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SUPER MORSE Ver. 3.16 Copyright 1986-90 M. Lee Murrah, WD5CID =============================================== The Original Comprehensive Morse Code Training Program for the IBM PC and Compatibles =============================================== 6-5-90 ************************************************** * * * LICENSE * * * * You may use Super Morse for private, non- * * commerical purposes. You may copy and * * distribute Super Morse so long as you charge * * no more than the cost of a diskette not to * * exceed $2 (no profit permitted). Bulletin * * boards may distribute Super Morse so long as * * nothing is charged beyond standard connect * * or membership fees. Super Morse must be * * distributed in its original form and content. * * SUPER MORSE IS DISTRIBUTED "AS IS" WITHOUT * * WARRANTIES OF ANY TYPE. THE AUTHOR SHALL NOT * * BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR HARM RESULTING * * FROM USE USE OF SUPER MORSE. * * * ************************************************** **************************************** * PLEASE UPLOAD TO YOUR LOCAL * * COMPUTER BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS! * * ASK SYSOP TO ERASE EARLIER VERSIONS! * **************************************** ****************************************** * * * SUGGESTED SHAREWARE CONTRIBUTION - $15 * * * ****************************************** TABLE OF CONTENTS I. General Information A. Purpose and Goals B. Your Right to Use SUPER MORSE C. The Software D. The Author E. More Information about Amateur Radio II. SUPER MORSE Setup A. SUPER MORSE Program and Data Files B. Equipment and Operating System Requirements C. Installation D. User Customization E. Printing the DOC file F. Hardware and Software Considerations III. Using SUPER MORSE A. Starting SUPER MORSE B. SUPER MORSE Organization--the Main Menu C. The SUPER MORSE Display D. Help E. Configuring the Character Set F. Output via Communications Port G. Timing a SUPER MORSE Session H. Controlling SUPER MORSE I. Setting Program Parameters J. SUPER MORSE Files IV. The Learn Phase A. The <L>earn Command B. Lesson 1 - DITS and DAHS, the Basic Code Sounds C. Lesson 2 - Sound Combinations D. Lesson 3 - Character Steps E. Lesson 4 - Character Runs F. Lesson 5 - Character Groups G. Lesson 6 - Character Learning Levels H. Lesson 7 - All characters I. <F>lash Characters J. <O>ddball Character K. The ser Group L. Viewing Character Groupings V. The Build Phase A. Building Code Speed B. Receiving Character Groups--the <R>andom Groups Command C. Receiving Character Groups--the <S>tructured Groups Command D. Receiving Character Groups--the <V>ariable Groups Command E. Receiving Complete Words--the <W>ords Command F. Receiving a Simulated Radio Transmission--the <Q>SO Command G. Receiving Text Entered via Keyboard--the <E>nter Command H. Receiving Text in a Disk File--the <D>isk Command I. Receiving int the Zoom Mode VI. The Enhance Phase A. Skill Enhancement B. Sending Code C. Copying Behind D. Copying on a <T>ypewriter E. oost Copy F. <Q>uestions & Answers VII. The Measure Phase A. The <M>easure Command B. Exam Sources C. Simulated VEC Exam D. <K>eyboard Receive Test E. <S>olid Copy Test VIII. The Operation Phase A. Two Way Practice Via Telephone Modem B. Radio Terminal IX. We Need Your Feedback and Help X. Troubleshooting I. General Information A. Purpose and Goals Super Morse was written to help prospective hams overcome what many perceive to be the biggest obstacle to obtaining an amateur radio license--learning the Morse code. There are several programs available in the public domain which send Morse code via a PC's speaker, but most are very limited and are often written in BASIC, which requires a clumsy interpreter. Super Morse seeks to provide a full-featured program which provides a variety of modes for learning and practicing the code and which takes advantage of the computer as a teaching tool. My goals in writing Super Morse were: 1. Professional appearance and operating characteristics. 2. Comprehensive program covering all aspects of Morse code learning and practice. 3. Create new methods of learning and practicing the Morse code. 4. Provide ample opportunities for customization by the user. 5. Use the microcomputer to teach and learn Morse code. B. Your Right to Use and Distribute Super Morse 1. License As you may have noticed I have retained the copyright in Super Morse, primarily in order to control its orderly development. However, I am granting the right to anyone to use the program for private, non-commercial purposes without further permission from me. That is, you can copy it, use it, and share it (including distribution at hamfests and in ham radio equipment stores) so long as you do not charge any money for it other than the cost of the disk or other transfer medium, not to exceed $2. You may not make a profit or recover labor costs for copying or distributing Super Morse. Super Morse must be distributed in its original form and content. Please note that you MUST return a completed registration form as contained in the file REGISTER.FRM as a condition of using Super Morse. 2. Suggested Contributions In order to cover expenses associated with the development and distribution of Super Morse, such as equipment, software, telecommunications charges, postage, supplies, and long distance calls to users, I suggest that you make a voluntary contribution of $15 (or whatever is affordable to you) for each copy of the program. If you have already made a contribution for previous releases, you do not need to make an additional contribution. If you cannot afford a monetary contribution, at least give write me a note and give me an "attaboy" or two. C. The Software Super Morse is written in Turbo Pascal version 5.5. The development of Super Morse began in early 1986 under the name "CW" and has gone through a number of versions. New versions will be released as features are added and corrections are made to previously released versions. The latest version of Super Morse can usually be found on GEnie in the IBMPC section and Compuserve in HAMNET. Credit must also be given to users who have made suggestions for improving Super Morse. Many of their suggestions have been incorporated into Super Morse. D. The Author 1. Who Is that Masked Man? The author holds an advanced class license to operate amateur radio station WD5CID. He has a "5" call because he hails from Texas, the home of real chili (red hot with no beans) and real music (with steel guitar and/or fiddle with no synthesizers). He is a registered patent attorney working with Rockwell International Corporation in Cedar Rapids, IA (the old Collins Radio Company). 2. Contacting the Author The author can be contacted on Compuserve (ID No.: 71016,1355), GEnie (Address: L.MURRAH), on packet @WA0RJT or by U.S. mail at the following address: 10 Cottage Grove Woods, S.E. Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 The author likes to receive comments and is happy to answer questions about the program. If you have a problem, please read through this file first! If you would like to receive a reply from the author, you MUST enclose a self-addressed, self-stamped envelope. The author can also be reached by telephone at 319-365-6530. 3. Requesting Program Copies If you cannot obtain a copy of SUPER MORSE elsewhere, the author will be happy to make you a copy, IF you will do the following: a. Send a request to the above address. Make sure the request has sufficient postage so that it does not arrive postage due! b. Include a FORMATTED 360K (5-1/4 inch) diskette. Formatting saves me time. I cannot use 3-1/2 or high density diskettes. c. Include a STAMPED, SELF-ADDRESSED diskette mailer. Use a standard diskette mailer if possible. If you have a U.S. address, do not substitute cash for stamps. Enclosing loose stamps and stick-on mailing label is acceptable. d. Include a Shareware contribution if you can afford it. If you have a foreign address, do not send foreign currency if any alternative is available! Changing currency in the Midwest is a hassle and expensive! E. More Information About Amateur Radio 1. National Amateur Radio Association (NARA) NARA is a specialized new organization dedicated to increasing participation in amateur radio, especially by the youth of America. The address is: National Amateur Radio Association 16541 Redmond Way, Suite 232 Redmond, WA 98052 2. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) ARRL is a general membership amateur radio organization. ARRL publishes a monthly magazine named QST and provides many useful services and publications. The address is: American Radio Relay League 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 3. Ham Radio Magazines Following are major magazines dealing with ham radio: QST (published by ARRL for members) 73 CQ HAM RADIO WORLDRADIO These are available at many amateur radio and electronics stores, large newsdealers, and magazine racks at many larger supermarkets. 4. Compuserve HAMNET COMPUSERVE provides a special interest area called HAMNET which is available to any COMPUSERVE subscriber. Most computer stores (Radio Shack, for example) can tell you how to subscribe to COMPUSERVE. 5. GEnie RADIO Roundtable GEnie also has a special interest area for radio and broadcasting interests. To subscribe call 800-638-9636. 