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1990-05-12
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ACUTERM REMARKS
REV 0.407
GENERAL:
ACUTERM is intended to run on an XT or AT clone equipped with:
o Hard drive (C:)
o Two serial ports, COMM 1 and COMM 2
o Either monochrome or color video adaptors
o DOS 3.0 or above
Note that operation from a floppy is possible but will generally not be
satisfactory with respect to log size. (However, with this limitation, a disk
made specifically for autobooting may be made. Please write the author if you
need help constructing one, or would like one made for you.)
If you have an unusual disk drive configuration, ie. a RAM-DISK, more than
one hard drive, or anything other than floppies at A: and perhaps B:, and a
single hard drive at C:, modify the batch files INSTALL.BAT, UPDATE.BAT,
AT.BAT, and FILES\CUSTOM.DTA as necessary.
It is suggested that you operate the PK-232 from COMM 1, and a TS-440S or
TS-940S from COMM 2. However, other options are now supported.
The use of batteries in the PK-232 is highly recommended. This will avoid
the necessity of having a parameter file (INITIAL.PAR) loaded each time you
boot the program, or the time consuming task of entering the parameters
manually. It will also normally result in a much quicker initialization of
the program.
If you would also like to use a program that calls for no batteries, or
would like a fast way of resetting the PK-232 should it lose its mind, a
normally closed momentary switch in series with the battery pack should be
installed.
ACUTERM is written entirely in assembly language, which increases its speed
and decreases its memory useage. Serial communications are interrupt driven,
which allows terminal baud rates of up to 9600 Baud simultaneous to a
transceiver interrogation at 4800 Baud.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
WHAT'S DEBUGGED:
o A bug preventing PK-232 use on COMM 2 was swatted.
o A pointer that would go out of range on MHEARD was tied down. (This bug
caused a "TOO LONG" message to beep.)
o The PK-232 was observed to develop problems handling line feeds after
running PC-PACKRATT. ACUTERM now filters line feeds from verbose entry,
but it is recommended that you reset your PK-232 after running the AEA
program.
o All serial ports are now initialized and disabled if not used by ACUTERM.
This is but one of a number of changes have been implemented in hope of
reducing the difficulty in booting ACUTERM for the first time. However, I
have been working in the dark because I haven't been able to observe the
problem reported in some installations. Observations about this problem
are solicited.
WHAT'S NEW:
o There is now a BEACON CALL function. Enter the callsign of the station you
want to call in the log, and then hit CTRL-F2 to start the calling.
o You can now copy from an old log entry to the current one. Search for an
old entry with F7, and hit ALT-C to copy name, QTH, rig (second line) to
the current log entry.
o The LOAD TRANSCEIVER FROM FILE function now also loads the PK-232 with
the data communications mode. Note that the format of data for transceiver
loading is changed to accomodate the PK-232 mode data. A template has been
added to the EDIT prompt to facilitate manual entry of data.
o The protocol of canned ID's has been improved.
o A separator has been installed after an F2 identification. (You now
should use ALT-F2 for signing into AMTOR mailboxes.)
o You can now enter either a CALLSIGN or a SELCAL in the ARQ box. ACUTERM
calculates the SELCAL if needed.
o NULS are now filtered from echoed and incoming data, to prevent DIDDLE
on ASCII from being printed as spaces.
o MHEARD is now displayed with ALT-L (LAST HEARD) rather than ALT-H. Connects
may be made from the MHEARD buffer with the up and down cursor keys both in
the display mode (ALT-L) and the connect mode (ALT-C).
o Some commonality of function has been provided with respect to ALT-A, ALT-C,
and ALT-D between the various modes. On AMTOR, ALT-C now does the same
thing as ALT-A, bringing up the ARQ (CONNECT) box. ALT-D now is equivalent
to SHIFT-F2, doing the SK function in non-packet modes, as well as the
DISCONNECT in packet. In BAUDOT, ALT-A and ALT-C do the same thing,
toggling between AMERICAN STANDARD BAUDOT and CCIT alphabets. These
redundant keys are not otherwise documented, because you don't need to use
them.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
This section relates to installing and setting up ACUTERM.
SETTING UP ACUTERM FOR THE FIRST TIME:
Copy acuterm and its subdirectories to your hard drive C:, exactly as they
are organized on the distribution floppy. Don't change any directory or file
names!
ACUTERM may be installed by running the program \ACUTERM\INSTALL.BAT from
Drive A. Type:
A: [ENTER]
CD A: [ENTER]
\ACUTERM\INSTALL [ENTER]
to copy to your hard drive C:.
After you have installed ACUTERM, check to make sure that you have created
a directory \ACUTERM off the root directory, and its subdirectory
\ACUTERM\FILES.
The \ACUTERM directory must contain AT.BAT and TERM.EXE, along with some
less essential files. The \ACUTERM\FILES directory must contain CUSTOM.DTA
and other files to be accessed by TERM.EXE.
