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QQSL "Quick" QSL labels, Version 3.0 September 9, 1990 ************************************************ * Copyright (C) 1989-90 by Bill Mullin, AA4M/6 * * All Rights Reserved * ************************************************ READING THIS DOCUMENT ===================== Over the years, I've discovered that every software author has his or her own particular idea of how a "DOC" file should be formatted. Many of these documents are supposedly formatted for printing through the use of the DOS "TYPE > PRN" command. In most of these cases, I've subsequently discovered that the for- matting was wrong for my particular setup and that I had to totally reformat the document and then print it again! Rather than subject you to this nonsense, I've formatted this document for direct viewing on your monitor. There are two easy ways to do this: 1) Use Vernon D. Buerg's (N6MG) LIST utility program, or 2) Use the DOS "TYPE" command with the MORE option, i.e. TYPE QQSL.DOC | MORE I highly recommend option (1) to be the best of the two alterna- tives! If you prefer a printed copy of this document, a minimum of reformatting with your favorite word processor should be all that's required. Of course, printing by entering "TYPE > PRN" will still work, but this isn't a good idea as the printed docu- ment will have no top or bottom margin, and you'll probably find that lines have printed directly on the perforations between pages! AUTHOR ====== Written in Microsoft QuickC, V2.5 and CXL, V5.2 by: Bill Mullin - AA4M/6 3042 Larkin Place San Diego, CA 92123-3026 U.S.A. INTRODUCTION ============ QQSL does only one thing - it prints labels for QSL cards. But, it does a nice job, it does it fast, and it has lots of "bells and whistles" just as a good program should! In creating, de- signing, and writing QQSL, my first priority was to make it "quick"! I think you'll find that I succeeded with this. My second priority was to make QQSL the "Rolls Royce" of the QSL label programs. In my opinion, I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting closer with each release. Maybe when version 4.0 is completed?! QQSL 1.0 was originally written for the contester, DXpeditioner, award hunter, or anyone else who sends a lot of QSL cards. Version 2.0 was redesigned to also be used by those of us who send small quantities of QSLs, while still meeting the needs of the volume user. This was done by having the labels automatical- ly saved to a file rather than being written directly to continu- ous-form labels. This means that the normal hassle of loading label paper into the printer each time QQSL is invoked can be avoided until the label file reaches a suitable size. Version 3.0 was created by rewriting approximately 90% of the Version 2 code with the emphasis on making the program more "user friendly" and strengthening the edit routines, without losing any of the speed of earlier versions. Actually, Version 3.0's enhanced features are "light years" ahead of earlier versions, as I'm sure users of Versions 1.0 and 2.0 will agree. Additionally, Version 3.0 is the fastest yet, due to the fact that duplicate informa- tion from one label is automatically carried forward to the next. QQSL will produce QSL labels for all ham bands from 1.8 to 440 MHz, and for six amateur modes: AMTOR, CW, FM, Packet, RTTY, or SSB, and QQSL won't let you enter an invalid band, mode, RS(T), date, or time! Additionally, QQSL provides you the capability to customize your labels with a cordial goodbye, rig information, etc. I've run all versions of QQSL on a 386/25 with SVGA, an AT with EGA, an AT with MDA, and an XT with slow CGA, and had no problems of any nature on these systems. Additionally, with Version 3.0 I've introduced color to the program. For those still using monochrome monitors, I've built routines into the program to automatically detect such monitors and interpret the display into flat, uninteresting monochrome, although I've only done limited testing in this manner - most of this testing was done by simu- lating monochrome on my multiscanning monitor (this IS a valid way to test monochrome). Did that last sentence make any sense? If you're using a monochrome-only system, you're missing out on a LOT as QQSL looks GOOD in color, so now you have the excuse to go purchase that color monitor you've had your eye on <HI!>. On this subject, should you decide to upgrade to color, don't select CGA, since its low resolution text is worse than monochrome text! Additionally, with some CGA monitors you'll most likely see "snow" when running this program. I have provided you with a parameter (described later) to eliminate snow, but this will slow the program down a little. Additionally, some older monochrome monitors also have a problem with snow, but my parameter also should help in these cases. So, if you're about to upgrade your monitor and video card, my recommendation is that you settle for NO LESS than an EGA monitor with matching video card, and that you go for VGA if you can afford the extra money. WHY DID I WRITE QQSL? ===================== QQSL was originally written for my private use. But, as I worked on the program, I felt that others would have similar needs, so I decided to make QQSL available to the public. My primary need for QQSL is to respond to incoming QSLs from the DX QSL bureaus. I average approximately 100 cards monthly, and find that this total increases and decreases along with the sunspot highs and lows. During the last sunspot high in the late 70's/early 80's, I often had months when I received 300+ QSLs! Although I no longer get excited about receiving QSL cards, I feel that one is obligated to respond when he or she receives a QSL card. To do otherwise is RUDE and does nothing to foster the goodwill normally generated by ham radio. Although there are a number of different programs which produce QSL labels, none of them used a format I cared for. It seemed that they all used 10 character/inch (char/in) type, thereby limiting the amount of information which could be printed on the