6. Amateur Radio Clubs and Individual Hams Most communities of substantial size have an amateur radio club or at least one ham. To find the nearest club or ham contact the ARRL or call businesses who are likely to have a ham on the payroll. Try a local radio dealer (amateur or commercial) or TV or radio station. The author found a ham to help him out by looking for suspiciously large antennas in the neighborhood. Another good tactic is to look for amateur radio call sign automobile license tags and make contact with the driver (leave a note on the windshield). II. Super Morse Setup A. Super Morse Program and Data Files SMnnn.ZIP (where nnn is the version number) contains the following files: Name Description Needed to Run? ---- ----------- -------------- ANTENNAS.SM - Names of antennas for QSO feature Yes BUILD.HLP - Help file for Build phase Yes BYE.HLP - Sign off message Yes CITIES.SM - Names of cities for QSO feature Yes CLASSES.SM - Definition of license classes Yes ENHANCE.HLP - Help file for Enhance phase Yes GROUPS.SM - Code groups for Learn phase Yes GROUPS.1 - Alternate code group for Learn phase No GROUPS.2 - Alternate code group for Learn phase No HAMWORDS.SM - List of "ham" words for receive feature Yes HOME.HLP - Help file for control keys Yes JOBS.SM - Name of occupations for QSO feature Yes LEARN.HLP - Help file for Learn phase Yes MAIN.HLP - Main help file Yes MEASURE.HLP - Help file for Measure phase Yes MORSE.HLP - Help file for Morse characters Yes NAMES.SM - Names of operators for QSO feature Yes ONLINE.HLP - Help file for the online feature Yes OP.HLP - Help file for the Operate phase Yes Q&A.SM - Sample question and answer fil Yes QSO1.SM - QSO template for Measure phase Yes RADIO.HLP - Help file for radio terminal feature Yes README.1ST - Important information about setup No REGISTER.FRM - For user registration and suggestions No. REGWORDS.SM - List of "regular" words for Receive feature Yes RIGS.SM - Names of radio equipment for QSO feature Yes RUNS.SM - Character runs for Learn feature Yes SM.EXE - the main executable file Yes SM.DOC - This documentation file No STATES.SM - States Yes STEPS.SM - Character pairings for Learn feature Yes Versions of Super Morse which have an "N" after the version number are distributed by the National Amateur Radio Association and contain additional files relevant to that organization. B. Equipment and Operating System Requirements Super Morse can be run on the IBM-PC and compatibles having 192K of memory and one floppy disk drive. A hard disk is not required, although you will find that a hard disk will enhance operation of this and any other program. Your CONFIG.SYS file should authorize at least 20 files. This can be done with the following statement: FILES = 20 CONFIG.SYS may be edited using a word processor in the ASCII output mode or a text editor. C. Installation 1. In General In versions of Super Morse prior to 1.04, it was necessary to create a special subdirectory and copy all data files into that directory. That is no longer required! The only restriction on the location of files is that the files having HLP and SM extensions must be in the same subdirectory as the SM.EXE file. Super Morse may be run directly from the distribution diskette, or it can be copied onto another diskette or to a hard disk. If you wish to use another floppy diskette, simply copy all the files on the distribution diskette other than the file having the ZIP extension to the new diskette. If you install Super Morse on a hard disk, you may wish to place the program in a special subdirectory of your choosing. Simply create the subdirectory as described in your DOS manual, and copy all the files from the distribution diskette to the selected subdirectory. If you run Super Morse from a floppy disk, DO NOT write protect the disk! Super Morse periodically writes to the diskette and write protection will cause a disk write error. 2. Upgrading from CW or Earlier Super Morse Versions The structures of the configuration (SM.CFG) and user (SM.USR) files which record the current status of certain program information file have changed several times during the evolution of Super Morse. If you are upgrading from a version earlier than 3.10, you will need to erase the current versions of these files using the following commands: DEL SM.CFG and DEL SM.USR an reinitialize Super Morse. If you fail to do this you will either get a "Disk Read" error or the program will operate improperly. 3. The Archive File If you obtained your copy of Super Morse directly from the author, your disk contains all the files necessary to immediately run Super Morse. Your diskette also contains a an "archive" file named SMxxx.ZIP (where xxx is the program version number) which is a single file containing a compacted version of the same files. Unless you want to upload Super Morse to a computer bulletin board system, you may not have any need for this file. To place Super Morse on a bulletin board system, all you have to do is upload this one archive file. If you do want to use this file for other than uploading, it must be un-archived using an archive utility program such as PKUNZIP (version 1.02 or later), both of which are commonly available on most computer bulletin board systems. D. User Customization 1. General Super Morse permits customization both internally and externally. Internal customization occurs while Super Morse is running, and it will be convered later in this document. External customization is performed prior to running Super Morse by changing the contents of text files having the "SM" extension (e.g., NAMES.SM). These files can be edited using a text editor or a word processor. A simple, but very poor, text editor, EDLIN.COM, is usually provided with your DOS utilities, but other much better ones are availble as Shareware. If a word processor is used, the output must be straight ASCII text. Most modern word processors output not only the text that you enter in the document but also formatting information which is not displayed on the screen. This invisible formatting information will cause problems to Super Morse. If you use a word processor, be sure to check your user manual to determine how to save text in straight ASCII format without the formatting information. 2. Data Files Many of the data files having an "SM" require only that one item be placed on a line starting in column 1 (not at the left margin of a word processor file!) and that no blank lines be inserted in the middle of the file. You may be satisfied with the names, cities, words, etc., provide by the author, but you can also change them to suit your tastes. Non-U.S. users will probably want to change the contents of the states file to include the provinces in their own country. 3. Classes File The only data file having a special format is the CLASSES.SM file. This file contains three lines in a special order. The file distributed with Super Morse defines the Unites States license classes and speeds as follows: 05 Novice 13 General 20 Advanced The format is critical! It must contain three lines and start in column 1 (not the left margin of a word processor file). Each line begins with a speed in words per minute in columns 1 and 2, followed by a space, followed by the name of the license class beginning at that speed, not exceeding 8 characters in length. If a speed is less than 10 WPM, a "0" must be placed at the beginning. If only two license classes are used in your country, repeat the second class definition on the third line as in the following example: 07 Junior 11 Senior 11 Senior If you have only one class of license, place the same information on all three lines. If your country uses more than three classes of licenses, please let me know, and I will expand this file. 4. Text Files In some features Super Morse permits the user to use a plain ASCII text file as input. An example in the Disk File command in the Build phase. These files should be created with a text editor or word processor in the ASCII output mode as described above. The lines in these files can be any length and can start in any column. E. Printing the DOC File To print SM.DOC (this file) enter the following command: COPY SM.DOC PRN: You can also use the PRINT.COM program which comes with DOS or a word processor program. F. Hardware and Software Considerations 1. Computer Clock Speed Since Super Morse automatically calibrates each time it loads, the speed should be independent of your computer clock speed. Please let me know if you find this not to be true. 2. Video Display Card Super Morse supports CGA (color), MDA (monochome) and HGC (Hercules) video displays. The proper display adapter can be selected from the Set Parameters menu. 3. Memory Resident Programs In previous versions memory resident programs affected code speed calibration. This is no longer true. 4. Disk Cache Programs Super Morse saves changes in the program parameters when the user exits the program. If you are using a disk cache program, the parameters may be saved to the cache area in memory and thus may not permanently saved to disk. If you are having this problem, you should try disabling any disk cacheing program which you have installed on your system. 5. Write Protect Tabs If Super Morse is run from a floppy diskette, a write protect tab should not be used! Super Morse must be able to store configuration and user information to the diskette. III. Using Super Morse A. Starting Super Morse To run Super Morse enter the following at the DOS prompt: SM and press RETURN. After the title screen appears, press any key when prompted. B. Super Morse Organization--The Main Menu Super Morse is organized around the five phases of the Morse code learning process: (1) learning the characters, (2) building speed, (3) enhancing skills, (4) measuring progress, and (5) operating. These five phases are reflected in the <L>earn, uild, <E>nhance, <M>easure, and <O>perate commands, respectively, in the main menu as follows: +-----------------------------------+ | | | <L>earn Characters <M>easure | | uild Speed <O>perate | | <E>nhance Skills e<X>it | | | +-----------------------------------+ C. The Super Morse Display 1. The Message Line (Top) At all times while Super Morse is running, the top line of the screen is used to identify the current function and the key necessary to abort that function. Most functions can be exited at any prompt using the <ESC> key. 2. The Status Lines (Bottom) Likewise, the bottom two lines display important program parameters. The upper status line displays from left to right the currently active character set ("Ch"), whether code text will be displayed ("Txt"), whether the speaker is active ("Spk"), and the elapsed time for the current session ("ET"). The lower status line displays from left to right the code send speed ("SS") in words per minute, the code character speed ("CS") in words per minute, the code word speed ("WS") in words per minute, the U.S. license class represented by the speed ("Cl"), the oscillator tone frequency ("Tone") in Hertz, whether the text or random code speed standard is used ("Std"), whether the zoom mode is active ("Zm", and the current status of interference and code jitter effects ("Eff"). The first character in the effects display shows the status of interference and the second digit the status of speed jitter. 