Copyright: Visual Help Copyright® 1993 Firas Bushnaq


Contents
QuikDial Pro 2.0

Table of Contents

Click on a topic to jump there:

Introduction

Installation

Features

Configuration

Operation

Registration

Troubleshooting

Notices

Developer

Registration Form

Version 2.0 Shareware
Copyright (c) 1993, 1994  Roger C. Spaeder


Introduction

Welcome to QuikDial Pro 2.0

     QuikDial Pro is a shareware program that automatically dials telephone numbers from a user-specified directory using the modem on your PC.  With a professional three-dimensional interface, QuickDial Pro can dial from either its window or its icon.  Featuring popular options like "Always on Top", "Minimize on Use", "Hot Caption", and  a button bar with descriptive icons, QuikDial Pro is ideal for automating voice telephone calls while working at your PC.  Its use of minimal resources allows you to keep it on the desktop at all times!

     Settings are available for communications port number, interface enhancement, speakerphone message, dial wait, and directory adjustment. The dialing directory is easily modified and has a search facility.  The unregistered version is limited to 15 dialing directory entries, while the registered version of QuikDial Pro accommodates nearly 1000 entries.

System Requirements

•	A 386 or 486-based PC with a hard drive, Windows 3.1 or higher, MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, a VGA or better color monitor, and a mouse

•	A Hayes-compatible modem attached to your PC and a touch-tone telephone sharing the modem

•	Visual Basic 3.0 run-time module, VBRUN300.DLL, available on CompuServe and most BBSs,  in your Windows system subdirectory.

Compatibility with Earlier Versions

     The QuikDial Pro 2.0 dialing directory is compatible with earlier programs by the same developer, distributed as QuikDial Pro, QuikDial 2.0 and other titles.  Simply rename the dialing directory from the previous program to QUIKDIAL.DIR.


Installation

The QuikDial Pro 2.0 Files

•	QUIKDIAL.EXE - The QuikDial Pro executable file

•	QUIKDIAL.HLP - This QuikDial Pro help file with registration form

•	QUIKDIAL.DIR - The QuikDial Pro dialing directory, limited to 15 entries on the unregistered version and nearly 1000 entries on the registered version

•	QUIKDIAL.TXT - A text file containing last-minute information and installation instructions on QuikDial Pro

•	MSCOMM.VBX - A support file needed by QuikDial Pro's communications interface

•	SS3D2.VBX - A support file needed for QuikDial Pro's dialing directory

•	SUBEZ.VBX - A support file used by QuikDial Pro's system menu

•	THREED.VBX - A support file needed for QuikDial Pro's three-dimensional  interface

•	CTL3DV2.DLL - A support file needed for QuikDial Pro's three-dimensional dialogs

Installing QuikDial Pro 2.0

•	All above files ending with VBX and DLL should be copied to your Windows system subdirectory.  All other files should be copied to a single directory reserved for the QuikDial Pro files, for example, C:\QUIKDIAL.  It is essential that CTL3DV2.DLL be placed only in the Windows system subdirectory.  If  a copy of the file is left in the same directory as QUIKDIAL.EXE, an error message will appear and the 3-D dialogs will not operate.

•	In addition to the above files, you must have the Visual Basic 3.0 run-time module VBRUN300.DLL in your Windows system subdirectory.  The VBRUN300.DLL file is available from CompuServe and most BBSs.

•	QuikDial Pro is launched by running QUIKDIAL.EXE.  After QuikDial Pro is loaded, a file named QUIKDIAL.INI will be created in the directory. It  contains settings and your registration code.


Features

Unregistered Version of QuikDial Pro 2.0

•	Includes professional features "Always on Top", "Minimize on Use", and "Hot Caption"

•	A button bar to control program actions: dial number, scratch pad, cancel dialing, option and settings, help, and exit

•	Customized settings for communications port number, dial wait period, speakerphone message, three-dimensional effect, and dialing directory adjustment

•	Hot Caption feature permits selection and dialing of telephone numbers from iconized window

•	Uses low system resources, can maintain as desktop icon at all times

•	Professional grayscale interface with mouse-sensitive help provided in a status panel at bottom

•	User-defined dialing directory with search facility, directory items added and deleted with ease

•	Automatic backup of dialing directory each time a change is made by user

Registered Version 2.0 Enhancements

•	The registered version of QuikDial Pro has all the features of the unregistered version plus important enhancements.  The registered version accommodates nearly 1000 dialing directory entries, rather than 15 in the unregistered version.  In the registered version, the startup screen is permanently disabled as well.


