evolved from the XMODEM CRC protocol, and has many
similarities. The difference is that YMODEM can send data somewhat
faster and more efficiently than XMODEM because it uses a larger block
size. The larger block size reduces overhead by reducing ACK/NAK
intervals. This increases net throughput.
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FUNCTION KEYS (MACROS)
FUNCTION KEYS (MACROS)
One of the great strengths of Omega-Link is that you can use the
function keys to simulate any combination of keystrokes. In addition
to being able to utilize the normal function keys, you can use the
Ctrl, Shift, and Alt with the function keys to simulate forty function
keys instead of ten.
Also, the function key Alt-F1 is an "AUTOEXEC" macro. That is,
the macro definition for Alt-F1 will be executed as soon as the termi-
nal mode screen appears when Omega-Link begins. So you may find defi-
ning this macro key a great convenience to automate the start-up of
Omega.
On top of all this, there are ten additional function (or macro,
depending on what you wish to call them) keys available by pressing the
keys "Alt-1" through "Alt-0." These can be from a disk file any time
you wish during terminal mode by pressing Alt-J.
The function key editor is invoked by Alt-K. This will produce a
screen showing the current definition for the functions keys. All 40
function key combinations cannot be shown on the screen at once. At
the top of the screen the inclusion of the Shift, Ctrl, of Alt key will
be indicated.
When the editor is invoked, you are given the option of modifying
a key, erasing a key, or quitting the editor and returning to the ter-
minal mode. Pressing the "+" key will bring you to the next page, and
pressing the "-" key will turn back to the previous page.
Function keys can be programmed to contain any messages or command
strings that you wish. You could define the F1 key as "Welcome to
Omega-Link", or make it simulate the typing of Alt-D, 12, and the
return key. This would call the autodial function, select entry #12
from the dialing directory, and begin dialing. Any combination of keys
on the keyboard can be assigned to any of the 40 available function key
combinations.
Suppose that you wish F4 to send two carriage returns. You cannot
make the return key part of the key definition by pressing it, because
the first time that you hit it would complete the entry in the function
key editor. For carriage return and linefeed characters, you must use
the CR/LF replacement characters defined in the Parameters Menu. Using
the default values, two carriage returns would be programmed as "{{".
Of course, you don't include the quotation marks when using the func-
tion key editor.
A function key definition may be entered as an ASCII code value by
flagging it with the "|" character. For example, "|065" would tell
Omega-Link to send the ASCII code 65, which is equivalent to the char-
acter "A." If anything follows the "|" character and is not understood,
it will be sent literally. For example, "|732" is beyond the ASCII
range, and would be sent as "|732" literally. For a complete listing
of the special commands and of the available ASCII codes, refer to the
tables at the end of this manual.
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If you have defined a function key as a long sequence of key-
strokes, and you wish to interrupt the sequence before completion,
press Ctrl-Break. This aborts the function key transmission.
FUNCTION KEY OPTIONS AND CONVERSION TABLES
FUNCTION KEY OPTIONS AND CONVERSION TABLES
The following options are available in function key macros:
|nnn Use any ASCII code except 000. Replace the nnn with
|nnn
exactly 3 digits in the range of 001 - 255
|x Replace the x with the letter of the Omega-Link
|x
command that you wish to execute.
|Wnn Wait nn seconds before continuing with the macro.
|Wnn
|!nnn This option allows you to enter keys that have no
|!nnn
ASCII code. Replace nnn with the 3 digit code from
the table following.
|:x This tells Omega-Link to wait until the character
|:x
specified by x is received before proceeding.
|~ Send the ~ character.
|~
|Innn Slow macro speed (0 fastest - 999 slowest)
|Innn
~ Delay approximately 1/18th of a second.
~
While Omega-Link is waiting for input, anything that you type will
be sent exactly as entered. This can be useful if you for got to put
something into your macro. During |W waits, pressing any key termi-
nates the delay. Timed waits are very useful for automatic log-ons to
slow systems.
At any other time during the execution of a macro, your keyboard
entries are buffered and executed after the macro is complete.
If you write a macro that calls itself (i.e. you define F1 as
|!059) it could repeat itself forever. To get out of this situation
press Ctrl-Break. This will clear the macro and the keyboard buffer.
If the macro was sending data out, and you wish to stop the data in the
send buffer from being sent, then press Alt-(=) twice.
See Appendix A for a table of ASCII and Extended ASCII character
codes.
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The Script Language
The Script Language
The script language is a powerful feature of Omega-Link that
allows you to program Omega-Link automate many mundane tasks.
In order to write a script language program, all you have to do is
take your favorite text editing program (even the DOS program EDLIN
will do the job) and store the information in a file. The file must be
formatted as an ASCII file, with a carriage return and linefeed at the
end of each line. All commands can be entered in uppercase or lower
case. Tabs and extra spaces are ignored, so you may feel free to use
these characters to format your text as you wish. If the script lan-
guage processor encounters an end-of-file character (ASCII value 26),
it will treat act as though it has reached the end of the file.
Strings can be marked with either single quotes (') or double
quotes ("). However, please note that you must use the same type of
quote to end a string as you used to start it. For example:
DISPLAY "ABC" ;Display the string "ABC"
DISPLAY 'ABC' ;Display the string "ABC" again
DISPLAY "ABC'DEF" ;Display a single quote on the screen
DISPLAY 'ABC"DEF' ;Display a double quote on the screen
DISPLAY "ABC' ;Omega will flag this as an error
DISPLAY 'ABC" ;And will also flag this as an error
Also, you can use string variables in place of quoted strings for
all commands except the DIAL command. A string variable begins with a
dollar sign ($) and is followed by a single numeric digit ranging from
0 through 9. Here are some examples of string variables:
DISPLAY $0 ;Display string variable #0
INPUT $1, 0 ;Take a character from the keyboard
; and store it in string variable #1
DISPLAY $A ;This is an invalid string variable
DISPLAY $12 ;This is also an invalid variable
What follows is a list of the commands available for the script
language processor. Anything marked as a <string> can use a string
similar to the ones discussed previously. Anything marked as <value>
must be an positive integer value.
Script Language Commands and Syntaxes
Script Language Commands and Syntaxes
BAUD
BAUD
Syntax: BAUD <value>
Description: Changes the default baud rate to the value indicated. Valid
values are 60, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350, 400, 450, 600, 1200,
2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400.
Example(s): BAUD 1200 ;Set the baud rate to 1200 baud
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CLS
CLS
Syntax: CLS
Description: Clears all text from the screen and sets the colors to the
regular terminal mode colors.
Example(s): CLS
DATA
DATA
Syntax: DATA <value>
Description: Will set the current default number of data bits to the value
indicated. Valid values are 7 or 8.
Example(s): DATA 7 ;Set the number of data bits to 7
DIAL
DIAL
Syntax: DIAL <string>
or DIAL <value>
Description: This will dial the telephone number contained in the string,
or dial the value. Please note that you cannot use a string
variable in place of a string, unlike other commands.
Example(s): DIAL "555-1212" ;Dial the number 555-1212
DIAL 3 ;Dial dialing directory entry #3
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
Syntax: DISPLAY <string>
Description: Displays a string to the screen beginning at the current row
and column values.
Example(s): DISPLAY "Kilroy was here!" ;Display a literal
; string
DISPLAY $2 ;Display string variable #2
ECHO
ECHO
Syntax: ECHO ON
or ECHO OFF
Description: Turns the local echo feature on or off.
Example(s): ECHO ON ;Enable ECHO
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ELSE
ELSE
Syntax: ELSE
Description: This command is used in conjunction with the IF statement, and
will execute any following commands until a ENDIF, another IF
statement, or end of file is encountered.
Example(s): IF SOUND ;Check if sound is enabled
DISPLAY "Sound is on."
ELSE
DISPLAY "Sound is off."
ENDIF
ENDIF
ENDIF
Syntax: ENDIF
Description: Indicates the end of an IF statement
Example(s): See the example for ELSE
EXIT
EXIT
Syntax: EXIT
Description: Tells Omega-Link to stop the execution of a script file.
Example(s): EXIT ;Stop the script file and return to Omega-Link
GOSUB
GOSUB
Syntax: GOSUB <label>
Description: Executes another section of a script file until a RETURN
instruction is encountered. When this occurs, Omega will con-
tinue execution of the script file at the statement following
the GOSUB.
Example(s): GOSUB MARINE ;Execute the section named "MARINE"
DISPLAY "PART TWO{}"
EXIT
MARINE:
DISPLAY "PART ONE{}"
RETURN ;Display "PART TWO" with carriage return
; and linefeed
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GOTO
GOTO
Syntax: GOTO <label>
Description: Continue execution of a script file in another portion.
Example(s): GOTO PART_ONE ;Continue execution at PART_ONE
PART_TWO:
DISPLAY "PART TWO{}"
EXIT
PART_ONE:
DISPLAY "PART ONE{}" ;Display "PART TWO" with carriage return
; and linefeed
GOTO PART_TWO ;Continue execution at PART_TWO
GRAPHICS
GRAPHICS
Syntax: GRAPHICS ON
or GRAPHICS OFF
Description: "GRAPHICS ON" enables ANSI graphics, while "GRAPHICS OFF" dis-
ables ANSI graphics.
Example(s): GRAPHICS ON ;Enable ANSI graphics
GRAPHICS OFF ;Disables ANSI graphics
HANGUP
HANGUP
Syntax: HANGUP
Description: Hangs the modem up.
Example(s): HANGUP
IF
IF
Syntax: IF <expression>
Description: Will execute any commands afterwards only if <expression> is
true until an ENDIF, ELSE, or end of file is encountered.
<expression> can take many forms. They are:
SOUND True if sound is enabled.
SOUND
LINEFEEDS True if linefeeds are enabled.
LINEFEEDS
GRAPHICS True if ANSI graphics are enabled.
GRAPHICS
ECHO True if echo is enabled.
ECHO
WAITFOR True if previous WAITFOR did not time out.
WAITFOR
CAPTURE True if the text capture feature is enabled.
CAPTURE
LINKED True the script file was executed as a result
LINKED
of dialing directory entry executing the file
because of successful connection.
TIMEOUT True if a timeout occurred.
TIMEOUT
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CONNECTED True if Omega-Link successfully connected with
CONNECTED
a host system. Both CONNECTED and NOTCONNECTED
will be false if no number was dialed.
NOTCONNECTED True if Omega-Link did not successfully connect
NOTCONNECTED
with a host system. Both this and CONNECTED
will be false if no number was dialed.
RLE True if RLE graphics are enabled.
RLE
MUSIC True if ANSI Music is enabled.
MUSIC
Also, there are string comparison operators. Their syntax is:
$n <operator> <string>. String can be a quoted string or another
string variable. The valid operators are:
< Less-than
<
= Equals
=
> Greater-than
>
<= or =< Less-than or Equals
<= =<
>= or => Greater-than or Equals
>= =>
<> or >< Greater-than or Less-than
<> ><
Some notes on the IF statement are as follows:
o "Nested" IFs are not allowed. For example:
IF <expression>
IF <expression>
ENDIF
ENDIF
Will not work as you would expect. Omega-Link will return an
error because there are too many ENDIFs.
o If <expression> is not true, and there is an ELSE statement fol-
lowing the IF statement, commands following the ELSE will be executed.
See the ELSE command for further details.
o An ENDIF command will signal the end of an IF (and any corre-
sponding ELSE statements). Anything following an ENDIF will be
executed regardless of whether <expression> executed regardless of
whether <expression> in the IF statement was true or not.
o Reaching the end of a file will act as an ENDIF. If there is an
ENDIF at the end of the file, no problems will result.
Example(s): IF SOUND ;Example number 1
DISPLAY "Sound is ON.{}"
ELSE
DISPLAY "Sound is OFF.{}"
ENDIF
IF $0 = "A" ;Example number 2
DISPLAY 'String number 0 equals an "A."'
ENDIF
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INPUT
INPUT
Syntax: INPUT <string>, <value>
Description: This will take a series of characters from the keyboard for
<value> number of characters, or until ENTER is pressed, and
place them in <string>. Note that if <value> is equal to 0,
Omega-Link will just take a character from the keyboard as
soon as one is pressed, without waiting for the ENTER key.
Example(s): INPUT $2, 10
LINEFEEDS
LINEFEEDS
Syntax: LINEFEEDS ON
or LINEFEEDS OFF
Description: "LINEFEEDS ON" will tell Omega that it should display a line
feed with every carriage return received while "LINEFEEDS OFF"
will tell Omega that it should NOT display a linefeed with
every carriage return received.
Example(s): LINEFEEDS OFF ;Disable linefeeds
LOCATE
LOCATE
Syntax: LOCATE <row value>, <column value>
or LOCATE <row value>
or LOCATE ,<column value>
Description: "LOCATE" will locate the cursor at the row and/or column num-
ber. If the column number is omitted, LOCATE will leave the
cursor at the current column, and simply re-locate to the spe-
cified row. Likewise, if the row value is omitted, the cursor
will stay in the current row, and be re-located to the speci-
fied column.
Valid values for <row value> are 0-23, and valid values for
<column value> are 0-79.
Example(s): LOCATE 0,0 ;Locate the cursor at the top corner of the
; screen
LOCATE 23 ;Place the cursor on the bottom line
LOCATE ,79 ;Place the cursor the rightmost column
MUSIC
MUSIC
Syntax: MUSIC ON
or MUSIC OFF
Description: Will enable or disable ANSI music. Please note that ANSI
Graphics must be enabled for ANSI music to work properly.
Example(s): MUSIC OFF ;Disable ANSI music
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PARITY
PARITY
Syntax: PARITY ODD
or PARITY EVEN
or PARITY NONE
Description: Will set the parity to ODD, EVEN, or NONE.
Example(s): PARITY NONE ;Set for no parity
PAUSE
PAUSE
Syntax: PAUSE <value>
Description: Will pause for <value> number of seconds.
