                             Trade Wars Helper 
                                Release 6.0 

                            Copyright 1992,1993 
                             Just FUN Software 
                            All Rights Reserved 


  Trade Wars Helper is a terminal program used ONLINE with the BBS door
  game "Trade Wars 2002" v1.03 published by Mertech 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! 



  INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 

  Make a directory, \twhelp, on your hard disk using the DOS mkdir
  command.  Unzip the ZIP file to the \twhelp directory. 

  Erase the TWHELP.CFG file if it is present.  The program will create a
  new configuration file for use with data related to your installation. 

  Create a batch file (TWH.BAT) in the directory of your communications
  program like below.  It changes to the \twhelp directory, executes the
  twhelp program, then changes back to your communication program's
  directory. 

  cd \twhelp 
  twhelp 
  cd \(comm-prog-dir) 



  RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS 

  Run your communications program, login to a BBS and start the Trade Wars
  door.  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. 

  The program will begin with some configuration questions and then ask
  for the file name(s) to use.  There is one database file for each BBS
  game you play.  Once the configuration portion is completed, you begin
  with the main program.  The configuration portion is not repeated on
  subsequent runs although you are given a means to change the options.

  Command and instructions are displayed online by the program from this
  point on and will not be repeated here except to say you can display
  them by entering /?, print them by entering /> or output them to the
  text file TWHELP.DOC by entering /<.  All TWH command begin with the /
  character.  COMMANDS ARE CASE SENSITIVE, that is, /b is different from
  /B.  Also be sure to read the text highlighted in white. 

  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 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. 

  You can run the program directly without being connected to a BBS and
  the Trade Wars door.  This might be useful the first time to enter the
  configuration options and read or print the online commands and
  instructions. 

  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 1 when not online.  Also do not use the /e,
  /k, /t and most of the advanced commands when not online since they
  issue commands to Trade Wars itself.

  For commands like /e, /k, /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 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 300K to operate and some
  communication programs require around 300K which put you up against the
  DOS 640K barrier.  The following discuses some of the thing you can do
  to resolve this 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 you 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
  a command that accesses the CIM.  A message will be displayed informing
  you to increase the size of the communications buffer. 

  Another alternative is to not shell to DOS but, instead, after opening
  the TW door, quit your comm program and then start TWHELP (assumes you
  can quit your comm program without dropping carrier).  Of course after
  quitting TW you will need to restart your comm program.  Some comm
  programs seem to reset the ports baud rate when you quit them.  You will
  recognize this when, after starting TWH, it is unable to communicate
  with the BBS. In this case you will first have to change the
  configuration option to enter the baud rate for each BBS. After changing
  the option, reenter the bbs data filenames and then enter their baud
  rates.

  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. 

  And lastly you can contact me and I will consider creating a smaller
  version, without the graphical mapping feature that may solve the
  problem. 


  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 may wish to eliminate the EXAMPLE.TWH file afterward.  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 may wish to review the Configuration Options as new
  options may have been added. 

  Once you have run the new version you can not go back to an older
  version.  This is because the configuration and bbs data files will
  frequently contain additional information that the older version will
  not be aware of. 



  SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTED PRODUCT 

  Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
  buying it.  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 $12.00 US 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.

  You must use the REGISTER.TXT file when registering to avoid delays due
  to lack of appropriate information.  This file may be printed using the
  DOS print command.  For example: 

                 print \twhelp\register.txt 



  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. 



  COPYRIGHT 

  Copyright laws apply to both shareware and commercial software, and the
  copyright holder retains all rights, with the following exception.  The
  program, 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. 



  FILES 

  This product is made up of the following files: 

  README.TXT - This file contains the text information you are now
  reading. 

  README2.TXT - This file contains additional information.  Please read. 

  REGISTER.TXT - This file contains a printable registration form.  Please
  use this form when registering. 

  ANNOUNCE.TXT - An announcement of this release suitable for posting to a
  BBS or network.  Feel free to do so. 

  FILE_ID.DIZ - A description of this product for PCBoard systems. 

  TWHELP.EXE - The main program file. 

  TWHSETUP.EXE - The setup program file. 

  EXAMPLE.TWH - This file contains an example database that can be used to
  experiment with the program.

  This product may be distributed only when all the above files are
  included in the distribution. 



  RELEASE ACTIVITY 

  Release 1.0: September 7, 1992 - Initial release. 

  Release 1.1: September 11, 1992 - Made the COM 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. 


  Please continue by reading the README2.TXT file. 
