EasyPager Help Index
 EasyPager Demo Version

(C) 1993 Paul Ketrick

Help Index

Important Note Regarding Modems And Pagers

Demo Version Information

Basics

Getting Started

EasyPager Overview

EasyPager Window Layout

Keyboard Commands

Toolbar

Add Button (Adding New Pager Records)

Delete Button (Removing Pager Records)

Edit Button (Modifying Pager Records)

Dial Button (Dialing Pagers)

Group Button (Selecting Pagers By Group)

Queue Button (Viewing/Deleting Queued Pages)

Procedures

Dialing Multiple Pagers

Performing Paging in the Background

Delayed / Unattended Paging

If Pagers Are Not Receiving Codes Properly

Menu Commands

File Menu

Save Database Command

View Log File Command

Exit Command

Edit Menu

Copy Command

Paste Command

Select Menu

Select - Select All Command

Select - Deselect All Command

Settings Menu

Auto Save On Exit Command

Modem Settings Dialog Box

Standard Callback Numbers Dialog Box

PBX Access Codes Dialog Box

Log File Dialog Box

Other

EasyPager and Networks

EasyPager Technical Information


EasyPager Demo Version Information
EasyPager Demo Version

The demo version of EasyPager is virtually identical to the retail version; only the following exceptions apply:

1.	The demo version can only store up to 5 pager records, and can only queue up to 5 pending pages.

2.	The demo version cannot load a saved configuration file.  It can, however, save your configuration and any pager records (up to 5) that you enter.  Then, when you purchase EasyPager, you can load in the names and configuration you have already entered.

3.	The Copy and Paste commands, for importing and exporting EasyPager pager records, do not work in the demo version.

When you decide to purchase EasyPager, the above limitations will be removed--the program will then store unlimited pager records and queued pages (system memory permitting), will load your saved database, and will import and export the pager database from/to other applications.

Purchasing EasyPager is simple.  You can order with a credit card by calling Paul Ketrick at (818)343-3154.  You may also fax your order to (818)343-9603.  Or, mail a check to the address below.  The price is $34.00; California residents add 8.25% sales tax ($2.80).  Whichever way you order, your copy of EasyPager will be shipped out to you at no extra charge the next day (United States orders only--if you are located outside the U.S., please call for shipping rates).

Your EasyPager package includes the following:

˜	EasyPager retail version on 3-1/2" 720K diskette (5-1/4" 360K available upon request)

˜	EasyPager user's manual

Please mail your order to:

Paul Ketrick

5680 Reseda Bl.  Suite 4

Tarzana, CA  91356

For any other inquiries, please call (818)343-3154, or fax me at (818)343-9603.


Importand Note Regarding Modems And Pagers
Important Note Regarding Modems And Pagers

EasyPager users should be aware that some Hayes-compatible modems are not capable of making a completely reliable connection to some paging companies.

Some modems can perform what is known as "answer detection" or "ringback detection," meaning they can tell when the phone line at the other end starts ringing and then stops ringing because the line was answered.  Such modems can perform very reliable paging, and the pager does not miss any of the digits that are sent to it.

If your modem does not perform ringback detection, it can still perform reliable paging in most cases.  However, this may require a little fine-tuning of the "Fixed Delay Before Dialing Code" setting for each pager being dialed.  This is because the amount of time it takes for the computer to dial the paging company and for the paging company to answer the call can vary by 10-15 seconds or more.

If the time it takes the paging company to answer varies by more than about 5 seconds on different calls to the same pager number, you may encounter missed digits or pages.  In this case, you may want to consider switching to a modem that performs ringback detection.

I have also seen some modems that perform ringback detection but get "confused" when dialing voice-mail pagers (pagers that play back a recorded message and allow you during or after the message to dial digits to send to the pager).  Some modems respond to the voice-mail message by incorrectly reporting a "busy" condition; this causes EasyPager to keep redialing the pager number forever.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell if a modem supports ringback detection properly, other than to try it with EasyPager.  The EasyPager installation program tests whether your modem can perform ringback detection; you can also perform this test from the Modem Settings dialog box of EasyPager.


Keyboard Commands

The following keyboard commands are available from the EasyPager main window:

Keystroke	Function

F1	Help (available from most screens)

Alt+F4	Exit EasyPager

Enter	Dial the selected pager record(s)

Tab	Switch from Pager Names list box to Callback Numbers list box and back

Alt+N	Switch to the Pager Names list box

Alt+C	Switch to the Callback Numbers list box

Space	Toggle the selection of the current pager name (if multiple-selection enabled)

Alt+A	Add a new pager record

Insert	Add a new pager record

Alt+T	Delete the selected pager record(s)

Delete	Delete the selected pager record(s)

Alt+I	Edit the selected pager record(s)

Alt+D	Dial the selected pager record(s)

Alt+G	Select a group of pagers to display

Alt+Q	View and/or delete queued (pending) pages

Alt+M	Enable/disable multiple selection of pager records.  Also clears all pager name and Quick-Dial number selections.

Alt+U	Use the last selected Quick-Dial number for all subsequently selected pagers.

Ctrl+Insert	Copy the currently selected pager records to the clipboard.

Shift+Insert	Paste pager records from the clipboard into the pager database.


EasyPager and Networks

EasyPager will run on most networks, but it is not a "network-aware" program--that is, it does not do file sharing or record locking on the pager number database file (configuration file).

EasyPager can be run simultaneously by multiple workstations on a network.  On some networks (such as Novell), this may require that the system administrator flag the EasyPager executable files (PAGER.EXE and PAGER.HLP) as shareable.

NOTE

If multiple workstations are running EasyPager at the same time, only one workstation should be used to make changes to the pager database, or to any other settings in EasyPager.

If one workstation makes changes to the database or other settings, and then another workstation makes changes, the first workstation's changes will be lost.

Multiple Configuration Files

An alternative is to have each workstation use a different configuration file.  On each workstation, use the Program Manager's Properties... command (on the File menu) to change the EasyPager command line; specify the workstation's configuration file on the command line after PAGER.EXE.