Configuration

Configuring QuikDial Pro 2.0

•	Click the Options and Settings button on the button bar (fourth button from the left) to see the drop-down menu for QuikDial Pro configuration.  By clicking the options for "Minimize on Use", "Always on Top", and "Hot Caption", you can toggle these features on and off.  We suggest you leave these items at their default settings until you are familar with QuikDial Pro.

•	Click on the Settings Change item to see the settings window.  This window permits you to set and save important parameters used by the program.

•	Select the correct modem port for your PC.  If you are using a speakerphone instead of a telephone handset, click on the Speakerphone Msg box.  If you prefer the enhanced three-dimensional interface, click on the 3D Plus box.  If the box is unchecked, the interface will still retain a modest three-dimensional appearance.  Change the dial wait entry if you wish.  This entry defines the time that QuikDial Pro waits before dialing after you issue the dial command.  The acceptable range is 0 to 9 seconds. This adjustment allows you enough time to activate the telephone after issuing the dial command.

•	Depending on your monitor resolution, screen dimensions, and font size, you may wish to change the appearance of the three-dimensional dialing directory and surrounding panel by adjusting their heights and top locations.  Using the scroll bars, you can coordinate the adjustments for directory and panel appearance to your preference.

•	Click the OK button in the settings window to save your configuration settings to disk.

Dialing Directory

•	To add or delete entries in the dialing directory, click the Options and Settings button on the button bar (fourth button from the left) and click the Directory Entries item in the drop-down menu.  Alternatively, click the right mouse button anywhere on the QuikDial Pro window.  A new window will appear that will enable you to enter or delete directory listings.

•	Before deleting an existing entry, you must first highlight that entry in the directory by clicking on it, and then click on the delete button twice -- once to set the delete operation and once to confirm it.

•	When a directory entry is added or deleted, QuikDial Pro automatically backs up the prior directory in an archive file named QUIKDIAL.DI$.  If you accidentally erase the regular dialing directory, you can recover by renaming QUIKDIAL.DI$ to QUIKDIAL.DIR and making the deletions necessary to bring the directory current.


Operation

Usage Tips for QuikDial Pro 2.0

•	When QuikDial Pro first runs, it looks on its directory for a text file named QUIKDIAL.DIR containing dialing directory entries.  A sample directory is provided with the program, containing often-used telephone numbers.  Entries in the dialing directory may include hyphens or parentheses between number sequences.  You should build your own directory from this startup directory.

•	The button bar at the top of the program window is used to control all actions.  A specific directory entry is selected by clicking it once with the mouse.  Once an entry is selected, the telephone number for the entry will be displayed on the status readout.  Double clicking the entry will dial the phone number. Alternatively, you may start dialing the highlighted entry by clicking once on the button bar containing the telephone icon or by hitting the enter key or spacebar.

•	QuikDial Pro pauses momentarily before dialing, and its caption or icon flashes.  This is your signal to pick up the phone handset or activate the speakerphone.  When the telephone conversation is concluded, hang up the handset to close the open phone line.  QuikDial Pro automatically hangs up the modem and closes the comm port immediately after dialing.

•	You may abort an outgoing call while the caption or icon is flashing by clicking the cancel button containing the thumbs-down icon or by pressing the escape key.  The cancel function also allows you to escape from modem malfunctions typified by lenghty delays after dialing, accompanied by the message "Waiting for modem OK".  If you try to close the program while dialing or hangup is occurring, a prompt reminds you that exit will be delayed.  QuikDial Pro will terminate itself within a few seconds after you click OK and the modem resets.

