Trade Wars Helper Release 8.8 Copyright 1994 Just FUN Software All Rights Reserved Trade Wars Helper is a terminal program with an optional Graphical User Interface used ONLINE with the BBS door game "Trade Wars 2002" v1.03 and v2.00 published by Mertech Software and High Velocity Software. This program continuously maintains a database of the explored sectors with their port, adjacent sectors, and other information. Several commands are available to utilize this data while moving around the Trade Wars universe including the ability to graphically map a sector and its warps to any level! In addition there are many commands that automate the repetitive processes such as negotiating trades on your behalf and automatically cross trade between two sectors. Using this program will significantly enhance both your effectiveness and your enjoyment of Trade Wars. Don't leave FedSpace without it! Well over 3000 hours have been invested in developing and enhancing this product. That makes the registration fee about one half cent per hour of development time. Please do not use, or allow other than immediate family members to use, the registered features of this program without paying the very modest registration fee. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Make a directory, \twhelp, on your hard disk using the DOS mkdir command. Unzip the ZIP file to the \twhelp directory. Change to the \twhelp directory. If you just want to take a look at Trade Wars Helper then simply enter TWHELP to start the program and enter a 1 to select the EXAMPLE data file. When done enter /q to quit the program. Note: The Graphical User Interface versions discussed below are in a separate zip file. If you want to install the program for use in an actual game, first erase any existing TWHELP.CFG file (erase twhelp.cfg). The program will create a new configuration file for use with data related to your installation. Then enter TWHSETUP to supply the initial configuration options. Also create a batch file (TWH.BAT) in the directory of your commun- ications program like below. It changes to the twhelp directory, executes the twhelp program, changes back to your communication program's directory and then exits the DOS shell. To create the batch file change to your comm programs directory (cd \comm-prog-dir), start the dos editor (edit twh.bat) and type in the below lines. cd \twhelp twhelp cd \comm-prog-dir exit comm-prog-dir means the name of your communications program directory. Print the COMMANDS.TXT file. It contains a listing of all the commands and important points. Use it as reference guide and read thru it from time to time. If you would like assistance installing Trade Wars Helper and/or entering the configuration options call (801) 272-6238 10:00am to 8:00pm Mountain time (not always available). Please be at your computer in the \twhelp directory and at a dos prompt before calling. RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS Run your communications program, login to a BBS and start the Trade Wars game. When Trade Wars begins building its title screen, shell to DOS from your communications program and enter TWH to start the batch program. Resolving an insufficient memory condition is discussed below. Users with a Windows based comm program should refer to a section below. The program will display the TWH title screen which allows you to select the number of the BBS data file for the game you want to play. Also you can just presss Enter to change the configuration options or add/delete a BBS data file. There is one database file for each BBS game you play. Some comm programs, particularly those for Windows, seem to reset the modem you quit them. You will recognize this when, after starting TWH, it is unable to communicate with the BBS or when you quit TWH, the comm program is unable to communicate with the BBS. If this is the case, first try changing the modem initialization string to include &D0 (instead of &D1 or &D2) so the modem is not left in the command state when switching between programs. Another possible solution is to specify in the TWH configuration options to enter the baud rate for each BBS. Procomm Plus for Windows users should also read the section below. The commands and important points are discussed in the COMMANDS.TXT file. That file is generally printed for use as a reference guide. You can display a menu of commands while online by entering /?. All TWH command begin with the / character. Commands are case sensitive. That is, /b is different from /B. You can use Trade Wars Helper with an existing game or a new game. For an existing game use the /k command to initialize the database for sectors you have previously explored. You generally only use this command once per existing BBS game. The /K command can be used later to ensure the database is up to date in the event of a hardware failure. It will not reissue TW commands to acquire warp to and port information for those sectors already in the database. Also enter the /r command as collecting port report information is no longer part of the /k command. The /r command is generally done once a day. You can run the program directly without being connected to a BBS and the Trade Wars door. In addition, the file EXAMPLE.TWH contains a database that can be used to experiment with the program without being online. You will need to include the sector number after the / for most commands since the current sector remains at last entered sector when not online. Also do not use the /e, /k, , /r, /t and most of the advanced commands when not online since they issue commands to Trade Wars