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NOTE:
INSTALL.BAT contains two statements whose purpose is to prevent wiping out
your real log (CHRONLOG.DTA) on your hard drive with the sample log
(SAMPLOG.DTA) if you should accidently run this program later. These are:
ERASE A:\ACUTERM\CHRONLOG.DTA
.
.
.
RENAME C:\ACUTERM\SAMPLOG.DTA C:\ACUTERM\CHRONLOG.DTA
These two statements work together to get the file called SAMPLOG.DTA to the
hard drive as CHRONLOG.DTA with an automatic abort (the rename statement will
be rejected) if a CHRONLOG.DTA is already there. Please don't remove these
statements!
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Unless you have a RAM disk already set up, or have a special situation that
prevents you from running one, add the following line to your CONFIG.SYS file:
DEVICE = (THE PATH TO YOUR DOS SUBDIRECTORY)\VDISK.SYS
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NOTE:
What does this do? It creates a virtual disk or mini-RAM-DISK for the
working storage of your transcript files. These files support the rolling
down of the transcript screen, and allow you to review what has rolled off the
top of the screen.
Why a virtual disk? It allows the program to update the transcripts very
quickly, in memory, and yet allows a great deal of flexibility in the way the
non-volatile storage of each channel's transcript is handled.
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At this point, reboot your computer and verify that the virtual drive is
created by checking for its (empty) root directory. Note that the letter of
this virtual drive usually will be D, the next letter after that of your last
hard drive.
If you have only one hard disk drive, C:, and have your PK-232 connected to
COMM 1, you are now ready to run the program. If not, read about CUSTOM.DTA
and AT.BAT and modify them as needed.
UPDATING ACUTERM:
To update ACUTERM, copy from the floppy to the hard drive:
o \ACUTERM\TERM.EXE.
o \ACUTERM\FILES\HELP.*
o \ACUTERM\FILES\CUSTOM.DTA
o \ACUTERM\README.DOC
o \ACUTERM\PRIMER.DOC
or run UPDATE.BAT from the distribution disk in the same way as INSTALL.BAT is
run.
RUNNING ACUTERM:
You can change ACUTERM's terminal baud rate with the CUSTOM.DTA file.
CUSTOM.DTA on the distribution disk is set up for a TBAUD of 4800. If you
have a bus mouse, or a fairly slow computer, you may find that you have to
set TBAUD to 1200 in order for your computer to keep up with host mode
communications.
If possible, use your current terminal program to set up the PK-232 for the
TBAUD called out in CUSTOM.DTA before booting the ACUTERM. Alternatively, and perhaps even better, reset the PK-232 before booting
ACUTERM for the first time. However, ACUTERM does contain a routine that will
usually figure out how to talk to your PK-232.
ALWAYS boot the program with the PK-232 on. Turn the PK-232 off and then on
immediately prior to booting if it has no batteries or has been freshly reset.
Boot the program by typing \ACUTERM\AT.BAT [ENTER] at the "C:" DOS prompt.
(You will probably want to install this call in your menu program, or write a
batch file in your root directory, to do this.)
ACUTERM first attempts to initialize. If it doesn't get the proper response
soon after it switches to host mode, it goes automatically into a baud rate
scanning mode to set up the PK-232's TBAUD, then attempts to initialize again.
If a call is not installed, ACUTERM will end the initialization by first
checking to see if you have an INITIAL.PAR file in the \ACUTERM\FILES
subdirectory. If so, it will load the PK-232 with this file.
If not, ACUTERM will ask you to enter your call and selcal in the verbose
command mode. When you are done entering these calls, hit F1.
Once the PK-232 is communicating with the PK-232, you will see PK-232 status
information to the right of the clock.
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NOTE:
If ACUTERM is unable to establish communication, set up CUSTOM.DTA for a
TBAUD of 1200 as described in these notes, reset the PK-232 by disconnecting
the batteries with it off, and try again. If still no luck, write or call me.
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Read the help screens (F1), noting that they contain a slider menu. On
monocolor systems, the NO CHANGE menu selection should be brighter than the
others. If not, adjust the brightness and contrast of your monitor.
Move from one selection to another with the UP/DOWN cursor controls.
Select BAUDOT, hit ENTER. When you re-enter the terminal mode, the status
information should change to indicate BAUDOT. Hit the up and down cursor
controls, and verify that the baud rate changes on the screen.
Note that you will not see any echo on the transcript screen until you put
the terminal in the transmit mode. WITH YOUR TRANSCEIVER OFF, hit ALT-X to
transmit. Now type a sentence. You will see what you are typing in the lower
screen, the TYPING MONITOR, and see it echoed on the upper screen, the
TRANSCRIPT MONITOR.
Play with the features, and get familiar with the program. Use a small
piece of my log, and send my CQ, QRZ, and BRAG files. Then write your own CQ,
QRZ, and BRAGs, and erase CHRONLOG.DTA.