•	When the Hot Caption feature is activated, you may select a directory entry and dial the number while the program is iconized.  Dialing directory entries appear in the icon's caption and may be scrolled by using the arrow keys or the PageUp and PageDown keys.  Hit the SPACEBAR to dial the number, and the icon will flash to remind you to pick up the handset or activate the speakerphone.

•	To add or delete entries in the dialing directory, click the Options and Settings button on the button bar (fourth button from the left) and click the Directory Entries item in the drop-down menu.  Alternatively, click the right mouse button anywhere on the QuikDial Pro window.  A new window will appear that will enable you to enter or delete directory listings.

•	Before deleting an existing entry, you must first highlight that entry in the directory by clicking on it, and then click on the delete button twice -- once to set the delete operation and once to confirm it.


Registration

Advantages

•	As a shareware recipient, you have a license to use QuikDial Pro for a brief evaluation period.  If you use it for a longer period or for a purpose other than evaluation, you must register it.  Registration grants you a license to use QuikDial Pro as you would any commercial software you purchase.

•	Registration entitles you to major enhancements available only in the registered version.  The registered version of QuikDial Pro accommodates nearly 1000 dialing directory entries, rather than only 15 in the shareware version.  In the registered version, the startup screen is permanently disabled.

•	Registration costs only $15 and is quick and painless.  A registration form with all necessary information is the last topic in this Help file.  You can print the form if you wish on your printer.  Fill it out and send it as directed along with your check or money order for $15.

•	Registered users are notified of updates and can obtain technical support by mail or CompuServe.

Procedure

•	Print out the registration form at the end of this Help file or copy the requested information and mail it long with your payment by check or money order.

•	You will receive by return mail a registration code.  Go to the fourth button from the left on top of QuikDial Pro (the Settings and Options button) and click on it.  Next click on Registration Code, and you will be prompted for your last name.  Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your registration form.

•	You will next be prompted for your registration code.  Enter it from the registration response.  A message will inform you that registration is completed.  Exit QuikDial Pro and restart.  The Registration Code item in your QuikDial Pro menu will disappear.  The registration code will be entered in your QUIKDIAL.INI file.  Remember to save a copy of your code in the event your QUIKDIAL.INI file is erased or corrupted.

•	Once registration is completed, the startup screen will permanently be disabled.  The dialing directory will accept nearly 1000 entries.


Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions

•	"QuikDial Pro dials the number and then hangs up."  This is normal operation since the program always hangs up the modem after dialing is completed.  YOU are responsible for picking up the phone handset or activating the speakerphone during the built-in delay before dialing starts.  You will be reminded to activate your phone by the flashing caption or icon that appears after you direct the  program to dial the number.

•	"QuikDial Pro will not hang up."  The program automatically transmits the generic Hayes compatible hang-up sequence (ATH0) when dialing is completed, regardless of whether you have picked up the phone.  You can force this command by hanging up the phone and then clicking the "Hangup Modem" item in the Setting and Options drop-down menu.  Please wait 5 seconds for the modem to hang up after clicking OK.  If your modem does not respond to the hangup sequence, try dialing another number to reset the modem, or use the cancel button to exit the modem wait loop, or check your configuration to ensure that your modem is set to hang up on receipt of AHT0.

•	"Outgoing calls do not abort when the cancel button is pressed."  You probably waited too long before pressing the button.  Once dialing occurs, the call usually cannot be aborted, although you can effectively cancel the call by simply not picking up the telephone and letting the program hang up the modem once the number is dialed.

•	"In Hot Caption mode, I can't dial my selected phone number."  Remember that in this mode, available only when QuikDial Pro is displayed as an icon, you start dialing your selected number (visible in the caption) by hitting the SPACEBAR.  Use the arrow keys to scroll the directory displayed in the caption.  Press the escape key to cancel the outgoing call.

•	"QuikDial Pro attempts to outdial (indicated by flashing caption or icon) but no dialing occurs after 15 to 20 seconds."  Use the cancel button to break out of the modem waiting loop.  If the problem persists, you may have set the communication port number to a port that is assigned to another input device such as the mouse.  Use the Settings menu to select the correct port number.  Also check to ensure that you are dialing a valid telephone number.

