Copyright: Developt by: FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


CimRater V 5.1
CimRater v5.11

Keeps Track of WinCIM charges...

CimRater

New for v5.11

Timer-Form

Log-Form

Use Settings-Form

CimRater Features

Auto-Log

Auto-Pilot

Auto-Save

Long-Distance

Networks

Parameters

Cis-Mail

Installation

Registration

Technical Support

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


New for v5.1
New for v5.11

- Works with WinCIM's hidden AutoPilot Function

- Meter Displays '$'  amounts instead of Percentage used

- Meter Display gives a countdown when in '+' Forum

- Meter Color changes to Red when over 90%

- Allows the use of a Spell checker to start WinCIM

- CIS-Mail v2 available

- Log Files add totals for Forums, Mail, Network and Long-Distance separated

- Some Software conflicts fixed

- Type mismatch fixed

- Tested with WinCIM v1.31

- Separate 9600 and 14400 Bps setup. This allows separate costs for each rate

- Ability to copy info from one baud rate to another

- This Windows Hyper text Help File

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Timer-Form

Move the Mouse and click for detailed Help...

The Timer-Form minimizes when Wincim minimizes,

and it's Position can be set by dragging it anywhere on the screen and pressing 'F10'.

To view a pop up Menu click the right Mouse button while over the Form.

Terminal or ASCII:

When you or WinCIM switches to Terminal mode the Timer form expands and shows four buttons.

When leaving ASCII mode your current charges will be logged, and the Timer shrinks back to regular size.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Log-Form

Move the Mouse and click for detailed Help...

Menu

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Use Settings-Form

Move the Mouse and click for detailed Help...

This form appears only when the '/S' Parameter has been added to the CimRater command line.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Registration

Terms:

CimRater is Free of charge for a 30 day trial. If you continue to use this product you must register it.

Registration is simple and easy:

- Logon to Compuserve

- Go SWREG

- Enter ID Number  3049

- Version 5.0

- Follow Instructions

- a $12.00 Charge will be added on to your Compuserve bill

- I will supply your code  as soon as I receive conformation

 usually within 24 hours.

  That's all.

Any Question or Comments to:

Fred Schetterer

CIS:   73303,3532

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Technical Support

I try to minimize all problems with this CimRater but with so many different systems and ongoing changes to CIS you may run in to some problems . First check the Troubleshooting and Frequent Questions section. If you still need assistance then don't hesitate to use E-mail for your Questions.

IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH CIMRATER THEN PASTE YOUR CIMRATER.INI FILE INTO AN E-mail MESSAGE TO ME, AND DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM IN DETAIL.

SEND TO:

Fred Schetterer

CIS 73303,3532

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


CimRater

What a shock when my first month with Compuserve cost over $200.00 US, The new Information Highway, fast, in charges that is.

Version 5.11 is fully automated and recognized almost all areas on CIS, this is a long way from its infancy when users had to start and stop a Timer to log charges, Designing CimRater was done to keep myself from overspending on CIS, and has evolved into a program with over 4200 downloads. Thanks to, the demand for different features, help in designing and wording the program from users around the world, as well as my evolving programming skills Version 5.11 is now ready.

Once registered all v5.xx updates will keep you up with refinements to CimRater and  the ever-changing and expanding Compuserve Network. CIS adds something like 80,000 new users each month as well as 600 more forums within the next 2 years.

Version 6.xx, whenever I get to it, will include Network Support ,  Free Flag Forums ,  Multimedia - Soundfiles and Security Features.

CimRater has been tested on WinCim 1.2 , 1.3 and 1.31 if you have any comments or problems let me know.

Fred Schetterer

CIS   73303,3532

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Network Support

WinCIM 1.3.1 now supports Multi-Station Network  Features...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Free Flag Forums
Free Flags

There is an increasing amount of commercial users with Free Flags ( Free access ) to Forums....

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Multimedia - Sound files

Not quit sure jet, but thinking of adding a Kaaching sound file ( the sound of a cash register ) whenever the dollar amount changes.	Any Ideas, let me know..

.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


CimRater.INI

You will find you INI file in your windows directory. Just open it with a text-editor and copy..

.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


ComPort

The Serial Port your Modem uses, usually COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 .