label and not giving the necessary (in my opinion) added weight to the call sign. QQSL solved this problem by continually switching fonts, printing the first line (the call sign) using a 5 char/in font and the remaining lines using a 17 char/in font. Therefore, the total number of characters which can be printed on a QQSL label are 219. A LOT of information can be conveyed with this many characters. In addition to the lack of multiple fonts, I've noticed that many other programs require a full computerized log and will only generate QSLs using information from this file. Although I normally store most of my log information on a computer, I found it to be very inconvenient to join various logs together, format them into whatever format the labeling program in question need- ed, and then tagging the lines which required a QSL label. It was much faster for me to type the applicable label using written logs and/or the QSO information from cards received. I think that once you discover how fast you can enter label information using QQSL, you'll agree that there is no advantage to working from a "data base" of QSO information. DISCLAIMER ========== The author assumes no responsibility for the results produced by QQSL, either to your software, hardware, or storage media. While I've made every effort to ensure that this software works properly, I know better than to claim that you will never experience problems while using it. If you believe you have found a bug, please report it in as much detail as possible, including a reproducible sequence of events that leads to the problem, a complete description of your hardware, DOS version used, amount of free memory reported by CHKDSK, and a copies of your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. See the "Technical Support" paragraph for more information. LEARNING QQSL ============= The best way to learn QQSL is as follows: 1) Scan the documentation! Don't worry if parts don't make sense, they will later. I've gone to a lot of detail on how to use the program, probably more than was necessary. Because of this, studying the documentation at this point in time would probably cause more confusion than anything else! 2) Copy the extracted files from the QQSL archive into a single directory or onto a single floppy diskette. 3) Run one or more QQSL practice sessions, entering ficti- tious QSO information as you proceed. Use ALL possible menu functions as you practice, and enter erroneous data along with the good information so that you can see how QQSL reacts. Use the documentation only when you're stuck! 4) Now, study the documentation carefully from the first line to the last. You're now a QQSL "expert"! GETTING STARTING ================ QQSL will run on an IBM PC or compatible running under MS-2.0 or greater. Any monitor and display adapter may be used and large amounts of memory are not required. If you are running QQSL from a floppy diskette, make sure that the diskette is not write-protected, but make sure you have a backup copy first. The following files must all be in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette from which you run QQSL: QQSL.EXE QQSL.INF SORTF.COM Actually, the "EXE" and "COM" files can be anywhere in your DOS PATH, and you then are only required to execute QQSL from the same directory or diskette which contains QQSL.INF. If you're asking what a PATH is, then disregard this information and ensure that the above three files are in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette as stated. QQSL has three parameters which can be used as needed: 1. /0 (slash zero): The first parameter is "/0", which is to be used ONLY if your printer does not automatically put a "slash" through the zero digits. If this parameter is used and QQSL detects a zero in label line one (the call sign or the string of fifteen digits in the test label), it will print the zero, backspace, and then print a "/" (slash) over the zero. QQSL will not attempt to slash zeros other than in the first label line. Note: I've tested this option extensively, and I've discovered that the backspace-slash combination is NOT the same as the slashed zero normally produced by dot matrix printers. It's close, but on my test machines it never quite looked as good as the default slashed zero provided by printer fonts capable of such. What's worse, if you use the /0 parameter and your printer normally defaults to a slashed zero, you may see two slashes! 2. /S (snow removal): If you have an older CGA monitor, you may see "snow" continually being displayed, which can get quite annoying. The "/S" parameter will remove this snow, with the unfortunate side effect that video displays will be showed down a little. This slowdown is an acceptable alternative to snow! Note: It is possible to write the program in a manner which will detect the CGA monitor and automatically remove snow. I haven't done this because faster CGA video cards will not display this snow and I didn't think it was fair to slow down faster monitors. Additionally, not all users will be bothered by the snow. All-in-all, I felt it was fairer to all if I made this feature a user option. 3. /N (no sound): The last parameter is the "/N", which is much simpler to explain than the previous two parameters. "/N" simply turns off the sound. Use this parameter if the "down tones" when you make an error or the "up tones" when saving a label start to become irritating. To run QQSL with no parameters, simply enter: QQSL <CR> To run QQSL with all three parameters, enter: QQSL /0 /N /S <CR> Any one, two, or all three parameters in any order may be used. The only stipulation is that you must separate the parameters from each other and from the program name by one or more space. A dash (-) may be used in the place of the slash (/). Addition- ally, either upper case, lower case, or a combination may be used. MENUS ===== Labels are saved to a file named QQSL.LBL. The first time you run QQSL (or if you run QQSL after deleting your QQSL.LBL file with the Delete function), you'll see a menu with the following functions: Create