3. The Morse Code Character Set SUPER MORSE implements the standard Morse code character set used in amateur radio. This includes the 26 letters, 10 numbers, the comma, period, question mark, the slash mark, and the prosigns. In addition, SUPER MORSE supports the colon, semicolon, left parenthesis, and right parenthesis for modes using the keyboard and disk files. These characters are not part of the character set for automatic sending by the computer. Several Morse code procedure signs ("prosigns") are not printable as ASCII characters. These characters are usually represented as a combination of two printable ASCII characters as follows: Prosign ASCII Representation Meaning ------- -------------------- ------- <AR> @ End of message <SK> $ End of contact <AS> ! Wait, stand-by <KN> # Over-specified station only <BT> = Double dash When prosigns are printed on the screen, they are represented in their double letter form surrounded by pointed brackets. Prosigns must still be entered on the keyboard using their ASCII representations. The ASCII characters used to represent prosigns are chosen to provide at least some association with or suggestion of the double-letter representation of the prosigns. '@' suggests the 'A' in '<AR>', '$' the 'S' in '<SK>', and '!' the staccato DIT DIT DIT of the 'S' in '<AS>'. '#' suggests the run-together combination of 'K' and 'N' in '<KN>'. 4. Visual Cues When most people think of Morse code, they think of "dots" and "dashes." This is unfortunate since the use of dots and dashes slows down the learning process. Morse code should be learned by sound and not by sight. For that reason the only visual cues used in Super Morse are the characters themselves and the words "DIT" and "DAH" to represent the short and long sounds of Morse code. Unless DIT is the last element in a character, it is usually spelled DI since this is a more accurate representation of its sound under those circumstances. This feature can be disabled in the Set Parameters menu. D. Help Help screens for for each menu are available by pressing <ALT-H>. Help for the control keys is available by pressing HOME. E. Configuring the Character Set The character set to be received may be set by pressing the <ALT-D> key combination during any menu display. The <ALT-D> command permits the currently enabled character set to be altered using the following screen: +--------------------------------------------------+ | | | Current Character Set | | | | ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 0123456789 .,?/- !@#$ | | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx ----- ---- | | | | "x" = enabled "-" = disabled | | | | Key Toggles Character Status | | Toggle: | | "%" = Letters "{" = Group 1 "~" = Group 5 | | "^" = Numbers "}" = Group 2 "<" = Group 6 | | "&" = Punctuation "[" = Group 3 ">" = Group 7 | | "*" = Prosigns "]" = Group 4 | | | | "\" = Clear All <SPACE Bar> Default Chars | | | +--------------------------------------------------+ The symbol directly below the character in the above screen indicates whether the character is enabled. The "x" indicates that it is enabled, and the "-" that it is disabled. The default character set has the letters and numbers enabled and the punctuation and prosigns disabled. To change the status of any character, press the corresponding key on the keyboard. To enable the default character set, press the <SPACE> bar. To clear all characters, press "\". To enable or disable all the letters, press the "%" key. Likewise, for the numbers press the "^" key, for punctuation the "&" key, and for the prosigns the "*" key. The currently active character groups used in the Learn phase can be selectively activated using the indicated keys. Note that the alternate character groups file (GROUPS.2) has only six groups, and the ">" key will thus not be active if that file is used. The current status of the character set is saved at the user's option when Super Morse is exited or when <ALT-V> is pressed. F. Input/Output via Communications Port The primary I/O for Super Morse code is via the computer keyboard and the PC onboard speaker. Secondary output is provided by toggling either the DTR or RTS pin at the selected RS-232 communications port. Input is provided via either the DSR or CTS pin at the same port. The user can select whether to expect either a high (+) or a low (-) voltage in the key-down condition and the opposite in the key-up condition. Output via DTR/RTS is available whenever code is being sent, but input via DSR/CTS is available only in the <M>anual key function of the <E>nhance phase and in the <O>perate phase. I/O via either COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4 can be selected from the Set Parameters menu. With a proper interface DTR/RTS can be used to drive an external oscillator for making high quality code tapes or to key a transmitter Likewise, DSR/CTS can be interfaced with a hand key, electronic keyer, or a receiver. Code output to the speaker and com port can be selected from the Set Parameters menu. Code input can be selected from either one of several keys on the computer keyboard or the com port using the Input keying command in the Set Parameters menu. A detailed explanation of how to use the DTR/RTS and DSR/CTS signals for the aforementioned purposes is beyond the scope of this manual and is left to the ingenuity of the user. However, limited information is provided in Section XI. The author would like to receive diagrams of tested circuits designed by users to take advantage of COM port I/O. G. Timing a Super Morse Session Super Morse includes a session timer which is displayed on the status line as "ET". The session timer is automatically zeroed when Super Morse is invoked, but it may be re-zeroed at any time by pressing the <ALT-T> key combination. H. Controlling Super Morse 1. The ESC Key At any time code is being sent, the current operation can be aborted by pressing the <ESC> key. In some functions it is necessary to press another key to continue as indicated on the message line. The second key is required to give the user the opportunity to view the screen before it is obscured by the menu window. The <ESC> key can also be used to abort any time a user input is requested. 2. The Function Keys The function keys are active at any input prompt, and while code is being sent. They are defined as follows: F1 - Decrease SEND Speed F2 - Increase SEND Speed F3 - Decrease CHAR Speed F4 - Increase CHAR Speed F5 - Decrease WORD Speed F6 - Increase WORD Speed F7 - Lower Speaker Tone F8 - Raise Speaker Tone F9 - Decrease All Speeds F10 - Increase All Speeds The operations performed by these keys are discussed in more detail in several of the following sections. 3. The ALT and Other Control Keys The following ALT and other keys are available: ALT-B - Toggle between code speed standards ALT-C - Clear the screen (not active during menu presentation) ALT-D - Define character set ALT-E - Set to Extra class speed (20,20,20) ALT-F - Set to User's favorite speed ALT-G - Set to General class speed (13,18,13) ALT-H - Context sensitive help ALT-I - Set Interference type ALT-J - Toggle code speed jitter ALT-K - Toggle speaker ALT-M - Show Morse characters ALT-N - Set to Novice class speed (5,18,5) ALT-P - Pause ALT-S - Select Set Parameters menu ALT-T - Reset elapsed time clock ALT-V - Save new settings ALT-U - Display user statistics ALT-Z - Toggle zoom mode ALT-1 - Set class 1 speed ALT-2 - Set class 2 speed ALT-3 - Set class 3 speed ALT-= - Set cs,ss and ws to the same value HOME - Quick key help END - Hide/unhide text The 18 WPM character speeds indicated in <ALT-G> and <ALT-N> are the intial value and may be changed in the Set Parameters menu. 4. The Code Speed a. Incremental Setting The code speed can be set at any input prompt, and while code is being sent, using the function keys as follows: F1 - Decrease SEND Speed F2 - Increase SEND Speed F3 - Decrease CHAR Speed F4 - Increase CHAR Speed F5 - Decrease WORD Speed F6 - Increase WORD Speed F9 - Decrease SEND, CHAR, F10- Increase SEND, CHAR, and WORD Speed and WORD Speed You can set the speed at which the character is sent separately from the overall send speed (the Farnsworth method). For example, you can set the send speed at a slow speed but the character speed can be set to send the characters using shorter DITS and DAHS which are equivalent to a much faster send speed. This is a highly recommended way to increase your speed since you will know the sound of the characters at the higher speed from the beginning. This method has been found to help alleviate the "hump" that many people reach at 10 words per minute. Super Morse is initialized to a character speed of 18 WPM for the Farnsworth method, but this value can be changed in the Set Parameters menu. Note that the word speed can be set separately from send and character speed. This helps the user to learn the sounds of whole words sent at high speeds but spaced at a slower speed. The minimum code speed is permitted by Super Morse is 3 WPM, and the maximum is 99 WPM (good luck with that setting!). The send speed and character speeds are coupled so that the send speed will never exceed the character speed. Also in the speed test mode, the word speed is automatically set to the send speed so that the test is valid. In addition, upon entry into the Learn phase, the send and word speeds may be set to a special learn speed if enabled in the Set Parameters menu. If selected the learn speeds are set to the values used during the last learn session. b. Quick Speed Settings You can quickly set the speed to the speeds for the various class of licenses using the ALT keys as follows: ALT-N Novice class (5 WPM) ALT-G General class (13 WPM) ALT-E Extra class (20 WPM) The user can also set his favorite speed with the <ALT-F> key combination. The favorite speed is changed in the Set Parameters menu. For non-U.S. users who wish to redefine the names and speeds of the license classes as defined earlier in this document, the following alternative ALT keys are provided: ALT-1 Lowest class license ALT-2 Mid-class license ATL-3 Highest class license For U. S. users thes keys work exactly like ALT-N, ALT-G and ALT-Em For the Novice and General class the speed is set for the Farnsworth method. For the extra class the send, character, and word speeds are set to the same value. 