Welcome to BobTerm 1.21!

     When I put together the ARC file for BobTerm 1.20, I included the 
wrong XEP-80 driver.  This release corrects it, plus also fixes a couple 
minor bugs found in the new version of the term.  Sorry for any 
inconvenience!

     For those of you who hate to read docs, go ahead and load it up.  I 
would STRONGLY suggest printing out the docs at some point, because 
there are several features that are not apparent.

     One addition to the docs: The term "Pathname" refers to everything 
BEFORE the actual 11 character filename.  For example, in 
D1:BOBTERM.COM, the "D1:" is the pathname.

     The program is named BOBTERM.COM, [L]oad that filename from your 
DOS menu.

     The UPDATE.TXT is a list of the changes from version 1.10 to this 
one.

     Modem handlers have been provided for the Atari 835/1030/XM301 
modems, the Supra/MPP 300 baud modems, and a generic handler for direct-
connect SX-212 modems and various other interfaces. (Its named 
RVERTER.COM.) Simply rename the appropriate file to RS232.COM, and the 
term will automatically load it for you.  No appending is necessary.

    This arc file, when expanded, will not fit on a single density disk.

     Enjoy!  And remember: If you use BobTerm, consider sending the 
author a note as well as a token of your appreciation.

BOB TERM v1.2  Documentation
A ShareWare Terminal Program
by:Robert Puff  04/27/90

CIS Mail Address: 76702,1076
GEnie Mail Address: BOB.PUFF
Suite 222  2117 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY  14624

BobTerm 1.2 Docs


INTRODUCTION

     BobTerm is a fully featured multi-tasking terminal program for ANY 
Atari 8 bit machine with at least 48K of memory.  BobTerm has been fully 
tested under MYDOS, SpartaDOS, SpartaDOS X, TopDos, and Atari DOS 2, 
along with many others.

     BobTerm supports XModem, XModem-CRC, 1K-XModem, CIS Fast XModem, 
YModem (batch) and FModem (batch) protocols.  Also supported are 
floating buffer size (depending on your machine and DOS), a chat window 
with recall, online/real-time clock, RTime8 support, a dialing system, 
full DOS support, the ability to load modules for additional features 
(such as XEP80 and SpartaDOS command line support), both RS232 ports on 
the 850 and P:R:, and much more!


SETTING UP BOBTERM

     BobTerm is compatible with all known RS-232 interfaces, and most 
direct-connect modems.  If your modem is connected to a Black Box or 
MIO, no set-up is necessary.  If you are using an 850 interface or P:R: 
Connection, BobTerm will automatically load the handler from the 
interface; no disk handler should be used.  When using any other type of 
interface or direct-connect modem, a disk-based handler is necessary.  
Handlers have been provided for the Atari 835/1030/XM301 modems, and the 
Supra/MPP 1000x modems.  Also included is a generic R:Verter handler.  
This is to be used with the Atari SX-212 modem connected with the SIO 
port, with the Supra 1200 baud modem (using the SupraVerter), and any 
modem connected through a R:Verter or similar interface.  To use a disk-
based handler, rename it to "RS232.COM," and place it in your "default 
directory," which is drive 1 for most DOSes.

     To create a BobTerm boot disk, boot up your DOS and format a blank 
disk.  Write DOS files to that disk.  Now copy the BOBTERM.COM file to 
this disk, and rename it to AUTORUN.SYS.  If you need a modem handler, 
copy the appropriate file (XM.COM for 835/1030/XM301 modems, MPP.COM for 
the Supra/MPP 1000x, etc.) to this disk, and rename it to RS232.COM. 
Users of the Black Box, MIO, 850, or P:R: connections do not need and 
should not have a RS232.COM file, since the handlers for those 
interfaces are built-in.  Your BobTerm boot disk has now been created.  
If you want to use any of the module programs for BobTerm, they should 
be placed on this disk as well.

     See the section entitled MODULES for more information.  BobTerm 
loads a default dialing list when it first boots (D:BOBTERM.PH1), so 
after adding all the entries to your dialing list, save it to this disk.

