Jump to content
IGNORED

Michtron v3.0 BBS Software?


DarkLord

Recommended Posts

Just curious, did we ever find a valid download for Michtron v3.0 BBS software?

 

A complete, fully functional version?

 

I've got one archive here, but it's an .ST file. I broke it down with Floimg, but
there's no manual or instructions that I can find. Also, it's been Atomik packed,
when you run it, it depacks, which makes me question if this is an actual full
legitimate version or not.

 

Thanks all.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh... how lame and boring.  And nothing less than what I'd expect from.... >YOU<. :P

 

I suppose you probably want me to upload it to your BBS so you already have it on an Atari.  And to test if file transfers work.

 

So I'll stick it on a thumb drive and mail it to you instead, with the wrong zip code so it takes a few extra days to show up.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Tillek said:

Oh... how lame and boring.  And nothing less than what I'd expect from.... >YOU<. :P

 

I suppose you probably want me to upload it to your BBS so you already have it on an Atari.  And to test if file transfers work.

 

So I'll stick it on a thumb drive and mail it to you instead, with the wrong zip code so it takes a few extra days to show up.

 

 

Fine. Use a multidigit encryption algorithm, then send it via pony express. Or carrier pigeon. Or even better yet, one of the owls

from the world of Harry Potter!   :)

 

Hmm, probably best to send it via PM or e-mail. Won't take as much time and I'd have to transfer it from the Mega ST to the

Mega STe (where I'm doing my mad scientist impersonation/work) anyway...

 

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm curious if any of you ever heard of K~I~S Terminal by Alpha Tech Computers.

I can't find it online....  perhaps I should upload the floppy disk content mainly for preservation purposes :?

Spoiler

                                K~I~S Terminal

                  Copyright 1987, 1988 Alpha Tech Computers

                                  Written by:

                                  Tom Zemlin
                                Roger Hamilton


                                  Edited by:

                                  Ted Holman


                                 Art work by:

                                 Judy Wyckoff


                              Special Thanks to:

                                 Mike Dillon
                                Chuck Grimsby


                             All Rights Reserved

                             Alpha Tech Computers
                                (612) 374-3232
                              2901 Wayzata Blvd.
                            Minneapolis, MN 55405

                               Spike Master BBS
                                (612) 374-5307

                              Table of Contents:

         Chapter                                                 Page
         ------------------------------------------------------------
         Introduction...............................................1
         Using KIS Term for the first time..........................2
         Desk Top...................................................3
         File.......................................................4
         Option.....................................................6
         Functions..................................................8
         KIS*DOS...................................................10
         Phone.....................................................12
         ARC Shell.................................................13
         KISS Script Language......................................14
         Random notes..............................................19
         Quick Reference...........................................20
         KISS command list.........................................21
         Acknowledgements..........................................22

                                                                 Page 1

                                Introduction

           The  KIS Terminal stands for Keep It  Simple.  This  terminal
      program is built in the KIS method to make communications easy for
      you.   This program was written to be an inexpensive and  easy-to-
      use terminal program for users of any level.

           The  best  way  to  learn  how to  use  this  program  is  by
      experimentation.  It  is  encouraged that you to  play  with  each
      option  to get to know the program better.  The program has  seven
      main pull-down menus: DESK TOP, FILE, OPTIONS, FUNCTIONS, KIS DOS,
      PHONE, and ARC SHELL.

           There  are two screens in this program:  The Menu screen  and
      the Input/Output screen. The Menu screen consists of the drop-down
      menu  windows.  The Input/Output screen is where you will  do  all
      your typing and reading;  the modem input/output goes through this
      screen. You can switch back and forth between screens by using the
      mouse buttons. The right button will put you into the Input/Output
      screen.  The left mouse button will take you back to the main menu
      screen.

           The opening screen is a picture of a girl that we might  like
      to meet in our telecommunications dreams.  By pressing either  the
      left mouse button or any key,  the program will go directly to the
      program's command screen.  If you wish to avoid the girl each time
      you load KIS Terminal,  you may rename or delete the  introductory
      picture files.


                                                                 Page 2

                   Running KIS Terminal for the first time


           Before you run KIS Terminal be sure to make a backup copy  of
      the disk.  After you have copied the disk,  put away the  original
      disk and use the backup for your working copy of KIS Terminal.

           When you load  KIS Terminal, the first screen you will see is
      the menu screen. This is where you set all the parameters for your
      modem  and  how  you  wish  KIS Terminal to  configure  itself. It
      is suggested that the first thing you do is run  down the  various
      options  in  the Options pull-down menu and set them for  how  you
      wish  to  have  KIS  Terminal  set  up.   For  example,   if   you
      prefer to use  XModem protocol  for file transfers, be sure to set
      it before you try to do a file   transfer.   The same   goes   for
      the   default   baud   rate.   It's  also   a   good  idea to   go 
      over to the  KIS*DOS pull-down menu and set up your Default  Drive
      and Default Path so that when you use KIS Terminal,  any Downloads
      you  do go to where you want them to,  with the minimum number  of
      changes.  Personally,  I also like to change the screen colors  to
      use  as a kind of subliminal reminder that the options  have  been
      changed.

