Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!unmvax!ncar!noao!asuvax!mcdphx!mcdchg!ddsw1!ddsw1.MCS.COM!karl
From: karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM ([Karl Denninger])
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Telix VT102 emulation
Keywords: telix vt102 emulation
Message-ID: <[2095.2]karl@ddsw1.comp.ibmpc;1>
Date: 2 Mar 89 23:00:07 GMT
References: <3308@silver.bacs.indiana.edu>
Lines: 44

>Response 1 of 1 (2095) by mms at sordid on Thu 2 Mar 89 14:2
>[Michael Silverstein]

>*> Finally, when I use VI the 'h' (move left) key removes characters from
>*> the screen (ick), but fortunately does not delete them.  What have I got
>*> set wrong?  I've noticed other VT102 flakiness, mostly characters
>*> disappearing from the screen.
>
>I also like Telix very much, but have had problems with the VT102 emulation.
>Not exactly the one mentioned above, but the "r" command (replace char)
>leaves a blank; then redrawing the screen with ^L shows the new char right
>where it should be. My termcap works fine with other VT102 emulators (I've
>never tried it on a real VT102), so I don't think that's the problem.

I've got the same problem with a few of our customers and their myriad 
terminal emulators.

The problems all come about with Unix and Xenix applications that use a 
terminfo or termcap entry for a REAL terminal of some description.  I'm 
constantly SHOCKED at the number of emulators that don't do the job 100% -- 
some of the ones that I've run into with regards to VT102 compatibility are 
Telix, Procomm (PLUS and 2.4.2), and others.

Our applications tend to be REAL demanding on terminal capabilities.  We use 
these things for both VAX/VMS work (where complete compatibility is 
CRITICAL) and on Unix systems (which expect a "real" terminal as well).  
It's real nasty to have to tell a customer "well, you'll have to get some 
properly-working terminal software" and hear them say "but it works 
everywhere else!"

I would think it would be in the terminal manufacturer's interest to go 
after those people who write programs (especially shareware or commercial!) 
that emulate their terminal types improperly, and then brand it as a "VT100" 
emulator.  After all, it does detract from the perceived value of the real 
article!

BTW: In my experience ZCOMM is one of the FEW that gets it completely right 
with regards to VT100 emulation; I've not noticed a glitch yet.  It's only 
limitation is in the hardware (no double-high/wide characters).

--
Karl Denninger (karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM, ddsw1!karl)
Data: [+1 312 566-8912], Voice: [+1 312 566-8910]
Macro Computer Solutions, Inc.     "Quality solutions at a fair price"