•	"QuikDial Pro seems to delay before dialing."  This is normal operation since QuikDial Pro always pauses momentarily to allow you time to pick up the telephone handset or activate the speakerphone.  You can set the dial wait period  from 0 to 9 seconds in the Settings window.

•	"Comm port X not currently available" message means that you have set QuikDial Pro's comm port number to a port that is not available, probably because the port does not have a modem connected to it.  Use the Settings menu to select the port that is connected to your modem.  This will be the same port used by your other modem communications software.

•	Unlike earlier versions of QuikDial Pro, this version does NOT use any command line parameters.  All configuration options appear in the  Settings window, Directory Entries window, or the menu check options for Minimize on Use, Always on Top, or Hot Caption.  Remember to save your settings by clicking on the OK button.


Notices

Copyrights

     QuikDial Pro 2.0 was written with Microsoft's Visual Basic 3.0 Professional development system.  A licensed distribution version of the custom control SUBEZ.VBX from Simplex Software was used to enhance the system menu.

•	Copyright (c) 1993, 1994  Roger C. Spaeder, All Rights Reserved

•	Copyright (c) 1993  Jeff Simms, Simplex Software, All Rights Reserved

License Rights

•	The unregistered and registered versions of QuikDial Pro are licensed to you "as is" by the developer.  The unregistered version grants you a limited license to use the shareware briefly for evaluation only.  If you use the program for a longer period or for another purpose, your limited license is void and you must register.  All rights and liabilities surrounding this software are governed by the laws of the State of Virginia.

•	Registration grants you a single-user license for QuikDial Pro.  By electing to register, you agree to comply with the terms of  this license and  you warrant that, to the best of your knowledge, QuikDial Pro operates properly on your computer configuration. The registered version license grants you the right to use one copy of this software on a single computer.  You may not copy the software or provide a copy to another person under any circumstances, except that you may archive a personal copy of either version and /or distribute copies of the shareware version without charge to other persons and BBS services.

•	Licensor disclaims all other warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement, with respect to the software.  This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights.  You may have others arising under state law.

•	Licensor's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be , at licensor's option, either (a) return of the price paid for the registered version or (b) replacement of the software that does not meet licensor's limited warranty and is returned to licensor with evidence of purchase within 60 days.

•	In no event will licensor be liable for damages, including any loss of profits, lost savings, lost time, replacement costs, technical assistance, computer hardware or software damage, personal injury, or any other incidental or consequential damages arising from your use or inability to use this software. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.


Developer

QuikDial Pro 2.0

•	Developed by Roger C. Spaeder

•	CompuServe No. 73670,3161

•	7624 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22102

•	Copyright (c) 1993, 1994  Roger C. Spaeder

Technical Assistance

     Registered users with technical support needs, questions, or bug reports  should contact the developer by mail or CompuServe at the addresses above.  Please provide your registration code when you make contact.

  Bug reports or information about other incompatibilites are welcome from unregistered users as well.  Our goal is to satisfy those who use our shareware!


Registration Form

QuikDial Pro 2.0 Registration

     To print this form, click on this help window's Print button. You may also hit Alt-F, P for printing.  You can skip printing and write the requested information on paper if you wish.

YOUR NAME _______________________________________________________

ADDRESS _________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE & ZIP __________________________________________________

DATE _____________________________________________________________

     Make your check or money order for $15.00 payable to Roger C. Spaeder and mail to:

                                                   Roger C. Spaeder
                                                   7624 Georgetown Pike
                                                   McLean, Virginia 22102
                                                   Attn:  Shareware Order

     If you would like to be notified of your registration code by CompuServe ( at no extra
charge) as well as by U. S. Mail, please provide your CompuServe information below:

COMPUSERVE NAME ________________________________________________

COMPUSERVE ADDRESS ____________________________________________

     Your registration code will appear on the line below when this form is processed and returned to you.  Your last name and this registration code are input to QuikDial Pro in response to prompts you receive when you click on the Register item in the QuikDial Pro options menu.

QUIKDIAL PRO REGISTRATION CODE ______________________________________