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1986-11-19
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KB0ZP HAM DISK #1
USERS GUIDE
Larry Kebel (KB0ZP)
398 Adams Street
Cumming, IA 50061
USA
KB0ZP Page # 2
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
You are encouraged to copy and freely distribute this HAM DISK #1 in
an unmodified form. Please notify me if you have any suggestions on
how these programs may be improved or changed. Any and all comments
are welcome. If your suggestions are accepted and they are the first
time mentioned, I will send you an upgraded HAM DISK #1 (free of
charge) including your modifications as well as all the others that
have preceded you. If your suggestion is lengthy or complicated, a
sample program on a disk would be appreciated. Even this GUIDE is not
beyond improvement.
The programs were created on a Leading Edge computer with a
monochrome monitor and no graphics board using GW Basic and then
compiled with the Microsoft QuickBASIC Compiler. The printer used is
a Gemini 10X. Therefore, these programs should work on the IBM XT and
many clones. If you have found trouble on your computer, or printer
please let me know.
Copies of the original source code are NOT available to any
individual or organization for any reason. So please don't ask.
I make no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy, correctness or
reliability of these programs. All responsibilities are borne by the
user.
The first thing you should do is to make a copy of the HAM DISK #1
using the DISKCOPY command from DOS and put it in a safe place.
A>DISKCOPY A: B:
HAM DISK #1 Version 2.A consists of the following programs:
READ ME
MESSAGE EXE
GUIDE
DECODE1 EXE
DECODE2 EXE
BRUN20 EXE
FORM EXE
*INTRODUCTION*
KB0ZP Page # 3
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
MESSAGE RECORDING PROGRAM
SAVE TO DISK
ASCII
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 4
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
PURPOSE ---
This program is designed to handle large volumes of message traffic
as you would find in a disaster center or State Fair by saving to
disk in ASCII format. Each message has its own filename with the
extention indicating the destination. With the data disk inserted the
a computer, all messages may be transmitted electronically. Whether
that be by telephone, AMTOR, CW, RTTY, or Packet Radio. Programs
presently exist to transmit by Packet, and in the near future, I am
sure that special programs will be written for CW, RTTY and AMTOR.
Especially as we get more into the computer age.
A hard copy printout is an option for better record keeping.
Large quantities of messages can be taken by non-Hams, put onto
disks, and then the messages can be given to a Ham (220 at a time)
for transmission on the air. This frees up the ham talent for radio
operating and does not tie them up with typing chores.
GETTING STARTED ---
You will need a copy of the HAM DISK #1 and 2 blank and formatted
disks. The first thing to do is to create a message program disk on
one of the blank diskettes for use in the field so that if it gets
lost or damaged, nothing is really lost. The procedure is to place
the HAM DISK #1 in Drive A: and a blank disk in Drive B:. Then from
the A prompt enter-
A>DISKCOPY A: B:
The next step is to label the disks you are working with. The one you
created above should be labelled MESSAGE PROGRAM. And the last blank
disk you have should be labelled MESSAGE DATA (date). All the
messages will be written to the DATA disk. Additional Data Disks
should be made at this time if you expect to have heavy message
traffic. Each disk will hold about 220 messages.
RUNNING THE PROGRAM ---
Insert the Message Program Disk in Drive A: and type...
A>MESSAGE
And the program will start. Remove the Program disk and replace it
with the data disk.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 5
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
TIME & DATE RESET ---
The time and date that are in memory will be shown here. if both of
these are OK - press Y and you will move on to the next screen. If
either one is not correct, press N. You will then be asked which one
is incorrect. Press D for Date and T for Time. If you press N you
will move to the next screen.
When D is pressed, you will be able to enter the corrected date. It
must be entered in the format shown. ie MM/DD/YY. July 12, 1978 would
be entered as 07/12/78. Don't forget to type the slashes (/). Then
press enter and you will be asked if all is correct. If OK press Y,
if not press N.
Now press T to change the time. Enter the correct time in the format
shown. 2PM would be entered as 14:00:00. This is a 24 hour clock.
Also you must type the colons (:). You do not have to type the
seconds. 14:00 is OK. The time will start when enter is pressed for
more accurate timekeeping. But, please remember that the clock in the
computer is not that accurate.