     BobTerm looks to the "default" drive for all support files, so 
MYDOS and SpartaDOS X users can place all files for the term in a 
separate subdirectory <on a hard disk> for convenience.  All other DOSes 
will look to drive 1 for these files, which is why it is a good idea to 
make up a boot disk as described above.

     BobTerm loads right from DOS as a binary file.  Use the [L]oad 
Binary File option of your DOS menu, or consult your DOS manual for the 
correct command.  Internal BASIC will be automatically disabled, but no 
language cartridges should be present.  Use the 'X' command to load the 
term from the SpartaDOS X command line.



HELP MENU FUNCTIONS

Modem Parameters

Note: Unless otherwise stated, the command within the [] brackets is the 
character typed to toggle the command parameters.

  [A] TRANSLATION AND PARITY
      Changes your translation between ASCII, ATARI, VT-52E and VT-52O. 
ASCII is the universal text standard, and should be used on most 
national telecommunications networks, and non-Atari 8 bit Bulletin 
Boards (When in doubt, use ASCII).  ATARI is the Atari-specific ATASCII 
text mode only usable on boards which support it (typically, only Atari 
8 Bit Bulletin Boards).  The two VT-52 modes provide the basic ASCII 
translation plus many of the extended cursor control commands provided 
in the DEC VT-52 terminal.

     BobTerm's VT-52 mode is designed to also emulate CompuServe's 
VIDTEX mode. VIDTEX is used in some of the online games available on 
CIS.  It does not support graphics; only cursor positioning.  When using 
VIDTEX on CIS, do a "GO TERMINAL" and set your page length to 23 and 
columns to 40.

     The VT-52 mode also supports some of the Atari ST-specific subset 
of commands, for further compatibility.

     Parity is determined by the translation mode.  BobTerm does not 
check incoming parity; it is only generated.  The Parity of ASCII mode 
is None; in VT-52E it is Even, and in VT-52O it is Odd.  Parity is non-
existent in ATARI translation.

     The translation and parity may also be changed while in terminal 
mode by pressing Shift Control F.

  [B] BAUD RATE

     Baud rate is the speed at which your modem and the other system's 
modem can receive information.  Rates supported are from 300 baud to 
19.2K BAUD, but of course you cannot go any higher than your modem is 
capable. Note that some modem interfaces (namely the 850 and P:R: 
Connection) will not support 19.2K BAUD.  Baud rates like 9600 and 19.2K 
are used mostly for "null-modem" transfers, where you hook up the output 
of your RS-232 interface to another computer's RS-232 port, through a 
special cable or adaptor.

  [D] DUPLEX

     Duplex controls how characters appear on your screen, that is, 
whether they are put on your screen by the terminal program, or echoed 
back from the host computer.  Full Duplex means that the characters are 
echoed from the host.  Half Duplex means the characters are sent from 
your keyboard to the screen.  Full Duplex is used on most all BBSes and 
online services (except GEnie), so unless otherwise stated, try Full 
Duplex first.

If you can not see what you are typing, go into Half Duplex.  The duplex 
improperly set to Half will be characterized by seeing double of each 
character you type.  BobTerm also supports "Echoplex".  This is enabled 
by holding [START] while pressing [D].  This will cause everything to be 
reflected, just as a BBS does.  Echoplex is handy for answering a call, 
when the other person is in full duplex.  Remember to switch into echo 
mode ONLY after connecting, and out of it after disconnecting. You may 
change the duplex while in term mode by pressing Shift Control D.


Dialing Commands
  
  [E] DIALING MENU

     Provides you with various lists from which you pick the phone 
number(s) you wish to call.  See "The Autodialer and Entries" below.

  [F] ORIGINATE

     Allows your terminal program and modem to connect to another modem
  sending a carrier.  An example of this is if you originally connected 
using a voice line, then wished to use your modem.  Use this command to 
connect to a BBS if you are dialing manually (with a telephone).

  [G] SEND CARRIER

     Known on other terminal programs as "ANSWER MODE," this will send 
an answering carrier to the other computer.  If connecting to another 
person also using a term, one should Originate, and the other should 
"Answer," or send carrier.

