1760 The Proficiency session sends character groups at selected speeds. This type of practice simulates actual text transmissions, but with random characters grouped into "words". The start and finish code speeds can be set independently. This allows the student to start at a comfortable code speed and have the computer automatically increase speed during the session. The (S)tart key sets the starting average speed of sending, the (F)inish key the final average speed, and the (C)haracter key the character speed. The character speed can not be set to a value smaller than the start or finish speeds. If the character speed is set greater than the average sending speed, the timing between characters is adjusted, as needed, to maintain the desired average speed. The current average text speed, and elapsed time are constantly displayed during the session. The (D)uration key selects the length of the session. It can be set from 0.1 to 9.9 minutes. If the start and finish speeds are different, the session duration is divided into equal periods (number of periods is Finish-Start+1) and the average code speed is increased by 1 WPM after each period. By depressing the (G)roup key, the character groupings into "words" can be set to either a random length (up 9 characters) or the group size desired. Type zero to select a random length or 1 to 9 for the desired number. 1920 Code transmission is started with the ENTER key. It ends with the transmission of the Prosign AR (End of Transmission) after the selected duration expires. The student can copy the text on paper and compare the results displayed at the end of the session, or he can copy along on the keyboard and have the computer display it at the end of the session. If keyboard input is used, Morse Academy compares the student's copy with the computer generated text, and shows differences in reverse video. Missing characters in the student's copy are shown as a "~". The texts are displayed on pairs of lines with the student's copy below the computer's. The compared text can be printed (use the F9 key) with blank lines inserted after each pair to allow easier manual comparison. Screen reverse video (the differences) is shown by printing a character "-" underneath each line pair. The (U)se file key allows the student to select a stored file for transmission rather than generating random code. If selected, the list of files is displayed and input of the desired file's name requested. Starting the session with the ENTER key will cause the file's text to be sent. The (T)ext generation key allows the student to generate random QSO's as another option for practice. The list of text generation options is displayed and input requested - NOVICE, GENERAL, EXTRA, or CALLS (the latter is call sign practice only). The generated text is also saved under the same name as a .KB file that can be reloaded in the Keyboard session. 1760 For the (U)se and (T)ext options, if the student inputs his copy via the keyboard (rather than copying on paper), Morse Academy gives an opportunity at the end of transmission to correct the text before comparing it with the file's text. This is what a student could do during an actual examination and allows a chance to practice. The copy input by the student during transmission is displayed on the screen, and a prompt invites the student to edit the text. The active editing keys are the same used with the keyboard program: BACKSPACE, the cursor control keys UP ARROW, DOWN ARROW, RIGHT ARROW, LEFT ARROW, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN. The DELETE key functions to remove a character. The INSERT key toggles between insert and overlay modes. The insert state is shown in the lower right hand corner of the screen during editing. Editing is ended by pressing the ENTER key causing a comparison of the student's input text (as corrected) and the contents of the file. Note that neither the (U)se nor (T)ext file name is remembered between sessions. It is always "Off" at the start of a Proficiency session. The Proficiency session can be stopped at any time by pushing the ESC key. Parameters can then be changed and the session restarted or ESC can be pushed a second time to return to the main menu.
