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QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 QQSL(tm) Quick QSL labels, Version 5.2 March 24, 1992 ************************************************ * Copyright (C) 1989-92 by Bill Mullin, AA4M/6 * * All Rights Reserved * ************************************************ AUTHOR ====== QQSL was designed, programmed, and distributed by: Bill Mullin - AA4M/6 3042 Larkin Place San Diego, CA 92123-3026 U.S.A. QUICK START =========== For those of you who would rather jump right into the program rather than wading through the manual, the following will get you up and running quickly: 1. Copy QQSL.EXE and SORTF.COM into the same directory or onto the same floppy. NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is recommended. 2. Run QQSL, immediately selecting the Configuration menu command. If you have any questions about what you see, drop down to the "Configure QQSL" section in this document and read it. Check the index at the end of this document for the page number that the Configure QQSL section begins. Save the new configura- tion permanently [F6]. 3. Select the Modify lines 4/5 menu command. If you have any questions about what you see, drop down to the "Modify lines -------------------- QQSL is a trademark of Bill Mullin - AA4M. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 1 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 4/5" section in this document and read it. Check the index at the end of this document for the page number that the Modify lines 4/5 section begins. Save the line 4 and 5 changes perma- nently [F6]. Note: Only licensed users may change line 5. If you decide to run QQSL according to the brief instructions in the "Quick Start" section, I still HIGHLY recommended that you later read this manual cover-to-cover at least once. It's been my experience that just about every question I've ever gotten relating to QQSL had already been answered here! ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT =================== This document has been formatted for printing on either a dot matrix or a laser printer. Top margins, bottom margins, headers, and footers with page numbers have all been built into the file. From the DOS prompt, simply enter: TYPE QQSL.DOC > PRN NOTE: If you're printing this document on a laser printer, the assumption is that the printer is set to the factory default of 60 lines/page, 10 characters/inch. If you intend to print to a laser printer with settings other than these, you're on your own <HI!>. If you prefer to view the document online (which is the way I like to read documentation), 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. Or, you can simply view the document with your word processing software. 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. 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. Additionally, I've been very "wordy", rather than brief and cryptic as is much of the documentation that's on the market! For those of you who are QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 2 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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. QQSLCD ====== The full distribution copy of QQSL includes a Shareware program named QQSLCD, which is contained in the self-extracting archive QQSL_CD. At the DOS prompt, simply enter: QQSL_CD <CR> The following files will be extracted: GO.BAT HCALL.EXE QQSL.LBL QQSLCD.DOC QQSLCD.EXE QQSLCD.LBL README.1ST Using data from the QQSL.LBL file, QQSLCD will search your CD-ROM disc for address information for U.S. amateurs, and will then print address labels when requested. A CD-ROM drive is required, along with the Buckmaster HamCall CD disc. More details describ- ing QQSLCD are in the QQSLCD.DOC file. QQSLCD was written by: Tom Palko - WB5ASD P.O. Box 8762 Alexandria, LA 71306-1762 U.S.A. This program is being distributed with QQSL as both a favor to WB5ASD and to those that use and like it. I've not been able to fully test it, since I don't have a CD-ROM drive. If you have any problems, questions, compliments, or anything else you wish to discuss concerning QQSLCD, please take it up with Tom! Addi- tionally, if you use and like QQSLCD, again I'd like to point out to you that this is a Shareware program. Registration informa- tion can be found in the QQSLCD.DOC file. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 3 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 PRINTED MANUAL ============== Many users have asked me about providing a printed manual to licensed users. I had decided against this for a number of reasons: 1. Printing costs alone would add considerably to the cost of a licensed copy of QQSL. 2. This manual is a dynamic document, by this I mean that there are many, many changes with each new version of QQSL. A new printed manual with each release would be very impractical, both for users and for myself. 3. Many users don't realize that printed manuals aren't necessary. Once you become used to viewing manuals online, you should find that you prefer this to a printed manual, I know I do! NOTE: QQSL.DOC has been formatted without any special fonts, underlines, italics, nor any other characters which would detract from online viewing. The only special character you'll see on your screen is the "^L", which denotes page breaks. Therefore, this manual is not only suitable for either printing or online viewing, but is also a VERY GOOD example of a manual which begs to be viewed online! I know that there are some of you that will still insist on having a printed manual, even after reading the above. For these people, order information for a printed manual may be found in the ORDER.FRM file. The manual may be purchased separately, if necessary. INTRODUCTION ============ You're probably saying to yourself, "So this is a program that prints labels - big deal!". Although it's true that QQSL is a label program, it should also be considered a MAJOR application program, as no other program in existence does the job as well, does it as fast, does as nice a job, looks as good, and has all the "bells and whistles" that any good program should! Another way of putting all this is that most programs produce QSL labels as an "afterthought". With QQSL, QSL labels are the ONLY thought! And since labels are the only thought, I've devoted 100% of my energies to making QQSL the most comprehensive QSL label program ever written! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 4 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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 customize your labels with personal comments, rig information, etc. There's 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. 