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Precision Software Appli…tions Silver Collection 1
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Precision Software Applications Silver Collection Volume One (PSM) (1993).iso
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1991-02-09
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452 lines
Morse Tutor
Operation Manual
Copyright (C) 1987,88,89,90 Jerome Jay Duthler
Written By: Jerome J. Duthler N0IAI
RR #2 Box 675AA
Harrisonville, MO. 64701
DRAFT
Introduction.
Congratulations you are using what I think and hopefully
you will also find, is the best Morse code learning system
available. The most important thing to remember when
learning Morse code is that it is a language, and like any
language to become proficient you must practice. This is
where Morse Tutor comes in, Morse Tutor is an effective tool
for teaching or learning Morse Code because unlike practice
tape's, off the air, or hand sent code Morse Tutor generates
accurate code that is not possible to memorize.
Program Operation
After making a backup copy of the distribution disk or
copying the files to your harddisk start Morse Tutor by
typing.
MORSE
This will start Morse Tutor in the default configuration
which is B/W video, internal keying, and direct video
writes. If for example you wish to see Morse Tutor in color
append the command -c or /c to the end of Morse. Example
Morse /c will enable color.
Configuration file.
Morse Tutor will look in the current directory for morse.cfg
unless MTDIR=path is found in the environment. For example
if morse.exe and its configuration files are in the c:\util
directory on your harddisk, place "set MTDIR=c:\util\" in
you autoexec.bat file.
This will cause Morse Tutor to look into the c:\util
directory f.or the morse.cfg file. This enables you to run
Morse Tutor from other directories or drives if the util
directory is in you path. If you would like more
information on the DOS environment see your DOS manual.
Optional command line options.
/c Switch to color screen
White letters on a blue background
/e External keying via bit 1 of LPT1.
/w Write to the screen through BIOS.
/t Enable testing mode.
A small welcome window will pop up and stay up for
approximately ten seconds during which time the program is
reading the configuration file and calibrating it's code
generator for proper speed. If external keying was requested
the address of the printer port will be displayed to confirm
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this option is enabled.
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Special keyboard stuff.
The type of user interface I am using is mostly self
explanatory therefore I will not go into any discussion on
the operation except for some special keys.
You can select any function on any menu by pressing the
first letter of the command or by moving the cursor over the
command by using the up, down, left, right, space bar, home,
or end key and pressing enter to select your choice.
Key Function
Escape Go back in the menus one
level.
Insert Toggles between insert and
overwrite
Backspace Deletes previous character
in entry field.
Arrow keys Move the cursor position in
the settings and filename
entry fields. Position the
cursor for editing in
keyboard message entry.
Special Characters.
Key Procedural
= <BT>
+ <AR>
& <SK>
Any character can be used. If the character is in lower
case the program will convert it to upper case and
characters that are not sendable are skipped.
Comments in text file
If the character ';' is at the beginning of a line it is
not sent but is displayed as a comment line. The maximum
length of a comment line is 78 characters. If the line is
longer, the remainder will be sent in code. I thought this
would be useful for instructors wishing to display lesson
numbers etc.
Space skip feature
This feature removes multiple spaces when reading a text
file. For example if the file contains "THIS IS A
TEST" Morse Tutor would send "THIS IS A TEST". You may
disable this feature via the setting screen.
External keying
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If /e is present on the command line internal keying via the
speaker is disabled and keying is accomplished via bit 0
(pin 2) on the parallel printer port.
Page 5 of 8
Settings window
Valid character and send speeds are 5 to 99 WPM and the send
speed may not exceeded the character speed. Tone frequency
500 to 2000 hz.
Learning Morse code
I suggest you obtain a tape based learning system to use
with Morse Tutor.
As stated earlier Morse code is a language, and like any
language it is best learned by sound association not by
memorization. This technique is evident in many of todays
product commercials where a classical or catchy musical
sequence is associate with a product. To be able to
efficiently copy code one must be able to associate the
overall sound of the character with the character without
any voluntary thought. Although this sounds difficult it is
not, all it takes is personnel commitment and practice.
The following sequence is what I use when teaching class and
have had very good success with it.
<Quiz> = Select the quiz function from the menu.
1. Select the first group in the learning function
and listen to the sound or rhythm of the characters not the
individual elements. Listen to the sequence a couple of
times before proceeding.
2. The quiz function will be used to begin creating a
relationship inside your brain between the rhythm and the
character. To do this it is important to type your choice
quickly whether it is right or wrong. This quick action
will begin to form a involuntary ear hand connection. Begin
by selecting <quiz> <groups> <individual> <group A> and see
how well you can do for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Now that you have started to create a mind link we will
enter the practice function and see how well you can do in
real time. Do not expect to copy all of the characters at
this time in fact if you copy 50 percent you are doing very
well. If you find yourself peeking at the screen during
practice I suggest you hide it via the Main screen hide
under the utilities function. Continue with this for 10
minutes then stop.
4. This completes the first day of practice. Repeat the
above sequence daily until you can copy the first group
without mental thought.
5. After you have mastered the first group continue to the
next group and reduce the individual group practice to 5
minutes. Then practice cumulatively for 5 minutes.
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Practice for 20 minutes a day and no more. Above all,
listen to the rhythm of the character. DO NOT attempt to
count the elements that make up the characters.
After you have learned all of the characters use the
practice QSO and practice words to sharpen your skills and
if you think your real hot stuff turn on Vari-speed and see
how well you do.
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If you practice every day for 20 minutes you should be able
to
pass the novice code test in as little as four weeks. If
however you have a mental block skip practice for a day it
helps sometimes.
Problem or comment reporting
If you have any comments or find any bugs ( Argh !!) please
contact me with the following information.
Please supply the following information if reporting a bug:
Manufacturer of computer system.
Free memory at program startup (use CHKDSK to find this ).
Any memory resident programs that you are running.
Type of video card.
DOS Version.
If the problem can be duplicated please supply the sequence.
Error number if one was reported
If you desire more information about amateur radio contact
the ARRL at the below address they can put you in contact
with a club in your area.
American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, Ct 06111
Acknowledgements
My wife Julie
For putting up with DIT DAHS for months and the two o'clock
in the morning and all weekend coding sessions ( obsessed,
who me?).
Pat Burke.
For his tutelage in 'C', for without his assistance this
would not be.
The folks at Solution Systems.
For making Brief, a great programming editor.
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