New VBTerm - Readme.txt
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The purpose of this readme is to discuss in greater detail how to use and interpret the New VBTerm sample program.  This description will go over all the menu items and discuss what the functionality of each item is.

General
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This application has been designed more as a sample app for various MSComm control techniques than a true "Terminal" application.  These techniques include answering the modem, simple text file transfer, data receipt and processing, packet reassembly and use of the OnComm event.

frmNewTerm
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General UI
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The form consists of a main text box that displays all events and other text.  There are "status lights" as well that will give the state of the comm port and the CD, RTS and CTS lines as well as the Send and Receive events.

There is a button labelled "Send" that will appear when you are connected to another computer.  This will send the contents of the text box out the Comm port to the remote machine.

There is a status bar at the bottom of the form that will display text messages about the state of the application.

The form also contains the following menu choices:

File Menu
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Transmit File - This is used to transmit any type of file to another application that can handle file transfer, typically another instance of New VBTerm.  New VBTerm has been designed specifically to handle this type of transfer.  When a file is actually being transmitted, the status light will turn Cyan in color.

Receive File - This is used in conjunction with the Transmit File menu item to transfer files between two machines.  This menu item is checked when in receive mode, unchecked at all other times.  In order to complete file transfer, when the file is finished transmitting form the sender side, click Receive File again (to unchecked state).  This will close and save the received file.

Clear Text Box - This will erase the contents of the main terminal text box.

Show Events - All OnComm events will be listed in the main terminal text box when this item is checked.

Show Received Data - All data received by the MSComm control will be displayed in the main terminal text box when this item is checked.

Exit - Closes all open ports and terminates the application.


Comm Port Menu
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Open Port - This will open the comm port without dialing a number.  Used for null modem cables and receiving files.

Close Port - Closes the comm port.

Settings - This will bring up the Settings form (frmControlProps). This form is discussed below.

Options - This will bring up frmOptions, also discussed below.


Dial Menu
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Dial Number - Opens the comm port (if necessary) and prompts the user for a phone number to dial and then dials it.

Hang Up - Disconnects the session and closes the comm port

Answer Mode - This will open the port and place it in answer mode, where a call can be answered when another modem dials it.


frmOptions
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There are two sets of two choices each on this form.  The topmost is Startup Options, and will load either the default values at startup or the "recommended" values next time the app is started.

The second set of options is the modem type.  Choose Null Modem cable if you are using a null modem cable, as this will allow for direct connection.

The Return button will take you back to the main form.


frmControlProps
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General UI
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There are two columns displayed. The left hand column of text boxes is filled with the current settings of the MSComm control.  The text on the right is the Microsoft "recommended" values for the MSComm control.  The "recommended" values are those that are most likely to enable the user to establish a modem connection.  Keep in mind that the settings under "recommended" may not work for your system without several changes.

In addition, there are two menu items available on the form:

File Menu
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Back to Terminal - This option will close the form and return to the main form (frmNewTerm).  The settings shown in the text boxes will also be saved as "session only" settings.


Values Menu
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Load defaults - This will load the default settings that are saved in the registry by the Save as defaults menu item.

Save as defaults - Saves the currently displayed values as the defaults.  These settings are stored in the registry under HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\New VBTerm\Properties.

Save for session only - This option will save the settings indicated in the text boxes to the MSComm control.  It will not save any of the settings to the registry.  These settings will be lost after exiting the program.

Set recommended values - This option will simply load the MSComm control with the abovementioned Microsoft "recommended" settings.  The settings will not be saved to the registry unless you choose "Save as defaults".

Clicking the button labelled "Close" will close the form and return you to the main form (frmNewTerm).  The settings shown in the text boxes will also be saved as "session only" settings.