5. Controlling Audio a. The Oscillator Tone The oscillator tone can be set to suit the user's tastes with the function keys as follows: F7 - Decrease Speaker Tone F8 - Increase Speaker Tone The minimum tone is 400 Hz., and the maximum is 2000 Hz. Unfortunately the volume of the PC speaker cannot be changed. Some tones are reproduced by the PC speaker better than others, however, and they seem louder. The default tone is 730 Hz. to approximate the 725 Hz. tone believed to be used for many VEC tests. b. Adding Noise To provide practice in copying code under difficult conditions, the user can add background noise (known as "QRM" to hams) to the code by pressing the <ALT-I> key combination. Level 0 is no noise, and levels 1, 2, and are noise levels of different types. Background noise is available only in the Build and Enhance phases. c. Adding Speed Jitter To make code sound more realistic, speed jitter can be added (or removed) by pressing <ALT-J>. d. Zoom Mode The Disk file, Groups and Words functions in the Build phase may be exercised using the zoom mode. In this mode a specified number of words or groups is sent at specified starting speed, and then the send speed is bumped up by the specified WPM increment. This process is repeated until a specified end speed is reached. The zoom mode is enabled and disabled by pressing the <ALT-Z> key combination during any menu display. When the zoom mode is enabled, the following screen is displayed for parameter selection: +------------------------+ | (1) Start Speed : 3 | | (2) End Speed : 14 | | (3) Char Speed : 18 | | (4) Increment : 1.0 | | (5) Num Words : 10 | +------------------------+ Each parameter can be changed by entering the indicated parameter number. The increment parameter specifies the number of WPM the speed is bumped after the specified number of words or groups is sent. Any one of four preset increment values may be selected: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 WPM. 6. Screen Control a. Hiding the Text If you want to hide the text so that you are not tempted to peek while copying, press the END key. Pressing END again reverses the effect. The current status is displayed on the status line. With some functions the text will be hidden regardless of the setting of the hide subcommand. The hide feature remembers up to 1792 characters sent when the text is hidden. When the text is unhidden, these characters are printed on the screen as they would have appeared if the had not been hidden. b. Clearing the Screen The screen may be cleared any time the screen is active (i.e., no menu is showing) by pressing the <ALT-C> key combination; 7. Repeating Characters In features which send a character or a word and prompt for a keyboard response, the character or word can usually be repeated by pressing the <SPACE> bar. 8. Quick Key Help The definitions of the function keys and ALT keys can be displayed at any menu by pressing the HOME key. 9. Pause During the middle of a code exerise, you may wish to pause for some reason, e.g., answer the phone. You may do so by pressing the <ALT-P> key combination. Note that you will lose a character if you are in the midst of it when you invoke the pause. Note also that pause will affect timed functions. Pressing any key continues the previous function. 10. Displaying User Statistics Several of the features in the Learn and Measure phases record information about the user's progress. In character based lessons of the Learn phase, Super Morse keeps track of the user's number of consecutive correct answers. When <ALT-U> command is selected at any menu, a color graph showing the number of correct answers for each character for the last 10 times the character has been sent to the user. Also displayed at the bottom of the graph is a percentage goal figure. The goal referred to is to achieve 10 out of 10 correct for each letter, for a total of 450 net correct answers. A perfect score is 100, but you have to be VERY good to achieve it. Your score starts at 0 and slowly builds toward 100 as you get better. If you can come even close to 100, you KNOW the Morse characters! In the Enhance phase the user's maximum boost speed and keyboard copy speed are recorded and displayed in the user statistics. Also the number of Super Morse sessions and total time spent using Super Morse are shown. The user statistics can be cleared with the <E>rase User command. 11. Saving Current Settings The current values of the program settings (parameters) can be saved with the <ALT-V> key combination. If the settings have not been saved during the current session, then the user is given the opportunity to save them when exiting Super Morse. Several parameters (zoom status, interferenc status, jitter status and qrm status) are not saved and must be reset during every session. 12. Exiting Super Morse Super Morse may be exited from the main menu using the e<X>it command or the ESC key. If program parameters have been changed, the user will be given an opportunity to save the new ones. The Morse code exit message can be cut short by pressing ESC (although you would be deprived of the unsurpassed pleasure of hearing WD5CID's call sign yet again). I. Setting Program Parameters 1. The Set Parameters Menu Super Morse may be configured by pressing <ALT-S> at any menu prompt, which will display a window with the following selections: +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | <A> Timing Factor : XXXX <M> Set Colors : XXX | | <C> Speed Test : XXXX | | <N> Phone Port : XXX | | <C> Split Tone : XXX <O> Baud Rate : XXXX | | <D> Code Weight : XXX No. Bits : X | | <E> Set Fav. Speed : XX-XX-XX <Q> Parity : X | | <F> Boost Fac. (%) : XX | | <G> Learn Speed : XXX <R> Keying Port : XXXX | | <H> Farnsworth Spd.: XX <S> Input Keying : XXXX | | <T> RS-232 Input : XXX | | Prompt Sound : XXX Input Sense : X | | <J> Jump Spaces : XXX <V> Output Keying : XXX | | <K> Video Adapter : XXX <W> RS-232 Output : XXX | | <L> Show DIT/DAH : XX <X> Output Sense : X | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ For all but the command, the menu also gives the current status of the affected parameter. 2. Calibrating the Code Speed a. Code Speed/Timing in General Code speed is an elusive measure since it varies with the type of material being sent. The average plain text word is 50 units (DIT times) long, which is the length of the standard text word PARIS. On the other hand, the average 5 letter random character group is 60 units long, which is the length of the standard random character group word CODEX. This is easily understood once it is realized that plain English text has a disproportionate number of E's and T's, which are the shortest characters in Morse code. In fact, the Morse code was designed so that the most frequent characters used the shorter code sequences. The net effect of this difference is that the DITS and DAHS in 5 letter random code groups should sound about 20% faster than those in plain text even though the total number of characters is the same. The PARIS standard is used for all but the uild/groups functions where the CODEX method is used. As a consequence, that function will seem to be faster than the other functions, but that is the way it should be. Super Morse automatically calibrates to your computer clock speed, and no further calibration should be required. However, Super Morse provides several calibration commands in the Set Paramters menu in case you are a stickler for accuracy. b. Setting Active Speed Method The currently active standard is shown on the command line. The text method (PARIS) is indicated by the letter "T", and the random character method (CODEX) by the letter "R". The user can override the automatic standard selection using the <ALT-B> command at any menu. c. Determining the Present Code Speed - the Command To use the command, set the send and word speeds to any desired speed and select the command. Press any key when prompted, and wait while the word PARIS is sent the same number of times as indicated by the send speed (SS). When completed the prompt line will show the number of seconds required to send the indicated number of PARIS's. For correct calibration exactly 60 seconds is required. If the calibration is not correct, you should change the timing factor in the manner instructed on the prompt line using the <A> command, and re-run the command until you get as close to 60 seconds as possible. Continue this process until you are satisfied with the result. You should aim for slightly less than 60 seconds so that any errors are on the too-fast side of the indicated speed. To place code speed accuracy in perspective, if the speed test requires 58 seconds instead of 60, the code speed will be fast by only about 3 percent. This is only about 0.6 WPM at 20 WPM, and less at slower speeds. c. Changing the Timing Factor - the <A> Command If the speed determined using the Speed Test is incorrect, the <A> is used to change the Timing Factor. To decrease code speed, increase the value of the timing factor, and vice versa. Super Morse initializes the timing factor at 1147. 