Master Spy Version 3

Master Spy Network Applications

Appendix B

Network Use

Network operation can be hampered by messages. You can turn these messages off.

Skip Messages while Networking
Offset :
1190
Flag :
SP
Bytes :
1
Default :
0
Range :
0(No) 1(Yes)

NETWORK COMPATIBILITY

Transferring a File :

Between two Master Spy programs across the network.

From Revision 2 onward Master Spy supports the use of the QL network for file transfer and messaging. Both text and binary files can be transferred.

To send a file from a Master Spy running on one QL (QL_1) to a Master Spy running on another (QL_2) so that the file does not touch any microdrives or disks :

    Reset both computers.
  1. Set computer QL_1 to be network station 1 by typing NET 1 [ENTER] in SuperBasic.
  2. Set computer QL_2 to be network station 2 by typing NET 2 [ENTER] in SuperBasic.
  3. Using QL_1 start the Master Spy with exec flp1_Master [ENTER] (or equivalent). Move the cursor to the Master Spy consoles with [CTRL][C] if necessary.
  4. When asked for a file name type the name of a valid disk or cartridge file and press [ENTER].
  5. Once the file is displayed press [CTRL][W] to write the file.
  6. Without pressing [ENTER] type neto_2 to indicate that you intend to copy the file out to network station 2 (QL_2).
  7. Move to QL_2 and start its Master Spy with exec flp1_Master [ENTER] (or equivalent). Move the cursor to the Master Spy with [CTRL][C] if necessary.
  8. When asked for a filename type neti_1 to indicate that you intend to receive the file from network station 1 (QL_1).
  9. Type [ENTER]. The cursor will disappear as the Master Spy starts to monitor the network for a file.
  10. Move to QL_1 and press [ENTER] to send the file across the net to QL_2. QL_1 will now disable its cursor as it trys to write the file.
  11. The Master Spy will sense the use of the network and set the channel header for file length, type and data space before sending the file.
  12. QL_2 will now have received the set header and will suggest a workspace size for the file about to be received. Press [ENTER] to accept.
  13. The file will be loaded to the Master Spy on QL_2 then both copies of the Master Spy will return to normal, displaying the transferred file.

To Monitor The Network In The Background

Set the Master Spy flag SP to 1 (see above). This will read a file from the network without printing anything to the screen. It will also accept the workspace recommendation automatically.

The Master Spy can then be set up to read a file from neti_2 or equivalent and as a background task will receive any valid file sent to it without you having to do anything.

Switching to the Master Spy will cause any received file to be printed to the screen for editing.

WARNING

The Spy currently uses infinite timeouts when reading and writing files to all devices. If you attempt to read a file off the net and the file fails to arrive then you may be 'locked out'. If this happens then exit the Spy using [CTRL][C], remove it as a job and start again (easy from QRAM or QPACII)


This file was converted into html format by Roy Wood. Last edited Sunday 30 March 1997