The next question to answer is whether you are using Local, Zulu, or
UTC time. Press the appropriate letter and you are now shown the new
date and time. If you still have errors or change your mind, do the
process again. If all is OK, press Y.
MESSAGE TO BE SENT FROM ---
If you have previously saved an address with the function key #1,
just press it and the address information will be entered
automatically. Otherwise you are asked to enter the name, address,
etc. of the person who is sending the message. Limits are indicated
by the brackets as to the maximum length of each line. If you exceed
that length, the program will tell you so and you must fix it before
you may proceed.
Name 35 Characters
Street 35 Characters
City 20 Characters
The state should be entered as the two letter Post Office
abbreviations. It looks better if you enter them as capital letters.
To aid you there is a help screen which will give you all the
abbreviations. Just type H & Enter. Press any key to return to where
you were.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 6
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
This program is written for messages FROM the USA only. Third party
agreements are not known between other countries. ie. Does England
have an agreement with France? And what are their rules &
regulations? If operators in other countries want a copy of this
program for their use, please let me know and send a copy of your
third party agreement regulations. I would be glad to create a
version for you. So - USA is automatically inserted.
The ZIP Code is given 10 spaces for the new 9 digit code plus the
hyphen. Enter either a 5 or 9 digit ZIP Code.
The phone number should be entered next. If you wish to use the
guides shown, you must type them in. If not, just type the phone
number as you wish. A telephone number is needed to confirm addresses
if there is a problem with delivery and also if you wish a
confirmation of delivery. It is also possible to type 'No Phone' at
this place, but please ask. Some message handlers will not even try
to deliver a message with no phone numbers.
At this point, if all of the above is correct, just type a slash (/)
and the program will move on. If you have an error, type any other
key and you will be asked which line has the error. The lines are
numbered on the left side for reference. Enter the correct number and
the prompt will go to the right spot for your corrections. When all
the corrections are made, type the slash (/) to move to entering the
addressee.
PERMANENT "FROM" ADDRESS ---
After entering the "FROM" address information, press the function key
#1 and the address will be saved. Only one "FROM" address may be
saved. The other function keys will do nothing.
CHOOSE ONE: ---
The Fn1 key has been explained above. If you press any of the numbers
1 thru 7 you will be taken to a correction screen where you may
correct any errors that have come up. The letter R will (R)eturn you
to the start of the "FROM" address so that you will have to redo the
entire address again. If all is OK, enter (/) and proceed to the "TO"
address.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 7
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
MESSAGE TO BE SENT TO ---
Enter the Name, Street and City as above.
The State/Province can be entered as an abbreviation or you may spell
out the entire word. 25 characters are allowed. The help screen is
available again for the states in the USA as well as some foreign
abbreviations. Please use the abbreviations reccomended, as they will
be needed later on when sorting by state or section.
There is also a help screen available for the country. It will tell
you all the countries that the USA has third party agreements with.
Please use it wisely. 20 spaces have been allotted for entering the
country. You may also send messages to the US possessions and
territories. By just hitting the enter key, USA is entered.
Enter the ZIP Code as above.
Enter the phone number as above.
If you have errors, type the number of the line with the error and
you will be given a chance to correct the error. If you press any of
the function keys, the "TO" address will be saved under that key. A
small written record of what address is where would be helpful. It is
also possible to go through the function keys when you are entering
the "TO" address to find the one you want. By typing R you will
(R)eturn to the beginning of the "TO" address and the "TO" address
will be lost. Type RR and you will return to the beginning of the
program and both addresses will have to be re-entered.
MESSAGE ---
You are allowed 150 characters and spaces per message which is
divided into 3 lines of 50 each. You will not be allowed to exceed
the 50 character line length. If your words are chosen carefully,
this should be more than enough.
Remember, no business correspondence should be sent via Amateur Radio
and watch for bad language. Basically follow the FCC rules &
regulations.
Phrases like "I will be there soon" are ambiguous and should be
avoided. It would be better to say "I will be there about 12 Jul 87".