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. These tones may be disa- bled by the Configuration menu command. ABOUT THE DEMONSTRATION COPY ============================ If you haven't licensed your copy of QQSL, then you'll find that the demo version of QQSL you're using is identical to that used by paid users, but with four notable exceptions: 1. The Print menu command will not print out more than three labels! 2. The bottom line on each label now shows an advertisement for QQSL. Licensed users may change this line to anything they wish, but non-licensed users are stuck with it - as is! 3. The words "Demonstration copy: 3-label limit!" on the title page will continually blink on and off. 4. The program starts and ends with a "Demo Reminder". NOTE: Your acceptance of the limitations of the demo copy is NOT an excuse to avoid licensing - you must still send payment to the author if you continue to use QQSL past the one-month trial period! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 5 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 REMINDER: With the exception of the 3-label limit, bottom line advertisement, blinking words on the title page, and the Demo Reminder, the demonstration and licensed copies of QQSL are identical! 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 for use by the general user. 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 25,000+ QSL cards, I no longer get excited about receiving QSL's. But, 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 for dot matrix printer users by continually 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. Additionally, the call letters stand out, often eliminating the need to write the call separately in large let- ters as required by some QSL bureaus. The "niceties" mentioned above are included in label lines 4 and 5, which may be custom- ized by the user. Similar design rules governed development of routines for laser printer users. 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 6 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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. Because of the UNBELIEVABLE amount of time I've had to put in just to keep QQSL current with new versions of the K1EA/K8CC programs, my intention is to not import any other QSO file formats. To do so would take away from time I could better spend developing new capabilities for the program. To summarize all the above, while repeating myself: Most pro- grams produce QSL labels as an "afterthought". With QQSL, QSL labels are the ONLY thought! And since labels are the only thought, I've devoted 100% of my energies to making QQSL the "Ultimate QSL Label Program"! 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). NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is recommended. 3. Run one or more QQSL practice sessions, entering ficti- tious QSO information as you proceed. Test the Import menu command with one or more of your current contest files. Use ALL possible menu commands as you practice, and enter erroneous data along with good information so that you can see how QQSL reacts to errors. Print out lots of labels, but don't waste continuous- feed labels or laser label paper for this testing phase - your normal paper in your printer will suffice. This is also a good time to make permanent changes to label lines 4 and 5 (modifiable only by licensed users), using the Modify menu command as de- scribed in the "Modify" section. Use the documentation when doing these tasks, but only if you're stuck! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 7 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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 the index for more information about new features which catch your interest. 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, the diskette must not be write pro- tected, but make sure you have a backup copy! NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is recommended. The following files must all be in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette from which you run QQSL: QQSL.EXE SORTF.COM Actually, SORTF.COM can be anywhere in your DOS PATH, and you may then simply execute QQSL from the same directory or diskette which contains QQSL.EXE. If you're asking what a PATH is, then disregard this information and ensure that the above 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 above, since the additional files will simply use space that could be utilized by label files. To run QQSL, simply enter: QQSL <CR> MENUS ===== Labels are saved to a file named QQSL.LBL. The first time you QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 8 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 run QQSL (or if you run QQSL after deleting your QQSL.LBL file with the Delete menu command), QQSL will detect that you don't have an existing label file and you'll see a menu with the fol- lowing menu commands: About QQSL Create label file Import K1EA/K8CC aLign printer Modify lines 4/5 cOnfigure QQSL 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 "power users", the following will tell you all there is to know about QQSL menus: 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 lines 4/5 cOnfigure QQSL Print all labels Sort labels Quit program A description of each of these menu commands follows . . . QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 9 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 About QQSL ========== This menu command will pop up a window telling you something about QQSL, very similar to the Windows 3.0 ABOUT command. Create Label File (or) Add New Labels ===================================== These menu commands are essentially the same. The only differ- ence 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 menu command 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. The editing keys for the Add/Create menu commands 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, save temporary F6.................process all fields, save permanent Ctrl-Enter.........same as F2 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 10 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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 menu command. 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 The first time you use the Add/Create menu command, 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. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 11 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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 the prefix is not 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. If you're 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 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 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, 222, 432, 902, 1.2G, 2.3G, 3.4G, 5.7G, 10G, 24G, and 48G as valid entries. