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The EazyLink Popdown utility
The EazyLink popdown is run on the Z88, and is the Server part which listens to commands sent to it from the serial port. The Client part is run on a desktop operating system like Windows, Mac or Unix and functions as the window to the filing systems of both computers.
It exists as two versions:-
- as a 'stand-alone' application for all Z88
- and as a standard application in OZ 4.2 and newer versions.
This manual covers the 'stand-alone' application
End of development cycle
Eazylink version 5.2.3 is the final version of this stand-alone popdown. It runs at 9600 baud, allowing standard Z88s to use the advanced protocol. Future development of Eazylink will only continue on OZ 4.5 and above.
For maximum file transfer speed of 38400 BPS, use OZ 4.5 (June 2015 release or later) which can be installed on an external application card in slot 1 on your Z88. The integrated Eazylink popdown version is 5.4-09 (or higher).
The standard application in OZ 4.2 and newer versions is covered in the OZ 4.5 Users Guide.
About Eazylink
This application needs 16K of either EPROM or Flash space. If supplied on a 32K EPROM, Flashstore is bundled with it to use up the spare 16K.
Introduction and History
When the Z88 came out, there were loads of different desktop computers that were being used. This meant that to transfer with the Z88 and any other computer would have to be simple and reliable. Cambridge Computers initially came out with PC Link. This was a DOS based file request program which used the Imp/Export popdown on the Z88 and required the user to type commands on both the Z88 and the desktop computer. This was not very popular as it meant the user needed two pairs of hands. Around the same time you had another team working on a PC version of PipeDream who wanted additional commands sent from just one computer to talk with the Z88, like selecting directories, and so the protocol of PC-LINK II was born.
EazyLink is based on PC-LINK II, using a "file server" (Z88) and a "client" (desktop computer) that requests file handling. It supports the existing file transfer protocol of PC-LINK II for compatibility. This enables you (if required) to use the original PC-LINK DOS application for transferring of files between DOS and the Z88.
EazyLink's additional commands offer
- faster transfer rates up to 38400 BPS if used with OZ 4.5.
- remote date stamp,
- file size requests,
- backup only updated files
- read/write Z88 clock (to allow Z88's time and date to be set by file client seemlessly)
It automatically
- creates the Z88 path, including directories when receiving a file
- creates MSDOS/Z88 line feed and ASCII character conversions during transfer
This wiki describes the functionality and facilities of the EazyLink File Server. Everything this popdown can do is requested and displayed from the Client application, as the "server" just sits at the other end and handles the various requests.
Selecting Eazylink.
EazyLink can be started from the INDEX using the cursor bar or can be selected at any time using L.
Eazylink commands are sent from the Client
Apart from starting this application there is normally no need to give any further commands on the Z88 itself. They are shown here for completeness.
Menu
Pressing the MENU key reveals the following:-
The Main Menus are selected in the application itself.
Enable :COM.0 logging
This is used for development.
Selection is made by either pressing the key with the cursor over the command as shown or it can be selected with
D.
Confirmation is given in the eazylink window
Disable :COM.0 logging
This disables the logging feature
Selection is made by either pressing the key with the cursor over the command in the menu or it can be selected with
Z.
Once again, confirmation is given in the eazylink window
Main Menu
To select a function on the menu, either use the cursor or
keys followed by the
key.
| MAIN MENU |
|---|
| TOGGLE TRANSLATION MODE |
| TOGGLE LINEFEED MODE |
| USE ISO/IBM TRANSLATIONS |
| LOAD TRANSLATIONS |
| QUIT EAZYLINK |
When Eazylink starts the status of the three different modes are displayed in the EazyLink window.
Toggle Translation Mode
What does the Toggle Translation Mode do?
Changing the state of this mode is achieved by pressing the key as the cursor is already over the Toggle Translation Mode by default.
Pressing the key again changes the state again.
The change of state is displayed in the EazyLink window.
Toggle Linefeed Mode
