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QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
QQSL
"Quick" QSL labels, Version 4.0
June 12, 1991
************************************************
* Copyright (C) 1989-91 by Bill Mullin, AA4M/6 *
* All Rights Reserved *
************************************************
AUTHOR
======
QQSL was conceived, designed, and written by:
Bill Mullin - AA4M/6
3042 Larkin Place
San Diego, CA 92123-3026
U.S.A.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
===================
This document has been formatted for printing on your printer.
From the DOS prompt, simply enter:
TYPE QQSL.DOC > PRN
Top margins, bottom margins, headers, and footers with page
numbers have all been built into the document file.
If you prefer to view the document online, I recommend Vernon D.
Buerg's (N6MG) LIST utility program, which should be available on
any general-purpose BBS, or anywhere you find public domain
and/or Shareware programs.
The HISTORY.DOC file was written only to inform current QQSL
users of changes/enhancements to the program, and is set up for
online viewing rather than printing. If you wish a printed copy
of this file, it should only require minimal reformatting with
your favorite word processor before printing.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 1
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
I've been writing technical documents for more than twenty-five
years now and found that the best way to write a user document
directed to an unknown audience is to write to the level of the
least knowledgeable user. Therefore, I've written QQSL.DOC with
the newer PC user foremost in my mind. For those of you who are
familiar with the PC and with "computerese", you may find that
you'll only need to scan this document, and then later use it for
reference.
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 "ultimate" QSL label pro-
grams. In my opinion, as long as there is anything left undone
as described in my "Things to Come" section, I'm not 100% satis-
fied with calling QQSL "the ultimate QSL label program", but I'm
getting closer with each release!
QQSL 1.0 was originally written for the contester, DXpeditioner,
award hunter, or anyone else who sends large quantities of QSL
cards. Version 2.0 was redesigned to also be used by those of us
who send small quantities of QSL's, while still meeting the needs
of the volume user. This was done by having the labels automati-
cally saved to a file rather than being written directly to
continuous-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. Additionally, I
made a BIG effort to write a new interface for 3.0 that users
would enjoy using. 3.0 exceeded my expectations! Its enhanced
features are "light years" ahead of earlier versions, as I'm sure
users of Versions 1.0 and 2.0 will agree, and it's the fastest
version yet, since duplicate information from one label is auto-
matically carried forward to the next.
QQSL will produce QSL labels for all ham bands from 1.8 MHz to 48
GHz, 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
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 2
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
customize your labels with a cordial 73, rig description, etc.
There is also the capability to quickly produce labels for SWL's.
I've run 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 a monochrome moni-
tor, I've built a routine into the program to automatically
detect such monitors and interpret the display into flat, unin-
teresting monochrome, although I've only done limited testing in
this manner - most of this testing was done by simulating mono-
chrome on my multiscanning monitor (this IS a valid way to test
monochrome). Did that last sentence make any sense? Additional-
ly, I have also provided a "/M" parameter (described later) which
should provide improved monochrome capability compared to the
automatic detection routine, especially on a laptop computer!
But, 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 mono-
chrome text! Additionally, with some CGA monitors you may see
"snow" when running this program. I've written code into the
program which should automatically detect CGA and eliminate snow,
but in some cases this may not work. In these situations, I've
provided you with the parameter "/S" (described later) to elimi-
nate CGA snow. Additionally, some older monochrome monitors also
have a problem with snow, but my parameter should also 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
(or better) if you can afford the extra cash.
Meaningful sound has been incorporated into QQSL in the form of
two quick "up tones" or two quick "down tones", lasting approxi-
mately 4/18ths of a second for each pair of tones. Generally
speaking, the down tones mean that you made an error or that you
need to pay attention to a message on the screen, and up tones
mean that an operation was successful. Compare this sounds to
the normal PC "beep", a sound which I find to be irritating - at
best! These tones may also be disabled as will be described
shortly.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 3
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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 rewrite QQSL as a Shareware program.