For example, if a user runs EasyPager from F:\PUBLIC\PAGER.EXE, and the user's configuration file is G:\FRED\PAGER.INI, you would change the Program Manager's Properties dialog box as follows:

Description:	EasyPager

Command Line:	F:\PUBLIC\PAGER.EXE G:\FRED\PAGER.INI

Working Directory:	F:\PUBLIC

Doing this will cause the user's own configuration/database file to be used when EasyPager is started.


EasyPager Technical Information

EasyPager uses approximately 65K of memory (RAM), plus 256 bytes per pager database record, and 256 bytes per queued (pending) outgoing page.

The pager database/configuration file normally is called PAGER.INI and resides in the directory where you installed EasyPager.  However, you can move this file to a different name and/or directory; refer to the EasyPager and Networks section for more information.

EasyPager keeps the modem port open (in use) only when actually dialing a page; when the status is Idle and the program is not dialing a pager, the modem port is available for other applications to use.

While there are pages in the queue, EasyPager uses one of the 16 Windows system timers.  If you are running other applications that tie up all the available timers, EasyPager will not be able to dial pagers.

Performance

EasyPager typically can dial 3 pagers per minute (that is, it takes 20 seconds per page).  However, these figures will be affected by the following:

The number of running DOS and Windows applications

The number of pending pages in the queue

The dialing speed of your modem

How long it takes the paging service to answer (if using Ring Detection)

The Delay Before Dialing Code setting of the pager(s) you are dialing (if not using Ring Detection)

In particular, EasyPager can slow down noticeably when another application is performing a processing-intensive task, such as loading, saving or printing.  Also, having one or more DOS applications running in the foreground or the background can slow down EasyPager.

Under normal circumstances, your system's performance will not be affected by having EasyPager dial in the background.  However, if you have many queued pages (typically more than 50), your system may begin to slow down a little until some of the pages are dialed out.

EasyPager and Windows Files

Neither EasyPager nor its Install program modifies your WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI or other Windows files.  All information required by the program is stored in its configuration file.

The program is composed of only two files--the executable file, PAGER.EXE, and the on-line help file, PAGER.HLP.  You can move these files to another directory if you wish, but keep the following in mind:

You should update EasyPager's icon in the Program Manager to run EasyPager from the new directory.  Use the File menu's Properties... command to do this.

If the EasyPager configuration file (usually PAGER.INI) is to reside in a different directory from the program files, you must specify the directory and filename of the configuration file in the EasyPager command line.  This is described in the EasyPager and Networks section.  If you move the configuration file to the new directory where the program files are, no further changes are necessary.


EasyPager Overview

EasyPager (tm) by Paul Ketrick allows you to quickly and easily dial numeric pagers (beepers) using your computer.  It does this by utilizing your computer's internal or external modem to dial a pager number, just as you would do manually from a Touch-Tone phone.

Computer Requirements

EasyPager runs on virtually any PC-compatible computer that has the following:

1.	An 80286 or higher CPU (not an 8088, 80188 or 80186).

2.	Windows 3.1

3.	A 1200-baud or higher Hayes-compatible modem.

EasyPager uses minimal amounts of RAM and hard disk space.

Features

EasyPager can dial virtually any numeric (not alphanumeric) pager that allows codes to be dialed with a Touch-Tone telephone.

It features an easy-to-use database for storing pager numbers and names.

You can dial pagers with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Pagers can be assigned to groups for easy lookup and selection.

It has powerful capabilities for automatically sending codes to pagers for relaying callback numbers or other information.

Pages can be delayed until a specified time for unattended or automatic paging.  All paging occurs in the background and does not slow down Windows.

EasyPager can keep a log of all pages that are dialed out.

Applications

In offices for paging field technicians, sales representatives, etc.

Can function as a "paging center" that handles a large number of pages daily.

Convenient for home use.

Functions as an "alarm clock" by using the delayed paging feature.


Getting Started

After you have installed EasyPager and started the program, you can starting paging in mere seconds!  The basics of using EasyPager are described in the sections below.

Adding a New Pager Name and Number

1.	To add a person's name and pager (beeper) number, click on the Add button or press the Insert key.

2.	At the "Add New Pager Record" dialog box, type in the person's name, press the Tab key and then enter the pager number.  Enter the pager number exactly as you would dial it; for example, enter a "1" before the area code, if necessary, and do not enter the area code if it is a local call.

3.	Click on the OK button or press Enter to save the new pager name and number.  The new name should now appear in the Pager Names list box.

For more information, see Adding Pager Records.

Entering Standard Callback Numbers

1.	Double-click on the Callback Numbers list box.  Or, pull down the Settings menu and choose the Standard Callback Numbers command.  A dialog box appears which lets you enter callback numbers--that is, phone numbers that you would like people whom you page to call.

2.	Click on the Add button or press the Insert key, and type in the phone number exactly as you want it sent to the pager--usually an area code and a phone number.

3.	Click on the OK button or press Enter to save the callback number(s) you entered, and you will return to the EasyPager main window.  At this point you should see the new callback number in the Callback Numbers box.

For more information, refer to the Standard Callback Numbers section.

Paging

To page someone, simply click on the callback number (shown in the Callback Numbers box) that you want to send to their pager, and then double-click on the person's name in the Pager Names box.  EasyPager will then begin dialing.

Refer to the Dialing Pagers section for more paging options.

On-Line Help

For more information on EasyPager functions and features, refer to the on-line help.  Help is available by pressing F1 or clicking the Help button on most EasyPager screens, or by selecting a topic from the Help menu.


Technical Support

If you have questions or comments regarding EasyPager (tm), or need technical support, call Paul Ketrick at:

(818) 343-3154

or send a fax to:

(818) 343-9603

or write:

Paul Ketrick

5680 Reseda Bl. Suite 4

Tarzana, CA  91356


 EasyPager Window Layout

The picture below shows the EasyPager main window:

The menu bar gives access to various EasyPager commands and functions.

The toolbar contains tool buttons for quickly accessing EasyPager's pager number database and dialing pagers.

