AmigaWorld Experts Choice Award
Barry Barnreiter
> Experts Choice Award for Telecommunications software. This appears
> January 1992 issue of AmigaWorld. Jack's shareware product JRComm,
> commercial products - Baud Bandit, and A-Talk which came in second a
^^^^^^^^^^^
> accordingly. Way to go Jack!
Now I know why I never subscribed to AmigaWorld...
In my opinion, Baud Bandit is worthless. And they have the nerve to call
it the "Experts Choice" for commercial telecommunications software.
Stuff like this really earns them lots of trust!
-BarryB
Reid Bishop
wrote:
NB> In my opinion, Baud Bandit is worthless. And they have the nerve to
NB> call it the "Experts Choice" for commercial telecommunications
software.
NB> Stuff like this really earns them lots of trust!
You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are making a very broad
and inaccurate statement. I actually _prefer_ BaudBandit over JRComm these
days, and I was a very heavy JRComm user in the past. For one, the duality
of both the script language and the ARexx commandset in BB is invaluable,
and there is no such feature in JRComm. I also have run some tests on both
BB and JRComm regarding their ZModem efficiency, and JRComm is a CPU pig on
high speed transfers. Downloading at 19200bps with my A3000 and JRComm
results in one very taxed CPU- in fact it nearly brings the A3000 to it's
knees. BaudBandit has no such hindrances.
Both have their pros and cons, but I guarantee you that Baud Bandit is
_far_ from worthless. It is certainly _my_ choice, and I consider myself
to be an expert.
-- Via DLG Pro v0.985b
...........................................................................
/\ /\ \ / | Reid Bishop- Cust. |INTERNET: rb...@a68k.denver.co.us
/ \/ \. \/. MICRO | Suppt & Prgrming | UUCP: csn!a68k!rbish
Suppt BBS: The Arvada 68K BBS (303) 424-6208 * 310 Megs * AMIGA * 1:104/224
Barry Barnreiter
>You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are making a very broad
>and inaccurate statement. I actually _prefer_ BaudBandit over JRComm these
>days, and I was a very heavy JRComm user in the past. For one, the duality
>of both the script language and the ARexx commandset in BB is invaluable,
>and there is no such feature in JRComm. I also have run some tests on both
>BB and JRComm regarding their ZModem efficiency, and JRComm is a CPU pig on
>high speed transfers. Downloading at 19200bps with my A3000 and JRComm
>results in one very taxed CPU- in fact it nearly brings the A3000 to it's
>knees. BaudBandit has no such hindrances.
Well, perhaps I need to see a newer version. The version 1.0 I have
is inadequate for 19,200 bps use. The Zmodem efficiency seems like
it was designed for 2400 bps users only. And what about terminal
emulations? BB only offers color-ANSI if I rememeber correctly.
It seems like it was designed for the weekend BBS'er. Which is
fine. But hardily, as AmigaWorld puts it, "The Experts Choice".
Perhaps if I got the matching Baud Bandit modem to compliment
it I'd change my mind. *grin*
For now, I'm just happy with VLT. It offers nearly everything I
want. Scripts, ARexx, speed, XPR protocols, VT and Tekronics
emulations. I know a lot of other peoply feel the same way...
But AmigaWorld makes no mention. *sigh*
-BarryB
Rick Younie
>> January 1992 issue of AmigaWorld. Jack's shareware product JRComm,
>> commercial products - Baud Bandit, and A-Talk which came in second a
>
>
>In my opinion, Baud Bandit is worthless. And they have the nerve to call
Baud Bandit is by far my most-used piece of software. Like Cunningham's
other creation, DiskMaster, it is small, powerful and easily user-extensible
(provided the user knows _how_ to extensible).
I'm sure the latest version of JrComm is very good. I haven't tried it, but
I used .96b for a year before moving on, and up, to Baud Bandit.
I can now run my terminal program in the background, with everything
scripted. It captures new messages and pulls directories. It pops to the
front when transfers are finished. Everything is done logically. And
anything you can do interactively, you can have BB do. It's a great way to
learn ARexx.
I recommend it highly _unless_ you talk to a UNIX box. I haven't been able
to get it to behave with vi. Its vt100 emulation isn't very good. I
suspect it could be made to behave with an alternate keymap, but I haven't
been able to figure out how.
--
rick
ri...@emma.panam.wimsey.bc.ca Fidonet: Rick Younie@1:153/911
ri...@cynic.wimsey.bc.ca
Pat Meloy
>Well, perhaps I need to see a newer version. The version 1.0 I have
>is inadequate for 19,200 bps use. The Zmodem efficiency seems like
>it was designed for 2400 bps users only. And what about terminal
>emulations? BB only offers color-ANSI if I rememeber correctly.