label file Modify QQSL.INF Quit program You may use the arrow keys to select the appropriate menu item and then press <Enter> or you may simply press a key correspond- ing to the first letter of the desired menu item. Subsequent runs of QQSL will show this menu: Add new labels Count labels Delete QQSL.LBL Modify QQSL.INF Print all labels Sort labels Quit program A description of each of these functions follows. Create label file (or) Add new labels ===================================== These functions are essentially the same. The only difference is that Create will start a new QQSL.LBL file and Add will append new labels to the existing QQSL.LBL file. You don't need to be concerned as to whether you need to enter "C" or "A", as the menuing system has built-in safeguards to prevent the wrong function from being selected. You are about to discover that entering label information with QQSL is FAST, as speed was foremost in my mind during the entire program development process. This speed will also explain one of the prime motivations behind my creating Version 3.0, which is that I felt that re-entering duplicate information was a time- waster! Therefore, Version 3.0 now saves all label information from one label to the next - you'll be amazed at how fast you can create labels! You don't need to be concerned about whether or not to use capi- tal letters as QQSL automatically converts all lower case letters to upper case. Note: You must avoid using the tilde (~) charac- ter! If you ignore this warning, you'll lose labels! This is because I'm using this character in the QQSL.LBL file to separate label lines, take a look at a QQSL.LBL file using your favorite word processor in (N)on-document mode and you'll see what I mean. If the lack of this character causes anyone a problem, let me know and I'll think about using some non-printable "extended" ASCII character in its place. The editing keys for the Add/Create function are mostly intuitive and should be quite easy to master. But, for those "power" users who might wish to know ALL the possible edit keys, they are as follows: EDIT KEYS ========= Key Action --- ------ LeftArrow cursor left RightArrow cursor right UpArrow cursor up DownArrow cursor down Ctrl-LeftArrow word left Ctrl-RightArrow word right Tab field right Shift-Tab field left Enter process field Ctrl-Enter process all fields Home beginning of field End end of field line / end of field Ctrl-Home beginning of first field Ctrl-End end of last field Ins toggle field insert mode Del delete character at cursor BackSpace delete character left Ctrl-BackSpace delete word left Ctrl-R restore field to original contents Ctrl-T delete word right Ctrl-U delete to end of field Ctrl-Y delete to end of last field Esc abort QQSL (but you'll get a chance to change your mind) Note that all the above edit keys will work the same with the Modify function. The first time you use the Add/Create function, the date will automatically be initialized to today's date and the time will be set to 0000 UTC. These can be adjusted as necessary and will not revert to the initialization settings until you Quit the program and then restart it. Add/Create input is as follows: Call Sign --------- Enter the full call sign. Although I have never heard a call sign with more than twelve characters (more on that later), QQSL will accept up to 15. The letters "A" - "Z", the numbers "1" - "0", and special characters "/", and "-" are the only valid characters allowed in this field. You're probably asking your- self, "Why the dash (-)"? You'll find out later in my section entitled "Miscellaneous Stuff". Other than the above characters, call signs are not validated so be sure to "eyeball" each entry carefully before proceeding to the next field. SPECIAL NOTE: The Call sign field has one unique difference from other fields. Rather than describe this difference in great detail, I'll just summarize it and let you "play" with this field on your own to gain full understanding. Briefly, after you press [F6] to save a label, you'll notice that the cursor is now posi- tioned directly to the right of the last call sign entered rather than at the beginning of the field as it will be on all other fields. You now have two choices . . . (1) Start typing the next call. You'll notice that the old call sign is automatically blanked and the cursor shifts to the left, or (2) Use any of the edit keys described above to modify the call now in the Call sign field. QQSL will decide with the FIRST keystroke whether you are enter- ing a new call or modifying the old. There are a number of reasons why I set up this field to behave this way. The most important is that I found touch typists (such as myself) tended to not notice that they were entering short calls incorrectly after entering longer calls. For example, if I were to [F6] to save a label for WA6XYZ and then immediately start typing a label for KC4B, the Tab or Enter key which I pressed following the "B" would leave the letters "YZ" behind, thereby creating a label for KC4BYZ! Two-finger typists will probably never appreciate the effort I went through to handle the Call sign field in this manner, but touch-typists will! MHz --- QQSL recognizes 1.8, 3.5, 3.8, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 24, 28, 50, 144, 220, and 440 as valid entries. Anything else will be reject- ed. Mode (A, C, F, P, R, or S) -------------------------- These letters indicate (A)MTOR, (C)W, (F)M, (P)acket, (R)TTY, and (S)SB. Enter the appropriate letter and the remainder of the mode will be automatically displayed. I realize I've left out the satellite and SSTV modes, but I didn't think there would be enough demand for these. If there are any users who would like to see these modes, please let me know. RS(T) ----- Any valid RS(T) will be accepted. But, QQSL crosschecks RS(T) against mode and will generate an error message for inconsistent reports. A 599 report for an SSB QSO or a 59 for a CW QSO are examples of such reports which will not be accepted. Day --- 01 - 31. Invalid days will be rejected. Month ----- 01 - 12. Invalid months will be rejected. If the day is "31", QQSL will not accept 02, 04, 06, 09, nor 11. If the day is "30", QQSL will not accept 02. Note: The month will be converted to Roman numerals on the label, which will result in a date which is formatted correctly for any country in the world! Year ---- 45 - 99 are the only valid years at this time. If you have entered "29" as day and "02" as month, only a leap year will be accepted. The two-digit year will be preceded with "19" on the label. If this program (and me) are still around in the year 2000, I'll change this <HI!