itself. For commands like /e, /k, , /r, /t and most of the advanced commands Trade Wars Helper wait for specific text sequences from Trade Wars before proceeding. It is inevitable that from time to time something will get Trade Wars and Trade Wars Helper out of synchronization. This will become apparent when TW Helper goes into an indefinite wait (i.e nothing is happening and you can not enter a command). Simply press the ESC several times or the ESC and Enter keys until something, such as Trade Wars main command prompt, is displayed to get the two programs back in synch. You can start the program and specify the database number (1-30) on the command line. For example a batch file line might be TWHELP 21 which would start Trade Wars Helper using BBS data file 21. The title screen is not displayed in this case. INSUFFICIENT MEMORY Trade Wars Helper requires a minimum of 350K to operate and some communication programs require around 300K which puts you up against the DOS 640K barrier. In addition TW2002 version 2 allows for large universes which may make the memory requirment for TWHelper around 550K when everything is maxed out. The following discuses some of the thing you can do to resolve an insufficient memory condition situation. First make as much conventional memory available as possible. This means moving drivers, etc. to high memory. DOS 6.0 MEMMAKER program does a good job of this. Check your comm program for an option to maximize the DOS shell memory. Telemate has this useful capability. Lower one or both of the configurations options that affect memory - the scroll back buffer size and the communications buffer size. If the communications buffer is too small it will generally show up when using the /k or /r commands that accesses the CIM. A message will be displayed informing you to increase the size of the communications buffer. Also RTO 26 is used to specify the number of pages for the /b command text which affects memory usage. Some comm programs, such as Telix, simply do not free up enough memory when you shell to dos. Others comm program, such as Comit, do not have an option to shell to dos. The alternative is not to shell to DOS but, instead, after opening the TW door, quit your comm program (tell the comm program to not hang up) and then start TWHELP . Of course after quitting TW you will need to restart your comm program (usually with an option so the modem is not reinitalized, -o for Telix). You could probably change the TWH.BAT file to include the command to restart your comm program. Still another alternative is to use another comm program. Telemate has an option that allows a maximum DOS shell and you can also quit it without dropping carrier or having to enter a baud rate. PROCOMM PLUS FOR WINDOWS The following was offered by a Procomm Plus for Windows users as a method of freeing up the comm port before running TWHELP and then reaccquiring the port when done. Unregistered TWHELP users must be sure the register.txt file is in the current directory. ; This is a .WAS file Proc main savesetup ; set connection port 0 ;Enable this line for Procomm 1.00 run "c:\twhelp\twhelp" ;Should reference your TWHELP directory restsetup Endproc The following technique seems to work better for Procomm Plus for Windows 2.0. The above discussion on .WAS files was retained for possible use for other versions. First change the modem initialization string to include &D0 so the modem is not left in a command state when TWH quits. This is done in the Setup - Modem Commands - Advanced section. Next use the Meta Key Editor in the Tools menu to create a meta key button to start the TWH.BAT file. The action is "Run Program", the content is "TWH.BAT" and the label is "TWH". Now when you're ready to run TWH, click on the Setup menu and make the Meta keys visable, then click on the TWH button. With this technique, you do not need to set the TWH configuration option to enter the baud rate for a BBS as previous discussed. Also making the Meta Keys visable should also cause a DOS button to be display which you can click on to start the TWH batch file if you wish. WINDOWS AND TRADE WARS HELPER It is generally not a good idea to run TWH as a Windows icon since when you quit TWH, Windows will drop the modem carrier which disconnects you from the BBS. A commom experience with running TWH under Windows is that frequent buffer overflows occurs when doing the /k command even when using a 64000 byte communications buffer. Since the /k command is usually done only once, a solution to this problem is to quit Windows, start TWHELP under DOS and use the TWH dialing capability discussed next to log on to the BBS and do the /k command. For future sessions, you can run Trade Wars Helper under Windows. TWHELP DIALING CAPABILITY If you are using a comm program that does not shell to dos or free up enough memory or for what ever reason seems incompatable with TWH, here is a capability that may be useful. This involves TWH dialing the BBS for you and should only be used as a last resort as TWH offers only a very simple dialing capability. Set the TWH configuration option 17 to enter the phone number for each BBS. Then enter or reenter the BBS file names for each BBS as that is where the baud rate and phone number are entered. Be sure to enter a baud rate if you want TWH to do the dialing. Use your comm program to initialize the modem then quit it (or download ATSEND19.ZIP from the Just FUN Software BBS and use it to initialize the modem). Now start TWH at a dos prompt or as a Windows icon and select the appropriate BBS data file number. TWH will dial the BBS phone number and