Although the on-board mini-editor can be used to customize these files, a
full featured text editor of your choice will make it a lot easier.
Note that there are some *.PAR files. These should contain PK-232 commands
to be run on booting up, changing from HF to VHF packet or vice versa, or
quiting the program. Don't insert CTRL-C's in the commands. Delete (or better
yet, rename) them if you desire, but note that .PAR files with these special
names are run automatically:
o INITIAL.PAR (Run automatically on booting if no call is installed)
o FINAL.PAR (Run automatically on quiting)
o VHFPKT.PAR (Run automatically on going to VHF PACKET with ALT-V)
o HFPKT.PAR (Run automatically on going to HF PACKET with ALT-V)
FINAL.PAR may be used to put your PK-232 parameters in a state suitable for
another terminal program on quiting. If you normally run ACUTERM, delete or
rename it.
VHFPKT.PAR and HFPKT.PAR are very useful, and allow you to set up any number
of parameters any time you switch from VHF to HF packet.
Don't forget that you can have any number of *.PAR files, for special
circumstances, and run them as desired from a menu (ALT-F1).
RESETTING THE PK-232 FROM THE PROGRAM:
If there is a possibility that another program has left some non-default
parameters in the PK-232, you may want to reset the PK-232. Enter the verbose
command mode (SHIFT-F1), type "RESET, [ENTER]", and slowly tap the "*" key
until you get the introductory message.
It is recommended that you exit ACUTERM at this point, and reboot it to
properly initialize the PK-232 for host mode communications.
THE CUSTOM.DTA FILE:
The CUSTOM.DTA file provides a way to change ACUTERM to fit your hardware
requirements.
You can modify CUSTOM.DTA with a text editor, or with the mini-editor
contained in ACUTERM. To use the mini-editor, starting from the TERMINAL
MODE, hit SHIFT-F3 to read files, select CUSTOM.DTA, then hit ALT-E to edit.
When you are done editing, hit escape, leave the name in the prompt box
unchanged, and hit [ENTER].
IF YOU MODIFY THIS FILE, BE VERY CAREFUL TO PLACE THE STRING AT THE VERY
BEGINNING!!! OTHERWISE, IT WILL NOT BE INTERPRETTED PROPERLY. AND MAKE SURE
THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE PARAMETERS IN THEIR PROPER PLACES!
Delays and Time Zone Offset are read and implemented both during booting
and after any internal file edit, so these changes can be implemented without
restarting ACUTERM. Other changes require a reboot to become effective.
Transcript Storage: The First Character in CUSTOM.DTA
The way transcripts are handled is determined by the CUSTOM.DTA file and the
\ACUTERM\AT.BAT file.
ACUTERM builds working transcript files in the root directory of the disk
drive indicated by the FIRST character in CUSTOM.DTA. I recommend that this be
the letter of the virtual drive that you create with your \CONFIG.SYS file,
which is one letter beyond that of your last hard disk drive.
If you have only one hard drive, C:, and have created a virtual disk,
enter "D" as the FIRST character in CUSTOM.DTA.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE DISK DRIVE CHOSEN FOR TRANSCRIPT WORKING UPDATE
EXIST, EITHER IN REAL OR VIRTUAL (RAM DISK) FORM. IF ACUTERM IS DIRECTED TO A
NON-EXISTING DRIVE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ROLL DOWN THE TRANSCRIPT SCREEN.
MAKE SURE THAT THE COPY STATEMENTS IN THE FILE "AT.BAT" COPY FILES TO THIS
DISK DRIVE BEFORE TERM.EXE RUNS, AND COPY THEM FROM THIS DISK DRIVE ON EXIT
FROM TERM.EXE.
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NOTE:
If you have a non-standard setup, 3 floppy drives for example, DOS may not
be able to handle a VDISK. In this case, use your hard disk for both working
update and permanent storage of your transcripts by entering C in CUSTOM.DTA,
and removing the COPY statements from AT.BAT.
If you don't want the XSCRIPT*.DTA files cluttering up your root directory,
rewrite AT.BAT to move them from somewhere else to the root directory prior
to running TERM.EXE, them move (copy and erase) them back afterwards.
Use of a floppy drive for working update of transcripts is possible, but is
not recommended.
Using the VDISK automatically keeps the size of your transcript files
limited. If you don't use it, inspect/edit/erase your transcripts regularly
to keep them from taking up too much of your disk.
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Tbaud Determination: The Second Character in CUSTOM.DTA
The SECOND character in CUSTOM.DTA determines ACUTERM's TBAUD. The
number code to be entered is:
1 FOR 9600 BAUD 2 FOR 4800 BAUD 3 FOR 2400 BAUD 4 FOR 1200 BAUD
The default is 2 (4800 BAUD), but you may find that you want to run as
low as 1200 with a 4.77 mHz. PC, or run as fast as 9600 with a 10 mHz.
