Olivetti M10 PORTABLE COMPUTER Operations Guide 


                8.  THE TELCOM PROGRAM

The TELCOM program is designed to allow the M10 to communicate with other 
computers,  either  by  transmitting  and receiving data over a telephone 
line or by direct connection.  In this  program,  more  than  any  other, 
there  are major differences between the M10 MODEM and the models without 
this facility. All the functions and operations described in this chapter 
are available to the M10 MODEM.

For the user's convenience,  the  table  in  Figure  8-1  summarises  the 
differences  between  the  M10 MODEM and the other models for the various 
connections and operations of the TELCON  program.   It  also  lists  the 
required accessories for all of these options.  Thus the user can tell at 
a glance which operations ace available with his model and which  access-
ories are needed.




810 MODEMM10 WITHOUT MODEM


Direct connection

to a telephone line
Modem cable		 Not possible



Auto-dialling Modem cable Not possible



Manual dialling	

from keyboard		 Modem cable Not possible



Automatic log-on

to host computer		 
Modem cable Not possible



Data exchange

by telephone with

a host computer		 
Modem cable or

acoustic coupler		 
Combined acoustic

coupler/modem



Direct connection

to another

computer		
Null modem

connecting cable

(cross cable) with

straight cable for

gender change		
Null modem connecting

cable (cross cable)

with straight cable

for gender change
 



Fig.  8-1  Accessories for TELCON Options

TELCOM allows the user an automatic dialling option (M10 MODEM only), and 
connection  to  another conputer either directly or via a telephone line. 
Thus data can be exchanged between the M10 and a host  computer  or  com-
puter  service  such  as Compuserve or Dow Jones in the US.  By using the 
various options at his disposal, the M10  MODEM  user  can  automatically 
dial  and log on to a host computer.  All the different options available

M10 Operations Guide	8-1




to both the M10 MODEM and the other versions of the M10 are described  in 
detail in this chapter.

To access the TELCOM program, position the cursor over the  entry  TELCOM 
on  the main menu and press <ENTER>.  The screen then appears as shown in 
Figure 8-2 below.

TELCOM screen

Fig.  8-2  Screen When TELCOM is Called

The code which appears on the first line of the display is a list of  the 
telecommunications parameters which are discussed in some detail later in 
this chapter.  On the second line is the TELCOM pronpt. The  bottom  line 
displays the definition of the function keys on entering TELCOM.

TELCOM operates in two different modes, Entry  and  Terminal.   On  first 
accessing  the  program  it  is  automatically in Entry mode.  In each of 
these modes the function keys F1-F8 have different definitions and  uses. 
Entry mode is essentially for using the auto-dialling option while Termi-
nal mode is for data exchange with another computer.  The two  modes  can 
be used in sequence by the M10 MODEM to give an automatic dial and log-on 
option.  In such a sequence, Terminal mode is  entered  automatically  as 
part  of  the procedure; otherwise it is necessary to enter Terminal mode 
manually by means of the function key F4.

CONNECTING THE M10 TO A TELEPHONE LINE

The M10 can be connected to a telephone line, either directly or  through 
an  acoustic coupler. In the M10 MODEM version, both options are open.  A 
special modern cable is used to make the direct connection  to  a  modular 
telephone  line  and  a  simple acoustic coupler is used when linking the 
computer to the line via the receiver.  In all other versions,  the  con-
nection  must  be made through a combined acoustic coupler/modem in order 
to use the data communications facility offered by the TELCOM program.

These three accessories - modem  cable,  acoustic  coupler  and  combined 
acoustic  coupler/modem  are all available from your Olivetti dealer.  It 
is particularly recommended to use the Olivetti MC 10 Modem Coupler, spe-
cially  designed for data coromunicatiois using the M10 without integrated 
modem. A detailed description of this device is given in Appendix C.

8-2




All countries hove their own legislation concerning the  use  of  devices 
connected  to  the  telephone  network.  Before connecting the M10 to the 
telephone system, make sure you are familiar with the regulations of your 
national  PTT  Administration.  Your Olivetti dealer will be able to help 
you with this.

In the US, before connecting the M10 MODEM to the telephone network,  you 
must provide the local telephone company with certain information such as 
FCC ID, FCC Registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number.   All  the 
required  information appears on the identity tag on the underside of the 
M10 MODEM.

Figure 8-3 depicts the connection between the M10  MODEM  and  a  modular 
telephone line, using a modem cable.

direct telephone connection


wall connection.

3.  Plug the connector you have just renoved from the handset (and  which 
    goes  to  the wall socket) into the beige box at the end of the beige 
    cable.

4.  Remove the shorting plug from the other end of the  modem  cable  and 
    insert  the  round connector into the socket marked PHONE on the rear 
    panel of the M10.

