  
  
  
                    C O M C A L L    V E R  3 . 1 . 1
  
  
  
                        INSTALLATION/CONFIGURING
  
  
                                CONTENTS
  
                              INSTALLING
                              CONFIGURING
                              COMMANDS
                              REMOTE ELECTRICAL DEVICE SWITCHING.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ************************************************************************
  
  
  
  
  1.                           INSTALLATION.
  
  
  Prior  to  using COMCALL you  must  have  a  MODEM   (Hayes  Command Set)
  connected to COM port 1  or 2.    The modem must be powered on   prior to
  the invoking  of  COMCALL.  COMCALL runs  on  XT/AT  or  better machines,
  preferably  with a hard   disk (a limited floppy  only system can  be set
  up).    Note that the full   functionality of COMCALL  is  only  possible
  for systems   that utilise a system (battery   back up)  clock.   If your
  system does  not have  such   a  clock then   the  EXECITAT  utility (See
  Utilities Section)   will not  perform in the required manner.  All other
  functions  would still  work,  but  naturally  the  date  and   times  of
  logging    details     would    be    written    with    timestamps  that
  corresponded to the date and time that was entered at the time  of the PC
  power-up.
          
  General  guidance  of  how to  install Comcall are outlined  in  the file
  'README.1ST' which should be consulted prior to installation.
  
  To  install Comcall for the  first  time,  simply  copy  the  files  to a
  suitable directory,  preferably on the boot drive,  and enter the Command
  INSTALL.
  
  COMCALL should ideally be installed to   its own  unique  directory (e.g.
  c:\comcall).
  
  ************************************************************************
  
  2.                       CONFIGURING COMCALL
  
  
  
  Once  Comcall has been   installed,   you may configure its   options  by
  changing  directory to the  Comcall directory (e.g.  cd  c:\comcall)  and
  enter the command COMCALL C.
   
  
  COMCALL C     COMMAND - CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
  
  To configure the Comcall options -  enter <Comcall c>  at the dos prompt.
  
  You will  then  be  presented   with a number    of options   that may be
  modified.  To modify  one of  the options,  simply  use the up   and down
  arrow keys until    that option is    selected and then press the <ENTER>
  key.   In  the modify  option  you will  see the original  value  and  be
  prompted for a new value.     You may  exit   from  this  by pressing the
  escape key or by pressing the enter key   without having entered  a value
  for  the option.     Entry of  any  new   values  should  be  followed by
  pressing the enter key.   Note that any changes  that may be made  do not
  come   into effect until after the  save  option  has been  selected from
  the main menu.   Use of the escape key  from the main menu will therefore
  result in the aborting of any  modifications and the preservation  of the
  previous values being maintained.
  
  The options that may be modified are:-
  
  1.  Modem Initialisation String. (Consult your modem manual).  
  
  For Comcall to  work  correctly,  your modem  must be set to  the correct
  switches.  Some modems   may   incorporate   logical   switching,  whilst
  others may require physical switches (DIP) to be set.
  
  Comcall requires  the following settings  in  order  to  correctly Liaise
  with your modem:-
     
                        Verbose Messaging (V1)
                        Echo On (E1)
                        On Hook (H0)
                        Don't auto answer (S0=0)
                        DTR (Data Terminal Ready) Active (&D3 or &D2)
                        DCD/DSR On/Off From Line (&C1)
  
  (Commands in  brackets  are  Hayes  command  references  (see  your modem
  manual).
  
  Therefore  if  your  modem  supports  all  of the above commands then you
  could use a modem initialisation string of :-
  
  
                        ATV1E1H0S0=0&C1&D3
  
  
  Note that the command sequence must  be proceeded  with the standard 'AT'
  Hayes command.
  
  In   some cases you may find  that such a command action  will  only work
  directly after having switched your PC on,  but not later  during the day
  when you might re-visit the Comcall package.  If this is the case then it
  may be that  another communications  package is modifying  the modem from
  its defaults.   If so, then  you  might like to include the &F command as
  the first command in the   initialisation string in order to  restore the
  factory defaults prior to initialisation e.g.
  