>It seems like it was designed for the weekend BBS'er. Which is
>fine. But hardily, as AmigaWorld puts it, "The Experts Choice".
There is your problem. The current version of BB is 1.5 and is much more
stable etc. There are still no terminal emulation choices, just ANSI
--
pat_...@outbound.wimsey.bc.ca
Pat Meloy
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada.
Josh Rovero
at least a year.
I alternate between NComm and BaudBandit, find some things in each that
are worthwhile or maddening. BaudBandit's strength is its ARexx interface;
a weakness is no Zmodem autodownloads.
I have 4 different serial devices -- a "normal" hayes-clone modem, a
ham radio packet controller, a ham radio terminal unit, and a shortwave
radio. Using BB's init ARexx macro, each device can be detected and
properly initialized *automatically*. It might be possible to do this
in some of the other comm package script languages, but it probably won't
be as easy as it is with ARexx.
--
Josh Rovero (rov...@oc.nps.navy.mil) | or Internet 53...@cc.nps.navy.mil
Department of Oceanography, Code OC/Rv | Bitnet 5346p@NAVPGS
Naval Postgraduate School |
Monterey, CA 93943 (408) 646-3255 |
Jerry Glomph Black
That same issue of AW mentions all the 'great new PD stuff available' on those
horrible private services like GENIE. Their list of 'new stuff' is about
18 months old. AW is pathetic. Full of misinformation, reminds me of Amiga
dealers. The health of a magazine is directly related to its page count, and
they've got some difficulty, obviously.
For telecomm SW, VLT does so much for free, I'd think it would be hard to
beat. I use it on an unaccelerated A500 on a 19.2k baud line, and it does
zmodem transfers like lightning! The history window & other features are great.Stuff like this on Macs & PeeCees are terrible! Thanks, Willy!
Pat Meloy
>Version 1.5 of BaudBandit has been available as an upgrade ($5 or $10) for
>at least a year.
>
>I alternate between NComm and BaudBandit, find some things in each that
>are worthwhile or maddening. BaudBandit's strength is its ARexx interface;
>a weakness is no Zmodem autodownloads.
That's funny, I always use Zmodem autodownloads on Bandit 1.5... Have you
got your phonebook set up properly? Specifying 'z' as the protocol will
result in it NOT using autodownloads for that entry. Using 'A' will.
>--
>Josh Rovero (rov...@oc.nps.navy.mil) | or Internet 53...@cc.nps.navy.mil
>Department of Oceanography, Code OC/Rv | Bitnet 5346p@NAVPGS
>Naval Postgraduate School |
>Monterey, CA 93943 (408) 646-3255 |
--
Harv R Laser
>I alternate between NComm and BaudBandit, find some things in each that
>are worthwhile or maddening. BaudBandit's strength is its ARexx interface;
>a weakness is no Zmodem autodownloads.
>
El Wrongo, Josh. Just use the letter "A" for your protocol in your
Bandit phone book instead of "Z" and you'll get auto Zmodem downloads.
"A" means Auto Zmodem.
Reid Bishop
wrote:
NB> Reid_...@a68k.denver.CO.US (Reid Bishop) writes:
>I also have run some tests on both
>BB and JRComm regarding their ZModem efficiency, and JRComm is a CPU pig
on
>high speed transfers. Downloading at 19200bps with my A3000 and JRComm
>results in one very taxed CPU- in fact it nearly brings the A3000 to it's
>knees. BaudBandit has no such hindrances.
NB> Well, perhaps I need to see a newer version. The version 1.0 I have
NB> is inadequate for 19,200 bps use.
Version 1.0 of BaudBandit is extremely old. I am currently running v1.43,
and even it is quite old in comparison to what is currently selling. I
also hear there is quite a whiz-bang new version of BB in development right
now, and should be finished up very soon.
NB> And what about terminal
NB> emulations? BB only offers color-ANSI if I rememeber correctly.
Correct- this is a large weakness in an otherwise fantastic program. I
myself have no need for any other emulation however (except for possibly
WYSE) thus I am happy with Baud Bandit. I guess I need the scripting/ARexx
much more than emulation, while other users require terminal emulation and
other specifics. This is why there will always be these arguments
regarding JRComm/BaudBandit. I was merely responding to a statement that
BaudBandit is 'worthless'.
NB> But hardily, as AmigaWorld puts it, "The Experts Choice".
I would have to agree with you on this point. 'Expert' implies that it
should have many high-level features built in, which includes advanced
terminal emulation.
NB> Perhaps if I got the matching Baud Bandit modem to compliment
NB> it I'd change my mind. *grin*
Hehehe... matter of fact, I have three of these modems. Not a bad modem,
but it does have a few stray firmware quirks.