5.  Set the DIR/ACP switch on the underside of the M10 MODEM to DIR.

6.  The M10 MODEM is now connected for data exchange  by  telephone  with 
    another computer.

If you do not need the telephone handset, simply connect the beige  cable 
directly  to the telephone wall socket.  Tf you wish to use the telephone 
normally without undoing all the connections, remove the modem cable from 
the  PHONE  socket  on  the M10 MODEM and attach the shorting plug to the 
connector.

Sometimes it is not possible to detach the line  from  the  back  of  the 
telephone  handset  (in  hotel cooras, for example). In this case you must 
use the acoustic coupler.

1.  Connect the end of the coupler to the PHONE  connector  on  the  rear 
    panel of the M10 MODEM.

2.  Fit the cups of the acoustic coupler to  the  receiver  so  that  the 
    coupler  speaker  is  over  the  telephone microphone and the coupler 
    microphone over the telephone speaker.

3.  Set the DIR/ACP switch to ACP.

If you have the choice, always use the direct connection for a better and 
more reliable exchange of data.

Note that the auto-dialling option is not  available  when  the  acoustic 
coupler is used.

In all models of the 810 without inteqrated modem, it is necessary to use 
a combined acoustic coupler/modem in order to exploit TELCOM to the full. 
The Olivetti MC 10 Modem Coupler is the ideal equipment for this applica-
tion. In this case, set up the the M10 for remote communication using the 
MC 10 as follows:

1.  Connect the MC 10 cable to the RS-232C connector on the rear panel of 
    the the M10.

2.  Ensure that the CAL/ANS switch on the underside of the MC 10  is  set 
    to CAL.

3.  Turn the power ON/OFF switch on the MC 30 to  the  ON  position.  The 
    indicator lamp will show a green flashing light.

The M10/MC 10 combination is now ready for connection to a telephone.

8-4




ENTRY MODE

When you access TELCON from the menu, you are always in Entry mode. It is 
a mode of operation principally, but not exclusively, designed to provide 
the user of the M10 MODEM with an automatic dialling option. In addition, 
this  mode  controls  entry to Terminal mode, the return to the main menu 
and iiiodification of the communications parameters.

THE FUNCTION KEYS IN ENTRY MODE

In Entry mode the function keys, as can be seen in  Figure  8-2,  control 
the following operations:

F1 (Find) - Pressing this key enables the TELCOM program to find  a  name 
            and  telephone  number already listed in the ADRS.DO file and 
            to display it on the screen. This function is available  only 
            on the MODEM model.

F2 (Call) - This key enables the M10 to call a specified number automati-
            cally  when  it  is connected to a telephone line. Aqain this 
            function exists only on the M10 MODEM.

F3 (Stat) - This lists the current connunications parameters  and  allows 
            the  user  to  modify them. Lt is used for data communication 
            with another computer and is dealt with in  detail  later  in 
            this chapter.

F4 (Term) - This key changes the mode to Terminal.

F5, F6 and F7 are.not used.

F8 (Menu) - Returns the user to the main menu.

AUTOMATIC DIALLING

This option is available only to the M10 MODEM for which the TELCOM  pro-
gram  has access to the ADRS.DO file set up in connection with the ADDRSS 
program (see Chapter 6 ).  To find a name and telephone number listed  in 
this file, proceed as follows:

1.  Press <F1>. This brings up the prompt Find .

2.  Enter the name of the person  (or  other  identifying  string)  whose 
    nunber is required, exactly as you would in a 'Find' operation in the 
    ADDRSS program.  The target string may be taken from any part of  the 
    entry  in  the  ADRS.DO  file i.e. name, address or telephone number. 
    Press <ENTER>.

3.  The bottom line of the screen changes to read  F2 - Call, F3  -  More 
    and  F4  - Quit.  Meanwhile the first occurrence of the target string 
    is indicated on the screen.  What  is  displayed  is,  in  fact,  the 
    corresponding  record  in the ADRS.DO file up to the second colon. If 
    you have followed the recommended  format  for  entering  records  in 
    ADRS.DO, this will be:

M10 Operations Guide	8-5




Name : telephone number

    (see Chapter 6 for details of how records are entered in ADRS.DO).

4.  You now have a choice; pressing 'More' causes the  computer  to  look 
    for  a  further occurrence of the string  pressing 'Quit' returns the 
    TELCOM prompt; pressing 'Call' instructs the  computer  to  dial  the 
    number displayed on the screen.

Of course, in order to dial the number  successfully,  the  M10  must  be 
directly  connected  to  a modular telephone line in the way described in 
the preceding section of this chapter.