The Pager Names List Box shows the pager names you have entered into EasyPager.  From this list, you can quickly select a pager to dial.  See Dialing Pagers for more information.

The Callback Numbers list box lets you select a Quick-Dial number to send to the selected pager(s).

Also, double-clicking on this list box brings up the Standard Callback Numbers dialog box

The Allow Multiple Selections checkbox, when selected, allows you to select multiple pagers to dial or edit.  See Selecting Multiple Pagers for more information.

The Use Selected Code For All Pages checkbox, when selected, causes EasyPager to automatically use the most recently selected Quick-Dial number when you select a pager to dial.

The Status Box displays the current status of any pages that are pending or in progress.


Toolbar

The toolbar is located below the EasyPager menu near the top of the window, and contains buttons for performing the following commonly-used functions.

Button	Function

Add	Add a new pager record

Delete	Remove the currently selected pager record(s)

Edit	Edit the currently selected pager record(s)

Dial	Dial the currently selected pager record(s)

Group	Select which pager groups are to be displayed

Queue	View the list of queued (pending) pages

Stop	Cancel the page currently being dialed


Pager Groups

You can assign each pager name to a group for categorization.  Each group is represented by a two-letter identification which you assign.

Assigning Pagers to Groups

To assign a pager record to a group, select the desired pager name in the Pager Names list box and click on the Edit button to bring up the Edit dialog box.

Then, enter a one- or two-letter group name in the Group box.  You do not need to "create" a group name before using it; simply assigning a pager name to a group causes EasyPager to create the group if it does not exist.

A particular pager name can be assigned to only one group at a time.

Using Pager Groups

To display a selected group of pagers, click on the Group button in the toolbar, and the Select Group dialog box will appear.

This dialog box lists all the group names currently in use.  It also shows an entry titled All Groups.

From the Select Groups dialog box, you can double-click on a group name and EasyPager will then show in the Pager Names list box only the pager records in the selected group.  Then, you can select one or more pagers from the displayed list as your normally would; you can also use the Select All menu command to select all the pagers in the group for dialing or editing.

From the Select Groups dialog, if you select All Groups, EasyPager will return to displaying all pager names in the database (including those not assigned to a group).

If you have selected a group to display, and then add a new pager record, the new record will appear in the Pager Names list box, even though it may not belong to the currently selected group.  If you use the Group button to again select a group, the new record will not appear if it is not in the selected group.


Pager Names List Box

The Pager Names list box occupies the center of the EasyPager window, and lists the names of all pager records that have been entered.

You can locate an entry quickly by typing the first letter of the name until the correct entry appears, or by using the scroll bar located at the right of the list box.


Callback Numbers List Box

The Callback Numbers list box occupies the right-center portion of the EasyPager window, and lists the Standard Callback numbers that have been defined.

This list box is used to select a Quick-Dial number to be sent to a selected pager.


Selecting Multiple Pagers to Dial or Edit

EasyPager allows you to automatically dial more than one pager in a single operation.  You can also select multiple pager records to edit sequentially.

To do this, select the Allow Multiple Selections box in the EasyPager window, either by clicking on the box or by typing Ctrl+U.

When the Allow Multiple Selections box is selected, clicking on a pager name will turn its selection on or off, and any number of pagers may be selected.  Using the up- and down-arrow keys will move the selection cursor but will not change any selections; pressing the spacebar will turn the current pager name's selection on or off.

When the Allow Multiple Selections box is not selected, clicking on a pager name will select that name and clear the selection from all other names.  Using the up- and down-arrow keys will move the selection bar up or down one line, clearing the selection from the previously-selected pager name.

Dialing Multiple Pagers

When you have selected more than one pager name and click on the Dial button, all the selected pagers will be dialed.

If you chose a Quick-Dial number for any of the selected pagers, those pagers will be dialed immediately using the selected Quick-Dial numbers.

If any of the selected pagers did not have Quick-Dial numbers, then the Dial dialog box will appear, allowing you to enter the pager codes to send to those pagers.

Editing Multiple Pager Records

When you have selected more than one pager name and click on the Edit button, the Edit dialog box will appear for each selected pager name, allowing you to edit each selected record in succession.


Quick-Dial Numbers

Quick-Dial numbers are callback numbers that appear in the Callback Numbers list box on the EasyPager window.  These numbers allow you to dial one or more pagers with just a few quick steps.

The Quick-Dial numbers are the same as the Standard Callback Numbers.  To use Quick-Dial numbers:

1.	Before using Quick-Dial numbers, you must define one or more of these numbers in the Standard Callback Numbers dialog box.  You can bring up this dialog box by double-clicking on the Callback Numbers list box, or by pulling down the Settings menu and choosing the Standard Callback Numbers... item.

Mouse Usage

2.	Click on a Quick-Dial number in the Callback Numbers list box on the EasyPager window.

3.	Double-click on the name of the pager you want to dial in the Pager Names list box on the EasyPager window.

Keyboard Usage

2.	Press Alt+N to select the Pager Names list box if necessary.  Use the up- and down-arrow keys (or other standard list-box keys) to select a pager to dial.

3.	Press Alt+C to switch to the Callback Numbers list box, and use the up- and down-arrow keys to select a Quick-Dial number.

4.	Press Enter.

The pager will be immediately dialed, and the selected Quick-Dial number will be sent to the pager.

Tips on Selecting Quick-Dial Numbers

You can select multiple pagers and send each one a different Quick-Dial number.  You can also select some pagers to be dialed with Quick-Dial numbers and some without Quick-Dial numbers; when you press Enter or click on the Dial button, the Dial Pager dialog box will appear for each pager that does not have a Quick-Dial code selected for it.

When you click on a Quick-Dial number in the Callback Numbers list box, that Quick-Dial number is assigned to any selected pager(s) that do not already have a Quick-Dial number selected.

When you click on a pager name in the Pager Names list box, the currently selected Quick-Dial code (if any) is assigned to that pager name only if the Use Selected Code For All Pages checkbox is enabled.