My primary personal need for QQSL is to respond to incoming QSL's
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 sunspot highs, I've
often had months when I received 300+ QSL's! After receiving
approximately 20,000+ QSL cards, I no longer get excited about
receiving QSL's. Bit, 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 now a LOT of different programs which produce
QSL labels, none of them used a format I cared for. It seemed
that they all simply print the minimum information required to
confirm a QSO, without any thought about some of the "niceties"
which could also be included. QQSL solved this problem by con-
tinually switching fonts, printing the first line (the call sign)
using a large 5 char/in font and the remaining lines using the
very small 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. Addi-
tionally, the call letters really stand out, often eliminating
the need to write the call separately in large letters as re-
quired by some QSL bureaus.
In addition to the lack of multiple fonts, I'd noticed that many
other programs require a full computerized log and will only
generate labels 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. But - by popular demand,
I finally gave in and have added the capability to import the
entire contents of K1EA and K8CC contest files.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 4
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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'll never experi-
ence problems while using it. See the "Technical Support" sec-
tion near the end of this document if you think you've found a
bug.
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 detail, an in-depth study of 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 (don't forget
to make a backup).
3. Run one or more QQSL practice sessions, entering ficti-
tious QSO information as you proceed. Test the Import function
with one or more of your current contest files. Use ALL possible
menu functions as you practice, and enter erroneous data along
with good information so that you can see how QQSL reacts. Print
out lots of labels, but don't waste continuous-feed labels for
this testing phase - your normal paper in the printer will suf-
fice. This is also a good time to make a permanent change to the
QQSL.INF file as described in the Modify QQSL.INF section. Use
the documentation only if you're stuck!
4. Now, study the documentation carefully from the first
line to the last.
5. If you're just getting familiar with a new version of
QQSL, all that may be needed is for you to read about the latest
enhancements in the front of HISTORY.DOC file, and then search
this document for more information about new features which catch
your interest.
You're now a QQSL "expert"!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 5
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
QQSLCFG
=======
When you register your copy of QQSL, you'll be supplied with a
unique serial number, which when installed to the QQSL.EXE pro-
gram, will allow the printing of more than three labels and will
eliminate the 30-second "beg" message which appears when you Quit
the program. To install the serial number, first ensure that the
following two files are in the same directory or on the same
floppy diskette:
QQSL.EXE
QQSLCFG.COM
You then simply enter:
QQSLCFG <CR>
If you are using a monochrome monitor, enter:
QQSLCFG /M <CR>
QQSLCFG will prompt you for your serial number. After it veri-
fies that the serial number is valid, it will install registra-
tion information in the QQSL.EXE program. You can verify that
the installation was successful a number of ways:
1. QQSLCFG tells you that it installed the number.
2. You'll now see a portion of your serial number in the top
"copyright window" above the QQSL main menu.
3. You can now print more than three labels and will not be
bothered by the closing advertisement.
NOTE: If you have any kind of "virus detection" software running
as a TSR (watching execution of other DOS programs), QQSLCFG will
probably set off an "alarm" when it attempts to write back the
registration information to the QQSL.EXE file. You can ignore
the warning, but if you're unhappy doing this, I recommend you
run any of the virus detection programs against the new copy of
QQSL.EXE to assure yourself that the program hasn't become
"sick". The best (in my opinion) of these programs is SCAN,
written my McAfee Associates, and it will be available on any of
the better bulletin boards. Additionally, you probably know that
a program which has been infected with a virus will be larger
than the original program. QQSLCFG counts the number of bytes
(characters) in both the old and the new program, and then dis-
plays these counts. As you will then see, the character counts
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 6
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
are the same. If you still aren't comfortable with all this
insurance (and I know that some people won't be), send me a
formatted 5 1/4" floppy (1.2 MB or 360 KB) and a stamped mailer
when you register your program and I'll send back a registered
copy of QQSL. I'll even send you a copy of SCAN (described
above) if you remind me.
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, the diskette must not be write pro-
tected, but make sure you have a backup copy!
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
Additionally, the program QQSLCFG.COM must be in the same direc-
tory when you are registering your program as described above.
It may be deleted as soon as it has been successfully executed.
Actually, the "EXE" and "COM" files can be anywhere in your DOS
PATH, and you may then simply execute QQSL from the same directo-
ry 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 previously described.
If you have a floppy-only computer, you shouldn't put any files
on the floppy other than the three above, since the additional
files will simply use space that could be utilized by label
files.
