Copyright: © 1994 Barr Systems, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
Citation: © 1994 Barr Systems, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.


Contents

The following Help Topics are available:

Welcome

Features

The Channel Attach Box

Install BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server

Set Up the Device Driver

    - Adapter Setup

    - Subchannel Address

    - Transfer Mode

Run Diagnostics

Call for Help -- Barr Technical Support

Version and Trademark Information

For Help on Help, Press F1


Welcome

... to BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server. This high-performance product provides direct, fail-safe connection of the Microsoft SNA Server to a mainframe channel. Your BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server package includes a PC adapter, adapter drivers, and a Channel Attach Box.

For additional product information, refer to these topics:

Features

Installation Overview

For Help on Help, Press F1


Features

BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server provides you with:

•	Direct connection to the mainframe channel

•	Fail-safe channel attachment

•	Front-End processor functionality in a PC

•	Fast access to the mainframe

•	Diagnostics

Direct Connection to the Mainframe Channel

BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server provides your Microsoft SNA Server with a fast, direct link to the mainframe. It may even eliminate the need for front-end processors (FEPs), depending on your mix of traffic.

The PC with SNA Server can be placed in a location convenient to the operator. It connects to the mainframe via the CHANNEL adapter and the fail-safe Channel Attach Box. The adapter is connected to the Channel Attach Box via a thin, flexible adapter cable. From there, Bus and Tag cables connect the box to the mainframe and to any other downstream channel-attached devices.

Fail-Safe Channel Attachment

Personal computers and mainframes are of two different worlds. Mainframes require 24-hour availability and strict access control, while PCs often are rebooted or shut down without a second thought. How do you isolate the mainframe from the unpredictable PC environment?  The Barr Channel Attach Box fully protects the mainframe from unexpected PC events, such as loss of power, loss of connection, and adapter failure.

The Channel Attach Box electronically isolates the channel signals from the PC. In the case of a PC outage, it disables the PC connection. LED indicators on the box show the status of the connection. Status signals tell you when the host connection is operational, when the Barr software is enabled, and when communication is taking place.

Front-End Processor Functionality in a PC

The BARR/CHANNEL attachment, in combination with SNA Server, can provide the same functionality as a front-end processor at a greatly reduced cost. While BARR/CHANNEL connects the PC to the mainframe channel, SNA Server provides Downstream Physical Unit (DSPU) support. DSPU support allows PU Type 2 devices to connect to the server via SDLC and Token Ring 802.2 links. Downstream devices that share the channel with BARR/CHANNEL — and the mainframe itself — are protected from unpredictable PC events by the Barr Channel Attach Box. Altogether, you have the functionality of an FEP at PC prices.

Fast Access to the Mainframe

The BARR/CHANNEL interface supports data transfer rates up to 1.25 Megabytes-per-second. That is more than enough data to fully saturate two 16 Megabit-per-second Token Ring LANs (based on 400-500 Kilobytes-per-second performance on a 16 Mbps LAN). For any type of PC-to-mainframe access, BARR/CHANNEL provides a faster, more direct link that can dramatically improve your throughput and response times.

Diagnostics

Designed for ease of use, BARR/CHANNEL diagnostics check each step of the installation process and then, if you should have any problems, capture the information needed for Barr Technical Support to diagnose the problem.

•	To test PC installation, before attaching the PC to the Channel Attach Box, use the Self Test utility to verify that the adapter is properly installed in the PC.

•	To test Channel Attach Box installation, before connecting to the mainframe, use the Self Test to verify that the Channel Attach Box is working and its connection to the PC is in place.

•	After installation, if you encounter difficulties, use the Barr Trace Facility to make a record of the problem for Barr Technical Support to examine.

For additional information about BARR/CHANNEL diagnostics, refer to Adapter Diagnostics.


The Channel Attach Box

The Barr Channel Attach Box electronically isolates the PC from the mainframe channel and from any other devices on the channel. This isolation protects the mainframe and other channel devices from unpredictable PC events, such as loss of power and loss of connection.

