Load Aladdin v2.2  [01-03-96]

[1]

Updated to be compatible with ST Aladdin v1.84.

[2]

When using ST Aladdin greater than v1.80, the following Load Aladdin
features are NOT available:

a) Use VDI - Yes/No  [setting ignored]

   ST Aladdin v1.84 has to use the VDI for text output in the terminal
   window because it is a true GEM window.
   Note, the VDI switch is no longer used in ST Aladdin - Tim left it
   in for grins I suppose.

   Since you must use the VDI, the alternate font via Load Aladdin and
   'Use VDI-No' is not available.  If you use a screen accelerator, an
   alternate text font may be available that way.

b) <F1> hotkey in terminal mode  [unavailable]

   { Toggle 'Terminal mode text output' Off/On  [default = On] }

   Due to the screen output changes for ST Aladdin v1.84's terminal
   mode, this LoadAlad feature is not available.

c) Sprint script fix  [skipped]

   This fix was needed for ST Alad prior to v1.80 and I adapted the
   fix for v1.80.

   The script fix is not used for ST Alad v1.84 and up.  It is still
   available and used with older versions of ST Aladdin - as are a)
   and b) above.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Load Aladdin v2.1  [09-26-95]

[1]

Bug fix:
When the 'Idle guard' was enabled - if you exited then re-ran LoadAlad
while still connected, you would be promptly disconnected.

[2]

Updated patch search routines to be compatible with ST Aladdin v1.80.
 Note: Still fully backwards compatible with v1.62 and earlier.

When using v1.80:

In Aladdin's 'Config' dropdown menu,

a) Select the Aladdin... entry.

   In the 'Aladdin Options' dialog:

   Misc:
   o Turn Sound 'On' by highlighting/selecting that button.
      {for using LA's sound volume option}
   o Turn VDI 'Off' by deselecting that button.
      {for using LA's VDI options}

b) Select the Modem... entry.

   In the 'Modem Options' dialog:
   o Highlight/select the 'Use built-in RS232 routines button'.
      {for using LA's RS232 routines instead of Aladdin's}
     NOTE: In this same dialog, the 'Baud:' and 'Flow:'
           options can be ignored when using LoadAlad
           since LA will override those selections.

[3]

Added:
Toggle 'Terminal mode text output' Off/On  [default = On]
 
This is an _online_ throughput speedup.
 
Press F1 to toggle text output.
 
There is no visible status indicator, other than the fact that text
stops being printed on screen - the various data files and lookback
buffer are still fully maintained.
 
Audible indicators are given:
 One bell = Off  |  Two bells = On
 
Note: F1 used to bring up the "Help" dialog as a secondary key
      equivalent.  Use the Help key (primary equiv) instead.


Usage example:

1) Go to Terminal mode.  Type "AT", then Return.  You should see "AT"
   printed, then an "OK" modem response printed on the next line.
 
2) Press F1.  You should hear -1- bell.
 
3) Repeat step 1.  You should see no text output in the Terminal
   window.
 
4) Press F10.  The lookback window should show the text from step 3.
 
5) Press F1.  You should hear -2- bells.
 
6) Goto step 1.


 ----

 >Why is LoadAlad needed with the new Aladdin?
 >I thought the idea was to make Aladdin do it right this time.
 
That's a loaded question and comment...   ;)
 
Load Aladdin v2 continues to be a 'value-added' product.
 
[That "value-added" bit is a quote from Tim, not me....I'm not that
smart or market-wise.  <g> ]
 
 
Here's an overview sampling of LAv2 usage under the next ST Aladdin:
 
 [] Easy configuration of modem port- e.g. device #.
 
 [] Faster serial data I/O speed by talking directly to device drivers.
 
 [] The maximum configurable DTE rate via Aladdin (v1.62 and older)
    is 9600, and 19200 with the new Aladdin.
    With LoadAlad, you can easily choose 19200, 38400, 57600 and 115200.
 
 [] Detects and directly controls FastSerial's DTE rate setting.
    No more scratching your head and cursing the CPX...
 
 [] For LAv2, the program code that talks to the SCC hardware was made
    compliant with the guidelines set forth in the HSMODEM documentation
    and an extra effort made to follow the advice in the SCC tech docs.
 
 [] Add-on features such as:
    o Line Guard
    o Alternate fonts
    o Automatic Blitter control
    o Sound effects volume setting
    o Toggle 'Terminal mode text output' Off/On  [v2.1]
      This is an _online_ throughput speedup.
 
 
 Plus LAv2 has already been out for 2 months now, following LAv1's
release almost 2 years ago.  And LA v2.1 is available and tested with
the next Aladdin - thanks to Tim giving me access.
 
 The small investment just to fix the U#= logon problem "right now"
seemed to be worth it to quite a few upgraders and new users per their
feedback.
 
 I leave it up to you -a LAv1 registered user- and everyone else to
decide whether or not LAv2 is worth it and/or you need it.  If the LA
v2.0 demo was overlooked, or wasn't quite right, or you're just
waiting [ like too many others IMNSHO  ;)  ] on the next Aladdin,
maybe the LA v2.1 demo will help you make up your mind...