GALAXY STARLINK USERS GUIDE r08-01-89
=======================================
A SERVICE OF GALAXY TELECOMM CORPORATION
6303 INDIAN SCHOOL RD NE
SUITE 105
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87110
INFORMATION AND SIGNUPS 505-881-6964 (MODEM)
800-321-0156 (VOICE)
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 505-881-6988 (VOICE)
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
GALAXY STARLINK is an asynchronous outdial service that permits members to
make long distance modem-to-modem calls from various points around the
United States and Canada to computers in remote cities at a low hourly
cost.
There are, as of this date, over 1000 local access numbers in the United
States and Canada and 178 outdial cities in the United States. A complete
list of both local access numbers and outdial cities are included with this
guide.
GALAXY STARLINK uses the facilities of TYMNET, one of the world's largest
and most powerful networks, a division of British Telecomm.
II. SIGNING UP FOR SERVICE
GTC maintains a multiline signup and information bulletin board system with
up-to-date local access and outdial port city lists which may be accessed
by calling your local TYMNET access number (available by contacting TYMNET
at 1-800-336-0149 or calling directory assistance in your city and asking
for TYMNET). Enter an "a" (with no return) at the connect and at the PLEASE
LOG IN prompt type "starlinkinfo" when you receive HOST IS ONLINE hit your
return. You are now on the information and registration system.
New members may sign up while on line using MasterCard or VISA credit cards
and receive their contract by First Class Mail. Checkfree and information
request are sent via Bulk Rate.
Those who sign up are sent a GALAXY STARLINK member's contract to sign and
return with 10 days. Only when we have receieved the contract, can a
username be assigned.
If you signup with Checkfree, you are required to send back one voided
check, another check for your registration and your completed CheckFree
form.
III. COST
FROM WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
-----------------------------
For members within the contiguous 48 states, there is a one-time
NON-Refundable registration fee ($35 for credit card and $50 for
Checkfree), a $10 monthly account maintenance fee and a $1.50 per hour
charge for use of the network between 7PM and 6AM (your local access area
time), all day Saturdays and Sundays, and the six major U.S. holidays. The
cost for daytime use is $14 per hour. Starting 09-01-89, StarLink will have
a two tier structure as follows:
The monthly account fee will remain $10.00. Two different accounts
will be offered either singularly or in combination. The service fee will
be applied per account.
$1.50/hr with a 200kchar/hr limit. Any account with an adverage monthly
usage over 200 will be charge $.01/kchar for each session.
<Example> Multiply hours used by 200. If less than total kchars used
then no charge. If usage is greater than hours x 200 then it
is $.01/kchar on the difference.
$4.00/hr with no Kchar charge.
Rates are higher from Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada
and are available upon request.
In addition to these rates, some cities are subject to local telephone
company "Zone" or "ZUM" rates. These are the so-called "meter rates" that
apply when calling to an out-lying area from the outdial modem. These
charges can range from ten cents per call upwards and Starlink has no
choice but to pass those charges on to the member. The worst areas
affected by these rates are Chicago, Los Angeles and the entire states of
New Jersey, New York and California. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a
twenty cents per call charge to reach Exec-PC.
STARLINK provides the ability to make long distance calls to BBSes outside
the outdial local area and neither promotes the use of nor restricts your
ability to make these calls. Just be aware that in some cases intrastate
calls can be more expensive than calls across the country.
You should also be aware that it is possible to dial out of a local
area without putting a "1" in front of the number.
The best source of information about whether a call is long distance to a
BBS is the Sysop of that BBS. Every sysop is well aware of what exchanges
can reach his BBS with a local call. Ask him when you make your first call
to his BBS. Please don't ask STARLINK! We don't know! There are
thousands of exchanges in the United States, we couldn't possibly be aware
of the rates in every city in the U.S. PLEASE NOTE THAT TYMNET SUBSCRIBES
TO THE MOST ECONOMICAL BUSINESS RATE FOR THE OUTDIAL.
FROM SELECTED FOREIGN COUNTRIES
-------------------------------
For members residing in foreign countries whose postal and telegraph
services (PTT) permit gateway connections to TYMNET (International access
number 31069), STARLINK service is also available.
Foreign members must establish an account with STARLINK via telephone
or mail before receiving a STARLINK Username and Password. The only
payment method that STARLINK will accept from foreign members is
MasterCard or VISA (Interbank Cards).