286 machine.
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Note:
There was an error in these instructions in earlier documentation. These
are the correct codes for earlier versions of ACUTERM. Sorry!
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Cursor blanking: The Third Character in CUSTOM.DTA
The THIRD character is a code for ACUTERM's method of cursor blanking.
DOS provides no universal method for turning the cursor off, so this
code provides you some options:
0: No Blanking--you will see cursor hash as the information
line on the screen is updated.
1: DOS Blanking--uses a DOS routine and works with some computers.
2: CRTC Blanking--uses the "take matters into your own hands"
approach, and works with just about all computers.
3: Not Invented Yet Blanking--to work with some Tandy machines.
If the cursor is not successfully blanked, the primary effect is that
you will see some cursor hash or sparkle on the line below your log. If
you have information as to how the cursor can be blanked on TANDY machines,
please write.
Polling Method: The Fourth Character in CUSTOM.DTA
The FOURTH character determines ACUTERM's polling method as required
by HPOLL:
N: HPOLL OFF--the PK-232 talks whenever it has something to say,
and doesn't need to be asked.
Y: HPOLL ON--the PK-232 answers only direct questions, and doesn't
volunteer anything.
I prefer "N", but ACUTERM will change its strategy to suit your preference.
Note that PC-PACKRATT seems to use "Y", and this option is the one with which
AEA tests their firmware updates.
Polling Delay: The Fifth Character in CUSTOM.DTA
The FIFTH character determines the delay between ACUTERM's questions
to the PK-232. A lower number gives faster response, but this parameter
is made adjustable to provide for slow computers or PK-232 firmware that
might not be able to keep up. Recommended range: 0-3.
This polling delay parameter in some ways has the same effect as TBAUD.
If you encounter the stray characters mentioned above under TBAUD, set the
polling delay at 3, then reduce the TBAUD until the strays no longer appear,
and finally nurse down the delay.
(You might be interested in seeing what is going on in the host mode.
You can see a snapshot of the host mode dialog by hitting F6. Hit any
key to return to the previous screen.)
Printer Delay: The Sixth Character in CUSTOM.DTA
Older printers may be so confused immediately after receiving a character
that if asked whether ready for another one, they can say "yes" instead
of "no". The SIXTH character sets a delay in approximate milliseconds between
ACUTERM's sending of a character and its inquiry whether the printer is ready
for the next one. Recommended range: 0-2.
Increase this value if your printer skips lines or misses characters,
particularly when printing labels.
Time Zone Offset: The Seventh and Eighth Characters in CUSTOM.DTA
The SEVENTH and EIGHTH characters allow you to keep your computer clock
set for local time, yet keep your log in UTC. To calculate the code to be
entered, first calculate: GMT - LOCAL TIME.
If this is a positive number, enter it into the file as a two digit number.
However, if it is negative, subtract it from 24.
EXAMPLES: COMPUTER TIME GMT - LOCAL TIME ENTRY
EUROPE -1 23
ENGLAND 0 00
E.D.S.T. 4 04
E.S.T. = C.D.S.T. 5 05
C.S.T. = M.D.S.T. 6 06
R.M.S.T.= P.D.S.T. 7 07
P.S.T 8 08
If you have your computer clock set to UTC, set the parameter to "00".
Serial Port Configuration: The Ninth through Eleventh Characters in CUSTOM.DTA
If you have a Kenwood transceiver interfaced to your computer, enter "K" as
the NINTH character. If you don't, enter "N".
(One of these days, there may be an "I" parameter.)
For the TENTH character, enter the number of the COMM port which is
connected to the PK-232: 1 to 3.
If you entered "N" above, enter "0" as the ELEVENTH character.
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NOTE:
ACUTERM may write to the perhaps non-existant COMM port indicated in the
eleventh character. Change this number if you have non-standard assessories
occupying COMM port addresses. "0" is interpretted to be "4".
1-4 may be entered as the ELEVENTH character, provided the number is
different than that of the port connected to the PK-232.
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If you entered "K", enter as the ELEVENTH character the number of the
COMM port which is connected to the IF-232C interface: 1 to 4.
THIS PORT MUST BE ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFERENT INTERRUPT THAN THE PK-232!
If you have the PK-232 connected to COMM 1, and the IF-232C connected to
COMM 2, the interrupts should be different (provided your computer has its DIP
switches set correctly). This is because COMM 1 is dedicated to INTERRUPT
IRQ 4, and COMM 2 to INTERRUPT IRQ 3.
(Note that there was an error in earlier versions of ACUTERM that prevented
PK-232 communication on COMM 2. This is now corrected.)
However, there may be a problem if you use COMM 3 or COMM 4 for the
transceiver interface, as there are established rules dedicating interrupts
to these ports. It is up to whoever set the DIP switches.
Whatever port you use, make sure that its DIP switches are set to give it
a different interrupt than the one associated with the PK-232 port.