Example(s): PAUSE 3 ;Pause for three seconds
PLAY
PLAY
Syntax: PLAY <string>
Description: This is a powerful command that allows you to play music from
the speaker of your computer. <string> is a series of com-
mands that are as follows:
O<n> Changes to octave number <n>. The default
O<n>
octave is 4. There are seven octaves ranging
from 0 through 6.
< Decrement the octave number. Octaves are not
<
decremented if the octave value is already
equal to 0.
> Increments the octave number. Octaves are not
>
incremented if the octave value is already
equal to 6.
A-G Plays a note in the range A-G. An example
A-G
would be "C," which would play the note "C" of
the current octave.
N<n> Plays note number <n>. The valid range for <n>
N<n>
is 0 through 84. 0 indicates a quarter rest.
L<n> Sets the default length of each note played. 1
L<n>
would indicate four beats per quarter note, 2
would indicate 2 beats per quarter note, etc. .
. . . The default value is 1.
MN Sets to normal music mode, so that each note is
MN
played for 7/8 of its length. This is the
default mode.
ML Sets to legato music mode, so that each note is
ML
played for its full length.
MS Sets to staccato music mode, so that each note
MS
is played for 3/4 of its normal length.
P<n> Pauses, with <n> ranging from 1-64, with 1
P<n>
indicating a full rest, 2 indicating a half
rest, etc. . . . .
T<n> Sets the tempo of the music, with <n> indicat-
T<n>
ing the metronome speed for each quarter note.
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<n> may range from 32 through 255. The default
is 120.
# or + Follows a note to indicate that it is a sharp.
# or +
- Follows a note to indicate that it is a flat.
-
<n> Follows a note to indicate its length. 1 would
<n>
correspond to a whole note, 2 to a half note,
etc. . . . .
. Indicates a dotted note, i.e.: a note is to
.
play 3/2 times the length it would normally
play.
NOTES: o Multiple sharps and flats are ignored
o Multiple dots are ignored
Example(s): PLAY "T185O3G2MSDEMNDP2MSD8D8EMND" ;Play Handel's "Messiah"
RECEIVE
RECEIVE
Syntax: RECEIVE <string>, <value>
Description: Will take <value> number of characters from the modem and
place them in <string>. Receive will also stop if a carriage
return is received or a timeout occurs. If <value> equals 0,
receive will take the next incoming character, whatever it may
be.
Example(s): RECEIVE $2, 3 ;Will take 3 characters from modem and put them
; into string number 2
RETURN
RETURN
Syntax: RETURN
Description: Will continue execution at the statement following the last
GOSUB statement that was executed. If no GOSUBs were encoun-
tered prior to executing the "RETURN," the script file execu-
tion will be terminated.
Example(s): See the example for GOSUB
RLE
RLE
Syntax: RLE ON
or RLE OFF
Description: Will enable or disable RLE graphics. Please note that in
order for RLE graphics to work, ANSI graphics must also be
enabled.
Example(s): RLE OFF ;Disable RLE graphics
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SEND
SEND
Syntax: SEND <string>
Description: Will send <string> to the modem.
Example(s): SEND "This sentence is false."
SOUND
SOUND
Syntax: SOUND ON
or SOUND OFF
Description: Enables or disables the SOUND option of Omega-Link.
Example(s): SOUND ON ;Turn the sound option off
STOP
STOP
Syntax: STOP <n>
Description: Set the number of stop bits. Valid values for <n> are 1 or 2.
Example(s): STOP 2 ;Sets the number of stop bits to 2
TIMEOUT
TIMEOUT
Syntax: TIMEOUT = <value>
Description: Set the length (in seconds) before a timeout will occur. A
timeout is a value that is turned on if no input is received
by a command for <value> number of seconds.
Example(s): TIMEOUT [=] 3 ;Set the timeout value to 3 seconds
WAITFOR
WAITFOR
Syntax: WAITFOR <string>
Description: Waits for <string> to be received from the modem before conti-
nuing the execution of the script file.
Example(s): WAITFOR "Enter your password:" ;Will pause until this string
; is received.
LABELS
LABELS
Syntax: <label name>:
Description: A label is used as a marker for various commands such as GOSUB
and GOTO. Valid label names are any alphanumeric characters
and must be followed by a ":."
Example(s): LABEL_1:
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MULTIPLE COMMANDS PER LINE
MULTIPLE COMMANDS PER LINE
Syntax: <command> | <command>
Description: The "|" character is used to allow you to have two commands on
the same line.
Example: LOCATE 0,0 | DISPLAY "Welcome to Omega-Link"
COMMENTS
COMMENTS
Syntax: ;<comments>
Description: The ";" is used to indicate that the rest of a line is com
posed of comments. Anything following the ";" will be
ignored. Therefore, if you have any commands following a ";,"
they will be ignored. If a ";" is contained in a string, it
will be treated as part of the string and will be displayed.
Example(s): DISPLAY "HELLO" ;This is a comment
DISPLAY "THERE" ;LOCATE 2,2 <-- "LOCATE" IS ALSO A COMMENT
DISPLAY ";" | LOCATE 2,2 ;Display a semicolon and locate the
; cursor at row 2, column 2
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Appendix A
Appendix A
ASCII and Extended ASCII character codes
________________________________________
ASCII Character Codes
ASCII Character Codes
These are the codes to be used with the |nnn option of the func-
tion key macros.
Code Function Code Function Code Function Code Function
---- -------- ---- -------- ---- -------- ---- --------
000 NULL 008 BACK SPACE 016 DLE 024 CAN
001 SOH 009 HORIZ TAB 017 DC1 (XON) 025 EM
002 STX 010 LINE FEED 018 DC2 026 SUB
003 ETX 011 VERT TAB 019 DC3 (XOFF) 027 ESC
004 EOT 012 FORM FEED 020 DC4 028 FS
005 ENQ 013 CR 021 NAK 029 GS
006 ACK 014 SHIFT OUT 022 SYN 030 RS
007 BELL 015 SHIFT IN 023 ETB 031 US
Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
032 SPACE 048 0 064 @ 080 P 096 ` 112 p
033 ! 049 1 065 A 081 Q 097 a 113 q
034 " 050 2 066 B 082 R 098 b 114 r
035 # 051 3 067 C 083 S 099 c 115 s
036 $ 052 4 068 D 084 T 100 d 116 t
037 % 053 5 069 E 085 U 101 e 117 u
038 & 054 6 070 F 086 V 102 f 118 v
039 ' 055 7 071 G 087 W 103 g 119 w
040 ( 056 8 072 H 088 X 104 h 120 x
041 ) 057 9 073 I 089 Y 105 i 121 y
042 * 058 : 074 J 090 Z 106 j 122 z
043 + 059 ; 075 K 091 [ 107 k 123 {
044 , 060 < 076 L 092 \ 108 l 124 |
045 - 061 = 077 M 093 ] 109 m 125 }
046 . 062 > 078 N 094 ^ 110 n 126 ~
047 / 063 ? 079 O 095 _ 111 o 127
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Extended ASCII Character Codes
Extended ASCII Character Codes
These are the codes to be used with the |!nnn option of the func-
tion key macros.
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
59 F1 94 Ctrl-F1 120 Alt-1
60 F2 95 Ctrl-F2 121 Alt-2
61 F3 96 Ctrl-F3 122 Alt-3
62 F4 97 Ctrl-F4 123 Alt-4
63 F5 98 Ctrl-F5 124 Alt-5
64 F6 99 Ctrl-F6 125 Alt-6
65 F7 100 Ctrl-F7 126 Alt-7
66 F8 101 Ctrl-F8 127 Alt-8
67 F9 102 Ctrl-F9 128 Alt-9
68 F10 103 Ctrl-F10 129 Alt-0
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
84 Shift-F1 104 Alt-F1 3 Null (Ctrl-2)
85 Shift-F2 105 Alt-F2 15 Shift-Tab
86 Shift-F3 106 Alt-F3 71 Home
87 Shift-F4 107 Alt-F4 72 Up arrow
88 Shift-F5 108 Alt-F5 73 PgUp
89 Shift-F6 109 Alt-F6 75 Left arrow
90 Shift-F7 110 Alt-F7 77 Right arrow
91 Shift-F8 111 Alt-F8 79 End
92 Shift-F9 112 Alt-F9 80 Down arrow
93 Shift-F10 113 Alt-F10 81 PgDn
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
30 Alt-A 49 Alt-N 82 Insert
48 Alt-B 24 Alt-O 83 Delete
46 Alt-C 25 Alt-P 114 Echo
32 Alt-D 16 Alt-Q 115 Ctrl-Left-arrow
18 Alt-E 19 Alt-R 116 Ctrl-Right-arrow
33 Alt-F 31 Alt-S 117 Ctrl-End
34 Alt-G 20 Alt-T 118 Ctrl-PgDn
35 Alt-H 22 Alt-U 119 Ctrl-Home
23 Alt-I 47 Alt-V 130 Alt-Hyphen
36 Alt-J 17 Alt-W 131 Alt-Equals
37 Alt-K 45 Alt-X 132 Ctrl-PgUp
38 Alt-L 21 Alt-Y
50 Alt-M 44 Alt-Z
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Appendix B
Appendix B
Glossary
________
Algorithms - A series of steps for accomplishing a task.
Algorithms
Alt command - A command selected by holding the "Alt" key down on
Alt command
your keyboard and simultaneously pressing the corresponding key of the
option you wish to select.
ANSI - A special standard that is used among some computers which
ANSI
allows colors and cursor positioning, in addition to many other fea-
tures.
ASCII - An acronym for "American Standard for Information Inter
ASCII
change." It is a set of standards agreed upon that allow computers to
exchange information and know what the information means, thus allowing
the letter "A" to be known as that letter on two entirely different
computers.
Baud Rate - The speed at which data is transferred between two
Baud Rate
computers. The higher the baud rate, the faster the data is sent.
BBS - Acronym for "Bulletin Board Service." It is a service
BBS
provided on another computer which offers you a variety of special
functions such as exchanging programs and messages with other computer
users.
Bit - A piece of information that represents a condition, either
Bit
on or off (1 or 0, yes or no).
Buffer - A special area reserved in your computer's memory that is
Buffer
used by Omega-Link to store information that cannot be processed at the
moment. It improves the performance and reliability of the program.
Byte - A value represented by eight bits.
Byte
Carriage Return - This is usually abbreviated as "CR." It is a
Carriage Return
special character that moves the cursor to the beginning of a line on
the screen. It is also another name given to the enter key on your
keyboard.
Carrier - A signal that indicates that your modem is indeed commu-
Carrier
nicating with another modem.
CD - An abbreviation for "Change Directory." It is the ability to
CD
change the current path that DOS is using to access files.
Character - A space, a number, alphabetic letter, etc. . . .
Character
Checksum - A method used in certain protocols used to verify that
Checksum
information was sent/received correctly.
Configuration - How Omega-Link is set up for you.
Configuration
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CRC - Another way of verifying that information was sent cor-
CRC
rectly. This differs from checksum in that it is far more reliable in
catching errors.
Cursor - The mark on the screen that indicates where whatever
Cursor
appears will be displayed.
Data Bits - The number of bits per group of information that are
Data Bits
actually used for transferring information.
Default Drive - The drive that is currently active.
Default Drive
Download - The process of receiving a file from another computer.
Download
"Dumb" terminal - Called "dumb" because it only displays what the
"Dumb" terminal
other computer sends to you, and sends to the other computer whatever
you type.
Echo - The process of repeating characters that are sent to a
Echo
computer back to the computer that sent the characters.
Esc - A key on your keyboard (it is an abbreviation for
Esc
"Escape.").
File Names - The name(s) given to a file stored on a disk of your
File Names
computer.
File System - A special feature of Omega-Link that allows you to
File System
handle files on your disks, with abilities that equal or rival those of
MSDOS.
Flush - To clear a buffer of information that is currently stored
Flush
in it.
Function Key - A set of keys on the keyboard that begin with the
Function Key
letter "F" and are followed by a number.
Host - The computer the you are communicating with, usually a
Host
Bulletin Board Service (B.B.S.).
Initialize - A way of setting-up a device that is hooked to your
Initialize
computer.
Linefeed - A special character that tells the cursor to move down
Linefeed
a line on the screen. Some host computers will send the line feeds,
and others won't. Omega-Link provides an option for both circum-
stances.
Macro - A command that allows you to emulate a series of key
Macro
strokes that you would normally type (i.e. a means of making your com-
puter into a phantom typist). This allows you to define your own cus-
tomized commands for use in Omega-Link.
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Menu - A list of options available to you at a given moment. It
Menu
is just like the menu in a restaurant, showing what you may select.
Null - An empty character.
Null
Parameters - Options that are available in Omega-Link, such as
Parameters
modem commands, baud rates, etc. . . .
Parity - A special bit that is used on some computer systems to
Parity
verify that information is sent correctly, and has not been garbled.
Path - Information used by DOS to specify where a file is stored
Path
on a disk relative to other files.
Port - A place on the computer where an accessory device, usually
Port
a modem, is hooked.
Print Screen - This copies whatever is on the screen at the moment
Print Screen
to a file, usually the printer (which MSDOS treats as a special file).
Protocol - A method of uploading or downloading files between two
Protocol
computers.
Pulse Dialing - Another way that telephone numbers are dialed.
Pulse Dialing
This is slower, and almost all telephone lines have the ability to dial
in pulse mode.
RLE graphics - A special standard set up to send pictures over the
RLE graphics
telephone lines. Originally used to send weather maps, but now have
gained other uses such as exchanging artwork.
Scrollback - This allows you to go back to view and/or edit what
Scrollback
has disappeared off of the top of your screen.
Serial Line - A method of sending information one bit at a time.
Serial Line
All modems speak to each other using serial methods.
Session Capture - It saves all communications that you receive and
Session Capture
send with another computer in a disk file.
