1 VAXNET VAXNET is a program which allows asynchronous communcations between two computers (systems). Communications can be either directly between the computers using a synchronous null modem patch cable (see "HELP PATCH" for the wiring diagram), or over a dialup line (modem). Communications with the remote system (the system you want to talk to) is accomplished using a second port (asynchronous line) on the local system. VAXNET gives you the ability to create a log file of your terminal sesson with the remote system (very nice for creating documentation) and/or allows file transmission between the systems. File transmission can be done using one of the methods listed below: o You can open a log file and use a TYPE command at the remote system to receive an ASCII file from the remote and/or you can also use the VAXNET DUMP command to send an ASCII file to the remote. o The alternate method requires a program called SNDRCV on the the remote system. Using this method (see GET and SEND commands), error checking and retransmission is performed on the data being transmitted. 2 AUTO_LOGIN This command uses several DCL symbols to automatically login the remote system. If you are using an auto-dial modem, and the modem is online, this command is automatically executed at startup time. The DCL symbols to define for automatic login are: $ LOGIN_START :== "^M" ! To start VMS login. "HEL^M" ! To start RSX-11M login. "^C" ! To start MIT login. This symbol defines the character(s) to send the remote to get the login started. All characters preceeded by the up-arrow get converted to control characters. Thus, the "^M" above gets converted into a carriage return. These character(s) get sent in one second intervals until the remote system responds. For systems which display its' login prompt automatically, this symbol doesn't need to be defined (i.e., EASYLINK). $ LOGIN_PROMPT :== "Username:" ! Prompt for VAX/VMS. "Account or name:" ! Prompt for RSX-11M. "U#" ! Prompt for Crossfile. "ID?" ! Prompt for EASYLINK. This symbol defines the characters(s) the remote system sends for its' login prompt. The login command will not be sent until this prompt is received from the remote. $ LOGIN_CMD :== "ROBIN/NOCOM" This symbol defines the characters to send in response to the login prompt. $ PASSWORD :== "your_password" This symbols defines the characters to send in response to the password prompt. For systems which specify the password on the login command line, this symbol should not be defined. 2 BAUD_RATE You must specify the baud rate of the port connected to the remote system. If you are communicating with the remote over a modem, the baud rate will be either 300 or 1200 baud. The valid baud rates are: 50, 75, 110, 134, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2000, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, or 19200. 2 CROSSFILE This command is used when using the GE Crossfile System. After the modem becomes ready, the character "H" is sent in one second intervals until the "U#:" prompt is received. This command is automatically executed at startup time when the system type is CROSSFILE. 2 DCL_CMD To issue a DCL command, you must type a dollar sign followed by the command. The command must be a valid DCL command since your login command file is not executed to define symbols. Only one DCL command at a time can be specified. For example, to get a directory, type: Vaxnet> $ DIRECTORY In addition to executing a single DCL command described above, you can now type CTRL/Y when VAXNET is prompting (for any question) to return to DCL. After you get the DCL prompt, you can then SPAWN another process to execute a series of DCL commands. When this process completes, simply type CONTINUE and VAXNET will reissue the previous prompt. 2 DEBUG This command is used to display addition information in file transfer mode (GET or SEND). It also displays several additional lines in the STATUS report. 2 DIAL This command is used to specify the phone number for the auto-dial modem to dial. The modem is automatically hungup before attempting to dial the new phone number. 2 DUMP_FILE This command is used to dump a file to the remote system. It is usually used if the remote system doesn't have the SNDRCV program. When using this command, there must be a program running on the remote system to accept the characters being dumped to it. Using the "CREATE file_name" command works very nice. When the end of file is detected, a CTRL/Z character is sent to the remote to close the file. 2 EASYLINK Western Union's EASYLINK service is an advanced electronic mail service offering a broad range of value-added communication features designed to meet today's business needs. EASYLINK can satisfy user's needs for simple, convenient, quick and low-cost message communications. A subscriber to EASYLINK can send and receive messages between and among other EASYLINK subscribers. A subscriber can also send messages to destinations served by TELEX I, TELEX II(TWX), INTERNATIONAL TELEX, INFOCOM, and as MAILGRAMS, TELEGRAMS, and INTERNATIONAL CABLEGRAMS. Subscribers can prepare and send messages using most existing data terminals, word