



                    USE OF EXTERNAL B PLUS PROTOCOL MODULES

                      FROM WITHIN THE QMODEM COMM PROGRAM



The new B Plus Protocol enhancement is an exciting advance in the CompuServe B
Protocol.  With this new protocol, raw transfer speeds near ideal are achieved
via windowed block transfer and expanded block transfer size.  Additionally,
there is now the ability to resume aborted or interrupted downloads.  One of
our fine programmer/members of the IBMNET has met the challenge of the new
protocol and developed an external module based on CompuServe specifications so
that members can take advantage of the greater file transfer speed without
special comm programs specifically designed for the B Plus Protocol.  This
external module can be used from within any comm program that can shell out to
DOS without dropping comm carrier.

This new B Plus module is OZBEXT.ARC by Steve Sneed [71520,77] and is available
in Library 2 of our IBM New Users Forum (GO IBMNEW) and Library 10 of our IBM
Communications Forum (GO IBMCOM).

The use of this module is very simple.  Confusion sets in not with the module
itself, but in calling it from within various comm programs.  This file then
will attempt to describe the procedure for using one of the external modules
from within QMODEM.  The version used in this description is Qmodem v 4.0.  For
the purpose of this discussion, we will assume using 1200 baud, COM1, Full
Duplex, and 8N1 comm params, which are the Qmodem defaults.

The trick in making efficient use of an external protocol module is to call the
module BEFORE telling CompuServe that you wish to download a file.  As an
example, we will "download" ARC-E.COM from Library 2 of our IBM New Users
Forum.

   1.  After entering Library 2 of IBMNEW, at the LIB 2 ! prompt issue the
       command:  BRO ARC-E.COM<enter>.  The file header and description of ARC-
       E.COM should now appear on your screen along with your options to
       download, continue, or return to the top menu.

   2.  At this point, we will NOW call OZBEXT *before* telling CompuServe that
       we wish to download the file:

   3.  There are two ways to utilize the external modules in Qmodem.  The
       external modules can be utilized via a shell to DOS (Alt-R) or via an
       "Installed External Protocol" (PgDn) in the Protocol menu.

       A.  Via a shell to DOS:

           i.    Hit Alt-R to shell to DOS and the DOS prompt should appear.

           ii.   Type:  OZBEXT<enter>

                 Note:  OZBEXT defaults to COM1 and the existing comm
                 parameters such as baud and parity.  If you are using COM2,
                 the syntax would be:  OZBEXT /C2<enter>.  See the OZBEXT docs
                 for details of other switchable parameters.
           










       B.  Via an Installed External Protocol:

           i.    You must have previously installed OZBEXT as an external
                 protocol before logging onto CompuServe and must have
                 previously made a batch file to call it.  This is done as
                 follows:

                 a.  Hit Alt-N to configure Qmodem.

                 b.  Select Protocols

                 c.  In the next menu, select the first available slot.

                 d.  Select a letter with which you will call CIS B Protocol.

                 e.  The next entry is the name of the protocol (I just used
                     BPLUS).

                 f.  The next entry is the Upload Batch Filename, followed by
                     Download Batch Filename.  I called mine OZB.BAT (the same
                     batch file can be used for both up and downloading), but
                     you can use any name you wish.

                 g.  The next prompt asks you want to be prompted for a
                     filename.  The answer is No.

                 h.  Back out of the menus and exit the configuration menu,
                     being sure to Save your changes as you exit.

                 i.  You must now build batch the required batch file.  I'll
                     use OZB.BAT as an example:

                     Assuming the defaults, OZB.BAT would have a single line:

                     OZBEXT

                     Note:  If you are using COM2, the line would be:

                     OZBEXT /C2

           ii.   Hit PgDn to Recieve a File.

           iii.  Select BPLUS as the protocol you wish to use.


   4.  As soon as you have loaded OZBEXT, its copyright message will appear
       while it is loading.  When the screen clears, it signifies that OZBEXT
       is loaded and ready to run.

   5.  NOW tell CompuServe that you wish to download the file with CIS B Plus
       Protocol via the command DOW/PROTO:B<enter>.  (Remember, you were
       sitting at the prompt and CompuServe was waiting for your download
       command when you shelled out to DOS to load the external module.
   












   6.  CompuServe will then prompt you for a filename to receive.  Give a
       filename to receive and hit <enter>.  The download should now begin
       automatically.

   7.  At the conclusion of the download, you will be returned to the familiar
       CompuServe prompt.  At this time, you may navigate as usual and download
       other files from within OZBEXT using the DOW/PROTO:B command without
       having to exit back to Qmodem.

   8.  If you are finished downloading, then exit OZBEXT by hitting Alt-X.

       A.  If you entered via a shell to DOS, you will be returned to the DOS
           prompt.  Type EXIT<enter> at the DOS prompt and you will be returned
           to Qmodem control in the CompuServe screen.

       B.  If you entered via PgDn and the External Protocol selection, you
           will be immediately returned to Qmodem control in the CompuServe
           screen.




That's all there is to it!  Enjoy!!!

Conrad "Connie" Kageyama
Sysop, 76703,1010
Updated 24 April 1989



NOTE:  When using OZBEXT via a shell to DOS, the comm port is not always
       propery re-initialized upon the return from DOS to Qmodem.  Upon your
       return from the DOS shell to Qmodem control you may find that you no
       longer have control of your cursor though you see the CompuServe screen.
       If this is the case, then:

       1.  Hit Alt-P to get to the Parameters Menu.

       2.  Change your comm params from 8N1 to 7E1 or vice versa.  Changing
           your comm params should re-initialize the comm port and should
           return cursor control back to you.