Shell - The process of leaving Omega-Link to run another program,
Shell
and then returning to back to Omega-Link, with things remembered as
they were before you left.
Split Screen - Breaking the screen into two sections: one which
Split Screen
shows information as it is being received from the host system, and the
other half which is used to display what you type. Useful for things
such as chatting with a sysop.
Status Line - A line on the bottom of your screen that shows what
Status Line
is happening in the program, such as how long you have been on a board,
current date and time, whether the caps lock is on, displaying mes-
sages, etc. . . .
String - A group of characters.
String
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Stop Bits - Special bits to separate groups of information as they
Stop Bits
are sent over the phone lines.
Strip/Convert - The ability to take a character that is sent to
Strip/Convert
you by another computer, and change it to a different character as it
comes in over the lines.
Subdirectory - Information used by DOS. It is part of a path to a
Subdirectory
given group of files.
Sustained Break - A special signal used for communicating with
Sustained Break
another computer whose purpose varies depending on your host system
(quite often it is a way of saying "STOP!")
Sysop - An acronym for SYStem OPerator. This is the person that
Sysop
runs and maintains the host system that you are calling.
Terminal Mode - A way that the software sets up your computer so
Terminal Mode
that it may communicate with another computer.
Toggle - A switch that is either on or off, yes or no.
Toggle
Tone Dialing- A way that telephone numbers are dialed. This is a
Tone Dialing
feature provided to you by the telephone company.
Upload - The process of sending a file to another computer.
Upload
Window - A section of the screen that is marked-off for special
Window
display information.
Xoff - A special signal sent by a computer that tells the other
Xoff
computer it should not send information until a "Xon" is sent.
Xon - A special signal sent by a computer that tells the other
Xon
computer it may send information. This is the opposite of "Xoff."
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Appendix C
Appendix C
Here is a brief list of some problems you may encounter while
using Omega-Link, and some suggests as to what you should do about
them:
Problem: Shift-PrtSc is not printing your RLE picture correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: For this command to work, you must have a graphics driver
Suggestion:
installed before you execute Omega-Link. There is one with
most versions of DOS. However, some printers come with their
own graphics drivers. You should consult your printer man-
ual(s) and/or your DOS manual for more information.
Problem: Every character you type appears twice on the screen.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Alt-E to disable local echo.
Suggestion:
Problem: Whatever you type does not appear on the screen.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Alt-E to enable local echo.
Suggestion:
Problem: Lines of text are printed on top of one another.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Shift-Tab to enable Omega-Link to display a linefeed
Suggestion:
with every carriage return that is displayed.
Problem: All lines of text are double spaced.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Shift-Tab to stop Omega-Link from displaying a
Suggestion:
linefeed with every carriage return that is displayed.
Problem: All text is displayed as garbage.
Problem:
Suggestion: Confirm that the number of data bits, stop bits, parity value,
Suggestion:
and modem speed are set correctly for the computer with which
you are connected. Also, make sure that ANSI graphics are
enabled if they need to be for the system that you are call-
ing.
Problem: Your modem is not recognizing anything that is sent to it.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the baud rate and com port values are set cor-
Suggestion:
rectly. Also, make sure that all modem commands are defined
correctly for the modem that you are using.
Problem: Any uploads or downloads are terminated before they should be
Problem:
terminated.
Suggestion: Several things can cause this to occur. If you do not tell
Suggestion:
Omega to download quickly enough after being told to do so by
the host system, the host system may terminate the file trans-
fer. Usually you have in the neighborhood of 30-40 seconds to
enable a download with Omega-Link before most host systems
will stop trying to transfer a file.
Another thing that might cause this to occur is if the infor-
mation is being garbled by the telephone lines or if the host
system is not recognizing the transfer correctly.
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Problem: On-line RLE pictures are not appearing correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: There can be several causes for this problem. One problem may
Suggestion:
be that you do not have on-line RLE graphics enabled (make
sure that ANSI graphics are enabled also for the on-line RLE
graphics to work).
Another cause may be if you are using an EGA (or EGA compa-
tible) display card. Some EGA cards will lose characters from
the modem when they change to graphics mode from text mode.
If you think this is the problem, enable "XON/XOFF" in the
"Communications Parameters" portion of the Parameters menu,
and make sure that your host system supports XON/XOFF charac-
ters.
Finally, this problem could be due to line noise.
Problem: ANSI Music will not play.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the ANSI music option (Alt-O) is enabled. In
Suggestion:
order for the ANSI music option to be enabled, the ANSI-
graphics option (Alt-G) should also be enabled.
Problem: ANSI Graphics are not appearing correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the ANSI graphics option is enabled. Another
Suggestion:
cause may be that line noise is garbling text that you are
being sent.
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Appendix D
Appendix D
Commands for Editing Strings
____________________________
In many menus displayed by Omega-Link, you will need to be able to
edit strings (such as the modem initialization string). Omega-Link has
an advanced editor designed to make these changes easier. Here is a
list of keystrokes that you can press while editing a string, and what
these keystrokes do:
Up-Arrow: This will bring you to the field to edit that
Up-Arrow:
is located above the field you are located at
currently.
Down-Arrow: Will bring you to the field located below the
Down-Arrow:
one you are located at currently.
Left-Arrow: Will move you to the character that left of the
Left-Arrow:
one you are located at currently inside of a
field. If you are located all the way to the
left of a field, it will bring you to the pre-
vious field.
Right-Arrow: Will move you to the character that is
Right-Arrow:
right of the one you are located at currently
inside of a field. If you are located all the
way to the right of a field, it will bring you
to the next field.
Ctrl-Left-Arrow: Brings you to the field located to the
Ctrl-Left-Arrow:
left of the one you are located at currently.
Ctrl-Right-Arrow: Will bring you to the field located to the
Ctrl-Right-Arrow:
right of the one you are located at presently.
Ins: Toggles the insert mode on or off. If the
Ins:
insert mode is enabled, whatever you type will
be displayed, and anything located to the right
will be moved over by a character. If the
mode is disabled, anything you type will
destroy what is located at the cursor currently
and be replaced by the character which you
type.
Del: This will remove the character underneath of
Del:
your cursor from the screen.
Backspace: Will delete the character located to the
Backspace:
left of the cursor and move the cursor to the
left by one position.
F1: This will erase the contents of a field.
F1:
F2: This will restore the field to the way it was
F2:
originally before you began to edit it.
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Appendix E
Appendix E
Sequence of Steps Performed by Omega-Link When It Begins
________________________________________________________
When Omega-Link begins, it performs several things that may be
beneficial to know. This is performed as follows:
First, Omega searches for the defaults file (OMEGADEF.DAT) in the
default directory of DOS. If it cannot find the file, it will examine
the path command inside of the DOS environment, and search down the
path until it finds the file. If it does not find the file, or it is
not a valid defaults file for this version of Omega-Link, it will use
its own internal defaults. Note that if you store a new defaults file,
it will be stored in the path where the old one was found (if any).
After this, it will attempt to load the function key files and the
dialing directory if it can find any.
A main screen will be displayed. After the main screen is exited
and you are in the terminal mode, the macro defininition for ALT-F1
will be executed if it is defined.
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Appendix F
Appendix F
SUGGESTION FORM
_______________
If you have any comments or suggestions as to improvements for
this program, please use this form. If you would like a registration
form for registering Omega, use the form available from the program
when you exit.
Also, if you find any serious bugs with the program, please con-
tact us as soon as possible, either by telephone or mail. For one, you
may have stumbled upon a bad copy, and if this is the case, we would
like to give you a good one. We will send you a copy of the demon-
stration program free for the asking if you send us a self addressed,
stamped envelope that can carry a 5.25" or 3.5" disk (please specify
which you would prefer). Secondly, if it is a bug that really is in
the program, we would like to know about it so that we may correct it
as soon as possible.
And if you do find any problems, please tell us where you obtained
your copy of the program.
Suggestions: __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Please use back for additional comments)
Your Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________
Telephone No.: (_________) _____________ - ____________________________
Computer Type: ________________________________________________________
All correspondence can be addressed to:
(Mail) (Telephone)
Omega Software (616) 962-8007
P.O. Box 1471 Hours: 11 A.M. - 10 P.M.
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471 Eastern Time
Seven Days a Week
-34-
OMEGAEXT.DOC
The Omega-Link External protocol handler comes to you preconfigured
for several popular external protocols. If you wish to add other
protocols or modify the existing ones, see the section on installing
protocols.
INSTALLING THE EXTERNAL PROTOCOL HANDLER
You will need to make the files OMEGAEXT.EXE and OMEGAEXT.DAT
available to Omega-Link. To do this you must copy them into either
the current directory or a directory that is listed in the DOS PATH
command. The file OMEGAEXT.EXE will usally be placed in the same
directory as OMEGA.EXE, and OMEGAEXT.DAT will be placed in the
download sub-directory.
The external protocol files will also need to be located so that the
external protocol handler can find them. This will usally be in the
same directory as OMEGAEXT.EXE. You may also edit the protocol
descriptions to tell the external protocol handler where to find the
external protocols if they won't be current directory. A description
of this process appears in the section on installing additional
protocols.
Recommended configurations
If you have only one floppy diskette drive and no harddisk drive.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PATH=
COMSPEC=\COMMAND.COM
Program disk Data disk
------------ ---------
OMEGA.EXE External protocols (.EXE and .COM)
OMEGADIR.DAT downloaded files
OMEGADEF.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
OMEGAEXT.EXE
OMEGAEXT.DAT
COMMAND.COM
When the external protocol handler asks for the protocol to use
remove the program disk and insert the data disk. As soon as the
download or upload is completed reinsert the program disk. Please
note that due to the small amount of disk space that Omega-Link
requires, it may be possible to have everything on one disk and still
have quite a bit of space for downloads. This is especially true of
3-1/2" 720k or 1.44 meg floppy diskette systems. For this type of
system you may wish to simply copy all of the files onto program
diskette.
For Two floppy diskette systems.
--------------------------------
PATH=B:\
COMSPEC=A:\COMMAND.COM
DISKETTE IN DRIVE A: DISKETTE IN DRIVE B:
-------------------- --------------------
COMMAND.COM OMEGAEXT.DAT
OMEGA.EXE downloaded files
OMEGAEXT.EXE
OMEGADIR.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
OMEGADEF.DAT
External protocols
This configuration will give you the largest amount of space for
downloaded files, however, it does require you to copy the file
OMEGAEXT.DAT to each new diskette that you wish to use for downloads
or uploads. Therefore, you may wish to copy all the files onto you
program diskette and then modify OMEGAEXT.DAT to use drive B:.
For Harddisk systems.
---------------------
PATH=C:\;C:\OMEGA;C:\FILES
COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM (or whatever is needed to find command.com)
Directory C:\OMEGA Directory C:\FILES
------------------ ------------------
OMEGA.EXE OMEGAEXT.DAT
OMEGAEXT.EXE downloaded files
OMEGADIR.DAT
OMEGADEF.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
External protocols
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The following protocols have been preconfigured into the external
protocol handler: DSZ (Zmodem, Ymodem-batch, and Ymodem-G), MLINK16
(Megalink), PCKERMIT (Kermit), and CISB (Compuserve "B"). Our thanks
go to the authors of these programs. Most of these programs may be
downloaded from almost any BBS that has MS-DOS files. We have not
included any of these files to prevent violating there copyrights and
to prevent you from having to download the same file twice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
-------------------------------
To install a new protocol first copy the protocol into the directory
that you wish use. Then type OMEGAEXT at the DOS prompt.
A menu will be displayed with the currently defined protocols and
several entries marked "(Not defined)". Select one the the not
defined entries by pressing the letter that procedes it.
At this time a menu will appear. You may use the up and down arrow
keys to move from item to item. First select the very top item and
press <F1>, this will erase the "(Not defined) message. Now you may
type the name that you wish to assign to this protocol.
Next move down one line and press "N". If you know that this
protocol restores the machine to EXACTLY the same state as it was
before the file transfer, then you may press "Y". You should allways
use "N" if you are not sure. The most that will happen is that the
first couple for characters that are received after the file transfer
will be lost.
Next, you will find a send command and a receive command. These will
vary considerably with each protocol, therefore, it is imposible to
advise you how to configure these lines. However, the following
information should allow you to configure almost any external
protocol.
The following is a list of commands that you may use to configure
external protocols.
%B Baud rate One of: 60, 75, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350,
400, 450, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400.
%C Communications port Either 1 or 2.
%D Data bits Either 7 or 8
%F Filename (default path = none)
%f Filename (default path = location of OMEGAEXT.DAT)
%P Parity (upper case) One of: O - odd, N - none, E - Even
%p Parity (lower case) One of: o - odd, n - none, e - Even
%S Stop Bits Either 1 or 2
%X Download path Path where OMEGAEXT.DAT was found
%% The % character Provided so that this character may be
passed to the external protocol
%$ COMSPEC environment variable value
(Usally x:\COMMAND.COM where x is the
boot drive)
The following examples assume that your modem is hooked to COM1 and
is running 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 2400 baud, and the
file OMEGAEXT.DAT is found in C:\OMEGA\FILES.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: %$/C CISB PORT %C SPEED %B
This will execute COMMAND.COM and pass it the command line:
/C CISB PORT 1 SPEED 2400
It should be noted that command.com will do a path search for the
file CISB. This may be useful in some cases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: DSZ COM%C RATE %B SETUP %D-%P-%S %X %F
This will execute the command DSZ.EXE and pass it the command line:
COM1 RATE 2400 SETUP 8-N-1 C:\OMEGA\FILES\ filename.ext
where filename.ext is the filename that you enter at the prompt.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: C:\OMEGA\PCKERMIT.EXE /c%C /b%B /p%p /t%f
and you type SMILE.TXT at the filename prompt.