>. Time ---- Enter the time in UTC (old GMT). Invalid times will be rejected. QSL, (P)lease or (T)hanks ------------------------- "P" or "T" only. Invalid characters will be rejected. [F6] ---- Press the [F6] key to save the completed label (you do not need to be at the end of the Add/Create form to press this key). The bulk of the field edits are performed at this time. You'll get an error message and "down tones" if there are errors, or you will get "up tones" if all is OK and the label was saved. Note: After pressing [F6] to save the label, you'll notice that all fields are still on the form. This information may be re-used as neces- sary for the next label! [F10] ----- Press the [F10] key to go back to the main menu. Should you later decide to return to the Add/Create function, all label information from the last time you used the function will still be usable. QQSL was written so that system crashes will not cause you to lose files! For example, you're an avid contester in W6-land who is in the process of entering QSL label information for 600 JA QSL's which just arrived from the bureau. These labels are being Added to an existing QQSL.LBL file which already contains approx- imately 200 labels. Suddenly, there's a brief power interrup- tion! In this situation, normally you would have lost the entire QQSL.LBL file, including the 200 labels from your previous ses- sions!! Trust me - these situations in which a computer user loses all his or her work because of hardware failure are quite common! Therefore, I have written QQSL in such a manner that it will never lose more the single label which you are currently working on, and I have extensively tested this feature! Prove it to yourself - start a new QQSL.LBL file by entering a few ficti- tious labels. Then, switch off the computer as you are entering the information for a new label. After you turn the power back on, go directly to the Print function and print out the test labels. You'll see that only the label that you were working on when you threw the switch was lost! This might seem to be a minor feature to some of you, but if you have ever lost a couple of hours of work from a system crash, you'll appreciate the effort I put forth to install and test this capability! Count labels ============ This function is self-explanatory. It's a good idea to invoke the Count function from time to time to see if the label file is the size that you normally like to print. Additionally, the Sort function (described below) will not sort an unlimited number of labels. If you have a LOT of labels in your QQSL.LBL file, this function will let you know that it is about to exceed the number of labels that the Sort can handle. Count displays the count continuously as it counts the labels in the QQSL.LBL file. I set it up this way just because I thought it looked neat! If you are counting a small number of labels, this feature won't mean much. But, if you're counting a lot of labels, it's fun to watch the numbers spinning! Delete QQSL.LBL =============== This function would normally be selected after you have printed out your current label file. When selecting this function, you'll see: Delete QQSL.LBL...are you sure? [y,N] This prompt is provided in case you've accidentally pressed the "D" key or in case you might now wish to change your mind. You may now press "Y" to delete QQSL.LBL or "N" if you wish to keep the file. TIP: I recommend that you keep a copy of PCTools, Norton Utilities, or some other utility program which allows "undeleting" files, and that you know how to use it! Then, if you delete QQSL.LBL and discover that you need it back for any reason, immediately stop whatever you're doing and attempt to recover the deleted file. Note that it is very important to recover a file as soon as you discover that you need it back, as DOS will write data over your deleted file sooner or later, at which time it is no longer possible to undelete it! By the way, this undeleting program will have many uses beyond QQSL, as I'm sure you realize! Tip: Don't delete QQSL.LBL until all the labels have been re- moved from their backing and are affixed to your QSL cards. This way, individual labels can be reprinted if they become "messed up" in any way. Modify QQSL.INF =============== INF stands for INformation File. The information which prints on the last two thirds of the fourth line and all of the fifth line can be either permanently or temporarily modified by this func- tion. A sample QQSL.INF file has been delivered with QQSL. Selecting Modify will allow you to change either line 4 or 5, both lines, or neither (should you change your mind). Changes can be either temporary (used for this run only) or permanent (written to QQSL.INF). Note that changes to QQSL.INF file will apply only to labels created AFTER the change and that labels created before Modifying QQSL.INF are unchanged. The Modify form is very straight-forward, and is actually simpler to do than describe. Note that all of the edit keys shown above in the description of the "Create label file (or) Add new labels" section will also work the same in the Modify function. The QQSL.INF which came with QQSL contains my personal choices for use on lines 4 and 5. The first time you use QQSL, you MUST Save permanent [F6] to the QQSL.INF file. The new information that you enter is displayed as part of a sample label in order that you may easily visualize the printed label. If you are not comfortable with this, Modify lines 4 and 5 and then Create