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TECHNICAL NOTE:
If no transceiver interface is indicated (N), only the interrupt associated
with the PK-232 COMM port chosen is active. Acuterm assumes:
PK-232 COMM PORT IRQ INTERRUPT ACTIVATED
INTERRUPT 1 4
WITH NO 2 3
TRANSCEIVER 3 4 (AVOID: NO CONVENTION)
INTERFACE 4 4 (AVOID: NO CONVENTION)
If a previously run program has activated one of these interrupts, it will
be turned off unless you assign it to ACUTERM as shown above.
On the other hand, if a transceiver interface is indicated (K), both
interrupts, IRQ 3 and IRQ 4, are active and their vectors re-assigned.
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THE \ACUTERM\AT.BAT FILE:
The primary purpose of the \ACUTERM\AT.BAT file is to allow the user
flexibility in handling permanent storage of transcript files.
THE HANDLING OF TRANSCRIPT FILES BY AT.BAT MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH THEIR
RUN-TIME LOCATION AS DETERMINED BY CUSTOM.DTA!
The example on the distribution disk simply;
o Copies the transcripts in permanent storage on the hard drive
to a presumed virtual disk.
o Runs \ACUTERM\TERM.EXE.
o Copies the transcript files from the VDISK to the hard drive.
Note that you can rewrite this file to concatenate the transcript files
into one file, ignore permanent storage of channels 1-3 (used only for
packet), or not store transcripts permanently at all. See your DOS Manual.
You can also end this file with an instruction that returns you to your
menu program when you leave ACUTERM.
FILE ORDERING:
The operating system of your computer places new files at the first vacancy
(where a file was erased) in the directory. It is suggested that you use a
utility such as NORTON to organize your CUSTOM.DTA, HELP.*, CQ.*, QRZ.*,
BRAG.*, and other little accessed files so that they are at the beginning of
the directory, and perhaps add some padding files (no contents) to completely
fill the first page of directory displays.
That way, the files that you do access often will be on the second and
subsequent pages, and you will not have to look through HELP, CQ, QRZ, and BRAG
files to find the one you are looking for.
Note that the mini-editor in ACUTERM allows you to edit files without
changing their position in the directory, but other editors sometimes do not.
If you want CUSTOM.DTA or a BRAG.* to stay put after editing, use the built-in
mini-editor.
WHY THERE IS A FILES SUBDIRECTORY:
Several people have inquired as to why there is a FILES subdirectory. The
contents of FILES are very accessable, and can be changed easily or "killed"
with a few keystrokes. To protect TERM.EXE, and your very important log,
CHRONLOG.DTA, they are in a separate directory, and not directly vulnerable to
a wrong keystroke or two.
This concludes the remarks relating to the installation and set-up
of ACUTERM.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
This section relates to using some of ACUTERM's features.
ID'ING:
Once you have entered your QSO partner's call in the log, the F2 keys may be
used for ID macro's in the following way:
o F2 = ID : Used principally at beginning of transmission,
but may be used anytime: YV1AQE DE N8BA
o ALT-F2 = ID + AR: Used to terminate a transmission and includes
the +? or CTRL-D: YV1AQE DE N8BA/+?
o SHFT-F2= ID + SK: Used to terminate a QSO: YV1AQE DE N8BA/SNIP
USING THE LOG:
Basics:
When you begin a QSO, start the log by hitting ALT-F8. This stores any
legitimate (ie. there is a call entered) previous log entry, and records the
starting time of the QSO as well as some other information.
This key leaves you in a qso log editing mode. If you wish to start a
dialog immediately, hit ESC (or F8) to resume terminal operation.
If the other party is transmitting, stay in the editing mode, and enter his
call, QTH, etc. as he gives it to you.
When you are finished editing, you have two options. If you want to start
typing into your transmit buffer immediately, hit ESC.
However, if you want to see if you have worked the other station before,
hit F7. If there are no previous entries with the station, you will find
yourself in the terminal mode. If there are previous entries, you can read
them by tapping the F7 key until you pass the first one in the log, in which
case you will also return to the terminal mode.
In doing so, if you find a particularly informative entry, you can hit ESC
at any time, and the old log entry will remain on the screen until you resume
editing.
To resume editing, hit F8. The current qso log entry will appear (if it
isn't already on the screen) and the sign-out time will be updated. Note that
the TAB and SHIFT-TAB can be used to take the cursor from one field to the
next.
In general, the procedure for logging is to:
o Sign-in with ALT-F8
o Edit with F8
o Search while editing or from the terminal mode with F7.
Tap F7 until all the matches are found, and you return
automatically to the TERMINAL MODE.
o Refresh the sign-out one last time at the end of the QSO
with F8, ESC or by tapping F8 twice.
o Store the log entry with ALT-F8
(For editing, F8 both enters and exits. So tapping F8 twice is the same as
hitting F8, ESC.)