When 'Call' is pressed, the message

                             Calling  .....

appears on the screen. The dots represent the name of the  person  listed 
in  ADRS.DO.   As  the number is dialled, the M10 emits faint but audible 
pulses and each digit is displayed on the screen as it is  dialled.   You 
must lift the receiver before the number is complete.  This entire opera-
tion from 'Find' through to completion of the  number  is  the  auto-dial 
option.

To illustrate this explanation, let us take an  entry  from  the  ADRS.DO 
file already used as an example in Chapter 6, e.q.

          Peter King : 321=4961 : 85 Tavistock Avenue, Fernbury

1.  Press <F1>, and, in response to the prompt Find type in  "Peter"  and 
    press <ENTER>.

2.  Immediately, the screen displays

                            Peter King : 321=4961

    i.e. the record up to the second colon.  The result would be  identi-
    cal if the target string was "Tavistock" or "321".

3.  The functions 'Call', 'More' and 'Quit', corresponding to F2, F3  and 
    F4,  appear  at the bottom of the screen.  Press <F2> to initiate the 
    dialling operation.

4.  The screen displays the following message:

                        Calling Peter King :

    As dialling proceeds, the digits appear one by one  in  the  position 
    indicated  by  the  dots.   At the same time, you will hear the faint 
    sound of the pulse train for each digit. Note  the  two-second  pause 
    between the 1 and the 4.

5.  You must pick up the receiver to take the call before the last  digit 
    appears on the screen.

Note that this example can be tried without connecting the M10  MODEM  to

8-6




the  telephone line, although needless to say no actual call can be made. 
In all other respects, however, the results are identical.

MANUAL DIALLING

Telephone numbers can also be dialled manually from the  M10  MODEM  key-
board  by  pressing  <F2>,  typing  the  number after the prompt Call and 
pressing <ENTER>. Again the audible pulses are  emitted  and  the  digits 
displayed  on  the  screen.  The  receiver must be lifted before the last 
digit is dialled.  You can verify this procedure without  connecting  the 
M10  MODEM  to  the  telephone  Line.   Even with the M10 MODEM connected 
directly to the telephone line, a number can be dialled in the  classical 
way from the telephone itself.

TERMINAL MODE

The object of this mode of operation is to allow the M10 to  communicate, 
either by telephone or directly, with other computers or information ser-
vices - in effect to act as a terminal on a host computer.  There are two 
ways of entering Terminal mode - automatically or manually.

The former occurs when you follow the procedure for  auto-dialling  of  a 
host computer or information service.  This procedure, described later in 
this chapter, is available only to the M10 MODEM.

Manually, Terminal mode is entered by pressing <F4> after the TELCON pro-
gram  has  been  called  from  the main menu.  The screen then appears as 
shown in Figure 8-4.

entering terminal mode


THE FUNCTION KEYS IN TERMINAL MOOE

As can be seen, the function keys F1-F8 now control  different  functions 
from  those  effective  in  Entry mode. Unlike the functions available in 
Entry mode, those in Terminal mode are identical for all  models  of  the 
M10.  They are:

F1 (Prev) -      Pressing this key enables you to view the previous eight
                 lines  of  text on the screen when in Terminal mode.  To 
                 return the display to its original position, press  <F1> 
                 again.

F2 (Down) -      The purpose of this key is to save or 'download'  incom-
                 ing  data  from a host computer to a file for subsequent 
                 viewing.  When you  press  <F2>,  the  following  prompt 
                 appears on the screen:

                                    File to Download?

                 Type in the name of the file to which the data are to be 
                 saved and press <ENTER>.  To stop downloading press <F2> 
                 again.

F3 (Up) -        The purpose of this key is to allow you to send  a  file
                 of data which you have prepared in advance for transmis-
                 sion to the host computer.  When  you  press  <F3>,  the 
                 prompt:

                                     File to upload?

                 will appear on the screen. Type in the name of the  pre-
                 viously  prepared  file  that you wish to send and press 
                 <ENTER>. This brings up the prompt:

                                               Width?

                 The response  to  this  prompt  determines  the  maximum 
                 number  of characters the M10 will send before inserting 
                 a carriage return and can have any value between 10  and 
                 132.

F4 (Full/Half) - This key switches the transmission between  Full  Duplex
                 and  Half Duplex.  In Full Duplex mode, required by most 
                 host computer systems, the characters are transmitted to 
                 the  host  before appearing on the screen.  In this way, 
                 you know that the character has  been  accepted  by  the 
                 host  as  soon  as  it  appears  on the screen.  In Half 
                 Duplex, the characters appear  on  the  screen  and  are 
                 transmitted simultaneously so there is no guarantee that 
                 what you read on the screen is in  fact  what  the  host 
                 computer  has  received.   A  noisy  telephone line, for 
                 example, can distort the transmission.