The registration fee for foreign members is $50.00, monthly service fee is
$20.00, off-peak hourly fees are $3.00 per hour and day-time usage is
$35.00 per hour. This is in addition to the fees charged by your local PTT
to reach the TYMNET gateway.
Local Telephone company charges, as described above, apply to callers from
foreign countrys.
FOR ALL MEMBERS
---------------
Members who request reprints of bills are charged $5 and there is a $20
dishonored check or credit card charge. Any monies owed (usage and fees)
must be paid before an account can be reactivated once it is suspended.
Passwords and handles may be changed at the members request for a $20
charge.
IV. GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK
GTC maintains the GALAXY INFORMATION NETWORK Bulletin Board System for the
use of it's members and others. GIN contains a file library, special
interest groups, on-line games, electronic messaging, and other services.
STARLINK members receive unlimited usage of GIN each month. There is no
charge to the member for time spent in the Special Interest Groups on GIN
whether the member is using the teleconference feature or the message
bases. Some areas of GIN may have a surcharge implimented by the sysop for
special function. A complete GIN User's Guide is included with this file.
V. SIGNUP PROCEDURE
LOCAL PHONE LINE
----------------
A potential member calls the STARLINK registration system by modem at 2400
bps with the settings of 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit and signs
up as a new user selecting a "handle" and password of his choosing. After
determining that the service meets his/her needs, the user enters credit
card or checking account information which invokes an automatic process
wherein GTC causes a STARLINK username and STARLINK password to be created.
ALL REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
VIA STARLINK
------------
A potential member calls STARLINK via his TYMNET access number which may be
obtained by calling TYMNET at 1-800-336-0149. Dial the access number and
wait for a connect, enter an "a" with no carrige return and at the "log in"
prompt type "Starlinkinfo". When you see the prompt " HOST ON LINE" hit
your <enter> key and proceed as you would with a local call.
* NOTE: The Galaxy User-ID or "handle" should not be confused with the
STARLINK Username. These are two altogether different and distinct
identification measures. The GALAXY User-ID or "handle" is used to access
GIN. The STARLINK Username is used to gain access to the STARLINK service
on TYMNET. The password initially selected on GIN will be the same for your
StarLink account. Changing your password on GIN WILL NOT change your
StarLink password.
After a member has signed up for STARLINK service, the users account
information is transferred to the GALAXY system, and a contract is sent
out. Once the contract is received in our office, an e-mail message is
written to the member containing his/her STARLINK Username and a list of
Outdial port numbers. The member calls the GALAXY system at 505-881-6964
logs on using the "handle" and password he/she chose when signing up and
retrieves the STARLINK information.
INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS MUST CALL 505-881-6988 BY VOICE TO REGISTER.
VI. USING STARLINK
As of August 1, 1989 there are 178 outdial "cities". A complete list of
those outdial nodes is included with this file. A "node" is a port on the
TYMNET network that may be reached through the network from a local access
number. As of April 1, 1989 there are over 1,000 local access numbers
throughout the United States and Canada.
The member first determines, from the access number list, the local access
or "in-dial" number to the TYMNET network. These are 1200 and 2400 bps
modems in the members home town reachable by a local telephone call.
<< SEE FOOTNOTE BELOW>>
The member, using a computer and communications program or terminal, dials
the local access number and is connected to the network. The first
indication of connection is either a string of garbage or the phrase "enter
your terminal identifier". Members using a personal computer should type
the "a" key with no carraige return at which point a "Please log in:"
prompt will be displayed. The member then enters his/her STARLINK username
and password seperated by a semi-colon. EXAMPLE: STA000000;password. This
procedure will result in the STARLINK menu being displayed.
Note: In most cases, a communications setting of 8 data bits, No parity
and 1 stop bit will work perfectly. If it doesn't work on your local
access number, use 7 data bits, Even parity and 1 stop bit.
VII. THE STARLINK MENU
The STARLINK menu consists of a list of popular Bulletin Board Systems that
may be easily accessed by simply typing a number corresponding with the
selection the member wishes to connect to. EXAMPLE:
WELCOME TO STARLINK
1. Galaxy Information Network
Home of STARLINK
2. EXEC-PC
3. MEDCOM BBS
4. AMUSERS
5. American LINK-LINE
6. MULTICOMM BBS
7. The Mansion
m manual logon (OUTDIAL)
i tymnet information
q exit menu
Selecting a number corresponding with a BBS will initiate a process
connecting you to that BBS. No further keystrokes are necessary until the
BBS prompts you for log-in information. Selecting the number corresponding
to the "Information" selection will display information regarding the BBSes
on the menu. if you should at anytime get "hung" hit the <ESC> 3 times and
it will abort back to the menu.