You will not store a blank log entry when you hit ALT-f8 again when you
start your next QSO. As long as the call area of the log is blank, no entry
will be stored.
This suggests that a log entry can be aborted by just rubbing out the call.
You can do this with the space, backspace, or the erase-edit-field key, F5.
You don't have to worry about losing an entry if you forget to store it
prior to quiting the program. Log entries are stored automatically on exit.
However, turning the computer off, or resetting it, is another matter! ALWAYS
USE THE QUIT SELECTION ON THE HELP SCREEN TO END AN OPERATING SESSION!
Searching:
The F7 key can enter the search mode from the qso log edit mode or directly
from the terminal mode.
You can skim through the log manually by hitting ALT-F7 from the terminal
mode, and use the up/down cursors to read entries.
Or you can look for a call that is not currently logged in by hitting
CTRL-F7 and entering the call or prefix to be searched for in the box that will
appear.
If log searches are slow, and there is quite a bit of head activity, run one
of the commercial programs that reorganizes your hard drive.
Note that ACUTERM searches by looking for a partial match. This is
advantageous in that you can search for all entries with a certain prefix by
just typing in the prefix. For example, the search will turn up all YV
stations by typing in "YV". However, a search for N8BA will also turn up
N8BAA, N8BAB, etc. Be careful that you look at the call found before saying
"HI BILL...".
You can transfer the top two information lines of an old log entry to your
current log entry by hitting ALT-C while in the search mode. This is handy
for automatic entry of name, QTH, and rig. (Note: this feature will not work
immediately after editing the old log entry.)
This is about all you have to remember to use the full logging system,
because it is generously provided with prompts to guide you further. And if
you forget these keys, a trip to the help screen will remind you.
These prompts tell you what key to use to edit an old log entry, load your
transceiver to the frequency and mode indicated in an entry, edit and print
QSL labels, etc. Most important, the prompts always tell you how to get back
to the previous or terminal mode.
Editing:
Editing the log as a whole is not normally necessary, but may be required if
the log must be reconstructed following a disk mishap. If you suddenly find
your log entries misaligned, something bad has happened to your CHRONLOG.DTA
file, and it must be repaired before logging any more entries on it. Back it
up immediately, and erase it in \ACUTERM before continuing to operate.
Please don't get excessively concerned. The only way that my log has gotten
misaligned is by me editing it with an editor and making an error. But it
could happen--files do get busted occasionally.
The log is easily edited with several text editors. One is Microsoft's text
editor, called M.EXE, and comes as part of the Microsoft Macro Assembler 5.1.
Another is the NORTON text editor, which contains better internal instructions,
but must handle a large log in chunks.
TURN ANY TAB PADDING FEATURE IN THE EDITOR OFF!
DON'T ATTEMPT TO EDIT WITHOUT MAKING A BACKUP!
For your information, each log entry is a character stream of 248
characters. 240 of the characters are the log text, with no line feed/carriage
returns, and the final eight are six characters of padding, for future
information, followed by one line feed/carriage return pair.
If your log gets misaligned and you can't fix it, write for help.
Translating:
KA1FXY has written a program to translate an ARIES or LANLINK log to
ACUTERM, and vice versa. It is included on this disk!
Database Analysis:
KF8CU has written a DATABASE program. It allows you to sort and print your
ACUTERM log. It is also included on this disk!
I have set up the directories on this disk so that CHRONLOG.DTA must be
copied to \DBASE before using ACULOG.EXE. I recommend that you follow this
practise to preserve your original log during sorting.
READING FILES AND TRANSCRIPTS:
The same scheme is used to read the transcipts and to read files.
Only the entry method is different. To read what has gone off the top
of the screen, engage the transcript reader with the PAGE UP key, and
do the obvious things with the up/down cursors and PAGE keys. Use ESC
to exit.
To read files, hit SHIFT-f3. If you forget that, hit F1 to go to
the HELP screen, and move the sliding menu to READ FILES. Choose your
file from the directory presented.
Once you are reading a file, transcript or not, a number of features
are indicated on the prompt. These include editing the screen and saving
it as the same or a different file, loading the transceiver and/or ARQ/
CONNECT boxes (provided the cursor line has the required format), printing,
etc.
If you want to edit something to a file, hit ALT-E. You will find
yourself in ACUTERM's mini-editor. Change the screen as you wish, then
hit ESC. A box will appear with a tentative file name in it. Accept it,
type over it, or hit ESC a second time to abort.
If you want to print a portion of the transcript, or a file, position
it so that the point where you want to start is at the top of the screen,
and hit ALT-P. The printing will stop when you hit ALT-P again, or exit
the read file/transcript mode, but otherwise will continue to the end of
the file even though it may not be on the screen.
THE MINI-EDITOR:
The same editor is used for editing the log, the transcripts, files, and
QSL labels. In the non-log roles, the TAB's have a normal function. In the
log, the TAB and SHIFT-TAB move you from field to field. In all applications,
F5 clears the screen.