           When  you have  everything  set up  the  way   you   want it,
      go over to the  Functions pull down window  and save your terminal
      configurations.  Now, whenever you boot  KIS Terminal, the changes
      you made will automatically be loaded. The next thing  to do is to
      set up  your  phone lists.  Go up to  the  Phone  pull- down  menu
      and click on Add  a  number to add  a phone  number.  The name you
      type   in   is  the  name that will be  displayed   on   the pull-
      down  window.   The   three macro's   are   for   any BBS-specific
      macros you  need.  The Baud Rate, Linefeed, Emulation   and Duplex 
      settings   are   for   changes   to   your    default    settings.
      Say, for instance,  that  the  BBS  you  are  calling   will  only
      accept 300 or 1200   baud, and  your  default is 2400, the   modem
      will be   switched  down to  1200  (if you set it so)    for  this
      Bulletin Board Service (BBS) ONLY.   The default setting won't  be
      changed.  The same goes for the Duplex and Linefeed settings. This
      is  useful  for  calling services such  as  GEnie,  which  accepts
      Half  Duplex  as  its default setting.  Since many  BBSs  are  now
      accepting  User Numbers as a "name" to help people log on  faster,
      you  can put that number in the User # setting.  User  Number  and
      Password  "macros" set here are sent with returns,  so be sure  to
      press  the right key.  After you are done adding or  changing  the
      directory,  be sure to save it!  Calling the list AUTODIAL.DIR and
      putting  it  in  the AUTODIAL folder will cause this  list  to  be
      loaded in at bootup.  Remember, though, that you can only have ONE
      list named AUTODIAL.DIR. For the sake of convenience, put all your
      directory lists in the AUTODIAL folder.  Then when you go to  load
      in  another list,  the program will go straight to that folder  to
      get the list you select.

                                                                  Page 3

                             Desk Top pull-down menu

           The  first  pull-down window is called   "Desk-Top",  usually
      known as "desk".  Here you will find six options slots for  adding
      your special desk accessories (i.e.  Control Panel, clocks, etc..)
      that you load in when you boot your computer.  The writers of  KIS
      Terminal  believe that you should feel free to have whatever  desk
      accessories you want;  thus we have tried to make KIS Terminal  as
      open  as  possible  to  use  the  various  accessories  that   are
      available.  Certain  Desk Accessories may cause problems with  KIS
      Terminal, so use them at you own risk.

                                                                 Page 4

                             File pull-down menu

             The File  pull down  option  has  eight  separate   control
      functions:  CAPTURE CNTRL,  DOWNLOAD FILE, D/L PATH,  UPLOAD FILE,
      PRINT IT, VIEW A FILE, RUN A PROGRAM, and QUIT.

                                CAPTURE CNTRL

           CAPTURE  is the first option in the FILE pull down  menu.  It
      enables you to capture text into a buffer.  This function is  very
      useful  when  reading  mail or text that you will  want  to  print
      later.  The  buffer  size will vary,  depending on how  much  free
      memory  your  computer has.  The status window  will  display  the
      status of the capture buffer, and how full it is. All text will be
      saved  and  printed as an ASCII file.  While in  the  input/output
      window,  the Right Arrow key turns the capture off,  and the  Left
      Arrow  key turns the capture on.  The choices available  with  the
      CAPTURE box's buttons are: turning the capture on or off, printing
      the captured text to the screen,  printer,  or to the disk, and to
      clear the capture. You can see the status of the capture buffer in
      the Status line at the top of the input/output window.  Note  that
      in VT52 Emulation,  the background color will turn red on a  color
      monitor when the capture buffer is on. On monochrome monitors, the
      black and white reverses (inverse video).

                                DOWNLOAD FILE

           Download is another name for receiving a file. This option is
      used for  transferring files between two  computers,  or  to  your
      computer  from a BBS.   You can select the file transfer  protocol
      with the Protocol option in the OPTIONS menu. These protocols will
      be discussed later. A selector box opens from which you can choose
      the  location (folder path) you want the incoming  information  to
      be transferred to.  (The selector box works like your GEM  desktop
      selector  box  does.) You can abort a transfer by  hitting  either
      <CONTROL>-<C> or <CONTROL>-<X>.  While in the input/output window,
      the Down Arrow key will start a Download. Be sure when downloading
      that the BBS or terminal you are connected with is set to the same
      File Transfer Protocol as KIS TERMINAL.

                                   D/L PATH

           "D/L"  stand for DownLoad.  This option will let you set  the
      path  into which all downloads will go.  This is mainly used  with
      Batch transfers.  The D/L Path is selected using the familiar file
      selector box.


                                                                 Page 5

                                 UPLOAD FILE

           This option is the opposite of download.  You can send "up" a
      file  to another computer or BBS.  It will use the  file  transfer
      protocol  you have selected.  You can abort a transfer by  hitting
      <CONTROL>-<C> or <CONTROL>-<X>, while in the  On-line window.  The
      Up Arrow  key will start an Upload when in  the  on-line  window.
      Again  be sure that the BBS or terminal you are connected with  is
      set to the same File Transfer Protocol as KIS Terminal.

                                   PRINT IT

           This option allows you to dump either the Capture Buffer,  or
      any disk file to the printer.  Use this to print an already  saved
      Capture Buffer, or any Documents you download.