3. Code Sound Settings a. Code Weighting - the <D> Command The code weighting can be changed using the <D> command. Normally a DAH is 3 times as long as a DIT. This is called code weighting. In some instances it is useful to change the weighting to some other ratio. Super Morse permits the weighting to be set in the range 2-6 in increments of 0.2. At present changing the weight from the weight used for speed calibration causes a very slight change in speed. Thus, you should always calibrate speed at a weighting of 3, and understand that speeds at other weightings may be off by 1 WPM or so. b. Splitting the DIT and DAH Tones - the <C> Command The tones for sending DITs and DAHs are normally the same. However, as an additional aid in distinguishing between the two, Super Morse permits you to split the two tones such that the DAH is 10 Hz. lower than the DIT, using this command. 4. Speed Settings a. Setting User's Favorite Speed - the <E> Command The user's favorite speed is set to the current speed parameters shown on the status line. The speeds shown are in the same order as on the status line. b. Setting a Farnsworth Speed - the <H> Command The character speed used in the Learn phase for the Farnsworth method is set in the range 13-25 WPM using this command. Test tapes prepared by the ARRL and widely used by VEC's send at a character speed of 18 WPM c. Setting a Separate Learn Speed - the <G> Command The use can determine whether Super Morse switches to special learn speeds when the Learn phase is entered or whether the speeds remain the same a for other phases. 5. Configuring the Telephone Port a. Telephone Port Selection - the <N> Command SUPER MORSE makes use of the PC serial communications ports for the <O>n Line Practice feature in the <O>perate phase. The user can set either COM1 or COM2 using the <N> command. COM 3 and COM 4 are not yet available for this function. b. Setting Communications Parameters The baud rate for the telephone port can be set at either 300, 1200, or 2400 baud with the <O> command, the number of bits can be set either at 7 or 8 using the command, and the parity can be set at either even, odd, or none using the <Q> command. 6. Configuring the Keying Port a. Keying Port Selection - the <R> Command SUPER MORSE provides auxiliary CW signal input and output using a serial port. Either COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4 can be selected using the <R> command. b. Selecting Input Keying Source - the <S> Command The Build phase provides the ability to use a PC key as a manual Morse code sender. The ALT key is the default, but since memory resident programs often use the ALT key as a hot key the Super Morse Set Parameters menu permits the user to select either the ALT, CTRL, Left SHIFT, or Right SHIFT for the manual key. An EXTERNAL device such as telegraph key, an electronic keyer, or a radio receiver for the <R>adio command in the <O>perate phase can also be selected using the <S> command if the proper interface is available. c. RS-232 Input Either the DSR or CTS pin (6 and 5, respectively) can be used to receive input keying either directly from a manual key or from an interface to a radio receiver. This can be selected using the <T> command, and the sense can be set at either positive (+) or negative (-) using the command. d. RS-232 Output Either the DTR or RTS pin (pins 20 and 4, respectively) can be used to key an external oscillator or a transmitter. This output capability can be toggled on and off using the <V> command, and the desired pin can be selected using the <W> command. The output sense can be set to either positive or negative using the <X> command. 7. Setting Screen Colors - the <M> Command When the <M> command is selected, a secondary color set menu is displayed as follows: +----------------------------------------------------------+ | COLOR SELECTIONS | | | | <1> Main Background : XXX <5> Status Background : XXX | | | | <2> Main Foreground : XXX <6> Status Foreground : XXX | | | | <3> Window Background : XXX <7> Highlight : XXX | | | | <4> Window Foreground : XXX | | | +----------------------------------------------------------+ The colors of the screen, the windows, and the highlighting can be set to suit your taste using the <1>-<7> commands. The current color for each screen area is shown in the menu (color display only). 8. Miscellaneous a. Controlling Prompt Sound - the Command The prompt sound ("beep")can be toggled on and off using the command. b. Selecting the Video Type - the <K> Command At program invocation Super Morse will determine automatically determine the video type. However, this can be changed if necessary (e.g., you have two video cards installed) with <K> command. Screen colors will be automatically set for the selected video card. The new video setting is saved in the configuration file. The three choices availabe are MDA (monochrome), CGA (color graphics adapter), and HGC (Hercules). c. Jump Spaces in Disk Files - the <J> Command This selection permits multiple spaces in a disk file to be skipped. d. Setting Boost Factor - the <F> Command The percentage of correct answers necessary to increase the speed in the Boost feature can be adjusted using this command. e. DIT and DAH Display - the <L> Command The Learn phase uses a screen display of DIT and DAH to reinforce the audio. This feature can be turned on and off using this command. 9. Saving the New Settings When the Set Parameters menu is exited, the user is given the option of saving the new settings. New settings can also be saved by pressing <ALT-V> at any menu or by selecting the save option unpon exiting the program. J. Super Morse Files 1. The Configuration File The most recently used values for parameters which are most likely to change during each session are stored in the SM.CFG file. If this file is not found when Super Morse is first run, it will be created. The user is given the opportunity to save the new settings when the program is exited using the <X> command in the main menu if changes have been made during program operation. Current settings can also be saved using the <ALT-V> command. 2. User File The most recently used values for parameters which are subject to change during each session are stored in the SM.USR file. IV. The Learn Phase A. The <L>earn Command 1. Introduction To help you learn the Morse code, Super Morse provides a <L>earn feature, which conducts a series of lessons to gradually and logically introduce the Morse characters. The Learn menu is as follows: +------------------------------------------------+ | | | <1> DITS & DAHS <7> All Characters | | <2> DIT/DAH Combinations <F>lash | | <3> Character Steps <O>ddball Char. | | <4> Character Runs ser Group | | <5> Groups <V>iew Groupings | | <6> Levels | | | +------------------------------------------------+ 2. The Super Morse Teaching Method Unlike standard Morse code teaching methods, Super Morse does not initially introduce characters. Instead Super Morse starts with sounds only -- no characters are taught or displayed in the early lessons. The idea is to emphasize that Morse code is a sound language and to teach the fundamentals of code sounds without the added complication of visual stimuli. Two sound-only exercises are provided. First, the basic DIT and DAH sounds are taught. Second, Super Morse puts the basic sounds together into the four fundamental two-sound combinations. Only after the basic sounds and sound combinations are taught does Super Morse start identifying characters. Before the standard code groups are introduced, code "steps", which are groups of two similarly sounding characters, are sent to gradually introduce the characters in pairs. The idea is to teach the student to distinguish similar sounding characters from the beginning, such that those which do not sound so much alike will fall into place by themselves. Also the characters are slowly learned in an indirect fashion in that the student is encouraged to concentrate on the differences rather than the content of the characters themselves. Only when the steps are completed are the standard code groups introduced. The <L>earn subcommands are numbered to slowly build up the user's knowledge of the characters in a very logical way. It is recommended that the <L>earn subcommands be used in the same order as the selections are numbered. 3. Repeating Characters In the <L>earn mode (except <F>lash) characters can be repeated by pressing the <SPACE> bar at any prompt. 4. Feedback in the <L>earn Mode To enhance the learning experience, Super Morse provides feedback after each response in the <L>earn mode in the form of a report of the number of answers correct, the number of answers incorrect, a percent score, and the number of consecutive correct answers for the current session. Also, if an answer is wrong, the correct answer is displayed and a brief review is provided. The consecutive answers report is useful in determining when the user should go on to the next step in the <L>earn mode. 5. Character Speed in the <L>earn Mode Super Morse permits the user to use special speeds in the Learn mode as determined by a selection in the Set Parameters menu. This forces characters to be learned at speeds which permit the user to more easily reach the General class speed. Initially, the speeds are set to (5,18,5), and these speeds are automatically selected if the learn speed mode is selected. These values are automatically replaced by the last values used in the learn mode. In the learn speed mode the character speed cannot be set lower than the currently set Farnsworth speed. 