Using MacKermit

General Information

This document explains how to connect to campus computing and information services using a Macintosh microcomputer and MacKermit software. It also explains how to transfer files between your microcomputer and ITS's Unix mainframes.

Set Return-to-menu Character

People using IBM services should pay particular attention to item 17, Set return-to-menu character. This option lets you specify a key sequence that allows you to return to the network menu. If you don't set this character, to return to the network menu you will need to quit your microcomputer communications software and dial into the network again. Also, you need to set the "return to menu" character each time you connect. Instructions for setting the return-to-menu character are given below in step 4 of How to Connect.

Setting up MacKermit

You need to set MacKermit to the following parameters to connect to the campus network. (Note: MacKermit emulates only a VT100 terminal.)

Follow these steps to set parameters in MacKermit:

1. Set the baud rate and parity.
Pull down the Settings menu, and select Communications. Now select the baud rate compatible with your modem; (if you're hard-wired to the campus network, click on 9600 baud). Set parity to none and 8 data bits. Click OK.
2. Set the duplex (or local echo).
Pull down the Settings menu, and select Terminal. Set local echo off. Local Echo is off if the box to the left of Local Echo does not have an X in it. If it does have the X, click in the box to remove the X. Click OK after you've set the local echo.

How to Connect

Follow these steps to dial up the campus network. If you are hardwired to the network, begin with step 3.

  1. Once you've started MacKermit, type AT (use uppercase characters) and press <RETURN> to establish the connection with your modem (to get its attention). It should respond with OK. (If you don't get the OK response, double-check that the modem is on and then consult your modem manual.)
  2. To dial the network, type ATDT (if you are using a push-button or tone phone) or ATDP (if you are using a rotary or "pulse" phone) followed by the number 2393415. You must use uppercase letters when you type ATDT or ATDP. Press <RETURN> after you type the number. You will probably hear a dial tone, the number being dialed, and then the phone ringing. Once the network has answered, you should get a connect message. If you get a busy message, try connecting later.
  3. Press <RETURN> after you get the CONNECT message. You may need to press it a couple times until the campus network menu comes to your screen.

A Few Hints

You can use the copy and paste functions of MacKermit and your word processing package while you're connected to some of the computer services. For example, you can copy the text of an e-mail message and paste it to a word processing file: use the cursor to select the text, go to the edit menu and click on copy, then click on your word processing file and paste the text. You can also copy from your word processing file to a mail message, but you may first need to adjust the font and size of the characters. You also need to change any special characters the word processing file may have (for example, "real" quotation marks). You may also have problems if you try pasting too much into the mainframe file at one time; it's best to do the copying and pasting in sections.

File Transfer: General Information

To transfer files between your Macintosh and a Unix mainframe, you will use the Kermit transfer protocol, which is supported on fog. Note: The Kermit protocol is not the same as the MacKermit or MS-Kermit communications packages. Kermit transfers your text or binary file in "packets" containing various kinds of information; Kermit will resend the file until it has transferred cleanly or the transfer fails.

Uploading and Downloading

For the purposes of file transfers with the ITS computer systems, upload means to transfer a file from your microcomputer to the mainframe; download means to transfer a file from the mainframe to your microcomputer. It is easy to get confused about which computer you need to give which command since there are two separate computers involved in a file transfer. Before you issue a send or receive command, think about to which computer you're giving the command and if you want it to send or receive the file.

Formatting

If you are uploading a microcomputer file to fog, be sure to remove all formatting (such as bold or italicized texts, headers, footers) and save the file as "text only" or in ASCII format.

Starting Kermit for File Transfer

You always begin a file transfer from the mainframe. At the system prompt, type kermit. The mainframe will respond with a prompt similar to the following one: 

   C-Kermit, 4D(060) 18 Apr 86, 4.2 BSD
   Type ? for help
   C-Kermit>

Once you have the Kermit prompt you can begin the file transfer.

Binary Files

If you are transferring (i.e., either uploading or downloading) a binary file, you must set the file type under both MacKermit and Kermit. If you are not sending a binary file, go to the section below.

Transferring Your Files

  1. At the mainframe Kermit prompt, type receive newfilename where newfilename is the name under which you want to save the Mac file you are transferring to the mainframe (be sure to follow Unix naming conventions--no spaces!) and press <RETURN>. The mainframe will not respond with a prompt. Go to the next step.
  2. Pull down the File Transfer menu and select Send File. A dialog box will appear prompting you to select the file you want to upload. If the file you want to upload is not in the same folder or drive as your MacKermit application, you will need to change to a different folder or drive . The dialog box has buttons for selecting alternate folders and drives.
  3. Once you have selected the file to be uploaded, a new window will appear showing you how the transfer is progressing. When the transfer is complete, the box disappears and you return to the mainframe system. Press <RETURN>to get the mainframe Kermit prompt. You can now upload or download another file, or quit Kermit.
  4. To quit Kermit, type quit at the mainframe Kermit prompt and press <RETURN>. The uploaded file will be located in your current working directory.

Steps for downloading

  1. At the mainframe Kermit prompt, type send filename where filename is the mainframe file you want to transfer to your Mac. The mainframe won't respond with a prompt. Go to the next step.
  2. Pull down the File Transfer menu and select Receive File.
  3. A new window will appear showing you how the transfer is progressing. When the transfer is complete, the box disappears and you return to the mainframe system. Press <RETURN>to get the Kermit prompt. You can now upload or download another file, or quit Kermit.
  4. To quit the mainframe Kermit, type quit at the mainframe Kermit prompt and press <RETURN>.
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