I.The Big Picture
C’mon, it’s EASY!
I honestly don’t know why there seems to be such a mystery surrounding the use of telecommunications. It’s hard to find words to describe the wealth of information, experience and free software out there waiting to be tapped. For example, have you ever spent hours or days trying to solve a problem, only to discover 6 months later that someone else has solved it a year previous? If only you’d known!
The electronic forum can act as a “Round Table” for the ZX/TS/QL community. As owners of limited edition computers, we’re very dependent on each other for mutual support.
If you take the time to read and understand the information in this document, you should be able to sign on a remote database system, read and write messages, perhaps make some file transfers, and do whatever else the system offers. You will be safe in knowing you are doing all of this without making any serious mistakes, such as accidentally accessing the N.O.R.A.D. computer and launching a flock of ICBM’s toward Russia. (Incidentally, recent motion pictures notwithstanding, there is no way you or anyone else could break into the defense department’s missle launching system by mistake. They aren’t even tied to standard phone lines.)
I’ve encountered three major reasons from people as to why they don’t make more use of their modems.
1) “It’s just a bunch of kids!”. While it’s true that there are a large percentage of young people with modems out there, there are also a number who aren’t young and who daily carry on very mature conversation and share invaluable information. If you randomly choose two or three boards to call, the odds are good you may find young people pursuing their own form of entertainment. But nearly every board described in this guide is not in that category. In ANY city of the United States you can find intelligent exchange if you are willing to look for it. And even those “kids” may turn out to know three times more about machine code than yourself.
2)”It’s too difficult, I always mess up!”. If you take a modem and terminal software out of the box and hook it up, it may not be totally obvious how it all works. Even those of us who’ve been using modems for years can always learn something new. That’s part of the fun of it. But nowadays there are some good guides and manuals to go with the software and hardware available. It is partly to address thisconfusion that this guide was written. It really is easy, friends, but if you miss ONE KEYSTROKE,;just like with most software, it’s not gonna work. For those working with MTERM II, we strongly recommend Barry Carter’s Manual, available from most T/S retailers or from Barry (See Appendix C). But by far the surest way is to get someone who is experienced to take you through it step by step. Then, if you have questions, you can ask them. This “hands-on” approach works wonders. It would make an excellent demo for a User Group Meeting.
A lot of T/S folk try the 2 local boards, find the younger people and give up locally, then go straight to a Long Distance call and, not being familiar with either the Modem or the Software make an error and get upset since they spent money on the call for apparently nothing. Some give up at this point and put their modems away. What a tragedy! One of the best ways tolearn about your system is to call the local boards. Check with members of your user group for numbers or call a local Computer Store.
3) “It’s too expensive!”. It’s true that Long Distance Calling is not cheap. But there are a variety of ways to DRAMATICALLY reduce the cost. The first step is to get a Third Party Long Distance Service such as SPRINT or MCI. This will save you money right off the bat and costs nothing to begin the service. The next big break we’ve gotten recently has been the expansion of P.C.Pursuit. What is PC PURSUIT? Ed Grey has made Extensive use of this service, I’ll let him describe it:
“PC Pursuit is a service provided by GTE Telenet ( a US SPRINT company) that allows economical long distance DATA ONLY telecommunications. Unlimited off peak hours use of this service only costs $25.00 monthly. From practically anywhere in the U.S. you can call to 14 major cities and connect with any other computers set up to handle remote access. This includes direct links with other computer users , accessing data bases or any other public access BBS. The service works well except for delays in connecting with [illegible]ost cities (occasionally). This is caused by too many users overloading the PC PURSUIT [illegible]stem. They are aware of (and expanding) the network to accomodate the additional users. [illegible]onsidering the price of traditional long distance services, I think that PC Pursuit is [illegible] bargain. You can get additional infor on PC Pusuit by calling their 800 numbers (See [illegible]ppendix C) both modem and voice. Both calls are free, and at that price, why not check [illegible] out.”
As I mentioned, this system recently expanded. It formerly was only useable by those [illegible] lived in the 14 major metropolitan areas. Now it’s available to anyone in over 17,000 [illegible]changes.
The next big break for us Long Distance Telecommunicators has been the availability [illegible] 1200 B.P.S. software and hardware. These are covered extensively in this manual, but [illegible]ffice it to say that an XMODEM download at 1200 BPS takes 1/8 the time of a HEX download
V. The Modems
For a time, those with a 2068 HAD no modem, but finally Byteback came out with theirs, and Westridge decided to go ahead with the TS 2050. But recent developments allow us to use ANY RS232 modem, including 1200 BPS. Read on!
We cover all the combinations here:
ZX-81/TS1000/TS1500 Modems
1 Westridge 2050
2 Byte Back MD-2
TS2068
1 Westridge 2050
2 Byte Back MD68
3 Avatex 1200 using Z-SI/O option
ZX-81/TS1000/TS1500 Modems
WESTRIDGE 2050
Direct Connect modem,requires seperate power supply. One LED to signal “connection made”, Auto dial/Auto answer (With Mterm I) has no buffer or download capability. But with MINI-XMOD software has XMODEM protocol.(See section on terminal software). Can be modified in several ways to achieve RS232 connection (See APPENDIX D). The most widely used modem for the 1000/1500. No support from Westridge.