ACUTERM's internal file editor is intended for writing brief messages,
making changes to short files, or creating excerpts from longer files and
saving them under a different name. Only what you see on the screen is
saved.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE EDITOR TO CHANGE A FILE THAT RUNS OFF THE
SCREEN--YOU WILL LOSE WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE. WHEN EXCERPTING FROM A LONG
FILE, MAKE CERTAIN YOU CHANGE THE NAME WHEN SAVING!
Using the MINI-EDITOR to Change Brags, CQ's, QRZ's, etc.:
To use the mini-editor to change a file, display the file by hitting
SHIFT-F3 or by choosing READ FILES on the help screen and selecting the
file.
To edit the file, hit ALT-E. If you want to remove everything that is
currently there, hit F5. Use the cursors to move around and enter text,
then hit ESC to end the editing.
A box will then appear with the file name in it. If you want to save
the edited file under that name, hit ENTER. If not, type a new name over
the old one and hit ENTER, or--if you decide to abort--hit ESC.
These steps are suggested by the prompts on the screen.
TRANSCRIPT CAPTURE:
While the transcript file system provides a way to cut out screens and
make them files, longer transmissions can be recorded using the TCAPTURE
function. This is toggled with the ALT-T key.
When you exit TCAPTURE, the program asks you to enter the file name where
the captured transcript should be stored. A pre-name is provided; use it
if you wish, or type over it. If you rub out, or clear with F5, the pre-name,
or hit ESC, you can leave the capture function "open", and resume capturing
to the file later.
Once a capture file is "closed", you can no longer add to its contents with
the TCAPTURE function.
If you give TCAPTURE a file name that already exits, it is rejected.
Your captured material is not lost. Simply enter and exit TCAPTURE again,
and give it another file name.
Un-named captured material is retained when you turn your computer off.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTE:
TCAPTURE works by writing to a file named CAPTURED.DTA in the ACUTERM\
FILES subdirectory. When you exit TCAPTURE, CAPTURED.DTA is renamed to the
file name that you enter.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BEACON FILES:
The HELP screens desribe a BEACON CQ and sending a file as a BEACON,
What does BEACON mean? It means that the CQ or other file will be sent
repetitively until you hit the DELETE key or the file has been sent 10
times. In AMTOR, the transmissions will be aborted automatically if your
station receives an ARQ or FEC transmission. The files are sent with about
20 seconds "listening" time between transmissions.
This feature is intended for sending a string of CQ's, or for repetitively
calling another station. If the time-out feature limits your capability
to hog the band while away from your station, buy a KAM and set up a BBS.
BEACON CALL:
Note that there is a BEACON CALL feature that is not shown on some of
the help screens (no room!). This is engaged with the CTRL-F2 key, and
causes a beacon to be sent, calling the station currently logged.
ACCESSORIES:
Use ACUTERM'S batch file system to create your own set of accessories.
Bring up your menu of batch files with CTRL-F1, or from the slider menu
on the HELP screen. You can access all of the programs on your hard
drive by writing a batch file that calls your menu program. Use the DOS
exit of the program to return to ACUTERM.
You can enter DOS from ACUTERM by writing a batch file:
CD \
COMMAND
When you want to return to ACUTERM, enter the command "EXIT". Our thanks
to AA6OK for this one!
You may also want to write batch files to access gray-line programs,
satellite tracking programs, and other frequently used amateur radio software.
There is no longer room to include YAPP on this disk. However, if you
wish to call YAPP from ACUTERM, you should insert the following statement in
YAPP.CNF as the first command to be sent to the PK-232:
OHON OR CTRL-A,"OHON",CTRL-W
This is the host mode command for putting the PK-232 into the verbose
mode.
CONTROLLING THE TRANSCEIVER:
The transceiver control functions are as follows:
o F9 and F10 control the RIT. Shift-F10 clears the RIT.
o Alt-F9 and ALT-F10 control the main frequency.
o SHIFT-F9 tunes the transceiver to the current log entry.
Note that the READ FILES function provides a prompt for loading the
transceiver from text files, and that the log reading functions (ALT-F7,
CTRL-F7, etc.) allow you to load the transceiver from a log entry.
The format of a text file entry for loading the transceiver is illustrated
below. THIS FORMAT HAS CHANGED SLIGHTLY IN REV 0.407 TO ALLOW THE PK-232
MODE TO BE PROGRAMMED.
14.079.00/ 14.079.00 LSB AMT KR4P LEE PALM BAY, FLORIDA
14.077.00/ 14.077.00 FSK AMT YV1AQE WILLY MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA
14.115.00/ 14.115.00 LSB PAC AA6OK
28.187.00/ 28.187.00 LSB PAC KR4P V YV1AQE
════Fa════╧════Fb════╧MDtx╧MDpk╧═CALL══<<TO ENTER FROM LOG: ALT-L════EXIT:ESC═
Note how it aligns with the template on the edit prompt of the ACUTERM
mini_editor. When using the mini-editor, also note that you can load a
file from a currently displayed log entry by positioning the cursor to
the line where you want the entry, and hitting ALT-L.
