                   Brief Documentation for Modem Assist
                               (c) Copyright
               New England Research & Design Software, 1993
                            All Rights Reserved


1. Install according to the installation instructions in INSTALL.TXT.


2. With MA.EXE on the path or in the default directory and COMMAND.DAT
   either in the default directory, or in an APPEND list; enter:

     MA

   you will get the Help Display.


3. Determine which COM port has your modem.  MSD (Microsoft Diagnostic) or
   a TESTCOM from any old BBS should be helpful.


4. Let us say that your COM port is 3, for example.  Enter:

     MA 3

   When you re-arrive at a DOS prompt you will have a complete description
   of the modem's commands and features in COMMAND.LST.

   If you are using a non-standard port assignemnt, set the environment
   COMA (COM Assignment) to addr, IRQ, as in:

        SET COMA=3f8,3


5. There are two other possible parameters, DEBUG and Time_delay.  The
   official syntax is:

    MA com [DEBUG] [time_delay]

   DEBUG copies commands and responses to the file COMMAND.LST.  This
         becomes a lot of output.

   time_delay may be any integer number from 1 to 99.  MA will then delay
         this many "tics" (roughly a twentieth of a second) before
         submitting the next command to the modem.

         This is useful as some older or cheaper modems need some time to
         clear their throats before they get the next command.

         time_delay defaults to 3.


       In Case of Trouble:

1. Check that your modem port is correct.  See step 3.

2. Increase time_delay.

If these do not work, call NER&DS at (603) 256-8050 or drop a message on
our FactsBack/SAFE box at (603) 256-8055 (8N1, up to 14.4Kb, V.42 or MNP).


Other programs AT, A2P, P2A, ... are run similarly.
