Xref: utzoo comp.mail.uucp:2648 comp.sources.d:3230
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tektronix!tekcae!vice!keithl
From: keithl@vice.ICO.TEK.COM (Keith Lofstrom)
Newsgroups: comp.mail.uucp,comp.sources.d
Subject: Autodialer from Hell
Message-ID: <3221@vice.ICO.TEK.COM>
Date: 18 Jan 89 22:41:32 GMT
Organization: Tektronix Inc., Beaverton, Or.
Lines: 39

Yes, I have an Autodialer from Hell.

Due to a single digit error in my L.sys file, my modem has been harrassing
some poor fellow for months.   I'm not the first to make this mistake, though 
perhaps the first to admit it over the net.  

In any case, more can be done than just "being more careful next time",
such as improving the data logging capabilities of uucico, so that it is
easier to tell when the wrong kind of thing is happening.

Specifically, all I see in the log file (with a "hayestone" dialer) is 
"HSM no carrier" when the connect isn't made.  That happens if the phone
is busy, if there is no answer, or if it answers but gets no carrier.
Even for my simple minded modem, these states can be distinguished, and 
some modems will respond "VOICE", immediately indicating that SOMEBODY
IS VERY ANGRY.  If the response doesn't make it into the log file, though,
I never hear about it; I just assume that the number I am dialing is busy.

But how to improve the dialer?  Most of us don't have uucp sources, and 
many have odd machines.  I can fix my problem, but I would like to see it
fixed for the world (my megalomaniac 60's upbringing, I guess).

I suppose what is needed is a public domain version of uucico, so it can
be distributed and hacked on.  In time, the user community could develop
improved error logging capabilities and perhaps a way of turning off phone
numbers that never answer with a carrier.  One obvious approach is a Unix
version of UUPC (?!).

Perhaps there are better ways to accomplish the same results (fewer false
numbers dialed).  Global solutions, applicable to all of us brand-X desktop
Unix types, are desirable.  Any suggestions? 

What would it take to get such an effort under way?  A contest with prizes?
A small donation to a university?  Kidnapping a Unix guru?


-- 
Keith Lofstrom   ...!tektronix!vice!keithl   keithl@vice.TEK.COM
MS 59-316, Tektronix, PO 500, Beaverton OR 97077  (503)-627-4052