HAM Radio 1/HamRadio.cdr/freq/qstmuf/qstmuf13.doc

Text File | 1990-01-25 | 4KB | 70 lines

                              QSTMUF13.BAS




QSTMUF13.BAS is a frequency propagation forecast program to obtain the MUF
(maximum usable frequency) based on the Ottawa 10.7 cm Solar Flux Number
or the Sunspot Number for a particular date over a particular path.  It also
calculates the initial Great Circle bearing and the distance between the
points in kilometers, statute miles and nautical miles.

QSTMUF13 is an updated and modified version of the QST magazine MUF program
with some color added, additional error trapping, a default home base, a
default target added.  It also gets the Solar Flux number from the computer
environment, and reads the computer date for a default forecast date if
desired.  Of course, you can manually enter a Solar Flux number or Sunspot
Number, too.  It uses the BASIC LCOPY command to optionally print the
propagation forecast to the printer, will optionally save it in a file, and
will display it on the screen.

A number of default reference coordinates are presented on the screen to
assist you as a memory jog.  These can be modified by you to show any
reference points you wish.  See lines 310-390 of the program.  These can be
changed in any word processor which saves in true ASCII format, or in BASIC
with the EDIT LINE nnn command, saving afterwards.

Likewise you are offered a default Transmitter location description in Line
440 and its Latitude and Longitude in lines 470 and 480.  These too can be
changed in your word processor or in BASIC to your own location.

A default target for a path you frequently use is described in line 630 and
its latitude and longitude given in lines 660 and 670.  These too you can
change to suit yourself.

Note that all south latitudes and east longitudes are specified with a minus
sign preceding the numbers.  Latutudes and longitudes are entered in degrees and decimal parts of a degree for simplicity.

The program will find the system date and use it if you wish.  Naturally your
computer must be set to the correct date when the program is run for this feature to work.

The program normally looks in the DOS ENVIRONMENT for the value attached to
the variable SOLARFLUX, and will use it if you wish.  This is because I use
a program which contacts NOAA and obtains the 10.7 cm Solar Flux number and
sets it in the environment ready for use by several propagation forecast
programs.  (If interested in this program contact me at CIS 74066,635 and I
will get it to you.)  You can manually set the Solar Flux or Sunspot Number
in the program, and you can set the SOLARFLUX variable by entering
SOLARFLUX=nnn at the DOS prompt, where nnn is the Solar Flux numbered obtained
from any reliable source.  (Try WWV at H+18.)  And if you don't know the
Solar Flux number it offers a default in lines 1020-1060 which you can also
change to any desired figure in your word processor or in BASIC.

When you choose to copy the forecast to a text file you are asked if the
default filename should be used, and you can change it as you wish
in your word processor or BASIC in lines 3220 and 3230. QSTMUF13.DAT is
a typical printout which can be TYPEd to your screen as a sample.

Except for the use of LCOPY to print the forecast to the printer, the
program will compile with no errors in QUICKBASIC 4.5 should you wish to do
so, but the resulting file is about twice as big when it becomes an .EXE file.

I do not claim to have written the basic forecast routines.  These are from
QST Magazine and the National Bureau of Standards (see credits in the REM
statements at the end).  I have only enhanced the already fine work of the
previous programmers.

If you have any questions or difficulties contact me on CompuServe at
74066,635.
                 -Paul Heim