*DEMO* version 3.08.4demo MPGS.PPE for PCBoard v15.2 04/25/95
By Jim Parish, AKA WizBandit SYSOP, T∙R∙N - Fort Myers, FL
The first APCi MultiPlayer Game Server Site Licence in town!
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*DEMO VERSION*
This version will not function using APCi PASS-THROUGH cables, you must
register to enable that function.
It *WILL* work if you are using CUSTOM 'SWITCH' Cables.
FREE Registration of this PPE with the purchase of JTEC 'SWITCH' Cables!
ONLY for the next 30 Days!
NEW Lower Price for the 'SWITCH CABLES' so upgrade your APCi SERVER NOW!
DISCLAIMER:
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This program is guaranteed to do nothing at all. It should work as directed.
I will work with you to get it running on your system as my time allows.
I will provide SALT AIR a copy of the present source if you so request.
Also APCi has informed me that they won't give tech support for anyone using
custom 'switch cables' without them and I entering into some kind of 'special
agreement'. I have contacted them and am waiting for a response and terms.
But really, all you have to do is tell them the modem is connected right on
to the Game Server with no BBS, which in reality is all my 'switch cables'
do. They should be able to provide support under those conditions. If not,
pull off my cables, connect the GS digiboard port right to the MODEM and call
them up and say "it's broke!".
I will provide support for systems using my custom 'switch cables' up to the
point where the modem gets switched to the Game Server, after that point if
you get the APCi WELCOME screen and can press 'X' to return, my job is done.
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DESCRIPTION:
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A neat PCBOARD v15.2x interface for the APCi MultiPlayer Game Server.
(C) Applied Personal Computing, Inc., O'Fallon, Illinois, USA
Voice(618)-632-7282 BBS(618)-632-7664
Using custom APCi 'pass-through' or TRN custom 'switch cables' for a
multi-node/multi-tasking BBS. It has not yet been tryed on a system using
one computer per node type setup. If you try it and it does/does not work,
let me know, I'll make the required modifications to get it to work for you.
It was written fast, has no major bugs, and could be improved (and will be).
Works well with CNAV v4.01, (Author; Midnight Slasher).
The BEST WHO replacement you will ever find!
(Sorry I flamed ya guy, but that hacker that put the drop to DOS via DOORWAY
in your program really pissed me off, am I forgiven? ;)
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SETUP:
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■ Requires all files to be in the same directory as MPGS.PPE including
your CUSTOM GoMPGS.MSG password file. (used for pass-through mode, blek!)
■ Just add to your .CMD list file, example => MPGS C:\PCB\PPE\MPGS.PPE
DOOM C:\PCB\PPE\MPGS.PPE
BUD C:\PCB\PPE\MPGS.PPE
(fill in the path to where you
have installed the ppe)
■ To allow users that have used up all their CREDITS to receive more CREDITS
while online from another user or the SYSOP set up a CMD.LST entry
like this:
TRANSFER C:\PCB\PPE\MPGS.PPE C (fill in the path to your ppe)
DO NOT SET A USAGE CHARGE FOR THIS ENTRY. IT ONLY ALLOWS THE USER TO
TRANSFER TIME and CREDITS, IT EXITS BACK TO PCBOARD WHEN FINISHED.
■ BE SURE and set the Passthrough <KICK> character in the MPGS Setup to
<SPACE> and the exit character to <CR>.
■ Set the DTR DROP Time in the MPGS Setup to 2 seconds.
If running a 16 node version you might have to set this value higher to
get the Game Server to switch the user back to the BBS. Try 3 if 2 is
not working well, if that gets better but not quite getting it try 4.
■ Set the NODE option in the MPGS to 'NON-PASSTHROUGH' This option if
correctly configured won't show a passthrough cable number. It will
just say 'NONE'.
■ Copy the EXIT.MSG to your APCI Directory on the Game Server
■ EDIT the MPGS.CFG file, set the DTR delay for the switch at 2 (2/18ths of
a second) to start (If using TRN custom switch cables). It must not be
blank!. Set the DTR delay for SYSOP force user to BBS to 8 (8/18ths of a
second) It comes set to this, but just in case it gets changed...
The other sixteen lines reflect the interface used on each PCBoard Node. If
using APCi custom passthrough cables, set to 'PASS' if using TRN custom
'switch cables', set to 'SWITCH', If you need to disable a single node set
to 'OFF'. USE CAPITAL letters ONLY here! . Set the SYSOP Overide CHR to
what ever you want to force a node to the Game Server regardless of connect
status. (for testing your configuration, you still can't play with error
correction or data compression on). Set the SYSOP force user to BBS CHR to
what ever you want to force a user to the BBS. See the file CABLE.DOC for
theory of operation of the totally modem powered custom 'switch cables'.
(Available for sale now).
■ EDIT the TRANSACT.CFG file and do your own thing there as well.
■ IMPORTANT!!! READ THIS NOW!! DO IT!! IT WON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T!!
