*************************************************************************** * This is one of a series of four files which consist of messages from * * the FlagShip bulletin board dealing with BobsTerm Pro, arguably the * * finest terminal program ever written for the Commodore 64 and 128. The * * material for the files was compiled on March 1, 1989, and includes all * * relevant messages from the inception of the FlagShip until that date. * * My definition of 'relevant' was fairly liberal; in some cases, * * messages which might otherwise have been irrelevant have been preserved * * in order to preserve continuity of the threads. * * * * The four files available are: * * * * BTP.FEATURES.TXT Description and implementation of many * * of the features, both basic and advanced,* * of both the C64 and C128 versions. * * * * BTP.MACROS.TXT Use of the extensive MACRO feature, in- * * cluding a discussion which culminated in * * a macro to provide DIRECT TO DISK capture* * from GEnie by way of macros and changes * * to the GEnie default prompt character. * * * * BTP.MODEMS.TXT Discussions of configuration of BTP for * * use with various modems * * (including 2400 baud), as well as dis- * * cussions of which modems will NOT work * * with the program. * * * * BTP.MISC.TXT Messages which did not conveniently fit * * into any of the other files. * * * * Notes: * * The messages contained in these files will shortly be removed from the * * bulletin board, merely to conserve space. Feel free to start new topics,* * discussing BobsTerm or any other subjects. * * * * Obviously, there is overlap between these topic choices. Messages are * * NOT repeated in other files; if you do not find what you are looking * * for, try the next most likely file. * * * * Bob Lentini is no longer working on Commodore computers, distributing * * the program, or operating his bulletin board. BobsTerm Pro (both the * * C64 and C128 programs) are available through many software vendors or * * Progressive Peripherals and Software, whose address is sprinkled * * through out these files. * * * * Enjoy! --Howard Rosenman March 5, 1989 * *************************************************************************** Nov 20, 1985 DEB The author of BobsTerm Pro, Bob Lentini is a good friend of mine, and I dearly love the program too!! I don't know what his backup disk policy is, guess maybe we should ask that before we lynch the protection on it. (VERY good protection, I might add. *smile*) Faf...you can save the phone book and params to another dsk, can't ya? Bobsterm downloads like a dream here, but I get a lot of uploading errors, we are trying to check that out. it *is* an incredible piece of work...and is one of my two favorite programs for the 64...Sixth Sense and BobsTerm Pro have the REST of the terminal programs beat hands down! ** --- Jun 28, 1986 DEBS-GUEST [Bob L] Long transfers can abort for many different reasons external to the Term prgm. First thing to make sure of is that you have enough room on your disk. Thats 300 commodore blocks, almost half a disk full. I have downloaded many many files of that length with version 1.9 with no difficulty, so I do not think there is a bug,... but as Deb mentioned, if the LO baud is not exactly right, after that many characters transferred, it is easy odds that one bad character might show up as a CTRL-X which would be accepted as an abort. Try trimming the LO baud slightly and see if that helps, otherwise, defeat the CTRL-X ABORT character in the Parameters section for XMODEM..... change it to a NULL ($00). That will eliminate the chance of a forced abort due to a bad character received due to Line noise or Baud rate adjust. See if that solves the problem. Bob Lentini --- Jun 28, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] I changed my cancell/abort character to a CTRL U, and have lived happily ever after .... ** --- Jun 29, 1986 GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper] Thanks! I'll give 'em all a try. GEnie responds: ABORTED BY TERMINAL. My 1200 baud lo byte is 58. I've tried higher and lower, and if it is even +/- 1, I get lots of garbage with just text! One thing I have noticed, I cannot auto-dial at that setting. But I can go to Term mode and use the ATDT commands just fine. Is there anyway to enter a SHIFT-RETURN in a Macro? ThanX. --- Jun 29, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] If you cannot auto dial at that setting, something's bigtime wrong. try a MUCH higher value, Mike, like 65 and start working down. ALSO, set for 8 bits, no parity. *What* is a shifted return for...? ** --- Jun 29, 1986 GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper] Farther I deviate from 58, the worse it gets! Heck, I've tried up to 95 and down to 40. The Shifted return is to shift the lo baud rate down. Was going to set-up a MACRO to Start me high and after connection, move down. I know it will wrap- around past 255, but without a counter in the macros, it's a real pain! --GFX --- Jul 01, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Mike....just play with values between 70 and 57. I've NEVER heard of anything beyond that range working. ** --- Jul 02, 1986 DEBS-GUEST [Bob L] Mike... Deb is correct, The usable value range lies within 70-56 or 57. Also... entering a shift return is as easy as hitting SHIFT RETURN in the macro string. You will see a normal video small m with a line above it. You could