Unfortunately, hand code at the control was really the best way to run Dialog. Hand code via offline computer and then upload was tough because Dialog was not at all forgiving of even the tiniest syntax error. An error often froze the control and necessitated a hard reset. And, as I said, CAM code was too bloated and it choked the control. Undoubtedly a better post would have helped. The Dialog look-ahead might as well have been look-behind

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I disagree! Have been running a D4 on my FP4NC since 93’
No argument on t it being slow, but have been running off control created programs since 95’( SurfCam) and it has been drop dead reliable.
I run almost everything off control and transfer it to the box. Works great, No syntax errors, no faults it just works.
Post works well, and SurfCam gives option to post as vertical or horizontal code.
You have to follow some code tribe transfer rules:
Keep the cable (CAT6) short and clean
I run 8 data bits, no parity
And most important, 2400 baud.
Cheers Ross