and print a sample label or two. NOTE: Lower case letters are NOT converted to upper case for lines 4 and 5. Save temporary [F2] will save the modified lines 4 and 5 for use during this QQSL session only, whereas Save permanent [F6] will all use of the modified lines 4 and 5 during this session and will also write the new lines to your QQSL.INF file. Be careful with Save permanent, if you think you might want to save the old QQSL.INF file for future use, you should make a backup copy of QQSL.INF before pressing [F6]. If you type some changes but then decide you want the label as it was, press either [F10] to return to the main menu or <Esc> to exit the program BEFORE you press [F2] or [F6]. NOTE: I have probably made the Modify command sound more compli- cated than it really is. Play around with it and you'll see that it's very simple. Print all labels ================ QQSL starts out this function by printing out a dummy label and then asking: Print another? [Y,n] Use the dummy labels to line up pin feed labels in your printer. Each time you press Enter or "Y", QQSL will print out another dummy label. Note that this is also a good time to turn on your printer's near letter quality (NLQ) capability, if you have it. Doing so will make the labels look MUCH better. After you have properly lined up the labels, enter "N" and QQSL will begin printing labels. A count of the number of labels printed is displayed on the screen and is continuously updated. This count will not coincide with the label currently being printed if you have a print buffer or spooler, but in all cases the end count will reflect the actual number of labels printed. The dummy label uses the same printer fonts which will be used for "live" labels. If you have used the /0 parameter to slash zeros in the call sign, this slash will also appear in the first line of the dummy label. Sort labels =========== This function will sort the QQSL.LBL file in alphanumeric order by call sign. Your old QQSL.LBL file will be renamed QQSL.BAK and saved in the current directory (or floppy diskette). This backup file is created for the unlikely situation that something goes wrong during the sort. The only thing I have found that would cause a problem with the Sort function is if SORTF is not in the current directory or in the "PATH" as described earlier, in which case the sort simply will not work. Should this happen, you'll find that you no longer have a QQSL.LBL file, but the new QQSL.BAK file can be renamed QQSL.LBL and used for further proc- essing! Should this happen to you, be sure to correctly install SORTF before using the Sort function again! During development, I tested the Sort function on a 640 KB "AT" clone with no expanded memory and a minimum of TSR's (Terminate but Stay Resident) programs installed, and I was able to sort 14,000 labels with no trouble. My suggestion though is that you should consider the maximum sort capability to be 10,000 records, or less if you don't have the full 640 KB of RAM. Tip: If you're going to sort 3,000 or more labels, you may as well take a break as this many labels will take a while to sort, especially if you have a slow computer! It's probably a good idea to not use the Sort function if your files are all stored on floppy diskette. This is because the Sort creates two additional files, QQSL.TMP and QQSL.BAK, which are both the same size as QQSL.LBL. Of course QQSL.TMP is delet- ed before the Sort is finished, but nevertheless the space needs to be available during the process. Additionally, the files QQSL.EXE and QQSL.INF must also reside on the same diskette. All-in-all, as your QQSL.LBL file grows, you may find that there is no longer space to sort on floppy diskette. I leave it up to you, but be VERY careful! Note that neither the U.S. nor the DX "Callbook" is sorted in a true alphanumeric order, so if you are surprised when the labels print out in an unfamiliar order, this is the reason. As an example, the "Callbook" will show these random calls in this order: WA2XYZ, N5XYZ, K6ABC, AA7XX . . . Whereas QQSL will sort the same labels in this order: AA7XX, K6ABC, N5XYZ, WA2XYZ . . . The above example is an extreme example of the differences be- tween an alphanumeric sort vs. the "Callbook" sequence. The reality of the situation is that the sequence produced by the Sort function should be quite acceptable to you and is a LOT better than no sequencing at all! You'll also discover that DX label sort fits the sequence desired by the various outgoing QSL bureaus quite well. FYI, one of the enhancements I'm thinking about for the future is a Sort function which will sort in "Callbook" sequence. But, my expectations are that this will be a difficult modification! * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * This seems an appropriate time for me to give a great big THANK YOU to Vernon D. Buerg, N6MG for his permission to incorporate his program SORTF into my QQSL program. Without this, I would have been forced into writing and debugging my own code to sort labels, and the resulting sort would have been slower than Vern's program and probably wouldn't have been able to sort as many labels! Additionally, QQSL would have been delayed while I worked on my Sort function. So thanks Vern! And, all you users be sure to read the SORTF.DOC which accompanies QQSL. You'll see that SORTF has many applications beyond just sorting QQSL labels and will be an important addition to your utility library! And, if you use SORTF, please be sure to register it with Vern. Details are in the SORTF.DOC file. Note: Vern is probably better known as the author of the great shareware program, LIST! * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * Quit program ============ This function is self-explanatory! LABEL INFORMATION ================= QQSL prints on standard 3-1/2" X 15/16", 1-up labels. The first line of the label (the call sign) is printed using a wide font (5 characters/inch) and the remaining four lines are printed with a compressed font (17 characters/inch). No other QSL label program that I've seen uses multiple fonts to print labels! An Epson compatible dot matrix printer is assumed. I've tested QQSL on both a Panasonic KXP-1091i and a number of Citizen dot matrix printers, and it works fine on all. If you're using a non-Epson compatible printer, give QQSL a try anyway to see what happens - you won't hurt the printer. If the labels come out "bad", check the manual to see if the printer can be reconfigured to the Epson mode through "dip" switch settings. If you have a Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode on your printer, use it. Although NLQ slows the printer down, the labels will look MUCH better! The following table illustrates the label's first line, with the format being determined by the length of the call. Letters in call Format ------- ------ 1 - 5 *.