File Transfer Time Evaluator Version 1.00 Documentation

by Joseph Bahm



***Introduction
     The File Transfer Time Evaluator is a program that, when given the baud rate, and a file size in bytes or K-bytes, will calculate the amount of time needed to transfer that particular file. It!does not account for any unforseen delays, such as protocol codes or distance during a transfer that may slow it down. This program can, however, give you a pretty good estimate of how long it will take to transfer a file.



***Running the Program
     In order to run this program, you will need two files loaded in to your unit. The first is called run.bns, and it is the program used to run basic programs on the Braille 'n Speak, Type 'n Speak, or Braille Lite. The second is called filetran.bas, and it is the program it's self. There are two other files that are not required. The first, filetran.doc, is a plain text version of this manual. You can also find a grade 2 braille copy of this document in the file filetran.brl. You may get these files via FTP by FTPing to blazie.com, logging in as anonymous, sending your E-mail address as the password, and getting the files from the pub/basic directory. If you would like, you may also get these files directly from Blazie Engineering's BBS. The telephone number is: (410) 893-8944. There is a third way you can get these files. If you would like, send me E-mail at the address provided at the bottom of this document, and I will send them to you via MIME encoded E-mail. You should know when using this method that this is not an automated reply, so it could take a while for me to get them to you.
     Once you have all these files loaded, press chord-o or f9 on a Type 'n Speak, and then press the letter x. After that, type "run filetran" without the quotation marks and press chord-e or return on a Type 'n Speak.



***Program Operation
     After you press chord-e or return on a Type 'n Speak, you will hear a brief signon message and then you will be asked for a baud rate. Here you should enter the baud rate you will be transferring this file at, such as 2400, or 14,400. Do not use the setting you will have your port set at. Perhaps I should clarify. In order to use a 14,400 baud modem, you must set your unit up for 19,200 baud since the Braille 'n Speak, Type 'n Speak, and Braille Lite do not have a setting for 14400. It is important however, if you want a good estimate, to enter 14,400 as the baud if that is the baud you are using rather than entering 19,200.
     After you enter the baud rate, you will be asked for the size of the file in bytes. Here you must enter the size of the file in bytes, just like it asks you to. Do not enter the size of the file in K-bytes. If you know the size of the file in K-bytes, enter 0. The program will ask you to enter the size of the file in K-bytes. Enter the size of the file in K-bytes and press return.



***The Results Table
When the program has calculated the cps, approximate file transfer time, and k-bytes, it will display a table showing you this information. It will look something like this.

File Size: <size of file in bytes>
File Size: <size of file in K-bytes>
CPS: <number of characters per second>
Approximate Transfer Time: <time in seconds>
Approximate Transfer Time: <time in minutes>

Remember that this does not include protocol codes, distance, ETC.



***The Menu
     After the program has given you all of the information, you will be shown a menu. Below are all the choices you have and what they do.

Repeat the information: r
     This command is pretty self explanatory. It repeats the information just presented.

New Evaluation: n
     This command is pretty self explanatory as well. It gives you the opportunity to enter a new baud rate and a new file size, and then it gives you the approximate transfer time for that file.

Quit: q
     This command, like the others, is self explanatory. It will simply exit the program.



***Conclusion
     I hope that you will find this program useful in determining the time it will take you to transfer a file. I would like to know what you think. Please let me know your comments and suggestions. You may reach me at any of the following places.

Blazie Engineering BBS: userid joebahm
Internet E-Mail Address: jbahm@cris.com