Fail-Safe Connection

The Channel Attach Box has two states of operation: when the Barr software is running and when the Barr software is not running.

When the Barr software is running, the adapter asserts a signal that tells the Channel Attach Box that the software is running. The Channel Attach Box connects the PC to the channel while constantly monitoring the signal from the adapter. If it loses the signal from the adapter, the Channel Attach Box disables the PC connection.

When the Barr software is not running, the Channel Attach Box disables the PC connection while passing channel-in signals directly through to channel-out. Even if the Channel Attach Box has no power, it continues to pass channel signals.

Enable and Disable Switch

A switch labeled ENABLE  DISABLE gives you manual control over PC access to the channel. When the switch is set to DISABLE, the PC is disconnected from the channel. When the switch is set to ENABLE, the PC can connect to the channel.

It usually is not necessary to use the ENABLE  DISABLE switch because the Channel Attach Box maintains the integrity of the channel. However, you may want to manually DISABLE the PC connection to the channel as a precaution during PC maintenance or extended offline operations.

LED Status Display

LED indicators tell you the status of the host connection. There are four lights on the Channel Attach Box:

•	SELECTED - The PC has been selected by the channel and is actively communicating with the host. This indicator often flashes on and off while the channel selection moves among the devices on the channel.

•	ENABLED - The PC connection to the channel is enabled.

•	CHANNEL - The channel has been varied on at the host.

•	POWER - The Channel Attach Box has power.

More than one indicator may be lit at a time. For example, if the PC is actively communicating with the host, then all four LED indicators are on.

Priority Switch

A switch on the side of the Channel Attach Box enables you to set the priority on the mainframe channel for the BARR/CHANNEL device.

•	When the Priority switch is set to HIGH, the BARR/CHANNEL device responds to the Select Out signal.

•	When the Priority switch is set to LOW, the BARR/CHANNEL device responds to the Select In signal.

Typically HIGH priority is used; however, your system requirements determine whether you should set the priority to HIGH or LOW.

Priority of Channel Devices: The priority of channel devices is determined by both the Priority switch and the physical placement of each device on the channel. Devices set to HIGH priority are serviced first. When two or more devices are set to the same priority, physical placement on the channel determines which of the devices is serviced first.

The Priority switch determines whether the device will respond to the Select Out or the Select In signal. The mainframe raises Select Out when a channel device signals that it wants to begin communications. The mainframe signal is passed from channel device to channel device along the Select Out line, then returns from channel device to channel device along the Select In line.

A channel device that wants to begin communications with the mainframe will not pass the Select signal to the next channel device until it has completed communications with the mainframe. Thus, the channel device that is positioned first on the channel and is set to HIGH priority receives the Select signal and responds to it first, taking priority over the other devices on the channel.

For example, if all channel devices are set to HIGH priority, they receive the Select Out signal according to their proximity to the mainframe. The device closest to the mainframe receives the signal first, and thus has the highest priority.

If the last device on the channel is set to HIGH priority, while all other devices are set to LOW priority, the last device has the highest priority. The last device receives the Select Out signal. The remaining devices receive the Select In signal, in reverse order of their proximity to the mainframe. The device closest to the mainframe receives the Select signal last, and thus has the lowest priority.


Installation Instructions

There are two sources of information for installing BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server:

•	To install the Barr hardware and load the Barr software, refer to the BARR/CHANNEL manual that arrived in the adapter box.

•	To configure the Barr software, refer to this online help.

Please feel free to contact Barr Technical Support if you have any questions or problems. We will be happy to assist you.


Configure the Barr Software

Barr software provides the link between the CHANNEL adapter and the SNA Server. To accomplish this link, you need to configure the Device Driver to:

•	Use the CHANNEL adapter with the proper settings for your installation.

•	Define the way the Barr software will communicate with the mainframe.

This information is entered on the Barr Channel Device Driver Setup screen.