*..W6XYZ..*.* 6 - 7 *.*.W6XYZ/4.*.* 8 - 9 *..KL7/W6XYZ..* 10 - 11 *.VP2M/WA6XYZ.* 12 - 15 REAL-LONG-CALL! Periods (.) represent blanks. The first line (shown above), second line, third line, and first 10 characters of the fourth line are automatically generated by QQSL. The last 41 characters of the fourth line and all of line five are composed of the characters from the file QQSL.INF which must be in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette as QQSL.EXE. As described earlier, use the Modify function to make changes to the QQSL.INF file. The sample QQSL.INF accompanying QQSL is reproduced here in its entirety, between (but not includ- ing) the lines of asterisks: ***************************************************************** , 73 de Bill - AA4M/6 Rig: IC-781, Alpha-78, KT-34A up 17 meters, IBM 386/25, & PK-232 First line maximum is 41 characters. Second line maximum is 51 characters. Any characters beyond these, even if these are only spaces, have the potential to screw up the label. But, any line after the second is ignored by the program. These areas can be used for comments (as you can see - Hi!). HINT: Use QQSL's Modify command rather than your word processor to change the first two lines in this file - it's much safer! ***************************************************************** HISTORY ======= Version 1.0 (10/18/89): - Initial release. Version 2.0 (01/25/90): - QQSL no longer prints each label as it is entered, instead a file named QQSL.LBL is created on hard disk (or floppy diskette). This file can be added to, printed, etc., as necessary. - The QQSL.INF file can now be modified from within QQSL. - Labels can be counted before printing. - Labels can be sorted before printing. - Labels are counted as they print. - Three new modes have been added. - Seven new bands have been added. - A separate copyright screen has been added. - The program is now Shareware. - Advertisement message added to end. You can register QQSL to make it go away <HI!>. - The "C" source is no longer included. - MASSIVE documentation changes were made. Version 2.1 (Not released to the public): - SORTF 2.35 replaces SORTF 2.32. - Fine tuned some of the routines. Version 3.0 (09/09/90): - Windowing techniques, bar menus, and input forms, have been added. QQSL is now a VERY "user-friendly" program. - Extensive use of colors. QQSL now looks great. - QQSL wallpaper added to all screens. Thanks to Microsoft Windows 3.0 for the inspiration! - Changed QQSL.PIF to QQSL.INF in order to prevent any confusion when using Microsoft Windows. - Changed QQSL.LOG to QQSL.LBL to eliminate a naming conflict within CXL. - RS(T) no longer limited to 59 or 599. - Extensive user edit control is now available in the Modify and the Add/Create functions. - Modify is easier to understand since a sample label is now shown as part of function. - All fields in the Add/Create form remain after label is saved. This will greatly speed up data entry when input is grouped logically. - Data edits are much more thorough than in earlier versions. - Meaningful sounds added. Parameter included for those who like a silent computer. - The <Esc> key will now get you out of just about anything. Should it ever fail, try Ctrl-C or Ctrl-Break. In an emergency, the "3-finger salute" should do the job <HI!>. - Print limited to three labels for unregistered programs. Sorry, I hate "crippled" programs as much as the next person. But even though I have fielded hundreds of questions relation to version 2.0, registrations have been dismal. This is the only way I have to "fight back"! - MASSIVE documentation changes (again). THINGS TO COME ============== A handy modification would be the ability to automatically deter- mine that a label is for an SWL report rather than a 2-way QSO. Although I don't see a lot of SWL cards here on the west coast, I vividly remember all those SWL cards from the eastern Europeans and Russians back when I lived in 4-land! If anyone is interest- ed in this option, a little feedback might be just the thing to get me started! Sorting according to the "Callbook" sequence would be a great enhancement! This may have to wait for a while though as it is a FAR MORE complex modification than it may appear to the casual user. I'd like to be able to totally eliminate the QQSL.INF file by writing lines 4 and 5 back to the program itself. I'll do this as soon as I figure out how! One thing I've noticed about color computer programs is that everyone likes color but that no one is ever satisfied with the authors color choices. I'll see what I can do about allowing user-configurable colors. If anyone is interested, I'll add mouse support and/or the capa- bility to print 2-up, 3-up, or even 4-up labels. Let me know! Other enhancements/revisions/corrections to QQSL will be released as necessary. MISCELLANEOUS STUFF =================== 1) My personal QSL card wasn't designed with the idea of using QQSL labels. But, the card was conveniently arranged in such a way that the overall card looks good when I put it over the preprinted QSO information block. On this subject, I recent- ly received a QSL from an old friend of mine back in "4-Land" whose call is KC4B. John wanted to show me his new QSL card. This card had the QSO block on the front, but he had overlaid the block with a QQSL label, and it looked great! It seems this card was designed with the idea that a user might like to either fill out the card himself OR use a label. John went on to tell me that this QSL was not a custom design, but one of many styles made with this "dual function" in mind. This QSL card came from "QSLs by W4MPY" in Monetta, SC. If this kind of QSL interests you, write for samples to the address from W4MPY advertisements in the ham publications. While at it, you might write to a few other QSL printers for samples. My guess is that we'll be seeing more and more of this kind of QSL in the future, especially if QQSL gets passed around <HI!