  
                        AT&FV1E1H0S0=0&C1&D3
  
  
  By   far   the   most commonest requests for help to us are  due to modem
  configuration   problems.   Unfortunately    modems    are    not   fully
  standardised.  So you may have to spend a  little  time  between  reading
  the  Comcall  manual, your modem manual and experimentation  in  order to
  get  the  correct  liaison  between  Comcall  and  your  modem.    Please
  persevere   if   you   have  difficulties,  in the end, when you discover
  the power of Comcall,  you'll be pleased that you did so.
  
  
  Some of the above commands are  not the standard  default modem settings.
  e.g.  many modems come with a factory default  setting of Carrier  Detect
  always on,  whereas in   the real   world you  would  usually  desire  to
  have   the carrier detected from   the telephone line.     This is one of
  the  main   reasons  for   requests for  help that we  receive.   If your
  Comcall set up will perform all of the desired actions in  order  to make
  an advisory  call,   EXCEPT for actually   dialling out, then the chances
  are   that your Modems   setting are for forced  carrier detect (CD) over
  line controlled   carrier  detect. (See your modem manual, usually the &C
  command.)
  
  Some modems do not permit the above commands  to be command  line entered
  using the Hayes AT  command set.   Instead such modems  have DIP switches
  for some of the parameters that must   be set.   The  following is a list
  of settings for various modems that we   believe will work with  Comcall.
  If your  modem is not listed  then we advise that you consult  your modem
  manual.  Many modems do not  have  any  DIP  switches  at all. If so then
  you only need concern yourself with the previously  mentioned AT commands
  above.
  
  
  
  MODEM                         SWITCH # SETTING
  
  Amstrad MC2400                None
  Anchor Signalman Mark I       None
  Anchor Signalman Mark XII     None
       or VMS XII
  ASTEC 1200B                   1,2,3,4,5,7 - ON
  BIZCOMP 1012                  5,7,8,9 - ON (UP)
                                1,2,3,4,6 - OFF (DOWN)
  BT NS2232                     None 
  BT PC424X                     None
  BYTCOM 212AD                  SW6 2,9 - ON
                                1,3-8,10 - OFF
                                SW7 2,3,5,9 - ON
                                1,4,6,7,8,10 - OFF
  Cermetek 1200, 1200SPC        1,7,8 - DOWN
                                2,3,4,5,6 - UP
  Compucom 1200B                1,2,3,4,5,7 - ON
           6 - OFF
  Creative Digital              None
  CTS 212AH                     2,5,6,7 - UP
                                1,3,4,8 - DOWN
  CTS 212AHC                    2,4,5,6 - UP
                                1,3,7,8 - DOWN
  Datec 212                     1,5,6 - CLOSED 
                                2,3,4,7,8 - OPEN
  Electronic Vault UPTA96       No switch settings (HA ON)
  Franklin Bright               None
  Franklin FM-2400E             1,2,4,5,6,7 - UP
                                3,8 - DOWN
  Hayes Smartmodem 300          1,2,4,5,6,7 - UP
                                3,8 - DOWN
  Hayes Smartmodem 1200         1,2,4,5,6,7 - UP
                                3,8 - DOWN
  Incomm 212A                   RNG,BAL,DTR - UP
                                8HI - DOWN
  Interdial 2400                None
  Kyocera 1200S                 1,2,3,4 - OFF (DOWN)
  Microlink 2400                1,2,4,6,7,10 - OFF
                                3,5,8,9 - ON
  Novation Smart-Cat            2,4,5,6 - ON (DOWN)
                                1,3 - OFF (UP)
  Prometheus 1200B              1,2,3,4,5,7 - ON
                                6 OFF
  Prometheus 1200B/2            (Switches dependant upon COM port 
                                in use - see modem manual).            
  Prometheus ProModem 1200      1,2,3,6,9 - ON
                                4,5,7,8,10 - OFF
  Radical-Vadic VA212           None 
                               (Must be programmed by user to activate
                                DCD from modem.  Set option #1 to 2 then
                                change option #16 to 2.  Provided user
                                does not change option #1 to 1 or 3 the DCD
                                will remain correctly set - even after a 
                                power down).
  Radical-Vadic 3451 w AD       None
  Rixon 212A                    None
  SmarTEAM 103/212A             1,2,4,5,6,7 - UP
                                3,8 - DOWN
  Telenetics ExpressData        None
  UDS 103LP Direct Connect      None
  UDS 212 A/D                   1 - ON
                                2,3,4 - OFF
  US Robotics 212               All OFF
  US Robotics Courier 2400      1,2,4,6,7,10 - OFF
                                3,5,8,9 - ON
  