you then log on to the BBS as usual (no script capability is available). Once you've started TW press the F7 key to activate the helper functions and begin playing. When you quit TW or entered /q to quit TWH, Trade Wars Helper will again act like a simple comm program. You'll need to log off the BBS and then press the ESC key to exit TWH. Note: Even when you have all the options set so TWH can dial the BBS, it will not do so if, when you start it, you are already connected to the BBS. Thus you do not need to change the options if sometimes you use your comm program to log on to the BBS and other times use the TWH dialing capability. GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE VERSIONS It's possible to use this release of Trade Wars Helper in all TW2002 version 1.03 and version 2.00 games of up to 5000 with PC compatable machines with 640K of memory. It DOES contain the Graphics Map, /G command, but DOES NOT not contain the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The Graphical User Interface versions of Trade Wars Helper are available in a separate file named TWHGUI88.ZIP. See the README2.TXT file to download it. Special registration keys are required to use the GUI versions. Persons who initially registered a release prior to 8.3 must pay a $5.00 upgrade fee. Those who initially register release 8.3 or later paid a higher registration fee and thus do not need to pay the upgrade charge. Their keys will automatically work with the GUI versions. UNIVERSE MAPPING FEATURE New with release 7.0, and enhanced at release 8.0, is the Universe Mapping Feature which is discussed in the DOCMAPER.TXT file. It is an extra charge capability requiring a special registration key to activate. As there are no provisions for trying this module before activating it, read the DOCMAPER.TXT file carefully. There can be no refunds once the key has been given out. TELNETING AND TWHELP I currently Telnet to threee BBSes in three diferent states to play Trade Wars (actually checkout TWH for the most part). I dial my Internet provider direct, enter the telnet command and open a telnet address. I've NOT been able to use my PPP logon and the Trumpet Winsock programs to do the telneting for this purpose. I have telneted to some BBSes that don't seem to accept the high ascii characters required to activate the TW CIM so the /k and /r commands don't work in those games. One user who was telneting to a BBS where I was having no problem was unable to send the high ascii characters until he entered, at the UNIX prompt, 'stty raw' prior to entering the telnet command. He also had to enter {ctrl-k} after the telnet address since a carraige return was no longer accepted. Of course telneting introduces net lag so it easier to get destroyed by someone who is dialing direct in to the BBS. I continue to use the / character to identify TWH commands even though the BBSes use the / for global commands. I simply enter a double slash, //p for example, to initiate the global page command. Some MBBS telnetable sites playing Trade Wars are (subject to change): Metropolis: 198.69.223.40 Canada Online: 199.246.170.6 Garbage Dump: 199.190.74.2 dump.com High Society: 198.69.101.2 hs.wisenet.com Digital Concepts: 165.247.101.21 dconcepts.com Elysian Fields: 204.181.47.5 castle.elysian.net Infinite Space: ispace.com LOCAL MODE TECHNIQUE Trade Wars Helper communicates with Trade Wars via the modem. This makes it difficult for them to communicate when both programs are being run on the same machine. The following technique was devised by a user to resolve this problem. TWHELP was configured to use COM2. TW2002.EXE was run with a -WWIV switch and the chain.txt file specified the port as COM3. A null modem cable was hooked up between COM2 and COM3. Both TWH and TW were multitasked under Windows and were thus able to communicate with each other. Local display was specified on in TEDIT. UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS If you are upgrading from an older release you can just unzip (or copy) all the files from the new release directly into the /twhelp directory. You will not need to do anything else. It is not necessary to do the /k command again since any changes to the data files will be automatically handled by the program. You should review the Configuration Options and Run Time Options as new options may have been added. Once you have run the new release you can not go back to an older release. This is because the configuration and bbs data files will frequently contain additional information that the older release will not be aware of. Note: There is no longer a Large Universe version. This zip file will handle a 5000 sector universe. To avoid confusion erase TWHELPLU.EXE, READMELU.TXT and TWHLU.BAT now if you have them. Note: There is no longer a Small Universe version. This TWHELP.EXE module not only handles a 5000 sector universe, it runs as fast as the old TWHELPSU.EXE program did. To avoid confusion erase TWHELPSU.EXE, READMESU.TXT and TWHSU.BAT now if you have them. SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTED PRODUCT A product distributed via shareware is not "free software". If you try a shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register it with the author for a modest fee within 30 days of your initial usage. You may register this product by mailing cash, check or a money order for $15.00 US (Universe Mapping feature and S&H of next release extra) to: Just FUN Software 4790 Naniloa Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84117-5547 Upon receipt of the registration fee, you will be mailed instructions to