A decimal point, separating kilohertz and hertz, must be present. The
decimal point between megahertz and kiloherts is optional.
When you load the transceiver from a file, or the log, the first (receive)
frequency will be loaded into VFO A, the second (transmit), following the
slash, will be loaded into VFO B, and the modes of both transceiver and
PK-232 will be loaded as well.
The /(second frequency) is optional--if only one frequency is given, it
will be loaded into both VFO A and VFO B.
If your entry is intended for packet, you may enter the call starting
at column 32 with the "via" path extending as far as necessary across the
screen. (Packet entries should not have name, qth, or comments after the
call.)
After loading the transceiver, and leaving the READ FILES mode, you will
find this call or its selcal in the CONNECT and ARQ boxes. (Any logging
activity will erase or write over the selcal. Rub out any comments that
appear in the CONNECT box before hitting return.)
You don't need a transceiver interface to find the above useful!
WORDOUT AND AUTOMATIC CARRIAGE RETURNS:
Note that ACUTERM handles WORDOUT internally in all modes except MORSE.
The state of the PK-232 WORDOUT will determine whether you have a wordout
function in the MORSE mode.
Automatic carriage returns are built into ACUTERM for typed input,
but not for file input. Files are sent "as is".
LENGTH OF FILE PACKETS:
Note that ACUTERM sends files in packets that terminate automatically
to end at the ends of lines. Whenever 80 characters or less are to be
sent to the PK-232, it starts watching for a line feed, and ends the packet
on the next one it finds. If it doesn't find one when it has sent a total
of 240 characters, it ends the packet.
This results in files being sent so that the packets tend to end on
the ends of lines. If PACLEN is large, 200 or more, text will be sent
in packets averaging three or more lines, always ending at the end of a
line.
LEAVING THE PROGRAM:
ALWAYS LEAVE ACUTERM BY USING THE QUIT SELECTION ON THE MAIN MENU.
If u don't, any active log entries will not be stored, your permanent
transcript will not be updated with the session's material, and you
will leave your PK-232 in the host mode.
KF8CU'S PRIMER:
John, KF8CU, has written a very clear set of notes on how to use ACUTERM
in the various communications modes. See PRIMER.DOC on this disk.
This concludes feature discussion.
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
CLOSING REMARKS:
While there is a Copyright notice on the introductory screen, it is only to
protect the program from unauthorized exploitation. All amateur radio
operators are free to copy and distribute ACUTERM, provided that it is not for
profit, and that these notes are contained in the copy.
If you request copies of ACUTERM from me, please keep in mind that mailing
a disk costs about $5, and that you will want updates. Donations have
typically been $10-$20, and more than that is excessive. Do not send disks,
mailers, or stamps. Checks are fine.
If you got ACUTERM from someone else, donations would be appreciated, but
only from happy users. Pad bottles so that they don't break. I smoke anything
that burns. Ticking packages will be returned COD. No, we have two cats
already!
New features to ACUTERM have been added on a weekly basis for some time,
and there are more to come. Releases will be made as significant new features
are added, on roughly a monthly basis.
Please do not encourage people to write me asking for "information about
ACUTERM". Please give it to them yourself, and--if they are interested--have
them write me for the latest version.
While I tried to make ACUTERM work with a variety of clone types, PK-232
firmware revisions, etc., there will be compatibility problems with some
computers. Let me know about them.
Correspondence may be sent to:
W.R.KISSEL--N8BA
1331 E. DAWSON
MILFORD, MICH. 48042
313-685-8671 (7 PM to 10 PM EST)
CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD PROVIDE COMPUTER INFORMATION (PROCESSOR, VIDEO ADAPTOR
TYPE, COMM PORTS EQUIPPED, SERIAL CONFIGURATION, DISK CONFIGURATION, ANY
UNUSUAL ACCESSORIES, ETC.) AND PK-232 FIRMWARE REVISION.
For a quick response, leave me a message on K4CZ, an Amtor mailbox. It is
on 40 meters from sunset to noon EST at 7.076.85 FSK, and on 20 meters from
noon to sunset EST at 14.070.15 or thereabouts. Add 2.2 kHz for LSB AFSK.
Finally, I'd like to express my thanks to ACUTERM's beta evaluators,
especially Lee--KR4P, Willy--YV1AQE, Brian--KA1FXY, Jack--AA6OK, Gary--KJ6WB,
John--KF8CU, and Adolph--K8SCA. And also to Henry--K4CZ--for providing his
mailbox for developmental consultation (ie. bitches).
With their encouragement, interest, insight, and contributions, ACUTERM has
become a group project and so much fun that we might run out of REV numbers
before its done!
73, BILL--N8BA