Status Box

The EasyPager status box, located at the bottom of the window, gives the following status information:

˜	Current status (idle, resetting modem, dialing a pager, etc.)

˜	Next person to be paged

˜	When the next person is to be paged

˜	The number of entries waiting to be paged


Adding Pager Numbers
Adding Pager Records

To add a new pager record to the database:

˜	Click on the [image] button on the toolbar, or

˜	Type Alt+A, or

˜	Press the Insert key.

The Edit dialog box will appear, allowing you to enter a name, number and other information for the new record.


Deleting Pager Numbers
Deleting Pager Records

To delete a pager record from the database:

1.	Highlight the entry you wish to delete by clicking on it or using the arrow keys.

2.	Do one of the following:

˜	Click on the [image] button, or

˜	Type Alt+L, or

˜	Press the Delete key.

You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the record; click on the OK button or press Enter to delete it, or click on the Cancel button or press Esc to cancel.


Modifying Pager Numbers
Modifying Pager Records

To modify a pager record:

1.	Highlight the desired entry by clicking on it witth the mouse, or by using the arrow keys.

2.	Either click on the [image] button, or type Alt+I.

The Edit dialog box will appear, allowing you to modify the selected pager entry.


Dialing Pager Numbers
Dialing Pagers

There are two ways to page someone with EasyPager:

1.	Use a Quick-Dial number to dial a pager immediately and send it a predefined callback number to the pager.

2.	Use the Dial dialog box to select and/or manually enter the callback number and pager code to send to the pager, and optionally enter the date and time to dial the pager.

Using Quick-Dial Numbers

Paging One Person

To page one person and send the pager a Quick-Dial number:

1.	Click on the desired Quick-Dial number in the Callback Numbers list box, or type Alt+C and use the arrow keys to select the desired callback number.  If the callback number you want is not shown, use the Standard Callback Numbers dialog box to add it.

2.	Click on the desired pager name in the Pager Names list box, or type Alt+N and use the arrow keys to select the desired pager name.

3.	Click on the Dial button or press Enter.  EasyPager will begin dialing the pager immediately.

Paging Multiple People To the Same Callback Number

To select multiple pagers and send them all the same callback number:

1.	Be sure the Allow Multiple Selections check box is checked.  If not, click on the box or type Alt+M;

2.	Click on the desired Quick-Dial number in the Callback Numbers list box, or type Alt+C and use the arrow keys to select the desired callback number.  If the callback number you want is not shown, use the Standard Callback Numbers dialog box to add it.

3.	Click on the each desired pager name in the Pager Names list box, or type Alt+N and use the arrow keys and space bar to select the desired pager names.

4.	Click on the Dial button or press Enter.  EasyPager will begin dialing the selected pagers immediately, and will send the selected callback number to each one.

Paging Multiple People to Different Callback Numbers

To select multiple pagers and send them different callback numbers:

1.	Be sure the Allow Multiple Selections check box is checked.  If not, click on the box or type Alt+M;

2.	Click on the desired Quick-Dial number in the Callback Numbers list box, or type Alt+C and use the arrow keys to select the desired callback number.  If the callback number you want is not shown, use the Standard Callback Numbers dialog box to add it.

3.	Click on the each desired pager name in the Pager Names list box, or type Alt+N and use the arrow keys and space bar to select the desired pager names.

4.	Repeat steps (2) and (3) above for each different callback number you want to use.  If you mistakenly select the wrong callback number for a pager, simply click on the pager's name and then click on the correct callback number to change it.  The correct callback number will then be sent to that pager.

5.	Click on the Dial button or press Enter.  EasyPager will begin dialing the selected pagers immediately, and will send the selected callback number to each one.

Using the Dial Dialog Box

Using the Dial dialog box gives you greater control over your paging than using Quick-Dial numbers.

Paging One Person

To dial a single pager using the Dial dialog box:

1.	Be sure that you have not selected a Quick-Dial number for the pager you are about to dial.  If you have, use the Select menu's Deselect All command to clear the Quick-Dial number, or click on the Allow Multiple Selections checkbox, or type Alt+M.

2.	Click on the desired pager's name in the Pager Names list box, or type Alt+N and use the arrow keys to select the desired pager name.

3.	Do one of the following:

˜	Click on the [image] button, or

˜	Type Alt+D, or

˜	Press Enter.

The Dial dialog box will appear, allowing you to dial the selected pager.

Paging Multiple People

To page more than one person using the Dial dialog box:

1.	Be sure that you have not selected any Quick-Dial numbers for the pagers you are about to dial.  If you have, use the Select menu's Deselect All command to clear the Quick-Dial numbers, or click on the Allow Multiple Selections checkbox, or type Alt+M.

2.	Click on each desired pager name in the Pager Names list box, or type Alt+N and use the arrow keys and space bar to select the desired pager name.

3.	Do one of the following:

˜	Click on the [image] button, or

˜	Type Alt+D, or

˜	Press Enter.

The Dial dialog box will appear, allowing you to dial the selected pagers.

Note that if you click in the Use These Settings For All Selected Pagers box in the Dial dialog box, then the settings entered in the following fields will be used to dial all the selected pagers:

˜	Number to Send to Pager

˜	Date to Page

˜	Time to Page

This allows you to send the same callback number or other code to multiple pagers in one operation.

During Dialing

While EasyPager is dialing a pager, the Status window will reflect the various actions that take place--for example, resetting the modem, setting the speaker volume, dialing a phone number, etc.

If a problem occurs in communicating with the modem, or if the modem detects that there is no dial tone on the phone line, EasyPager will display a message on the screen.  When you click on the OK button, EasyPager will automatically try dialing the pager again.

If the modem detects a busy signal, or does not receive an answer from the paging service, EasyPager will automatically try dialing the pager again.

EasyPager pauses for five seconds between dials, in order to give the phone line enough time to go back on-hook and become clear for the next call.


View / Delete Pages In Queue Dialog Box

This dialog box lets you view the pages currently queued (waiting to be dialed).  It is brought up either by clicking on the [image] button, or by typing Alt+Q.