                                 VIEW A FILE

           VIEW  FILE was added to  KIS Terminal,  so that you may  view
      any  file to the screen.  You can use this option to view a  saved
      capture buffer. Pressing any key   will pause the display of text,
      hitting a key again will continue  viewing.   <CONTROL>-<C>   will
      abort  the  display.  Files  are selected for  viewing  using  the
      familiar File Selector Box.

                                RUN A PROGRAM

           RUN PROGRAM will let you run many programs from inside of KIS
      Terminal.  You  can  run  anything with  a  .TOS,  .PRG,  or  .TTP
      extender.  If you run a .TTP file,  you will be asked to enter the
      parameters for the program.  The Capture buffer will be lost  when
      you run a program from this option,  be sure to save its  contents
      before  running a program.  Not all programs will run from  within
      KIS Terminal,  which may cause the system to crash, so USE THIS AT
      YOUR OWN RISK!

                                    QUIT

           This option will QUIT KIS Terminal and bring you back to the
      GEM desk top.


                                                                  Page 6

                             Option pull-down menu

           Next is the OPTION pull-down menu.  This area is for  setting
      up your default options. These options are:
      SCREEN COLOR,    BAUD RATE,     DUPLEX,    LINE FEED,    PROTOCOL,
      TIME & DATE SET, EMULATION, and RS232 SETUP.

                                SCREEN COLOR

           This  option  enables  you  to  choose  your  background  and
      character  colors using the left mouse button to press  the  arrow
      symbols.  These  colors  can  be saved in  a  config  file.  On  a
      monochrome  monitor only the background color can be changed  from
      black to white and back again.

                                TIME & DATE SET

           TIME & DATE  sets the time and date.  If either the  time  or
      date  is  already  correct,  just press  RETURN  at  each  prompt.
      The time and date  will default to  the system's   time and  date.
      Do  NOT include any colons or slashes between the numbers  in  the
      time and date - the program will do it for you.

                                  BAUD RATE

           Setting the BAUD RATE (i.e.  the speed of the  communications
      to  other  computers) is an easy task using the  mouse.  When  you
      select this option,  an alert box will appear.  Use the left mouse
      button  to action the "+" and "-" boxes to select the proper  baud
      rate of communications.   KIS Terminal supports 300,  1200,  2400,
      4800, 9600 and 19,200 baud rates.

                                    DUPLEX

           The  DUPLEX  option is used to change the particular  way  in
      which the terminal program will echo text to your screen.   It  is
      suggested  to  have the system in full duplex  when  communicating
      with  a  Bulletin  Board Service (BBS),  and to be in half  duplex
      when communicating between two terminal programs.  Again, settings
      are  changed  by  using the left mouse button in  the  button  box
      window.

                                   LINE FEED

           The LINE FEED option is sometimes necessary when talking to a
      BBS.  If you notice that the information coming across your screen
      is printing all on one line only, go to the Option menu and select
      Line Feed to the ON position,  using the left mouse  button.  Line
      feed will force the cursor down onto the next line when a Carriage
      Return is encountered.


                                                                  Page 7

                                   PROTOCOL

           PROTOCOL  is  used for changing the way in  which  files  are
      received  or sent in the download and upload routines.  There  are
      five  transfer protocols available:  Ascii,  XModem,  XModem  CRC,
      YModem, and YModem B (batch).

           Ascii  is  used for transferring straight  ascii  text  files
           between  two systems.  This protocol should only be  used  to
           send messages to a BBS or other terminal.

           XModem is a more reliable method of transferring  files,  and
           is usually the standard protocol used for transferring  files
           on most bulletin board services.

           XModem CRC uses the CRC-16 error checking method.  Even  more
           reliable than XModem.

           YModem is a non-batch transfer, sending 1,024 byte blocks per
           checksum.

           YModem B is the same as YModem,  except that it allows you to
           send and receive multiple files at one time.

           The  desired protocol is chosen using the "+" and "-"  button
      boxes  which  are  activated using the  left  mouse  button.  When
      sending  or  receiving large files,  the XModem  CRC  protocol  is
      recommended.

                                   EMULATION

          This OPTION is one of KIS Terminal's special features. You can
      select either VT52,  ASCII, ATASCII or RLE translations. VT52 will
      allow  you  to  use  the ST computer's  VT52  color  and  graphics
      commands.

           Ascii is the standard Ascii character set used by most BBS's.
      ATAscii  will let you log onto Atari 8-bit BBSs  using the ATAscii
      translation. Please note: the full ATAscii graphics cannot be seen
      on the ST, so many ATAscii graphics screens may not show properly.

           RLE translation  will  let  you  view  VIDTEX  Hi  Resolution
      graphic screens.  This  option  is  nice  for  BBS's  with  games,
      or  "Art Galleries".  Use  the  <ESC> key  to exit  from viewing a 
      picture; this will put you back into text graphics.

                                 RS232 SETUP

           Use  the  left  mouse  button to  set  your  RS232  interface
      parameters. You can select word length, parity, and number of stop
      bits. This is useful when calling BBS numbers that use a seven bit
      word  length  and  a  non-standard  parity,   such  as  GEnie  and
      CompuServe. Most bulletin board services are 8-bit, no parity, and
      1 stop bit, or in standard notation: 8,N,1


                                                                  Page 8

                           Functions pull-down Menu

           Here  you  will  find  three  options:   Function Keys Setup,
      Define modem configuration, and Terminal configuration.