include your name in the program as the registered user and activate the registered features. The return letter is generally mailed the same day the registration fee is received. You must use the REGISTER.TXT file when registering to avoid delays due to lack of appropriate information. If you wish to use the universe mapping feature, also include the REGMAPER.TXT form. These files may be printed using DOS commands. For example: print \twhelp\register.txt or copy \twhelp\register.txt lpt1 COPYRIGHT Copyright laws apply to both shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with the following exception. The unmodified program files, complete with the files discussed below, may be freely copied and distributed. It is in fact encouraged. If you like this program, please tell your fellow players, even those evil traders, about it and upload it to several BBSes. Of course, registrations key may not be distributed. It one thing to use an unregistered shareware product over the 30 day trial period. Nothing will happen if you do. It's quite another thing to provide others with a registration key or modify a program file in an attempt to circumvent the registration key. Those activities are illegal. As such, a reward, commensurate with the scope of the illegal activity involved, will be given to any individual providing information on any person or persons unlawfully providing registration keys for this product and/or modified version of this product to any other individual or BBS. In addition, this product has been specially coded to detect such illegal activity and will retaliate accordingly. DISCLAIMER Trade Wars Helper is supplied on an "as is" basis. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result for the use of Trade Wars Helper. FILES This product is made up of the following files. README.1ST - Text file to be read at each release. README.TXT - The file you are now reading. README2.TXT - A continuation of the README file. REGISTER.TXT - This file contains a printable registration form. REGMAPER.TXT - Registration form for the Universe Mapping Feature. DOCMAPER.TXT - The documentation for the Universe Mapping Feature. COMMANDS.TXT - A printable reference guide of the commands. ORDERNEW.TXT - A form to order new releases in the mail. ORDERGUI.TXT - A form to order the Graphical User Interface key. USINGTWH.TXT - A discussion on the universal announcement. ANNOUN88.TXT - An announcement of releases 8.8 DESCRIPT.TXT - A full description of Trade Wars Helper. FILE_ID.DIZ - A description of this product for PCBoard systems. TWHELP.ICO - An icon for Window 3.1. TWHELP.EXE - The standard (5000 sector, no GUI) version program file. TWHSETUP.EXE - The setup program file. TWHMAPER.EXE - The universe mapping feature program file. EXAMPLE.CFG - A configuration file for the example data file. EXAMPLE.TWH - An an example database that can be used with the program. This product may be distributed only when all the above files are included in the distribution in unmodified form. RELEASE ACTIVITY Release 1.0: September 7, 1992 - Initial release. Release 1.1: September 11, 1992 - Made the COMM port and baud rate user options. Changed some of the edit keys for the /b and /c commands. Release 1.2: September 30, 1992 - Eliminated the need to specify the baud rate. Added configuration option to optionally reissue the universal announcement. Release 2.0: October 12, 1992 - Added the /t, Negotiate Trade, command along with the automatic cross trading capability. Also added the /s, Search for notation characters, command. Release 2.1: October 20, 1992 - Added the option to specify the baud rate for those instances where automatic determination does not work. Release 3.0: January 5, 1993 - Added the /X, /I, and /U commands to expand the search for the next six sectors. Fixed the problem that occurred when entering more than seven data file names at one time. Fixed problem associated with using the /k command at high transfer rates. Allowed for ESC to exit program at title screen. Release 3.1: February 8, 1993 - Changed the /k command to use the Crai computer's interrogation mode to collect the warp to sector information. Changed the search for matching notation characters command to /m (was /s). Added the configuration option to enter the IRQ line number. Fixed bug that may have caused the auto trading feature to randomly fail. Release 3.2: February 12, 1993 - Fixed communications software to work with modems and I/O cards using the 16550A UART. Release 4.0: March 1, 1993 - Added /r command which interrogates the Crai computer to record the product percentage for display with the /x command information. Added the /s command which initiates an automatic sell/steal cycle. Added the /> command which prints the command and information screens on the standard print device. Added the /e command which explores the closest unexplored sector. Added the /Z (formerly /E) command which clears the explored status for each sector without clearing it's port and warp to information. Added the /o command which allows entry of the run time options (RTO). Added the bugle calls used to alert the completion of lengthy processes. Release 5.0: April 5, 1993 - Added the capture file feature and the scroll back buffer feature. Added the /D command which shells to DOS. Added the /F command which creates data files for the offline analysis program TWVIEW and TWASSIST. Upgraded the communications software to the newest version. Incorporated the results of the psychic probe during trading to optimize the experience points realized for the auto /t and /s commands. Added the /l command