This month, we are, again, going to return to communications basics with a discussion on setting up communications software which controls and runs our telecommunications subsystem, i.e., our modem and how we connect with others. In keeping with the Basic Communications sessions given by the COMSIG, we will confine this discussion to TELIX v3.22 (the shareware version). This is the version available on the COMSIG Tutor disk. TELIX v3.22, like all communications software needs fine-tuning once it has been installed, to give us maximum benefit from our latest mega-high speed FAX/modem. The fine-tuning areas outlined herein should trigger ideas on how to obtain the most benefit from your communications software package.
These tuning steps also work with the registered version of TELIX.
Other communications software packages also can be fine-tuned by looking
at the same areas within the Set-up Menus in the program.
Optionally created files by TELIX concern the Dialing Directories, Long Distance Coded file, Screen Image Save file, Macro file, HOST Mode Configuration file, and TELIX.CAP file (the default session capture file). This last file is important and will be discussed more in a future COMM CORNER column.
Since TELIX normally has several files open at one time, your
CONFIG.SYS file should contain the line, files=20. TELIX should also be
in the PATH command of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. (Review the CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT commands in your DOS manual.)
TELIX contains a setup program which creates or modifies the existing
configuration to work best with your modem. It also modifies the modem
settings to work best with TELIX.
Tutor disk NOTE: "With the possible COM port numbers and modem speeds, it is not possible (for us) to write a 'It'll cover ye all' AUTO INSTALL. The one we've come up with should make SETUP fairly painless. If you happen to have a modem installed on COM1 and runs at 2400 baud, you'll not have to make any changes. If the modem is installed on COM2 and/or runs at a speed other than 2400 baud, you'll need to change the COM PORT NUMBER and/or select a different modem in MODEMCFG."(1)
The OK above means that the modem has responded to the software
INITIALIZATION STRING by receiving the string and was able to understand
it. If you do not see the word OK on the screen: TYPE ATZ and
press It did not work, now what?
This is the TELIX configuration program. This program will allow us
to select the proper modem, write its settings to the modem's NRAM, and
select the proper COM PORT. This setup program prompts you through a series
of questions which trigger the proper files to be installed. Answer by
typing the COM PORT NUMBER or Y for yes to the questions.
When this process is complete, TYPE TELIX TELIX is consistent in its MENU selections in that the list of
options are arranged either vertically or horizontally. There are two ways
to select the option. Either, move the cursor to the option, or, type the
bolded letter in the option name, i.e., eXit. The arrow keys move
to the selection, then ALT-P displays the current Communications Parameters
Menu and provides choices for any changes. Choices include speed, parity,
data, stops, and COM PORT. Selections are made by choosing a letter or
number from a menu at the bottom of the Communications Parameters box.
Changes made from this menu are for ONLY the duration of the current communications
session.
ALT-O displays the Configure Telix Menu. Changes within
this Menu are changes to the DEFAULT settings and are permanent until changed
again. Seven parameters are controlled from this Menu. These changes are
saved to the Configuration File, TELIX.CNF, which is read each time TELIX
is booted. Each parameter is called by moving the Highlight Bar via the
cursor keys and pressing Normally, the Download and Upload Directories are combined into
one sub-directory called UPDN. This is accomplished by typing the full
pathname of each Menu entry in the following manner:
The Editor Pathname is very important because this is where the session
files are manipulated. Text Editors such as MS-DOS EDIT are used for this
purpose. "Off-line readers" such as Off-Line Express (OLX) are also used.
It is recommended that a good "off-line reader" be installed and used for
this purpose. Off-Line Express (OLX) works well with TELIX.
The off-line editor path name is invoked using the 'hot key'
ALT-A.
Method Two
This is the normal method to first start the setup program in TELIX and
the method we use to change the circumstance in Method One above. At the
TELIX subdirectory DOS prompt we will type: c:\TELIX\MODEMCFG
Maneuvering within TELIX
TELIX is started by changing to its directory and typing
Terminal Options
Within the Configure Telix menu, the second parameter option concerns terminal
settings. Changes are made by typing the letter corresponding to the setting,
i.e., A. - Default Communications Parameters which include the comm port,
bps (baud) rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits. Other parameters regulate:
General Settings
This third parameter changes general default settings including:
These are changed by high-lighting the corresponding letter from within
the General Settings Menu.
Modem and Dialing Settings
This fourth parameter contains settings used to control the modem and its
output. The default configuration is set up for Hayes compatible modems.
These modems use the 'AT' command set. Changes in these settings will cause
TELIX to work with almost any modem. These parameters include the
Again these parameters are changed by selecting the proper letter and making
the change from within the Modem and Dialing Menu.
Filenames and Path Settings
The fifth parameter controls the TELIX Filename and Path settings. These
are important settings because they control how and where TELIX does its
work. This parameter establishes the sub-directories within TELIX so that
files which are sent to and received from others may be easily located
and manipulated. These parameter settings include the
The Filename and Path Setting Menu is called by highlighting it and pressing
TELIX generates three default files each time it is booted. These files
are TELIX.CAP, TELIX.USE, and TELIX.IMG. TELIX.CAP is the default file
used to capture monitor impressions when it is turned on from its 'hot
key', ALT-L. TELIX.CAP captures everything which scrolls by on
the monitor during communications sessions. This file can be saved and
edited for later use. One note, it adds each new capture session to the
end of the file each time it is used. It is a good habit to change its
file name each time it is used. As noted before, a future column will discuss
CAPTURE LOGS in detail. The TELIX.USE file captures a log of the date,
time, length of session, and who the session was connected to. This log
is useful in keeping track of costs of communicating. ALT-U is
the Capture log 'hot key'. TELIX.IMG captures drawing/image generated files
in the same manner as the TELIX.USE file does. It must be turned on/off
with a 'hot key', ALT-I. It must be renamed after each session.
ASCII Transfers
The sixth parameter customizes ASCII transfers by providing control of
. Each setting is changed by selecting the corresponding letter and making
the change from within the ASCII Transfer Menu.
Protocol Options
The seventh parameter changes the protocol setup. TELIX provides a setup
menu for configuring external protocols. TELIX allows five external protocols
which can be configured as letter items A - E on the Protocol Option Menu
screen. Each of the five protocols are defined by the 'hot key',
. The remainder of the letter setup items in this menu concern the
These parameters are selected by pressing letter F - M in this Menu.
Kermit Transfers
The eighth parameter concerns Kermit. The TELIX manual states that Kermit
is 'relatively complicated', therefore, anyone desiring to change these
settings will know what to do, so TELIX does not provide any explanation
concerning the changes. Settings which tune Kermit transfers are located
in this Menu. Changes are made by selecting the letter and invoking the
desired change.
COM Port Setup
The ninth parameter defines changes which can be made to the COM Port configuration.
TELIX allow defin