The dialog box lists the pages that are currently queued (waiting to be dialed), along with the pager code that will be dialed for each and the date and time the pager is scheduled to be dialed.

NOTE

While you are viewing the list of queued pages, EasyPager will finish dialing a pager that it has started dialing, but will not start dialing a new queued page until you exit this dialog box.

Canceling A Pending Page

To remove a page from the queue (i.e. cancel the page):

1.	Either click on the queue entry in the list box, or use the arrow keys to highlight the desired entry.

2.	Click on the Delete button, or press the Delete key.

If the selected page is currently being dialed, a message box will appear notifying you of this and asking whether you want to terminate dialing.  Click on the Yes button to terminate dialing, or click on the No button to let the dialing continue.

Canceling All Pages

To cancel all pending pages, click on the Delete All button, or type Alt+A.  The program will ask you to confirm that you want to delete all the pages from the queue; click on the Yes button or type Y and all the pages will be canceled, including the one currently being dialed, if any.


Configuration File

A configuration file contains the following information:

˜	The list of pager numbers and names and their associated settings

˜	System settings, such as the lists of standard callback numbers and pager codes, and the modem port number.

The configuration file is normally called PAGER.INI in the directory where you installed EasyPager.  However, you can tell EasyPager to use a different filename; refer to the EasyPager and Networks topic for more information on this.


Pager Code

A pager code is the string of digits that you want to send to a pager.  It commonly consists of a callback number and/or code digits, where the callback number represents the number you want the person you are paging to call, and the code digits represent other information you wish to convey to that person.

For example, if you wanted to call a pager and have it display 213-555-6789 911, then 213-555-6789 would be considered the callback number and 911 would be considered the code digits.

EasyPager allows you to enter up to fifty standard callback numbers and fifty code digit strings so that when dialing a pager, you can easily select a callback number and code digits to send without manually entering them.

Pager codes may consist of any one or more valid DTMF digits.


Callback Number

A callback number refers to a phone number that is dialed into the paging transmitter after the pager's phone number is dialed.  In other words, the callback number is the number that you want the person whom you are paging to call when they receive the page.

Callback numbers may consist of any one or more valid DTMF digits.


Edit Dialog Box

The Edit Pager Entry dialog box lets you modify information that pertains to a particular pager record.  You can enter the following information for a pager record:

Name

The name associated with the pager.  When displaying the list of names, EasyPager sorts the names alphabetically starting with the first character in the name.  Therefore, if you want the names sorted by last name, enter the names as "last name, first name."

Pager Phone Number

The phone number to use to dial the pager.  You can include the characters - ( ) in the number to make it easier to read; these characters will be ignored when dialing.  The number must include "1" and/or an area code if these are necessary to dial the pager.

For example, if you are in the (213) area code, the following examples would apply:

Actual Pager Number	Digits You Would Enter

(213)555-2345	555-2345

(714)555-6789	1-714-555-6789

Normally, PBX or other access codes such as "9" that are always dialed before the phone number will not be entered here; instead, enter such codes in the Dial Before Numbers box in the PBX Codes Dialog Box.  Then the access code will automatically be dialed before the pager phone number.

Group

In this field, you can enter a one- or two-letter group abbreviation (for example, SA for Sales or FA for family).  You can then use the Group button to view a selected group of pagers.  A pager can belong to only one group, and there is no limit to the number of groups you can assign.

Use First Standard Callback Number

This box, when checked, tells EasyPager to automatically include the first standard callback number in this pager's default code.

Use Special Pager Code

This box, when checked, tells EasyPager to automatically include the pager's special code when dialing; the special code is entered in the edit window to the right of thie checkbox.

Each pager can have a different special code, and this code usually contains digits that identifies you to the person you are paging.  A callback number is normally not entered in the Special window.

You can enter any valid DTMF digits in the Special code window.

Delay Before Dialing Code

This field specifies the delay, in seconds, that EasyPager will wait between dialing the last digit of the pager's phone number and dialing the first digit of the callback number or other code.

NOTE: The value entered in this field is not used when called party ring detection is enabled.

If when you dial a pager it does not receive all or part of the callback number or other code sent to it, its Delay Before Dialing Code setting is probably be too low or too high; adjust this setting and try dialing the pager again.

Delay values from 6 to 12 seconds usually work well, but the optimum setting depends on the particular pager and on the phone line that EasyPager uses.

Code Terminator

Many pagers require a digit, such as #, to be dialed after the pager code.  You can enter one or more valid DTMF digits in this field.


Troubleshooting

If the specific problem you are having is not listed here, please contact Technical Support.

Can't Dial Any Pagers

If EasyPager is unable to communicate with your modem, it will report this when you try to dial a pager.  Refer to the Modem Problems section below.

If EasyPager does not report any errors during dialing, but does not dial pager numbers correctly (meaning you don't hear the paging company answer the phone and send a "beep" tone), the cause might be one of the following:

˜	The modem line is not connected (however, if Dial Tone Detection is turned on and your modem can detect dial tone, EasyPager will report an error if the modem line is not connected)

˜	The modem line requires a PBX access code (or other access code) in order to dial pager numbers correctly.  Make sure the PBX Codes dialog box is correctly configured for your modem line.

˜	There is trouble with your phone system or the phone company.  Use the Modem Settings dialog box to set the modem speaker volume to High; then, when dialing, listen for recorded messages or "busy tones" that may indicate the source of the trouble.

Pager Does Not Receive Correct Digits

If EasyPager dials a pager and sends it a callback number and/or other code digits, and the pager does not receive some or all of the sent digits, usually you just need to adjust the Delay Before Dialing Code setting in the Edit dialog box.

NOTE

If you are using Called Party Ring Detection, enabled by using the Modem Settings dialog box, the Delay Before Dialing Code setting is not used.  If you are having problems with missing pager code digits when called party ring detection is enabled, your modem may be malfunctioning, or it may not support ring detection properly.

The Delay Before Dialing Code setting specifies the delay, in seconds, that EasyPager will wait between dialing the last digit of the pager's phone number and dialing the first digit of the callback number or other code.