  [H] HANG UP

     This will disconnect your modem from the telephone line.  BobTerm 
first drops the DTR line; if it sees that a carrier is still present, it 
will send a +++, wait, then ATH.  This should take care most all modem 
configurations.  The online timer will stop.  The timer will restart 
when dialing manually, or if Shift Control T is pressed.


System Commands


  [C] CAPTURE BUFFER

     The "Capture Buffer" is a feature that lets you record whatever you 
are receiving.  If there is a special message or something you want to 
save, simply enable your capture ahead of time.  When you type [C], it 
will ask you for the destination filename.  Capture will then be turned 
on; characterized by the screen's border color turning red.  You may 
toggle the capturing by pressing [OPTION].  To close the capture (ending 
it), use this same option.  It will ask you "[C]lose Capture, [V]iew, or 
[ESC]?"  Press [C], and it will save the buffer to disk.
*Note that you can also view the contents of the buffer by pressing [V] 
at this prompt.  Use [CONTROL] [1] or the SPACE BAR to pause the 
listing.  You may only view what is currently in the buffer; any data 
that was previously saved cannot directly be viewed.  You would have to 
close the capture, then use the DOS Function of View a File, and look 
that way.

     BobTerm's capturing capability is not limited to just the buffer 
size.  While you are capturing data, you will see the buffer count on 
the top status line slowly decrease.  When it gets to around 256 bytes 
left, it will pause the other end, save the buffer to disk, and resume 
operation. This will continue until you temporarily stop capturing (by 
hitting SELECT), or close the buffer.  You cannot change the disk in the 
drive to which you are capturing until the capture is closed.

     You may also start capturing by simply pressing [OPTION] (without 
first setting it up).  When the buffer fills, it will prompt you for the 
destination filename.  If you want to cancel the save, simply press 
[ESC].
*Note that the destination capture name usually is a disk filename, but 
you could use "P:", sending it to your printer directly.

     If you want to erase the buffer (say you turned on capture, but you 
really don't want to save it), you can clear the buffer by selecting 
[C]. Hit [C] again to select Close, and press [ESC] at the filename 
prompt.  Now hit [ESC] again to return to terminal mode.

  [Q] QUIT TO DOS

     This will exit to DOS WITHOUT dropping carrier, allowing you to 
copy files, run other programs, such as ARC or UNARC, all without 
hanging up! To return to online, just reload BOBTERM (you may need to 
change translation, baud rate and duplex).  If capturing was enabled, it 
will be saved before exiting.  BobTerm will NOT perform the BOOTUP.BTM 
modem initialization function if it sees that you are re-entering 
BobTerm, so no junk data will be sent if you reload the term while the 
modem is online.

     BobTerm now will 'unlink' any modem handler that it loaded, 
resetting LOMEM to whatever it was prior to entering the term.  For this 
reason it is best to let BobTerm load any disk-based modem handler 
itself. This un-linking should 'clean up' memory usage, thus increasing 
compatibility.

  [R] RECEIVE FILE

     Use this when Downloading, or receiving a file or files from the 
host computer using a transfer protocol of XModem, XModem-CRC, 1K-
Xmodem, YModem, CIS Fast XModem, and FModem. See below for "Send and 
Receive files explained".

  [S] SEND FILE

     This is the entry point for Uploading, or sending files TO the host 
computer.  In addition to the protocols listed above, you may also do a 
simple text upload (the exact opposite of capturing).  See below for 
"Send and Receive files explained."

  [J] SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

     This sets your bootup terminal and system defaults, as well as 
macro editing.  See "[J] System Configuration" below.

  [K] DOS FUNCTIONS

     This takes you to a menu which supports the most common DOS
  functions.  Use them just as you would from your DOS menu.  Note that 
the subdirectory commands may not be supported in your DOS (they work 
under MYDOS and SpartaDOS).  The letters chosen for the DOS function 
commands are those of DOS 2.X / MYDOS menu options, so they should be 
easy to memorize.

  These are the options:
  
      [A] View a File: Allows you to view text files.  Use [CONTROL] [1] 
or the SPACE BAR to pause, and [ESC] to quit.