FS (Echo) -      By connecting a printer to the M10  and  pressing  <F5>, 
                 you  will obtain a hard copy of what is displayed on the 
                 screen. Thus you can retain  a  printed  record  of  the

8-8




                 exchange  with the host system.  F5 is a switch key i.e. 
                 when it is pressed once, the function operates; pressing 
                 again disables the function and removes the label 'Echo' 
                 from the screen.

F6 and F7 are not used.

F8 (Bye) - 	 This key allows you to leave Terminal mode.
                 When you press <F8>, the prompt Disconnect?  appears  on 
                 the screen.  In response, type <Y> (Yes) or <N> (No) and 
                 press <ENTER>.  To disengage the M10 from the  telephone 
                 system, you must enter 'Y'.
                 This returns you to Entry mode.

THE DATA COMMUNICATIONS PARAMETERS

Reference was made earlier to the communications parameters which  appear 
on  the top line of the sceeen when the TELCOM program is first accessed. 
This represents the current values of the communications parameters.   To 
communicate  with  another  computer these parameters must match those of 
the host and you can set the appropriate values on  the  M10  within  the 
limits quoted in Figure 8-5.

M10 Operations Guide	8-9







PARAMETER POSSIBLE VALUES MEANING


Baud Rate M

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9		 Modem (300 baud)

75 baud

110 baud

300 baud

600 baud

1200 baud

2400 baud

4800 baud

9600 baud

19200 baud


Word Length 6

7

8		 6 bits

7 bits

8 bits



Parity 0

E

N
I		 Odd

Even

No Parity

Ignore Parity



Stop Bit 1

2		1 Stop bit

2 Stop bits



Line Status E

D		 Enable

Disable



Dial Pulse Rate 10

20		 10 pps

20 pps




Fiq.  8-5  Data Communications Parameters

In Figure 8-2, the parameters are set to 37I1E, 10 pps which are the ini-
tial values for the M10 MODEM.  Other models have initial values of 37I1E. 
From the table it can be seen that this should be interpreted as:

       Baud Rate -  M (Modem); this value is numerically 300 baud but
                    it should always be set to M for the M10 MODEM,
                    otherwise the modem is disabled. For all other models,
                    the starting value is 3 (300 baud).

     Word Length -  Initially set to 7 bits

          Parity -  1 for Ignore Parity

        Stop Bit -  1 stop bit

     Line Status -  E for Enable

 Dial Pulse Rate -  10 pps; this parameter does not exist in models
                    without integrated modem, since it determines the 
                    pulse rate used in auto-dialling, a facility 
                    available only to the M10 MODEM.

8-10




It is not imperative for the user to be conversant with the  significance 
of  all  these parameters in order to be able to operate in Terminal mode 
with a host computer. The purpose of including then is to  allow  you  to 
match the M10 to the specifications provided by the host.

To change the communications parameters,  access  Entry  mode  and  press 
<F3> (Stat). The prompt Stat appears on the display.  Type in the commun-
ications protocol (i.e. the string of parameters in the given format,  as 
in M7I1E,10 pps) and press <ENTER>; the TELCOM prompt appears again.  Now 
verify that the new values have been registered by the  M10  by  pressing 
<F3>  again.   When the Stat prompt appears, simply press <ENTER> and the 
new values will be displayed on the next line.  Note that the  communica-
tions  parameters  are accessed and modified in Entry mode although their 
application is entirely in Terminal mode.

The current values of the communications parameters can be checked at any time, 
using <F3> and <ENTER>.

DATA EXCHANGE WITH A HOST COMPUTER

Terminal mode is designed to allow the M10 to communicate with othec com-
puters, either by direct connection or via a telephone line.

In the case of the M10 MODEM, the connection  to  the  telephone  may  be 
direct,  as explained earlier in this chapter or, when this is not feasi-
ble, by means of an acoustic coupler.

For the M10 models without integrated modem, the connection must be via a 
combined acoustic coupler/modem.

Before using the M10 in Terminal mode, it must be linked into  the  tele-
phone  system.   Terminal mode can be accessed automatically or manually; 
automatic access to Terminal mode is available only to the M10 MODEM.  In 
addition, this model offers the possibility of automatic log-on procedure 
to a host computer or information service, greatly facilitating access to 
a host system.

ACCESSING TERMINAL MODE MANUALLY

Manual access to Terminal mode is necessary  in  all  models  without  an 
integrated modem and may be chosen, if one so wishes, with the M10 MODEM. 
To access Terminal mode on the M10 MODEM, proceed as follows:

1.  Make sure that the M10 MODEM is connected to the  telephone  line  as 
    shown in Figure 8-3 or by means of an acoustic coupler.  In the first 
    case, set the DIR/ACP switch to DIR, in the second set it to ACP.