Try increasing or decreasing this setting until you can dial the pager successfully.

Delay values from 6 to 12 seconds usually work well, but the optimum setting depends on the particular pager and on the phone line that EasyPager uses.

Many modems can, when they dial a phone number, detect when the phone line at the other end starts ringing.  For more reliable paging, if your modem supports this feature, turn on the Detect Called Party Ringing setting in the Modem Settings dialog box.

If your modem does not support this feature, you should leave this setting off.

If you are unsure whether your modem supports this feature, click on the Test button in the Modem Settings dialog box.  EasyPager will then determine whether your modem supports ring detection, and will set the Detect Called Party Ringing checkbox appropriately.

See also the Important Note Regarding Modems And Pagers.

Modem Problems

If EasyPager is unable to communicate with your modem, it will inform you when you try to dial a pager.  The cause is likely one of the following:

˜	EasyPager is not configured to use the correct COM port.  Use the AutoConfigure button in the Modem Settings dialog box to have EasyPager automatically configure itself to use the right modem port.

˜	The modem is currently in use by another running Windows or DOS application.  You should exit any application program that is using the modem, or has used it at some point since you started that program, and then Windows will make the modem available to EasyPager.

˜	The modem may not be 100% Hayes-compatible.  There are some modems that only support part of the Hayes "AT" command set, or that support some other command set.  Such modems will not work with EasyPager.  Also, modems that do not support 1200-baud operation (such as the original 300-baud Hayes Smartmodem) will not work with EasyPager.

˜	The modem may not be functioning properly.  Run the Windows Terminal program or another communications program to see if that program can communicate with the modem.

Database Problems

If your EasyPager database file has become damaged, or pager records have been lost, the most common cause is that more than one person on a network, or more than one running copy of EasyPager, has written to the same pager database file.

If this happens, there is no easy way to recover the lost entries; they must be re-entered into the program.  If your database is corrupted (that is, some or all of the entries contain "garbage" instead of valid pager names or numbers), it is a good idea to recreate the database file from scratch.  To do this, exit EasyPager and use the Windows File Manager to delete the configuration file.  Normally, this file resides in the \EASYPAGE directory and is called PAGER.INI.  After you delete the damaged database file, restart EasyPager, and it will create an empty database file.

Can't Access Certain Features

If, for example, you click on a button in the toolbar or select a menu item, and EasyPager fails to display the proper dialog box or take the proper action, Windows may be low on memory or system resources.

To check the status of your memory and system resources, bring up the Program Manager, pull down the Help menu and choose the About... command.  This will display Windows' current available memory and resources.

Normally you will have at least a few hundred kilobytes (KB) of free memory, and at least 40% free system resources.  If the either of these value is less, try exiting Windows and then restarting it.  If this fixes the problem, then either you had too many applications running under Windows, or one or more ill-behaved applications were using up too much of the Windows system resources.  In either case, the solution is not to run the offending applications while you are trying to use EasyPager.


DTMF Digits

The following are the DTMF (Touch-Tone) digits that most modems can dial:

˜	Digits 0 - 9 (standard telephone keys)

˜	Digits A - D (not used on telephones; these display as a space on some pagers)

˜	# (pound sign, commonly used to terminate pager codes)

˜	* (asterisk; displays as a dash or a space on many pagers)

˜	, (comma; inserts a one-second pause in the dialing)


Pager Record

A pager record contains a person's name, their pager number and other information pertaining to the person and/or pager.


Dial Dialog Box

This dialog box appears after you select a pager to dial and click on the Dial button or press Enter.  Here, you can select or enter the callback number and/or pager code to send out to the selected pager.

Number to Send to Pager

You can manually enter the pager code to dial in the Number to Send to Pager box.  Also, when you use any of the features listed below to add a predefined string to the pager code, it will appear in this box.

Callback Numbers

The Callback Numbers box lists the standard callback numbers that have been defined.  You can add one of these numbers to the pager code by double-clicking on it with the mouse.

The first predefined callback number is automatically added to the pager code if the current pager record's Default Pager Code setting is set to Standard.  This setting is selected in the Edit dialog box.

Pager Codes

The Pager Codes box lists the standard pager codes that have been defined.  You can add one of these to the pager code by double-clicking on it with the mouse.

Date to Page, Time to Page

The Date To Page and Time To Page boxes let you enter the date and time when EasyPager is to dial the selected pager.

These fields default to the current date and time--that is, if you do not change either field, the pager will be called as soon as you click on the Dial button.  Otherwise, the pager will be called at the date and time that you enter here.

These fields can be entered as in the following examples:

Date or Time Format	Example

MM/DD/YY	6/24/93

MM-DD-YY	6-24-93

MMDDYY	062493

HH:MMxx	9:30pm

HHMMxx	0930p

HHMM	2130

Insert Date/Time

The Insert Date and Insert Time buttons cause the current date and current time, respectively, to be added to the Number to Send to Pager box.  This is used to let the person being paged know the date and/or time the page was received.

The date and time that are added to the pager code are the date and time shown in the Date To Page and Time To Page boxes.

Use These Settings For All Selected Pagers

This checkbox is used when more than one pager was selected to be dialed.  When this box is checked, the digits appearing in the Number to Send to Pager box and the Date/Time to Page settings will be used for all the selected pagers.

In other words, checking this selection tells EasyPager to send the entered code to all the pagers,  and to dial all the pagers at the entered date and time, without your having to enter this information for each pager.

Dial

The Dial button tells EasyPager to page the selected pager as displayed on the screen.  If the pager is to be dialed immediately, EasyPager will start initializing the modem and then begin dialing.  Otherwise, EasyPager will queue (save) the entry until it is time for it to be dialed out.


Delayed Paging

You can tell EasyPager to dial a pager at any specified date and time in the future.

To do this, select the desired pager from the Pager Names list box.

Note: do not select a Quick-Dial number from the Callback Numbers list box.  If you have already selected a Quick-Dial number for this pager, you must remove it by choosing the Deselect All command from the Select menu.  Selecting a Quick-Dial code will prevent you from entering the date and time to page.

