TECHNICAL BULLETIN #35 - Rev 1.01 (08/28/98)

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TITLE   : Using Long Distance Dialing Codes with PROCOMM PLUS 2.01
PRODUCT : PROCOMM PLUS 2.01 (DOS)
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Long Distance Dialing Codes (LD Codes) are used to dial number sequences
that exceed the limit of the number field in PROCOMM PLUS' Dialing Directory
or the modem's command buffer.  This document:

*  Describes LD Codes and lists some uses for them

*  Walks you through the process of configuring LD Codes for
   PROCOMM PLUS

*  Gives an example of how to use LD codes

This document assumes you are using a Hayes AT-command compatible modem and
have PROCOMM PLUS for DOS (version 2.0x or earlier).

WHAT ARE LD CODES?
LD Codes are letters that can be used in a dialing string to represent an
imbedded dialing sequence.  These letters can added to any dialing directory
entry whenever a particular sequence is needed.

The most common uses for LD Codes are:

*  Calling Card Dialing

*  Security Code Dialing

*  Adding Long Distance Prefixes

DEFINING AND USING LD CODES.
To create and use LD codes,

* Define the entire dialing sequence

* Separate the dialing sequence into 2 or more parts, e.g., the
  actual number and 1 or more LD   Codes

* Create the LD Codes and include them in you Dialing Directory
  entry

NOTE:  If you have already completed these steps but have found that your
number sequence is too long for your modem's dialing buffer, proceed to the
next section, "Dialing sequences that exceed 40 characters."

1. DEFINE THE ENTIRE DIALING SEQUENCE
   A typical dialing sequence consists of three parts:

   * Actual phone number
     If you were calling the Quarterdeck BBS, for example, it would be 1 (573)
     875-0503 (or 15738750503).  This includes any long distance prefixes that
     may be needed.

   * Additional Dialing Codes
     These might include a Security code, Credit Card number, etc.

   * Pause characters (commas) and other characters (#,*, etc.). The pause
     character, typically a comma, is used to set the timing of the call so
     the modem waits for the appropriate moment, e.g. a tone or computer
     operator, to send each section of the dialing sequence.

The first step is to write down the entire dialing sequence.  For example,
an employee calling the DATASTORM Public BBS from within her office building
who needs to dial a 6 digit security code after the number might create this
dialing sequence:

    Phone number = 15738750503

    Pause 4 seconds for security code tone

    Enter security code = 123456

    Dialing sequence = 15738750503,,123456

In this sequence, you'll notice there are two commas.  When a modem
processes the comma, it pauses for a predefined length of time, typically
two seconds.  These commas, therefore, cause the modem to pause four seconds
before sending out the security code.

Once you have defined the sequence, the next step is to separate it into
sections.

2. SEPARATE THE DIALING SEQUENCE
   Typically, the phone number comprises one section and the remaining
   characters are divided into logical blocks.  For the above example, the
   sequence could be divided as follows:

    Phone #: 15738750503

    Codes and pauses: ,,123456

    With the sequence now logically divided, you may create the LD
    Codes.

3. CREATE THE LD CODES AND INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR DIALING DIRECTORY
   Typically, any sequence which is not part of the actual phone number should
   be put into an LD Code.  In the example given above, the codes and pauses
   sequence would be represented by an LD code.

To enter the sequence into an LD code,

  a. Alt-D from the terminal screen to enter the dialing directory.

  b. P to bring up the LD Codes entry screen.

  c. To create or revise an LD Code, highlight the desired line using the
     cursor keys.

  d. Press R, to revise. The cursor will appear in the selected LD Code
     content field.

  e. Enter the appropriate sequence into this code.  When finished, press
     ENTER.

To create or modify another code, go back to step 3.  To return to the
Dialing Directory, press ESC.

The final step is to define the phone number field for the appropriate
Dialing Directory entry.  The phone number field should represent the entire
dialing string, using a combination of numbers and LD Codes. For example,
if the phone number is 573-875-0503 and LD Code A=12345,, (security code),
the phone number field would be: 573-875-0503A

DIALING SEQUENCES THAT EXCEED 40 CHARACTERS
A dialing sequence of more than 40 characters may exceed the buffer
limitation of your modem.  If this happens, the modem will not dial and will
return an ERROR message.  There is, however, a way around this situation.

Place a semicolon (;) at the end of a dialing sequence to cause the modem to
return to Command State after dialing the sequence. The modem will then be
ready to dial another sequence.  For example, if you need your modem to dial
a sequence of 45 numbers, divide the sequence into a 20 character block and
a 25 character block. You can send these to the modem as follows:

ATDT12345678901234567890;<CR>

After dialing this sequence your modem should return an OK message. This
means its buffer is clear and the modem is ready to receive another command.
At this point, send the second dial sequence:

  ATX1DT1234567890123456789012345<CR>

Notice how the first sequence ends with a semicolon and the second sequence
does not.  After the second sequence dials, your modem will wait for a
handshake from the modem it's dialing.

The following example, using an MCI calling card, demonstrates how to
automate credit card dialing.

                         CREDIT CARD DIALING EXAMPLE

1. DEFINE THE DIALING SEQUENCE

   Office Dialout Prefix:  9,

   Actual Phone Number:  (573) 875-0503

   MCI Phone Number:  1 (800) 674-7000

   Calling Card Number:  573 443 3282 9999

   Five Commas Needed:  one after the nine, three after MCI number, and one
   after Calling Card number

   Dialing Sequence:  9,18006747000,,,57344332829999,5738750503

You'll notice that the total number of characters above is 41. This sequence
cannot, therefore, be sent to the modem as one sequence.

2. SEPARATE THE DIALING SEQUENCE
   This particular dialing sequence could be divided as follows:

   Dialing Code A:  9,18006747000

   Dialing Code C:  ,,,57344332829999,

   Actual Phone #:  (573) 875-0503


   Dialing Code B: ;^M~~~~~~~~~~ATX1DT      (Sequence Interrupt String)

Dialing Code B, the Sequence Interrupt String,  provides some delay,
allowing the modem to reset itself. The phone number field of the Dialing
Directory entry should look like this: ABC(573)875-0503

The tilde (~) character tells PROCOMM PLUS to pause for a 1/2 second before
sending any additional characters to the modem.  By using them, you allow
the modem enough time to dial the first sequence, clear its buffer and
return to Command State, upon which it will return an OK message. At this
point, the second sequence can be sent. Without this delay, the modem will
abort the dialing process and return a NO CARRIER message as soon as it
receives the next character.  "X1" allows the modem to dial even if it has no
dialtone.

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