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 12 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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/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 satel- lite 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. Time (UTC) ---------- 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 either English characters (Jan - Dec) or Roman QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 13 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 numerals (I - XII) on the label, depending on how you have set the month format with the Configuration menu command. If you're in the middle of a label session and forget which month format you've chosen, both the system date in the upper-left corner of the screen and the sample label for the Modify menu command will be in the selected format. NOTE: If you are sending QSL's to hams in other countries, I'd suggest using Roman numerals, as this is the ONLY format that will not be misinterpreted anywhere in the world. Think about it! Year ---- 1945 - 2037 are the only valid years at this time. I'll be happy to extend this period if I'm still around in thirty years <HI!>. If you have entered "29" as day and "02" as month, only a leap year will be accepted. Note: Only one out of four centennial years (years divisible by 100 with no remainder) has a "leap day" in February. The year 2000 is one of these years, therefore 29/02/2000 will be accepted as a valid date by QQSL. QSL (P/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/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 warn- ing 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 this time. You'll get an error message and "down tones" if there QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 14 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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 decoration. You may continue to enter the information for the next label as the current one is being saved - 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 return to the main menu. Should you later decide to return to the Add/Create menu command, 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 menu command 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(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 15 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Count Labels ============ This menu command is self-explanatory. It's a good idea to invoke the Count menu command from time to time to see if the label file is the size that you normally like to print. Addi- tionally, the Sort menu command (described below) will not sort an unlimited number of labels. If you have a LOT of labels in your QQSL.LBL file, this menu command will let you know that it is about to exceed the number of labels that the Sort menu com- mand can reasonably handle. Count displays the count continuous- ly 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 menu command would normally be selected after you have printed out your current label file. When selecting this menu command, 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 menu command) will also be deleted, along with QQSL.LBL. TIP: I recommend that you keep a copy of PC Tools, Norton Utili- ties, 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 undelete it! By the way, this undeleting program will have many uses beyond QQSL, as I'm sure you'll discover! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 16 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 TIP 2: 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 menu command 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 Novice Roundup 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 menu command, be sure that all BIN and/or QSO files are in your working directory (the directory QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 17 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 from which you normally run QQSL). NOTE: This is also a good time to use the Modify menu command to change the last two label lines, should you wish to direct your remarks towards the specif- ic contest for which you're now creating labels. Highlight the Import menu command 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 inter- ested in importing, and the first file which starts with this letter will be highlighted. 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 select the file that you wish to import. After selecting the appropriate file, the file selection menu will disappear and the selected file will appear in a small window to the left of the main menu. At the right of the main menu is another window showing: Please or Thanks QSL? [P/t] At this time, most users will simply press the letter "P", with- out the quotes (or the Enter key to select the default "P"). All labels produced from the selected file will then state "Please QSL". On the other hand, QSL managers or rarer DX stations will probably want to select the "T" key, which will then print "Thanks QSL" on all labels for the selected file. In this man- ner, you'll have QSL labels ready to go for the expected ava- lanche of QSL requests <HI!>. Important Notes (not prioritized): 1. 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. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 18 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 2. QQSL has been tested with CT versions through 7.01 and NA versions through 6.02. If you are using versions later than these, be sure to run a test session or two before importing your contest files. 3. 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. 4. The only CT files 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. 5. 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. 6. 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 menu command will print out dummy labels, which may be used to line up labels in your printer. For dot matrix users: 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 19 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 specified in your configuration that zeros are to be slashed, this slash will also appear in the first line of the dummy label. For laser printer users: each time you press "L", QQSL will print out one PAGE of dummy labels. You'll be shown a running count of the number of dummy labels as they are sent to the printer. Check the index for the "Print All Labels" section for more information on how these labels should appear. TIP: Con- sidering the high prices charged for laser label paper, I recom- mend that you use your normal paper when checking alignment. You then take a blank label page and remove the two labels at the top, the two from the last line, and two more from any line near the middle. Lay this page over the page generated by the Align menu command to see how well your actual labels will center. Neat trick - right? <HI!