>. 2) In early 1990, I had QSOs with two of the longest calls I have ever heard on the amateur bands! This first call was KB9BAF/KP2/T, a total of twelve characters. The call belonged to a technician class amateur operating portable from the American Virgin Islands. The second was ZB2/HB9DCQ/P, a Swiss amateur operating portable from Gibraltar. This call also consisted of twelve characters. If anybody has ever worked a real-life valid call (not a hypothetical call) longer than either of these, I'd be interested in hearing about it. By the way, QQSL had no problems generating labels for either call! 3) During a QQSL test session, I decided to make changes to the QQSL.LBL file using my word processing (WP) software. Of course I used (N)on-document mode, as you should if you want to modify any individual labels with your WP software. If you use the (D)ocument mode, QQSL will no longer be able to read the QQSL.LBL file! Anyway, after making changes to only one label, I found that QQSL would no longer Add to the file. It took a LONG time for me to figure this one out, but I finally discovered that my WP software had added some "padding" characters (hex charac- ters $1A - I think) to the end of the QQSL.LBL file in order to bring the total number of characters to a multiple of 128. Why it needed multiples of 128 for a (N)on-document file I have no idea. Anyway, I changed the WP setup so that it no longer added these padding characters and I can now edit the file with my WP. The moral of this story is that you MUST BE SURE to make a backup copy of your QQSL.LBL file before making any changes with your WP software, at least until you are confident that your label file won't be "clobbered" by your WP! For those interested, my WP software package at that time was WordStar, version 5.5. If you're using this WP software and can't figure out how to elimi- nate the padding characters, get in touch with me and I'll be glad to help. 4) I played around with double-printing the first line of the label in order to emphasize the call sign. But, I discovered that various "Epson compatible" printers handled this part of the program differently (what worked on one was ignored by the other). After spending an inordinate amount of time on this potential enhancement, I decided to abandon it rather than re- lease a program which might not work in a particular user's environment. This was unfortunate, because when it worked - it looked good! 5) I mentioned earlier that the character "-" was accept- able in the Call sign field. The reason for this is that SWL calls commonly use this character. As stated above, in the future I may modify the program to automatically format labels for SWLs. But for now, the following steps will create a label suitable for SWL confirmation: A) Enter the QSO information on the Add/Create form just as if it was 2-way QSO. B) When you're finished entering all label information, Quit QQSL and edit the QQSL.LBL file using the (N)ondocument mode of your favorite word processor. Note: You MUST use (N)ondocu- ment mode as described in #4 above or you'll clobber the QQSL.LBL file! If in doubt, make a backup copy of QQSL.LBL before pro- ceeding. C) As you view the label file with your word processor, you'll notice that call signs all line up in a neat column against the left margin of the QQSL.LBL file, thereby making it quite easy to locate SWL calls. For each SWL label: (1) delete the phrase "2-way", (2) change the word "contact" to "report", (3) delete the phrase "Your signal was RS(T) 599", and (4) DO NOT delete the tilde (~)! These steps will leave a label which is perfectly suitable for an SWL confirmation. If all this seems too complex or you aren't comfortable with these instructions for any reason, run a small test with only a label or two before taking a chance on using a large label file! 6) Version 1.0 of QQSL was originally released as free (but copyrighted) software. I even included the "C" source code for those of you that wanted to "tinker" with the program. That version of QQSL represented about 400 lines of source code. Version 2.0 grew to 1,000 lines of source and Version 3.0 is now at 1,500! This program has taken me MUCH more effort than I had originally planned, and for a project that originally began as a personal learning effort, it has really gotten out of hand! Those of you who are programmers know what I mean. Because of this effort, starting with version 2.0, I withheld the source code and made the program Shareware. If you find that you need the source for any reason, let me know - we'll discuss it! 7) If you have access to a Price Club, I recommend you purchase your continuous-form labels there. A box of 5,000 3- 1/2" X 15/16", 1-up labels retails for about $9.00. I've checked quite a few local retail stores and a few mail order houses and haven't found any prices better than this. 5,000 labels will last you a long, long time <HI!>. 