Kurt Casby’s LOADER V software package provides five programs that are enhancements to the Mterm modem software. His LOADER V continues on right where Mterm left off. The combination of Mterm and LOADER V makes ‘modeming’ a joy! And it is certainly a good value for the money. Where can you get five quality programs for only two dollars each? The entire set costs only $9.95. This is a good example of integrated quality software that is available for the 2068 at a very reasonable price.
The first program in the series is LOADER. This is an Mterm enhancement that allows for a larger dialing menu in addition to using the Mterm dialing menu. Twenty numbers can be utilized from the LOADER menu permittimg a total of thirty-four. It is suggested that the LOADER menu be used as the principal one because it has more numbers available, the numbers can be dialed more rapidly, and, yes, there is an auto-redial function. These added features make the accessing of BBS systems much more convenient. And all the functions of Mterm are still usable! LOADER is menu-driven and allows for three choices from the main menu. One option is to enter the Mterm program, the second is to go to Loader’s twenty number dialing menu, and the third is to load a ‘bytes’ program for transfer to a BBS or to another computer.
The second program is this series is TSXmodem. Xmodem is a transfer protocol that allows for error checking. Files and programs are transferred in blocks of 128 bytes each. As each block is transferred it is checked for accuracy. The sending computer totals up the values of all the individual bytes. At the end of each block, this number is also sent. The receiving computer also adds the values. This total value, called the ‘checksum’, is compared to the checksum transmitted by the sending computer. If the values match, then the block of data was sent correctly and the receiving computer acknowledges this and asks for more data to be sent. If there is an error and the two checksums do not match then the block is sent again (usually up to ten times) until it is correct. For each block that is correctly sent, a plus sign is displayed on the monitor. If a minus sign appears it is an indication of an error. This method has been proven to be 99.6% effective. Since I have been using Xmodem I have downloaded and uploaded many programs and have only seen one minus sign. Incorrect transmissions usually occur when there is excessive noise on the line. Transfering data during extreme weather conditions such as storms could result in improper reception. Not only is Xmodem accurate, but it is also quick and convenient. File transfer is achieved at a rate that is about fifty per cent faster than with ASCII protocol. If you are on-line using Xmodem it could mean fewer dollars spent. Finally, Xmodem is a ‘spoiler’. With ASCII transfers one must be aware of which type of a program is being sent or received and the appropriate conversion set, the correct prompts entered, and the correct control characters sent to initiate or terminate transfer. With Xmodem all one need do is exit to BASIC and use the PRINT USR command and sit back and watch those plus signs on the screen. And Xmodem accomodates all types of transfers whether it is a basic or machine code program, text file, or SCREEN$.
The three other programs in this package are called RELOADER, UNLOADER, and CIS-UP. RELOADER is used in conjunction with LOADER. It allows one to load a number of programs while on-line. It is most effective and efficient when used with a storage mechanism such as a microdrive or disk. UNLOADER translates files that have been uploaded to the buffer as well as Mscript files into Tasword II files and then saves them to tape. CIS-UP allows hex uploading to BBS systems like Compuserve that have a fixed line length. The latter two programs have been donated to the public domain by Kurt Casby. Thank you, Kurt!
The documentation provided with LOADER V is excellent and covers many areas to allow for flexibility and experimentation. Help is provided to gain not only a better understanding of LOADER V, but also Mterm, and word processors like Tasword II and Mscript. By the way, the first program (LOADER) is compatible with Dave Schoenwetter’s Aerco patch for Mterm, but not so with TSXmodem and CIS-UP.
For more information or if you wish to buy this program, contact:
Kurt Casby
25 Battle Creek Court
St. Paul, MN 55119