2.  Now set the CAL/ANS switch (on the underside of the M10 MODEM) to CAL 
    and access TELCOM.

3.  Lift the telephone receiver and dial the number in the normal way.

4.  When the host system replies to your call, you will hear  a  continu-
    ous, high-pitched tone. Press <F4> to enter Terminal mode.

M10 Operations Guide	8-11




5.  If the connection between the M10 and the telephone  is  direct,  you 
    can  at  this point simply replace the receiver.  If you are using an 
    acoustic coupler, reconnect the receiver to the coupler when you hear 
    the continuous tone.

When the M10 enters Terminal mode, it emits a high-pitched sound and  the 
new  designations  of  the  function keys F1-F8 appear at the foot of the 
screen (see Figure 8-4).  The M10 MODEM is now ready to log on to a  host 
computer system.

With all other models,  it  is  necessary  to  use  a  combined  acoustic 
coupler/modem to set up the M10 for remote communication with a host sys-
tem. When using the M10 with the NC 10 Modem Coupler, carry out the  fol-
lowing procedure:

1.  Ensure that the MC 10 is connected to the RS-232C interface connector 
    on  the  rear  panel  of  the  810 and that the ANS/CAL switch on the 
    underside of the MC 10 is set to CAL.

2.  Turn the power ON/OFF switch on the top of the MC 10 to ON. The indi-
    cator lamp will show a flashing green light.

3.  Lift the telephone receiver and dial the number of the host system in 
    the normal way.

    If the host system has automatic data  transmission  connection,  you 
    will  hear  a  high-pitched, continuous tone when connection has been 
    established.

    If the host system is manual, ask  the  operator  to  make  the  data 
    transmission  connection. When you hear the continuous tone, the con-
    nection has been established.

4.  Once communication has been established, press <F4> to enter Terminal 
    mode.

5.  Fit the telephone receiver to the MC 10 cradle, first connecting  the 
    ear-piece then inserting the mouth-piece into the cup marked CORD.

    After a moment, the indicator  lamp  will  show  a  continuous  green 
    light.

When Terminal mode is entered, the f110 emits a high-pitched sound and the 
new  designations  of the function keys F1-F8 appear at the bottom of the 
screen, as shown in Figure 8-4.

The M10/MC 10 combination is now ready for log-on to a host computer.

8-12




AUTOMATIC ENTRY TO TERMINAL MODE AND AUTO LOG-ON PROCEDURES

This option, available only to the M10  MODEM,  greatly  facilitates  the 
whole  procedure  of  calling a host system and logging on to it.  It may 
take you a little while to set it up but  once  you  have  done  so  your 
access  to a host computer or computer service will be effected by a sin-
gle command.

Entering Terminal Mode Automatically

To do this you must start with the ADRS.DO file, created when  you  first 
used  the  ADDRSS program (see Chapter 6).  Let us suppose that you are a 
subscriber to an information service called International  Data  Services 
(IDS),  whose  telephone number is 492 77095.  This information has to be 
recorded in the ADRS.DO file.  Access  ADRS.DO  and  make  the  following 
entry:

                           IDS : 492=77095 < >

This follows the standard format for entries in ADRS.DO with  the  excep-
tion  of the angle brackets whose significance will become clear later in 
this section.  Now quit ADDRS5 and  access  TELCON.   The  procedure  for 
autoriatic entry to Terminal mode is the following:

1.  Ensure that the M10 is directly connected to the telephone system  as 
    described earlier and as shown in Figure 8-3.

2.  Set the DTR/ACP switch to DIR, if you have not already done so.

3.  Set the CAL/ANS switch to CAL.

4.  Press <F1>, then, in response to the prompt  Find  type  in  IDS  and 
    press <ENTER>.
    This will cause the entry you have made in ADRS.DO to be displayed on 
    the screen as shown below.

                             IDS : 492=77095 < >

    while the bottom line of the display shows 'Call', 'More' and  'Quit' 
    corresponding to F2, F3 and F4.

5.  Press <F2> to initiate the auto-dial option.  This brings up the mes-
    sage

                                Calling IDS : 492=77095 < >

    the digits appearing one by one as they are dialled.

There is no need to lift the receiver when auto-dialling  a  host  system 
since  the communication is not verbal.  On completion of the number, the 
M10 MODEM emits a high-pitched tone to indicate that  Terminal  mode  has 
been  entered.  At the same time, the screen changes to show the designa-
tion of the function keys, F1-F8, in Terminal mode.  In most  cases,  the 
M10  will echo what it "hears" at the other end of the line.  If the line 
is free, you will hear the ringing, if it is engaged, you will  hear  the

M10 Operations Guide	8-13




engaged signal and so on.  Automatic entry into Terminal mode is now com-
plete and the M10 MODEM is ready to log on to the host computer.  The M10 
MODEM  is  equipped with an automatic log-on protocol to further simplify 
your task.