> Modify lines 4/5 ================ The information which prints on the last two thirds of line 4 and all of line 5 (licensed users only) can be either permanently or temporarily modified by this menu command. Sample lines 4 and 5 have been pre-loaded by the program author. Selecting Modify will allow you to change either line 4, line 5, both lines, or neither (should you change your mind). Changes can be either temporary (used for this run only) or permanent (internally written to the QQSL.EXE file). Lower case letters will NOT be converted to upper case for lines 4 and 5. NOTE: Changes to lines 4 and 5 will apply only to labels created AFTER the change - labels created before Modifying lines 4 and 5 will remain the same, which is the way it should be! 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 menu com- mand. The first time you run QQSL, you will be presented with the actual lines 4 and 5 from my personal QQSL labels. In order to replace this line 4 and 5 information with your personal prefer- ences, you MUST make changes and then save permanent [F6]. The new information that you enter will then be saved as a permanent part of the QQSL program. 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 20 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 lines. Take a look at a QQSL.LBL file using your favorite word processor in (N)ondocument 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 alternatives. [F2] ---- This is the "save temporary" key, which will save the modified lines 4 and 5 for use during the current QQSL session only. [F6] ---- This is the "save permanent" key, which will allow use of the modified lines 4 and 5 during this session and will also write the new lines to your QQSL.EXE program for use in future QQSL sessions. Be careful with this key - if you're not sure you want to lose the current line 4 and 5 information, you might consider using [F2] instead. <Esc> ----- 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 pressing [F2] or [F6]. NOTE: If you have any kind of "virus detection" software running as a TSR (watching execution of other DOS programs), [F6] (perma- nent save) may set off an "alarm" when it attempts to write back the configuration information to QQSL.EXE. You can ignore the warning, but if you're unhappy doing so I'd 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 and least expensive (in my opinion) of these programs is the Shareware program SCAN, written my McAfee Associates and avail- able on many of the better bulletin boards. NOTE 2: I have probably made the Modify command sound more com- plicated than it really is. Play around with it, print a label or two, and you'll see that it's really quite simple! This is definitely a situation where a picture is worth 1,000 words <HI!>. Configure QQSL ============== Before you use QQSL for the first time, you'll want to configure the program for your particular preferences. Additionally, when QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 21 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 you purchase a license for your copy of QQSL, you'll be supplied with a unique serial number which must be configured into QQSL in order to remove the demonstration version limitations. Please note that you must use the Save Permanent key [F6] if you are installing your personal serial number. All QQSL configuration is done with this menu command, and all configuration changes are applied immediately when either the [F2] or [F6] key is pressed. IMPORTANT: Versions of QQSL prior to 5.1 were distributed with a separate configuration program, named QQSLCFG. DO NOT use any of these older QQSLCFG programs to configure QQSL, since to do so would cause erroneous (and possibly disastrous) results. To configure QQSL, you must first ensure that the following file is in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette from which you started QQSL: QQSL.EXE NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is recom- mended. You then simply select the Configuration menu command from the main menu. QQSL will then show you a modifiable form, which shows you your current configuration. These fields and their possible values are: Serial Number ------------- If you have licensed your copy of QQSL with the author, enter your personal ten-character serial number. If you are using a demo copy of QQSL, enter the phrase "QQSL IS OK" (without the quotes). QQSL will not allow you to skip this field if it is blank, nor will it allow you to enter an invalid serial number. Those who are using licensed copies of QQSL and had previously installed their serial number will NOT be prompted for an entry in this field. Aren't you licensed users glad to hear that <HI!>? Sound ----- Enter "N" if you wish a TOTALLY silent program, otherwise enter "Y". QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 22 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Month Format ------------ Enter "E" for English (Jan - Dec) or "R" for Roman (I - XII). If you're in the middle of a label session and forget which month format you've configured, both the system date in the upper-left corner of the screen and the Modify sample label will be in the selected format. Printer ------- If you have an Epson or Epson-compatible dot matrix printer, enter "E". 99% of the QQSL users will be in this category! If you have an IBM Proprinter dot matrix printer or compatible, enter "I". If unsure try both to see which is best for your particular installation. For laser users, If you have any of the Hewlett-Packard series II LaserJet printers (or compatible), enter "2". Or, if you have any of the Hewlett-Packard series III LaserJet printers (or compatible), enter "3". NOTE: The major part of the discussion about laser printers is in the Print All Labels section. See the index to find where this subject begins. Slash Zero ---------- If your dot matrix printer automatically slashes the zero (0), enter "N", otherwise enter "Y". Most amateur radio users have probably configured their printer dip switches to automatically slash zeros, in which case an "N" is REQUIRED in this field. This parameter will have no affect with laser printers, as all zeros are automatically slashed. If you have entered "Y" 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. In some cases, the backspace-slash looked better than the standard slashed zero, and in some cases it was worse. Again, the rule-of-thumb is that (if possible), you should set your printer dip switches to automatically slash zeros and enter an "N" in this field. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 23 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Color ----- Enter "Y" if you have a color monitor, or "N" if you are using a monochrome monitor or a laptop computer. QQSL will normally detect that a monochrome system is being used and will automatically convert colors to monochrome equivalents. But, in some cases an "N" in this field will provide better results than those provided by the automatic detection software. If you using a monochrome system, try this field both ways to determine which is better on your particular system. an "N" in this field will substantially improve the display on most laptop computers, while at the same time removing the QQSL's from the background wallpaper in order to improve menu visibility. NOTE: When running QQSL with Color set to "N", some of the windows will appear "washed out". This is because QQSL was written to be a color program. In interpreting colors to mono- chrome, it will sometimes happen that a window's background will be interpreted 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 printing the "QQSL's" in the background wallpaper and by not using window shadows. Unfortunately though, the only way to get completely around the monochrome interpretation problem is to avoid the use of lighter colors, but this would have been at the expense 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 under the "Moni- tor Information" heading. Check the index for the page number. CGA Snow Removal ---------------- Enter "Y" if you are using an older CGA monitor and are experi- encing "snow", otherwise enter "N". 99.5% of the QQSL users should be entering "N" in this field. If you have an older CGA monitor, you may see snow continually being displayed, which can get quite annoying. a "Y" in this field will remove this snow, with the unfortunate side effect that video displays will be slowed down somewhat, but this slow- down is an acceptable alternative to snow! NOTE: It is possible to write the program in a manner which will detect CGA and auto- matically 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 24 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 to all if I made this feature a user option. [F2] ---- Press [F2] to save your configuration entries temporarily. Changes made in this manner will not be in effect the next time you execute QQSL. If you are attempting to install your serial number for the first time, pressing this key will generate an error message. [F6] ---- Press [F6] to save your configuration entries, at which time QQSL will write configuration changes back to the QQSL.EXE program. All configuration changes will then be in effect the next time you execute QQSL. Please note that you must use this key if you are installing your personal serial number. <Esc> ----- Press <Esc> to abort configuration. NOTE: If you have any kind of "virus detection" software running as a TSR (watching execution of other DOS programs), [F6] (perma- nent save) may set off an "alarm" when it attempts to write back the configuration information to QQSL.EXE. You can ignore the warning, but if you're unhappy doing so I'd 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 and least expensive (in my opinion) of these programs is the Shareware program SCAN, written my McAfee Associates and avail- able on many of the better bulletin boards. NOTE 2: I've thought about making a separate configuration file, in order that your personal preferences could be carried forward from upgrade to upgrade, thereby eliminating the need to recon- figure for each new version. But, I decided against this for these reasons: 1. The Configuration menu command still needs to be run to install the licensed user's serial number. 2. The installed parameters are simple and easy to remember. 3. Parameters are often enhanced from version to version, which would thereby invalidating any previous configuration file. Compare the parameters available in version 4.1 to those in the QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 25 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 current version and you'll see what I mean. Of course in this situation, it would ALWAYS be necessary to reconfigure. 4. The delivered configuration defaults to the selections which will be used by 99% of all QQSL users. Print All Labels ================ After you have properly lined up the printer with the Align menu command, 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 are using a laser printer, but in all cases the end count will reflect the actual number of labels printed. The rest of this section is of interest only to laser printer us- ers, the rest of you may skip down to the next heading. IMPORTANT: Be sure to read whatever documentation came with your laser printer as it relates to laser labels. Doing this may save you considerable grief in the future. For instance, did you know that you could damage your printer if you remove a label or two from a label page, and then use the same page again in your printer? The following quote is directly from the "LaserJet IIIP Printer User's Manual": "Using label stock with spaces between labels often results in labels peeling off during the printing cycle, causing serious jamming problems". Of course, removing a label and then reusing the sheet would DEFINITELY qualify as a space between labels. You must read your printer documentation! While at it, it isn't a bad idea to read any data sheets which accompanied your blank label sheets. QQSL was designed for use with Avery #5161 or #5261, 2-up label paper. If you have any 2-up, 20-per-page label paper made by another manufacturer, give it a try to see what happens. I'll be happy to later add support for 3-up labels if there's enough demand. As stated in the "Configure QQSL" section, you may print QQSL labels with either a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet series II, series III, or any other compatible laser printer. If you're unsure about which you have, configure for first one and then the other, using the Align menu command to see what your labels will look QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 26 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 like. For your information, the second through the last line on your labels will look the same, regardless of which laser printer you've selected. The font for these lines is: Fixed, Medium, Line Printer. The difference lies with the first line, and an important difference it is! Series II users will see that the first line utilizes a font which is: Fixed, Courier, Bold, 10 Pitch, 12 Point. A space is added between each pair of charac- ters to make the first line look more "symmetrical". Series III users have a real treat in store, since the selected font is: Scalable, Bold, Italic, CG Times, and this looks GOOD on a label. In both cases, I've selected fonts which are built into your laser printer, so it isn't necessary for you to purchase and install special font cartridges or download soft fonts. But, for the series II user who might want to take advantage of the better font offered for the series III user, it's OK to load a cartridge or soft font which includes this format. Just be sure to then select "3" as your printer when you configure QQSL. For those "power users" who may wish to see the escape codes for the selected fonts, they are: Line 1, series II printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s0p10.00h12.0v0s3b3T Line 1, series III printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s1p18.50v1s3b4101T Lines 2 - 5, both printers: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s0p16.67h8.5v0s0b0T Sort Labels =========== This menu command 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 menu command 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. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 27 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 During development, I tested the Sort menu command on a 640 KB "AT" clone with no expanded memory and a minimum of TSR's (Termi- nate 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 approxi- mately 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 menu command if your files are all stored on floppy diskette, unless the QQSL.LBL file is very small. This is because the Sort creates two addi- tional files, QQSL.TMP and QQSL.BAK, which are both the same size as QQSL.LBL. QQSL.TMP is subsequently deleted before the Sort is finished, but nevertheless the space needs to be available during the process. As you can see, 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 flop- py! NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is recommended. 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 own Sort menu command. 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 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 pro- gram, LIST! Quit Program ============ Self-explanatory. Additionally, pressing the <Esc> key or the right mouse button from the main menu will let you quit QQSL. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 28 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 LABEL INFORMATION ================= Fonts and label paper for laser users is described in the "Print All Labels" section. For dot matrix users, QQSL prints on standard 3-1/2" X 15/16", 1- up labels. The first line of the label (the call sign) is print- ed 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, but the IBM Proprinter (or compatible) may be configured using the Configura- tion menu command. 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-standard 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 or Proprinter mode through "dip" switch settings. If you have a Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode on your dot matrix 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, for both dot matrix and laser users. The format is determined by the actual length of the call, as you can see: 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 label line (shown above), second, third, 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 preset as shown between the following lines of asterisks. After a user receives a new version of QQSL, these lines must be modified with the Modify menu command. Note: The fifth (bottom) label line can only be modified by licensed users. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 29 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 ***************************************************************** - 73, Bill Rig: IC-781, Yagi, PK-232 >>> Label created with QQSL(tm) 5.2 by AA4M/6 <<< ***************************************************************** THINGS TO COME ============== The following potential enhancements are listed in no particular order: 1. Provide the capability for more precise laser label alignment through the use of a parameter entered with the Config- uration menu command. 2. All label lines are left justified, which looks just fine - but with one exception. This is with the first line (call sign) when configuring for Hewlett Packard Series III (3) print- ers. This is because the font being used is a scalable, propor- tional font. What this means is that the letters don't use the same amount of space as they do with fixed modes, particularly when narrow letters (I) are mixed on the same line as wide let- ters (W). This line needs to be centered above the rest of the label information to look good, but this is much more complex a programming task then it might appear to the casual user. I'll do what I can with this one, and thanks to KK6XN for the feed- back. 3. WA5DTK, KK6XN, KC4B, and others 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 interesting idea, and one which I've decided to implement in a future version. 4. 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)ondocument mode of your word processing software 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! 5. AB6FO, KF9CX, and V73CT have asked if I would provide the capability to import ASCII files, along with the K1EA and K8CC QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 30 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 contest files. This would be a semi-difficult programming task, but one which I'll do in a future version. 6. My chief beta tester, KC4B, has told me that he has five different ways he configures lines 4 and 5 with the Modify menu command! He'd like a way to automatically store these lines and recall them with a keystroke or two. I don't have a good feel at this time for the difficulty level of this task, but suspect it won't be an easy one. WB8CKI later requested the same enhance- ment, so I'll do it - but no promises when <HI!>. 7. KC4B suggested that I add a Name field to Add/Create form, and then incorporate it into the 4th line of the label. For example, "Please QSL John, . . .". But this is not quite as clear-cut as it might appear, since: 1) names are different lengths, 2) the name must be optional, and 3) the user will lose the use of another portion of line 4, even if he or she doesn't use the name field! But, it's a good idea and one I think I'll incorporate into the program as soon as I think of a way of smoothly integrating the name into the label. 8. KK6XN suggested that I add the capability to have a label which contains only comments print immediately after the label the comments are to accompany. This might be a useful feature for those with extended comments they wish to enter for their contacts. Any comments? 9. 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. 10. VE3SUN would like to have the option of sending final labels to a file rather than directly to the printer. This would give the user the capability of transporting to file to a non-PC computer, further customizing the labels, etc. If others are interested in this possible enhancement, I'll do it. Comments? 11. Having "help screens" pop up at the press of the [F1] key might be a useful enhancement. On the other hand, I think the program itself is user-friendly and that programming a help system might be a waste of my time, while "bloating" the program at the same time. I'd appreciate any comments on this from those who would or would not like to see this capability! Other enhancements/revisions/corrections to QQSL will be released as necessary. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 31 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 MISCELLANEOUS STUFF =================== Much of the following has nothing to do with running QQSL, but I felt it might be of interest to some users. The topics are listed in no particular order: QSL Card Formats ---------------- 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 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. Long Call Signs --------------- 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. Word Processor Problem ---------------------- 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)ondocument 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 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 32 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 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)ondocument 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! Double Printing --------------- I experimented with double-printing the first line of dot matrix labels 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! Short History ------------- 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 about 3,700! This program has taken me MUCH more effort than I had originally planned - 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. With version 3.0, I imposed a 3-label limit for non-licensed users. Version 4.1 saw the elimination of the 3-label limit and the introduction of Demo Reminder, and version 5.0 included an advertisement on the bottom label line which was only modifiable by licensed users. Version 5.0 also saw QQSL leave the ranks of Shareware and become a commercial program, complete with [very expensive!] advertising QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 33 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 in the major ham radio publications. Version 5.1 saw the rein- troduction of the 3-label limit for non-licensed users and the elimination of the "pop up" Demo Reminder. Label Prices ------------ A box of 5,000 3-1/2" X 15/16", continuous-form 1-up labels retails for about $9.00 at many retail outlets. Two national stores that have these prices are the Price Club and CompUSA, and I'm sure that a little "shopping around" would locate other sources. Additionally, it appears that the prices for blank labels is slowly decreasing, a trend which I'd like to see con- tinue. You can see that QSL labels produced with your dot matrix printer and QQSL can be quite reasonable, since 5,000 labels will last you a long, long time <HI!>. Monitor Information ------------------- With Version 3.0, I've introduced color to the program. For those still using a monochrome monitor, I've built a routine 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 simulating monochrome on my multiscanning monitor (this IS a valid way to test monochrome). Did that last sentence make any sense? Additionally, the Configuration menu command allows the user to configure specifically for a monochrome moni- tor, which should provide improved monochrome capability compared to the automatic detection routine, especially on a laptop com- puter! 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! 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 this may not work in all cases. In these situations, you may use the Configuration menu command to tell QQSL to invoke CGA snow removal. Additionally, some older monochrome monitors also have a problem with snow, but reconfiguring 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. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 34 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Upgrading to Laser ------------------ 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 surge-protected, parallel "A/B switch" and then leave continuous-form labels in the older print- er 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) won't be daunting, since you'll no longer have to load/unload the printer! I've taken my own advice and am now printing small runs of QQSL labels on my old 9-pin dot matrix printer, while using my new LaserJet IIIP for the larger runs and for all other print tasks. Backup Practices ---------------- This paragraph has nothing to do with QQSL, but is important enough that I felt I should include it. It is EXTREMELY IMPOR- TANT that you backup your data! If you know this and already have a suitable 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 (Version 6.0), written by the same folks who produced PC Tools. If you find that you have a LOT of data on a BIG hard 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 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 large hard disk! In closing, please note that I've lost the entire contents of my hard disk SIX times over the last few years, but never lost more than an hour or two of work thanks to good backup practices! VENDOR INFORMATION ================== Vendors of public domain, Shareware, and/or commercial demonstra- QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 35 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 tion programs have my permission to distribute QQSL, with these caveats: 1. It is clearly stated that you are distributing a demon- stration copy of a commercial program. This statement can be in the form of a file on the floppy diskette distributed with QQSL, or it may be a printed document. 2. No more than a reasonable fee for the distribution media and personal overhead is charged (you're being paid for collec- tion and distribution of software only, not authorship). 3. All files described in the README.NOW file are distribut- ed with QQSL. DISCLAIMER ========== The author assumes no responsibility for direct or consequential damages resulting from the use of QQSL, either to your software, hardware, storage media, or collected data. While I've made every effort to ensure that this software works properly, I know better than to claim that you'll never experience problems while using it. Users of QQSL must accept this disclaimer of warranty: QQSL is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. LICENSING INFORMATION ===================== QQSL is a commercial program, but a demonstration copy is provid- ed at no charge to the user for a trial period of one-month. Feel free to share this copy with your friends, but you may not give it away altered or as part of another system. If you find this program useful and that you are continuing to use QQSL after the one-month trial period, you must send a license payment to the author as defined in the ORDER.FRM file. This fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. In other words, you must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 36 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 NOTE: Your acceptance of the limitations of the demo copy is NOT an excuse to avoid licensing - you must still send payment to the author if you continue to use QQSL beyond the one-month trial period! Prior to licensing, you'll find that: 1. The Print menu command will not print out more than three labels! 