Somewhat odd computer issue

[crokett]

I have an odd problem related to one of my products at work. Short version is I need either a (free) telnet client that can send Alt+<some key> or a way to prove that Hyperterminal for Windows is sending the combination via the macro I created. Apparently telnet will send CTRL+<key> but not ALT. Would a Linux telnet client work any better? I am trying to prove my product is not the issue but that the machine it is in is the problem.

[Joe Lyddon]

If you want to prove whether a Telnet machine will/won't handle the ALT+ character codes, why not have the Telnet client just use a Text Editor and start typing special ALT+ codes to see what happens?

It's been awhile... not sure what you're talking about... just an idea...

What is the nature of your product that needs those spec. chars.?

[crokett]

Joe that is a great idea. Now I just need a box to telnet to. Mayhap I will have to set up a Linux box to test this out. The nature of the problem is an adapter running in a remote computer. I can telnet in during the remote machine startup and should be able to load the adapter's config util. It is supposed to respond to the Alt+<some key> but is not doing so remotely. So either the telnet client is not sending the ALT or the remote system is not processing it properly.

Sorry for being vague, but the product is not shipping yet.

[LCHIEN]

just offhand, maybe i'm not right about this...

CTRL+key actually generate ASCII characters.
ALT+key are really treated as keystrokes, not characters and don't get sent. Usually they are interpreted for some action by the program or OS.
Yes, CTRL+keys also get treated by the program sometimes, too.

But I'm thinking there is a difference.

[Joe Lyddon]

There is a real difference between the two...

Ctl C is a Control Key code that usually is used by the Program being run to Control the Program; ie: Browser, Word Processor, OS, etc.

ALT++, if I'm not mistaken, outputs raw ascii codes (as keyed) in order to include special symbols not on a keyboard for word processing... or could be used for Escape sequences needed for special controls for printers or whatever the application needs. Like, if the Escape code wants to be input to the Program, push & hold down the ALT key then, on the numeric keypad, key 2 then 7, lift up the Alt key and the output is the raw Escape code (27)... continue using Alt key to input other codes as required by the application. The Escaape key in the upper left of k/b, when pushed, is directed to the running Program, OS, etc. and is not considered to be "data input"... using the Alt key method gets it to be data.

ALT++ input is not immediately known to the controlling program like CTL keys are... ALT++ is more plain text input instead... IMHO... (if I remember right). The Program would have to explicitly test for the ALT data input to take action on it.

I still don't understand the main problem with telnet, etc...
I was thinking that a client (who bought the software) can't get it to work on his Telnet machine... and it had to be proven one way or the other... I don't remember what Telnet stuff is all about... it has been awhile...

[gerti]

Terminal applications use some kind of terminal emulation (VT52, VT100 etc) for telnet. Telnet is not just like a remote keyboard. I am not sure it will do what you want with regards to the Alt key.

[jziegler]

I would try out Putty. It's a pretty good telnet/ssh client and is free. It works well for me to work with my Linux server in the basement.

Jim

[wreckwriter]

I would try out Putty. It's a pretty good telnet/ssh client and is free. It works well for me to work with my Linux server in the basement.

Jim

I agree, Putty is the best freebie out there. I've used it for years to communicate from my XP desktop to UNIX and Linux web servers.

[dale]

I'll second that--PuTTY rocks!

[guycox]

Yeps there's no ASCII nor EBCDIC character for ALT - it's a key/scan code on the PC. It'll be meaningless on a telnet aware server app.

[crokett]

Yeps there's no ASCII nor EBCDIC character for ALT - it's a key/scan code on the PC. It'll be meaningless on a telnet aware server app.

So no way to send one via telnet client? And no way for the server to receive it? That means I have to get the vendor to add support for another key to the card. Dang.

Thanks for answering the question though.

[Joe Lyddon]

Does a Telnet Terminal have some other procedure to input the required data INSTEAD of the absent PC Alt key process?

It seems like there should be a way to enter crazy codes, etc.

Contact a Telnet technical expert & ask him / her.

[crokett]

Hmm... that is a thought. Supposedly with Hyperterminal I can send macros. So I tried creating a macro but apparently I can't send the Alt+<a key> macro. Or at least it wasn't logged as being recieved on the other end.