Barr Channel Setup Screen

This screen is the main menu of the Barr software. The options on this screen enable you to:

•	Configure the software by selecting Device Driver.

•	Run diagnostics by selecting Self Test or Trace.

•	Access the online help by selecting Help.

•	Exit the Barr software when you are done by selecting Exit.


Barr Channel Setup Screen

Welcome

... to BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server. This high-performance product provides direct, fail-safe connection of the Microsoft SNA Server to a mainframe channel. Your BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server package includes a PC adapter, adapter drivers, and a Channel Attach Box.

For additional product information, refer to these topics:

Features

Installation Overview

Setup Screen

This screen is the main menu of the Barr software. The options on this screen enable you to:

•	Configure the Barr software by selecting Device Driver.

•	Run diagnostics by selecting Self Test or Trace.

•	Access the online help by selecting Help.

•	Exit the Barr software when you are done by selecting Exit.

For Help on Help, Press F1


Barr Channel Device Driver Setup Screen

From this screen, you enter adapter settings and communications parameters.

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


 Adapter Setup

Use these fields to tell the Barr software which PC resources the CHANNEL adapter uses:

Base Address

IRQ Level

DMA Level


Base Address

PC Address for the CHANNEL adapter. The address you set on this screen must match the Device Address setting on the adapter card. The default setting, both on the adapter and in the software, is 280. Other possible addresses are 290, 2A0, and 2B0.

Note:  Change the default setting ONLY if you verify an address conflict.


IRQ Level

Hardware line over which the processor and the adapter communicate. The Interrupt Request (IRQ) carries signals to get the attention of the processor when the adapter is ready to receive or send information.

The default IRQ Level is 10. If you detect a conflict with another device, you can change the IRQ Level to 11, 12, or 15.

Note:  Change the default setting ONLY if you verify an IRQ conflict.


DMA Level

Channel over which the adapter directly accesses memory. The default setting is DMA Level 5. If you detect a conflict with another device, you can change the DMA Level to 0, 6, or 7.

Note:  Change the default setting ONLY if you verify a DMA conflict.

DMA Priority: If another adapter prevents the CHANNEL adapter from using DMA, you may see receive overruns and send underruns when operating at high speeds. The CHANNEL adapter should be installed with the lowest DMA Level (highest priority) of all the adapters in the PC. This prevents other adapters that inadequately share DMA from affecting performance.


Channel Attachment Setup

Use the Subchannel Address and Channel Transfer Mode settings to define how Barr software communicates with the mainframe.

Each channel device is identified to the mainframe by its unique subchannel address. The mainframe directs communications to devices using this address. In the Barr software, you define the address of the first PU in the First Device Address field. Then, you specify the number of PUs in the Number of Physical Units field. If you are using more than one PU, the Barr software assigns addresses in a contiguous block for the remaining PUs. For example, if you specify the Number of Physical Units as 5 and the First Device Address as 20, the Barr software responds to the Addresses 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

The Transfer Mode specifies the method for transferring data on the channel.

For more information about these fields, refer to these topics:

First Device Address

Number of Physical Units

Transfer Mode


First Device Address

First subchannel address to which the Barr software responds. Valid values are hexadecimal addresses ranging from 0 to FF. The default is 20.

Note:  The value you specify in this field must match the channel device address in the host configuration. Refer to the BARR/CHANNEL manual for more information about configuring the host.

Note:  When using multiple physical units, the Barr software uses the First Device Address together with the Number of Physical Units to determine the block of addresses to which it will respond.


Number of Physical Units

Number of active physical units (PUs) or link stations. The default is 1. Valid values are from 1 to 255.

When using multiple physical units, the Barr software uses the First Device Address together with the Number of Physical Units to determine the block of addresses to which it will respond. The Barr software allots a contiguous block of addresses beginning at the First Device Address. For example, if you specified the Number of Active Link Stations as 5 and the First Device Address as 20, the Barr software responds to the Addresses 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.