BYTE BACK MD-2
Direct Connect, draws power from the 1000/1500. No LED, No Auto Dial, No Auto Answer. Comes supplied with Z-Com term program which allows uploads/downloads, in protocol specific to this software. One MD-2 could send to another MD-2. Includes 9 page manual. Also a version of MINI-XMOD for this modem which would allow Xmodem protocol. Excellent product support by BYTE-BACK (See APPENDIX C) . Comes with a socket to which an RS-232 connector could be attached, thus enabling it to drive a Printer, plotter, Etc. As a modem, it is limited to 300 BAUD since it is a Bell 103 standard FSK set-up. But when using the RS-232 it interface, any standard speed up to 9,600 BPS can be acheived. Some by simple pokes others require small hardware adjustments. (for more information, see APPENDIX D). Also available in KIT form.
TS 2068 Modems
WESTRIDGE 2050
Direct Connect, requires seperate power supply, With Mterm II (Not the only choice), supports Auto Answer, Auto Dial withone LED for “Carrier Detect” 300 BPS only, 27+K buffer can perform uploads/downloads in ASCII or HEX, but requires additional Utility for Xmodem i.e.Loader V. Also 2 other complete term programs for this modem, Zterm 64 and Specterm 64. Both use Xmodem (See section VI. Terminal Software).
BYTE-BACK MD-68
Direct Connect, Seperate power supply Using Spectraterm 1.3 (which comes with Modem), has Auto Answer, no Auto dial, No LED, 9 page manual,includes schematic & parts list. Byte-Back provides support by phone.(See APPENDIX C) Also includes RS-232 socket like MD-2, has 32K+ buffer in “REM” statements. Term program cannot be loaded without modem connected For more information on RS-232 port, see APPENDIX D.
AVATEX 1200 with Z-SI/O option
Direct Connect, seperate power supply, Auto dial/Auto answer, mostly Hayes Compatible can run at 300 or 1200 Bits Per Second, there is a switch for this. Has 4 LED’s for Power On, sending carrier, detecting carrier, and connection made. Can only be set to answer on the first ring.Includes 2 year warrentee. Connects to computer via standard RS232c connector. For the 2068, you need either the Z-SI/O card or the AERCO RS-232 Interface. For a description of these, see APPENDIX D. The Byte-Back RS232 will not work, nor the RS232 modifications on the 2050 boards, as they are Bell 103 standard. Comes with good manual. Currently very reasonably priced.
One thing other computer owners have always had which we in the T/S community have not had is a selection of terminal software. But at long last, my friends, our time has finally arrived.
To actually access an online system requires surprisingly little in the way of software. But as you add features, a buffer, upload/download; it gets a bit more complicated The simplest examples of Terminal software are the Z-Com and Mterm I, both for the 1000. The former, Z-Com does allow for downloads, but only if those downloads have been uploaded using Z-Com. Mterm [illegible] download capability.
Terminal Programs Described
TS1000 / ZX81
Z-Com (For the Byte-Back MD-2)
Mterm I (For the Westridge 2050)
Mini-Xmod (For either of the above)
TS2068
Mterm II (For Westridge 2050)
Spectraterm 1.3 (For Byte-Back MD-68)
Zterm 64 (For Westridge 2050)
Specterm 64 (For Westridge 2050 or any RS232 modem)
Modem753 (For Westridge 2050 or any RS232 modem)
QL
QL Term (Nearly any modem)
QCode (Most standard modems)
TS1000/ZX81/TS1500 Terminal Software
Z-Com
Two versions exist, a 2K version and a 16/64K version. The latter has a buffer which is capable of saving 60 screns of text with 64K rampak (approximately 48K). It is also capable of Download and Upload, but it can only download it’s own files. Z-Com downloads are only available on Compuserve, as far as we know. 300 B.P.S. only, has a limited continuous print function, and supports both the TS2040 printer or a standard 80 Col. printer. Includes a 12 page manual. Phone support from Byte-Back (See Appendix C)
Mterm I
This is the terminal software which accompanies the purchase of the original Westridge 2050 modem. The program comes in both 2068 and 1000 versions on each tape. The program is a basic terminal emulation program. No file transfer protocol is provided or supported. There is no capture buffer. Features include: Autodial (no dialing directory, though)/ Autoanswer. Setup parameter options, (i.e. bits, parity,word size, duplex, etc.) And a print screen option of what is currently on the display to a TS 2040 printer
Mini-Xmod Description by Ed Grey