  
  Unfortunately this list is by no means   complete.   If you find that any
  of the above are   incorrect,   or  you  have  a  modem  not listed above
  that you have working   with Comcall,  then we would appreciate it if you
  could  drop  us  a line  to advise of  the settings that you   use.  Such
  details  can  then  be  included  in  later  releases   of  the  packages
  documentation for the benefit of other users.
              
  
  As a word of caution,   if you desire to use Comcall as  a front  end  to
  another  Communications   program,   then   be   aware  of  the  possible
  differences that may exist in the required modem settings between the two
  programs.   If there  are differences in the required settings,  and your
  modems switches are not of the logical type (ie are DIP switch controlled
  rather  than   AT command line  controlled)  then this  may restrict your
  ability to interface the two. 
  
  
  We cannot stress enough that   the   major difficulty  in  establishing a
  fully functioning  session  with  Comcall is due to the wide variances in
  modems and   their implementation.   If you do have  problems in  getting
  Comcall to   perform in  the correct manner then another option may be to
  try entering   the Comcall Terminal session   and  issue the  various  AT
  commands one at a time  in  order to check  that they are getting  the OK
  response (the terminal  screen is accessed  by just entering  the command
  'Comcall'  at the DOS prompt).   At   the   terminal session,  any of the
  above  modem  commands  (or    any   other   modem   commands)   may   be
  individually   entered using the AT  command   followed  by  the  setting
  (e.g.   ATV1   to   check   that the verbose setting  is  working).   All
  such entries should respond   with the modem returning 'OK'.  If not then
  this  may indicate  that  this is the Hayes command that  is  causing the
  difficulty.
  
  
  If  when  Comcall first enters  the  terminal  screen  the initialisation
  command is seen to   be   a blank value followed  by  an  OK message then
  something   may be  wrong.    The correct sequence  of  initialisation is
  that   the  terminal  session  should  state  that  the  modem  is  being
  initialised,   and  then you should see the line   containing  the  modem
  initialisation  string   e.g.  ATV1E1H0S0=0&D3&C1.   This should  then be
  followed with by the OK reply.
  
  If,   on  the other hand  you do  not even  get as  far as  the  terminal
  screen,  and Comcall stays in  the never ending  loop  of   attempting to
  initialise   the modem followed  by  further attempts  to  re-initialise,
  then check that your   com port and modem are connected  and switched on.
  If  they  are,  then  try  setting  the  Comcall  configurations  - modem
  initialisation option (Comcall C)  to just 'AT'.   Thereafter, you can go
  into  the  main  Comcall  terminal  in  order  to  try  each  AT  command
  individually  and hopefully identify  the  modem  command  that  might be
  causing the problem.    Details of how to connect and start  a  modem for
  the first time is beyond the realms of this manual   and you should check
  your modem and PC manuals for such set-ups.
  
  One  additional  change  that  you  may  wish   to   make  to  the  modem
  initialisation string    is  to   set  your     ATX option to the highest
  value   that   your   modem supports    (Consult  your  modem     manual)
  e.g.    you   may     change       the   initialisation      string    to
  ATE1V1X4H0S0=0D3&C1   if  your  modem supports  a X level of   up   to 4.
  You should only have    to make this change  if your Comcall installation
  does not appear     to be    responding    to the  various actions  (such
  as    RING,    BUSY etc).     For more information regarding the Hayes AT
  command   set consult your Modem manual.  For those of you who might have
  mislaid their   modem manuals,    a   basic standard  AT    command   set
  description    is   contained    within    the    Comcall   package  (see
  AT_SET.TXT).
  