Transfer Mode

Technique for transferring data on the channel. Two techniques are currently available:

•	High Speed Transfer (HST) - Default. Two signals are used to communicate with the host during the transfer of data. HST is also commonly known as Double Tag or Four Tag.

•	DC Interlock (DCI) - Direct-coupled interlock. One signal is used to communicate with the host during the transfer of data. This method is not recommended because it is the slower method. DCI is also commonly known as Single Tag or Two Tag.

Data-streaming is not yet supported.


Controls

The controls enable you to

•	Access online Help

•	Cancel any changes made

•	Continue and save changes

When you select Continue, your changes are saved.


Diagnostics

BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server includes two diagnostic tools, the Self Test and the Barr Trace Facility.

•	The Self Test verifies that the CHANNEL adapter and the Channel Attach Box are correctly installed and functioning properly.

•	The Barr Trace Facility implements the SNA Server Trace Facility to record detailed information about the software events surrounding an error condition. The Barr Trace Facility automatically gathers and compresses the information from the trace into a single file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support.


BARR/CHANNEL Self Test

The Self Test verifies that the adapter and Channel Attach Box are correctly installed and functioning properly. This test requires the adapter test plug  and the Channel Attach Box test plugs.

The Self Test is run in two phases:

•	 Phase 1 tests the adapter.

•	 Phase 2 tests the Channel Attach Box.

Always test the adapter first so that if the problem is in the adapter, you can avoid disconnecting the Channel Attach Box from the channel.


Adapter Cable and Test Plug

The adapter test plug arrives strapped to the cable that connects the adapter and the Channel Attach Box. The test plug is embossed TEST.


Channel Attach Box Test Plugs

The Channel Attach Box terminator plugs and test plugs arrive in the Diagnostic Tools bag. The bag also contains instructions for installing the plugs on the Channel Attach Box.


Phase 1 -- Adapter Installation and Settings

Phase 1 of the Self Test locates the adapter then sends a data string of 256 characters in a rotating pattern. The adapter test plug returns the data through the receive-side of the adapter. Then the Self Test verifies that the returned data matches the sent data. Perform these steps to run Phase 1:

Step 1	Connect the adapter cable to the adapter. Then attach the test plug to the other end of the cable.

Step 2	From the BARR/CHANNEL Self Test screen, Start the Self Test.

For possible resolutions of a Phase 1 error, refer to Adapter Installation and Settings Error.


Phase 2 -- Channel Attach Box Installation and Connections

In this phase, the Self Test verifies the connections from the adapter to the Channel Attach Box, through the Bus and Tag lines. It accomplishes this by sending a data string of 256 characters in a rotating pattern. Data received through Bus In is routed back through Bus Out by the Bus test plug, and  data received through Tag In is routed back through Tag Out by the Tag test plug. Then the Self Test verifies that the returned data matches the sent data.

Step 1	If the Channel Attach Box is online with the mainframe, remove it from service by deactivating the mainframe channel. Typically, you need to turn off a channel switch or vary offline each channel device. However, these procedures vary from data center to data center. Follow the procedures in place at the data center where the mainframe resides.

Note: Phase 2 proceeds only if the Self Test determines that the Channel Attach Box is isolated from the channel.

Step 2	Physically disconnect the Bus and Tag cables from the Channel Attach Box. Then attach the terminator plugs and test plugs as follows:

•	Insert the Bus Terminator and Tag Terminator plugs into the OUT BUS and OUT TAG plug receptacles.

•	Insert the Bus Loopback and Tag Loopback plugs into the IN BUS and IN TAG plug receptacles.

Step 3	Verify that the adapter is connected to the Channel Attach Box. If you previously connected the adapter test plug to the adapter cable, you need to remove the adapter test plug and re-attach the cable to the Channel Attach Box.

Step 4	From the BARR/CHANNEL Self Test screen, Start the Self Test.

If you encounter an error during this phase, contact Barr Technical Support.