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Paths

Your Paths including the   [Drive]  :\  [Directory Path] \ [Exe or INI Name]   like:

>>    C  :\ CSERVE\WINCIM\WINCIM.EXE   <<

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Terms:
Terms and Legal:

FRED SCHETTERER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY

PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

The customer's sole remedies are set forth in the warranty clause above. There shall be NO liability of Fred Schetterer for damages. In no event will Fred Schetterer be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages even if Fred Schetterer has been advised of the possibility of the same. MICROSOFT WINDOWS, WINDOWS, MICROSOFT and VISUAL BASIC are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names are copyright and registered trademarks/trade names of their respective owners.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


SWREG

An area on Compuserve for SHAREWARE REGISTRATION...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Auto-Log

Each Time you enter a Forum the Timer starts automatically. It checks to see which type of Forum you're in '+' or '$', and charges accordingly. Each time you leave a Forum the connect rate is logged in 'Rater.lg5' your default log-file. The minimum connect time charged by Compuserve is 1 minute.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Auto-Pilot

When installing CimRater you will be prompted, wether to enable WinCIM's hidden Auto-Pilot function. This Auto-Pilot function is not supported by Sysop (Sysop says it's not a stable feature). I stumbled on it when a would be client let me know that CimRater wasn't working with this feature, when questioned she gave me the needed info and I changed some code to make CimRater work. Auto-Pilot is a great feature of WinCIM and I have been using it regularly with no troubles at all, so I decided to give you the option of enabling this feature.

 "WARNING NO GUARANTIES"

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Auto-Save

To save Logs automatically, choose a one of the three Options...

Weekly -

This will save your Log when starting CimRater immediately following midnight Saturdays...

Bi-Weekly-

This will save your Log when starting CimRater immediately following midnight two weeks Saturdays...

Monthly  -

This will save your Log when starting CimRater immediately following midnight of the last Saturdays of the month. .

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Long-Distance

Page 4 of CimRater Setup is entirely for Long Distance charges. Follow the instructions carefully, insert your costs for each day of the week, and make sure you click the box to enable the calculations.

It's a bit of a job to add all the needed information, but this way it will give you accurate readings...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Networks

If you are charged for 'Basic' time by the minute, or are using a 'Network' to connect with CIS, or both, then you must add those costs and enter them into the appropriate areas on page 3 of CimRater Setup (enter costs per hour). Basic and Network connect time will be logged in minutes on line.Both 'Basic' and 'Network' Time charges are split into Prime-time and Non-Prime charges and logged accordingly.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Parameters

You now have two choices for adding  a Command Line Parameter on CimRater Startup. This Parameter will be used to start Wincim with different Session Settings.

- See WinCim  help for adding Session Settings

First choice is to add a '/S' to your command line.

Line:	'C:\cimrater5\cimrater.exe /S'

This will display the Use Setting-Form with a list of your already installed 'WinCIM Session Settings' (I named mine 'Get Marked Files', 'CIS 2400 Bps' and 'CIS 9600 Bps'). Dblclick the list or press the 'Use Setting' button, this will force WinCIM to use the selected Session for connecting.

'CIS 2400 Bps' Setting has no alternate Session so it must connect at 2400, I use this to Browse...

'CIS 9600 Bps' Setting has the 'CIS 2400 Bps' as an alternate, if the 9600 line is busy it will connect with 'CIS 2400 Bps'

'Get Marked Files' Setting has no alternate, this will not allow me to download at lower than 9600 Bps

Second choice is to add a name (like 'Get Marked Files') of a Session Setting to you command line.

Line:	'C:\cimrater5\cimrater.exe Get Marked Files'

This will start WinCIM with the 'Get Marked Files' Session Setting.You can now choose another Icon for the Startup Option, like one of the ones I supplied or your own. With this option you can have as many Icons available as WinCIM Session Settings.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Timer

'Off-Line' - while disconnected

'Basic' -   while on line

'00m $0.00" - while in a '+' Forum

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Meter
Limit-Meter

The Meter uses Flood colors to display the used up Percentage of  the user definable Meterlimit. Once the Limit has been reached a Msgbox will notify you. A Mouse button click will show the Log-Form and a right Mouse button click will show a Menu...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Display
Meter Display

This area displays the Meterlimit amount  to date or a second countdown while in a  Forum. A right Mouse click on this display will show a Menu. and a Mouse click will bring up the Log-Form .

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Timer-Menu

CIS-Mail >>

will only be enabled when CIS-Mail is installed

>> 'Update Mail' will count and log sent E-Mail.

>>'Setup'	will run the Mail Setup prog.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

'View Logs' 	will show the Log-Form.

'Setup'	will run the Setup prog.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

'Help'	will show this File.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

'Exit'	will end CimRater.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Topic 29
CimRater v5.xx Troubleshooting Guide

The first part of this file answers a lot of frequently asked questions and trouble spots. I added Error messages to eliminate a lot of problems in earlier versions. These messages should give you a good idea of where the Problem is, other than that follow the instructions carefully and step by step. Skip any area that is working correctly.

