Please Note: The information in this document has just been translated over from the printed version (14-Aug-98) and is being reviewed. There are errors! This notice will go away once all the obvious errors are corrected. From there, this document will be upgraded over time.

TUTORIAL: MSDOS ONLINE

• Sort-Of Unrelated Facts
• Exactly what to do

This tutorial is dedicated to using a MSDOS computer at 1200 or 2400 baud to capture files online for use with your Model 100, 102 or 200 computer. I recommend that you actually do the assignments using your DOS computer and modem. Before you begin, review all the steps involved, then just do it. If you experience any difficulties making the call, give me a call at 510-932-8856 or a fax at 510-937-5039. These are both 24 hour numbers.

Most of our over 20,000 members have an IBM or compatible computer (DOS computer) as well as a Model "T" (Tandy/Radio Shack Model 100, 102, 200, or NEC PC8201A laptop). And, one of the most common question is, "How can I use my DOS computer to capture programs online for use with my Model "T"?" The answer is actually very simple.

Sort-Of Unrelated Facts
All of the Model "T" programs online are in ASCII, regardless of their extension (.DO, .BA, .100, .200, etc.). Thus, a program marked FOURSC.BA online is actually FOURSC.DO on a Model "T" ... and is a big deal to the Model "T". But, the DOS computer doesn't care.

The Club 100 BBS is a DOS computer using TBBS and 4, 2400 baud v.22 bis modems. (300/1200/2400 baud 8 bit, no parity, one stop bit)

DOS computer users should use XMODEM (protocol X) or greater for file downloading. (use P at the download prompt to set your protocol)

All DOS and Model "T" owners should own and use Lapdos II. (See Lapdos II)

Exactly What To Do

1. Go online with your DOS computer, using any DOS-based communications program.
2. Download as many files as your heart desires but keep the filename.ext indicated online.
3. Log off
4. Use Lapdos to (C)opy the .BA files as .DO files, one by one, to your Model "T", tokenize the file into a true .BA, then (C)opy the file back to the DOS computer, overwriting the existing "fake" .BA file.

Note: There is no need to copy documentation files to your Model "T". Simply print them out from your DOS computer.

You are now ready to use the various .BA files with your Model "T" as stored on your DOS computer; using Lapdos to load them into your Model "T", of course.

Assignment
Capturing FOURSC.BA and FOURSC.DO (doc)

1. Go online, choose (4)Library--assuming you have library access--and (E)nter the library.
2. Choose program category 8)Games, and tap your S key to skip to the download prompt.
3. Enter P X FOURSC.BA <enter> ... this will set the host ready to start sending in XMODEM protocol once you tell your DOS computer's terminal program to receive via XMODEM protocol ... which you do ... and the file is transferred.
4. Repeat the sequence in step 3 for FOURSC.DO, the documentation file.
5. Log off
6. Start Lapdos running on your Model "T", then start it running on your DOS computer. Place your cursor on the FOURSC.BA file on the left hand side of the screen, choose (C)opy ... but backspace out the characters .BA replacing them with .DO and hit <enter> ... the file will transfer from the DOS computer to the Model "T" and have the correct file extension for a .DO (ASCII) file.
7. Exit Lapdos on the Model "T" but leave it running on your DOS computer.
8. Go into BASIC on your Model "T" and issue the following commands:

   LOAD"FOURSC.DO" <enter>
   

   ...the screen will flash WAIT, then the OK will return...

   SAVE"FOURSC.BA" <enter>
   

9. Exit BASIC ... issue the command MENU or tap your <f8> function key ... and select LAPDOS.BA from the menu; once again running it on the Model "T" ... it's already running on your DOS computer.
10. From the DOS computer, move your cursor to the right hand side and (L)og your Model "T", place your cursor over FOURSC.BA on your Model "T", then use (C)opy to copy the file back to your DOS computer; responding with Y for yes, to overwrite the existing file on the DOS computer side.