BARR/CHANNEL Self Test Screen

For more information about diagnostic tools, refer to these topics:

Diagnostics

Self Test Overview

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Result Indicator

Indicates the results of the Self Test.

•	Off indicates that the diagnostic has not run.

•	Passed indicates that the diagnostic completed with no errors.

•	Failed indicates that the diagnostic completed with errors.


Self Test Controls

The controls enable you to

•	Start the Self Test

•	Access online Help

•	Exit the Self Test screen when Done

To begin the BARR/CHANNEL Self Test, select Start.


Diagnostic Messages

Indicate the status of the Self Test and provide a description of any errors that occur.


Adapter Information

Provides the serial number and firmware version of your CHANNEL adapter. The software reads the serial number and firmware version from the CHANNEL card.

The version number of the diagnostic software also displays.


Adapter Installation and Settings Error

A Self Test failure during Phase 1 most likely indicates a problem with the installation of the CHANNEL adapter. The error message displayed by the Self Test may lead you directly to the problem. You also can check the following:

•	Is the adapter installed correctly?  Make sure the adapter is firmly in the slot.

•	Is the adapter making a clean connection?  Try cleaning the adapter’s gold-plated fingers with a pencil eraser.

•	Is there an interrupt request conflict with another adapter?  If so, follow the instructions in the BARR/CHANNEL manual to reset the IRQ.

•	Is the device address specified in the software the same as the jumper settings on the adapter?  If not, follow the instructions in the BARR/CHANNEL manual to change the Device Address.

You also may want to view the System Event log. It contains information about the software events surrounding adapter and driver installation. Use the NT Event Viewer to view the Event log. Refer to the Event Viewer chapter of your Windows NT Workstation System Guide for more information.


Barr Trace Facility

The Barr Trace Facility implements the SNA Server Trace Facility to record detailed information about the software events surrounding an error condition. The Barr Trace Facility automatically gathers and compresses the information from the trace into a single file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support.

The Barr Trace Facility is started and stopped from the Barr Trace Facility screen. While the trace runs, you can Continue from the Barr Trace Facility screen and recreate the error condition or the activities for which you want to gather information. The Barr Trace Facility uses the SNA Server Trace Facility to gather information about the following:

•	Activity between SNA Base and the link service

•	Activity within the Data Link Layer (DLC)

•	Internal messages between SNA layers

To the SNA Server Trace Facility information, the Barr Trace Facility adds the following:

•	Registry information

•	Event logs

Then it compresses the data into one file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support. For instructions to send the file to Barr Systems, refer to How to Get this Trace to Barr Systems.

Steps for Running the Trace

To record a trace, follow these steps:

Step 1	From the Barr Trace Facility screen, select Start.

Step 2	Exit the Barr Trace Facility screen by selecting Continue.

Step 3	Recreate the problem or software event.

Step 4	Return to the Barr Trace Facility screen. Select Stop.

Step 5	Send the trace file to Barr Systems. Refer to How to Get this Trace to Barr Systems for instructions.


Barr Trace Facility Screen

For an overview of the Barr Trace Facility, refer to Barr Trace Facility.

Click on any part of the screen for more information.


Trace Control

These buttons enable you to Start the trace, to Stop the trace, and to select the link service to be traced.

The Trace Status indicates whether the trace is Active or Off.

After you start the trace, you need to select Continue from this screen and recreate the problem or event for which you want to gather information. Then return to this screen and Stop the trace.


Link Service

Select which link service to trace. You can select from the Barr link services that you have installed.


Reporting

When you stop the trace, the Barr Trace Facility compresses the gathered data into one file for you to provide to Barr Technical Support. These fields display information about the stored trace data:

•	Trace File - Name of the file containing the trace information.

•	Last Update - Date when the trace file was last updated.


Continue Button

Click on Continue to exit the Barr Trace Facility screen. If you selected Start, tracing proceeds until you return to this screen and press Stop.