  
  For   those of you that simply used the recommended  modem initialisation
  string of ATE1V1H0S0=0&C1&D3 and found that this worked, we apologise for
  the length of the modem initialisation description.  It is lengthy so  as
  to  provide some  indication   as to the best approach  when experiencing
  difficulty  in  getting  started.   For  those  of   you   who  may  have
  experienced  difficulty,  we hope that you might share  your  experiences
  with  us so  that  we may pass useful tips on to other users who might be
  using the same modem as yourself.
  
         
  
  2.  Delay Time
  
  This     is     the   delay time   (in   seconds)   between  a ring range
  trigger condition being met  and  the  time  that  the  associated action
  specified  executes.  For     telecommunications  (T)    actions   it  is
  recommended that this figure be  set high  enough to allow   for any time
  that another person may be using your phone locally in order  to complete
  an incoming  call.  The minimum delay  period is 5   seconds,   maximum =
  999999.   Any values entered outside of this range will have a default of
  180 seconds applied. You will notice that delays are incorporated into  a
  number of the functions of COMCALL.   This is the delay as defined  here.
  Such delays are present to ensure  that sufficient delay   periods exists
  when   modem functions are   performed.    For example  the   delay count
  prior  to initiating the execution or  advisory  message is  in place  so
  as to ensure that any incoming  messages should have  completed (e.g.  an
  answer phone)   prior  to  COMCALL making  the outgoing   advisory   call
  (after all you would   be  sharing the same telephone line).  For testing
  purposes,  you may find  it best to  set this  to the minimum  value of 5
  seconds.
  
  
  3.     Delay   tone.  Prior to  Comcall starting  an  action  following a
  trigger condition, the delay period (as of 2 above) may or may not have a
  warning tone     sound.     This  is  useful   if   you  wish  to  advise
  local    personnel    of    such  an impending  action so that  it may be
  aborted if required. 
  
  
  4.  Colour/Black White.
  
  If  you have  a black and   white monitor then    you    should  set this
  option to 'B'.  Otherwise set it to 'C' for colour.
  
  5.  Tone/Pulse Dialling.
  
  If  your   local  telephone exchange  and your  modem can issue  MF  tone
  dialling   then set this option to 'T'  (tone).   Otherwise set it to 'P'
  (Pulse).  If you are not sure as to which type of  dialling is in  use at
  your local telephone exchange,  then it   is   recommended that   the 'P'
  option  is  used  as this usually works on both.  (One way to see if your
  on an MF exchange is  to pick up  your telephones receiver  and press and
  hold down one the digit keys,  if you hear a tone, then the likelihood is
  that your on an MF service).
  
  
  6.  Com Port 
  
  You should enter the number  (1-2)   of the com port that  your  modem is
  connect to.    COMCALL communicates directly with your UART.   It expects
  to see a standard  set   up for this.    Some hardware manufacturers  may
  however  implement different versions  from the   expected standard.   If
  this is the  case   then you may have to swap   the COM  Port  numbers in
  order to  get your version  of COMCALL to work.    e.g.  if your modem is
  connected  to  com port  2  and  you  enter  this  value  in  the Comcall
  configuration for the  comport number, only to find that Comcall does not
  appear to be communicating with your modem,  then try entering the number
  '1' for the com port in the configuration. 
  
  
  7.  Busy Tone Retries.
  
  COMCALL will  re-issue a  call if the   BUSY or NO  DIALTONE  signals are
  detected upon executing an  advisory    call trigger action.   Define the
  number of re-tries here   for such Busy Tone and/or No Dial tone re-tries
  (maximum   10).  Note that some modems come with   a 'Blacklist' test for
  where a number may  be dialled unsuccessfully   on  multiple occurrences.
  If you have such   a modem,  then the number of  actual retries performed
  will    be  the lower of  the value set  for busy re-tries in this option
  and the modems blacklist limit (if any).   Note  that the  limit set here
  will be  applied to  either  or  both  of  any  Busy  and  No  Dial tones
  detections.
  