QQSL has four 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 - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 7
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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 probably be
showed down a little, but this slowdown is an acceptable alterna-
tive to snow! NOTE: It is possible to write the program in a
manner which will detect CGA 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 "/N" is much simpler to explain than
the previous two parameters. "/N" simply turns off all sound.
Use this parameter to have a totally silent program.
4. /M (monochrome): QQSL will normally detect that a
monochrome system is being used and will automatically convert
colors to monochrome equivalents. But, in some cases the "/M"
parameter will provide better results than those provided by the
automatic detection software. If you are using a monochrome
system, run QQSL both with and without the "/M" parameter to
determine which is better on your particular system. This param-
eter should substantially improve the display on laptop comput-
ers, and will also remove the QQSL's from the background wall-
paper.
NOTE: When running QQSL with the "/M" switch, some of the win-
dows will appear "washed out". This is because QQSL was written
to be a color program. In interpreting colors to monochrome, it
will sometimes happen that a window's background will be inter-
preted as white, which will then cause it to blend in with the
white background. But, both the window's border and its text
will be visible, so there should be no problem determining what
is needed. I have alleviated the problem somewhat by not print-
ing the "QQSL's" in the background wallpaper and by not using
window shadows. Unfortunately though, the only way to get com-
pletely around the monochrome interpretation problem is to avoid
the use of lighter colors, but this would have been at the ex-
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 8
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
pense of the majority of the QQSL users! Of course, I couldn't
consider this, so - again I'd like to recommend that you purchase
that color monitor and video card as described in the "Introduc-
tion" section.
To run QQSL with no parameters, simply enter:
QQSL <CR>
To run QQSL with all four parameters, enter:
QQSL /0 /S /N /M <CR>
Any one, two, three, or all four parameters in any order may be
used. The only stipulation is that you must separate the parame-
ters from each other and from the program name by one or more
space. A dash (-) may be used in the place of the slash (/).
Additionally, either upper case, lower case, or a combination may
be used. Invalid parameters are simply ignored - you won't get
an error message!
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), QQSL will detect that you don't have
an existing label file and you'll see a menu with the following
functions:
Create label file
Import K1EA/K8CC
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. For "PC power
users", the following will tell you all there is to know about
QQSL menus:
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 9
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
Menu Movement Key Action
----------------- ------
UpArrow............moves selection bar up
DownArrow..........moves selection bar down
Enter..............selects the item that the
selection bar is on
Single Character...selects the item beginning with that
character
Home...............moves selection bar to menu top
End................moves selection bar to menu bottom
Esc................return to previous menu
Subsequent runs of QQSL will show this menu:
Add new labels
Count labels
Delete QQSL.LBL
Import K1EA/K8CC
aLign printer
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 QQSL 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 comes about because
duplicate information is carried forward from one saved label to
the next. Additionally, the RS(T) automatically has a "9" ap-
pended to the end for AMTOR, CW, Packet, and RTTY and removed for
FM and SSB. Because of these enhancements, you'll be amazed at
how fast you can create labels from the keyboard.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 10
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
The editing keys for the Add/Create function are mostly intuitive
and will be quite easy to master. But, for those who want to
know ALL the possible edit keys, they are as follows:
Field Editing 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
F2.................process all fields (Modify function only)
F6.................process all fields
Ctrl-Enter.........process all fields
Period (.).........enter period, delete to end of field
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................return to previous menu
NOTE: All the above edit keys work the same with the Modify
function.
QQSL also supports the mouse as follows:
Key Action
--- ------
Left button...........same as the enter key above
Right button..........same as the <Esc> key
Middle button.........not used (I haven't been able to
verify this as I don't have
access to a 3-button mouse)
Mouse movement........to select menu items or move
around on an input form
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 11
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
The first time you use the Add/Create function, all fields (other
than the Call sign) will be preset to common values and may then
be adjusted as necessary. If you've just finished importing a
K1EA or K8CC file, the last label imported will be shown on the
Add/Create form. Label information for saved [F6] entries will
be carried forward from label to label, with one exception - the
RS(T) will change back to 59 (or 599) after each label is saved.
I think that you'll find this a very "workable" arrangement once
you become accustomed to it.
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.