If using the custom 'switch cables' set the DTR response time in the modem
register S25 to 70 (ATS25=70). Don't forget to do a AT&W to save the new
configuration. You may need to play with this some, 70 has been working
on the test system but as things can, they will be different. If the
modem hangs up when someone attempts to return to the BBS try 80.
Have you set the DTR drop time in the GameServer to two seconds?. If NOT
then go back and READ from the begining again!!!
■ Set your DESQview Windows, READ WINDOWS.DOC
■ To disable ALL the switching, just rename the GoMPGS.MSG security file to
something else. For proper operation this file MUST be in the same
directory as MPGS.PPE (regardless of which interface you use)
To disable separate nodes, set the cable type option in the MPGS.CFG file
to 'OFF'.
■ ENABLE THE ACCOUNTING PSA in PCBOARD, set the charge per minute for the
PPE, as an option, give set -.05 cents (or whatever) for each use of the
PPE (gives a 5 cent credit to allow a little for chat time which I feel
should not be charged). If you don't know how, get out the book.
■ By using a different KEY name you can charge different classes of users
at a different rate. For example, my close personal friends pay 1 cent
per minute so they use DOOM to run the PPE. Everyone else uses MPGS and
they pay 2 cents per minute. By setting the cost per minute and the required
security level you can control who can access what rate. Of course family
does not get charged so they use FAMILY to run it with the PPE charge per
minute set to nothing. Simple, aye?
■ Don't forget to give paying users enough time to use any credits they have
bought, remember, they ARE paying, normal time limits need not apply. I have
a time bank set up so when a user buys say 10 hours worth of credits, I
deposit 600 minutes @ $1 per hour into his account, it's only fair I think.
Most time banks let you set the MAX withdrawl per day so there you go.
■ Set the minimum time you wish a user to retain in the TRANSACT.CFG file.
Any amount in excess of this may be transfered to another user.
Also set the timer delays for 'receive' and 'transfer' in this file.
■ EDIT THE DEBIT.CFG FILE AND ENTER A SECLEV FOLLOWED BY A PER MINUTE
CHARGE WHILE USING THE GAMESERVER. ALL SEC LEVELS THAT WILL BE ACCESSING
THE GAME SERVER NEED TO BE IN HERE FOR PROPER OPERATION, BRIAN, YOU READING
THIS?????? If a user is exempt from paying enter a .00 for their security
level.
This allows the PPE to "TRACK" the charges and boot the user off the GS
when credits fall below the SYSOP configuration set point. The user DOES
NOT GET CHARGED this amount, this is just a tracking figure, as I can't
figure out how to get PCBoard to tell me what the PPE use per minute charge
for a running PPE is!. If your smart, you will set this the same as you
set the PPE usage charge to for a given SECLEV, if not, the PPE will boot
them out too soon or too late.
PCBoard still does all the accounting for you. The Debit Charge tracking
can be used by itself to determine when the user shall be brought back to
the bbs (time halted) or you can let both time and credits determine when,
if either falls to a SYSOP set point.
Be sure to set the new options in the DEBIT.cfg file. Each Security Level
that will be accessing the Game Server MUST have an entry here for proper
operation. Follow the format ->SECLEV .02<- the space is needed, just
like this! You don't need all of them, I do here is why the long list,
be sure and end the list with ->0 0<-. Enter .00 for payment exempt users.
Read the tail end of the MPGS.CFG file for other options that may need to
be set including the HALT TIME option and lower credit boot-out option.
■ Check in the .CFG files for any other options you may need to set!
IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE, DO THIS^^! AS OPTIONS ARE ADDED THEIR FUNCTIONS
WILL BE DESCRIBED IN THE .CFG FILE. BRIAN, YOU WITH ME SO FAR? :)
■ Take a printout of these instructions and place them on the back tank of
your commode (toilet). Pick them up and brouse threw them every chance you
get, I know you missed something in there. :)
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FEATURES:
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■ It will not allow users with ERROR CORRECTION or NO ANSI to get into the
SERVER. (SYSOP overide, see below)
This PPE uses a LOT of ANSI positioning statements, sorry but no color
looks ugly and I rushed to get this finished :)
■ Users that have a lot of time, received credits for work done for the
SYSOP, or have purchased large amounts of credits can sell/give time and/or
credits to other users if they run short.
■ Displays a 3 line status while the user is in the Game Server with
time entered Server, modem connect string, user name, user alias,
time left, ect. (with proper DESQview setup)
■ It 'beeps' every minute in 'SWITCH' mode or every time it receives the
<KICK> character from the Game Server in 'pass-through' mode, about every
minute or so.
(this is related to the 'CHING' of a cash register :)
■ It logs the user and time-in/time-out of the Game Server to the log file.
usefull if a user trys to get many nickles buy going in/out 100 times :)
Also logs CARRIER LOST and TIME LIMIT reached.
■ It updates the USERNET.XXX file with = "USING GAME SERVER".
(finally figured out how to do this via PPL when using DOOR :)
■ The keyboard time-out routine is disabled while using the Game Server.
