COM TRANSFER is an instant messaging software, which I programmed when I was 14 years old. The messaging program allows you to send messages between two computers that are not connected to the network, as it takes advantage of the RS232 serial port. I wrote the program in Microsoft GwBASIC, the first version of the program dates back to July 25, 1992, then updated on July 30 of the same year.
COM Transfer, manual
To operate COM TRANSFER, you need to connect the two computers from a COM cable. Of course, you have to solder the plugs of the sockets like this:
25 – 25 feet
7 Earth > 7 Earth
2 Tx > 3 Rx
3 Rx > 2 Tx
4 Rich > 5 Ready
5 Ready > 4 Rich
6 Sep OK > 20 Ter OK
20 Ter OK > 6 Sep OK
9 – 9 feet
5 Earth > 5 Earth
3 Tx > 2 Rx
2 Rx > 3 Tx
7 Rich > 8 Ready
8 Ready > 7 Rich
6 Sep OK > 4 Ter OK
4 Ter OK > 6 Sep OK
It is advisable to use shielded cable, to avoid interference, especially if the length of the same is high (10m).
Now let's move on to using COM TRANSFER.
KEY keys:
F1 – This guide.
F2 – COM Setup, COM Speed, Character Speed, Character Count.
Setup COM – Set the COM port (1 or 2).
COM speed – Set the baud rate.
Speed carat.- Sets the speed of the cursor, in RELATION to the speed of the other COMPUTER.
Cont. caratt. – Displays the number of characters transmitted and received.
F3 – Information about characters, errors, and links.
F4 – Call for the other computer. A bell rings.
F5 – Restart the COM TRANSFER program.
F6 – Set Alarm (sound at a set time), Time and date.
Wake Up – Set the time of a sound. If you do not press any key during the sound, after a few seconds it will cease, but the alarm will still be active.
Now – Set the time of the computer's clock.
Data – Set the date of your computer's clock.
If, before the setting, it is written S, the option is active, contrary not.
F7 – Exit the program.
Once COMTRANSFER is started on the first computer, the following message will be displayed: "I am trying to connect with the other COMPUTER...". If you wait for time you see other messages "Check that the COM cable is connected.", etc.… means that COM TRANSFER cannot connect with the other computer. This can be caused by a CABLE DISCONNECT, or if you have not started COM TRANSFER on BOTH computers. When the error is eliminated (i.e. by starting COM TRANSFER on the other computer or by reconnecting the cable in the RIGHT COM -F2-), the program will automatically eliminate the error writings and be ready for use. To check the number of errors in transmission, reception and link tests, press F3.
To transmit a letter you just have to type it on the keyboard, to change the message press ENTER and start typing again.
If the other computer is disconnected or COM TRANSFER is not started, you will receive an error message.
If every now and then a COMPUTER remains behind a LETTER, you have to reduce the speed of the character in the computer that transmits (F2).
If the errors occur EVERY letter or call made, you must check that THE SPEED OF THE COM (F2) IS THE SAME FOR BOTH COMPUTERS.
The reception is automatic, each character typed on the keyboard of the other COMPUTER will be written in the lower part of the "MESSAGE TRANSFER" window, in case the speeds of the COM were different (F2) or there was an interference in the COM, TRANSFER will display an error message.
To exit, finally, press F7, of course on each computer.
As you can see, COM TRANSFER is very simple to use.
Programming language: Microsoft GwBASIC.
Project start: July 1992. State: for personal use.