                               MACRO KEY SETUP

           The MACRO KEY SETUP option allows you to configure 20  macros
      via the function keys.  The first ten macros can be accessed using
      the  F1  through F10 functions keys,  and the  remaining  ten  are
      accessed  using the SHIFT key in conjunction with the  appropriate
      Function  key.  Macros are useful for storing often-used text  and
      sets of commands,  such as your name and password.  The macros are
      created with the aid of the button boxes which are activated using
      the left mouse button.  Do NOT use commas within your  macros,  as
      this  will cause very strange things to happen when you save  your
      macros to disk! You can, however, use a period, which will cause a
      30  second delay after the macro is generated and before any  more
      data is sent.

           If  you need to have a carriage return in your macro  string,
      press <ALT>-F4.  KIS Terminal will send a Carriage Return out  the
      modem whenever it encounters this character in any macro.

                                MODEM CONFIG

           MODEM CONFIG defines your modem commands. The hangup, answer,
      originate,  busy,  connect,  and  no carrier strings are  used  by
      KIS Term to check to see if you have connected to a bulletin board
      service, to redial, to hang up the modem, and to answer the modem.
      Consult  your  modem's  operation manual  and  phone  service  for
      information  on  using  the  appropriate  commands.   The  default
      settings are "standard" Hayes set.  Be sure to check the  settings
      before using KIS Terminal for the first time.

      On the screen, you will see 9 button boxes:

           DIALING PREFIX which is preset to the industry standard. ATDT
           stands  for "Attention modem:  Dial using  Tone".  For  pulse
           phone service, type in ATDP.

           DIALING SUFFIX  is used only on non-standard modems,  and  is
           not commonly used.

           BUSY SIGNAL is the command the modem sends you when it gets a
           busy signal.

           NO  CONNECT  MESSAGE tells you that there was no  carrier  on
           your last dial up.

           CARRIER DETECT MESSAGE is predefined. If you delete this, KIS
           Terminal  will  NOT know if you have made a  connection  with
           another system.

                                                                 Page 9

           HANG UP COMMAND is defaulted to the Hayes standard  commands.
           Note:  the periods within the command string act as 5  second
           delays.  Consult your modem for the appropriate commands.  If
           your modem is having trouble hanging up, use DTR as the modem
           Hang  up  command.  This  will cause the modem  to  drop  the
           Data Terminal Ready Signal, thus hanging up your modem.

           ANSWER COMMAND tells your modem to answer incoming calls.

           ORIGINATE CARRIER is used to send a carrier signal.

           EXIT takes you back to the Main Menu.

      Position the mouse arrow on one of the button boxes and click  the
      left  mouse button.  A cursor will appear in the long  rectangular
      box at the bottom of the screen where you may now enter your text.
      After  entering  your text,  press RETURN,  and the text  will  be
      placed up above after the appropriate viewing window.

                               TERMINAL CONFIG

           TERMINAL CONFIGURATION has three options:

                VIEW   shows  you how  Kis Terminal is  currently       
                configured.

                SAVE   allows you to save any number of different       
                configurations.

                LOAD  allows you to load any pre-defined configurations.

      When you save the configuration,  everything that is displayed  in
      the  VIEW  Window  is  saved  to  disk,   along  with  the   MODEM
      COMMANDS,   and   current  screen  colors.   If  you   save   your
      configuration  as KISTERM.CNF it will load that  configuration  on
      boot up.


                                                                 Page 10

                           K~I~S DOS pull down Menu

           Here  you  will  find  eight   commands:  DIRECTORY,  RENAME,
      DELETE,   FREE SPACE,   FORMAT,    DEFAULT PATH,    DEFAULT DRIVE,
      and FREE MEMORY.

                                  DIRECTORY

           DIRECTORY shows you a directory of of the files you have. You
      will be prompted as to which drive and path name you want to  use.
      Be  sure  to  include  any wild card  characters  such  as  "*.*".
      Example:

           To get a DIRECTORY of what is in the AUTODIAL folder:

      -> AUTODIAL\*.*

           To see all programs with the ".PRG" extender on them:

      -> *.PRG

                                   RENAME

           You  can  rename your files with this  command.  Be  sure  to
      include  all drive letters and path  names. You can also use  this
      function to move files between folder, or in and  out of  folders.
      For  example,  when  you  want to RENAME a  file,  first  use  the
      file select box to pick the file to be RENAMED,  then enter a  new
      filename for it. Be sure to use all pathnames, since pathnames are
      part of the filename.

                                   DELETE

           This will let you delete a file.  You will get a file  select
      box  from which you choose the file you wish to delete.  You  will
      also  be asked  if you are  sure  you  want to delete  that  file.
      Hit the CANCEL box in the file selector to exit to the main menu.

                                  FREE SPACE

           This function will give you the available free disk space  on
      any disk drive you select with the alert box.  Use the "+" or  "-"
      buttons  to choose the disk drive.  This feature is useful  before
      downloading  to check and make sure that you have enough room  for
      the file you are going to download.

                                   FORMAT

           This feature will allow you to format a disk in any  density.
      You  will be fully prompted as to what drive and what  density  is
      active. Be careful here - Using this option will erase all data on
      a disk!  When you buy new disks,  you must first FORMAT them. If a
      disk has not been pre-formatted,  you will not be able to put  any
      files or data on the disk.