1. SETUP STARTS EVERYTIME I LOG ON

- setup starts when you have a problem with either the WinCim or CIS Paths ,  ComPort or no Cost info entered in the '+' area of the current baud rate

- Just enter the correct info

2. CIMRATER DISPLAYS THE WRONG BAUD RATE AND OR CHARGES THE WRONG AMOUNT

- Once connected CimRater displays your current Modem Speed and charges accordingly

- To get the correct reading enter the proper Baud rate in your Session Setting

- Some users think by using a greater speed they will get faster access, that isn't so here is a copy of a Sysop message to me:

You need to set the baud rate in the session settings to the rate you wish to connect at.  The setting is for the connection between your Modem and ours. This will not effect the speed between your Modem and CPU.

Brian Eckfeld, [Sysop]

From several tryouts I have also noticed that when the compression option is turned on file transfers are actually slowed down, and by using a baud speed greater then the actual connection, time out errors as well as writing errors occur frequently.This is probably due to lost characters and or re synchronization in the background.

3. TYPE MISMATCH ERRORS

There have been a few users experiencing these Errors with CimRater, we found out that somehow their date setting in the Win.INI or the Currency Settings in the International area of the Control Panel had been changed .

So check those...

5. OTHER PROBLEMS

WHILE USING THE '/S' SWITCH, ALL I GET IS A 'NO' IN MY LIST

Somehow there is more than one 'WinCIM.INI ' file. Check your path and choose the one in the same directory as WinCIM.Exe.

TIMER IS IN THE CENTER OF MY SCREEN

- Just drag anywhere on the screen and press 'F10' to set the position.

CB COSTS WONT WORK

-enter these costs into the CB box

ENS COSTS WONT WORK

-enter these costs into the ENS box

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


loghelp
Buttons

'Help'

- will show this File.

'About'

- will show the Startup Form with systems info.

'Log>>to Txt'

- converts the selected log file to a comma delimited text file

'See Log'

- lets you open previously saved log files.

'Save Log'

- lets you save log files  "NEW"  in any directory  and name.

'Delete Log'

- lets you delete the current default log  file.

'Setup INI'

- will open the Setup Form so you can enter the  cost info necessary for CimRater to work.

'Close'

- closes the Form and returns to the timer.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


loggrid
Grid

This Grid displays your charges as logged in the Log-Files.To edit entries press the right Mousebutton while over the grid...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


startlist
Session List

This is a list of your available WinCIM Session Settings. Select one to connect to CIS.

To change your Session Setting, see WinCIM Help File

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


startuse
Use Setting

Uses the selected Session Setting to connect to CIS...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


startcancel
Cancel

Closes CimRater and stops all actions...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


startskip
Skip Logon

Enabling this check box stops CimRater from connecting to CIS regardless of your Pre selected options...

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


logmenu
Menu

Add, Deleting or Copying the Log info:

Since Logging is now automatic I have added a way to add, delete and copy info in your log files. Click the right mouse button when over the grid and a pop up menu appears. Choose 'Add' and a Frame will appear in which you can enter your info. Choose Delete' and a single entry (the line with the active cell) will be deleted. Choose 'Copy' and all the selected cells will be copied to the clipboard.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


CIS-Mail

A new feature is CIS-Mail for users that use more than their allotted limit of E-Mail. It will keep track of E-mail charges. CIS-Mail is a separate File available only for registered users of CimRater. To receive this file send me and E-mail and I'll send it to you receiver pays.

Fred Schetterer

CIS   73303,3532

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


termsel
Select a Cost

Three buttons will let you choose which costs to use, once chosen the Start button will be enabled.

'+' - Extended,  	'$' - Premium Service,	'%' - user definable cost

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


termstart
Start / Stop

The 'Start' button starts and stops the timing. With every stop the charges will

be logged automatically. This button is disabled until you choose a cost buttton.

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd


Installation

Unzip the files into any directory, usually your 'temp' directory.

Start Install.Exe  -  Install will create and expand the files into a directory of your choice and move the proper files to your  'Windows\System' directory.

Install will ask you for your WinCIM or WinCimCD as well as CIS.INI Paths, create a CimRater.INI file and get system info, such as the ComPort your Modem uses.

File List:

CimRater.Dat

Setcr5.Dat

CimRater.Hlp

Install.Exe                                *Grid.Vbx

Setcr5.Exe                               *Cmdialog.Vbx

Reg.Exe                                   *Threed.Vbx

CimRater.Exe                         *Msafinx.Dll

Install.Dll

Cmr2400.Ico                          	*.Moved to Windows\System

Cmr9600.Ico

Cmr1440.Ico

(c) - Fred Schetterer/FreDsterWare ComputerTools Ltd