  
  8.  Reverse Dialling Command.
  
  To   enable   some   form  of  indication   at the recipient   end of the
  named  telephone number  for  an  advisory  call  trigger  action,   this
  program issues   a   reverse ring back command signal to your  modem when
  making the advisory call.     If you are   unsure about reverse dialling,
  do not   worry   too   much,   it   basically   means   that   the person
  answering   the    advisory call will hear DATA   TONES.    Thus implying
  that an advisory call is in progress. 
      
  Without   the   reverse   dialling  mode,   the person answering the call
  would hear   nothing  and  may  assume  that a telecommunications   error
  had  occurred.   Not  all  modems  may support the ring back option,  but
  the ones  that do usually have  a command sequence  of R  to invoke  this
  option   (consult your modem manual   for   further  reference as in some
  cases   this   reverse ring  back  string   is   a   '/R'   e.g.  with  a
  forward slash).   The reverse dialling  command option should be   set to
  your  own modems  ringback command  (consult your modem manual).  If your
  modem does  not  support reverse ringback then you should set this option
  empty (space character).   However, in such cases,  bear in  mind that if
  you use Comcall to make an advisory call,  then no tones may  be heard at
  the recipient end. To set the ring back option to an empty value,  simply
  select   the option and enter one or  more  space characters.   Note that
  you should also set this option to empty if you intend to  use Comcall to
  make advice trigger call actions  to one of the service lines such as the
  Pager Bureau.
  
  WARNING.   In  some  cases the reverse ring-back can result  in  a sudden
  burst   of tones   to   the  recipients  end  (data tones) of an advisory
  call.    Use   this   option  at you own  discretion  and  only  on lines
  that you are prepared to accept responsibility for answering  of any such
  advisory calls.   The tones are similar   to  that heard had you called a
  fax phone line  using your   voice  telephone line  (which  you  may have
  experienced   in the   past)  and can be uncomfortable for the recipient.
  There tends to  be  a delay between the  time  a  recipient  receives the
  advise call and the time that the tone  signal starts that  may catch the
  unwary out unexpectedly. Don't say we didn't warn you!
  
  
  ************************************************************************
  
  3.                               COMMANDS
  
  
  
  In    addition   to  the   COMCALL   C   command   detailed   above there
  are a number  of  other commands  that  are associated  with  the Comcall
  package. These are outlined below.  More detailed descriptions of some of
  the commands are contained within the 'Using' and 'Additionals/Utilities'
  sections of this manual. :-
  
  
  
  COMCALL B    COMMAND - BROWSE LOG FILE. 
  
  
  This is a command that may be   issued from the DOS prompt   in  order to
  browse the Comcall   log file CALLRING.DTL.   Callring.dtl is a text file
  that may also be   browsed using other text   editors or by using the DOS
  type command.    In the browse log mode   you  can use the up    and down
  arrow   keys to move about the display.   To exit the  browse mode simply
  press the <ESC>  key.  Note that should the log file get too big (700 odd
  lines),  then this  option  will  cease to  work.   You  should therefore
  occasionally  delete  or  rename  this  file  (it   will   be  re-created
  automatically the next time Comcall is run).
  
  
  COMCALL M    COMMAND - BROWSE MANUAL FILE.  *** NOW VOID ***
  
       *********************************************** 
       AS OF RELEASE 3.1.1  USE THE ALT-L KEY SEQUENCE
       FROM WITHIN COMCALL.
       ***********************************************
  
  THIS OPTION  HAS BEEN  REMOVED AS  OF  COMCALL VER 3.1.1   -  The Comcall
  manual is now available on line  by use of the <ALT  L>  (Look at Manual)
  key sequence from within COMCALL.  
  