After selecting the pager to dial, click on the [image] button or press Enter.  The Dial dialog box will appear.

In the Date to Page and Time to Page fields, enter the date and time, respectively.  These fields can be entered as in the following examples:

Date or Time Format	Example

MM/DD/YY	6/24/93

MM-DD-YY	6-24-93

MMDDYY	062493

HH:MMxx	9:30pm

HHMMxx	0930p

HHMM	2130

Then, click on the Dial button and the page will be queued (saved) until it is time for it to be dialed out.  While there are one or more pages queued by EasyPager, it keeps the modem port in use, so other Windows applications will not be able to use the modem.

Note that for delayed paging to work, EasyPager must remain running--in other words, do not exit the program.  You can, however, minimize EasyPager to an icon and it will continue to perform paging in the background.

See also Background Paging.


Background Paging

EasyPager can perform paging in the background--that is, while you are using other Windows applications or DOS applications under Windows.

For example, you could select several pagers to dial and then switch to another application.  EasyPager would continue to dial all the selected pages while you use your other application.

Under normal circumstances, your system's performance will not be affected by having EasyPager dial in the background.  However, if you have many queued pages (typically more than 50), your system may begin to slow down a little until some of the pages are dialed out.

Important Notes

For background paging to work, EasyPager must remain running--that is, do not exit the program.  You can, however, minimize EasyPager to an icon and it will continue to perform paging in the background.

Also, for background paging to work, you must return to the EasyPager main window before switching to another application.  If you are in a dialog box (such as the Dial dialog box or the View/Delete Pages In Queue dialog box), EasyPager will finish dialing a pager if it has already started, but it will not start dialing the next pager in the queue until you exit the dialog box.


Standard Callback Numbers

EasyPager lets you configure up to fifty Standard Callback Numbers.

These are used to hold callback numbers that will be commonly sent to pagers so that you will not have to enter the callback number each time you page someone--you can just click on the callback number in the Dial dialog box and it will be automatically entered for you.

The standard callback numbers are also called Quick-Dial numbers, and appear in the Callback Numbers box on the EasyPager main window.  You can bypass the Dial dialog box entirely by selecting a Quick-Dial number when you dial a pager.

When you enable the Use First Standard Callback Number option for a pager entry, EasyPager will automatically add the first Standard Callback Number to the pager code when you dial that pager entry.  You can enable this option for a pager code in the Edit Dialog Box.

The Standard Callback Numbers are configured using the Standard Callback Numbers Dialog Box,.  You can bring up this dialog box by double-clicking on the Callback Numbers list box, or by using the Standard Callback Numbers command on the Settings menu.


Standard Pager Codes

EasyPager lets you configure up to fifty Standard Pager Codes.

These are used to hold pager codes that will be commonly sent to pagers so that you will not have to enter the code each time you page someone--you can just double-click on the code in the Dial dialog box and it will be automatically entered for you.

These codes are normally added to the end of callback numbers.

The Standard Pager Codes are configured using the Standard Callback Numbers Dialog Box.


Standard Callback Numbers Dialog Box

The Standard Callback Numbers Dialog Box lets you define up to fifty callback numbers and fifty pager code digit strings.  It is accessed by double-clicking on the Callback Numbers list box, or by pulling down the Settings menu and choosing the Standard Callback Numbers... command.

EasyPager remembers the standard callback numbers and codes you enter, and displays them in the Dial dialog box when you are dialing a pager.  It also displays the callback numbers in the Callback Numbers list box on the EasyPager window.  These numbers are also called Quick-Dial numbers.

For more information on using standard callback numbers and codes when dialing pagers, see Dialing Pagers.

Entering and Modifying Standard Callback Numbers and Codes

To add a new standard callback number or pager code, click on the Numbers or Codes list box as desired, and click the Add button or press Insert.  Then, enter the new callback number or pager code and press Enter or click on the OK button.

To remove an existing standard callback number or pager code, click on the desired entry (or use the arrow keys to select it) and then click the Delete button or press Delete.  You will be asked to confirm that you wish to delete the entry.

To change an existing entry, click on the desired entry and then click the Edit button or press Alt+E.  The current number or code will appear in an edit box.  Change the entry as desired, and press Enter or click on the OK button.


Save Database Command

The Save Database command, accessed from the File menu, causes the current configuration file to be saved to disk.

If the Auto Save On Exit command in the Settings menu is selected, EasyPager will automatically save any changes to the database when you exit EasyPager (or exit Windows).

If automatic saving is not enabled, when you exit EasyPager or exit Windows, the system will ask you if you want to save the database, so you will not inadvertently lose any changes.


Automatic Saving

You can tell EasyPager to automatically save changes to the configuration file when you exit the application or exit Windows.

If the Auto Save On Exit command in the Settings menu is selected, EasyPager will automatically save any changes to the database when you exit.

If automatic saving is not enabled, when you exit EasyPager or exit Windows, the system will ask you if you want to save the database, so you will not inadvertently lose any changes.


Exiting EasyPager

To exit EasyPager, do one of the following:

˜	Double-click on the system-menu box in the top left corner of the EasyPager window, or

˜	Pull down the File menu and select the Exit command, or

˜	Type Alt+F4.

If there are any pending pages in the queue, EasyPager will inform you of this and ask you if you want to continue anyway.  If you select Yes, the pending pages will be lost (i.e. will not be dialed).  If you choose No, EasyPager will remain running (i.e. will not exit).

If the Auto Save On Exit command in the Settings menu is selected, EasyPager will automatically save any changes to the database when you exit.

If automatic saving is not enabled, when you exit EasyPager or exit Windows, the program will ask you if you want to save the database, so you will not inadvertently lose any changes.

NOTE: If you want to perform delayed (unattended) paging or background paging, do not exit EasyPager--the program must remain running.  You can, however, minimize EasyPager to an icon and it will continue to perform paging in the background.


Log File Settings Dialog Box

This dialog box lets you tell EasyPager whether you want to save records of all pages to a disk file and, if so, what file to save them to.