      [B] Set Directory: Used to set a working directory under a DOS 
that supports subdirectories.

      [C] Copy a single File: This option is handy when copying a file 
from your RAMdisk to a floppy, or vice versa.  Remember it can only copy 
one file at a time.  The first filename entered should be the source.  
It may contain wildcards; the first file found will be the one copied.  
The second filename entered will be the destination name.  Do NOT use 
wildcards on the destination.

      [D] Delete a File: Asks for a filename.

      [E] Rename File: Format is:  OLDNAME.EXT,NEWNAME.EXT  Remember to 
type both names on the same line.

      [F] Lock a File: Asks for a filename.

      [G] Unlock a File: Asks for a filename.

      [H] Load a File: Use this to load the Sparta XINIT file to format 
disks.  This may also be used in the future to load utility programs for 
BobTerm.  Do NOT use this function with TOPDOS.

      [I] Format Disk: Prompts for device number to format.  It will 
format under the current DOS.  SpartaDos X users are taken to the SDX 
format menu.  This will format a disk in DOS 2 format if using disk-
based SpartaDOS.

      [J] Create Directory: Creates a new subdirectory under a DOS that 
supports them.


  [1-9] DISK DIRECTORIES

     Pressing the appropriate disk device number will prompt you for a 
"PATH NAME or RETURN".  Simply pressing [RETURN] will display the main 
directory of the drive.  If your DOS supports subdirectories, you may 
enter the subdirectory name, followed by a [>].  If you wanted to look 
at all files ending with .BAS, you could enter "*.BAS".  This function 
pauses at each page: pressing [RETURN] will continue, [ESC] will abort.

      [J] System Configuration

     This area allows to set such things as macros, screen colors, modem 
port, etc., and optionally save them so that they will be loaded each 
time you use BobTerm.  There are two sub-menus that you encounter when 
you select this option.  The first sub-menu allows you to select from:

  [1] EDIT MACROS, ETC.: Takes you to the second menu area.

  [2] RELOAD DEFAULT PARAMETERS: Lets you reload the way BobTerm was set 
up by your BOBTERM.CNF file.

  [3] SAVE DEFAULT PARAMETERS: Saves your settings to a file called 
BOBTERM.CNF on the DEFAULT drive.

  The second sub-menu is entered by pressing the [1] key above.  This 
menu is the one that actually allows you to edit your macros, screen 
colors, and modem port.

  To modify your screen colors, use the arrow keys (without holding 
CONTROL) until the screen color and intensity is pleasing to you.

  BobTerm supports a total of 16 macros.  A macro is a series of keys 
which, when pressed, will send out a pre-defined message.  The macros in 
obTerm are grouped by size and type of access.  The macros may be 
chained together, allowing a very large string to be sent.

   [A]-[H] Allows you to set the "Large Macros" of BobTerm.  These 
macros may be up to 31 characters long.  Large Macros are accessed by 
pressing the SHIFT, CONTROL, and a number key (from 1 to 8) all at the 
same time.  (In these docs, holding SHIFT and CONTROL while typing 
another character will be referred to as 'SHIFT CONTROL x', where x is 
the character.)  To define a large macro, just press the letter from A-H 
and type in the macro that you wish to store.
*Note that you can use the standard Atari editing keys; use [SHIFT] 
[DELETE] to clear out whatever is on the line.  Press [RETURN] when you 
are finished entering the macro text.
*One special note about Large Macros A, B, and C: These macros are 
updated by the dialing list.  Any macros set by your BOBTERM.CNF file 
will be over-written by the dialing list, if used.  You may, however, 
reload the defaults AFTER dialing, and restore these three macros.

      [I]-[P] Allows you to define the "Small Macros" of BobTerm.  These 
macros are limited to 15 characters and are accessed by pressing the 
CONTROL and a number key (from 3 to 0) at the same time.  Entering these 
macros is the same as the Large Macros.