VIII. OUTDIAL SERVICES
Selecting the number corresponding to "Manual Logon" will result in
you being prompted to re-enter your logon again. with. For example, if you
wish to connect with the outdial port in Norfolk, Virginia, you would enter
Username:6896;password. The following information would then be displayed:
TYMNET ASYNC OUTDIAL 6986 (804) 857 NORFOLK , VA
>
At the ">" prompt, you may type "help" and receive the following screen:
>help
Set [Half] [Rxon] [Xon] [Even|Space] [Crdelay]
Half - sets half-duplex communications. Default is full-duplex.
Xon - sets flow control for data you send. Default is no xon.
Rxon - sets flow control for data you receive. Default is no rxon.
Even - sets even parity for data sent. Default is no parity.
Space - sets space parity for data sent. Default is no parity.
Crdelay - set printer carriage return delay. Default is no delay.
Bps [300|1200|2400]
Sets one of the baud rates indicated above. Default is 2400 bps.
Dial [Tone] [Pulse] {phone number}
Dials the requested phone number. Parameters are:
Tone - activates touch-tone dialing. Default is tone.
Pulse - activates pulse dialing.
Optional commas - provide a one second pause. Default is no pause.
Retry - Redials last phone number.
Logout - Exits Outdial.
Help or ? - Prints this screen.
NOTES: * Dialed number need not be preceded by "9".
* In some locations, long-distance numbers must be preceded by "1".
If, at this point, you wish to connect with a BBS whose phone number is,
for example, 555-1212, you would enter at the ">" prompt, the string
"d 5551212". This causes the outdial modem to dial the number and connect
you at 2400 bps. If the host BBS only has 1200 bps modems, you would need
to first enter "bps 1200" at the ">" prompt. This sets the outdial modem
to call the host at 1200 bps rather than 2400 bsp.
If the BBS is busy you will usually receive a "BUSY" indicator, at which
point you can type "r" to redial the number or "logout" to disconnect and
return to the "please log in" prompt. At the "please log in" prompt, you
may simply disconnect.
What does the connect string mean?
TYMNET ASYNC OUTDIAL 6986 (804) 857 NORFOLK , VA
^ ^ ^
: : :
Outdial Port # Area Code Local exchange
STARLINK permits you to make long distance calls from the outdial port.
You can determine if a BBS can be reached with a local call from an outdial
port by calling the operator in the destination city and asking if it is a
local call from the exchange. For example: Virginia Beach exchange 495 is
a local call from Norfolk exchange 857. If the BBS is outside the local
dialing area, you can still reach it by putting a "1" in front of the
number at the ">" prompt. Example: "d 15551212". ALL LONG DISTANCE TOLL
CHARGES WILL BE CHARGED TO YOU!
IX. ERROR MESSAGES AND PROBABLE CAUSES
The following are common error messages and some causes:
HOST OUT OF PORTS
All available outdial modems at the outdial city are in use.
BUSY
The host BBS's phone lines are all busy.
CALL FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON
Usually indicates that a voice answered the phone call. Call the number by
voice to determine if it is still a viable number.
Can also be caused by low quality modem on the BBS or the BBS only
operating at 1200 bps. Try the "bps 1200" cure mentioned above.
Can also mean the BBS has all lines in use and the modem did not detect the
busy signal.
MODEM TIMED ITSELF OUT - CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Modem malfunction or all BBS lines are busy. Please report this to TYMNET
at 800-336-0149 immediately.
X. SUGGESTIONS
There are some methods you can use to improve the STARLINK service from
your end. The two most common complaints and the easiest to cure are file
transfer speedups and interactive response speedups.
To improve file transfers:
Enter a control-V before typing in your STARLINK username. Example:
"^VSTA000000;password". This means hold down your control key and tap the
"V" key before entering your Username. This opens up the band width and
imporves transfer time.