Words like "Hello" and "Hi there" do nothing but use up space. "Hi,
this is Sally" isn't needed since Sally will be signing the message.
As you get into this more deeply, I am sure that you will find that
people do ramble on and really don't say much.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 8
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
One last thing - Please avoid the use of abbreviations in messages.
Some abbreviations mean one thing to one person and something
completely different to someone else. ie AA could mean Alcoholics
Anonymous or American Airlines or even Atom Ant.
When typing in the message, just watch the limits of the last line
and type enter to move to the signature.
You are allowed 15 characters for the signature. Type enter and if
all is OK type slash (/). If not then press any other key. Then enter
1, 2, 3, or S to move the cursor into position to make the
correction. When you are satisfied - type slash (/). NOTE: This is
really a very crude word processor. It does have a word-wrap feature
but the backspace and direction keys are disabled. If you type an
error, continue typing and then go back to the line with the error
and fix by retyping the entire line.
MESSAGE NUMBER ---
The program will always start with Message #1. If you are working a 2-
3 day affair or shut down for a couple of hours, you have the
opportunity to upgrade the message number here. Just type the correct
number and press enter. Or if the number is correct, just press
enter. The message numbers will increase by one each time you go
through the program and you will always have a chance to change it.
If you are working many hours and are using a club station call sign,
then numbers 1-99 would be one operator and 100-199 would be another
etc. The largest message number the program can handle is 9,999,999.
Each operator could have their own data disk.
PRECEDENCE ---
Another help screen is available to define each of the four
precedences. Enter H to view it. Or, enter R for Routine, P for
Priority, W for Health & Welfare, or E for Emergency.
Next you will be asked if all the messages you will handle will have
the same precedence. If you anticipate nothing but routine messages,
for example, type Y. If not, type any other key. If you typed Y, you
will never see this screen again. But don't worry, you will have
another change to change it later on.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 9
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS ---
Here again is a help screen to aid you in identifying each of the HX
Codes. Just enter H. When entering the prosign, it is best to use a
capital letter. Even two prosigns may be used at the same time. Type
the first one then a space & then the second one. Do not type the HX.
The computer will handle that.
You will be asked if this will be the same for all messages. If so,
type Y. If not type any other key.
STATION of ORIGIN ---
Here you must enter the call sign of the station sending the message.
Use capital letters. Then press Y or any other key as above. Since
this program is for use from the USA only, it will only accept call
signs beginning with A, K, N, or W.
CITY & STATE of ORIGIN ---
Enter the City & State where the message originated. Press enter then
Y just like above.
FINAL SCREEN ---
Here the entire message is displayed. Notice that the Time & Date are
automatically entered as well as the character count. The character
count does not include the signature. All the information shown here
is what will be saved to the disk or printed on your printer.
At this point you should be sure that your printer is up and running.
And that the paper is aligned correctly.
Next check everything on the screen. If you find an error, type C for
CHANGE. Then enter the number of the item you wish to change. This
will take you to a screen which will show you what is in memory and
give you an opportunity to change it. Make your changes and then
return to the final screen. Make any additional changes necessary.
When you are satisfied that all is OK you have the option to save to
disk, print the message, both print and save, encode it or destroy
it.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 10
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
If you wish to DESTROY the message, type D and you will return to the
point where you enter the name & address etc. All will be cleared and
the message number will not increase. It will neither print nor save.
To just PRINT the message , type P. And your printer will start
automatically and print the message. They will be printed three to a
page with a cut line between each message. It will neither be saved
to disk nor held in memory.
To just SAVE to disk, type S. The message will be saved under the
message number preceded by an #. ie #27 is the 27th message you
saved. I estimate that a newly formatted DSDD blank disk can hold
about 220 messages. Each message uses 1621 bytes. If you have more
than that, just replace the disk in Drive B with a new one and
continue on. The message is saved in ASCII format and can be brought
up on the screen from DOS by entering
A>TYPE #2.*
And the second message will be displayed.
If you wish to save to disk and print at the same time, type B for
BOTH.
To ENCODE the message, type E. The computer will select one of 10
different codes. It will then be displayed on the screen. You cannot
ENCODE a message that already been ENCODED. When everything else is
OK then type S. Don't try to print the ENCODED message because all
those funny symbols mean different things to different printers. The
printer will take them as printing instructions and all you will do
is waste paper.
