Ranger Link2
RANGER COMPUTERS LTD
Introduction
Users of the unique Z88 notebook computer can now benefit from reliable, high speed communications with any PC or PC compatible. RangerLink2 allows file transfer between any device and directory in the PC and any device or directory in the Z88, using simple menu commands to select the files for transfer, either singly or in batches.
About RangerLink2
RangerLink2 is a PC to Z88 multiple file transfer package that is up to four times the speed of PC Link II.
The Z88 computer is often used as an extension of desk-top PC systems, allowing users to take data into the field and to bring back reports, notes and correspondence written "on the move". When used in this way, Z88 offers by far the best combination of size, weight and capability for the needs of typical portable computer users, especially when compared with bulky and expensive "laptop" computers.
Data is usually transferred between PC and Z88 by serial connection, using software on each computer to control the transfer. However, existing transfer packages suffer from slow data rates and can only handle one file at a time. RangerLink2 addresses these issues by providing a wide range of new facilities, including the ability to mark multiple files or the contents of entire directories for transfer in either direction.
RangerLink2 consists of an application EPROM for the Z88, together with a program disk (please specify whether 3.5" or 5.25" disk required) and a connecting cable. The application is driven from the Z88, which displays "windows" showing the current PC and Z88 directories, together with a command menu. Commands can be selected from either the menu or from "shorthand" functions, while a full list of all available functions is always available from the -MENU- key. RangerLink2 allows selection of device and directory on both PC and Z88, and files to be copied, renamed or erased.
The communication protocol used to communicate between the computers continuously checks for the connection, so that it is not necessary to start the programs in any order. If the RangerLink2 program is interrupted, for instance to use a different application in either PC or Z88, communication is automatically re-established when RangerLink2 is re-invoked. When file transfer is in progress, the Z88 screen shows a display of the file name currently being transferred, the file size, the progress of the transfer (in real time), and the number of files waiting in the queue. Filenames appear in the destination device window as they are transferred.
A useful feature of RangerLink2 is "View", which allows a quick look at the contents of any file on the Z88 screen.
Installation
The installation process consists of two distinct operations; that of installing the software on to the disk drive of the users PC and that of installing the application on to the users Z88.
PC Installation
The PC program is distributed on either a 3.5" or a 5.25" disc. The disc contains the following files:
RANGERLK.EXE The RangerLink2 program
PCLINK.EXE Cambridge Computer's PC Link program
PCLINK.HLP Help file for PC Link
IBMISO.EXE PipeDream to international (ISO) conversion
ISOIBM.EXE International (ISO) to PipeDream conversion
LTP.EXE Lotus to PipeDream file conversion
PTL.EXE PipeDream to Lotus file conversion
WTP.EXE WordStar to PipeDream file conversion
PTW.EXE PipeDream to WordStar file conversion
READ.ME
SETUP.BAT
IMPORTANT. Before attempting to install or use RangerLink2, be sure to make a back-up copy of the distribution disk on either another floppy disk or your system's hard disk.
To install the RangerLink2 program on the user's PC, it is necessary to copy the program file from the distribution disk on to the hard disk of the PC. The program can be run by typing its name at the DOS prompt. For example to copy the file from the floppy disk in drive A to the hard disk drive C: on the PC:
C:\COPY A:RANGERLK.EXE -ENTER-
To run the program:
C:\RANGERLK -ENTER-
RangerLink2 can also be run directly from the floppy disk, if necessary. However, there is no space on the distribution disk for user files. Change to another disk before copying from Z88 to PC. Also, be sure to make a back-up copy of the disk first.
Fast PCs
If you are using a 486 DX 66 MHz (or faster) PC, the original RangerLink2 will not work reliably at these speeds. The way to get around this problem is either by
Pressing the 'Turbo' button on the PC thereby slowing it down again,
or by running RangerLink2 within Windows.
or use a windows version v4.05 written by Dennis Gröning.
A Pentium PC was too fast for RangerLink2 to work on.
Screen shot of Ranger's v3.56 RANGERLINK program.
So Dennis Gröning re-wrote the PC end of it
and expanded the number of COM ports it could be used with ...
NOTE version 4.05 is a Windows only program and works on faster computers.
Which COM Port?
When using PC Link or Ranger Link 2, the best COM port to use on your PC is COM:1. PC Link will only work on this port.
If you have your Mouse connected there, move it to COM:2. Windows will find it automatically whilst your DOS mouse driver command may have to be changed. To find out what the command should be, type
MOUSE /?
This should list the commands. Typically the mouse driver command can be
MOUSE /2
but check what it should be before changing it.
COM Port 2: Some users may still prefer to connect RangerLink2 to com port 2 on their PC. To do this, simply connect the cable to the relevant port and invoke RangerLink2 by typing:
C:\RANGERLK 2
Where the gap between RANGERLK and 2 is a space.