Automatic Log-On

The combination of automatic dialling and automatic entry  into  Terminal 
mode  allows one further extension of the system to give automatic log-on 
to a host computer or information service.  Log-on procedures for comput-
ers  vary  only in the details, the basic features, such as enterina user 
ID and password being common to them  all.   The  M10  MODEM  provides  a 
series  of  key  commands which allows you to take advantage of this fact 
and devise a protocol to execute an automatic loq-on with a  single  com-
mand.

When you become a subscriber to  an  information  service  or  are  given 
access  to  a host computer, you will be issued with instructions for the 
log-on procedure.  What the the M10 MODEM offers is  the  possibility  of 
encoding  the  procedure  in a string of commands and storing this in the 
ADRS.DO file so  that  the  entire  sequence  of  calling  the  host  and 
logging-on can be effected automatically.

The four special command keys shown in the  table  below  enable  you  to 
encode the log-on sequence and store it in the ADRS.DO file.

         KEY	FUNCTION

          7     Wait for specified character

          =     Pause for two seconds

          I     Send the next character as it stands

          A     Send the next character as a
                control character

?    This character tells the M10 to wait for a specific  instruction  or
     prompt  before proceeding with the log-on sequence. If you know from
     the host's instructions that you must wait for the prompt  User  ID:
     before entering your identity, then the coded instruction to the M10
     would be '?' followed by any character unique to  that  prompt  (say
     'U').  ?U is a coded message to the M10 saying "Do not proceed until
     you have received a prompt containing the character U".

=    This symbol, which you have already encountered in  the  description 
     of  the ADRS.DO file, imposes a delay of 2 seconds before continuing 
     the log-on procedure.

8-14




!    The exclamation mark tells the M10 MODEM to transmit the next  char-
     acter as it stands. It provides the computer with a means of distin-
     guishing between key commands  and  characters  to  be  transmitted.
     Thus  if the combination != occurs anywhere in the sequence, the M10
     MODEM will send the character = instead of pausing for 2 seconds  as
     it normally would on encountering this character.

^    The circumflex causes the next character to be transmitted as a con-
     trol character. Hence ^4 tells the M10 MODEM to send Control-C.

The entire log-on sequence is stored in the ADRS.DO file under the  entry 
for  the  host's  name  and telephone number.  It must be enclosed in the 
angle brackets < > immediately after the number.

The best way to illustrate setting up  a  coded  log-on  protocol  is  by 
returning  to  the  example used earlier.  Suppose that IDS have assigned 
you the user TD 5138Q and the  password  'Redwing'  and  that  they  have 
issued the following instructions for log-on:

1.  Notify the system that you are ready to log-on by sending Control-C.

2.  Wait for the prompt User ID: then enter the identity number you  have 
    been assigned.

3.  Wait for the prompt Password: then enter your password.

4.  Wait for at least 3 seconds then send the question OK?.

5.  The system will send you the message Log-on successfully completed .

Taking these instructions one by  one  you  can  now  establish  a  coded 
sequence for the M10 MODEM.

1.  It is good practice to leave a short delay between calling the number 
    and  starting  the log-on to allow time for good communications to be 
    established, so begin the sequence with  =.   The  first  instruction 
    requires  a  Control-C which is written "C.  So, after conplying with 
    the first instruction, the sequence looks like this:

                                     =^C

2.  Now you must inform the M10 to wait for the prompt User ID: then send 
    the  ID  number  assigned  to  you. There are only two prompts in the 
    log-on procedure so choose any letter that is not common to both e.g. 
    U,  I  or  D.  In this procedure, unlike many others, the 810 distin-
    guishes between upper and lower case characters. Thus U is valid as a 
    unique character in the prompt, whereas u is not.  Note also that you 
    must select a single character since the key command ?  applies  only 
    to  the character immediately following it.  The instruction ?U tells 
    the M10 to wait for a prompt containing the character U.  Now your ID 
    is  required,  so  continue with 5138Q.  This has to be entered which 
    you normally do by pressing  <ENTER>.   The  keyboard  equivalent  of 
    ENTER  on  the M10 is Control-M.  Hence the instruction is terminated 
    with ^M.  The sequence for the second instruction is then:

M10 Operations Guide	8-15




                                  ?U5138Q^M

3.  In the same way the coded sequence for entering the password is:

                                  ?PRedwing^M

    where ?P tells the M10 to wait for a prompt containing the  character 
    P before transmitting the password.