This will execute the command C:\OMEGA\PCKERMIT.EXE with the command
line:
/c1 /b2400 /pn /tC:\OMEGA\FILES\SMILE.TXT
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that there are several differences between the sequence
%X%F and %f. The first will not allow you to change the default path
portion, but the second will. Also, the first will not display the
default path when you enter the filename, where the second one will
display the pathname.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After both the send and receive commands there are two switches. The
first of these is the "Global filenames allowed" switch. This switch
disables the check of entered filename, allowing global filenames to
be passed to the external protocol. The second switch is "Filename
required" and is reserved for future use. Set it to "Y."
USING AN EXTERNAL PROTOCOL
--------------------------
To use an external protocol that has been installed, press
<Ctrl-PgUP> to upload or <Ctrl-PgDn> to download. Then select
number 6 (external) from the protocol menu. The external protocol
handler will be loaded and you will be presented with a menu of
protocols. Select the desired protocol and enter a filename if
required. When the file transfer is complete you will be prompted to
press and key to continue. As soon as you press a key you will be
back in Omega-Link.
README.DOC
This is the demonstration version of Omega-Link version 2.10a. If
you wish to distribute the program (which we strongly encourage,
regardless if you like the program or not), distribute OMEGA.EXE,
OMEGA.DOC, README.DOC, and LICENSE.DOC with every copy.
Please read the file LICENSE.DOC. Also, we strongly encourage you
to read the documentation to learn all of the features available to
you in Omega-Link.
There is an external protocol option available. As of this time
(9/13/88), the external protocol handler is being beta-tested. It should be
released on October 1, 1988. All registered members will receive it
free of charge, in addition to being distributed via Shareware.
If you obtained Omega-Link through a shareware distributer, we will
discount the amount that you paid up to $5 from the registration fee.
To qualify for this discount all you must do is send a copy of the invoice
that you received with the disk containing Omega-Link. Then, subtract that
amount (up to $5) from the total that you send to us.
OMEGA.DOC
Quick Help Sheet of Commands for Omega-Link
Quick Help Sheet of Commands for Omega-Link
Alt Keys
________
Alt-A) ASCII File Transfer (Upload/download ASCII files, perform session
Alt-A)
captures, etc. . . .)
Alt-B) Toggle Split Screen mode on or off
Alt-B)
Alt-C) Clear the screen (and change to any new colors)
Alt-C)
Alt-D) Dial a telephone number or go into the dialing directory
Alt-D)
Alt-E) Turn local echo on or off (hit this if you can't see what you type
Alt-E)
or characters are appearing double)
Alt-F) Execute the file system
Alt-F)
Alt-G) Turn automatic on-line ANSI graphics viewing on or off
Alt-G)
Alt-H) Hang up the phone
Alt-H)
Alt-I) Set the speed at which macros are sent
Alt-I)
Alt-J) Load Alt 1-0 keys from a disk file
Alt-J)
Alt-K) Call up the function key definitions for viewing/editing
Alt-K)
Alt-L) Initialize the printer
Alt-L)
Alt-M) Initialize the modem
Alt-M)
Alt-N) Send a null signal
Alt-N)
Alt-O) Toggle automatic ANSI music playing on or off
Alt-O)
Alt-P) Call up the parameters menu (used to set modem commands, colors, and
Alt-P)
many other features)
Alt-Q) Toggle automatic on-line RLE graphic (picture) viewing on or off
Alt-Q)
Alt-R) Redial the last number that was dialed
Alt-R)
Alt-S) Toggle the sound on or off
Alt-S)
Alt-T) Set the Time and Date
Alt-T)
Alt-U) Run a script file
Alt-U)
Alt-V) View a RLE graphics (picture) file
Alt-V)
Alt-W) Wait for XX seconds (this is a macro command)
Alt-W)
Alt-X) Exit to DOS
Alt-X)
Alt-Y) Toggle external help windows on or off
Alt-Y)
Alt-Z) Shell to DOS
Alt-Z)
Other Keys
__________
Ctrl-PgUp ) Upload a binary file (using XMODEM, YMODEM, etc. . .)
Ctrl-PgUp )
Ctrl-PgDn ) Download a binary file (" " " ")
Ctrl-PgDn )
Ctrl-End ) Send a break signal
Ctrl-End )
Shift-Tab ) Turn linefeeds on or off (use this if lines are being written
Shift-Tab )
on top of one another or things are double spaced)
Ctrl-Break) Will terminate the execution of a macro
Ctrl-Break)
Omega-Link
(Formerly "Omega-Term")
Version 2.10a
(C)Copyright 1987-1988 by Thomas Goodson and Eugene Kopf
All Rights Reserved
Omega-Link took time and effort to develop. Like many large pro-
jects, the credit cannot go to a select handful. It took suggestions,
patience, and a great deal of thinking on everyone's part to make this
program what it is today. While we cannot list the names of all those
who helped us, here is a small list of some people to whom we would
especially like to send our thanks:
Dave Manning One of our most helpful "Beta-Testers," and
Dave Manning
whose constant "nagging" on various items
greatly improved the quality of the program.
Jim Rhoads First, we must thank Jim for his patience as
Jim Rhoads
"Sysop" of The Strange Quark [(616) 964-0930]
whose patience was probably tried a great deal
by our constant "log-ons" to his system to help
debug the program. In addition, we owe him our
thanks for permitting us to use his machines at
his home and his creative ideas.
Jan Goodson Whose perspective as a new user to telecommu-
Jan Goodson
nications and abilities for relating to people
proved to be a constant benefit.
Steve Harke Without Steve's abilities in writing "BBS"
Steve Harke
software, Omega-Link would be seriously lack-
ing. And so would our enthusiasm.
Bob Gavrun We cannot thank this individual enough for the
Bob Gavrun
time he took away from his own free time (which
he has little enough as it is) to help us with
the program, documentation, and interfaces.
Bill Bailey He suggested the name of "Omega," meaning the
Bill Bailey
first and last you will ever need in modem
communications, just as Omega is the last
character in the Greek alphabet.
Fione Chase Her wisdom and ideas have proven invaluable.
Fione Chase
Mike Curry Who helped us give our business a boost.
Mike Curry
The members of the various Bulletin Boards of the Battle Creek
area, and the members of "Personal Computers of Battle Creek."
And finally, we cannot ignore our family members and close friends.
Their patience and tolerance in regard to our severe mood swings,
bizarre hours, and crazy actions should not be ignored. We owe them
almost infinite gratitude for all of this, which so few mortals can
take so well.
In this manual, we use the Trademarked word "Hayes," whose trade-
mark is held by Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Additional Tips for Beginners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Command Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Terminal Mode Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASCII Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Print Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Send Null . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
View an RLE file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Shell to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
File System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Changing File Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Parameters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Communications Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dialing Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Uploading & Downloading Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 11
Function Keys (Macros) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Function Key Options & Conversion Tables . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Script Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Script Language Commands & Syntaxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
BAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ECHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ELSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ENDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
EXIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
GOSUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
GOTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
HANGUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
IF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LINEFEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LOCATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
PARITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
RECEIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SOUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
STOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
TIMEOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
WAITFOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MULTPILE COMMANDS PER LINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
COMMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix A - ASCII & Extended ASCII Character Codes . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix B - Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix C - Trouble Shooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix D - Commands for Editing Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix E - Sequence of Steps Performed by Omega When It Begins . 33
Appendix F - Suggestion Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Omega-Link Reference Manual
Omega-Link Reference Manual
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Omega-Link is a program that lets you use your modem to communi-
cate with other computers. It was written entirely in 8088 assembly
language, for speed and ease of use. For the beginning user, Omega-
Link offers powerful commands with easy-to-remember keystrokes.
The file-system of Omega-Link can perform functions that rival
those of MSDOS. Any directory listing will show ALL files on the dis-
kette, including hidden files, read-only files, and subdirectories.
The best way to learn Omega-Link is to use it. If you are unsure
of what various functions do, try them. You cannot harm anything. If
you are about to do something that you might regret, such as deleting a
file, Omega-Link will give you a warning message to confirm the action.
Good luck and enjoy yourself!
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Welcome to Omega-Link. These next few paragraphs are designed for
the novice user. If you consider yourself an advanced user and are
familiar with the area of communications, we suggest you skip this por-
tion and go directly to the reference manual, which begins at the
section entitled "The Command Directory."
Telecommunications can be a puzzling and sometimes exasperating
field, and can require some patience in learning. We have tried to
make this as simple a task as possible without sacrificing power. How-
ever, it will still require effort on your part to learn because it
requires not only that you know how to use Omega-Link, but also how to
use the software of the computer with which you are communicating.
This start-up document is not intended to teach you everything,
and we recommend that you consult the reference manual afterwards.
Also, please note that there is a glossary at the end of the reference
manual, and a quick help sheet in the beginning. We suggest that you
print these out and have them nearby while you are beginning the learn-
ing process.
Before we go any further, you need to locate your modem manual(s)
and find out the baud rate, which com port your modem is connected to,
and whether it is "Hayes(tm) Compatible" i.e., compatible with a Hayes
modem.
Start Omega-Link by typing "OMEGA" at the DOS prompt. When the
opening screen appears, read it, and then press any key when you are
done. The next screen will point out how to get the main help menu.
Ignore it for now and hold down the "Alt" key and press "P." Now
release them. The keys that you have just press (Alt & P) held
together are known as "Alt-P." Likewise, if you would see a mentioning
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
in the program for "Alt-Z," simply hold down the "Alt" key and press
"Z," and then release them.
Press "C," and you will be in the Communications Parameters set
up screen. If you need to change the baud rate, make sure the baud
rate field is highlighted, press F1, type in the new baud rate, and
press enter. Now look at the entry for the active port. If it is dif-
ferent than the com port that your modem is connected to, move the cur-
sor to that field and enter the proper number for you com port. To
finish, press F10.
If your modem is Hayes compatible, you may skip the following sec-
tion, and go to the section entitled "Additional Tips for Beginners."
If it is not, please read on.
Press "M" to display the Modem and Printer commands screen. Using
your modem manual, find the information needed for: Dialing Prefix,
Dialing Suffix, Hang-up String, and the Connect Prompt. Erase the modem
initialization string, and the no connect prompts. Before entering the
information you just located you will need to translate your manual's
direction of pressing return or enter to "{" and were your manual calls
for a delay use ' ~ ' for a one-half second delay. If you require more
than one-half second delay, use more than one ' ~ '. Press F10 when
you are finished. You are at the parameters menu once again.
When you are finished configuring Omega Link to your hardware,
press Q to save your set up to the disk.
To use any additional options available in the parameters menu,
use the help windows and/or the reference manual as a guide.
You are almost ready to use Omega-Link. But before you are, we
have a few brief items for you to keep in mind:
Additional Tips for Beginners
Additional Tips for Beginners
Know the computer that you are calling: When you discover a new
Know the computer that you are calling:
computer system to call, make sure to find out the number of data bits,
the parity that they are using, the number of stop bits, and the baud
rate. Most systems use 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit, but not all.
Most host computers will support 300 baud. Some systems that you call
will not support higher baud rates, so you may need to experiment.
Do not be afraid to experiment: If you do not know what baud
Do not be afraid to experiment:
rates, data bits, stop bits, or parity they use, try experimentation.
The first step is to try 300 baud. Then try changing the number of
data bits, and the parity. Once you are on a new system, they will
probably tell you if they support higher baud rates, so higher baud
rates while experimenting are usually not necessary. Your main objec-
tive is to get a hold of the host system and be able to read what they
send to you.
Use the Alt-D command to dial a telephone number: The dialing
Use the Alt-D command to dial a telephone number:
screen will ask you to type the phone number, then you should press
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
Omega-Link Reference Manual
enter to dial it. If you wish to change the number of data bits, stop
bits, parity, or baud rate, do so from the "Communications Parameters"
menu which is in the "Parameters Menu" (Alt-P).
If you dial a telephone number frequently, we suggest that you
store the number inside of the dialing directory. This way, whenever
you dial a telephone number, the number of data bits, stop bits, par-
ity, and baud rate, in addition to other features, are all set for you
automatically when you dial.
THE COMMAND DIRECTORY
THE COMMAND DIRECTORY
Omega-Link features four major subsystems: Terminal mode, the
Dialing Directory, the Files Menu, and the Parameters Menu. Commands
to control how the system operates, and its external functions, are
entered from the subsystem menus. This would include data items such
as phone numbers, as well as utility commands to show disk space, get a
directory, and so forth. These functions have their own menu.
We will discuss each of the four subsystems separately; however,
note that there is some duplication in related functions between menus.
Terminal Mode Commands
Terminal Mode Commands
Frequently-used commands can be executed directly from terminal
mode, using some combination of the Alt key, Ctrl key, and the other
keys of the keyboard. These terminal mode commands do not execute from
a menu, but you can display the list by hitting the Home key.
ASCII Transfer (Alt-A)
ASCII Transfer (Alt-A)
This feature allows you to upload or download a file using the
binary protocols, or to capture any incoming text with a text capture
option. Here is a description of the ASCII protocols used for upload-
ing a file that you can access through this command:
ASCII - This will send the file to the host system exactly as it
is stored in a disk file.
Prompted ASCII - Will send a file to the host computer one line at
a time. After a line is sent, it will wait to receive a character
(which you define when you select the Prompted ASCII mode) from the
host system, and then continue.
Files can be downloaded by only two methods. The first method is
a straight ASCII transfer. Omega-Link will store every character it
receives in a disk file until it receives an end-of-file character
(ASCII value 26). The second method is a straight text capture. This
will store every character that is received from your modem in a disk
file until you press Alt-A again, which will close the file.
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
Print-Screen (Shift-PrtSc)
Print-Screen (Shift-PrtSc)
Omega-Link intercepts the Print Screen function of MSDOS to pro-
vide another data capture method, accomplished with the Shift and PrtSc
keys. Screen data is saved to a disk file specified in the Parameters
Menu, usually SCREEN.DMP. The difference is that the screen dump data
consists of the data on the screen only. It is also appended to the
end of the file.