which is used (after the /r command) to locate enemy forces. Fixed the problem with printing to a laser printer. Added the /d command to display the destination path from the current sector. Added the ability to cross trade between nonadjacent sectors using ships equipped with a TransWarp Drive. Expanded the Deployed Fighter Scan produced by Trade Wars to include the port type, notation characters, product percentages and optionally, the number of hops from the current sector. Added the /f command to deploy a single fighter in the toll mode. Added the /C command which initiates automatic colonization of a planet with ability to utilize a TransWarp drive when available. Added the /B command which initiates the automatic buying and conveying of product to a planet. Allowed for cross trading between class 4 (SSB) and class 6 (BSS) ports. Added a Run Time Option to specify whether a ship equipped with a Holographic Scanner stops at the sector preceding the unexplored sector when using the /e command. Added the /P command which displays the next six sectors with a specified port capability. Added the /E command which launches an E-probe to a randomly chosen unexplored sector. Allowed for specifying the database number on the command line. Changed the /k command to use the CIM for both sector and port information. Release 5.5: May 17, 1993 - Added the /& command to display the next five sectors for the /x, /u, /p, etc. commands. Changed the command to create the offline analysis files for TWVIEW and/or TWASSIST to /V and added the option to create only the individual .FRT, .SCT or .PRT files. Made the TWVIEW .SCT file compatible with TWMAP. Added deployed fighters, identified by the TW G and TWH /F (formerly /f) commands, to the /d display. Added the /f command to display the paths to a destination sector from the nearest five sectors containing fighters preceded by the numbers of hops to the fighters from the current sector. Added a check to the /F command to insure fighters are not deployed in FedSpace. Added the /0E command to mark a sector as inaccessible for the /E routines. Added the /1E command to launch an E-probe to a randomly chosen isolated sector. Added the /2E command to launch an E-probe so as to pass thru the most sectors not visited during the current session. Added a configuration option so advanced commands are only displayed or printed if desired for new users. Added the /m command to display a menu of all the commands on a single screen. Added the /< command to output the online documentation to the text file TWHELP.DOC. Moved the option to sound the bugle calls to the configuration options screen. Added the /M command to merge another traders database. Made the automated process restore the default ANSI color which is useful when the TW ANSI mode is off. Added the analysis of the TW Computer X command display to keep track of avoided sectors which now are not shown on the various displays or moved to via the /e command. Allowed for cross trading between a class 8 (BBB) port and any other class of port. Allowed for cross trading between a class 7 (SSS) port and any other port buying equipment. Allowed for cross trading between two nonadjacent sectors without using the Transwarp Drive. Allowed for triple trading which involves all three products at each port to maximize experience points. Added the /X command which displays the five closest sectors for nonadjacent cross trading pairs, transwarp trading pairs, triple trading pairs, and other specialized combinations. Added the product quantities from the /r command to the /x, /p and other command displays. Added a Run Time Option to turn off the haggling over price when trading. Added the /P command which automates the process of buying planetary shields with or without using a TransWarp Drive. Added the /Q command which automates the quashing of mines using mine disruptors. Added the /g command which goes to a specified sector while optionally deploying fighters (RTO), trading (RTO) and density scanning (RTO) along the way. Added an RTO to optionally deploy/trade/scan when using the /e command and added the /2e command which initiates automatic exploration of the TW universe. Added the automatic determination of which sectors are Major Space Lanes which are noted as MSL on some displays. Significantly modified the /w display. Added the /I command to display deeply isolated sectors. Added a configuration option to optionally save the fighter, product percentage, and product quantity data in the disk file. Added prompts to the /k command to ask for the class 0 and 9 sectors. Changed the way the destination sector is specified for the /d command. Based on hearsay regarding the new release of Trade Wars made the commands that use the CIM allow for missing sectors and added a prompt to allow for upto 3000 sectors. Release 5.6: May 19, 1993 - Fixed problem of locking up when entering number of sectors in universe. Release 6.0: June 5, 1993 - Added the /G command to graphically display a sector and its warps to any level. Separated the configuration options portion of TWHELP.EXE to a separate file TWHSETUP.EXE. Added a configuration option to specify the size of the communications buffer. Changed the /b and /c edit routine so the enter key can insert a line and the del key can remove a line. Added the /R command to initiate the robing credits cycle which included a new RTO to set the rob percentage. Fixed a bug in the /I routine. Fixed a bug in displaying the scroll back buffer that did damage to the database and configuration files. Added communicating at 38,400 and 57,600 bps