4.  This instruction requires a pause of at least 3 seconds; the  charac-
    ters  ==  give  a  4-second pause.  Now you are required to enter the 
    question OK?. You must tell the M10 MODEM to  transmit  the  question 
    mark  and  not interpret it as a key command to wait, so this becomes 
    OK!?^M.  The final instruction gives rise to the sequence:

                                  ==OK!?^M

Putting these all together in a single sequence gives the final  protocol 
which has to be enclosed in angle brackets thus:

               <= ^C ?U 51380 ^M ?P Redwing ^M == OK!? ^M>

Here the individual commands have been spaced out so that  the  user  can 
readily  identify  them.   When  entering  them  in the ADRS.DO file they 
should appear as a single, long string as shown below:

           IDS : 492=77095 <=^C?U5138Q^M?PRedwing^M==OK!?^M> :

To initiate the automatic log-on sequence, using the example just  quoted 
as an illustration, the procedure is as follows:

1.  Ensure that the M10 MODEM is connected directly to  a  modular  tele-
    phone line.

2.  Set the D1R/ACP switch to DIR and the CAL/ANS switch to CAL.

3.  Access  TELCOM  and  verify  that   the   communications   parameters 
    correspond  to  the specifications of the information service IDS. If 
    not, change them to the required values.

4.  Still in Entry mode, press <F1> and, in response to the  prompt  
    Find type IDS and press <ENTER>.

5.  The entry in the ADRS.DO file  for  IDS  will  be  displayed  on  the 
    screen, up to the second colon.
    Note that the loq-on sequence you have just entered between the angle 
    brackets is not displayed although the brackets themselves are.  This
    is to protect the secrecy of your User ID and password.
    Press <F2>  'Call', then <ENTER> to initiate automatic dialling.

6.  The message Calling 105 :49277095 is displayed  on  the  screen,  the 
    digits appearing one at a time as they are dialled.
    When the number has been dialled, you will hear the ringing tone.   A 
    high-pitched  tone  is  emitted  hy the M10 to indicate that Terminal 
    mode has been entered.

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    Up to this point the procedure is that of auto-dialling.

7.  At this point the automatic log-on  sequence  commences.   The  first 
    indication  you  have  of this is when the prompt User 1D: appears on 
    the screen.  The M10 MODFM responds to this automatically,  according 
    to  the  coded  instructions  you  have  given, and your user ID will 
    appear in response to the prompt.

8.  Next the prompt Password:  appears on  the  screen.   Again  the  M10 
    responds automatically but your password is not displayed.

9.  After a 4-second pause, the auestion OK? will appear, followed by the 
    message  Log-on successfully completed .  The M10 MODEM is now logged 
    on to the IDS system.

A word of caution here -  if  you  attempt  to  simulate  this  procedure 
without  connecting  the M10 MODEM to a telephone line, the computer will 
block as soon as the simulated dialling is over because it can proceed no 
further.   This blocking in TELCOM can even inhibit the automatic switch-
off facility.  If this happens, press <SHIFT> + <BREAK/PAUSE> to  release 
the M10.

MANUAL LOG-ON TO A HOST COMPUTER

If you do not have the M10 MODEM but another version of the M10, then the 
automatic log-on sequence is not available to you. In this case, you must 
dial the host's number manually on the telephone and follow the  instruc-
tions  for logging-on.  By way of illustration, we shall take the exanple 
used in the last section. Since that section refers  exclusively  to  the 
M10 MODEM, you may not have read it, so we shall repeat the essentials of 
the example here.  Let us suppose that you are a subscriber to an  infor-
mation  service called International Data Services (IDS), whose telephone 
number is 492 77095.  Suppose, moreover, that 1DS have assigned  you  the 
user  ID  5138Q  and the password 'Redwing' and that they have issued the 
following instructions for log-on:

1.  Notify the system that you are ready to log-on by sending Control-C.

2.  Wait for the prompt User 1D: then enter the identity number you  have 
    been assigned.

3.  Wait for the prompt Password. then enter your password.

4.  Wait for at least 3 seconds then send the question OK?.

5.  The system will send you the message Log-on successfully completed .

The procedure is as follows:

1.  Connect the MC 10 Modem Coupler to the RS-232C  output  on  the  rear 
    panel  of  the MIO, set the ANS/CAL switch to CAL, and turn the power 
    ON/OFF switch to ON, as explained earlier in the present chapter.
    If you are using another modem coupler, follow the operating instruc-
    tions  provided  by  the manufacturer, to ensure that it is ready for 
    calling a host computer.

M10 Operations Guide	8-17




2.  Access TELCOM from the main menu.
    Check that the communications parameters displayed on the first  line 
    of  the  screen  correspnnd to the IDS specifications.  1f not, press 
    <F3> and enter the appropriate values. Remember that with the  MC 10, 
    the maximum data signalling rate (baud rate) is 300 baud.