6. Response Keys In several of the lessons, the user is asked to press numbered keys rather than the key representing the actual character. Some users have questionned this, but it is done to eliminate the necessity of locating keys on the keyboard. This permits the user to concentrate on the sounds without the additional complication of typing. Instead of thinking about "1" and "2" as used in Lesson 1 for example, the user should think "left" and "right". B. Lesson 1 - DITS and DAHS, the Basic Code Sounds Lesson <1> teaches the basic DIT (short) and DAH (long) sounds. After sending DITS and DAHS in various formats, the user is asked to identify randomly presented DITS and DAHS using the '1' key for DITS and the '2' key for DAHS. C. Lesson 2 - Sound Combinations Since Morse characters are comprised of combinations of DITS and DAHS, Lesson <2> is provided to introduce the four simplest combinations: DIT DIT, DIT DAH, DAH DIT, and DAH DAH. D. Lesson 3 - Character Steps Lesson <3> combines the previously learned DITS and DAHS into complete character sounds. The characters are paired with similar (or confusing opposite) sounds in a series of increasingly harder steps, and the user is asked to identify randomly-selected characters from each step. The user should start with step 1 and learn to distinguish the characters in each step before continuing on to the next higher step. After all 69 steps have been mastered, the user should be ready to start with the group and levels lessons. Some users have found this tedious, but it will pay dividends if you persevere. E. Lesson 4 - Character Runs The character steps idea is extended in Lesson <4>. This lesson forms groups of characters, each successive one of which differs by only a DIT or a DAH from the previous character. F. Lesson 5 - Character Groups Lesson <5> begins the traditional code groups as defined and used by the ARRL and others. This lesson lets the user study each character group separately. The characters from the selected group are presented randomly, and the user is asked to identify them. The groups used in Super Morse are those used in the ARRL publication "Tune in the World with Ham Radio". If materials having a different grouping are used, the groups can be changed by altering the contents of the file named GROUPS.SM as described earlier in this document. The initially installed groups are included in the file GROUPS.1, and a second grouping used in an older ARRL code booklet is included in GROUPS.2. To use either of these groups, just delete the current GROUPS.SM file and copy either GROUPS.1 or GROUPS.2 to the filename GROUPS.SM. Note that only the letters and numbers can be changed, and no more than 8 user groups can be entered. Punctuation and prosigns are automatically added as the last two groups. G. Lesson 6 - Character Learning Levels Lesson <6> permits the user to study the various groups in Lesson <5> in a progressive manner starting with the simple Level 1 sounds and adding characters with each level. Each level is simply a combination of groups 1 as defined above through the group whose number is the same as the selected level number. After the new characters for each level are presented, the user is asked to identify randomly presented characters from that level. H. Lesson 7 - All Characters Lesson <7> permits the user to sum up all he has learned in the previous 6 lessons in that all letters, numbers, punctuation, and prosigns are sent for identification in the same manner as the preceding lessons. Lesson <7> is adaptive in that the more recently missed characters are sent more often that the others. I. <F>lash Characters The <F> selection simulates flash cards by randomly displaying characters from the currently active character group in large display format. No user keyboard response is required in this feature. To flash characters by groups, use <ALT-D> to change the currently active character set. J. <O>ddball Character The <O>dball character function presents a group of five characters with one different from the others, and the user is asked to enter the differing character. The two characters used in this feature are always very similar or otherwise easily confused and are randomly selected from the STEPS.CW file. K. The ser Group The selection permits the user to practice a customized group of characters. The currently active character set selected by the <ALT-D> command is randomly sent for indentification in the same manner as the preceding lessons. L. Viewing the Character Groupings (Steps and Groups) The character steps and groups used in the preceding selections may be displayed using the <V>iew selection. V. The Build Phase A. Building Code Speed Once the character sounds have been mastered, speed can be increased by receiving code in the Build phase. The Build menu is as follows: +---------------------------------------+ | | | <D>isk File <S>tructured Groups | | <E>nter Message <V>ariable Groups | | <Q>SO <W>ords | | <R>andom Groups | | | +---------------------------------------+ All Build features require that the user copy using pencil and paper. B. Receiving Character Groups - the <R>andom Groups Command One of the classic ways of practicing code reception is sending five letter groups of random characters. The <R>andom Groups command does this. C. Receiving Character Groups - the <S>tructured Groups Command The <S>tructured groups command is similar to the <R>andom groups command except that the first and second characters of a group are repeated in reverse order as the fourth and fifth characters. The third character is always a randomly selected number. This permits the user to receive random code but have the ability to check his answer without looking at the screen. D. Receiving Character Groups - the <V>ariable Groups Command The <V>ariable groups command is similar to the <R>andom groups command except that the length of the groups is variable from 1 to 10. This helps the user become accustomed to copying normal words, which are of differing lengths. E. Receiving Complete Words - the <W>ords Command If the user would rather work with real words, the <W>ords function can be used. A choice of either "regular" words, "ham" words, call signs, or words from a user file is given. The regular and ham words are selected from files of fixed names REGWORDS.SM and HAMWORDS.SM, but user words are taken from any file entered by the user when prompted. The file should be prepared by the user as described earlier in this document. Each word (or short phrase) should be placed on a single line starting in column 1 and should be no longer than 20 characters. Up to 1000 words may be entered. The call sign "words" are randomly generated and cannot be configured by the user. At 15 WPM and below each character is displayed as sent. Above 15 WPM the entire word is sent before it is displayed. The regular and ham words sent by this command can be changed by editing the files REGWORDS.SM and HAMWORDS.SM. A maximum of 1000 regular or ham words up to 20 characters long may be entered into each file. F. Receiving a Simulated Radio Transmission - the <Q>SO Command Use this command if you would like to copy a simulated QSO (radio contact). Random text is sent containing randomly chosen call signs, names, etc., providing a variety of QSO combinations. The call signs are randomly selected from all the possible call signs, which means that some unissued calls signs will be used. The names, antenna types, city names, and rig types can be changed to reflect your desires by editing the files ANTENNAS.SM, NAMES.SM, CITIES.SM, RIGS.SM, and JOBS.SM as described earlier in this document. The maximum number and length of the entries are as follows: File Max. No. Entries Max. Length Each Entry ---- ---------------- ---------------------- ANTENNAS.SM 50 15 CITIES.SM 200 15 JOBS.SM 100 20 NAMES.SM 200 10 RIGS.SM 100 15 STATES.SM 100 15 If the QSO is sent in the text hide mode, the user is given the opportunity to review the QSO before exiting. G. Receiving Text Entered via Keyboard - the <E>nter Command With this command the user can have a helper enter test messages via the keyboard, and then attempt to copy it. The maximum length of the message is 255 characters. The last message can be repeated by pressing <SPACE>. This command differs from the <K>eyboard Send command in that nothing is sent until RETURN is pressed. H. Receiving Text in a Disk File - the <D>isk Command This command sends the contents of a disk text file in Morse code. At the prompt press RETURN to select the most recent file used or enter the name of a new file (including the drive and subdirectory) to be sent. If you do not know the name of the file you wish to receive, you may press <SPACE> to obtain a disk directory. At the prompt enter the file specification in the form D:\SUBDIR\FILENAME.EXT, where "D:" is the drive designator, "SUBDIR" is the subdirectory name if applicable. If all files are desired, press RETURN to select the default "*.