capability. Release 7.0: September 23, 1993 - Fixed problem related to accepting the first offer while trading instead of haggling. Fixed problem with the /P command hanging up when the TW ANSI was turned off. Added the /L command to lower population levels to maximize fighters produced. Changed the /B command to optionally use the TransWarp Drive. Added the /h command to haul colonists, products, or shields from one planet to another optionally using the TransWarp Drive. Fixed problem with extra CR in capture file and TWHELP.DOC causing extra LF for some editors. Changed /g command to ignore density for FedSpace sectors so they are always entered. Changed the /R command to rob down to 1000 credits and to rob 10 percent more than the credits reported. Fixed problem with /r command not clearing percentages first which caused the /l command to not works properly. Made the commands like /d that display a path to sectors work faster. Changed the /B command to buy product for a planet and/or sell product from a planet. Added the /H command to heist product for a planet with or without using the TransWarp Drive. Fixed problem with /t trying to transwarp when no fighter is present in sectors. Removed the online command documentation from the program to save memory and created the command.txt file as a reference document instead. Tested against the new TW version 2 beta release and made the changes necessary for compatibility. This included allowing the /s command to move between sectors, added subcommands for the /X command, expanding the number of pages for the /b command, and various other changes to account for differences between versions 1.03 and 2.00. Created the extra charge Universe Mapping module and the corresponding /6E and 7E command. Changed the Ether Probe routines to automatically launch the probes. Added saving the database to disk when the /D command is issued. Added the /3E command to launch E-probes to isolated sectors sequentially and keeping track of the last sector probed. Added an RTO to specify the number of fighters to automatically attack enemy fighters encountered when using the /g and /e commands. Release 7.1: November 1, 1993 - Fixed problem with /U command printing to a Destjet printer. Added RTO to specify the NavHaz threshold when density scanning for the /g commands (for TW2002 ver 2). Added discussion of a local mode technique to this README file. Fixed problem with system crashes when using a BBS file number on the command line while starting TW Helper. Fixed problem of having modem reset after using Universe Mapping feature on some systems. Allowed for IRQ numbers upto 9. Made additional changes necessary for compatiblity with TW2002 ver 2 R .91. Release 7.2: November 19, 1993 - A reissue of release 7.1 because a hacked copy of release 7.1 REGISTER.TXT file was discovered. Release 7.5: December 30, 1993 - The Universe Mapping feature was made faster by using the CIM of the Crai computer to gather the warp path information. Destroyed port were removed from the database based on the information in the opening log. The /O command to display the paths to the five closest oneway outgoing warps was added. Added an RTO to specify the number, type and mode of fighters deployed when using the /F, /g or /e commands. Made some additional changes necessary for compatibility with TW2002 version 2 wide beta release 2. Made available the Large Universe version for games of 3000-5000 sectors as part of the release. Release 8.0: March 28, 1994 - Fixed problem that prevented trading when the RTO was set to not haggle. Fixed problem with /G command of not being able to click back down to current sector when using the +sector- button. Fixed problem with /U command on The Major BBS version and made some changes to account for the differences in the MBBS version of TW. These included: pressing the SPACE BAR key (instead of the ESC key) to halt repetitive processes at the next TW Command prompt; pressing the SPACE BAR key for aborting the port and sectors reports requested by TWH after E-probes or Holoscans; adding a new command, /z, to zip out of the current sector or zip to a specified sector; a configuration option to change the beginning of TWHelper commands from the / to a user specified character; and an RTO to control the automatic issuing of TW commands. Added code to automatically issue TW I command after using the transporter so TWH knows the current ships' equipment and location. Changed the /M command to merge in the warp to sectors from unexplored sectors usually determined by the /U command. Fixed the /h command to stop hauling colonists or product when there are not enough to fill the holds. Changed the /C and /P commands to not check for a fighter so commissioned players can transwarp to FedSpace. Added the /0B command to change the busted status of a sector or set all sectors to a not busted status. Made major enhancment to the /U command to do Ether Probe Mapping. Added/expanded RTOs and expanded the /g and /e commands to allowed for stealing and robbing along the way including robbing after buying equipment. Allowed for using the Transporter to alternate ship/sectors when using the /s or /R commands. Expanded the /R commmand to allow for moving between sectors with or without the TransWarp Drive. Added the R subcommand to the /X command to locate robbing pairs that sell equipment and changed the q subcommand to S for stealing pairs. Expanded RTO 1 to prompt for the maximum percentage also and incorporated the min and max percentages into the /p command. Improved the trading algorithm both when using and not using the