processors and personal computers equipped with dial telephone communications capability. Subscribers can choose between two message delivery methods. One choice is to have the messages delivered directly to any of the above devices equipped with automatic answer capability. The other choice is to have messages delivered to and held in an electronic mailbox, for later retrieval by a subscriber at his convenience. The rest of the EASLINK documentation was removed since it is quit lengthy. It can be recreated by using a VAXNET logfile and typing /HELP commands to EASYLINK after getting logged in. 2 ECHO The command enables the echoing of characters sent to the remote system. It should be used for systems which don't echo characters sent to it (such as some IBM's). VAXNET attempts to automatically enable or disable echoing based on the remote system type. 2 EXIT This command is used to exit from VAXNET. You can also exit by typing a CTRL/Z. The log file (if open) is closed, and the modem is automatically hungup if you were using a modem. If a log file is being closed, the command "MCR REF log_file_name" is executed upon exiting to automatically reformat the log file. 2 GET_FILE This command is used to GET (receive) a file from a remote system. The remote system MUST be running the SNDRCV program before issuing this command. You will be prompted for the REMOTE and VAX file names. If you type RETURN for the VAX file name, the REMOTE file name is used. A typical GET sequence follows: Vaxnet> GET Enter the name of the REMOTE file: [1,2]RUNOFF.DOC Enter the name of the VAX file: RUNOFF.DOC 3 REMOTE_FILE The REMOTE file name must be a legal file specification for the system you are talking to. At the current time, only one file at time can be transferred. 3 VAX_FILE The VAX file name can be any VAX file specification. If you type the return key, the remote file name is used on the VAX. The remote file name is taken exactly as is. This includes the directory name (i.e., [1,24] or [ROBIN]). If you don't have the specified directory on the VAX, you will have to specify the VAX file name. 2 HANGUP This command is used to hangup the modem. The modem is hungup automatically when you exit VAXNET and also before an auto-dial is attempted. If you are using a modem, ensure the remote port is setup as modem with the following command: $ SET TERMINAL TTcn:/MODEM/PERM If the remote port is not setup as modem, all auto-dial questions (and/or symbols) are bypassed, and the modem is not hungup when VAXNET exits. The modem hangup can be disabled when exiting using the "NOHANGUP" command before typing "EXIT". 2 HELP Help can be obtained on a particular topic by typing : HELP topic subtopic subsubtopic ... A topic can have the following format : 1) an alphanumeric string (e.g. a command name, option, etc...) 2) the match-all symbol "*" 3) any of the above followed by "..." (on first topic only) Examples: HELP GET HELP SEND... Abbreviations result in all matches being displayed. 2 INTERRUPT This command allows you to specify the interrupt character. The interrupt character is the character you type to get to command level (the Vaxnet> prompt). Any character except for carriage return, escape, question mark, or exclaimation point can be used. 2 INTRO VAXNET is a program which allows asynchronous communcations between two computers (systems). Communications can be either directly between the computers using a null modem cable (see "HELP PATCH" for the wiring diagram), or over a dialup line (modem). Communications with the remote system (the system you want to talk to) is accomplished using a second port (asynchronous line) on the local system (VAX). While listing help and the terminal screen becomes full, you must type either the return key to continue with the next page of help, or type "E(xit)" and the return key to exit from help. When VAXNET is prompting you for a question, you have the following options: o typing the escape key or typing "?" will give you help, o typing an exclaimation point (!) followed by the return key backs up to the previous question. o typing the return key selects the default answer if there is one. Default answers are shown in parenthesis; i.e., (DEC) o typing a CTRL/Z will exit from VAXNET. If you are communicating with the remote system, and you want to exit, you must first type the interrupt character (CTRL/Y by default) to get to the command level, and then type either CTRL/Z or EXIT. 2 LOG_FILE This command allows you to specify the name of a log file to write the output from the remote system. The output from the remote system and questions asked by VAXNET (unless disabled) are written to both the log file and the terminal. 