■ If using my custom 'switch cables', taking down the Games Server does not
take down the BBS. Auto disabling of switching if the switch detects the
Game Server is offline (connectors must still be hooked up). Only ONE
Digiboard port needed per node instead of the TWO that pass-through needs.
■* Command line parsing for commands 'G' 'T' 'R' and 'H'.
Example -> 'MPGS G' to go to the Server fast.
■* Fully functional internode time/credit transfer function. Users must be
online to accept transfers. Limits can be set in the 'TRANSFER.CFG' file.
No dilly-dallying allowed in the Transfer door, if a user(s) spends an
unreasonable amount of time playing, the transfer function will abort.
The reason for this is while waiting the function is looking for a 'drop'
file from the 'receiving' user that contains that users present time/credit
balances. Didn't want the system to be bogged down checking the hardrive
every 1/4 second for the file.
■ If the user is or has SYSOP rights, pressing 'U' while at the Transfer
screen waiting to select a NODE will bring up the SYSOP TRANSFER function.
This function does not debit the user/SYSOP for time/credits transfered.
■* Optimized code for time slicing (os/2). Installed 'delay' cycles in
all 'for-while', 'for-next', and 'repetive loops'
■* All internode transactions are LOGGED in the PCBoard accounting LOG file
just in case any disputes arise :)
■* Total System Usage is stored in a file in the MPGS home directory called
USAGE.DBF. To reset the counter just delete this file.
■* MPGS.CFG Selection to display MONEY or CREDITS.
■* Different DesqView Window Support for SYSOP screen while users are on the
Game Server. See WINDOWS.DOC
■* SYSOP configuration options added this release:
HALT Time and kick the user off the GS when credits drop
to a SYSOP set amount.
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OPERATION (SYSOP Intervention):
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■ The PPE won't let you 'switch' if you are ONLOCAL or ERROR CORRECTION
is detected. SYSOPS can set a CHR in the MPGS.CFG file that when pressed
will force it, of course this doesn't really switch unless your ONLINE but
allows you to see what the 'IN GAME SERVER' status looks like.
■ The only way the PPE returns to PCBoard is if it sees a <CR> coming from
the Game Server (Passthrough) or the user presses <ENTER> (Switch Cable)
after pressing 'X' to exit the GS. To force it back to PCBoard, SYSOPS's
can press 'SYSOP force user to BBS Overide CHR'. This does not force the
user to come back to the BBS in PASSTHROUGH mode. The user only returns to
the BBS when he/she presses 'X' at the terminal in the PASSTHROUGH mode,
or the Game Server detects that PCBoard has dropped DTR because the user
either ran out of time or lost carrier. This re-enables the Keyboard
time-out timer and the only purpose I can see it serving is allowing the
SYSOP the hang up on the user. Just wanted to maintain control as a SYSOP
should :)
Now if your using custom 'switch cables', pressing this CHR forces the
switch to send the modem back to the BBS no questions asked.
(watch that garbage scroll!)
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REGISTRATION:
A $25.00 registration fee is required.
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Let me know what you think, ideas, suggestions.
Jim Parish
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The files in this archive:
15 Total files.
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MPGS.PPE ;The main PPE
MPGS.CFG ;Configuration file for the PPE
TRANSACT.CFG ;Transaction configuration file
WELCOME.MSG ;The Welcome file, displayed when entering the PPE
;The last two lines are hardcoded so keep it < 21 lines
ACCOUNT.MSG ;Accounting information file using PCBoard @MACROS@
;Displayed with the 'A' cmd.
TRANSFER.MSG ;Transfer credits/time, Displayed with the 'T' cmd .
RULES.MSG ;Your rules file, displayed with the 'R' cmd.
HELP.MSG ;Your help file, displayed with the 'H' cmd.
MPGSPPE.DOC ;This file.
MPGSPPE.HIS ;Updates, improvements & bug fixes.
EXIT.MSG ;File containing "PRESS <ENTER> TWICE TO WAKE THE BBS"
;this file 'aligns' itself with the "PRESS SPACE TO WAKE
;UP THE GAME SERVER" sent by the PPE. Use it please.
CABLES.DOC ;Information on Custom Switch Cables.
T.BAT ;Sets unused PCBoard Nodes to reflect the status
;of the GameServer Nodes on IPX
LICENSE.DOC ;read this!
WINDOWS.DOC ;Help on setting up neat looking DesqView Windows.
You may construct your own display files, I'm not a good ANSI art master.
If you create a special looking one please send it to me to include in
the next release PAK. All the display files (.MSG) may contain PCBoard
@MACROS@ EXCEPT the .MSG files on the Game Server itself. These are plain
text files, no ansi, just plain.
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Latest registered versions can be downloaded
from the BBS - T∙R∙N (813)-433-2206.2230.2234.2283.2670.2413
Use 'Apply' at the Logon Matrix and the password is LOSTDOOM
US Mail Address:
JTECH ENTERPRISES - TRN
PO BOX 6212
FT MYERS, FL, 33911-6212
ATTN: MPGSPPE
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This program is dedicated to my son Anthony, whom I lost three years ago
February '95 at the age of 10. I miss you, love DAD.
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