BIG Portfolio 1.0

BIG Portfolio is a product of Software Vineyard and Thin Air
Labs.

How would you like to:

     use a full size keyboard for the Portfolio?
     run color applications on the Portfolio?
     use a video monitor on the Portfolio?

BIG is a program that will allow you to use your video display
and keyboard on the Portfolio.  Since this is a software only
solution, you will also need your computer and a serial port.  

Hardware:

     Portfolio, Serial Port, Null Modem and Cable
     PC, 10Mhz or Better, Serial Port (COM 1)


There are two programs:

BIG.COM        for the Portfolio
BIGPC.EXE      for the PC

Connect the two computer systems via the serial ports.  The PC
must use COM 1.

Run BIGPC on your computer first, and then BIG on the Portfolio. 
You will then see the Portfolio's screen display on the PC video
display.  If you are using a color screen, the loading message
should come up in color.

For best performance, you might need to set the Delay factor,
based on the speed of your system.  Typically, most system can
display the screen faster than they can handle the keyboard.  If
you want to use the PC keyboard, you will typically have to use a
higher delay.  If you get junk or garbage on the screen, you will
need to increase the delay.

The delay number has to be the same on both systems.  The default
delay is 2.  To use a new delay, enter it on the command line on
both programs:

     BIG 5          on the Portfolio
     BIGPC 5        on the PC

The delay range is 0 to 9 only.  0 is the fastest, and 9 is the
slowest.  Be sure you use the same delay factor on both programs.

Here are some system and typical delays.  Your milage may vary.

System         Display        Keyboard
               Only           and Display

8086 10Mhz     7              9
386 33Mhz      0              2

NOTE

While BIG is running, the Portfolio will not turn off
automatically.  It can be shut off with the off command or
<FN><O>.  BIGPC should be started before the Portfolio is turned
on again.  Turning either unit off can cause unrecoverable
synchronization errors.  Try restarting BIGPC first.


EXITING

To exit BIGPC, press <CTRL><BACKSPACE>

To exit BIG, reboot the Portfolio.


LIMITATIONS:

This is an experimental system.  With your feedback, it will
continue to grow.

     The faster the PC, the better the performance.

     Graphics are not currently supported.

     Not all keys are emulated.

     Only COM1 can be used on the PC.

     Not all program will work under BIG.

     When using the Atari key (/|\) to enter the built-in apps,
     the last <ESC> will not update the screen.  Press any key to
     update the screen.

It is expected that these limitations will be eliminated in
future releases.  These fixes will only be made if there is
sufficient demand for the changes.

Send all comments, suggestions, questions, bug reports to:

     bj gleason
     Compuserve:    75300,2517
     Internet:      bjgleas@auvm.american.edu