From: rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.packet
Subject: DOSGATE: the simple overview
Date: 30 Dec 92 17:41:07 GMT
Organization: still seeking it

Hi, It seems that I havn't sent this information out for some time now.
I was reminded about this by getting a slurry of information requests
about DOSGATE after mentioning it in a previous post.  So I am posting
this information for others to see.  I hope this answers many of the
questions that I have been receiving...  If you are not interested in
this, you are free to ignore it.

----------


Here is a quick summary of DOSGATE.

 I wrote DOSGATE several years ago.  The first prototype was actually written
about the same time that Hank, W0RLI wrote his now famous packet BBS software.
DOSGATE has gone through several revisions and refinements since that first
version.  The current version (as of 12/30/92) is 1.17.

 DOSGATE requires any PC compatible computer.  This can be a simple 8088, 4MHz
IBM-PC (remember these?), or a 66MHz 486 system.  DOSGATE can use either
the COM1 or the COM2 serial port.  The interface cable between the TNC and
the computer must be a full modem handshake cable.  This means that pins
2 through 8 and pin 20 of the 25 pin DB-25 must be wired (you can NOT use
a simple three wire RS-232 cable).  I believe that this version of DOSGATE
is fairly TNC independant. This means that is should work with just about
any TNC.  I use Kantronix TNCs, so I have the most experience with these and
know that they work fine with DOSGATE.

 The packet user of DOSGATE does NOT require any special hardware or software!
If the user is on packet, then they can use DOSGATE.  This means that even
users who have a dumb terminal, Macintosh or any other hardware can make use
of the DOSGATE system and its programs.  Sometimes people have a hard time
understanding that they don't need to be using an MS-DOS computer or some
special software to remotely use the DOSGATE system.  Anyone who can connect
to an AX.25 packet TNC can remotely use the DOSGATE system and its software.

 The DOSGATE driver itself is not very large.  It is only about 20K or so
in size, so it doesn't consume a lot of memory or disk space. In fact, you do
not even need a hard disk to provide a DOSGATE system.  There have been several
floppy diskette based DOSGATE systems on the air. 

To allow you to get a useful system up and running quickly, I include a
diskfull of utilities and programs on the DOSGATE distribution diskette. 
I completly fill a 1.2 MB diskette!  Here is a list of some of the utilities
that I include:

    MAIL - several programs that implement a *simple* email system.  This
           is NOT a full functioning auto-forwarding email system!  It will
           accept incoming email from an auto-forwarding bbs (such as W0RLI
           PBBS's) but will NOT forward outgoing email.

    AUTOCALL - This utility allows the use of the Buckmaster HAMCALL CD-ROM
             to provide on-line searches of the USA database. At this time
             only callsign searches are allowed.

    SEESATS - Real time OSCAR satelite tracking.  This is a text based
              tracking program that allows users to determine when satelites
              and other objects (such as the Space Shuttle) are in view.

    AutoExam - This program generated a different exam, from Novice to Extra,
               each time it is run.  This allows one to practice for VE
               exam session.

    Advent   - The clasical computer game of Adventure.  You must be carefull
               or you will find yourself lost for hours in twisty little
               mazes that look all alike!

 I also include hints about how to install your system to provide a bit of
security.  Although some security can be installed, it is a very simple
system that is easily bypassed.  For this reason, I strongly recommend that
your on-the-air DOSGATE system be a separate computer that is DEDICATED to
this purpose!  You do not want to have any 'private' files or data on your
DOSGATE system.  You should also maintain backup copies of any important
files!

 DOSGATE is implemented as a standard MS-DOS device driver.  This device
driver is loaded via the CONFIG.SYS 'DEVICE=' command.  When loaded, DOSGATE
handles all screen and keyboard I/O.  It basically echos all output that is
sent to the screen to the COM port.  Also, any data that is recieved by the
COM port is entered into the systems' keyboard buffer.  This means that the
local DOSGATE 'sysop' can see all that a remote user is doing.  It also allows
the sysop to help the remote user.   If the sysop types on the DOSGATE keyboard
while a user is connected, then the user will see what the sysop types.

 Limitations:  Any standard MS-DOS program is compatible with DOSGATE as long
as it is only TEXT based (no graphics, and no color).  If the program only
uses MS-DOS for its output, then there is no problem with this.  If the
program uses BIOS calls, or directly accesses the PC hardware for I/O, then
it will not function under DOSGATE.  Unfortunately, many programs do not
use MS-DOS for output, so you must perform some simple tests to be sure any
program will work correctly before allowing general users to access it.
Also, any program being used under DOSGATE must return immediatly to the
MS-DOS prompt when a CONTROL-C is pressed.  Any program being used must not
make use of the same COM port as is being used by the DOSGATE driver.

  These are fairly simple restrictions, but are important.  It is very
easy to write applications for DOSGATE using 'C'.  Some people even use
compiled BASIC to generate DOSGATE applications.  The only other limitation
to what you can do with DOSGATE is your imagination!  If you know how to
write programs for the PC, then you can make your DOSGATE system do whatever
you want.  

 Note: I do not include a comprehensive, step-by-step instruction manual
with the DOSGATE system.  There are many example files and other hints
and kinks to help you get started.  It is expected that you are already
very familliar with both MS-DOS and your TNC.  If you do not think that you
have enough experience with MS-DOS or your TNC, then please find youself a
local MS-DOS 'guru' and someone who understands packet radio and the
particular brand of TNC that you own.

 To get your own copy of DOSGATE simply send me the following:

   1 FORMATTED, 1.2 MB or 1.44 MB diskette
   1 Self Addressed, return diskette mailer that contains enough postage
     to ensure that I can return your diskette to you.
   1 short note requesting a copy of DOSGATE

 Send your disk to:

  Rich Bono
  7 Redfield Circle
  Derry, New Hampshire 03038

  There is no required fee for Amateur radio on-the-air uses of DOSGATE,
but any donations are always gladly accepted.


-- 
 /**************************************************************************\
 * Rich Bono                     IMRICH         UUCP:rbono@necis.ma.nec.com * 
 * (508) 635-6300                 NM1D          AMPR: nm1d@nm1d.nh.usa.noam * 
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