Both the session capture data and the screen dump data can be sent
directly to the printer, by specifying PRN or LPT1 as the capture file
or screen dump file. Generally, you will send the session capture data
to a disk file, and screen dumps to the printer, but your needs may be
different.
Send Null (Alt-N)
Send Null (Alt-N)
Null and sustained-break signals are sometimes useful in communi-
cating with a mainframe computer. A Null character has the ASCII value
of 0. A sustained-break is not actually a character, but is a line
condition. Omega-Link sends a sustained-break signal when you key
Ctrl-End.
On a serial line not using a modem, a Break signal pulls the line
low for a duration of 200 to 600 milliseconds. When using a modem, the
Break signal tells the modem to send a constant Space tone, which the
receiving end interprets as a Break. When communicating with a main
frame computer, a Break signal is typically used to get attention for
the terminal, but it could be programmed to mean anything.
View an RLE file (Alt-V)
View an RLE file (Alt-V)
You can view what is known as a RLE file on the screen by using
this command. A RLE file is a file that contains special characters
designed so that you may view a graphics picture on the screen. They
were originally used on certain subscription host systems for display-
ing weather maps, but the computer community has expanded their role so
that all sorts of pictures can be distributed. They chief advantage to
an RLE file is that a graphics picture can be distributed over the
modems so that they may be viewed by many types of computers, rather
than just one specific brand.
In order to use this feature, you must have a Color Graphics or
Enhanced Graphics adapter.
Shell to DOS (Alt-Z)
Shell to DOS (Alt-Z)
This is a "terminate and stay resident" command. Omega-Link
remains in memory, but reloads the MSDOS command processor to execute
other programs. When you wish to return to Omega-Link, type "Exit" at
the DOS command prompt. You will re-enter Omega-Link at the same point
where you left.
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
Warning: If you have shelled to DOS, use any other memory-resident
programs with caution. These programs also install themselves in mem-
ory, and may cause problems when returning to Omega-Link! Furthermore,
do not shell to a different version number of MSDOS, or the system may
crash.
File System Commands
File System Commands
The file-system of Omega-Link lets you handle disk files without
having to exit to DOS. The file-system also has several commands not
directly available from the operating system of the microcomputer.
The File-System Menu is brought-up with the Alt-F key combination.
You will see a list of available commands. You may select these com-
mands by either pressing the key indicated, or by using the cursor keys
to move to the entry you want, then pressing the return key.
While you are learning the commands, work on a scratch (spare)
diskette. If you accidentally corrupt or erase some files on your
disk, you will not destroy some irreplaceable program.
All commands are thoroughly described in their help screens, with
one exception: "Changing File Attributes." This command is described
below.
Changing File Attributes (F)
Changing File Attributes (F)
With this command, you can change the attributes of any file. The
file attributes indicate various information about the file. File
attributes can be:
Read-Only - This indicates that the file can only be read, and can
Read-Only
not be written to or deleted. Useful for files that you do not wish to
change or delete.
Hidden - A hidden file attribute will prevent the file from show-
Hidden
ing in a directory listing, executed with the DIR command in MSDOS.
System - This attribute indicates that the file is part of DOS.
System
This attribute has limited value, since it does not affect usage of the
file.
Volume Label - Indicates that this really is not a file, but
Volume Label
rather the name is to be used as the volume label of the disk. Although
you are able to change this on screen, DOS will not permit the change
to actually occur.
Subdirectory - This attribute indicates that this is a subdirec-
Subdirectory
tory, and not a file. Although you are able to change this on screen,
DOS will not permit the change to actually occur.
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Archive Bit - Indicates that the file needs to be backed-up with
Archive Bit
the "BACKUP" command of DOS. This is really only of significance to
those people with hard disks.
The Parameters Menu
The Parameters Menu
The Parameters Menu is invoked by pressing Alt-P. It provides
routines to change screen colors, modem command strings, default file
names, communications settings, and many other things. To select an
item on the Parameters Menu, either press the first letter of the
selection desired, or use the cursor keys to move to the selection, and
then press the Enter key.
Some of the Parameters Menu commands are the same as Terminal Mode
commands. Bear in mind that changes made from the Parameters Menu are
default settings. That is, they are the settings in place when you
start the program. They may still be toggled or changed from one or
more menus, but the on-line changes are temporary. When you make a
change in the Parameters menu and wish for them to become defaults
every time you execute Omega-Link, press "Q," which stands for "Quit
and Save." If you wish to have the changes you have made become
default on a temporary basis (that is, if you wish for these changes to
remain in effect during this Omega-Link session), press "Z" for "Quit
and Don't Save." Finally, if you have made some changes that you do
not wish to remain in effect, but would rather have your old settings
back again, select "A" for "Abort Changes."
Here are some additional notes about the Parameters Menu that are
not covered in the Help Screens:
Communications Parameters
Communications Parameters
The communications parameters involve several factors. Here is a
detailed list of the options available on this menu, and what they do.
Active Port - The valid com port values for Omega-Link are 1, 2,
Active Port
3, and 4. Com ports 3 and 4 correspond to the I/O addresses 2E8 and
2E0 (these numbers are in hexadecimal).
Baud Rate - Valid values are 60, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350, 400,
Baud Rate
450, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400. Use only a number that
your modem can handle.
Stop Bits - Accepted values are 1, 1.5, and 2. Usually only 1
Stop Bits
stop bit is used. Please note that Omega-Link does not allow for 1.5
stop bits.
Strip/Convert - Omega-Link can change any character sent to the
Strip/Convert
host computer into another character. Enter the 3-digit ASCII code of
the character to change as the Strip value, and the character to change
it to as the Convert value. See the Omega-Link Function Key and con-
version table located in Appendix A for the ASCII values.
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The Dialing Directory
The Dialing Directory
The dialing directory contains the telephone numbers you can dial
by typing the entry number. This saves you the trouble of having to
memorize numbers, as well as giving you a means to store brief com-
ments, automatically set up parity, data bits, stop bits, etc. for
each number dialed, and to automatically redial a number.
Automatic dialing is invoked by pressing Alt-D. The program will
ask you for the number of your selection. Press return to see the
directory, or type in the number of the entry you wish to dial. If you
type in a number from 1 to 100, it will dial that corresponding entry.
If you type in a number longer than three digits, it will send that to
the modem "as is".
Assuming that you have pressed return and are viewing the list of
entries, here is a list of your options, what they do, and how to use
them:
Autodial
Autodial
Enter the number of the selection, and the computer will automati-
cally dial the number for you. It will also set the baud rate, word
length, parity, stop bits, and strip/convert characters associated with
the entry. If it fails to connect, it will redial five times. If you
want to keep dialing, press Alt-R. This brings up the redial function,
which redials the last number dial up to 50 times before aborting the
redial process.
Erase an Entry
Erase an Entry
This will erase the contents of an entry. Do this only if you are
sure you wish to erase the entry.
Load Another Directory
Load Another Directory
The dialing directory can store up to 100 entries. However, for
some users this is not enough. Therefore, you can create another
directory which has the capability for 100 more entries. In order to
use these entries, just call up the new directory, and the one cur-
rently in memory will be replaced.
Manual Dial
Manual Dial
This option lets you dial a telephone number without storing it in
the dialing directory. You will be asked for the number, baud rate,
number of data bits, parity, and number of data bits. If you want any
strip/convert capabilities, you must set that up also. Although you
may enter name and comments if you wish, the information will not be
stored.
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Page Through Directory Entries
Page Through Directory Entries
The dialing directory displays only ten items at a time. In order
to look at the next ten items or the previous ten items, you can use
the "+" key to jump to the next page, and the "-" key to look at the
previous page.
Quit the Dialing Directory
Quit the Dialing Directory
This exits the dialing directory and returns you to terminal mode.
Update an Entry
Update an Entry
This feature allows you to set up a dialing directory entry, and
to tell Omega-Link what options and features to enact when dialing the
entry or after connection. The entry fields and their functions are
described below:
Name: This is the name of the host system for that
Name:
particular entry number.
Command File: This is the name of a the script file that will
Command File:
be automatically loaded and executed if Ome-
ga-Link manages to connect with this entry. If
no file name is given, no script file will be
loaded, and this feature will be disabled.
Phone No.: The telephone number to be used for this entry.
Phone No.:
Macro File: The name of the Alt-1 through Alt-0 function
Macro File:
key file that will be loaded upon connection.
Xon/Xoff: Tells whether the entry on hand supports the
Xon/Xoff:
Xon/Xoff characters and their functions.
Linefeeds: A "Y" tells Omega-Link to display a linefeed
Linefeeds:
with every carriage return that is received by
this entry.
Echo: A "Y" tells Omega that local echo should be
Echo:
enabled while communicating with this entry.
Sound: A "Y" indicates that Omega may make sounds out
Sound:
of the speaker while communicating with this
entry.
Baud Rate: The baud rate of the entry on hand.
Baud Rate:
Data Bits: The number of data bits that this entry uses.
Data Bits:
Parity: The type of parity that the entry uses (E, O,
Parity:
or N).
Stop Bits: The number of stop bits that the entry uses.
Stop Bits:
Ansi Music: Tells whether Omega should try to play ANSI
Ansi Music:
music if told to do so. ANSI graphics must
also be enabled for this to work.
RLE Graphics: Tells whether on-line RLE graphics should be
RLE Graphics:
enabled for this system. As with ANSI music,
ANSI graphics must be enabled for this feature
to work.
Last Called: The date that the last call was made to this
Last Called:
system. You cannot edit this, only view it.
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Ansi Graphics: This tells whether Omega should support ANSI
Ansi Graphics:
graphics if they are sent by this entry. This
must be enabled for ANSI music and RLE graphics
to work properly.
Replace: This tells Omega to replace characters received
Replace:
from this entry with different characters that
you specify. Simply enter the ASCII value of
the characters to replace (a table of the ASCII
values is located in Appendix A of this man-
ual), and the value of the replacement charac-
ter.
UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING FILES
UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING FILES
Uploading is the process of sending a file from your computer to
another computer. Downloading is the process of receiving a file from
another computer. Before you can upload or download a file, you must
establish a protocol. Both your computer and the computer at the other
end of the connection must be using the same protocol. Here is a list
of the protocols Omega-Link has available, their advantages and their
disadvantages.
XMODEM
XMODEM
This is the famous protocol developed for CP/M by Ward Christen-
sen. All characters of the ASCII character set can be transmitted and
received. This protocol uses error-checking. Blocks received with
errors are retransmitted until success is achieved, or until the sender
or receiver gives up after ten unsuccessful attempts.
Xmodem has two error-checking methods, or Algorithms, checksum and
CRC. Xmodem checksum is guaranteed to be utilized by any computer that
has the Xmodem protocol, which is not true of Xmodem CRC. However,
Xmodem CRC is far better at error detection than Xmodem checksum. Bet-
ter than 99.99% of all errors are detected.
Omega-Link will automatically detect and use CRC transmission, if
possible. There are no advantages to utilizing checksum when CRC is
available. If the computer you are downloading from gives you a choice
between checksum and CRC, pick CRC.
YMODEM
YMODEM
This protocol evolved from the XMODEM CRC protocol, and has many
similarities. The difference is that YMODEM can send data somewhat
faster and more efficiently than XMODEM because it uses a larger block
size. The larger block size reduces overhead by reducing ACK/NAK
intervals. This increases net throughput.
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FUNCTION KEYS (MACROS)
FUNCTION KEYS (MACROS)
One of the great strengths of Omega-Link is that you can use the
function keys to simulate any combination of keystrokes. In addition
to being able to utilize the normal function keys, you can use the
Ctrl, Shift, and Alt with the function keys to simulate forty function
keys instead of ten.
Also, the function key Alt-F1 is an "AUTOEXEC" macro. That is,
the macro definition for Alt-F1 will be executed as soon as the termi-
nal mode screen appears when Omega-Link begins. So you may find defi-
ning this macro key a great convenience to automate the start-up of
Omega.
On top of all this, there are ten additional function (or macro,
depending on what you wish to call them) keys available by pressing the
keys "Alt-1" through "Alt-0." These can be from a disk file any time
you wish during terminal mode by pressing Alt-J.
The function key editor is invoked by Alt-K. This will produce a
screen showing the current definition for the functions keys. All 40
function key combinations cannot be shown on the screen at once. At
the top of the screen the inclusion of the Shift, Ctrl, of Alt key will
be indicated.
When the editor is invoked, you are given the option of modifying
a key, erasing a key, or quitting the editor and returning to the ter-
minal mode. Pressing the "+" key will bring you to the next page, and
pressing the "-" key will turn back to the previous page.
Function keys can be programmed to contain any messages or command
strings that you wish. You could define the F1 key as "Welcome to
Omega-Link", or make it simulate the typing of Alt-D, 12, and the
return key. This would call the autodial function, select entry #12
from the dialing directory, and begin dialing. Any combination of keys
on the keyboard can be assigned to any of the 40 available function key
combinations.
Suppose that you wish F4 to send two carriage returns. You cannot
make the return key part of the key definition by pressing it, because
the first time that you hit it would complete the entry in the function
key editor. For carriage return and linefeed characters, you must use
the CR/LF replacement characters defined in the Parameters Menu. Using
the default values, two carriage returns would be programmed as "{{".
Of course, you don't include the quotation marks when using the func-
tion key editor.
A function key definition may be entered as an ASCII code value by
flagging it with the "|" character. For example, "|065" would tell
Omega-Link to send the ASCII code 65, which is equivalent to the char-
acter "A." If anything follows the "|" character and is not understood,
it will be sent literally. For example, "|732" is beyond the ASCII
range, and would be sent as "|732" literally. For a complete listing
of the special commands and of the available ASCII codes, refer to the
tables at the end of this manual.
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If you have defined a function key as a long sequence of key-
strokes, and you wish to interrupt the sequence before completion,
press Ctrl-Break. This aborts the function key transmission.
