Stuart Baker Software presents -- XMODEM32 R06, a program that performs file transfers over dedicated or dial up asynchronous communications lines. Requires Concurrent Computer Corporation's OS/32 version R06-02.4 or later, with the BIOC or CTD driver and MTM (Multi-Terminal Monitor). XMODEM32 is an implementation of the industry standard XMODEM file transfer protocol, developed by Ward Christensen. This program allows file transfers between an MTM user's port and any computer capable of initiating a communications session and using the XMODEM protocol. This product is year 2000 ("Y2K") compliant.

XMODEM32 supports Text, Vertical Forms Control (VFC), and Binary file transmission. All transfers use error detection by checksums or CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), and have automatic error recovery. To transfer files between MTM and another computer, you must have a compatible program running on that system. Programs such as PASSPORT for OS/32 or the popular PC-Passport for the IBM-PC are totally compatible with XMODEM32. In fact, if you are using PC-Passport R02-01 or later, you can take advantage of host initiated transfers, thus allowing you to transfer multiple files with ease. XMODEM32 is upward compatible with the XMODEM file transfer program found on most Computer Bulletin Board Systems.

XMODEM32 requires OS/32 revision R06-02.4 or later and the BIOC or CTD driver. Note, R06-02.4 is the first version of OS/32 that supports typeahead, an absolute necessity for XMODEM32. XMODEM32 is completely compatible with all revisions of OS/32 from R06-02.4 through the R09-02.

XMODEM32 is started from your MTM terminal by typing a single command line. The following line shows all possible combinations and options that may be placed on the command line.

XMODEM32 -ra|r?[N]|i|s?|sa[a|o][c|e][d][f][h][l][n][p][t][wN] FD[ PC-FD]

XMODEM32 reads the command line to find the switches governing its operation. Don't be intimidated by the large number of switches, you usually only use two or three. Switches consist of a "-" and a series of one-letter qualifiers. The most important switches are "r" and "s": Receive and Send a file. The following briefly describe each of the command line switches:

The R06 version of XMODEM32 boasts several extensions to the basic protocol. The automatic mode uses the filename extension to automatically select Text, Binary or VFC mode as well as the file type and record length. The selection process uses the file extension and the AUTOXFER.EXT file to define the modes of file transfer. This is the most versatile method of file transfer since you no longer need to know file specific information. For users of PC-Passport, we supply CSS files that perform an Xmodem send (XMS) or receive (XMR) that require only the file name. In fact, the XMS and XMR CSS files allow you transfer multiple files using wildcards or a select file.

When you use XMODEM32 with PC-Passport R02-01 and above, you can take advantage of host initiated transfers. This feature make transferring files between your OS/32 system and PC-Passport quick and easy. You only need to issue the XMODEM32 command to start your file transfer. XMODEM32 automatically detects the presence of PC-Passport and invokes its Xmodem command for you. The optional PC-FD allows you to specify a PC filename that may include a complete drive and path name. When you use the -h option, you can receive multiple files using a select file and send multiple files using wildcards or a select file. The select file may also include alternate PC-Passport filenames. Xmodem transfers are no longer limited to one file at a time!

The extended packet mode is unique to Stuart Baker Software's products and is not supported by communications packages from other companies. PASSPORT, PC-Passport and XMODEM32 support the extended packet mode. It is intended for use with error correcting modems such as the HAYES 9600V. You should not use this mode over poor quality phone lines with non-error correcting modems. Using this mode with good quality lines significantly improves throughput.

System Memory Requirements

The following table displays memory sizes rounded to the nearest 2 KB boundary. The total memory requirements of XMODEM32 are:

Contrast these memory requirements with the bloatware so common today!