This dialog box is accessed by selecting the Log File command from the Settings menu.

Enter the filename you wish to use in the Pager Log FIlename box.

When the Log File Enabled check box is turned on, EasyPager will save a record each time a pager is dialed.  It also records any errors that occur during operation of the program.

When the Log File Enabled check box is turned off, no logging will be performed.

You can view the log file by selecting the View Log File command from the File menu.


Log File

EasyPager can keep a log file, which records the date, time and pager code of all pages that the program dials out.

The log file also records any errors that occur during dialing, for troubleshooting purposes.

You can view the log file by selecting the View Log File command from the File menu.

The log file is a simple ASCII (text) file which may also be viewed with a text editor such as the Windows Notepad utility.


PBX Codes Dialog Box

This dialog box lets you configure access codes (for use on a PBX, for example), that are to be dialed for all pager phone numbers.

For example, if it is necessary to dial 9 before dialing a phone number, enter 9 in the Dial Before Numbers box; if the system needs to dial #123456 after dialing phone numbers, enter #123456 in the Dial After Numbers box.

You can enter one or more commas in either field to specify a pause in the dialing.  On most modems, each comma will cause the dialing to pause for two seconds.


Modem Settings Dialog Box

This dialog box lets you configure various settings pertaining to your modem.  These settings are described below.

Modem Port

If you know which COM port your modem is on, click on the appropriate button labelled COM1 through COM4.

If you do not know which port your modem is on, click on the AutoConfigure button.  EasyPager will then check each available port for a modem, and inform you whether it was able to find the modem or not.

If the AutoConfigure function could not find your modem:

˜	Make sure the modem is not being used by another running application

˜	Try using the Windows Terminal program (found in the Accessories group in Program Manager) to make sure Windows can communicate with your modem properly.

If the AutoConfigure window displayed your modem's COM port number for several seconds or more, then Windows has detected the modem's COM port, but is not communicating with the modem for some reason.

If the AutoConfigure window did not display your modem's COM port number (or displayed it for a fraction of a second), then Windows probably did not detect the modem's COM port.  The modem may be on a different COM port, or there may be a problem with the COM port hardware.

Speaker Volume

You can have EasyPager set the modem's speaker volume to one of four settings (Off, Low, Medium or High) to suit your preference.  Or, if you want EasyPager to leave the volume level unchanged when it dials, click on the No Change setting.

Detect Dial Tone

Most modems can detect whether or not dial tone is present before dialing out.  If you wish to use this capability, select the Detect Dial Tone button by clicking on it or typing Alt+D.

When enabled, this option causes EasyPager to report an error message if it tries to dial a pager but does not receive dial tone from the modem line.  It is recommended that you select this option so that if there is a problem with your telephone line, EasyPager can alert you.  If this happens, you should check your modem line to make sure it is connected and working properly.

If the Detect Dial Done option is turned  off, EasyPager will dial regardless of whether dial tone is detected.

Detect Called Party Ringing

Many modems can, when they dial a phone number, detect when the phone line at the other end starts ringing.  If your modem supports this feature, turn the Detect Called Party Ringing setting on for more reliable paging.

If your modem does not support this feature, you should leave this setting off.

If you are unsure whether your modem supports this feature, click on the Test button.  EasyPager will ask you to unplug your modem line.  Do so, and click on the OK buttin, and EasyPager will determine whether your modem supports ring detection, and will set the Detect Called Party Ringing checkbox appropriately.  After the test, be sure to plug the modem phone line back in.


Select All Command

The Select All command, accessed from the Select menu, selects all pagers shown in the Pager Names list box.  This command also turns on the Allow Multiple Selections check box if it is not already on.


Deselect All Command

The Deselect All command, accessed from the Select menu, clears all pager selections shown in the Pager Names list box.  This command also turns on the Allow Multiple Selections check box if it is not already on, and it clears all Quick-Dial numbers from all pagers shown in the Pager Names list box.


View Log File Command

The View Log File command, accessed from the File menu, brings up the View Pager Log dialog box, which displays the pager log file.

Initially, the end of the log file is displayed; use the up- and down-arrow keys to scroll through the log file.

Clicking on the Clear Log button clears out the log file.

See also Log File Settings dialog box.


Stop Button

Clicking on the Stop button in the toolbar tells EasyPager to stop dialing the page it is currently dialing.  The page will be canceled (that is, removed from the queue).

If there is another pager waiting to be dialed, it will be dialed immediately.

To cancel all pending pages, use the Delete All button in the View / Delete Pages In Queue dialog box.


Called Party Ring Detection

Many modems can, when they dial a phone number, detect when the phone line at the other end starts ringing.  For more reliable paging, if your modem supports this feature, turn on the Detect Called Party Ringing setting in the Modem Settings dialog box.

If your modem does not support this feature, you should leave this setting off.

If you are unsure whether your modem supports this feature, click on the Test button in the Modem Settings dialog box.  EasyPager will then determine whether your modem supports ring detection, and will set the Detect Called Party Ringing checkbox appropriately.


Clipboard

The clipboard is a storage area used to exchange information between Windows applications.  In most applications, the clipboard is accessed by using the Cut, Copy and Paste commands.  For  more information, consult your Microsoft Windows User's Guide.


Copy Command

The Copy command, accessed from the Edit menu, copies the currently selected pager record(s) to the clipboard so they may be imported into another application.

The records are copied to the clipboard in text format, with one text line per pager record.  Each line consists of a pager's name, followed by a single tab and then the pager's phone number.

See also Paste Command


Paste Command

The Paste command, accessed from the Edit menu, copies information from the clipboard to the EasyPager database.  This feature is used to import pager records into EasyPager from another application.

EasyPager expects the pager records to be in plain text format, with one text line per pager record.  Each record should have a pager name, followed by a single tab character and then the pager phone number.  If there are additional tabs or spaces after the first tab character, EasyPager will ignore them.

This format is suitable for importing pager records from a table in a Microsoft Word For Windows 2.0 document.

See also Copy Command