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. If you precede the call sign
with spaces, these spaces will be removed and the call sign will
be shifted to the left. QQSL will validate a call sign to ensure
that it contains at least three characters and that these charac-
ters aren't all letters or all numbers. Embedded spaces will
also cause a call sign to be flagged as invalid. No further
validations are performed to call signs, so be sure to "eyeball"
each entry carefully before proceeding to the next field.
You may be asking yourself, "Why is the dash (-) a valid charac-
ter"? This is because the dash is commonly used in SWL calls.
If you use a dash in the call and then press [F6] to save the
label, QQSL will check the SWL field to ensure that it is a "Y".
If not, a warning will be issued, but you'll have the option to
save the label if you wish.
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 at the beginning of the call field. You now have two
choices . . .
1. Start typing the next call. You'll notice that old call
sign is immediately blanked out, or
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 12
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
2. Use any of the edit keys described above to modify the
current call.
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 press
[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 appre-
ciate 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, 222, 440, 902, 1.2G, 2.3G, 3.4G, 5.7G, 10G, 24G, and 48G as
valid entries. If anyone has any need for frequencies beyond 48
GHz, let me know and I'll gladly incorporate their choices. But,
I personally plan to avoid the UHF bands, as lead underwear is a
bit expensive at the local Sears . . . just kidding <HI!>.
Frequencies entered other than the above will be rejected.
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 exactly how these modes
should appear on a QQSL label and I'll add them to the program.
RS(T)
-----
Any valid RS(T) report will be accepted. The third number (9)
for all reports is automatically provided for AMTOR, CW, Packet,
and RTTY, and removed for both FM and SSB. If you work someone
on one of the first four modes and give them something other than
a "9" for (T)one, I guess you'd better fill out this QSL by hand
<HI!>. I doubt this will be a problem though as I haven't seen a
tone other than "9" given during a QSO for over twenty-five
years! As explained earlier, this field will change back to 59
or 599 depending on the mode after each label is saved.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 13
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
Time
----
Enter the time in UTC (old GMT). Invalid times will be rejected.
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. The month will be converted to Roman
numerals on the label. NOTE: A couple of hams have told me that
they don't care for the Roman numeral in the date and would
rather see something like "01-Jan-1991" on the final label. As
an English-speaking person, I agree that this format looks bet-
ter, but have discovered in 30+ years of DXing that the date "01-
I-1991" will not be misinterpreted anywhere in the world. Think
about it!
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!>.
QSL, (P or T)
-------------
(P)lease or (T)hanks only. Any other entry will be rejected. If
you are entering a label for an SWL, "P" will be flagged as
invalid.
SWL, (Y or N)
-------------
(Y)es or (N)o only. Invalid characters will be rejected. If you
enter "Y", QQSL will check the call to see if it looks like an
SWL call (includes one or more dashes). If not, a warning will
be issued, but you'll have the option to save the label if you
wish.
[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).
Individual fields are edited as they are entered, but validations
which require cross referencing other fields are performed at
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 14
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
this time. You'll get an error message and "down tones" if there
are errors, or you'll get "up tones" if all is OK and the label
was saved. The moving light bar changes density at specific
predetermined points during the save process, and therefore
should be considered a practical/useful feature rather than only
being decoration. You may continue to enter the information for
the next label as the current is printing - if you're fast enough
<HI!>. NOTE: After pressing [F6] to save the label, you'll
notice that all fields are still on the form, with the exception
that the RS(T) has reverted to 59 or 599 depending on mode. All
of this information may be re-used as necessary for the next
label!
<Esc>
-----
Press the <Esc> 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 saved a label will still be
available on the form. The right mouse button also acts as the
<Esc> key.
QQSL was written so that system crashes will not cause you to
lose files! For example, you're an avid contester in W4-land who
is in the process of entering QSL label information for 600
Eastern European QSL's which just arrived from the bureau. These
labels are being added to an existing QQSL.LBL file which already
contains approximately 200 labels. Suddenly, there's a brief
power interruption! In this situation, you'd normally lose the
entire QQSL.LBL file, including the 200 labels from your previous
sessions!! Trust me - these situations in which a computer user
loses all his or her work because of system or application fail-
ure 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 fictitious 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 all your work from a system crash, you'll appreciate
the sizable effort I put forth to install and test this capabili-
ty!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 15
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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 function can reasonably 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!