To improve interactive response time:
Enter a control-I before your STARLINK username. Example:
"^ISTA000000;password". Enter this the same way as the example above and
the response time through the network will be faster. Perfect for chatting
or e-mail, etc.
Members calling a 2400 Baud BBS using a 1200 Baud modem can improve
file transfers and reduce error messages by putting control-X control-R
before the Username when logging on to the network. This enables X-on,
X-off flow control and prevents the BBS from sending data to you faster
than you can accept it. Never use Control-X, Control-R together with
Control-V. It will really make a mess of things.
FILE TRANSFERS
Almost all BBS software requires that you transfer files at 8 data bits, No
parity and 1 stop bit. If you are having trouble with file transfers this
will usually be the problem. If you cannot access the network from your
local number at 8-N-1 and must log on at 7-E-1, have your software switch
to 8-N-1 after you have entered the ">d #######" command and before the BBS
connects. Some BBS software doesn't care what settings you use until you
try to transfer a file. To prevent wasting valuable network time, it's
best to assume that you need 8-N-1 and change to that setting prior to
attempting a transfer. Please be sure that if you have striped your high
bits, you now turn them back on before transfers!
XI. REPORTING STARLINK PROBLEMS
We value your business and will attempt to resolve any problem with the
network as quickly as possible. The fastest way to let us know that a
problem exists is to post a message to "Galaxy" on GALAXY INFORMATION
NETWORK. You will receive a reply to your message within 24 hours. If you
are having trouble logging on, you may call 505-881-6988 by voice between
9AM and 10 PM Eastern time. Someone will usually be available to answer
your calls on weekends but this is not guaranteed. E-Mail is faster and
not time dependent. If you are having a problem after 10 PM and cannot wait
until the next day, you may call TYMNET customer service at 800-336-0149.
TYMNET will help you with network problems only, they will not get involved
with billing questions, help with your communications program, or anything
other than network communications. Please don't ask them to.
XII. BILLING QUESTIONS
Bills for network time are sent to you via US Mail and contain the total of
the bill and will be researched for a period of 30days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have problems, please read this complete file again before calling
customer service. We have found that 99% of all problems are caused by
improperly entering the Username, outdial port number and password. Please
also note that we are not versed in "orphan" communications programs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYMNET ASYNCHRONOUS OUTDIAL SERVICE
07-27-89
State/ Use Outdial Outdial call made
City Host # from
--------------- ----------- ---------------
Alabama
Birmingham 4101 205-942
Huntsville 1258 205-880
Mobile 8829 205-460
Opelika 1751 205-742
Arkansas
Little Rock 9858 501-666
Arizona
Flagstaff 6112 602-774
Mesa 9532 602-258
Phoenix 9532 602-258
Tucson 4751 602-575
Yuma 3530 602-343
California ***
Alhambra 9204 818-576
Anaheim 9184 714-852
Cathedral City 7859 619-324
Colton 6294 714-422
El Segundo 9203 213-643
Lancaster 5991 805-945
Long Beach 9205 213-432
Moorpark 5134 805-378
Newport Beach 9184 714-852
Oakland 8963 415-852
Pasadena 9204 818-576
Pleasanton 9202 415-935
Redwood City 9182 415-361
Sacramento 9179 916-447
San Clemente 4447 714-661
San Diego 9183 619-296
San Francisco 9533 415-543
San Jose 6450 408-432
San Raphael 8094 415-453
Santa Barbara 6295 805-965
Santa Maria 6116 805-922
Sherman Oaks 9206 818-789
Vernon 3173 213-587
Walnut Creek 9202 415-935