FUNCTION KEY OPTIONS AND CONVERSION TABLES
FUNCTION KEY OPTIONS AND CONVERSION TABLES
The following options are available in function key macros:
|nnn Use any ASCII code except 000. Replace the nnn with
|nnn
exactly 3 digits in the range of 001 - 255
|x Replace the x with the letter of the Omega-Link
|x
command that you wish to execute.
|Wnn Wait nn seconds before continuing with the macro.
|Wnn
|!nnn This option allows you to enter keys that have no
|!nnn
ASCII code. Replace nnn with the 3 digit code from
the table following.
|:x This tells Omega-Link to wait until the character
|:x
specified by x is received before proceeding.
|~ Send the ~ character.
|~
|Innn Slow macro speed (0 fastest - 999 slowest)
|Innn
~ Delay approximately 1/18th of a second.
~
While Omega-Link is waiting for input, anything that you type will
be sent exactly as entered. This can be useful if you for got to put
something into your macro. During |W waits, pressing any key termi-
nates the delay. Timed waits are very useful for automatic log-ons to
slow systems.
At any other time during the execution of a macro, your keyboard
entries are buffered and executed after the macro is complete.
If you write a macro that calls itself (i.e. you define F1 as
|!059) it could repeat itself forever. To get out of this situation
press Ctrl-Break. This will clear the macro and the keyboard buffer.
If the macro was sending data out, and you wish to stop the data in the
send buffer from being sent, then press Alt-(=) twice.
See Appendix A for a table of ASCII and Extended ASCII character
codes.
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The Script Language
The Script Language
The script language is a powerful feature of Omega-Link that
allows you to program Omega-Link automate many mundane tasks.
In order to write a script language program, all you have to do is
take your favorite text editing program (even the DOS program EDLIN
will do the job) and store the information in a file. The file must be
formatted as an ASCII file, with a carriage return and linefeed at the
end of each line. All commands can be entered in uppercase or lower
case. Tabs and extra spaces are ignored, so you may feel free to use
these characters to format your text as you wish. If the script lan-
guage processor encounters an end-of-file character (ASCII value 26),
it will treat act as though it has reached the end of the file.
Strings can be marked with either single quotes (') or double
quotes ("). However, please note that you must use the same type of
quote to end a string as you used to start it. For example:
DISPLAY "ABC" ;Display the string "ABC"
DISPLAY 'ABC' ;Display the string "ABC" again
DISPLAY "ABC'DEF" ;Display a single quote on the screen
DISPLAY 'ABC"DEF' ;Display a double quote on the screen
DISPLAY "ABC' ;Omega will flag this as an error
DISPLAY 'ABC" ;And will also flag this as an error
Also, you can use string variables in place of quoted strings for
all commands except the DIAL command. A string variable begins with a
dollar sign ($) and is followed by a single numeric digit ranging from
0 through 9. Here are some examples of string variables:
DISPLAY $0 ;Display string variable #0
INPUT $1, 0 ;Take a character from the keyboard
; and store it in string variable #1
DISPLAY $A ;This is an invalid string variable
DISPLAY $12 ;This is also an invalid variable
What follows is a list of the commands available for the script
language processor. Anything marked as a <string> can use a string
similar to the ones discussed previously. Anything marked as <value>
must be an positive integer value.
Script Language Commands and Syntaxes
Script Language Commands and Syntaxes
BAUD
BAUD
Syntax: BAUD <value>
Description: Changes the default baud rate to the value indicated. Valid
values are 60, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350, 400, 450, 600, 1200,
2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400.
Example(s): BAUD 1200 ;Set the baud rate to 1200 baud
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CLS
CLS
Syntax: CLS
Description: Clears all text from the screen and sets the colors to the
regular terminal mode colors.
Example(s): CLS
DATA
DATA
Syntax: DATA <value>
Description: Will set the current default number of data bits to the value
indicated. Valid values are 7 or 8.
Example(s): DATA 7 ;Set the number of data bits to 7
DIAL
DIAL
Syntax: DIAL <string>
or DIAL <value>
Description: This will dial the telephone number contained in the string,
or dial the value. Please note that you cannot use a string
variable in place of a string, unlike other commands.
Example(s): DIAL "555-1212" ;Dial the number 555-1212
DIAL 3 ;Dial dialing directory entry #3
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
Syntax: DISPLAY <string>
Description: Displays a string to the screen beginning at the current row
and column values.
Example(s): DISPLAY "Kilroy was here!" ;Display a literal
; string
DISPLAY $2 ;Display string variable #2
ECHO
ECHO
Syntax: ECHO ON
or ECHO OFF
Description: Turns the local echo feature on or off.
Example(s): ECHO ON ;Enable ECHO
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ELSE
ELSE
Syntax: ELSE
Description: This command is used in conjunction with the IF statement, and
will execute any following commands until a ENDIF, another IF
statement, or end of file is encountered.
Example(s): IF SOUND ;Check if sound is enabled
DISPLAY "Sound is on."
ELSE
DISPLAY "Sound is off."
ENDIF
ENDIF
ENDIF
Syntax: ENDIF
Description: Indicates the end of an IF statement
Example(s): See the example for ELSE
EXIT
EXIT
Syntax: EXIT
Description: Tells Omega-Link to stop the execution of a script file.
Example(s): EXIT ;Stop the script file and return to Omega-Link
GOSUB
GOSUB
Syntax: GOSUB <label>
Description: Executes another section of a script file until a RETURN
instruction is encountered. When this occurs, Omega will con-
tinue execution of the script file at the statement following
the GOSUB.
Example(s): GOSUB MARINE ;Execute the section named "MARINE"
DISPLAY "PART TWO{}"
EXIT
MARINE:
DISPLAY "PART ONE{}"
RETURN ;Display "PART TWO" with carriage return
; and linefeed
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GOTO
GOTO
Syntax: GOTO <label>
Description: Continue execution of a script file in another portion.
Example(s): GOTO PART_ONE ;Continue execution at PART_ONE
PART_TWO:
DISPLAY "PART TWO{}"
EXIT
PART_ONE:
DISPLAY "PART ONE{}" ;Display "PART TWO" with carriage return
; and linefeed
GOTO PART_TWO ;Continue execution at PART_TWO
GRAPHICS
GRAPHICS
Syntax: GRAPHICS ON
or GRAPHICS OFF
Description: "GRAPHICS ON" enables ANSI graphics, while "GRAPHICS OFF" dis-
ables ANSI graphics.
Example(s): GRAPHICS ON ;Enable ANSI graphics
GRAPHICS OFF ;Disables ANSI graphics
HANGUP
HANGUP
Syntax: HANGUP
Description: Hangs the modem up.
Example(s): HANGUP
IF
IF
Syntax: IF <expression>
Description: Will execute any commands afterwards only if <expression> is
true until an ENDIF, ELSE, or end of file is encountered.
<expression> can take many forms. They are:
SOUND True if sound is enabled.
SOUND
LINEFEEDS True if linefeeds are enabled.
LINEFEEDS
GRAPHICS True if ANSI graphics are enabled.
GRAPHICS
ECHO True if echo is enabled.
ECHO
WAITFOR True if previous WAITFOR did not time out.
WAITFOR
CAPTURE True if the text capture feature is enabled.
CAPTURE
LINKED True the script file was executed as a result
LINKED
of dialing directory entry executing the file
because of successful connection.
TIMEOUT True if a timeout occurred.
TIMEOUT
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CONNECTED True if Omega-Link successfully connected with
CONNECTED
a host system. Both CONNECTED and NOTCONNECTED
will be false if no number was dialed.
NOTCONNECTED True if Omega-Link did not successfully connect
NOTCONNECTED
with a host system. Both this and CONNECTED
will be false if no number was dialed.
RLE True if RLE graphics are enabled.
RLE
MUSIC True if ANSI Music is enabled.
MUSIC
Also, there are string comparison operators. Their syntax is:
$n <operator> <string>. String can be a quoted string or another
string variable. The valid operators are:
< Less-than
<
= Equals
=
> Greater-than
>
<= or =< Less-than or Equals
<= =<
>= or => Greater-than or Equals
>= =>
<> or >< Greater-than or Less-than
<> ><
Some notes on the IF statement are as follows:
o "Nested" IFs are not allowed. For example:
IF <expression>
IF <expression>
ENDIF
ENDIF
Will not work as you would expect. Omega-Link will return an
error because there are too many ENDIFs.
o If <expression> is not true, and there is an ELSE statement fol-
lowing the IF statement, commands following the ELSE will be executed.
See the ELSE command for further details.
o An ENDIF command will signal the end of an IF (and any corre-
sponding ELSE statements). Anything following an ENDIF will be
executed regardless of whether <expression> executed regardless of
whether <expression> in the IF statement was true or not.
o Reaching the end of a file will act as an ENDIF. If there is an
ENDIF at the end of the file, no problems will result.
Example(s): IF SOUND ;Example number 1
DISPLAY "Sound is ON.{}"
ELSE
DISPLAY "Sound is OFF.{}"
ENDIF
IF $0 = "A" ;Example number 2
DISPLAY 'String number 0 equals an "A."'
ENDIF
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INPUT
INPUT
Syntax: INPUT <string>, <value>
Description: This will take a series of characters from the keyboard for
<value> number of characters, or until ENTER is pressed, and
place them in <string>. Note that if <value> is equal to 0,
Omega-Link will just take a character from the keyboard as
soon as one is pressed, without waiting for the ENTER key.
Example(s): INPUT $2, 10
LINEFEEDS
LINEFEEDS
Syntax: LINEFEEDS ON
or LINEFEEDS OFF
Description: "LINEFEEDS ON" will tell Omega that it should display a line
feed with every carriage return received while "LINEFEEDS OFF"
will tell Omega that it should NOT display a linefeed with
every carriage return received.
Example(s): LINEFEEDS OFF ;Disable linefeeds
LOCATE
LOCATE
Syntax: LOCATE <row value>, <column value>
or LOCATE <row value>
or LOCATE ,<column value>
Description: "LOCATE" will locate the cursor at the row and/or column num-
ber. If the column number is omitted, LOCATE will leave the
cursor at the current column, and simply re-locate to the spe-
cified row. Likewise, if the row value is omitted, the cursor
will stay in the current row, and be re-located to the speci-
fied column.
Valid values for <row value> are 0-23, and valid values for
<column value> are 0-79.
Example(s): LOCATE 0,0 ;Locate the cursor at the top corner of the
; screen
LOCATE 23 ;Place the cursor on the bottom line
LOCATE ,79 ;Place the cursor the rightmost column
MUSIC
MUSIC
Syntax: MUSIC ON
or MUSIC OFF
Description: Will enable or disable ANSI music. Please note that ANSI
Graphics must be enabled for ANSI music to work properly.
Example(s): MUSIC OFF ;Disable ANSI music
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PARITY
PARITY
Syntax: PARITY ODD
or PARITY EVEN
or PARITY NONE
Description: Will set the parity to ODD, EVEN, or NONE.
Example(s): PARITY NONE ;Set for no parity
PAUSE
PAUSE
Syntax: PAUSE <value>
Description: Will pause for <value> number of seconds.
Example(s): PAUSE 3 ;Pause for three seconds
PLAY
PLAY
Syntax: PLAY <string>
Description: This is a powerful command that allows you to play music from
the speaker of your computer. <string> is a series of com-
mands that are as follows:
O<n> Changes to octave number <n>. The default
O<n>
octave is 4. There are seven octaves ranging
from 0 through 6.
< Decrement the octave number. Octaves are not
<
decremented if the octave value is already
equal to 0.
> Increments the octave number. Octaves are not
>
incremented if the octave value is already
equal to 6.
A-G Plays a note in the range A-G. An example
A-G
would be "C," which would play the note "C" of
the current octave.
N<n> Plays note number <n>. The valid range for <n>
N<n>
is 0 through 84. 0 indicates a quarter rest.
L<n> Sets the default length of each note played. 1
L<n>
would indicate four beats per quarter note, 2
would indicate 2 beats per quarter note, etc. .
. . . The default value is 1.
MN Sets to normal music mode, so that each note is
MN
played for 7/8 of its length. This is the
default mode.
ML Sets to legato music mode, so that each note is
ML
played for its full length.
MS Sets to staccato music mode, so that each note
MS
is played for 3/4 of its normal length.
P<n> Pauses, with <n> ranging from 1-64, with 1
P<n>
indicating a full rest, 2 indicating a half
rest, etc. . . . .
T<n> Sets the tempo of the music, with <n> indicat-
T<n>
ing the metronome speed for each quarter note.
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<n> may range from 32 through 255. The default
is 120.
# or + Follows a note to indicate that it is a sharp.
# or +
- Follows a note to indicate that it is a flat.
-
<n> Follows a note to indicate its length. 1 would
<n>
correspond to a whole note, 2 to a half note,
etc. . . . .
. Indicates a dotted note, i.e.: a note is to
.
play 3/2 times the length it would normally
play.
NOTES: o Multiple sharps and flats are ignored
o Multiple dots are ignored
Example(s): PLAY "T185O3G2MSDEMNDP2MSD8D8EMND" ;Play Handel's "Messiah"
RECEIVE
RECEIVE
Syntax: RECEIVE <string>, <value>
Description: Will take <value> number of characters from the modem and
place them in <string>. Receive will also stop if a carriage
return is received or a timeout occurs. If <value> equals 0,
receive will take the next incoming character, whatever it may
be.
Example(s): RECEIVE $2, 3 ;Will take 3 characters from modem and put them
; into string number 2
RETURN
RETURN
Syntax: RETURN
Description: Will continue execution at the statement following the last
GOSUB statement that was executed. If no GOSUBs were encoun-
tered prior to executing the "RETURN," the script file execu-
tion will be terminated.
Example(s): See the example for GOSUB
RLE
RLE
Syntax: RLE ON
or RLE OFF
Description: Will enable or disable RLE graphics. Please note that in
order for RLE graphics to work, ANSI graphics must also be
enabled.