                                                                Page 11

                                DEFAULT PATH

           You  can  change  the default pathway KIS Terminal will  use.
      This will let you  go to a certain  path other than  the  path the 
      program is in when you load it.  To choose the path, just  use the
      file  select  box  until you  are inside  the path  you  want  KIS
      Terminal  to look  for  the  file(s), then  click the  OK box. KIS
      Terminal will follow the  DEFAULT PATH whenever it goes to upload,
      or save any files.

                               DEFAULT DRIVE

           You  can  use this feature to change the drive  KIS  Terminal
      will  got  to  look for files.  It can also be used  to  tell  the
      program where to find the files you are uploading.  This is useful
      if  you use a Hard Drive or if you have more than one floppy  disk
      drive.

                                 FREE MEMORY

           This  option  has been rendered useless in  versions  of  KIS
      Terminal higher than 3.0.  The capture buffer will  be set to  use
      up  all  free memory on bootup.  If you click on this  option  you
      should  always get a number around one hundred ten thousand  bytes
      free.

                                                                 Page 12

                             Phone pull-down Menu.

           This is the auto dialer.  You can store up to 10 numbers  per
      menu, and have  as many menus  as you wish.   All the phone  menus
      should be   kept in   the AUTODIAL  folder.  Within  the  AUTODIAL
      folder,  you can name your directories as you wish.  KIS  Terminal
      will  auto load a file named AUTODIAL.DIR.  This  will   bring up 
      the numbers  in that directory on boot up.

           KIS  Terminal  allows you to store a BBS  Name,  BBS  Number,
      three  macros,  a  User  Number,  and a  Password.  You  may  also
      configure the Baud Rate, Line Feeds, and Duplex of each BBS stored
      in the Autodialer.

           When you  edit a number,  you will see  an option for Connect
      Time. This is how  long  KIS Terminal will wait before it re-dials
      the number. The best setting is thirty seconds.

           You can Save,  Load, Edit and Add any bulletin board services
      or numbers you want.  When editing or adding a number, you can hit
      the <Exit> box and this feature will exit and take you back to the
      main window.  Each number has up to three macros available, plus a
      user number,  and a password is also available. You can send these
      macros on-line by using:
           
                 Alt-P to send the Password
                 Alt-N to send the User Number
                 Alt-1,2,3 to send the 3 macros. Alt-1, for example,
                                                 would send macro #1.

      When you  save your bulletin board service number lists,  use the 
      extender ".DIR".

      There is also a manual dialer here,  just in case you want to try 
      a bulletin board service and not save it to a file.

           There  is  an option to use a Long  Distance  code.  You  can
      change that by using the Update LD Code option. This is helpful if
      you use a long distance company  or  your are  dialing  through  a
      phone exchange (PBX).  Include any pauses (ie: ',') for your long-
      distance code. Each saved directory has its own LD code.

           The  Scan Dialer  auto-dials the list of numbers,  one  at  a
      time,  until  a connection is made with another  modem.  The  Scan
      dialer  will  then place a checkmark in front  of   the  connected
      number in the list,  and will no longer dial that number in future
      scans,  until you reset  scan dialer, or load a new directory. The
      scan  dialer  will  keep cycling through  the  numbers  until  all
      numbers have had connection (unless you have pressed a key on  the
      keyboard or mouse which will halt scan dialing).


                                                                 Page 13

                                  Arc Shell

           This option is one the most useful utilities we have added to
      the KIS Terminal communications program.  When transferring  files
      back  and  forth,  you  will find that ARCing a  number  of  files
      together  will speed up and organize the files you are sending  or
      receiving.

           Included are the following nine helpful arcing options:

      VIEW ARC      - This will list all the files in a ARChive.

      CREATE AN ARC - This  will  allow  you to put  files  into  a  new
                      ARChive that has not yet been created.

      EXTRACT FILES - This will let you Extract any files you wish  from
                      an ARChive.

      ADD TO ARC    - This will  allow you to Add files to  an  existing
                      ARChive.

      DELETE FILES  - This allows you to delete files out of an ARChive.

      TEST ARC     -  This  allows   you to test the  integrity  of  the
                      ARChive.

      EXTRACT ALL   - This will extract all the files out of an ARChive.

      ARC.TTP PATH  - This is the path that the program ARC.TTP resides.

      ARC.TTP DRIVE - This is the drive that ARC.TTP resides.

                                                                 Page 14

                     KIS Terminal Script Language - KISS


           KISS  Script  is an extremely powerful Script  Language  that
      allows  you to do many functions via scripts,  such as  uploading,
      downloading, capturing text, and much, much more. To be in keeping
      with the idea of Keep it Simple, we have named our Script Language
      KISS, Keep It Simple Scripts.
           
           The  use of KISS files with a bulletin board  service  number
      requires  a pathname  and filename to locate where the  KISS  file
      can  be found.  Place the pathname and filename in  Autodial Macro
      #1.  You  MUST have a "#" pound sign in front of the pathname  and
      filename as in the following example:

           Macro #1 : #PATHNAME\FILENAME.KIS

           This will run the KISS file as soon  as KIS Terminal connects
      with the number.