Colorado ***
Aurora 2584 303-832
Boulder 2584 303-832
Denver 2584 303-832
Ft Collins 8737 303-224
Grand Junction 6115 303-241
Connecticut
Bloomfield 9128 203-242
Bridgeport 6472 203-332
Hartford 9128 203-242
Stamford 9129 203-327
Delaware
Wilmington 1784 302-652
District of Columbia ***
Washinton 2262 703-352
Florida
Clearwater 4637 813-441
Fort Lauderdale 7123 305-467
Jacksonville 5797 904-721
Longwood 7096 305-841
Miami 6582 305-477
Naples 116 813-434
Orlando 7096 305-841
Port St Lucie 9902 407-337
Tampa 5518 813-933
Georgia
Atlanta 8795 404-451
Doraville 8795 404-451
Marietta 8795 404-451
Martinez 433 404-855
Norcross 8795 404-451
Idaho
Boise 200 208-395
Illinois ***
Chicago 8257 312-922
Glen Ellyn 8944 312-790
Lake Bluff 780 312-295
Springfield 5403 217-
Indiana
Indianapolis 9349 317-632
South Bend 5129 219-234
Iowa
Ames 1745 515-232
Des Moines 9854 515-277
Kansas
Mission 8615 913-384
Wichita 8013 316-681
Kentucky
Lexington 9987 606-266
Louisville 8678 502-499
Louisiana
Baton Rouge 6999 504-291
New Orleans 3654 504-525
Maryland ***
Baltimore 4600 301-528
Bethesda 2262 703-352
Rockville 552 301-869
Massachusetts ***
Boston 8796 617-439
Cambridge 8796 617-439
Gorton 10148 testing
Kingston 5936 617-585
Lowell 531 508-452
Marlborough 432 508-481
Springfield 3948 413-785
Michigan ***
Ann Arbor 209 313-973
Detroit 8794 313-963
Grand Rapids 9872 616-458
Lansing 9992 517-484
Southfield 9855 313-557
Minnesota
Minneapolis 3494 612-332
St. Paul 3494 612-332
Mississippi
Hattiesburg 1164 601-582
Tupelo 9901 601-841
Missouri
Bridgeton 8978 314-731
Hazelwood 8978 314-731
Independence 8615 913-384
Kansas City 8615 913-384
St. Louis 8978 314-731
Nebraska
Omaha 2521 402-393
Nevada
Boulder City 342 702-294
New Jersey ***
Camden 8693 609-665
Englewood Cliffs 6319 201-567
Newark 7618 201-824
Pennsauken 8693 609-665
Piscataway 3319 201-562
Princeton 8920 609-452
South Brunswick 8920 609-452
Union City 2359 201-824
New Mexico
Albuquerque 661 505-242
Las Cruces 6630 505-525
New York ***
Albany 9192 518-458
Buffalo 9194 716-893
Hempstead 9193 516-481
Lake Grove 582 516-471
Melville 8811 516-420
New York 1059 212-809
Pittsford 6019 716-385
Rochester 6019 716-385
Syracuse 4710 315-433
White Plains 8571 914-761
North Carolina
Ashville 271 704-253
Charlotte 6793 704-374
Durham 9986 919-549
Winston-Salem 7068 919-768
Ohio ***
Akron 8740 216-376
Cincinnati 1785 513-530
Cleveland 4222 216-861
Columbus 9347 614-221
Dayton 9511 513-898
Toledo 1190 419-255
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City 9165 405-495
Tulsa 6605 918-585
Oregon
Eugene 9857 503-343
Portland 9164 503-222
Pennsylvania ***
Lemoyne 1707 717-975
Philadelphia 9581 215-592
Pittsburgh 7408 412-642
Rhode Island
Providence 9130 401-724
South Carolina
Columbia 9993 803-252
Greenville 9074 803-233
Tennessee
Knoxville 9985 615-693
Memphis 1551 901-527
Nashville 9141 615-889
Texas
Amarillo 8736 806-355
Arlington 9337 817-998
Austin 1306 512-448
Corpus Christi 424 512-887
Dallas 2948 214-986
Denton 5990 817-?
El Paso 210 915-532
Fort Worth 9337 817-998
Houston 4562 713-496
Killeen 9861 817-447
San Antonio 9169 512-222
Waco 9859 817-776
Utah
Salt Lake City 534 801-533
Virginia
Alexandria 2262 703-352
Arlington 2262 703-352
Fairfax 2262 703-352
Harrisonburg 10149 703-433
Midlothian 7339 804-330
Norfolk 6986 804-857
Portsmouth 6986 804-857
Richmond 7339 804-330
Virginia Beach 6986 804-857
Washington
Bellevue 9170 206-281
Bremerton 773 206-377
Port Angeles 6113 206-452
Seattle 9170 206-281
Spokane 159 206-747
Tacoma 907 206-572
Vancouver 5447 206-574
Yakima 8931 509-248
Wisconsin
Brookfield 9167 414-785
Milwaukee 9167 414-785
Wyoming
1752 307-742
*** WE HAVE FOUND THAT THESE STATES HAVE TELCO CHARGES. As we find
them we will update this list.
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