  Once your into the manual then select  the appropriate option  number  to
  take you to   the desired textual area.   At  the textual screens you may
  use   the page/arrow up/down keys in order to  browse   through the text.
  To exit from  the textual area use the Escape key to take you back to the
  main   manual   entry screen and select the option number to QUIT (or esc
  key).   Whilst in the browse option,  you can use the quick jump HOME key
  (TOP of document) or END key (BOTTOM of document).  
  
  Note   that   the manual   text   is contained in flat DOS textual  files
  (suffix  of  .TXT).    These may be  printed as  required   using the DOS
  'PRINT'   command.   Being textual, this is also convenient  if  you want
  to   make   your  own notes within  the manual  using a text editor.  (Do
  not however liberally add you own  comments  as,  if  the  file  gets too
  large, the browse option may cease to work).
  
  
  
  COMBOOT  x  COMMAND - REBOOT
  
  
  As some applications of   Comcall can result   in memory contention (e.g.
  where Comcall    is   used  to  invoke  other  packages)  it is sometimes
  desirable to have    an automated re-boot    option so that Comcall   may
  be   re-initialised  via    your     autoexec.bat    file.  Comcall   now
  provides  such  an  option  by use of the   COMBOOT x option that  may be
  executed from the  DOS prompt  or from within bat files.    x  is a value
  between 0   and 59  (minutes).   Issuing such a command will  result in a
  cold   re-boot of   your system after   the time period of  x minutes has
  elapsed.  e.g. 
  
                                comboot 2
  
  would result in a system  reboot in 2  minutes from the time  of entering
  the command.  In the  mean time,  any other commands or actions  could be
  performed  without affecting this  request   (unless    you   execute   a
  STOPBOOT  request  that   is   (see  below)).  Comboot  0  results  in an
  immediate re-boot.
  
  The    Comboot option    results  in   a  Terminate Stay   Resident (TSR)
  being  installed.    Under   some  circumstances, other applications  may
  conflict with this   TSR.    Always check your  set ups thoroughly before
  relying upon them.
  
  Comboot is  further discussed within  the  'additionals'  section  of the
  manual.
  
  EXECITAT hh:mm <t>   COMMAND - EXECUTE A COMMAND/ACTION AT.
  
  This command is similar to that  of the COMBOOT  command described above.
  EXECITAT enables you to perform an action at a specified time,  no matter
  what  other  application  may  be  running  at  that  time.   EXECITAT is
  described  in  greater detail  in the  'Additionals/Utilities' section of
  this manual.
  
  
  CHKBOOT  COMMAND.
  
  This command is used in conjunction  with the EXECITAT command.  Again it
  is described in detail in the 'Additionals/Utilities' 
  
  
  
  STOPBOOT    COMMAND - STOP REBOOT REQUEST. 
  
  
  If  a delayed reboot  request using the COMBOOT  command  and/or EXECITAT
  command is invoked,  either in a bat file   or from  the DOS prompt,  and
  you wish    to    abort this   auto   reboot,    then  use   the STOPBOOT
  command,  again from  the dos prompt  or  within  a bat file.     This is
  useful where Comcall may be   driven   by   a .bat  file  that  invokes a
  Communications program that awaits    for    your   return   call in data
  mode.    If a reboot  request were  contained within    this  bat file in
  order to reset your system  if you did  not recall within a   time period
  of x    minutes,   then if you did call back in data    mode,  you  would
  execute   this  STOPBOOT command upon establishing your data link to stop
  such a reboot.   If  a return  data  call  did not occur within  the time
  period of x minutes,  then your PC would reboot itself and, provided your
  autoexec was correctly set,  Comcall would be  re-invoked so as  to await
  for another trigger call.
  
  NOTE: Stopboot only disables the reboot request.  The actual memory space
  used by the reboot request will remain resident in memory.  Consequently,
  if  you intend  to  use a multiple  loop  of  COMBOOT  (or  EXECITAT) and
  STOPBOOT,  then you should  attempt to  ensure that an  occasional reboot
  does occur so as to physically clear memory.
  