           KISS was developed keeping in mind various standards  used in
      the  industry.  The commands used in KIS Script are found in  most
      common script languages of other popular programs. Below is a list
      of the commands in KISS and descriptions of what they do:


      WAI:svar$

           This command is used when you want to  WAIt for a text string
      to come over the modem.  When KISS sees thi s command it will WAIt
      until it finds the string  you are WAIting for,  then KISS will go
      on to the next command. You can  WAIt for a  string up  to fifteen
      characters.

             The "svar$"  stands  for  "String Variable".   This is  any
      combination of text, numbers, or symbols.

      Example:

      WAI:Press [RETURN]


      SND:svar$

           This  command will SeND a string of text.  SeND is much  like
      the  Function  Key Macros.  A "." in the string stands  for  a  30
      second pause,  a "~" stands for a Carriage Return.  The string can
      be up to 60 characters long.

      Example:

      SND:password~


                                                                 Page 15

      PAR:w,p,s

           This command  will  set  your Word length, Parity check,  and
      Stop bits. It is much like the Set RS232 option.

      Example:

      PAR:7,E,1
      REM:This will set 7-bits, Even Parity, 1 stop bit.
      ("REM"  is   an often-used  term,  short  for  "REMARK" and  is  a
      reminder to you or a note to someone else about,  perhaps,  what a
      program's feature does,  how it works, etc.  A REM: statement does
      NOT affect a program at all!

      ASC:xxx

           This sends the ASCII character number xxx.  (Replace the  xxx
      with the desired ASCII value that you wish to send.) This  command
      is used to send special characters like ^C and ESC.

      Example:

      ASC:27
      REM:This will send an <ESC> character.


      DEL:xxx

           This will pause KISS xxx number of seconds.  Delays of from 0
      to 300 seconds are allowed.

      Example:

      DEL:30


      COL:cccc,bbbb

           This command will set the system COLors.  The first number is
      the  Character COLor, the  second  is the  Background COLor.  Each
      number MUST BE four digits in length.

      Example:

      COL:0000,0121


      HNG:

           This command will hang up your modem using the Hang Up String
      you defined in the Modem Commands area.

      BRK:

           This  command  will  send a break  signal.  If  you  are  not
      familiar with using a break signal,  don't worry about using  this
      feature.

                                                                 Page 16

      CAP:on/off/clear
      CAP:save,filename.ext

           This command controls the CAPture Buffer.  KISS allows you to
      toggle the CAPture Buffer on or off,  or clear the buffer. You can
      also save the buffer. If you save the buffer, the filename MUST be
      a legal filename,  otherwise you may run into problems.  A  leagal
      filename  is  one  that consists of all the  paths,  and  the  end
      filename.  Each  pathname can consist of eight characters,  and  a
      three character extention. The same is true for the end filename.

      Examples:

      CAP:on
      CAP:off
      CAP:clear
      CAP:save,filename


      REM:

           This command  allows you to REMark your KISS files.  This is
      useful for noting what you have done, and for other people to see
      how your KISS files work.


      UPL:p,filename

           This command allows  KISS to  UPLoad a file.  The "p"  stands
      for the protocol you wish to use. The protocols are as follows:

                0 = Ascii Protocol
                1 = XModem Checksum Protocol
                2 = XModem CRC Protocol
                3 = YModem Protocol

           The filename must be a legal filename, or KISS will abort the
      transfer.

      Example:

      UPL:2,filename


      DNL:p,filename

           This command is similar to the UPLoad command.  The protocols
      are the same for DowNLoad as for UPLoad. Be sure the filename is a
      legal one, or KISS will not allow the transfer.

      Example:

      DNL:2,download.prg

                                                                 Page 17

      BEL:

           This command will sound a BELl. BELls are nice to signal the
      end of the KISS file, or to signal complete actions.


      RUN:filename.kis

           This  will  allow  you to run a new  KISS  file  from  inside
      another  KISS file.  The old KISS file will be aborted  when  this
      command is executed.

      PRT:svar$

           This  will let you PRinT a line of text to the  screen.  This
      text will not be sent to the modem.

      Example:

      PRT:Hello world.


      LST:svar$

           This command is similar to the PRT:  command, exept it prints
      out to the printer instead of the screen.

      Example:

      LST:Hello world!


      LBL:label

           This is a LaBeL that a JMP: or POP: command will look for.

      Example:

      LBL:Top_of_script


      JMP:label

           This command will JuMP to a label in your KISS file.  This is
      similar to a GOTO command in BASIC.

      Example:

      JMP:Top_of_script

                                                                 Page 18
      POP:xxx,label

           This  command is coupled with the WAI:  command.  If  a  WAI:
      command is waiting for a string and the modem is not receiving any
      data for xxx number of seconds,  the POP:  will jump to the  label
      you defined.

      Example:

      POP:005,Top_of_script
      WAI:Test String
      REM:This  will wait for a 5 secons timeout,  and the jump  to  the
           label Top_of_script.  The POP:  command MUST come before  the
           WAI:command.


      BUG:on/off

           This  will  allow you to trace your KISS files as  they  run.
      Each command will be printed to the screen as it is executed. This
      is useful when a KISS file you have writen does not run.

      Example:

      BUG:on
      BUG:off


      END:

           This command will terminate all KISS files. You MUST put this
      command at the END of all KISS files.