3 REFORMAT After exiting from VAXNET, the log file must be reformatted. The log file is crated with 512 byte records with no carriage control. A program called "REF" is used to reformat the log file to generate an output file with implied carriage control. This output file is in a format which can then be edited (if desired). If the log file is being closed when exiting, the command "MCR REF log_file_name" is automatically executed to reformat the log file. For example: $ MCR REF REF>input_file output_file $ 3 OPEN_LOG_FILE If a log file is already open, you have the option of either using the current log file, or you can close the current log file and specify a new log file name. 2 LOCAL_LOG This question allows you to disable local output to the log file. Local output includes questions and various messages. If you only want remote output in the log file, answer "No" to this question. For example: Do you want local output in the logfile (Yes) ? N 2 MODEM_TYPE VAXNET supports the following types of auto-dial modems: DF03 - for the DEC DF03 auto-dial modem. The DF03 only works with rotary (pulse) dialing telephones. RIXON - for the RIXON R212A auto-dial modem. The R212A works with both rotary (pulse) and tone dialing telephones. If you are not using an auto-dial modem, typing the RETURN key bypasses the remaining auto-dial modem questions. If the remote port is not setup as /MODEM, all auto-dial questions (and/or symbols) are bypassed, and the modem is not hungup when VAXNET exits. 2 MODEM_USAGE Once the port being used is patched in properly (see "HELP REMOTE_PORT"), the modem connection can be established. The phone call to the remote system MUST be made from the phone being used for the modem. You CAN NOT transfer the call to the modem as you can with synchronous modems; you'll loose the connection. Use the following procedure to manually orginate a phone call: o the voice/data switch must be in the voice position to place the call. Make sure the Data Terminal Ready (TR) lamp is lite. o After you establish the connection with the remote system, you will hear the carrier signal (high pitch), place the voice/data switch in the data position. o Once in the data position, you should see to following LEDs: VADIC: Data Set Ready (DSR), Clear To Send (CTS), Carrier (CXR), and High Speed (HS). RIXON: Data Set Ready (MR), Carrier (MC lamp goes out), and High Speed (HS). DF03: Data Set Ready (DSR), Carrier (CAR), and High Speed (HS). Note: The High Speed (HS) LED is only lite if at 1200 baud. 2 NODEBUG This command is used to turn off debugging output. 2 NODECHO This command is used to disable the display of the echo from the remote system when DUMPing a file. 2 NOECHO This command is used to disable the local echo of characters sent to the remote. This command should be used if the remote system echos back characters sent to it. VAXNET attempts to automatically enable or disable echoing based on the remote system type. 2 NOLOG_FILE This command closes the current log file. 2 ONE This command enables one character reads of data received from the remote in interactive mode. This command is normally used for systems which don't respond to the XON/XOFF characters to stop and resume data (such as some IBM's). VAXNET attempts to auto- matically enable or disable this mode based on the system type. 2 PATCH_CABLE A synchronous patch cable is required to communicate directly between two computers without using modems. This cable must be constructed as follows: WIRING DIAGRAM FOR NULL MODEM CABLE TD 2 ..................... 3 RD RD 3 ..................... 2 TD CTS/RTS 4&5.................... 8 CD GND 7 ..................... 7 GND DSR 6 ..................... 20 DTR CD 8 ..................... 4&5 CTS/RTS DTR 20 .................... 6 DSR 2 PHONE_NUMBER The format of phone numbers for the auto-dial modems are: DF03 - The DF03 does not allow spaces and/or dashs in the phone number. It must consist of all numbers. i.e.: 1234567 RIXON - The RIXON R212A allows spaces and/or dashs in the phone number to make it easier to read. The character "&" is tells the modem to wait for an intermediate dial tone. i.e.: 9&123-4567 2 REDIAL This command is used with auto-dial modems to redial a previously entered phone number. This command is useful when the modem has been hungup for some reason (i.e., invalid login, etc.) or if you want to redial the remote hoping to get a better phone line. 2 REMOTE_PORT The remote port is the terminal line used to communicate with the remote computer (system). This line can be either connected directly to a system in-house using the synchronous null modem patch cable, or connected using a modem (see "HELP MODEM" for getting modem connection established). The remote port should be setup as follows by the system manager: $ SET TERM TTcn:/NOTYPEAHEAD/PERM ! Disable typeahead to $ SET TERM TTcn:/ALTYPEAHEAD/PERM ! enable alternate typeahead $ SET TERM TTcn:/TYPEAHEAD/PERM ! buffer which is larger. $ SET TERM TTcn:/MODEM/PERM ! If connected to a modem. $ SET TERM TTcn:/NOBROADCAST ! Disables broadcast messages. All other terminal characteristics are automatically setup by VAXNET. The above characteristics should be done in the site specific startup command file because they require privileges. 2 RETURN To return to entering commands at the remote system from the VAXNET command level, simply type the RETURN key. 2 SEND_FILE This command is used to send (transmit) a file to the remote system. The remote system MUST be running the SNDRCV program prior to issuing this command. You will be prompted for the VAX and REMOTE file names. A typical SEND sequence follows: Vaxnet> SEND Enter the name of the VAX file: MAIL.MAI Enter the name of the REMOTE file: [ROBIN]MAIL.MAI 3 VAX_FILE The VAX file name can be any legal VAX file specification. At the current time, only one file at time can be transferred. 