  
  COMCALL      COMMAND - EXECUTE COMCALL
  
  
  By     entering     <comcall>     alone    at    the   dos  prompt,   you
  will be automatically taken into the main Comcall process.
  
  Initially    you  will     see  a  time    delayed  introductory  screen.
  Thereafter,    you will    be   presented with  the session configuration
  screen.   Each  time  that  you  modify  and  save  any  of  the  session
  configuration  options,  then they will   be,  by default, applied to all
  future Comcall sessions  until    such times that  they  may  be modified
  again. This session configuration screen has a auto-entry  delay count of
  10  seconds. Pressing the <esc> key will by-pass this delay.  If no other
  keys  are pressed   within  this   time then  the  main  Comcall terminal
  session will be entered.  This delayed auto entry enables Comcall to   be
  used in batch   file processing (e.g.  .BAT  files)   where it   is known
  that the default session   options have  already   been set   to suitable
  values.     For   each   Comcall   session,   two  trigger   options  are
  available.   You may therefore define  separate actions to be   taken for
  each   of two  separate   trigger conditions  (ring ranges).  The options
  that may be modified  are detailed in the USING COMCALL  section  of this
  manual.
  
  
  
  ************************************************************************ 
  
  4.                  REMOTE ELECTRICAL DEVICE SWITCHING
  
  
  The COMCALL package now offers the ability for you to  be  able to switch
  almost any electrical  device   such as lights,   TV,  Radio etc, both on
  and off remotely.    This offer is,   as far as we  are aware, unrivalled
  by any  other Shareware package that  is currently  available (unless you
  might know differently).  Additional   hardware  is naturally required in
  order to   perform this option, details of which (availability  etc)  are
  provided with  all   registrations to  the COMCALL  package.  Devices are
  supplied on  a zero  profit  basis,  thereby making  the offers extremely
  competitive.  We  regret  that  we  can  only  supply  such   devices  to
  registered users of the current Comcall package.    
  
                                 P-Switch.
  
  This devices simply plugs into the Parallel  port of your PC and  enables
  you to  control  up to eight low voltage DC devices either locally (using
  simple   commands)  and/or remotely (using your PC and a Modem link). For
  mains voltage switching control, an optional mains controller unit can be
  utilised on the P-Switches  outputs.  We  have personally been successful
  in using the P-Switch device output lines,   arranged   as a four by four
  matrix,  in order to control an adapted remote control device  so that we
  could     remotely  control,  via  a  dial  up  link,   a  VCR.    We are
  investigating  the possibility  of  making  such  an  option  a generally
  available addition to the Comcall package.   However,  due to the variety
  and  differences in  remote  controllers,  we    have not  YET managed to
  realise a suitable option.   We will keep you advised of our  progress on
  this  front  in  future  releases  of  Comcall.   In  the   meantime   we
  believe  that   the   P-Switcher  as  it stands in controlling electrical
  devices   via   your   PC   offers a  unique opportunity for  PC users to
  enter   a   the   world   of   physical  device control  at  an extremely
  low  cost.  Numerous   possibilities   of   its  potential  use  come  to
  mind. 
  
                                C-Switch.
  
  Another additional hardware option it that of the C-Switch (Call-Switch).
  This is a free  standing,  totally disconnected   from  your PC and modem
  unit  that  enables you to  physically  switch  a mains (or  low voltage)
  device(s)  such as  your  PC  and Modem,  both  on and off  from a remote
  location.  The device switching is intended to be secure in that you will
  have to enter a valid   code combination prior to  any device controlling
  being accepted (codes  may  be set to one of a wide range of variations).
  Remote switching is achieved via a standard non-connect (ring only) voice
  call that effectively enables such switching control to be performed from
  practically  anywhere in the world at  a zero  cost. 
  