The message number will now have a prefix of @ rather than the normal
# This indicates that it was encoded by Version 2.x. Later versions
may have different coding procedures.
The character count of an ENCODED message will always be 150.
To BOOK messages, type K. It will be saved automatically so you want
to make all your corrections before you BOOK. You will then be asked
to supply another address. When you have typed the new address in,
type the slash (/) and you will return to the final screen again for
one last check. Anything may be changed here again if you wish. Also
notice that the message number has increased by one. And the time has
been updated. When you are satisfied that all is correct, type K
again and you can enter another address. You can keep this up as long
as you wish. When you want to get back to the beginning and stop
booking messages, enter STOP as the Name and you will return to the
screen asking for both the from and to addresses.
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 11
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
This procedure is helpful if you want to send a message to 10
different people and have them contact you on frequency at different
times. Just book the messages as above and change one line of the
message with the individual times.
Those who have helped in improving this program are:
K0CY, Joel Meyers, KA0TMQ
GOOD LUCK & GOOD MESSAGE HANDLING
KB0ZP
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 12
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
BENEFITS OF THE MESSAGE RECORDING PROGRAM
The program automatically inserts the DATE
The program automatically inserts the TIME
The character count is automatically calculated and inserted
The message is printed three to a page and may be given directly to
the recipient
The message can be saved in an ASCII format for use directly by
Packet Radio or any other electronic media
Anybody can use the program, HAM or nonHAM, and the data disk can be
given to someone else for transmission
Automatic Message Numbering
HX Help Screen
Precedence Help Screen
State Post Office Abbreviations Help Screen
Third Party Agreement Help Screen
Standardized ARRL Format
Encoded Messages
Book messages without retyping everything
10 different "TO" addresses may be saved
The "FROM" address may be saved
*MESSAGE PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 13
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
MESSAGE DECODING PROGRAM
*DECODING PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 14
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
PURPOSE ---
These programs work in conjunction with the HAM DISK #1 Version 1.B
and Version 2.A. They are designed to decode the encoded messages
created by the MESSAGE RECORDING PROGRAM.
GETTING STARTED ---
Place the Message Program disk that was created on Page 4 of this
Guide in Drive A. Then type:
A>DECODE2
Next remove the Message Program Disk and replace it with your Message
Data Disk. The program will start when you press any key.
To decode messages created by Version 1.x then type A>DECODE1
SELECT THE MESSAGE ---
Here you are to enter the number of the message you wish decoded.
Enter only the number. Do not enter any prefix or extension the
computer will handle that. If the number you select is not an encoded
message, you will immediately be returned to DOS. Then type A>DIR to
see which messages have been encoded. Only the ones with @ as a
prefix are coded. Once the correct numbers are noted, start the
program again by inserting the Message Program Disk again and typing:
A>DECODE2
You will next be asked if you wish to decode this message. Type the
appropriate letter.
DECODING PROCESS ---
When the message was encoded, the computer randomly selected one of
10 different codes. And no record was kept as to which one. So now we
have to find the correct one.
Type Y each time the message comes up garbled. the computer will go
through each of the 10 codes until the right one is found. Don't
worry if you pass it. You will just have to go through the 10 records
again. The Code Number is shown in the upper right hand corner.
*DECODING PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 15
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
When the decoded message is displayed - read & remember it. You
certainly don't want to print it. Printed copies of decoded messages
are not to be left around. The message is still on the disk for
future reference.
Type N to start to view another message.
Those who have helped in improving this program are:
GOOD LUCK & GOOD MESSAGE HANDLING
KB0ZP
*DECODING PROGRAM*
KB0ZP Page # 16
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
MESSAGE FORM PRINTING
*FORM*
KB0ZP Page # 17
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
PURPOSE ---
This program prints blank message forms to be used by the originator
of the message. They may be printed in quantity by this program or
singularly and duplicated by other means.
GETTING STARTED ---
Place the HAM DISK #1 in Drive A:. then type:
A>FORM
The program will start auotmatically.