also initiate a HEX or DECIMAL entry and enter the value for shift return which is 141 dec.... or $8D HEX. You start this sequence by hitting COMKEY-$ for HEX or COMKEY-# for decimal. Bob Lentini --- Jul 02, 1986 GRAFIX.M [Mike Hooper] Thanks Bob. I wasn't aware you could use HEX or DEC entry in a macro. Seems like I learn something new with BTP every week! Thanks again for writing it!!! --GFX --- Aug 09, 1986 GBARRETT [VISION100] HELLLLLLLLP!!!!!!! -Maybe I missed it, but I have a documented, observed problem which I cannot find an immediate cure for... Does anyone else find their Bob'sTerm128 locking up when they accidentally hit the CLR/HOME key? It kills me every time!!!! Please, Uncle Bob, tell me the cure!!!! (then tell me if you guys have the multi-user BBS done for the ST!) -Gary --- Aug 09, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Er, Gary....a HOME key is a CHR$(19) ... CTRL S ... otherwise known as HALT all incoming data.... try a CTRL Q, or a cursor down key to 'fix' it..... ** --- Aug 10, 1986 GBARRETT [VISION100] (blushing with embarrassment) My stubby little fingers just love to fly all over the place! I guess I let my frustration get to me, tho!!! Ur rite, Deb! Control-Q works... (God, I feel REAL dumb...I could've sworn I'd tried EVERYTHING!) THANKS !!!!!!! -Gary (off to seclusion now) --- Dec 10, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] I hate to add a message way down here in the end of this string of BTP, but with my new 2.0 (new to me anyways) I noticed (again) that when you select (A) from the menu, and then (D), and enter a phone number, it seems to ignore the first number...thus only dialing 6 numbers. It also happens on my 1.9. Anyone else have this haappen...or did I miss something somewhere in the manual?? -<* Gayle --- Dec 10, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] What kind of modem are you using, Gayle? and what modem do youhave it set for? --- Dec 10, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] I have the 1670's..and I have it set for the Hayes Modem. --- Dec 11, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Pulse or Tone Dialing, Gayle?! --- Dec 11, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] Tone tone tone!! PULSE is far too slow...and I am not a patient person! It dials from terminal mode fine, with ATDT.... but it ignores the first one in the macros too! -<* Gayle --- Dec 11, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Wow...I'll go dig up my copy and test it! Whats your Lo Byte set to, Tig?! --- Dec 12, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] 60!!!!!!!!!!!! --- Dec 12, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] Hey Lady! I tried the 61 for the low byte, and the puppy dials CORRECTLY!!!!! Thanks for the help!! ::running off to redial!:: -<* Gayle --- Dec 12, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Ok...if you want to know whats happening here.... The lo byte is off enough that when the software throws out the dialing command at a full 1200 baud line blast that some of the characters get lost. Trimming the baud rate to talk to your modem 'just right' should take care of the problem. This may also affect the number of retransmissions when uploading! I keep my CHAR DELAY in the XFER Parameters set to *1*, but this doesn't help either MACROES or AUTODIALING, only refers to stuff done from C=X. You can thank Commodore's Software UArt for all these fun and games...! ** --- Dec 12, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] Ya know though, if I keep my LB to 61, my screen has random garbage on it :Sigh: there is no happy medium, if I wanna use my macros, I have to reset the parameters inside of the macro to adjust for the dialing and the screen flakes. UGH! -<* Tiggy *>- --- Dec 22, 1986 MICHAELNC [Michael NC] I've got BTPro for the 64, and it's doing great, except for one thing. I can't seem to get it to upload. Downloads work just great, but uploads get their 10 errors really quickly, and it bombs out. The speed is already in the middle of its range for my setup, and everything having to do with XModem is set at it's default. Any ideas?? I've tried both CRC and regular XModem, and neither one will go. That's on a local board and on plink, haven't tried it here yet. Anyplace to do a test upload? Thanks Michael --- Dec 22, 1986 TIGLON.G [*SysOp*] Michael... :sigh: As I have quickly learned with BTP 64, there are some minor quirks. Try setting your low byte to 68-70, and it should upload without any problem. However, if you want to be able to read the screen once you are done, you'll have to readjust the byte..over..and over..and over...I have found no other way for the puppy to upload!!! URG! Even with that, I love the program. I still think I've got a bad disk, so I'm sending it merrily back to Bob for his looksee! Take care! -<* Tiggy *>- --- Jan 22, 1987 B.HAYFORD I am having some troubles uploading to a local BBS with BobsTerm Pro 64. I get through the process all the way to the end of the transfer (straight x- modem) and then the troubles begin! I can't seem to get out and everything freezes up. The keyboard will accept nothing! run/stop will get me to the main menu but when I get back to the terminal - same thing. Nothing seems to work and I have to disconnect the modem. Any ideas?? bert) --- Jan 22, 1987 DEB [*SysOp*] Bert: which version of BTPro 64 are you using?! and which BBS?! Many BBS's have implemented XMODEM in varying strange ways.... *deb!