Short:    Easy Amiga/Z88 file transfer. v1.21
Uploader: joe.moore2@ukonline.co.uk (Joe Mackay)
Author:   joe.moore2@ukonline.co.uk (Joe Mackay)
Version:  1.21
Type:     comm/misc


AtoZ v1.21
----------
(C) Joe Mackay 1998

Introduction
------------
  AtoZ is a utility to transfer files between the Amiga and the 
Cambridge Z88 portable computer via an RS232 serial link. It currently 
uses the Z88's inbuilt "imp-export" protocol, although more are 
planned.

Disclaimer and Distribution
---------------------------
  You use this software at your own risk. The author can accept no 
responsibility for any data loss caused by this software.

  This program is **FREEWARE**, but remains copyright of Joe Mackay. No 
part of the program may be altered or modified in any way. It may be 
distributed at will, provided the archive is left in its original state, 
and no more than a nominal copying fee is charged by PD libraries. Amiga
magazines such as Amiga Format and CU Amiga may include this software
freely on their coverdisks if they so wish. The author also grants
permission for inclusion with Aminet CDs, and any Sinclair-related file
collections such as NVG and WOS. And don't even think about asking for the
source code. It's too shocking even for me to look at.

  This program uses Reqtools.library, which is included in the archive.
Reqtools.library is copyright (C) Nico François and Magnus Holmgren.

  There, I've said it!

Features
--------
- Font sensitive resizable GUI (Gadtools - no Mooey here!)
- Can handle single or batch files
- Optional conversion of CR<->LF
- The serial device and unit can be selected by the user

*NEW* for v1.2:
- The serial device can be freed and allocated from within the program

See the history below for the full list of changes in this version.

Requirements
------------
  Any Amiga with KS2 or higher, and asl.library v38+. A Z88 would be nice
as well :-)
  Oh, and you'll need a suitably-wired RS232 cable.

  Only tested on the following setups so far...

  A1200, 68030/882@50MHz, 34MB, KS3.1, standard serial port (serial.device)
  A1200, 68020/882@28MHz,  6MB, KS3.0, ditto

Known problems
--------------
- A problem has been reported when using PDPro, a disk stacker-like utility
  (thanks to Dominic Morris for pointing this out). I haven't tested this
  myself, since I normally don't touch those programs with a barge pole :-)
- Transmitting to the Z88 at a higher baud rate than 9600 may result in 
  a "Poor data received" error. This is probably a Z88 problem and I doubt
  if it can be fixed.

To do
-----
  This is an early release of AtoZ, and is currently fairly basic. Planned
improvements are:

- Add progress indicators
- Allow changing of baud rates from within the program
- Allow directory trees to remain intact
- ARexx support
- Wildcard support
- Improve multiple file selection, probably via Reqtools.library
- Support for the PCLink II protocol
- Implement a new protocol to allow remote browsing of directories at 
  both ends
- Pipedream conversion
- Localisation?

Credits
-------
Thanks to...

- Dominic Morris for his feedback, bug reports and suggestions.
- All the people behind the excellent EasyGUI system for Amiga E.
- Clive Sinclair and Cambridge Computers for such a brilliant portable
computer!


History
-------
1.0  (23/05/98) - First release.

1.1  (27/06/98) - Improved device handling, thus allowing support for
                  third-party serial devices and (hopefully) increasing the
                  transfer speed.
                - Data transfers can now be aborted.
                - Numerous internal changes.
                - Patronising AmigaGuide® documentation now included :-)
                - Not released due to an Aminet bodge :-(

1.2  (22/07/98) - Added the ability to free/allocate the serial device
                  from within the program.
                - Switched to reqtools.library for better multiple file
                  selection.
                - Added CLI control.
                - Added the ability to save the event history as a plain
                  text file.
                - Fixed a silly bug from v1.1 where AtoZ wasn't recognising
                  "end of batch" signals from the Z88.
                - Added hidden stress-relieving feature (see if you can find
                  it!)

1.21 (24/07/98) - Fixed small but immensely annoying bug where the
                  prefs file wasn't being loaded.