           A  KISS  file is an Ascii text file.  You can  use  any  word
      processor to create and edit KISS files,  as long as that  program
      can save your files in Ascii form.  Each line  MUST  have only ONE
      command.  Each  command sequence  MUST be followed by  a  Carriage
      Return.

           There are a few examples of  KISS files on the disk.   Take a
      look at them and modify them for you own use.  This will help  you
      when creating your own KISS files.

           To stop a KISS file, hit the <UNDO> key.
                                                             

                                                                 Page 19

                               Random Notes:

           If you run into problems while on-line,  hit the <HELP>  key.
      This will display a menu list of commands.

           If you ever want to stop a function or exit a function, there
      are four main escape keys:  <RETURN>,  <ESC>,  <CONTROL>-<C>,  and
      <UNDO>.  If  you don't want to do something,  or you want to  stop
      something currently in progress, try hitting one of these keys. No
      guarantees here. It depends on the bulletin board service that you
      are connected to, or the KIS Terminal function that you are using.

           Lastly,  many  new file protocols are appearing.  We here  at
      Alpha Tech Computers simply cannot keep up with them all.  We will
      add  them  into the program as fast as  we  can;  however,  please
      understand  that  there  will be some "lag  time"  before  we  can
      incorporate them into the program.  We can only suggest that until
      then,  that you utilize whatever desktop accessories appear to use
      these  new  protocols.  That's  one of the  reasons  we  left  the
      accessory  option  open for  you.  Remember,  though,  that  these
      accessories take away memory,  so you may have to deactivate  some
      of  them to get KIS Terminal to run,  depending on the  amount  of
      memory  your computer has.  There's little we here at ATC  can  do
      about  that,  short  of suggesting a memory  upgrade.  We've  made
      KIS Terminal  as  small as we can,  without taking  away  all  the
      options that make KIS Terminal as nice as it is.

           If you own a 520 ST with only 512 kilobytes of memory,  it is
      recommended  that  you use no Desk Accessories or RAM  Disks  when
      using KIS Terminal, because of memory limitations.


                                                                 Page 20

                              Quick Reference

                     Help in the input/output window:

                Alt - B = Send a Break Signal

                Alt - H = Send Hang Up String.

                Alt - R = Run a KISS File.

                Alt - A = Send Modem Answer String.

                Alt - O = Send Modem Originate Carrier String.

                Alt - P = Send Autodial Password

                Alt - N = Send Autodial User Number.

                Alt - 1 = Send Autodial Macro #1

                Alt - 2 = Send Autodial Macro #2

                Alt - 3 = Send Autodial Macro #3

                F1-F10  = Send Function Key Macros 1-10

               SF1-SF10 = Send Function Key Macros 11-20

               Clr Home = Clear Screen and Reset Colors.

                   Help = A Help Screen listing these commands.

                   Undo = Break out of a KISS File.


                   These correspond to the arrow keys:

                              Upload a File
                                    ^
                                    |
                     Capture Off <- + -> Capture On
                                    |
                                    v
                             Download a File


                                                                 Page 21

                       LIST OF AVAILABLE KISS COMMANDS


           WAI:svar$         Forces  KISS  to  wait  for  a  string   of
                             characters.
           SND:svar$         Forces KISS to send a string of characters.
           PAR:w,p,s         Changes Word length, Parity, Stop bits.
           REM:              Lets you REMark your KISS files.
           DEL:xxx           This delays the script for xxx seconds.
           COL:cccc,bbbb     Chage the Character and backgroung colors.
           HNG:              Hang up.
           BRK:              Send a BREAK signal.
           CAP:on/off        Toggle Capture Buffer on or off.
           CAP:clear         Clear the Capture Buffer.
           CAP:save,filename Save the Capture buffer.
           UPL:p,filename    Upload a file with p protocol.
           DNL:p,filename    Download a file with p protocol.
                             Protocols:
                                        0 = Ascii
                                        1 = XModem
                                        2 = XModem CRC
                                        3 = YModem

           ASC:xxx           Send ASCII code.
           BEL:              The BELL will ring.
           RUN:filename.kis  Will run a new KISS file.
           PRT:svar$         Will print a line of text to the screen.
           LST:svar$         Will print a line of text to the printer.
           LBL:label         Is a label for JMP: and POP:.
           JMP:label         Will Jump to a Label.
           POP:xxx,label     Will wait xxx number of seconds, then jump
                             to a label.
           BUG:on/off        Will let you trace your KISS files as they
                             run.
           END:              The END will terminate the script file.

                                                                 Page 22

                              Acknowledgements

           This  program  was  written  in GFA  BASIC  (C)1986  by  GFA-
      Systemtechnik,  and compiled by GFA BASIC Compiler (C)1986 by GFA-
      Systemtechnik. These programs are distributed in the USA by:

      MichTron,Inc.
      576 South Telegraph
      Pontiac, MI 48053

      ARC.TTP Copyright (C)1985,86 by System Enhancement Associates
                                      21 New Street; Wayne, NJ 07470

      Atari and Atari ST are trademarks of Atari Corp.

      KIS, KIS Terminal, and KISS are trademarks of Alpha Tech Computers

      The  "About KIS Term"  Dialog  box was made with help from the GFA
      COMPANION Copyright 1987 By Marathon Computer Press.