*" in place of FILENAME.EXT. Disk files can be sent either normally or in reverse by entering proper character when prompted. You can practice by having someone create a text file of unknown content. Another idea is to exchange disks with a friend who is also studying the code and carry on a "disk QSO". The disk file required for this command can be any ASCII text file created by the user. Unprintable characters are ignored. Multiple blanks may be skipped if desired in the Set Parameters menu. To familiarize yourself with the use of this command, you can enter the name of the words file (WORDS.SM) or any of the other data files having the SM extension, although this will not provide very useful code practice. Disk files can be "scripted" by placing the period (".") and tilde ("~") in the first column of any line followed by text. The period causes the following text to be printed in hilight on the screen. The tilde does the same except that it also waits for the user to press a key to continue. Scripting may be used for example to prepare code tapes which have voice instructions intermixed with the code. With scripting Super Morse follows exactly the same line spacings as are used in the script file. I. Receiving in the Zoom Mode Either the <R>andom groups, <S>tructured groups, <V>ariable groups, or <W>ords can be sent in the "zoom" mode. The zoom mode is enabled and disabled by pressing the <ALT-Z> key combination during any menu display. The current status of the zoom mode is shown on the bottom line of the screen. When the zoom mode is active and either of the groups functions is invoked, the user is asked to enter the start speed, the end speed, the speed increment, and the number of characters to be sent at each speed. After the specified number of characters is sent, the code speed is increased by the specified increment until the end speed is reached. Increments of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 WPM are available. VI. The Enhance Phase A. Skill Enhancement The Enhance phase includes modes which are designed to "put the icing on the cake" by putting the user's code knowledge to work in advanced ways. The Enhance Phase menu is as follows: +-------------------------------------+ | | | oost Copy <Q> & A | | <H>ead Copy <R>andom Lag Copy | | <K>eyboard Send <T>ypewrite Copy | | <L>ag Copy <W>ords | | <M>anual Send | | | +-------------------------------------+ B. Sending Code The send-related commands in the Enhance phase permit the user to practice sending Morse code either from the keyboard or manually using a designated keyboard key or an external device as a straight key. 1. Sending from the <K>eyboard This function permits the user to enter individual keys to hear how they sound. You can type ahead of the Super Morse sender by 80 characters maximum. Unlike the <E>nter command, you do not have to press RETURN to start sending characters. 2. Sending with a <M>anual Key You may also wish to practice your "fist", i.e., your manual sending ability, by using the a designated key as a telegraph key. The default designated key is the ALT key, but this can be changed using the <M>anual Key function in the Set Parameters menu to one of several keyboard keys or to an external key. In this function SUPER MORSE decodes the character sent and displays it on the screen. SUPER MORSE is initialized to the character speed displayed on the status line. However, SUPER MORSE automatically adjusts to your sending speed as it changes. Since this adjustment takes place slowly, you may have to send several characters before SUPER MORSE determines your speed and displays the correct character on the screen. The external key is accessed via the DSR or RTS pin of the designated port. A hand key can be interfaced by simply connecting the key to pins 4 and 6 of the selected COM port. This interface has been tested by the author! Comments on other interfaces are requested. C. Copying Behind In order to learn to copy Morse code at high speeds, it is necessary to remember several characters before the one presently being sent. Super Morse has several <E>nhance exercises to help you develop this ability to "copy behind". In all the copy features, the characters used are selected using the <ALT-D> command described above. 1. <H>ead Copy The <H>ead Copy function helps you learn to copy "in your head" by developing your memory for a string of characters. In this function a character sequence of increasing length is sent, and the user is asked to enter the sequence exactly after it has been sounded. A new sequence is started each time an incorrect answer is entered. The current sequence length and the best length for the session are reported after each correct answer. The maximum sequence length is 50 characters (Good luck!). 2. <L>ag Copy The <L>ag copy function helps you learn to record a previous character while remembering a later sent character. Instead of entering the character that was most recently sent as in all other functions of Super Morse, this function asks the user to enter the character sent a specified number of characters ago. The default lag is 1 character, but the user may enter a lag of up to 10 characters at the prompt. This exercise is very hard at first, and you may have to use pencil and paper to get the hang of it. 3. <R>andom Lag Copy This function tests the user's ability to remember a sequence of 3 randomly sent characters. After the group of 3 characters is sent, the user is asked to enter either the first, second, or third character. 4. <W>ord Copy This function sends complete words from the REGWORDS.SM file and asks the user to enter them correctly. A score is displayed on the status line, and words may be repeated using the <SPACE> bar. D. Copying on a <T>ypewriter The military services train their Morse code operators to use a typewriter to record incoming messages since it is much faster than copying by hand. The <T>ypewriter Copy permits the user to use the keyboard for "copying on the mill", as that method is termed. In this function only the characters typed by the user are displayed on the screen--the code being sent is not displayed--and the sending of code does not depend upon typing the correct response (or any response at all) on the keyboard. The accuracy of the copy is not checked. E. oost Copy Boost copy automatically boosts the user's speed to his maximum copy speed. The send speed starts at 3 WPM and automatically adjusts upwardly in 0.1 WPM increments as long as the user maintains a copy rate specified in the Set Parameters menu. If the rate drops below the specified level, the speed stays constant until the specified level is again attained. F. <Q>uestions and Answers The <Q>&A feature sends questions stored in a user-created file in code without screen presentation and asks the user to enter the answer on the keyboard. This feature may be used to ask trivia questions or other easily answered questions. Files for this feature can have any name, but they must be constructed in a special way. The odd numbered lines contain questions (no question mark required) and the even numbered lines contain answers. Since the emphasis is upon correctly copying the questions and not upon the answers, the questions should be easily answered and the answers should preferably use only one word without punctuation. Number answers should be in number form and not written out in text. A short sample file Q&A.SM is included with Super Morse. As each question is sent the user should copy it on a piece of paper and enter the answer when prompted. The question may be repeated by pressing the <SPACE> bar at the prompt. After the answer is entered, the full text of the last question is shown on the screen. VII. The Measure Phase A. The <M>easure Command The <M>easure command provides several ways to test the user's Morse code progress. The Measure menu is as follows: +------------------------------------+ | | | <A>uto Exam <D>isplay Exam | | <M>ake Exam | | <R>un Exam File <K>eyboard Test | | rint Exam <S>olid Copy Test | | | +------------------------------------+ B. Exam Sources Several of the Measure functions use examinations based upon simulated radio contacts, or QSO's. The format and content of these QSO's are determined either by an internal QSO generation routine or an external template. The internal routine is used exclusively in the <A>uto Exam function and is the default selection in the <M>ake Exam function. The external template may be selected in the <M>ake Exam function. The external template is contained in a disk file named QSOn.SM where "n" is a number from 1 to 99. The file QSO1.SM is provided as an example, but other ASCII files may be created by the user. An exam QSO template file comprises any desired text built around up to 20 pieces of randomly selected data. When data is desired in the QSO file, the user inserts the identifying number of the data type surrounded by curved brackets ("{" and "}"). The identifying numbers are as follows: 1 - calling station 11 - countries worked 2 - responding station 12 - band 1 3 - rst report 13 - band 2 4 - name 14 - job 5 - city 15 - rig type 6 - state 16 - antenna type 7 - age 17 - antenna height 8 - years a ham 18 - power (watts) 9 - license class 19 - weather 10 - states worked 20 - temperature (Degrees F) The following is an example of a line in a QSO template: My name is {4}, and I live in {5},{6}. Super Morse randomly generates a name and substitutes it for {4} and a city and state and substitutes them for {5} and {6}. An example of the result is as follows: My name is Joe, and I live in Northfield, KS. At least 10 pieces of data should be used in any exam file to support the 10 questions that are asked in the exam. C. Simulated VEC Exam This group of commands permits the user to take a simulated code test much like the one he would take when sitting for the license exam given by the FCC-approved Volunteer Examination Coordinator (VEC). All VEC exam-related functions are based upon the simulated contact used for the <Q>SO command discussed above. In the exam functions the student is asked to set the exam speed either at novice, general class, extra class speed, or other user-specified speed. If novice is chosen, the user is further given the opportunity to select either regular or Farnsworth spacing. 1. <A>uto Exam This is a fully integrated self-test for the student. All exam questions are displayed on the screen, and the exam is automatically graded. 