Trivia - for those of you who have been considering an upgrade to
a faster computer, you might want to consider this: On my clone
386/25, a Count against a label file of 100 labels is normally
completed before my finger is fully removed from the "C" key!
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. If you select "Y", QQSL.BAK (created by the Sort
function) will also be deleted, along with QQSL.LBL. Tip: I
recommend that you keep a copy of PC Tools, 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 recover the deleted file. NOTE: 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 unde-
lete it! By the way, this undeleting program will have many uses
beyond QQSL, as I'm sure you'll discover!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 16
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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.
Import K1EA/K8CC
================
This function will convert the binary files created by both the
K1EA and K8CC contest programs into QQSL labels. For K1EA's CT
program, this includes the following contests:
ARRL 10 Meter Contest
ARRL 160 Meter Contest
ARRL DX Contest, DX Side
ARRL DX Contest, W/VE Side
ARRL Field Day
ARRL Sweepstakes
CQ WPX Contest
CQWW 160 Meter Contest
CQWW Contest (including the CQWW RTTY)
DX'pedition Logs (including RTTY)
WAE Contest
For K8CC's NA program, this includes the following contests:
ARRL 160 Meter Contest
ARRL Field Day
ARRL Sweepstakes
ARRL Ten Meter Contest
CQWW 160 Meter Contest
IARU HF Championship
North America QSO Party
North America Sprint
The files to be imported will have the name extensions BIN for
files created by CT, and QSO for NA. The following are examples
of the type of file names which would be created by either CT or
NA:
ARRLFD90.QSO
CQWWCW90.BIN
IARU1990.QSO
WPXSSB90.BIN
Before invoking the import function, be sure that all BIN and/or
QSO files are in your working directory (the directory from which
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 17
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
you normally run QQSL). NOTE: This is also a good time to use
the Modify command to change the last two label lines, should you
wish to direct your remarks towards the specific contest for
which you're now creating labels. Highlight the Import function
selection using arrow keys and press Enter, or press 'I' to bring
up a second window. A single press of the left mouse button on
this selection will also work. You may now select either K1EA or
K8CC using the same guidelines. You'll then be shown a window
with all the contest files for either K1EA or K8CC, depending on
which type you selected, i.e. only BIN files will be shown if you
selected K1EA and only QSO files will be shown if you selected
K8CC. You may scroll through the files listed in this window
with either the keyboard arrow keys or by using a mouse and the
scroll bar arrows on the right side of the window. All "menu
movement keys" described at the beginning of the "Menus" section
are functional. To summarize these keys, you may enter the first
letter of the name of the file you are interested in importing,
and the first file which starts with this letter will be high-
lighted. You may use <Home> to go to the beginning of the file
list, <End> to go to the end, and <Esc> or the right mouse button
to take you out of the file list without importing any labels.
Once you have selected the applicable file, press Enter or
"click" on the file name with the left mouse button to import the
entire contents of this file to your QQSL.LBL file.
Important Notes (not prioritized):
1. The first time you use the Import function, I think it's
a smart idea for you to first print your current QQSL.LBL file
and then delete it. Then, after you've imported a single contest
file (regardless of the contest type) I again think it's wise to
print out the new QQSL.LBL file (after sorting it and modifying
label lines 4 and 5, if applicable) and then deleting it. This
procedure can be modified or eliminated once you gain confidence
with the new function. But, please note that I've tested the
Import function extensively and don't foresee that you'll have
any problems. If you do, please report them to me using the
guidelines described in the "Technical Support" section, which
can be found near the end of this document.
2. Neither CT nor NA make any provision for reports other
than 59 or 599 to be sent. Therefore, all you'll see is 59 or
599 on your imported labels.
3. QQSL has been tested with CT versions through 7.01 and NA
versions through 5.12. If you are using versions later than
these, be sure to run a test session or two before importing your
contest files.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 18
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
4. NA versions prior to 5.00 created files with the exten-
sion NAF, a format which is not compatible with QQSL. Fortunate-
ly though, K8CC has provided the user with a program to convert
NAF files to the QSO format. This program is called CONVERT.EXE
and is included with all versions of NA beginning with 5.00. Use
this program to convert any NAF files to QSO files before import-
ing these files into QQSL.