      [Q]-[U] Allows you to define five special one character macros 
that are controlled by the joystick in port #1 of the computer.  Typical 
uses for this would be the CONTROL-S or CONTROL-Q character to stop and 
start text flow on most BBSes.  To execute these macros, simply move the 
joystick or press the fire button.


  SPECIAL MACRO CHARACTERS

     There are five "special" characters that may be included in the 
Large and Small Macros.  These are:
  
      CONTROL-P will cause a 3 second delay in the sending of the macro, 
then resume.  You may stack as many of these characters as you need.
  
      CONTROL-D will cause a 1/2 second delay.  This is useful when 
sending the "HHH" string necessary for GEnie.
  
      CONTROL-, (little heart) will cause the macro to execute as 
normal, but it will NOT send a RETURN at the end of it.  (Normally a 
RETURN is sent at the end.)

     The following is a list of changes from version 1.10 of BobTerm to 
the current 1.21 version:


Bug Fixes:
----------


   1.  Connects at 19200 Baud within the dialer will no longer switch 
down to 1200.

   2.  The delay between redials has been increased to work with a wider 
range of modems and settings.

   3.  The line editor now allows full ATASCII cursor editing (editing 
filenames, macros, etc...).

   4.  The first character of a macro may be any character, including a 
pause.

   5.  ATASCII<->ASCII protocol translation with MIO problem fixed.

   6.  FModem upload to FoReM boards finally fixed.

   7.  A couple bugs that caused the header and first blocks of each 
file in a batch transfer to be repeated were tracked down and fixed.

   8.  Obscure XModem padding problem fixed.

   9.  Fixed various lockup points when using the MIO.

   10. When saving the capture buffer, a disk error now causes an error 
message to be displayed (none was shown before).

   11. use tO-based OSes may now be used.  An example of this is the 
HAPPYXL program that gives high speed data transfer with modified 1050 
drives.

   12. A lockup problem occurring when capturing and using the XEP 
driver was fixed.

   13. The filename entry prompt for a full capture buffer makes sure 
the name you enter is good before saving (it used to just erase the 
buffer).

   14. Doing a COPY <file> E: in the command processor interface for 
SpartaDOS 3.2 now works.

   15. The 835/1030/XM-301 modem handler has been re-written to properly 
tone dial, as well as respond with the proper messages in the proper 
timing.

   16. Dialing manually drom the dialer no longer unmarks the 
highlighted entry, and will not perform any automatic logon.


Enhancements/Modifications:
---------------------------


   1.  The non-batch receive protocols are self-adapting, in that they 
will automatically adjust to the sender's protocol (If you select a CRC 
protocol).

   2.  Protocol sends are slightly faster.

   3.  The FAST CIS XMODEM receive protocol now supports 1k block sizes.  
I suggest you use the 1k block sizes (by specifying the protocol to 
CompuServe with PRO:X1K), as it causes the data stream to be continuous.

   4.  In the batch file selection area, pressing "A" at a file query 
will mark ALL the rest of the files in the directory mask you have 
entered. This saves having to hold "Y" for all the entries.

   5.  Separate pathnames are stored in the config for upload, download, 
and capture.  This saves having to type the path all the time.

   6.  Separate upload and download default protocols.

   7.  Spaces are inserted between successive RETURN characters in ASCII 
Sends, so your formatting will be preserved in message editors that 
normally 'eat' the blank lines.

   8.  Fine Scrolling is now available.  Use Shift Control S to toggle.  
Its status is saved in the system config.

   9.  The Word Wrap flag is now saved in the system config.

   10. Parity is now supported.  Use the VT-52E for Even, VT-52O for 
Odd, and ASCII for No parity.  Vidtex has not been eliminated, use the 
VT-52O for CIS Vidtex emulation.

   11. The VT-52 emulation is more compatible with VT-100, ANSI, and a 
few other emulation modes.  It does not support the entire VT-100 
command set, but its better than it was before.

   12. The timer/clock will keep the proper time on 50Hz PAL systems.

   13. Internal BASIC is automatically disabled for all DOSes.  This 
took some serious probing into SpartaDOS to make work.  Also, OSS carts 
are also disabled under all DOSes except Sparta.