Help Button

Click on Help to access BARR/CHANNEL Help.


How to Get this Trace to Barr Systems

The Trace File indicated on the Barr Trace Facility screen is the file you need to send to Barr Systems. You can send it using any of the following methods:

•	Upload the file to the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS)

•	Attach the file to an E-mail message sent via CompuServe

•	Copy the file to a software disk and send it in a package to Barr Systems


Using the Barr BBS

You can use the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS) to:

•	Provide a trace file to Barr Technical Support

•	Obtain information about Barr products

•	Request Technical Support

Steps for Uploading a File

The following steps outline how to upload a trace file to the Barr BBS. For more information about using the Barr BBS, consult the Barr Systems BBS User Guide included in your BARR/CHANNEL for SNA Server package.

Step 1	Verify that you have the required equipment.

Step 2	Check your communications software settings.

Step 3	Dial the BBS and log on.

Step 4	Upload your trace file.

Step 5	Log off the BBS.

Note:  For BBS screen navigation tips, refer to Barr BBS Navigation Tips.

BBS Help Line: If you have trouble connecting, logging in, or uploading or downloading files, phone Barr Systems and ask for BBS help.


Barr BBS Equipment Requirements

To dial into the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS), you need a PC with the following hardware and software:

•	An asynchronous modem capable of a speed from 1200 to 14,400 bps. (For speeds greater than 2400 bps, your modem must support the CCITT modem standard.)

•	Communications software such as ProComm, Qmodem, Micro Link, or the Terminal program in Microsoft Windows.


Communications Software Settings

The BBS is equipped with a V.32 modem capable of speeds from 1200 to 14,400 bps. (For speeds greater than 2400 bps, your modem must support the CCITT modem standard.)  Set up your communications software as follows to use the Barr BBS:

Your communications software must be set to:

•	Dial 904-491-3148

•	Use Data bits = 8, Stop bits = 1, and Parity = None

You may need to adjust other settings to get your communications software to recognize your modem.

File Transfer Protocol

Because you will be performing a file transfer, you should determine which file transfer protocols your communications software supports before dialing the BBS. When you transfer a file between your PC and the BBS, the same file transfer protocol must be selected both in your communications software and on the BBS. Protocols supported on the Barr BBS include:

•	Xmodem/CSUM

•	Xmodem/CRC

•	Xmodem/1k

•	Ymodem

•	Zmodem

•	Kermit

•	ASCII

Zmodem is a good choice because it results in the fastest file transfer.


Log on to the Barr BBS

Each time you connect to the Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS), it prompts you to enter your user name and password. Your user name consists of your first and last names. Refer to the appropriate instructions:

Instructions for First BBS Logon

Instructions for Subsequent Logons

BBS Help Line: If you need assistance with the BBS, phone Barr Systems and ask for BBS help.


Instructions for First BBS Logon

The first time you logon, the BBS creates your user account and displays information of interest to first-time users.

Step 1	Enter your first and last names at the prompts:

What is your FIRST NAME?

What is your LAST NAME?

Step 2	Confirm the spelling of your name. The Barr BBS recognizes that you are a new user and asks you to confirm your name:

Is your name spelled correctly?

Select Y for Yes, or select N for No and re-enter your name.

Step 3 	Select a password for your user account. The BBS displays the following prompt:

Please select a password?

Note the password you choose -- it is required for all subsequent logons.

Step 4 	The BBS displays the New User Questionnaire. It asks a few questions about you and your BBS account, such as your company name, phone number, and default file transfer protocol. When you finish the questionnaire, press Enter.

When these steps are complete, the BBS creates your account, logs you on, and displays several information screens. Then the BBS Main Menu displays.

BBS Help Line: If you need assistance with the BBS, phone Barr Systems and ask for BBS help.


Instructions for Subsequent Logons

On any logon after the first logon, you can enter your full name at the first name prompt. If you misspell your name, the BBS prompts you to re-enter it. If you forget your password, call the BBS Help Line. The BBS administrator will assign you a new password.

