Subject: another way to play by modem.
You can play F1GP (and other games) through a direct connection,
informing the game you are connected "Direct", and having a modem at each
end. You establish the connection through a communication package, or from
the DOS prompt, before entering the game. The link is done from modem to
modem, through a direct telephone cable, with RJ-11 connectors at each end.
Advantages:
-Easier cable than a null modem. You can have it built at a
telephone shop.
-No galvanic isolation to care about.
-You can play with your neighbour, and talk with him at the time
through the phone.
-With external modems, you can observe F1GP exchanging packets.
-Some computer/modem fun, without paying the phone call.
Disadvantages:
-A modem is needed at each end. But if you already have the modems ...
-A more complex connection (probably some debugging/experimenting
needed).
Procedure:
-Have the modems (2400+) connected at each end to COM1-COM4. If you
use COM3-COM4 make sure you use IRQ4-IRQ3: F1GP doesn't recognize other
hardware interrupts there.
-Establish the connection: modems on leased line (we won't dial),
with one modem calling and the other answering. This may be done:
-With a communication program: set the port, set the baud
rate, connect to the modem, inform leased line, make one answer and the other
call. Exit the program maintaining the connection.
-From the DOS prompt. Edit a batch program at each site:
-Calling modem:
mode com1:96,n,8,1
echo at&l1d>com1
-Answering modem:
mode com1:96,n,8,1
echo at&l1a>com1
(Check if this is correct: I write without the DOS manual). Execute the
programs and listen to the modems. Adapt the batch to your requirements and
to your modems. Disable MNP/V42/V42bis (error correction/compression).
-Enter F1GP and make the program believe you have a "Direct"
connection. Of course, inform of the same COM ports and baud rate than
before. Note that you can change the PC initiating the connection, since the
link was done previously. Connect on both sides. F1GP should exchange packets
and establish the connection.
If you try this, post here and inform me through e-mail. It is
difficult to me to accesss rec.autos.simulators, so I'm not sure if I'll
read your post. Inform about the modems at each end, baud rate you used,
commands to your modems, any difficulty, etc.
If someone has suggested this procedure before, sorry: I didn't know.
Madrid, Spain. Fax: +34-1-759 53 85