8) This paragraph is not directly related to QQSL, but important enough that I felt I should include it. It is EXTREME- LY URGENT that you backup your data! If you know this and al- ready have a suitable backup schedule in place, skip the rest of this paragraph. But, if you're not in the habit of backing up your data on a routine basis, you're going to get stung some day, BAD! If you have a floppy-only system, backing up is as simple as using the DOS DISKCOPY command. For those using a hard disk, the least efficient but simplest way is to backup files is with the DOS COPY command. Next is through the use of the DOS BACKUP and RESTORE commands. At my office, I personally use and recom- mend Fastback Plus, of which version 2.10 is the latest. I have lost the entire contents of my hard disk SIX times over the last three years, but never lost more than an hour or two of work thanks to Fastback! I have also used the backup program included with PCTOOLS 6.0, and can state that I think this program will be BETTER than Fastback once the authors correct some minor bugs. But, I can't recommend PCTOOLS backup programs older than Version 6.0 as I have no experience with these. If you find that you have a LOT of data on a BIG hard disk and that the act of physi- cally swapping floppy diskettes is forcing you to attend backup sessions of 20 minutes or more, you're a candidate for a tape backup! I'm now using a 150 MB tape backup system on my system at home, and can honestly say that I'd never again backup more than 20 MB or so to floppy diskettes. Tape is definitely the way to go if you have a lot of data! ABOUT SHAREWARE =============== Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and contin- ue using it, you ARE expected to register! Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs, bad programs, and indifferent programs)! The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the soft- ware, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a com- mercial diskette vendor may copy their Shareware. So, Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of soft- ware. You should find software that suits your needs and pock- etbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee - if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it! REGISTRATION ============ You are granted a license to try this program for a period of one month. If you continue to use it after the trial period, you must register by sending the registration form and the fee of $14.95 (U.S. funds or 30 IRC's) to the author as shown on the registration form. Prior to registration, you'll find that the Print function is limited to three labels. Sorry - I hate "crippled" programs as much as the next person, but even though I have fielded hundreds of questions relation to version 2.0, registrations have been dismal! This is the only way I have to "fight back"! On the same subject, you may pay MORE than $14.95 if you think the program is worth it. I know that some of you are laughing, but please believe me when I say that I won't make a profit on this program, even if ALL those who register were to pay more than the suggested amount! The time and effort required to produce this code and personal expenses for both hardware and software has been tremendous! Registration is for life, meaning that all future upgrades will be covered by a single full registration fee! With registration, you'll receive a registration number and a 360 KB, 5 1/4" floppy diskette with a copy of QQSL which is not limited to printing three labels and which does not print out the 30-second advertisement when you Quit the program. Note: Except for the end advertisement and the limited Print function, the evaluation and registered copies are identical. REGISTRATION FORM ================= To register QQSL, please send this form and $14.95 (U.S. funds or 30 IRC's) to: Bill Mullin - AA4M/6 3042 Larkin Place San Diego, CA 92123-3026 U.S.A. NAME: ____________________________________ Call: ____________ ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Where did you get your copy of QQSL? ( ) CompuServe CIS User ID: _______________________________ ( ) BBS (please give name and number): __________________________ ( ) Other (please specify): _____________________________________ Which version of QQSL are you using? ____________________________ Comments/Suggestions: ___________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Thank you for registering QQSL! UPGRADES ======== All fully registered users are entitled to free upgrades to the latest version of QQSL. It can be downloaded from CompuServe's HAMNET Forum, Library 0 (New Uploads) or Library 6 (Programs). A search for (KEY)word "QQSL" will find the program, for example: BRO/DES/KEY:QQSL. Additionally, many of the ham radio oriented BBS's across the country will have copies of QQSL available for downloading. The following BBS will always have the latest version, uploaded directly by me: RadioSport (619) 279-3921 You can also get the latest version by sending me a formatted 360 KB, 5 1/4" floppy diskette and a postage-paid mailer. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ================= If you have any questions or comments about QQSL, good or bad, write to: Bill Mullin - AA4M/6 3042 Larkin Place San Diego, CA 92123-3026 U.S.A. I can also be reached via EZ-Plex on CompuServe. My user-id is [72220,2707]. NOTE: If you wish to contact me via CompuServe, please DO NOT leave mail in the HAMNET Forum. I seldom read forum mail, as I've discovered this practice becomes habit- forming and TERRIBLE things happen to my monthly bill <HI!>. I can also be reached via E-mail to user BILL MULLIN on the Radio- Sport BBS in San Diego, (619) 279-3921 (US Robotics HST). Addi- tionally, if you use Interlink Worldwide Electronic Mail, you can post mail to user BILL MULLIN via the HAM Conference. You may also call me at my home (619) 292-7227, but please be aware that if you get my telephone answering machine, I won't call you back. My intention is not to be rude, it's just that the $14.95 regis- tration fee won't be adequate to cover expenses if I start making long distance phone calls. Tip: My telephone recorder answers on the fourth ring the first call and on the first ring for each additional call. Normally, you can hang up after the third ring and not get caught by the machine! Please include your registration number with all correspondence. BCNU ==== I hope QQSL fills a need in your ham/computer shack and that you have as much fun using it as I had writing it! For now though . . . 73 es gud QQSLing de Bill, AA4M/6