* --- Jan 22, 1987 B.HAYFORD Deb: BTPro 64 version 1.9 is the version that I am using. The BBS is a new one here in Augusta, Maine "capitol city Micros" 207-623-5380 sysops name is Steve Greve. I would like to lend all the support I can but am having a hard time getting started. Thanks, Bert --- Feb 08, 1987 B.HAYFORD I am using BT PRO 64 v 1.9 and am having trouble dumping the buffer to my printer. I am using an Okidata 92 with a Tymac 'the connection' interface. No matter which switch setting I use on the Tymac: #1 open = 1525 emulation #2 open = extended mode (all secondary addresses 0-8 #2 closed = limited mode (secondary addresses 0-7) #1 closed = Transparent mode (ascii) #2 open = linefeed on #2 closed = no linefeed I have tried printing petscii files in emulation mode and ascii files in transparent mode and always get the same results: The printer prints a line of garbage (looks like a nonsense hires line) and locks up. Can't even use the reset button on the Tymac to clear things out. Have to turn the printer off and then back on again. Any ideas??? B. Hayford (Bert) --- Feb 09, 1987 MICHAELNC [Michael NC] I also use BTP 64 and a Tymac interface (tho to an epson printer) Two ways have worked fine: leave the interface in emulate mode, and BTP in petscii with a secondary address of 7. i mean the printer parameter menu toggle of ascii or petscii or use a secondary address of 6, and put BTP into ascii i've had some trouble with tymac tho, if there is a "switch on graphics" character buried in the text somewhere, then it goes ape till i turn it off and back on --- Feb 09, 1987 MICHAELNC [Michael NC] Always helps to sleep on a problem. On the printer parameter menu (where you set the secondary address) there are a bunch of fields called Control Char. Clear all of them out to 0 (ASCII nuls) Bob set the default to an escape sequence, which generally upsets the TYMAC interface. Try that and see!! --- Feb 09, 1987 B.HAYFORD Just tried your suggestion re: setting all of the defaults to nulls and it worked perfectly. THANKS!!!!! B.Hayford (Bert) --- [NOTE: The following discussions regarding disk errors pertain to the OLD version 1571 ROM's. They are included in this file in case anyone still has these ROM's, but the problems with double-sided disks were corrected in the newer ROM's --HORO 3/1/89] Jul 19, 1986 MIKEM [Pax Regal] Question: If one was using BobsTerm Pro-128 and kept on getting I/O Errors during file transfers with CCITT Xmodem at 1200 baud, which parameters would you tell this person to check/change? This is happening on Plink, GEnie, and CI$, and will abort the transfer at different stages . BobsTerm has sooo many options and parms to fiddle with, I dont know where to start. Thanx again.. -Mike --- Jul 20, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] I'll take a gander that you are using a 1571, and the files in question when this happen are ones that span to the second side of the drive... I.E....wait for new roms. This *never* happens on a 1541 or an IEEE drive, but happens on my 1571 under above conditions. I *never* use more than 500 or 600 blocks of my 1571 disks.... ** --- Jul 21, 1986 MIKEM [Pax Regal] Deb: . Geeeez, I never thought about that! Thanx muchly. Yours in senility, -Mike --- Jul 22, 1986 WHIRT [WDHIRT] Deb, I don't why, but I don't have any trouble downloading a 1571 disk to the whole 1300 some blocks using Micro VT and Sixth Sense 128... and I've used two 1571's (one of which is a very early 1571 and another newer model.) Is this a sporadic bug or should I count my blessings? Bill --- Jul 23, 1986 DEB [*deb!*] Dunno....I'd say as long as a 1571 is involved, count your blessings! I have a NEW 1571 here, and its _not_ being nearly as flakey as my old one....but I am very very careful about using anything on the second side. ** --- Jul 23, 1986 DEBS-GUEST [Bob L] MikeM..... I/O errors on BTPRO mean specifically DISK Problems. As Deb stated, I would suspect the 1571 drive..... they act very strange at times for no apparent reason. Try downloading and Uploading direct to BUFFER...(much much faster anyway), and then the disk drive cannot mess things up. You may then try as many times as needed to get a proper SAVE TO DISK. It is really the preffered way.... and the speed improvement on fast nodes is incredible. Also.... you can try lengthening the XMODEM timeout ADJUST parameter for CIS and slow networks, but the fact that you are receiving an I/O error tells me the problem is not in the XMODEM. Bob Lentini (RML) --- Jul 24, 1986 MIKEM [Pax Regal] Bob: I have done some testing, and have concluded that Deb was correct. When transferring to/from the second side, things really flake out. I wasnt aware of the transfer to/from buffer options of your term program. . Thanx much for the info...helped alot! -Mike --- Jan 04, 1988 H.HERMAN1 After being around for four years, I believe, Bob closed down his CAA bbs in November. He was looking for someone to take it over, but I quess no one volunteered. I don't know if he saved the postings, but the stuff that was on the BTP sig was a wealth of info on everything to do with BTP. I am pretty familiar with the 128 program, and if you have any question, would be happy to help out. Howie --- Jan 04, 1988 DEB [*SysOp*] I've been using BTPro since it was in Beta test, so there is not much that gets by me, either! *deb!* ---