3 REMOTE_FILE The REMOTE file name must be a valid file specification for the system you are talking to. If you type the return key, the VAX file name will be used on the REMOTE. The VAX file name is taken exactly as is. This includes the directory name (i.e., [ROBIN]). If you don't have the specified directory on the remote system, you must specify an the remote file name. 2 SNDRCV SNDRCV is the program run on the remote system to communicate with VAXNET during file transmission (either GET or SEND). SNDRCV is started by one of the following commands: o if you are communicating with another VAX system, SNDRCV is started by typing the command "MCR SNDRCV". o if you are communicating with an RSX-11M system, then SNDRCV is started by typing the command "RUN $SNDRCV". In either case, the following message is displayed after SNDRCV is started. SNDRCV Version 2.1 started ... Type CTRL/X and RETURN to abort. At this point you should type CTRL/Y to get the VAXNET command prompt. Be careful not to type any other characters since they will be accepted by SNDRCV and interpreted as commands from VAXNET. After you get the VAXNET command prompt, you should type either GET or SEND and the file name questions associated with each command. After the questions are answered, the file transmission begins. The status report on the terminal is updated after each record transmitted. If the status report stops updating momentarily, be patient, there may have been a transmission failure. After a timeout period (currently 10 seconds), transmission should continue. If the transmission doesn't continue, you should type a single CTRL/C to abort the transmission. To abort the SNDRCV program, you must type CTRL/X followed by the return key. If SNDRCV doesn't abort after the first attempt, try several times; the second try usually does it for me. 2 STARTUP Before establishing the connection with the remote system either in-house or over a modem, you MUST do the following. o after you are logged into the VAX, allocate the port to be used for VAXNET. This is done so the operating system doesn't think someone is attempting to login to the system. Although VAXNET allocates the port internally, this is only stays in effect while you are running VAXNET. When you exit from VAXNET, the port is automatically deallocated. Failure to allocate the system could result in both systems getting hung up looping character back and forth (initiating LOGIN) and WILL prevent VAXNET from attaching the remote port since it is already allocated. On RSX-11M, this will result in all the system buffers being used up and the system hanging. o the second step is to start VAXNET and answer all the questions. This is not really neccessary if the remote is a DEC operating system (no timeout period) but is needed for an IBM system. IBM (especially the GE Crossfile) has a limited amount of time to login to their system. If you aren't logged in within that period of time (how much time ???), IBM (TSO) will hangup the modem on their end. You will still have to be very fast for IBM if you're terminal is on a differnt floor than the modem. 2 STATUS This command is used to get a status report of how VAXNET is currently setup. The following a an example type out: Vaxnet> STATUS VAXNET Status Report: Log file name: VAXNET.LOG Local logging: Enabled Remote port: _TTA4: Interrupt char: ^A System type: DEC Remote speed: 1200 Modem type: RIXON Phone number: 705 2 SUMMARY The following is a summary of the commands which can be issued at the Vaxnet command level: AUTO_LOGIN, BAUD_RATE, CROSSFILE, DCL_CMD, DEBUG DIAL, DUMP_FILE, ECHO, EXIT, GET_FILE, HANGUP, HELP, INTERRUPT, LOCAL_LOG LOG_FILE, MODEM_TYPE, NODEBUG, NOECHO, NODECHO, NOLOG_FILE, NOHANGUP, ONE, REDIAL, REMOTE_PORT, SEND_FILE, STATUS, SYSTEM_TYPE 2 SYMBOLS DCL symbols can be defined to automatically answer the various VAXNET questions. The symbols are: $ VAXNET_INTRO :== "N" ! VAXNET Introduction. $ VAXNET_LOG :== "Y" ! Output from remote to a log file. $ LOG_LOCAL :== "N" ! Enable local output to log file. $ LOG_FILE :== "ROBIN.LOG" ! The log file name. $ REMOTE_PORT :== "TTA4:" ! Remote port to use. $ REMOTE_SPEED :== "1200" ! Baud rate of the remote system. $ SYSTEM_TYPE :== "DEC" ! Type of remote system. $ INTERRUPT_CHAR :== "^A" ! Character to get Vaxnet prompt. $ MODEM_TYPE :== "RIXON" ! Type of auto-dial modem. $ PHONE_NUMBER :== "number" ! Phone number to dial. For the interrupt character, the "^A" gets converted to a CTRL/A. Also see AUTO_LOGIN for addition symbols for automatic login. 2 SYSTEM_TYPE This command is used to specify the type of remote system you are communicating with. This sets up various flags within VAXNET to determine how to talk to the remote. For example, if you specify IBM, a local echo will be performed since IBM (TSO) doesn't echo characters sent to it. The valid system types are: APPLE, CROSSFILE, DEC, EASYLINK, IBM, UNIX, and XXDP.