If you need to change your BBS settings, select Y for [Y]our Settings from the Main Menu. You can change your password, phone number, default file transfer protocol, screen display, and message editor.

BBS Help Line: If you need assistance with the BBS, phone Barr Systems and ask for BBS help.


Barr BBS Navigation Tips

The BBS menus and screens are designed for simplicity. To make a selection, simply type the displayed character and press Enter.

At the bottom of the information screens, a prompt displays three choices:

- Pause -  [C]ontinue display,  [N]onStop display,  [S]kip display:

•	Select C to continue to the next screen.

•	Select N to quickly scroll through the information, which may span more than one screen, and advance to the next topic.

•	Select S to skip the information, which may span more than one screen, and advance to the next topic.

Note:  Instead of pressing Enter after each command, you can enable the BBS Hot keys function from the Main Menu option [Y]our Settings.


Upload your Trace File

The trace file named on the Barr Trace Facility screen is the file you need to upload. It is a compressed file which will transfer faster, saving your time and reducing long distance telephone charges.

Files uploaded to the BBS must be attached to a message. The message must be addressed to a specific BBS user account. If you have been working with a Barr Technical Support analyst and know how to spell their name, address the file to them. If not, address the file to SNASERVER. This is the BBS account set up specifically for receiving trace files. The addressee name must be spelled correctly.

Take the following steps to transfer a file from your PC to the Barr BBS:

1.	From the Main Menu, select M to display the Message Menu.

2.	Select E to enter a new message.

3.	Enter the <user name> of the message recipient. When in doubt, address the message to SNASERVER.

4.	Enter the subject <Trace File>.

5.	Select N at the Return receipt? prompt.

6.	Select Y to use the full screen editor or N for the line editor.

7.	Enter brief <message text> describing the activity captured by the trace.

8.	Press Escape when you are done entering message text.

9.	Select T to attach a file to the message.

10.	Select Y to confirm that you want to attach a file.

11.	Enter the <file name>. This is the name the file will have on the BBS. Use a unique name, such as your first or last name, or the name of your organization.

12.	Select a file transfer <protocol>. The same file transfer protocol must be selected in your PC communications software.

13.	Initiate the <upload> from your communications program.

14.	When the upload completes, select S to save the message and the attached file on the BBS.

Note:  Your message and file will be lost unless you [S]ave them!

Note:  For BBS screen navigation tips, refer to Barr BBS Navigation Tips.


Log off the Barr BBS

When you are finished with your Barr Bulletin Board System (BBS) session, from any BBS menu:

Step 1	Select G for [G]oodbye & Logoff.

Step 2	Select Y to confirm that you want to log off.


Contacting Barr Systems via CompuServe

Files and messages can be sent to Barr Systems via CompuServe. For overseas customers, this method is less expensive than using the BBS. To access CompuServe, you need a CompuServe account, an asynchronous modem, and asynchronous communications software. The CompuServe Information Manager (CIM) available from CompuServe is the easiest software tool to use when contacting CompuServe.

•	When logging on directly to CompuServe, the mail address for Barr Systems is >MHS:Mail@BarrSys.

•	If you have an MHS mail system that interfaces with the CompuServe MHS hub, the mail address is Mail@BarrSys.

Be certain to mention that you are requesting Technical Support. If you are sending a trace file, include a brief description of the event recreated in the trace.


Barr Systems

You can contact us at:

Barr Systems, Inc.

4131 NW 28 Lane

Gainesville, FL 32606-6681

Phone:	800-BARR-SYS

904-371-3050

Fax:	904-491-3141

Internet:	Mail@BarrSys.Com

BBS:	904-491-3148

You can reach us by telephone between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.


Version and Trademark Information

This is Version 9405, April 1995 of BARR/CHANNEL Help.

BARR/CHANNEL and Channel Attach Box are trademarks of Barr Systems, Inc.

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows NT and SNA Server are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.