[devilbunny]

Since I can't edit, I'll reply to myself:

The default of "always work" is amply demonstrated by the fact that Kermit is available for CP/M, and can be compiled on a working CP/M-80 system from .HEX files that you just blast over the serial port. Obviously, due to system constraints, this is not a fully modern Kermit.

But it works. And if you want error checking and reliable file transfer on a Kaypro, it's not a bad way to do it.

[whartung]

There was also short BASIC programs that could be readily keyed in that supported the basic lowest common denominator of the Kermit protocol. The goal being to key that in, and use it to transfer and bootstrap a better version of Kermit.