Part II – Text Files
Welcome back to this series of tutorials on how to make proper use of the MTERM II program for the TS2068/Westridge 2050 modem combination. I hope this series helps you to get the most out of your computer in the area of Telecommunications.
This month we will take a look at how to properly Upload and Download a Textfile. A Textfile is a message or manuscript that is sent as formatted output. Examples are letters, articles, documentation, or many other types of text. The one problem with MTERM II is that you can not load a Word Processor into the buffer, write the Textfile, and then send it out. You must write the Textfile “offline”. That is, you write it using a WP & save it to tape. Then, you load in MTERM II, and load the Textfile tape into the buffer.
MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE has just released a Word Processor and Buffer Interface software package called LETTERITER/BUFFERITER to help you do just that. It was developed specifically for use with MTERM II using the 32 column mode. It is very easy to use, and sells for $19.95 (plus $1.50 shipping and handling) from: MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE, 115 North 7th Avenue, Paden City, West Virginia 26159.
Using this software, the procedure is simple:
1) Load LETTERITER into the computer.
2) Write your Textfile, formatting it exactly as you want it to look on the screen.
3) Save the Textfile to tape.
4) Clear the computer, and load MTERM II.
5) Once loaded, (E)xit to BASIC, press NEW, and then load BUFFERITER.
6) RUN BUFFERITER, and press (J) to load your Textfile. The computer will return to MTERM once the Textfile is loaded.
7) Make sure your CON setting is at NONE. Your can now send your Textfile in the same manner as Uploading a BASIC program.
If you would like to do it the “long” way, you can use the BASIC editor built into the 2068. By writing your Textfile as a BASIC program, using REM statements, you can do the job without a WP. When doing it in this manner, make sure the CON setting is set at REM. Downloading a Textfile is done in the same manner as downloading a BASIC program, except for the CON setting. Use NONE for this purpose. You may have to open the buffer yourself to catch the Textfile.
Next month, we will look at the proper use of Macrokeys, and how to set them for your own needs.