NB> For now, I'm just happy with VLT. It offers nearly everything I
NB> want. Scripts, ARexx, speed, XPR protocols, VT and Tekronics
NB> emulations. I know a lot of other peoply feel the same way...
NB> But AmigaWorld makes no mention. *sigh*
This is suprising, (and shows the bias of the AmigaWorld staffers) as VLT
is an excellent choice for software. Perhaps the 'clout' of PP&S had some
influence on the article? (BTW- I have a rather bitter taste in my mouth
regarding recent experiences with PP&S, and actually despise the company.
I just happen to know the author of Baud Bandit, and I think he's a great
guy.)
Chris Kotacka
JRCOMM also does not work properly on a 68010 / A-2000
initiate a file transfer, and it comes up with the HACKED CODE requestor,
then exits.
(Does the same whether or not Decigel is installed in startup)
(This is version 1.02 JRComm, running WB 2.04)
JRCOMM 0.94 seemed to function properly though with the 68010.
*Shrug*
Mathew Pierce
>
> JRCOMM also does not work properly on a 68010 / A-2000
>
Hmm..I'm running version 1.02 on my 68010/A2000 right now and I have no
problems with file transfers, though I am running WB 1.3 instead of 2.04.
>
> JRCOMM 0.94 seemed to function properly though with the 68010.
>
> *Shrug*
Matt Pierce
Steve Biddle
That is not a problem with JR-Comm, it is the fact you are running the
program past the time allowed before you are supposed to register it! I've
heard this happening to a lot of people after a certain time..
--
-------------------------------------------------------------
Steven Biddle - Mail: sbi...@aviate.cavebbs.gen.nz
Wellington, New Zealand. OR: sbi...@cavebbs.gen.nz
-------------------------------------------------------------
George Francis McBay
>>JRCOMM also does not work properly on a 68010 / A-2000
>>
>>initiate a file transfer, and it comes up with the HACKED CODE requestor,
>>then exits.
>That is not a problem with JR-Comm, it is the fact you are running the
>program past the time allowed before you are supposed to register it! I've
>heard this happening to a lot of people after a certain time..
Actually, that doesn't sound exactly right. Jr-Comm DOES (when
unregistered) have a "Delay" screen that comes up, and it does have a "
you've been using this too long, register for god's sake" screen but the
HACKED screen pops up when something has been altered in Jr-Comm, usually
with a binary editor like New-Zap, I assume this is so someone doesn't plaster
thier name over Jack Radigan's and try and pass it off as theirs, or as a
protection against an Unregistered version being "registered".
--
__
George McBay __ ///
g...@gnu.ai.mit.edu \\\/// Amiga!
\///
Alex Fogle
wrote:
CK> JRCOMM also does not work properly on a 68010 / A-2000
CK> initiate a file transfer, and it comes up with the HACKED CODE
CK> requestor,
CK> then exits.
Isn't it obvious then? I bet you tried using that one file that
someone distributed to delete the annoying screen which prompts you to
register it? If so, get a clean version!
CK> (This is version 1.02 JRComm, running WB 2.04)
CK> JRCOMM 0.94 seemed to function properly though with the 68010.
CK> *Shrug*
Also, try getting the latest version of JR-Comm which is v1.02a and
don't use that one file then your problems are solved.
-- Via DLG Pro v0.985b
"I'd like a small coke in a | Alex Fogle
large cup and just fill it | INTERNET:
Alex_...@a68k.denver.co.us
up the rest of the way." | UUCP: csn!a68k!Alex_Fogle
- Steven Wright | FIDONET: 1:3634/301.2
Chris Kotacka
Running the program past the time allowed before registering? *NOT*
It was just pulled off of Genie, and the 68000 was swapped out for the 68010
within the past week. BTW, this happens if the program is just fired up too.
I Personally use a different term program anyways, I just wanted to point
out a potential problem.
-Chris Kotacka
Greg Bastow
wrote:
R> I also have run some tests on
R> both
R> BB and JRComm regarding their ZModem efficiency, and JRComm is a CPU
R> pig on
R> high speed transfers. Downloading at 19200bps with my A3000 and
R> JRComm
R> results in one very taxed CPU- in fact it nearly brings the A3000 to
R> it's
R> knees. BaudBandit has no such hindrances.
Yes, but BB does seem to have the 'ANSI' problem of net being able to do a
decent vt100/102 emulation. Try using it with the DLG-Pro FSE you find some
serious ANSI problems with this terminal program.