3.  Lift the telephone receiver and dial the IDS number – 492 77095.   As 
    soon  as  communication  has been esatablished, place the receiver in 
    the cradle of the Modem Coupler as described in the section on manual 
    access to Terminal mode.

4.  Press <F4> (Term) to enter Terminal  mode.  A  high-pitched  tone  is 
    emitted  by  the M10 to indicate that Terminal mode has been entered. 
    At the same time, the designations of Fl-F8  for  Terminal  mode  are 
    displayed at the foot of the screen.

5.  Now follow the IDS instructions for the log-on procedure.

6.  Having allowed a short delay to ensure that good communications  have 
    been  established  with the host, press <CTRL> + c to indicate to the 
    1DS system that you are ready to log-on.

7.  Wait until the prompt User ID:  appears on the screen  then  type  in
    5138Q and press <ENTER>.

8.  In response to the prompt  Password:    which  next  appears  on  the 
    screen,  type  'Redwing'  and  press  <ENTER>. Your password will not 
    actually be displayed but it is transmitted to the host system.

9.  Allow a short delay of at least 3 seconds then type in  the  question 
    OK?.  If everything has proceeded normally, you will receive the mes-
    sage Log-on successfully completed and the M10 wil) be logged  on  to 
    the IDS system.

USING THE UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD FACILITIES

In the introduction  to  Terninal  mode  of  operation  earlier  in  this 
chapter,  reference  was made to these two facilities when describing the 
function keys.  The user requires some more details to make use of  these 
options.

The Upload Facility

This option is provided to enable the user to prepare a file of  informa-
tion  in  advance for subsequent transmission to another computer,  To do 
this proceed as follows:

1.  Using the method explained in Chapter 5, create a TEXT file  contain-
    ing  the  data to be transferred to another computer.  Save this file 
    to RAM.

2.  Once you have established communication with the other  computer  via 
    the  TELCOM program and initiated the sequence on the host to prepare 
    it to accept data, press <F3> (Up).

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This brings up the prompt:

                           File to upload?

3.  Type in the name of the file you have  previously  created  for  this 
    purpose and press <ENTER>.

4.  In response to the prompt Width? which now appears,  select  a  value 
    between 10 and 132 and press <ENTER>.  This determines the line width 
    of the file to be uploaded.  The physical line width of an  M10  file 
    is  40  characters  (the  width of the screen).  However, because the 
    word-wrapping feature makes carriage returns redundant for continuous 
    text,  a text line can be many times that width.  If the M10 does not 
    encounter a carriage return for a number of characters equal  to  the 
    value entered as a response to the Width? prompt, it will impose one. 
    All carriage returns encountered in  the  file  are  transmitted.  If 
    <ENTER>  is  pressed  in  response  to  the prompt, no extra carriage 
    returns will be embedded.

The Download Facility

This option allows the user to "download" incoming data from a host  com-
puter  i.e.  to save it to a file for future reference.  This is particu-
larly useful when the data are coming in streams that require  subsequent 
interpretation.  To set this option in operation, do the following:

1.  Since you are already in communication with a host computer, the  M10 
    will be in the TELCOM program and in Terminal mode.
    Type the command to the host computer to initiate the data stream BUT 
    DO NOT YET PRESS <ENTER>.
    Press <F2> (Down).  This brings up the prompt:

                                    File to download?

2.  Type in the name of the file in which the information is to be stored 
    and press <ENTER>.  You need not have created the file in advance; if 
    you select a name not exceeding 6 characters in length, observing the 
    rules  for  the  nomenclature  of  TEXT files, it will be created and 
    stored in RAM.

3.  Press <ENTER> to complete the host command and start the  downloading 
    process.

4.  While downloading is in progress, the label 'Down' at the foot of the 
    screen  appears  "in negative" to indicate that the incoming data are 
    being downloaded.

5.  When you have downloaded the data you want,  terminate  the  Download 
    operation by pressing <F2> again.

To read and edit the downloaded data, press <F8> (Bye) to terminate  com-
munication with the host computer.  Press <Y> then <ENTER> in response to 
the prompt Disconnect? to disengage the M10 from  the  telephone  network 
and  return  to  Entry  mode.   Return  to the main menu by pressing <F8>

M10 Operations Guide	8-19




(Menu) and select the file  containing  the  downloaded  data.   You  can 
access  and  edit  this  as you would any TEXT file.  Some editing may be 
required if the host  system  has  inserted  control  characters  in  the 
transmitted information.

If the file you have downloaded is a BASIC program file, you  must  enter 
BASIC  and  load  the file. This will convert it to binary form and allow 
you to run and save it as a .BR file. If you save it as a BASIC file, the 
.DO file may be deleted.

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