2. The bottom line on each label now shows an advertisement for QQSL. Licensed users may change this line to anything they wish, but non-licensed users are stuck with it - as is! 3. The words "Demonstration copy: 3-label limit!" on the title page will continually blink on and off. 4. The program starts and ends with a "Demo Reminder". Other than these "features", the demonstration program is fully functional and exactly like the licensed version. For those of you that do not like the inconvenience of the demo limitations but otherwise like the program, it's time to put your check in the mail! The QQSL license is issued for life, meaning that all future upgrades will be covered by this single fee! With your license, you'll receive a personal serial number which may be used with the Configuration menu command (described earlier) to install the serial number into your copy of QQSL. Following successful serial number installation, all limitations of the demonstration version will be removed. This serial number will work with all future versions of QQSL, so no more license fees will be required from paid users! All newly-licensed users will receive a copy of the latest ver- sion of QQSL, normally mailed within 24-hours of receipt of your payment. The exception to this rule is when a new version of QQSL is imminent. In this situation, I'll delay mailing of your program no more than seven days. REMINDER: With the exception of the 3-label limit, bottom line advertisement, blinking words on the title page, and the Demo Reminder, the demonstration and licensed copies of QQSL are identical! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 37 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 ORDER INFORMATION ================= The full order form, complete with pricing information, is contained in the file ORDER.FRM. UPGRADES ======== All licensed users are entitled to free lifetime upgrades to the latest version of QQSL. It can be downloaded from Compuserve's HAMNET Forum, LIB 6 (Programs). A search for (KEY)word "QQSL" will find the program, for example: BRO/DES/KEY:QQSL. Addition- ally, many of the ham radio oriented BBS's across the country will have copies of QQSL available for downloading. If you wish, you can get the latest upgrade directly from me. Full upgrade order information is contained in the file ORDER.FRM. Direct order upgrades will normally be in the mail within 24 hours of receipt. The only exception to this rule is if I'm close to having a new version ready for distribution, in which case I'll wait for no more than one week to ensure that you get the latest version of QQSL. BUGS ==== 1. If you're using a LaserJet series II laser printer, the following problem may affect you: I've tested the laser capabil- ity on both my LaserJet IIIP at home and a LaserJet II at the office. Although there are no problems with the home system, the series II printer at the office puts out a blank page for each page of labels. I don't know if this situation is unique to this single printer at the office or if all series II printers will have similar problems. Additionally, I neither have a series II "Technical Reference Manual", nor do I have easy access to this machine. Therefore, this won't be an easy problem to analyze. But I don't think this is a serious problem, as the blank sheets can be reused. NOTE: Do not reuse label paper if you have removed as few as one label from the page. This could cause serious jamming and possibly permanent damage to your laser printer, as discussed earlier in this document. Check the index for "Print All Labels" for the applicable page number. 2. I have two users who have reported display problems with the Toshiba T1200XE laptop computer. Since I don't own one of these units and don't know any locals who might loan me one to QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 38 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 use during debugging, this bug will have to go "unsquashed" for now. There are no other known bugs in QQSL at this time. But you can be assured that I'll "squash" the little insects as fast as I find them! 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 with imported K1EA or K8CC files, I'll need a floppy with copies of BOTH the contest program you were using at the time and the applicable BIN or QSO file with which you had your problem. 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 check HAMNET Forum mail, as I've discovered this practice becomes habit-forming and TERRIBLE things happen to my monthly bill <HI!>. You may also contact me by sending E-mail to user BILL MULLIN in the HAM Conference on RelayNet (RIME) or the Ham Con- ference on FIDO. 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 licensed user, please let me know the LAST six digits of your serial 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 licensing fee isn't sufficient to cover 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. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 39 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Normally, you can hang up after the third ring and not get caught by the machine! Please include your personal serial number with all correspond- ence. REMINDER: I'd like all ten digits of your serial number if you're 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 on the bands! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 40 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Section/Subsection Index About QQSL, 10 ABOUT THE DEMONSTRATION COPY, 5 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT, 2 Align Printer, 19 AUTHOR, 1 Backup Practices, 35 BCNU, 40 BUGS, 38 Call Sign, 11 CGA Snow Removal, 24 Color, 24 Configure QQSL, 21 Count Labels, 16 Create Label File (or) Add New Labels, 10 Day, 13 Delete QQSL.LBL, 16 DISCLAIMER, 36 Double Printing, 33 GETTING STARTING, 8 Import K1EA/K8CC, 17 INTRODUCTION, 4 LABEL INFORMATION, 29 Label Prices, 34 LEARNING QQSL, 7 LICENSING INFORMATION, 36 Long Call Signs, 32 MENUS, 8 MHz, 12 MISCELLANEOUS STUFF, 32 Mode (A/C/F/P/R/S), 13 Modify lines 4/5, 20 Monitor Information, 34 Month, 13 Month Format, 23 ORDER INFORMATION, 38 Print All Labels, 26 PRINTED MANUAL, 4 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 41 QQSL(tm), Version 5.2 March 25, 1992 Section/Subsection Index Printer, 23 QQSLCD, 3 QSL Card Formats, 32 QSL (P/T), 14 QUICK START, 1 Quit Program, 28 RS(T), 13 Serial Number, 22 Short History, 33 Slash Zero, 23 Sort Labels, 27 Sound, 22 SWL (Y/N), 14 TECHNICAL SUPPORT, 39 THINGS TO COME, 30 Time (UTC), 13 UPGRADES, 38 Upgrading to Laser, 35 VENDOR INFORMATION, 35 WHY DID I WRITE QQSL?, 6 Word Processor Problem, 32 Year, 14 <Esc>, 15, 21, 25 [F2], 21, 25 [F6], 14, 21, 25 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M/6 Page 42