5. The only CT file which may not be imported by QQSL are
files created by the ARRL VHF QSO Party. CT does not store mode
information (CW, SSB, FM, etc.) for this contest, so it's not
possible for QQSL to create valid labels for this contest. When
mode information is included for the VHF QSO Party, I'll make
appropriate changes to QQSL.
6. The K1EA Field Day Contest allows 6, 2, NOV (Novice), SAT
(Satellite), and PKT (Packet) to be entered as bands. QQSL will
use 50 MHz for 6 meters, 144 MHz for 2, and will assume that NOV
is a 28 MHz contact. Additionally, SAT will be shown as "Sat.
MHz" on the label, and PKT will be dropped as there is no band to
go with this mode. In the cases of SAT and PKT, I wasn't happy
with how I handled these entries, so if anyone has any better
ideas, I'm QRV for suggestions! On this subject, the CT DX'pedi-
tion mode allows SAT for mode. This will also be shown as "Sat.
MHz" on the label as described above.
7. NA will allow you to operate a maximum of six (out of
eleven) bands during the Field Day Contest. QQSL will correctly
determine which bands you operated (this was far more complicated
than you could ever believe)!
aLign printer
=============
This function will print out dummy labels, which may be used to
line up continuous-form labels in your printer. Each time you
press "L", QQSL will print out one dummy label. NOTE: 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. A reminder to switch over to NLQ mode will
flash on the screen for five seconds while each dummy label is
printing out. 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.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 19
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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: Changes to QQSL.INF file will
apply only to labels created AFTER the change and that labels
created before Modifying QQSL.INF are unchanged. NOTE 2: Lower
case letters will NOT be converted to upper case for lines 4 and
5.
The Modify form is very straight-forward, and is actually simpler
to use than describe. Additionally, 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 the actual line 4 and
5 information which I use on my personal QSL cards. 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 test label or two.
NOTE: The dollar sign ($) is not allowed on lines 4 or 5 as 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 or Vernon Buerg's LIST program
and you'll see what I mean. If the lack of this character causes
you a problem, let me know and I'll consider some alternatives.
Save temporary [F2] will save the modified lines 4 and 5 for use
during this QQSL session only, whereas Save permanent [F6] will
allow 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 to leave the lines as they were, press
either <Esc> or the right mouse button to return to the main menu
BEFORE you press [F2] or [F6].
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 20
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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 really quite simple!
Print all labels
================
After you have properly lined up the printer with the "aLign
printer" function, enter "P" and QQSL will begin printing labels.
NOTE: Be sure to Sort the labels prior to printing if you wish
the labels printed in "Callbook" order (highly recommended if
these are cards for the QSL bureau). 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.
Sort labels
===========
This function will sort the QQSL.LBL file in "Callbook" 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. But, the only thing I have found that
might cause a problem with the Sort function is if there is a
component failure or power outage during sort execution. In the
unlikely event this happens, the QQSL.BAK file can be renamed
QQSL.LBL using the DOS REN (rename) command and used for further
processing!
The moving light bar changes density at specific predetermined
points during the Sort process, and therefore should be consid-
ered a practical/useful feature rather than only being decora-
tion.
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 approximately
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 .pa
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 21
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
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, unless the QQSL.LBL file
is very small. 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 deleted 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'll leave it up to you, but be VERY careful if
sorting on floppy!
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!
Additionally, QQSL would have been delayed while I worked on my
own Sort function. So thanks Vern! And, all you users please be
sure to read the SORTF.DOC which accompanies QQSL. You'll see
that SORTF has many applications beyond simply 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
============
Self-explanatory. Additionally, pressing the <Esc> key or the
right mouse button from the main menu will let you quit QQSL.
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). 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
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 22
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
works fine on all. If you're using a non-Epson compatible print-
er, 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 will slow the printer down, the labels will
look MUCH better!
The following table illustrates how QQSL will format the label's
first line, with the format being determined by the actual 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 (51 characters) are created using the information 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 including) 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!>.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 23
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
HINT: Use QQSL's Modify command rather than your word processor
to change the first two lines in this file - it's much safer!
*****************************************************************
THINGS TO COME
==============
The following potential enhancements are listed in order from
what I perceive to be the most important to the least:
1. Support for laser printers has become my highest-priority
planned enhancement. I'll feel better about calling QQSL the
"ultimate" QSL label program once the laser capability is opera-
tional. Unfortunately though, I don't own a laser printer, which
means that I don't have a way to test laser-specific program
changes. But, prices are dropping all the time, so I expect I'll
be purchasing a laser printer within the next few months or so.