Agreed Jr-Comm is CPU-intensive..I have mentioned it's 'slowness' in both
screen update and usuablity (I can click on the close gagdet of the dialer
alomst 30 times before it will actually close) - it's like MicroSoft
Windeows (IMHO), it's a PIG (Big, huge and heavy) but everyone will use it
anyway, and simply get enough hardware power behind it for them to keep up.
R> Both have their pros and cons, but I guarantee you that Baud Bandit is
R> _far_ from worthless. It is certainly _my_ choice, and I consider
R> myself
R> to be an expert.
Actually Reid, you should try BackTalk, it's quite nice!
[Me? I use either JRComm, Ncomm, Baudbandit, VLT, Term, or backtalk
depending]
[ on mood :-]
-- Via DLG Pro v0.985b
___________ _ _
*------------------------------------------------*
//////////// \\ // | 1.2 GIG Online, Gaming, Usenet, Fido,!FILES!
|
// \\ // | *> 5,300 Files Online and Growing Daily! <*
|
// \\ // *-----* All Fish Disks Online <Official DLG BBS>
|
// \\// | 1-604-535-9826 /&-9846 /&-9785
|
//_unnel_________\/_ision_BBS_*------------------------------------------*
\
\__Greg_...@tvbbs.wimsey.bc.ca OR 1:153/910.0 (FidoNet)
Alan Bair
I am running an A3000 with 2.04. The "delay screen" is what Jack put in for
the trial/unregistered versions, which I am using. Now earlier in the year
there was a modified version uploaded that did away with the "delay screen".
However, about a month ago, this modified version I was using, started putting
up the "hacked code" message. I figure this was some sort of interaction
between the hacking to remove the "delay screen" and the end of the trial
period in JRComm. I then switched back to the unregistered version with the
"delay screen" and all seems OK now.
So I would suggest you either get a registered copy (something I should do too)
or retreive the unmodified version from AB20. I think the modified one had a
letter extension. At least it had a latter date and the ReadMe mentioned
something about being patched to remove the "delay screen".
--
Alan Bair SSDT Logic Synthesis,
Motorola, Inc. Simulation & Test
Austin, Texas ab...@ssdt-oakhill.sps.mot.com
Reid Bishop
wrote:
G> Yes, but BB does seem to have the 'ANSI' problem of net being able to
G> do a decent vt100/102 emulation. Try using it with the DLG-Pro FSE you
G> find some serious ANSI problems with this terminal program.
I use BaudBandit all the time with DLG Pro (in fact, at this very moment).
I have never had problems with the FSE in DLG using Baud Bandit. Just make
sure to turn 'True CR/LF' ON and it works like a champ. What version of
BaudBandit are you referring to? I use 1.43, while 1.50 is the most
current.
R> Both have their pros and cons, but I guarantee you that Baud Bandit is
R> _far_ from worthless. It is certainly _my_ choice, and I consider
R> myself to be an expert.
G> Actually Reid, you should try BackTalk, it's quite nice!
Another one I have not yet tried. I'll take a look at it. Plus I should
probably give Term another try, since it reportedly has many of the buggies
fixed now.
-- Via DLG Pro v0.985b
...........................................................................
Clarke Anderson
of jrcomm etc etc.
well, i did the right thing (oh aren't i good!) and registered.
this was after using the delay screen and hacked versions for ages.
all the time i used the hacked version(s) i never had any problems.
not lomng after i registered, and instaled my legit copy, i too had
the "hacked code detected" error's coming up.
and man was i annoyed (i'd say stronger but i thnk i'd get shot for
swearing on the net).
why the hell this happened i dunno, but i wasn';t impressed anyway.
however, i re-copied it onto my hard drive, and things have been fine
ever since.
puzzling though.
incidentally, i run wb 2.04 and a 590 etc etc.
ummm speaking of JR-Comm, anyone got anything to say about any possible
updates?
like, it says in the registration bits, sometime in the summer of 1991.
well, the northern hemisphere summer has gone yonks ago (just enjoying
it down here in New Zealand!) and i've seen no sign..
does anyone know the latest developemnts/rumours/gossip?
E-Mail replies preffered
Jack Radigan
>ummm speaking of JR-Comm, anyone got anything to say about any possible
>updates?
>like, it says in the registration bits, sometime in the summer of 1991.
>well, the northern hemisphere summer has gone yonks ago (just enjoying
>it down here in New Zealand!) and i've seen no sign..
That note was written before the economy went down the tubes. Since
then layoffs hit my office pretty heavily and as a result there's little
free time to work on things I *want* to work on instead of things I
*have* to work on to stay employed. I'm sure I'm not the only one
experiencing this crap either.
Anyways, work is progressing on the next release, no idea on when it will
be finished. I do think you'll like i though.
-jack-