Active Workstation Training Guide - Kermit Communications

Overview

The Kermit protocol is a popular and robust file transfer protocol authored by Columbia University.  Like previous POS systems such as the Mark IV and PS600, the FUSION Mark 8 POS system uses the Kermit protocol for communications.  Kermit is a file transfer protocol, so any data moved between the POS system and Active Workstation is done by transferring files.  Files which are supported include SDF and CDF daily business data, DBM files for database maintenance and POS control and online reports.

Active Workstation HQ uses Kermit 95 for Windows v1.1.16 (K95) for remote communications with the POS system.  For support purposes, interactive Kermit 95 sessions using the Kermit 95 command line promp can also be used to make the initial connection, log in and control Kermit by issuing a wide variety of Kermit commands.   AWS also takes advantage of K95 scripting, automating tasks such as nightly polling and configuring K95 for communications.

Active Workstation QSR uses Kermit 95 for Windows for its direct connection with the Mark 8 POS system.  K95 is initiated and runs in the background, waking up every second checking for command files which AWS creates as desired.  And AWS HQ and QSR will use Kermit in many instances to move data between the systems, for example for polling purpose.

Kermit 95 for Windows is installed on an Active Workstation in the c:\aws\k95 directory heirarchy.

NOTE:   If Active Workstation QSR is being used, Kermit 95 is started and is always running.  Read more.

Training Objectives

• Become familiar with Kermit 95 for Windows operation
• Learn about AWS Kermit implementation including the Kermit script files used
• Be able to use Kermit to dial a restaurant, login, send and receive files and hangup.

Starting Kermit 95 for Windows

For basic hands on connection with a Mark 8 system, the Kermit 95 command window can be used by running Kermit 95 (k95.exe).  There are several methods to start Kermit and each will be discussed below.  This presumes you have Active Workstation installed:

CD C:\AWS\K95

K95.EXE

The Kermit 95 command line prompt is used to issue commands to Kermit to perform actions such as setting the PORT and BAUD rate, or GETting or SENDing a file.  A complete set of commands is available by typing ? at the Kermit command line prompt.  Explainations of Kermit commands used by support personnel will be provided here later.   To communicate with a Mark 8 system on port 1, issue the following commands at the Kermit 95 command line prompt:

SET PORT 1

SET BAUD 9600 (or as configured in the 504 keystroke)

SET CARRIER OFF

TAKE SCRIPTS\M8PROTO.KSC

From this point, you can log into the POS system and GET or SEND files:

REM LOGIN RAIS

Kermit 95 Command Window

Kermit Licensing Information

Unlike Kermit for DOS, Kermit 95 for Windows is not a free product.  Although the Kermit protocol is in the public domain, Kermit 95 for Windows is a licensed software application authored by Columbia University's Kermit Project.  Active Workstation customers will require licensed copies of Kermit 95 for Windows.

Kermit Part Number

Geac RSD maintains a part number for Kermit 95 for Windows licenses:   99-104502-000