Example(s): RLE OFF ;Disable RLE graphics
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SEND
SEND
Syntax: SEND <string>
Description: Will send <string> to the modem.
Example(s): SEND "This sentence is false."
SOUND
SOUND
Syntax: SOUND ON
or SOUND OFF
Description: Enables or disables the SOUND option of Omega-Link.
Example(s): SOUND ON ;Turn the sound option off
STOP
STOP
Syntax: STOP <n>
Description: Set the number of stop bits. Valid values for <n> are 1 or 2.
Example(s): STOP 2 ;Sets the number of stop bits to 2
TIMEOUT
TIMEOUT
Syntax: TIMEOUT = <value>
Description: Set the length (in seconds) before a timeout will occur. A
timeout is a value that is turned on if no input is received
by a command for <value> number of seconds.
Example(s): TIMEOUT [=] 3 ;Set the timeout value to 3 seconds
WAITFOR
WAITFOR
Syntax: WAITFOR <string>
Description: Waits for <string> to be received from the modem before conti-
nuing the execution of the script file.
Example(s): WAITFOR "Enter your password:" ;Will pause until this string
; is received.
LABELS
LABELS
Syntax: <label name>:
Description: A label is used as a marker for various commands such as GOSUB
and GOTO. Valid label names are any alphanumeric characters
and must be followed by a ":."
Example(s): LABEL_1:
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
MULTIPLE COMMANDS PER LINE
MULTIPLE COMMANDS PER LINE
Syntax: <command> | <command>
Description: The "|" character is used to allow you to have two commands on
the same line.
Example: LOCATE 0,0 | DISPLAY "Welcome to Omega-Link"
COMMENTS
COMMENTS
Syntax: ;<comments>
Description: The ";" is used to indicate that the rest of a line is com
posed of comments. Anything following the ";" will be
ignored. Therefore, if you have any commands following a ";,"
they will be ignored. If a ";" is contained in a string, it
will be treated as part of the string and will be displayed.
Example(s): DISPLAY "HELLO" ;This is a comment
DISPLAY "THERE" ;LOCATE 2,2 <-- "LOCATE" IS ALSO A COMMENT
DISPLAY ";" | LOCATE 2,2 ;Display a semicolon and locate the
; cursor at row 2, column 2
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Appendix A
Appendix A
ASCII and Extended ASCII character codes
________________________________________
ASCII Character Codes
ASCII Character Codes
These are the codes to be used with the |nnn option of the func-
tion key macros.
Code Function Code Function Code Function Code Function
---- -------- ---- -------- ---- -------- ---- --------
000 NULL 008 BACK SPACE 016 DLE 024 CAN
001 SOH 009 HORIZ TAB 017 DC1 (XON) 025 EM
002 STX 010 LINE FEED 018 DC2 026 SUB
003 ETX 011 VERT TAB 019 DC3 (XOFF) 027 ESC
004 EOT 012 FORM FEED 020 DC4 028 FS
005 ENQ 013 CR 021 NAK 029 GS
006 ACK 014 SHIFT OUT 022 SYN 030 RS
007 BELL 015 SHIFT IN 023 ETB 031 US
Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char Code Char
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
032 SPACE 048 0 064 @ 080 P 096 ` 112 p
033 ! 049 1 065 A 081 Q 097 a 113 q
034 " 050 2 066 B 082 R 098 b 114 r
035 # 051 3 067 C 083 S 099 c 115 s
036 $ 052 4 068 D 084 T 100 d 116 t
037 % 053 5 069 E 085 U 101 e 117 u
038 & 054 6 070 F 086 V 102 f 118 v
039 ' 055 7 071 G 087 W 103 g 119 w
040 ( 056 8 072 H 088 X 104 h 120 x
041 ) 057 9 073 I 089 Y 105 i 121 y
042 * 058 : 074 J 090 Z 106 j 122 z
043 + 059 ; 075 K 091 [ 107 k 123 {
044 , 060 < 076 L 092 \ 108 l 124 |
045 - 061 = 077 M 093 ] 109 m 125 }
046 . 062 > 078 N 094 ^ 110 n 126 ~
047 / 063 ? 079 O 095 _ 111 o 127
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Omega-Link Reference Manual
Extended ASCII Character Codes
Extended ASCII Character Codes
These are the codes to be used with the |!nnn option of the func-
tion key macros.
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
59 F1 94 Ctrl-F1 120 Alt-1
60 F2 95 Ctrl-F2 121 Alt-2
61 F3 96 Ctrl-F3 122 Alt-3
62 F4 97 Ctrl-F4 123 Alt-4
63 F5 98 Ctrl-F5 124 Alt-5
64 F6 99 Ctrl-F6 125 Alt-6
65 F7 100 Ctrl-F7 126 Alt-7
66 F8 101 Ctrl-F8 127 Alt-8
67 F9 102 Ctrl-F9 128 Alt-9
68 F10 103 Ctrl-F10 129 Alt-0
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
84 Shift-F1 104 Alt-F1 3 Null (Ctrl-2)
85 Shift-F2 105 Alt-F2 15 Shift-Tab
86 Shift-F3 106 Alt-F3 71 Home
87 Shift-F4 107 Alt-F4 72 Up arrow
88 Shift-F5 108 Alt-F5 73 PgUp
89 Shift-F6 109 Alt-F6 75 Left arrow
90 Shift-F7 110 Alt-F7 77 Right arrow
91 Shift-F8 111 Alt-F8 79 End
92 Shift-F9 112 Alt-F9 80 Down arrow
93 Shift-F10 113 Alt-F10 81 PgDn
Code Keypressed Code Keypressed Code Keypressed
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- ----------
30 Alt-A 49 Alt-N 82 Insert
48 Alt-B 24 Alt-O 83 Delete
46 Alt-C 25 Alt-P 114 Echo
32 Alt-D 16 Alt-Q 115 Ctrl-Left-arrow
18 Alt-E 19 Alt-R 116 Ctrl-Right-arrow
33 Alt-F 31 Alt-S 117 Ctrl-End
34 Alt-G 20 Alt-T 118 Ctrl-PgDn
35 Alt-H 22 Alt-U 119 Ctrl-Home
23 Alt-I 47 Alt-V 130 Alt-Hyphen
36 Alt-J 17 Alt-W 131 Alt-Equals
37 Alt-K 45 Alt-X 132 Ctrl-PgUp
38 Alt-L 21 Alt-Y
50 Alt-M 44 Alt-Z
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Appendix B
Appendix B
Glossary
________
Algorithms - A series of steps for accomplishing a task.
Algorithms
Alt command - A command selected by holding the "Alt" key down on
Alt command
your keyboard and simultaneously pressing the corresponding key of the
option you wish to select.
ANSI - A special standard that is used among some computers which
ANSI
allows colors and cursor positioning, in addition to many other fea-
tures.
ASCII - An acronym for "American Standard for Information Inter
ASCII
change." It is a set of standards agreed upon that allow computers to
exchange information and know what the information means, thus allowing
the letter "A" to be known as that letter on two entirely different
computers.
Baud Rate - The speed at which data is transferred between two
Baud Rate
computers. The higher the baud rate, the faster the data is sent.
BBS - Acronym for "Bulletin Board Service." It is a service
BBS
provided on another computer which offers you a variety of special
functions such as exchanging programs and messages with other computer
users.
Bit - A piece of information that represents a condition, either
Bit
on or off (1 or 0, yes or no).
Buffer - A special area reserved in your computer's memory that is
Buffer
used by Omega-Link to store information that cannot be processed at the
moment. It improves the performance and reliability of the program.
Byte - A value represented by eight bits.
Byte
Carriage Return - This is usually abbreviated as "CR." It is a
Carriage Return
special character that moves the cursor to the beginning of a line on
the screen. It is also another name given to the enter key on your
keyboard.
Carrier - A signal that indicates that your modem is indeed commu-
Carrier
nicating with another modem.
CD - An abbreviation for "Change Directory." It is the ability to
CD
change the current path that DOS is using to access files.
Character - A space, a number, alphabetic letter, etc. . . .
Character
Checksum - A method used in certain protocols used to verify that
Checksum
information was sent/received correctly.
Configuration - How Omega-Link is set up for you.
Configuration
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CRC - Another way of verifying that information was sent cor-
CRC
rectly. This differs from checksum in that it is far more reliable in
catching errors.
Cursor - The mark on the screen that indicates where whatever
Cursor
appears will be displayed.
Data Bits - The number of bits per group of information that are
Data Bits
actually used for transferring information.
Default Drive - The drive that is currently active.
Default Drive
Download - The process of receiving a file from another computer.
Download
"Dumb" terminal - Called "dumb" because it only displays what the
"Dumb" terminal
other computer sends to you, and sends to the other computer whatever
you type.
Echo - The process of repeating characters that are sent to a
Echo
computer back to the computer that sent the characters.
Esc - A key on your keyboard (it is an abbreviation for
Esc
"Escape.").
File Names - The name(s) given to a file stored on a disk of your
File Names
computer.
File System - A special feature of Omega-Link that allows you to
File System
handle files on your disks, with abilities that equal or rival those of
MSDOS.
Flush - To clear a buffer of information that is currently stored
Flush
in it.
Function Key - A set of keys on the keyboard that begin with the
Function Key
letter "F" and are followed by a number.
Host - The computer the you are communicating with, usually a
Host
Bulletin Board Service (B.B.S.).
Initialize - A way of setting-up a device that is hooked to your
Initialize
computer.
Linefeed - A special character that tells the cursor to move down
Linefeed
a line on the screen. Some host computers will send the line feeds,
and others won't. Omega-Link provides an option for both circum-
stances.
Macro - A command that allows you to emulate a series of key
Macro
strokes that you would normally type (i.e. a means of making your com-
puter into a phantom typist). This allows you to define your own cus-
tomized commands for use in Omega-Link.
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Menu - A list of options available to you at a given moment. It
Menu
is just like the menu in a restaurant, showing what you may select.
Null - An empty character.
Null
Parameters - Options that are available in Omega-Link, such as
Parameters
modem commands, baud rates, etc. . . .
Parity - A special bit that is used on some computer systems to
Parity
verify that information is sent correctly, and has not been garbled.
Path - Information used by DOS to specify where a file is stored
Path
on a disk relative to other files.
Port - A place on the computer where an accessory device, usually
Port
a modem, is hooked.
Print Screen - This copies whatever is on the screen at the moment
Print Screen
to a file, usually the printer (which MSDOS treats as a special file).
Protocol - A method of uploading or downloading files between two
Protocol
computers.
Pulse Dialing - Another way that telephone numbers are dialed.
Pulse Dialing
This is slower, and almost all telephone lines have the ability to dial
in pulse mode.
RLE graphics - A special standard set up to send pictures over the
RLE graphics
telephone lines. Originally used to send weather maps, but now have
gained other uses such as exchanging artwork.
Scrollback - This allows you to go back to view and/or edit what
Scrollback
has disappeared off of the top of your screen.
Serial Line - A method of sending information one bit at a time.
Serial Line
All modems speak to each other using serial methods.
Session Capture - It saves all communications that you receive and
Session Capture
send with another computer in a disk file.
Shell - The process of leaving Omega-Link to run another program,
Shell
and then returning to back to Omega-Link, with things remembered as
they were before you left.
Split Screen - Breaking the screen into two sections: one which
Split Screen
shows information as it is being received from the host system, and the
other half which is used to display what you type. Useful for things
such as chatting with a sysop.
Status Line - A line on the bottom of your screen that shows what
Status Line
is happening in the program, such as how long you have been on a board,
current date and time, whether the caps lock is on, displaying mes-
sages, etc. . . .
String - A group of characters.
String
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Stop Bits - Special bits to separate groups of information as they
Stop Bits
are sent over the phone lines.
Strip/Convert - The ability to take a character that is sent to
Strip/Convert
you by another computer, and change it to a different character as it
comes in over the lines.
Subdirectory - Information used by DOS. It is part of a path to a
Subdirectory
given group of files.
Sustained Break - A special signal used for communicating with
Sustained Break
another computer whose purpose varies depending on your host system
(quite often it is a way of saying "STOP!")
Sysop - An acronym for SYStem OPerator. This is the person that
Sysop
runs and maintains the host system that you are calling.
Terminal Mode - A way that the software sets up your computer so
Terminal Mode
that it may communicate with another computer.
Toggle - A switch that is either on or off, yes or no.
Toggle
Tone Dialing- A way that telephone numbers are dialed. This is a
Tone Dialing
feature provided to you by the telephone company.
Upload - The process of sending a file to another computer.
Upload
Window - A section of the screen that is marked-off for special
Window
display information.
Xoff - A special signal sent by a computer that tells the other
Xoff
computer it should not send information until a "Xon" is sent.
Xon - A special signal sent by a computer that tells the other
Xon
computer it may send information. This is the opposite of "Xoff."
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Appendix C
Appendix C
Here is a brief list of some problems you may encounter while
using Omega-Link, and some suggests as to what you should do about
them:
Problem: Shift-PrtSc is not printing your RLE picture correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: For this command to work, you must have a graphics driver
Suggestion:
installed before you execute Omega-Link. There is one with
most versions of DOS. However, some printers come with their
own graphics drivers. You should consult your printer man-
ual(s) and/or your DOS manual for more information.
Problem: Every character you type appears twice on the screen.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Alt-E to disable local echo.
Suggestion:
Problem: Whatever you type does not appear on the screen.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Alt-E to enable local echo.
Suggestion:
Problem: Lines of text are printed on top of one another.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Shift-Tab to enable Omega-Link to display a linefeed
Suggestion:
with every carriage return that is displayed.
Problem: All lines of text are double spaced.
Problem:
Suggestion: Press Shift-Tab to stop Omega-Link from displaying a
Suggestion:
linefeed with every carriage return that is displayed.
Problem: All text is displayed as garbage.