  One area that may considerably benefit from such a device is for users of
  one of the many PC remote control programs that allows you to  take total
  control over your PC remotely,   as though you were there  beside the  PC
  using  it  locally.    All of   these remote  control programs  currently
  require   that the target PC is up and running and waiting  for  a remote
  call to come in.   Fine if you are in a position to leave a PC in  such a
  state  of being permanently  left on.    But what if you aren't!  This is
  where   C-Switch   could  provide  enormous  flexibility and benefit. Use
  it  to  turn  that  PC  and  associated   modem  on   and,  providing the
  autoexec.bat file was set up  correctly,   you could gain control  over a
  PC (or an entire network)  in circumstances where others could not.  Away
  on business!  need to   access  your  PC but your home  base PC and modem
  aren't  on  - again C-Switch could come to the rescue.
  
  Through   an   ingenious   interface   method   the   C-Switch  does  not
  require  licensing    for    connection   to   the   telephone   network.
  (C-Switch  is  not directly  connected to    the telephone   network  and
  therefore    requires     no    telecommunications    licence   violation
  consideration.)
  
  
                               S-Switch
  
  This device  enables your  to  directly control mains  electrical (or low
  voltage)  devices directly  from your PC.   The S-Switch  plugs into your
  PC's  RS232  (Com)  serial port.   This device is similar to the P-Switch
  with  the exception that  it  is  specifically designed to  control up to
  eight  mains  voltage  devices  (240V/8A/2kW)   directly  (P-Switch  more
  appropriate for low voltage device control).   The S-Switch is powered by
  its own  power-supply  (as  are  the  P  and  C  switches)  and  has high
  input/output  voltage isolation in  order to  protect  your  PC  from any
  potential damaging voltage levels.   Again,  the device may be controlled
  either  locally or  remotely  using a modem link  (2  com ports  would be
  required if remote operation were required, one for the modem and one for
  the S-Switch).   The  device  enables  you  to  perform  such  control as
  switching lights on an off at set times under control of  your  PC, or to
  perform  switching  of  general  household  electrical  devices  (heating
  timers,  microwave  ovens,  TV's  etc)  using  simple  commands.   A real
  opportunity to  enter the world of  physical  device control  at a highly
  competitive entry cost.
  
  
  
  Further details of all hardware devices available from the Comcall author
  are supplied  to  registered  users.   As  a  guide,  the  current prices
  (correct as of April 1993) for the various hardware devices listed above,
  start at around 29  UK Pounds/51  US Dollars for the C Switch  (each), 34
  UKP/59  USD for the P-Switch and 39  UKP/68 USD for the S-Switch.  Prices
  are subject to change and the latest prices should be confirmed  at order
  time.
  
  
                          UNDER EVALUATION/DESIGN
  
  We are currently looking into  adding  even  further  additional hardware
  options  to  the Comcall package.   Such as  a T-Switch  that will enable
  electrical devices to be directly controlled from a remote location using
  just your answerphone and MF tones.   Up to eight electrical devices will
  be  individually  switchable.   Access will be restricted via the  use of
  code checking.
  
  We  are  also  investigating  the  supply  of  a   modified,  ready  made
  programmable  remote  controller  that  includes a PC interface.   Such a
  device will enable  us to provide a plug  in  and go option to  users who
  might like  to  be able to,  both locally and remotely  (from practically
  anywhere in  the world),  control  their  Video  Cassette  Recorders, TV,
  curtains etc using a modem link.   For  this  option,  we  are  seeking a
  suitable supplier  who is  in  a position  to  provide a  suitable remote
  controller  device  directly  to  us.   If  anyone personally knows  of a
  potential supplier,  then we  would be  interested  (contact  the Comcall
  author).   With wider  usages  of  portable  PC's,  we  believe  that the
  addition of such an option offers interesting possibilities.  Although we
  have already managed to personally achieve  a direct control  of a remote
  controller using the P-Switch as  detailed above,  regrettably the remote
  controller utilised  is not directly compatible with all equipment and is
  therefore not eligible  for general supply.   Naturally,  upon  finding a
  suitable candidate,  some suitable software would be  provided  to aid in
  the controlling of the device. 
  
  Registered users of the Comcall package will be kept advised of  all such
  developments within this area in future releases.