Make sure that the printer is on and the paper is aligned.
First run only one page (two forms) to make sure that the paper is
aligned correctly. Then you can run as many as you like.
NOTES ---
The use of a form can become a work saver. They can be filled out by
many people at the same time and then the typist can take them one at
a time on a first in first out proceedure. The typist can make a note
on the back as to when it was put on the disk and by whom. When the
disk is passed on for transmission, the original forms should go with
it, and notes made as to when the message was sent and by whom. It
will also help if there is a misinterpatation of some of the writing.
Before the message form is accepted by the typist, it should be
checked by somebody to make sure that it makes sense, is neat and
ledgable, does not violate any Amateur Radio Regulations, and also
check the third party rules.
Keep this program on the disk you take into the field. I have always
seen it happen, you think you have enough forms but you always run
out. This way you can print more right on the spot.
*FORM*
KB0ZP Page # 18
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
PC-TALK III
This program is an excellent communications program for IBM computers
and clones. The documentation alone is 70 pages long. And everything
is on the disk, including the documentation. The long routes needed
on some packet contacts can be kept in memory on the disk so you
don't have to type them in each time. It can handle messages in ASCII
or Binary formats.
It will print the screen contents at any time, simultaneously prints
to the printer as input is received by the radio, will save to disk,
delete files from the disk, stores 60 call signs and routing, recalls
the last station called, special status messages can be sent, can
change communication parameters, can change program defaults, can
assign 40 function keys, can program the Alt keys as the program is
running, displays the elapsed time of a call, XMODEM error checking
protocol option, etc.
To get a copy of this program, just ask for it when you become a
registered user of the HAM DISK #1 and enclose an additional $5. It
will be set along with your updated HAM DISK. Or, you can order it
from any of many suppliers of the PC-SIG disks. You might even check
the local IBM PC Users group in your area.
*PC-TALK III*
KB0ZP Page # 19
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
USER SUPPORTED
These programs are written by and used by Amateur Radio Operators. If
you have any favorite programs you would like to see distributed on
these disks please let me know. You and the original writer will get
full credit for the effort put forth. Submit all programs on a DSDD
5 1/4 inch Diskette. The program must be available as Public Domain
and written in IBM BASIC. I don't know any other languages. If the
program is accepted, I will send you the latest version of the HAM
DISK it appears in.
If you like these programs and wish to add any ideas of your own,
please let me know about them. If they are valid, I will add them to
the disks. I would appreciate it if you would submit your programs on
a DSDD disk and they must be written in IBM BASIC.
A $10 contribution to KB0ZP is not much to ask. Upon receipt of your
$10, you will become a registered user and will receive all
notifications of any updates or additions to this disk. It will also
help to defer any mailing costs and some of the expenses involved in
creating these programs as well as to encourage me to continue to
make high quality and easy to use ham software. Only registered users
will get replies to letters.
THANK YOU
KB0ZP
398 Adams Street
Cumming IA 50061
USA
*USER SUPPORT*
KB0ZP Page # 20
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
SUGGESTION FORM
Name Call Sign
Address
City
State Zip
Type of computer used:
Amount of RAM available:
Program Name:
Program Version number (as seen on the screen):
$10 enclosed (Y or N) to become a registered user.
Only registered users get replies.
Your comments and suggestions please: ___
Larry Kebel, KB0ZP, 398 Adams Street, Cumming, Iowa 50061
*SUGGESTION FORM*
KB0ZP Page # 21
HAM DISK #1
Version 2.A
USERS GUIDE
ORDER FORM
HAM DISK #1 (Not copy protected) Registration fee -------------$10.00
Message Recording
Encoding & Decoding
Print Message Forms
HAM DISK #2 (Not copy protected) Registration fee -------------$10.00
Super Contest Log
Multiple formats of printouts
PC TALK III (For registered users only) -----------------------$ 5.00
PC FILE (For registered users only) ---------------------------$ 5.00
PC CALC (For registered users only) ---------------------------$ 5.00
(More to Come)
Morse Code Practice
Satellite Tracking
Antenna Design
etc.
Larry Kebel KB0ZP
398 Adams Street
Cumming, IA 50061
*ORDER FORM*