The Hewlett-Packard company has just introduced the IIIP, which
is now selling at the discount stores for about $1,100. My guess
is that we'll be seeing this printer for $900 or so by mid-sum-
mer, at which time I'll purchase one!
2. I'm thinking about removing the 3-label limitation for
non-registered users and replacing it with a "nag" message. For
example, I could program QQSL so that the final window (the one
that explains registration, gives my address, etc.) pops up every
few minutes while the non-registered user is running the program.
This technique is used in many Windows Shareware programs and I
think it's quite effective!
3. I might eliminate all QQSL parameters which are normally
invoked by the user when executing QQSL. A better way might be
to have QQSLCFG install all parameters permanently to the pro-
gram, the same way it installs registration information. This
would not be too difficult a change to make to QQSLCFG - the only
problem I have is finding the time!
4. Two different users (WA5DTK and KK6XN) have suggested
that I allow the Modify information on the same screen as the
Add/Create Form, so that they could more easily change lines 4
and 5 for EACH label, thereby enabling them to write personal
comments to QSL card recipients as needed. This is an interest-
ing idea, and one which I've decided to implement in a future
version.
5. 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
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 24
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
do this as soon as I figure out how I can do so without having
the program grow excessively large. One idea I'm toying with is
having the QQSLCFG make permanent changes to the QQSL.INF file,
but have temporary changes made within QQSL itself.
6. I might add a parameter to turn off the clock in the
upper-right corner of the screen. Why, you ask? Mouse users
will notice that the mouse cursor flickers, which is caused by
the fact that the clock is rewriting to the screen many, many
times each second. The only way to stop this flicker is to
disable the clock. Of course, non-mouse users won't be bothered
by this problem.
7. I'd like to be able to enter a single digit in the day or
month field, and then have this digit automatically shift right
and zero-fill the left position when <CR> is pressed. This turns
out to be a lot more of a programming problem than it would first
appear. I'll keep "playing" with this idea.
8. The ability to change or delete individual labels after
entry might be useful at times. But, this will be a BIG program-
ming chore though, so I'll think about it some more. In the mean
time, use the (N)on-document mode of your word processing soft-
ware as described in the "Miscellaneous Stuff" section to correct
any errors which you may have inadvertently saved to your
QQSL.LBL file or to delete any labels which you later decide you
don't wish to print. NOTE: DO NOT add or remove any dollar
signs ($) in the QQSL.LBL file!
Other enhancements/revisions/corrections to QQSL will be released
as necessary.
MISCELLANEOUS STUFF
===================
My personal QSL card wasn't designed with the idea of using QQSL
labels. But, the card was arranged in such a way that the over-
all card looks good when I put a label over the pre-printed QSO
information block. On this subject, I recently 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, which 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 func-
tion" in mind. This QSL card came from "QSL's by W4MPY" in
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 25
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
Monetta, SC. If this kind of QSL interests you, write for sam-
ples to the address from W4MPY advertisements in the ham publica-
tions. 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 card in the future.
In 1990, I had QSO's with two of the longest calls I have ever
heard on the amateur bands! This first call was VE2EDK/CI0GI, a
Canadian operating from a potential new country and the second
was ZB2/HB9DCQ/P, a Swiss amateur operating portable from Gibral-
tar. QQSL had no problems generating labels for either call,
even though each 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.
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 characters
"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. NOTE: DO NOT add or remove any dollar signs ($)
in the QQSL.LBL file!
I experimented 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!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 26
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
Version 1.0 of QQSL was originally released as free (but copy-
righted) software. I even included the source code for those of
you that might wish to "tinker" with the program. That version
of QQSL represented about 400 lines of source. Version 2.0 grew
to 1,000 lines of source and the latest version is over 2,600!
This program has taken me MUCH more effort than I had originally
planned, and for a project that originally began as a personal
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! With version 3.0, I've imposed a
3-label limit for non-registered users.
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!>.