Problem:
Suggestion: Confirm that the number of data bits, stop bits, parity value,
Suggestion:
and modem speed are set correctly for the computer with which
you are connected. Also, make sure that ANSI graphics are
enabled if they need to be for the system that you are call-
ing.
Problem: Your modem is not recognizing anything that is sent to it.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the baud rate and com port values are set cor-
Suggestion:
rectly. Also, make sure that all modem commands are defined
correctly for the modem that you are using.
Problem: Any uploads or downloads are terminated before they should be
Problem:
terminated.
Suggestion: Several things can cause this to occur. If you do not tell
Suggestion:
Omega to download quickly enough after being told to do so by
the host system, the host system may terminate the file trans-
fer. Usually you have in the neighborhood of 30-40 seconds to
enable a download with Omega-Link before most host systems
will stop trying to transfer a file.
Another thing that might cause this to occur is if the infor-
mation is being garbled by the telephone lines or if the host
system is not recognizing the transfer correctly.
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Problem: On-line RLE pictures are not appearing correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: There can be several causes for this problem. One problem may
Suggestion:
be that you do not have on-line RLE graphics enabled (make
sure that ANSI graphics are enabled also for the on-line RLE
graphics to work).
Another cause may be if you are using an EGA (or EGA compa-
tible) display card. Some EGA cards will lose characters from
the modem when they change to graphics mode from text mode.
If you think this is the problem, enable "XON/XOFF" in the
"Communications Parameters" portion of the Parameters menu,
and make sure that your host system supports XON/XOFF charac-
ters.
Finally, this problem could be due to line noise.
Problem: ANSI Music will not play.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the ANSI music option (Alt-O) is enabled. In
Suggestion:
order for the ANSI music option to be enabled, the ANSI-
graphics option (Alt-G) should also be enabled.
Problem: ANSI Graphics are not appearing correctly.
Problem:
Suggestion: Make sure that the ANSI graphics option is enabled. Another
Suggestion:
cause may be that line noise is garbling text that you are
being sent.
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Appendix D
Appendix D
Commands for Editing Strings
____________________________
In many menus displayed by Omega-Link, you will need to be able to
edit strings (such as the modem initialization string). Omega-Link has
an advanced editor designed to make these changes easier. Here is a
list of keystrokes that you can press while editing a string, and what
these keystrokes do:
Up-Arrow: This will bring you to the field to edit that
Up-Arrow:
is located above the field you are located at
currently.
Down-Arrow: Will bring you to the field located below the
Down-Arrow:
one you are located at currently.
Left-Arrow: Will move you to the character that left of the
Left-Arrow:
one you are located at currently inside of a
field. If you are located all the way to the
left of a field, it will bring you to the pre-
vious field.
Right-Arrow: Will move you to the character that is
Right-Arrow:
right of the one you are located at currently
inside of a field. If you are located all the
way to the right of a field, it will bring you
to the next field.
Ctrl-Left-Arrow: Brings you to the field located to the
Ctrl-Left-Arrow:
left of the one you are located at currently.
Ctrl-Right-Arrow: Will bring you to the field located to the
Ctrl-Right-Arrow:
right of the one you are located at presently.
Ins: Toggles the insert mode on or off. If the
Ins:
insert mode is enabled, whatever you type will
be displayed, and anything located to the right
will be moved over by a character. If the
mode is disabled, anything you type will
destroy what is located at the cursor currently
and be replaced by the character which you
type.
Del: This will remove the character underneath of
Del:
your cursor from the screen.
Backspace: Will delete the character located to the
Backspace:
left of the cursor and move the cursor to the
left by one position.
F1: This will erase the contents of a field.
F1:
F2: This will restore the field to the way it was
F2:
originally before you began to edit it.
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Appendix E
Appendix E
Sequence of Steps Performed by Omega-Link When It Begins
________________________________________________________
When Omega-Link begins, it performs several things that may be
beneficial to know. This is performed as follows:
First, Omega searches for the defaults file (OMEGADEF.DAT) in the
default directory of DOS. If it cannot find the file, it will examine
the path command inside of the DOS environment, and search down the
path until it finds the file. If it does not find the file, or it is
not a valid defaults file for this version of Omega-Link, it will use
its own internal defaults. Note that if you store a new defaults file,
it will be stored in the path where the old one was found (if any).
After this, it will attempt to load the function key files and the
dialing directory if it can find any.
A main screen will be displayed. After the main screen is exited
and you are in the terminal mode, the macro defininition for ALT-F1
will be executed if it is defined.
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Appendix F
Appendix F
SUGGESTION FORM
_______________
If you have any comments or suggestions as to improvements for
this program, please use this form. If you would like a registration
form for registering Omega, use the form available from the program
when you exit.
Also, if you find any serious bugs with the program, please con-
tact us as soon as possible, either by telephone or mail. For one, you
may have stumbled upon a bad copy, and if this is the case, we would
like to give you a good one. We will send you a copy of the demon-
stration program free for the asking if you send us a self addressed,
stamped envelope that can carry a 5.25" or 3.5" disk (please specify
which you would prefer). Secondly, if it is a bug that really is in
the program, we would like to know about it so that we may correct it
as soon as possible.
And if you do find any problems, please tell us where you obtained
your copy of the program.
Suggestions: __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(Please use back for additional comments)
Your Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________
Telephone No.: (_________) _____________ - ____________________________
Computer Type: ________________________________________________________
All correspondence can be addressed to:
(Mail) (Telephone)
Omega Software (616) 962-8007
P.O. Box 1471 Hours: 11 A.M. - 10 P.M.
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1471 Eastern Time
Seven Days a Week
-34-
OMEGAEXT.DOC
The Omega-Link External protocol handler comes to you preconfigured
for several popular external protocols. If you wish to add other
protocols or modify the existing ones, see the section on installing
protocols.
INSTALLING THE EXTERNAL PROTOCOL HANDLER
You will need to make the files OMEGAEXT.EXE and OMEGAEXT.DAT
available to Omega-Link. To do this you must copy them into either
the current directory or a directory that is listed in the DOS PATH
command. The file OMEGAEXT.EXE will usally be placed in the same
directory as OMEGA.EXE, and OMEGAEXT.DAT will be placed in the
download sub-directory.
The external protocol files will also need to be located so that the
external protocol handler can find them. This will usally be in the
same directory as OMEGAEXT.EXE. You may also edit the protocol
descriptions to tell the external protocol handler where to find the
external protocols if they won't be current directory. A description
of this process appears in the section on installing additional
protocols.
Recommended configurations
If you have only one floppy diskette drive and no harddisk drive.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PATH=
COMSPEC=\COMMAND.COM
Program disk Data disk
------------ ---------
OMEGA.EXE External protocols (.EXE and .COM)
OMEGADIR.DAT downloaded files
OMEGADEF.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
OMEGAEXT.EXE
OMEGAEXT.DAT
COMMAND.COM
When the external protocol handler asks for the protocol to use
remove the program disk and insert the data disk. As soon as the
download or upload is completed reinsert the program disk. Please
note that due to the small amount of disk space that Omega-Link
requires, it may be possible to have everything on one disk and still
have quite a bit of space for downloads. This is especially true of
3-1/2" 720k or 1.44 meg floppy diskette systems. For this type of
system you may wish to simply copy all of the files onto program
diskette.
For Two floppy diskette systems.
--------------------------------
PATH=B:\
COMSPEC=A:\COMMAND.COM
DISKETTE IN DRIVE A: DISKETTE IN DRIVE B:
-------------------- --------------------
COMMAND.COM OMEGAEXT.DAT
OMEGA.EXE downloaded files
OMEGAEXT.EXE
OMEGADIR.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
OMEGADEF.DAT
External protocols
This configuration will give you the largest amount of space for
downloaded files, however, it does require you to copy the file
OMEGAEXT.DAT to each new diskette that you wish to use for downloads
or uploads. Therefore, you may wish to copy all the files onto you
program diskette and then modify OMEGAEXT.DAT to use drive B:.
For Harddisk systems.
---------------------
PATH=C:\;C:\OMEGA;C:\FILES
COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM (or whatever is needed to find command.com)
Directory C:\OMEGA Directory C:\FILES
------------------ ------------------
OMEGA.EXE OMEGAEXT.DAT
OMEGAEXT.EXE downloaded files
OMEGADIR.DAT
OMEGADEF.DAT
OMEGAFUN.DAT
OMEGAALT.DAT
External protocols
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The following protocols have been preconfigured into the external
protocol handler: DSZ (Zmodem, Ymodem-batch, and Ymodem-G), MLINK16
(Megalink), PCKERMIT (Kermit), and CISB (Compuserve "B"). Our thanks
go to the authors of these programs. Most of these programs may be
downloaded from almost any BBS that has MS-DOS files. We have not
included any of these files to prevent violating there copyrights and
to prevent you from having to download the same file twice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
-------------------------------
To install a new protocol first copy the protocol into the directory
that you wish use. Then type OMEGAEXT at the DOS prompt.
A menu will be displayed with the currently defined protocols and
several entries marked "(Not defined)". Select one the the not
defined entries by pressing the letter that procedes it.
At this time a menu will appear. You may use the up and down arrow
keys to move from item to item. First select the very top item and
press <F1>, this will erase the "(Not defined) message. Now you may
type the name that you wish to assign to this protocol.
Next move down one line and press "N". If you know that this
protocol restores the machine to EXACTLY the same state as it was
before the file transfer, then you may press "Y". You should allways
use "N" if you are not sure. The most that will happen is that the
first couple for characters that are received after the file transfer
will be lost.
Next, you will find a send command and a receive command. These will
vary considerably with each protocol, therefore, it is imposible to
advise you how to configure these lines. However, the following
information should allow you to configure almost any external
protocol.
The following is a list of commands that you may use to configure
external protocols.
%B Baud rate One of: 60, 75, 100, 110, 150, 300, 350,
400, 450, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400.
%C Communications port Either 1 or 2.
%D Data bits Either 7 or 8
%F Filename (default path = none)
%f Filename (default path = location of OMEGAEXT.DAT)
%P Parity (upper case) One of: O - odd, N - none, E - Even
%p Parity (lower case) One of: o - odd, n - none, e - Even
%S Stop Bits Either 1 or 2
%X Download path Path where OMEGAEXT.DAT was found
%% The % character Provided so that this character may be
passed to the external protocol
%$ COMSPEC environment variable value
(Usally x:\COMMAND.COM where x is the
boot drive)
The following examples assume that your modem is hooked to COM1 and
is running 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 2400 baud, and the
file OMEGAEXT.DAT is found in C:\OMEGA\FILES.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: %$/C CISB PORT %C SPEED %B
This will execute COMMAND.COM and pass it the command line:
/C CISB PORT 1 SPEED 2400
It should be noted that command.com will do a path search for the
file CISB. This may be useful in some cases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: DSZ COM%C RATE %B SETUP %D-%P-%S %X %F
This will execute the command DSZ.EXE and pass it the command line:
COM1 RATE 2400 SETUP 8-N-1 C:\OMEGA\FILES\ filename.ext
where filename.ext is the filename that you enter at the prompt.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Command: C:\OMEGA\PCKERMIT.EXE /c%C /b%B /p%p /t%f
and you type SMILE.TXT at the filename prompt.
This will execute the command C:\OMEGA\PCKERMIT.EXE with the command
line:
/c1 /b2400 /pn /tC:\OMEGA\FILES\SMILE.TXT
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that there are several differences between the sequence
%X%F and %f. The first will not allow you to change the default path
portion, but the second will. Also, the first will not display the
default path when you enter the filename, where the second one will
display the pathname.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After both the send and receive commands there are two switches. The
first of these is the "Global filenames allowed" switch. This switch
disables the check of entered filename, allowing global filenames to
be passed to the external protocol. The second switch is "Filename
required" and is reserved for future use. Set it to "Y."
USING AN EXTERNAL PROTOCOL
--------------------------
To use an external protocol that has been installed, press
<Ctrl-PgUP> to upload or <Ctrl-PgDn> to download. Then select
number 6 (external) from the protocol menu. The external protocol
handler will be loaded and you will be presented with a menu of
protocols. Select the desired protocol and enter a filename if
required. When the file transfer is complete you will be prompted to
press and key to continue. As soon as you press a key you will be
back in Omega-Link.
README.DOC
This is the demonstration version of Omega-Link version 2.10a. If
you wish to distribute the program (which we strongly encourage,
regardless if you like the program or not), distribute OMEGA.EXE,
OMEGA.DOC, README.DOC, and LICENSE.DOC with every copy.
Please read the file LICENSE.DOC. Also, we strongly encourage you
to read the documentation to learn all of the features available to
you in Omega-Link.
There is an external protocol option available. As of this time
(9/13/88), the external protocol handler is being beta-tested. It should be
released on October 1, 1988. All registered members will receive it
free of charge, in addition to being distributed via Shareware.
If you obtained Omega-Link through a shareware distributer, we will
discount the amount that you paid up to $5 from the registration fee.
To qualify for this discount all you must do is send a copy of the invoice
that you received with the disk containing Omega-Link. Then, subtract that
amount (up to $5) from the total that you send to us.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0843
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
FILES843 TXT 1702 3-24-89 9:30a
FREE TXT 461 11-23-88 6:06a
GO BAT 38 7-08-87 12:19a
GO TXT 925 3-16-89 4:35p
LICENSE DOC 4988 11-23-88 7:16a
MANUAL BAT 147 3-16-89 4:34p
OMEGA ARC 109278 2-26-89 5:07a
OMEGA DOC 102016 2-13-88 4:38a
OMEGA EXE 75343 2-14-89 12:59a
OMEGADIR DAT 12928 9-14-88 9:49p
OMEGAEXT DAT 4159 11-23-88 10:02a
OMEGAEXT DOC 9616 11-23-88 9:53a
OMEGAEXT EXE 12683 11-23-88 10:16a
PRICE 439 11-23-88 7:03a
README DOC 1067 9-15-88 12:25a
15 file(s) 335790 bytes
18432 bytes free