      This documentation is Copyright 1987,1988 by Alpha Tech Computers.
      All Artwork and Menus are Copyright 1987,1988 by Alpha Tech Computers.

 

 

20220205_211101.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please do. I've never heard of this particular piece of software, to the

best of my recollection.

 

It looks full-featured. It's too bad that it wasn't maintained to support

later standards like Z-modem, ANSI graphics and at least 19.2k baud

speeds (that's what I got from a glance through the docs anyway).

 

Thanks.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 2/5/2022 at 5:24 PM, Tillek said:

Oh... how lame and boring.  And nothing less than what I'd expect from.... >YOU<. :P

 

I suppose you probably want me to upload it to your BBS so you already have it on an Atari.  And to test if file transfers work.

 

So I'll stick it on a thumb drive and mail it to you instead, with the wrong zip code so it takes a few extra days to show up.

 

Care to share :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, DarkLord said:

For what it's worth, I've never gotten it (yet) either...  :)

 

Sorry man... Been so focused on all the SFHQ problems.  (Well, and work too with the release support drama).  But... hopefully... both of those are behind me now (support rotates to the other team today for the next four weeks).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, AtariGeezer said:

In the mean time a zip, arc, msa or st image would be great too :)

Just out of curiosity, are you going to do anything with it that would support the BBS community?  Or just add it to a private collection, play with it a bit (maybe) and then...... ?

 

 

  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

And just to clarify... it's nothing against you personally... there are a lot of people in the same "boat"... Who always take interest in BBS related "discussions on the internet" but who never actually call the BBSs that are active and looking for just a few more active users.

 

Just a couple more active users can make such a huge difference as we've already seen... but there just seems to be this segment who likes to talk about BBS'ing and even express strong opinions, but never run one or never call.

 

I really don't have a lot of use for those people and actually have quite a bit of animosity towards them.  I'm certainly not going to bend over backwards or take any time to help them with anything anymore... I remember taking a lot of time helping some people find things for RatSoft... and then what?  Nothing... they don't even post a message to say hi if they even call, and if they do call, they usually cause problems trying to screw with the system.

 

So yeah, just assume I'm going to ignore you.

 

  • Sad 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, Tillek said:

I really don't have a lot of use for those people and actually have quite a bit of animosity towards them.  I'm certainly not going to bend over backwards or take any time to help them with anything anymore... I remember taking a lot of time helping some people find things for RatSoft... and then what?  Nothing... they don't even post a message to say hi if they even call, and if they do call, they usually cause problems trying to screw with the system.

 

So yeah, just assume I'm going to ignore you.

 

That's a pretty harsh stance, and definitely not a way to attract people to interact with something as niche as BBSes.

 

Let's face it, the vast majority of people interested in BBSes are now middle aged and older, who enjoy reminiscing of that era, but probably don't have much time or energy to invest into it.

 

Myself -- I've had plans for several years to startup another Ratsoft BBS. Last one was from almost 30 years ago. Problem is, life gets in the way. It's still on my want-to-do list, and I was getting close to being able to invest time towards it, but then life decided to throw another curve ball at me, so that project is back on the back burner again. 

 

And so what if someone likes collecting the old software? Maybe he doesn't have plans to actively use it, but now someone else has a copy for later on when someone else is looking for it. And maybe that other guy will actually do something with it. That's why I did at least setup a site to host all of the Ratsoft software that I was able to dig up when I was looking to try to startup the BBS several years ago. So even though I'm not actively participating, at least it's now easy to find in case someone who will participate can find it.

 

If you're burnt out of helping people find old software or whatever, fine. You're allowed that. Watching the forums over the years I know you've put a huge amount of time and energy into this hobby.

 

But c'mon... "So yeah, just assume I'm going to ignore you."

That's just not going to entice anyone to participate.

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Tillek said:

Just out of curiosity, are you going to do anything with it that would support the BBS community?  Or just add it to a private collection, play with it a bit (maybe) and then...... ?

Just like the 8Bit BBS's, I examine, create a working image and re-post to help the BBS community. If you have a problem with that, then it's all on you...

 

Just because my depression gets in the way of doing alot of stuff, I still call BBS's when I'm in a better mood :)

 

I haven't ignored you in the past, so what's up with you???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, Tillek said:

Just out of curiosity, are you going to do anything with it that would support the BBS community?  Or just add it to a private collection, play with it a bit (maybe) and then...... ?

 

 

 

I know this wasn't addressed at me but I was just going to say you know what I'd like to do with it...if I get lucky.  :)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 10 months later...

I will add this to this topic.

 

1. Darklord did get a copy of the Michtron v3 BBS - I had it and passed it to him.

 

Working on that.. I am trying to find any info (docs) and software? related to the Michtron Control Language.  A compiler comes with the BBS, but no editor (maybe you use a text editor? ) and no docs for it.

 

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Tillek said:

I had it set up as a demo for awhile.  It had some major issues dealing with the internet modem solutions.

 

Also, no one cared.  No one really called it (except maybe Giarc?)

 

I pretty much wrote it off and abandoned it.

Hmmm, mine seems to work with the Wimodem232 really well. I had it up and running this afternoon, was online with my laptop and logged in on the consol at the same time. 

 

Ill be honest I did not know you had it setup as a demo until I saw it in the SFHQ listing.. and by then you took it down.

 

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...