   14. The Dialer's Print List option has been removed, and the buffer 
size
   has been decreased by 256 bytes.  This had to be done to make room 
for the new features.  If you wish to make a hardcopy of your dialing 
list, you may use an older version of the term for this.  The dialing 
list format is the same.

   15. The Capture buffer may now be viewed before it is saved.  The 
view function is accessed by the [C] command from the main term menu.

   16. The TONE/PULSE selection was moved from the main menu to the 
dialer, where it was actually used.

   17. The modem's result messages returned when using the dialer are 
now displayed.  (BUSY, NO DIALTONE, etc...)

   18. The dialer now depends upon the modem's result codes rather than 
the carrier detect signal, and so should work with just about any hayes-
compatible modem, regardless of configuration  (the messages have to be 
returned in verbal as opposed to numeric).

   19. The dialer now has an option of sending the first macro upon 
connection.  This can be used for automatic logons.  I suggest adding 
one or two Control Ps in the beginning of the first macro to account for 
the time needed for the other modem to properly connect.

   20. The Long Distance code feature now supports the ability to embed 
the BBS number within the LDX code.  See the main documentation for 
information.

   21. When a DOS function is completed, you are returned back to the 
DOS Functions menu.

   22. The DOS Functions have been assigned letters instead of numbers, 
the letters corresponding to the same ones used by DOS 2.x.  This should 
make operation friendlier and easier.

   23. The Command Processor interface for SpartaDOS now has a feel much 
more like the real DOS.

   24. The ability to copy a single file is now available in the DOS 
functions!

   25. The Atari 850 Interface handler is loaded every time; you don't 
have to power it down prior to coldstarting.

   26. Any handler BobTerm loads will be unlinked when the term is 
exited. This should prevent random lockups that happened with various 
DOS and handler combinations.  Note: it is recommended you use the 
[Q]uit command to exit the term, rather than pressing RESET.

   27. The Control 1 function to start/stop printing may now be used in 
the View a file, View capture buffer, and command processor interface 
functions.

   28. The macro processor has been enhanced with two new functions: a 
Control D will cause a 1/2 second delay.  This is useful for generating 
the HHH sequence for logging on to GEnie.

   29. A Control N in a macro will cause it to link to the next macro.  
Thus, you are no longer limited to 31 characters in a macro!  Note that 
neither the Control N nor the RETURN that follows it will be sent.

   30. The curly brace characters in the Ascii character set are 
translated to Control A and Control D characters (for open and close).  
The braces may be sent by pressing the same keys.

   31. The chat buffer may now be sent without a RETURN at the end.  
Type an ESC prior to hitting RETURN.  (Note: version 1.21 fixes a bug in 
1.20 that would not let a space be the last character before the ESC.)

   32. The $7F character in the Ascii character set is now ignored.  
This serves no useful function, and caused problems on GEnie.

   33. Attract mode is disabled while the dialer is busy dialing 
numbers.

   34. The messages on the top status line have been enhanced.

   35. The term screen is displayed while using a transfer protocol.  It 
was found that BobTerm could keep up with 19200 Baud transfers with the 
screen fully on; so the top three lines indicate the transfer status, 
and the rest of the screen displays the term screen.  Note that any bad 
bytes received while in the transfer are sent to the term screen, so if 
you start a transfer while the other side is still sending, you will be 
able to see the incoming data.

   36. The BOBTERM.CNF file is now larger, and is not compatible with 
config files created by older versions.  Delete any old config files you 
may have.

   37. The ST-specific VT-52 color setting commands are now ignored 
instead of being displayed.


     That's all I have documented that was changed.  Its possible that 
there may be a couple minor things that have slipped past me.  Please be 
sure to read the main documentation for more detail on the enhancements.

     When uploading BobTerm to a BBS or giving it to a user, upload the 
whole ARC file, or make sure the disk contains ALL the data files 
unaltered.  Thank you.
   
   Bob Puff  04/27/90
   Suite 222
   2117 Buffalo Rd
   Rochester, NY  14624
   
   CompuServe Mail: 76702,1076
   GEnie Mail: BOB.PUFF