This is a terminal program for the TS1000 (1500,ZX81) series of computers. It comes with 2 versions on the tape, one for 16K and the second for 64K of additional ram. When ordering you must specify whether you are using the WC2050 or the Byte-Back modem. The terminal program is VERY difficult and UNFRIENDLY to use and I cannot recommend it’s use for that purpose. On the other hand, the XMODEM file transfer capabilities work easily & for that reason, it’s a MUST for the serious 1000 user. With MINI XMOD, you can send or receive any 1000 BASIC program The only requirement is the other system must support XMODEM
TS2068 Terminal Software
Mterm II or Smart Term II
Auto answer/Autodial with dialing directory of up to 14 phone numbers. 0 macros available with up to 53 characters/macro. 300 B.P.S. only, 32 Column display,Capable of Downloading/Uploading in Non-error checking ASCII, HEX, and REM conversions. Also capable of Xmodem using additional LoaderV utility (See Download section). Includes buffer,of 27,256 bytes. Also capable of continuous printing of incoming data using Scoenwetter’s AERCO Centronic interface patch and to a Tasman interface (See Appendix B). It is also possible to send MScript or Tasword files using this program (See Manipulating Buffer saves with Word processors). It is possible to save a version of this program including the dialing directory and macro settings, etc. Long considered to be the one & only software to use, and still to be used as a comparison to the new programs. Those who have tried to modify it say that it’s layout is very difficult to follow (it’s all in machine code) For the best description of this program see Barry Carter’s Manual [illegible]
APPENDIX C Addresses & Phone #’s of Vendors and Sysops/Cosysops
(in no particular order. sorry…)
Byte-Back Company, Rt 3 Box 147, Brodie Rd., Leesville,SC 29070. Tecnicall help 7-9pm (EST) (803) 532-5812 – MD-2, MD-68, Conversion kit from MD-2 to MD-68, RS-232 Interface
Kurt Casby, 25 Battle Creek Court, St.Paul,MN 55119 – LoaderV software
AERCO, PO Box 18093, Austin,TX 78760, (512)451-5874 – Modem753 term prog, RP/M, Disc Drive I/F, and RS232 I/F
Grey and Clifford Computer Prod, P.O. Box 2186, Inglewood, CA 90305, (213)759-7406 or (213)516-6648 After 6pm Pacific Time – Specterm 64 Software, Z-SI/O Card, Bare board 2050 modem cards, Etc.
Curry Computer, 5344 W. Banff, Glendale,AZ 85306 – Modaptor, Avatex1200, Letterwriter/Bufferwriter,Hacker’s II Handbook, QCODE,& QL Hdware & Software
Zebra Systems, 78-06 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven. NY 11421 – Zterm 64 Software, Kit to make RS-232 from 2050 Modem card, OS-64 Cartridge
Sunset Electronics, 2254 TARAVAL St., San Francisco,CA 94116, (415)665-8330 – (2050 modems, Term Programs
E.Arthur Brown, 3404 Pawnee Dr, Alexandria. MN 56308 – Compuserve Kits, 2050 modems, Casboard BBS software terminal programs
Compuserve Information Service Div, P.O.Box 20212, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220, 1-(800)848-8199 8:30Am-9:30Pm EST
Barry Carter, Box 614, Warren, MI 48090 – MTerm II Manual
Weymil Corp., Box 5904, Bellinghm, WA 98227-5904 – Mini-Xmod software
Randy & Lucy Gordon, c/o Cincinatti TSUG, 11 Funston Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45218 – Tinyboard Authors
PC PURSUIT, GTE Telenet Communications Corp, 12490 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston VA,22096, 800-368-4215 (voice 8-5 EST M-F), 800-835-3001 (BBS 24Hrs.)
MCI MAIL, Box 1001, 1900 M Street,N.W, Washington,D.C. 20036, 800-624-2255 9A-8P M-Th
Rich Moldovan, 7414 E.Cuernavaca #1, Tucson, AZ 85708, (602)298-8019 – QLTERM Author, (Xmodem for QL)
G.Russell, Rd 1 Box 539, Centre Hall, PA 16829 – QCODE, QJUMP, QL Hdware,& Software
Diamond Design Computer Systems, 1 Lewis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87-2QH Scotland – Micron BBS Software
Tony Gomez, 2013 Los Feliz #3, Thousand Oaks,CA 91362 – Mterm II on Cartridge
Richard Kelsch, Membrain Computer Hardware & Software, 12244 Winter Garden Dr. Lakeside,CA 92040 – “SPIFFY BBS” software & 512K ram expansion for the 2068
Joe Newman, Variety Sales, 325 N.Jersey St 2D, Elizabeth, N.J. 07202 – JBBS Tinyboard Upgrade, QL Hardware & Software
STARTEX, P.O.Box 1870, Ft.Worth,TX 76101, Ft W (817)-877-1041
The SOURCE, Dept. M60, 1616 Anderson Rd, McLean, VA 22102, 800-336-3366 (voice) 24 hrs ? think
Telecommunications User Group, P.O. Box 45254, Seattle,WA 98145-0254, Monthly Journal $12/Yr, U.G BBS
Norm Lehfeldt, 757 Guerrero Street, San Francisco,CA 94110, (415)285-0643 – RLE decoder for the QL