If you decide to upgrade your dot matrix printer to a laser
printer, or just to a better dot matrix, my advice would be to
keep the old printer rather then selling it or giving it to the
kids! You could then connect both the old and new printers to
the printer port by using a parallel "A/B switch" and then leave
continuous-form labels in the older printer at all times. This
way, you would be relieved of the hassle of reloading the printer
with continuous-form label paper each time you wanted to run off
a batch of QQSL labels. Additionally, small batches of labels
(as few as one label!) won't be daunting, since you'll no longer
have to load/unload the printer! I have a perfectly good 9-pin
dot matrix which I'll soon be upgrading to a laser, and my plan
to follow my own advice <HI!>.
This paragraph has nothing to do with QQSL, but important enough
that I felt I should include it. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that
you backup your data! If you know this and already have a suit-
able backup routine 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 recommend
Central Point's CP Backup, written by the same folks who produced
PC Tools. If you find that you have a LOT of data on a BIG hard
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 27
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
disk and that the act of physically 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 300 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 large
hard disk! In closing, please note that I've lost the entire
contents of my hard disk SIX times over the last four years, but
never lost more than an hour or two of work thanks to good backup
practices!
ABOUT SHAREWARE
===============
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and contin-
ue to use it, you're 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
$15.95 (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 dislike
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 28
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
"crippled" programs as much as the next person, but even though I
have fielded hundreds of questions relation to QQSL, registra-
tions have not been up to my expectations! This is the only way
I had to "fight back"! And - registrations did improve substan-
tially when I incorporated limitations to the program, which
simply says that "incentives" are needed with some folks!
On the same subject, you may pay MORE than $15.95 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 personal serial number which may be used with
QQSLCFG (described earlier) to install the serial number into
your copy of QQSL. Following successful execution of QQSLCFG,
your copy of QQSL will no longer be limited to three labels and
will no longer display the 30-second advertisement when you Quit
the program. This serial number will work with all future ver-
sions of QQSL!
NOTE: Except for the advertisement screen and the limited Print
function, the demonstration and the registered copies of QQSL are
identical.
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 29
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
REGISTRATION FORM
=================
To register QQSL, please send this form and $15.95 (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 (Name/QTH): _____________________________________________
( ) Other (please specify): _____________________________________
Which version of QQSL are you using? ____________________________
Computer? _______________________________________________________
HD Size/Type? _____________ Monitor (CGA, EGA, ...)? ___________
Comments/Suggestions: ___________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
TNX for registering QQSL!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 30
QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
UPGRADES
========
All registered users are entitled to free lifetime upgrades to
the latest version of QQSL. It can be downloaded from Compu-
serve'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:
RadioSport (San Diego, CA) (619) 279-3921
You can also get the latest version at any time by sending me a
formatted 360 KB or 1.2 MB, 5 1/4" floppy diskette and a postage-
paid mailer. If I receive a mailer and floppy from you, the
latest version will be in the mail within 24 hours. The only
exception to this rule is if I'm close to having a new version
ready for distribution. In this event, I'll hold your mailer for
no more than two weeks, to ensure that you get the latest version
of QQSL.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
=================
If you believe you've 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 hard-
ware, DOS version used, amount of free memory reported by
CHKDSK, and a copies of your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.
If the bug occurred while importing K1EA or K8CC files, I'd
appreciate it if you would also a 5 1/4" floppy with copies of
both the contest program you were using at the time and the
applicable BIN or QSO file.
For questions, comments, bug reports, etc., 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!>. You
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QQSL, Version 4.0 June 12, 1991
may also contact me by sending E-mail to user BILL MULLIN in the
HAM Conference on RelayNet (RIME). Additionally, I can be
reached via E-mail to user BILL MULLIN on the RadioSport BBS in
San Diego, (619) 279-3921 (US Robotics HST). NOTE: If you
contact me via any of the E-mail routes and are a registered
user, please let me know the LAST six digits of your registration
number only! DO NOT put the entire ten-digit serial number on
any public mail system!
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 $15.95 registration 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.
Reminder: I'd like all ten digits of your registration number if
you are contacting me via some private means, but I only want the
last six digits if you're using public E-mail!
BCNU
====
I hope QQSL fills a need in your ham/computer shack and that you
have as much fun using it as I do! For now though . . .
73 es gud QQSLing de Bill - AA4M/6
P.S. See you in the pile-ups!
QQSL - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 32