physic probe. Removed the /+ and /- commands. Fixed problem with the large experience and alignment values in version 2.00 games. Made the standard program module handle up to 5000 sectors and created a Small Universe version which handle up to 3000 sectors but runs faster. There is no longer a Large Universe version. Cleared any old class 9 sectors to empty when a new class nine sector is encountered for games where the Stardock is moved around. Fixed the system hang up problem that occured after entering q to quit when using some comm programs (Terminate and possibly Qmodem Pro). Added the /1L command to lower population levels to zero. Removed the /Z command. Release 8.1: April 2, 1994 - Discountinued gathering the port and sector data for subsequently explored sectors. Allowed the bugle calls to be terminated with the SPACE BAR key. Fixed bug associated with having to press the ENTER key after sector numbers. This also corrected problem with /U command hanging. Release 8.3: June 21, 1994 - Fixed problem of having to press ESC when leaving Terra with colonists. Added the automatic use of the planet's TransPorter when it is available for the /h, /B, /C, /H and /P commands. Added the /j command to buy then jettison products to increase experience. Fixed problems of not stealing from BBB ports and not correctly maintaining last steal and last rob sectors under certain conditions. Made the last steal and rob sectors be retained between sessions. Added the /0S command to mark a sector as safe for the /e, /g or /z commands to move into. Changed the /U RTO to allow printing entities to a disk file. Allowed for a universe of less than 1000 sectors. Changed the // command to send a single / to the BBS for the MBBS global / character. Added the /A command to attack ships. Made END key display the end of scrollback buffer without having to PgUp first. Changed the Run Time Options so they are all saved in the BBS data file and are thus retained between session and now can be different for each game. Fixed problem with /e commands moving only one sector. Added an RTO to specify the sector number of Terra for the /C command. Added the ability to cross trade a single product and expanded the /X command to display single product trading pairs. Removed the psychic probe optimizing number RTO as it was no longer affecting the trade. Added an RTO to attempt trading at all port to gain experience points for finding neglected ports. Fixed possible problem in /M command. Added automatic software flow control (XON/XOFF) of the communication buffer. Expanded the rob factor RTO to ask for the minimum rob amount. Tuned the trading algorithm to be less demanding for ships with a large number of holds. Fixed problem with /B command not using psychic probe to optimize trades. Changed the /k and /r routines to handle the different format of the CIM data for the Major BBS 2.00k+ compiled May '94 edition and also accounted for other changes related to that version. Added the ability to specify a starting sector number for the /3E routine. Fixed problems in MBBS game with /P, /L and /Q commands. Release 8.4: July 15, 1994 - Fixed problem with /B command of not haggling when both selling and buying and hanging up under certain conditions. Fixed problem with /e command of trying to move beyond the unexplored sector when RTO 10 not set on. Tuned up the trading algorithm for ship with over 150 holds. Added test for /g and /e commands to not move into sectors with zero outgoing warps. Expanded RTO 16 to allow for paying tolls instead of attacking fighters. Cleared the last rob date when over 60 days have elapsed. Made sending Enter with sector number compatible with latest MBBS version and expanded RTO 19 to specify the sector number at which Enter no longer sent (for future MBBS versions - they keep changing it!). Release 8.5: August 21, 1994 - Fixed problem with /k commands clearing warps for version 1.03. Expanded RTO 14 to specify the percentage of the onhand amount to rob. Made the /A command capable of attacking fighters. Changed the /2e command to holo scan single warp sectors rather than moving into them. Added Function Key 7 to toggle off/on the helper mode and Function Key 1 to display the list of function keys. Expanded RTO 1 to allow for including/excluding the /p command from the min and max percentages. Added RTO 20 to allow the option of not determining the Major Space Lanes for non standard games. Fixed problem with the /h command when hauling shields. Developed the GUI real and protected mode versions which are in a separate zip file. Added a BBS dialing capability. Added the ability to specify a comm port of 0 so TWH will skip opening the port. Release 8.6: September 20, 1994 - Added the /S command (sell/steal/rob) to sell/steal at a port buying equipment then move to and rob from a port selling equipment. Added an RTO to specify the percentage of the SPACE BAR delay time to wait. Fixed problem related to marking the last steal sector when using the transporter with the /s command. Fixed problem of hanging up when trying to destroy a planet. Fixed problem of not pausing when displaying the /I screens and at other times when a mouse drive not installed. Fixed minor problems related to more than 32,000 fighter, clobbered screen when TW I command needs issued, etc. Changed the area above the digits display in the GUI to hold specific numbers for the display. Fixed problem of large numbers from TW crashing TWH. Fixed "mouse trails" when using certain mouse drivers. Expanded RTO 17 to allow the redeployment of fighters in order to collect tolls. Fixed problem with /U commmand hanging at phase 4 when using Level Diagramming method. Fixed problem with /u (and others) showing sectors as adjacent when they were not. Changed /B command so Fed Beacons could be utilized. Added notification when trading, stealing or robbing from non-adjacent sectors when not using the Transwarp drive. Expanded RTOs 2 and 3 to halt at turn or halt at cycle for several more commands. Fixed problem with software flow control which should eliminate buffer overflow problems on those BBSs that recognize software flow control. Release 8.7: March 20, 1995 - Added RTO 22 which only appears for users who have the key to deactivate the universal announcement so they can have the announcement isssued for selected BBSs. Fixed problem with /S command not stealing back equipment when other port was SSS. Changed the software flow control to hardware flow control - this hopefully fixes all buffer overflow problems and allows the comm buffer to be lowered to 8000 bytes. Added RTOs 23 and 24 to deploy Armid and Limpet mines when using the /g and /e commands. Fixed problem of scaning sector when in citidal at start of game. Enhanced the Universe Mapping module to be able to locate the Stardock and class 0 ports using the Level Diagramming method for version 2.00 games. Fixed problem with standard version clobbering screen when using nonstandard CON mode. Fixed problem in MBBS game of transporting to ships numbered over 99. Added the /4E command to send Eprobes to the nearest unexplored sector. Changed several commands to handle BBSes that do not allow stacked commands. Fixed problem with IRQ numbers over 7. Expanded the /U command when using the E-probing method to mark the class 0 and 9 port and to limit the maximum number of sectors in a path. Fixed the /R command to not mark a sector as the last steal/rob sector when the credits are below the minimum. Added notification to /t command when trying to trade at a port that is selling the product in the holds. Fixed problem when using a monochrome monitor. Added prompt to allow adding to or erasing existing capture file. Added "am" and "lm" to graphics map to indicate presence of Armid and Limpet Mines in sector. Added RTO 25 to optionally issue TW commands to locate mines. Added RTO 26 which is used to specify the number of pages for the /b command text. Changed /f command to include FedSpace sectors when alignment above 999. Expanded the /h and /P commands to allow the hauling or purchase of fighters. Fixed problem of extra Holoscanning of single warp sector under some conditions. Fixed problem of having to press Enter for some 3 digits sector numbers after using the Universe Mapping feature. Added F8 to save the data file to disk. Made the /h command continuing hauling when zero turns remaining. Added RTO to not automatically quit when "returning to' text seen. Release 8.8: May 15, 1995 - Fixed problem with /O command not finding oneway warps. Added RTO 28 to sound alarm and/or move out of current sector when anything moves in. Added function key 9 to move out of sector fast, function key 10 to attack ship or fighters, function key 11 to capture a ship and function key 12 to pursue a ship. Changed the capture form of the /A command to use a percentage instead of an actual value. Added RTO 29 to specify the percentage for function key 11 and the new Capture button added to the GUI screen. Also added Pursue button to GUI screen. Removed the TW Computer and Main buttons from the GUI screen and added the Map/Chat buttons to choose between the center window displaying the map as before or the MBBS incoming and outgoing transmissions which can be performed while a script such as trading or exploring is being executed. Added RTO 30 to scramble messages sent via the subspace channel when using the GUI Chat mode. Added RTO 31 to abort Transwarping when no fighter is present in the destination sector. Added bugle call when TWH dialing BBS and it makes a connection after one or more busy signals. Added code to prevent an erroneous express move caused by line noise or not having the TW transwarp question asked. Fixed problem with /P command when purchasing fighters. Made the /C command more efficient. Fixed problem of making too high of an offer when trading over 150 holds. Fixed problem with F9 and F10. Stopped clearing of busted ports more than once on the same day and delayed clearing until after 5:00 am. Added the /W command to fire a Photon Missile, optionally transport to another ship and follow the missile into the sector. Fixed problem with RTO 26 (number /b pages) when not enough memory. Added ability to page someone when in Chat mode in GUI. Changed Function keys 2 thru 6 and 8 to Alt-Fcn keys respectively. Added F2 to switch to GUI mode or toggle between Map and Chat mode if already in GUI. Added F3, F4 and F5 to enter a message for the Subspace Radio Channel, Fed CommLink and Paging respectively. Added F6 to toggle TW Ansi color. Cleaned up /P command for MBBS games. Fixed problem with deployment of Limpet mines. Changed the /O command to display the list of oneway sectors like the /I command. Added RTO 33 to respond NO the the 'Mined sector:' message. Eliminated collecting port report information as part of the /k command (do /r after /k now). Added RTO 34 and function key F8 to automatically scan the subspace radio channels. Fixed problem with TWH hanging up when destroyed and put in Escape Pod. Fixed problem in v1.03 game when issuing Universal Announcement and holoscanning. Improved performance of Protected Mode version in some situations. Please continue by reading the README2.TXT file.