2. Exam from File An exam may be prepared in advance and given using the <M>ake exam file and <R>un exam file commands. These commands are intended primarily for use by an instructor to create and give a simulated test to a student or students. The <M>ake command generates an exam QSO either internally or from an external template as selected and stores it in a special file on disk. The <M>ake command also permits a new set of questions to be created for the existing exam. The <R>un command loads the exam previously created using the <M>ake command and sounds it at the <N>ovice, <G>eneral, or <E>xtra exam speed as selected by the user. The user can also select n<O>ne, and the speed will default to that shown on the status line. user is given the opportunity review the text of the test QSO. The <D>isplay and rint commands permit the user to either display on the screen or print on a line printer the text of the most recently created exam, the related exam questions, or the exam answers. These commands also operate for the exam most recently created using the <A>uto exam command. D. <K>eyboard Receive Test This command lets the user test his approximate receive speed. The computer sends a character and waits for the user to type in the correct key. The acccuracy of the copy is displayed on the status line. When this function is exited using the ESC key, the computer prints out the approximate send and receive speeds. If the incorrect key is typed, the character is printed in reverse video (color monitors only) and sent again. The computer also remembers wrong characters and sends them more often than the other characters. The character set used in the test can be configured using the <ALT-D> key as described elsewhere. E. <S>olid Copy Test This function tests the user's ability to copy random characters without a mistake. A sequence of characters of increasing length is sent, and the user is asked to type in the sequence exactly as sent. When a mistake is made, the test ends and the user is given a report of the number of consecutive characters copied correctly and the number of minutes and seconds during which "solid copy" occurred. VIII. The Operation Phase A. Two Way Practice Via Telephone Modem 1. The <O>line Command The <O>nline command provides a simple terminal program which permits a user with a telephone modem connected to his computer to call another similarly equipped user and carry on a real time QSO in Morse code. A modem using the Hayes AT command set is assumed. 2. General Description of the <O>n Line Command When <O>n Line is selected, the computer's selected communications port is initialized to the parameters stored in the configuration file, the default values of which are COM1, 1200 baud, 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. The modem is initialized to automatically answer calls from another computer on the first ring. In order for a connection to be successfully made, both computers must be set to the same baud rate and communications parameters. The On Line commands may be displayed using the usual <ALT-H> specific help key. All On Line commands are invoked using the <CTRL> key in combination with another key. For example, the Morse mode is initiated by pressing the <CTRL-C> key combination. Initially, the On line function is in the "Terminal" mode, which means that it will act just like a normal modem program and will not sound Morse code. The terminal mode should be used to make a connection with the other computer, and then you should switch to the "CW" mode by pressing <CTRL-C>. You can switch back to the terminal mode by pressing <CTRL-T>. Initially Super Morse will sound both the received and sent characters. This can be selectively changed using the <CTRL-R and CTRL-S> commands. Super Morse also adds line feeds to all carriage return characters. If received lines are printed double-spaced, this can be changed with the <CTRL-L> command. If you would like to see characters sent to the modem during the time that Super Morse is not connected to another computer, use the <CTRL-E> command. To dial another computer, use the <CTRL-D> command. To disconnect the phone, use the <CTRL-H> command. In either mode characters can be sent from the keyboard, or a disk file can be sent using the <CTRL-F> command. In addition to these commands, all the Hayes "AT" commands can be used. 3. Making a Connection with Another Computer To connect with another computer you should prearrange the call with the other operator. Both copies of SUPER MORSE should be in the On Line function, and both should set SUPER MORSE On Line to the terminal mode with <CTRL-T>. Both must set their communications parameters, other than the communications port, to the same values. Decide who who will initiate the call and who will receive it. Since both modems are already initialized to answer a call on the first ring, it does not matter which computer is chosen. The call initiator presses <CTRL-D> and enters the telephone number of the call receiver and presses <RETURN>. He then selects either tone (if he has a touch tone phone) or pulse dialing (if he has a rotary dial phone) and presses <RETURN>. He will hear the call receiver's telephone ring and the his modem answer the phone, followed by a brief carrier tone. Both screens should indicate "Connected to Remote SUPER MORSE." Both users should then enter the CW mode by pressing <CTRL-C> and proceed with the landline QSO. 4. CONTROL Commands Following is a summary of the CONTROL commands used in the <O>nline function: <CTRL-C> - Activate CW (Morse) mode <CTRL-D> - Dial a number <CTRL-E> - Echo/No echo of characters sent to modem <CTRL-F> - Send a disk file <CTRL-H> - Terminate telephone connection (hang up) <CTRL-L> - Add/remove linefeeds from received text <CTRL-M> - Hang up modem <CTRL-P> - Set baud rate and other communications parameters <CTRL-R> - Enable/disable Morse mode for received characters <CTRL-S> - Enable/disable Morse mode for transmitted characters <CTRL-T> - Activate Terminal (non-Morse) mode 5. Problems with <O>nline Command Experienced modem users will recognize that some of the above commands can be duplicated using the standard Hayes "AT" commands. If you have any difficulty with the online mode, just remember that it is nothing more than a simple terminal program which has the capability of sounding transmitted and received characters in Morse code. If you need help, check with a friend who understands the operation of Hayes and compatible modems. If the screen shows "Character Not Sent - Check Modem and Port Selection", either the power to your modem is not switched on or the wrong port has been selected. To correct the latter use the <ALT-S> command to set parameters. Correct the problem and try again! B. Radio Terminal The <R>adio Terminal command provides a very simple terminal for sending and receiving Morse code via a radio, if an appropriate interface circuit is used. The same COM pins are used in the other Morse input-output function as discussed elsewhere in this documentation. When the <R> function is entered, Super Morse is in the receive mode. To change to the send mode, press CTRL-S. To return to the receive mode, press CTRL-R. IX. We Need Your Feedback and Help! A. Feedback It is my goal that Super Morse be absolutely the best Morse code training program available anywhere, commercial or otherwise. If it is not the best, I will endeavor to make it so. To achieve this I NEED YOUR INPUT! Please let me know what you like about Super Morse, what you don't like about it, any bugs or cosmetic defects you have discovered, what you would like to see changed or added, etc. If you have used another Morse code program that you like better, tell me the name of the program and why you like it better. Please take the time to answer and return the questions in the registration form contained in the file REGISTER.FRM to me. If the registration form is inadequate, write me a letter. If a letter won't do the job, give me a call! I particularly need feedback from those who use Super Morse to train novices. If I know your needs, I will endeavor to add those features to Super Morse. Your help would be much appreciated. Remember Super Morse is for you! So tell me what you want it to do for you. Please give me your constructively frank opinion. B. Help Others Learn about SUPER MORSE If SUPER MORSE is helpful to you, you can help others learn about it in the following ways: 1. Give a copy to your friends. 2. Upload SUPER MORSE to your local computer bulletin board system. 3. Leave a message on your computer bulletin board recommending SUPER MORSE. 4. Tell your ham club about it, especially the person in charge of license classes. 5. Write a letter to a ham radio magazine recommending SUPER MORSE. 6. Write a review of SUPER MORSE for a ham radio or computer magazine. C. Send Me Your Good News! If Super Morse helps you obtain your license or upgrade to a higher class of license, I would love to hear about it! Please take the time to drop me a note and let me hear your good news! D. Correspondence with Author The author is happy to correspond by mail with users, but PLEASE send a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE!!! X. Troubleshooting A. Read the Instructions! Most problems are caused by a failure to read the installation instructions! So go read the section on installation and make sure the program is installed correctly! B. Random Characters Faster than Plain Text This is NOT a problem. Due to the way code speed is calculated, random characters sound faster than plain text. For an explanation see the discussion of code speed earlier in the documentation. C. 'File Not Found ' or 'I/O Error 02' Message 1. Make sure that all files with an HLP and an SM extension are copied to the same subdirectory or diskette containing SM.EXE. 2. Make sure all the required files listed early in this documentation are on the program disk. 3. If Super Morse is distributed in ARC format, de-archive only with ARC 5.12 or later, or PKXARC. For ZIP format use PKUNZIP 1.02 or later. 4. Make sure the program disk is in the currently active drive when run. 5. Make sure that SM.CFG is present and is not shown with 0 bytes. If the latter happens, erase SM.CFG and start the program again. D. 'I/O Error 100' Erase the SM.CFG file. If that does not work, erase the SM.USR file. The current version of one of these files is probably longer than the previous version. E. 'I/O Error 150' Remove the write protect tab from your diskette! Super Morse must be able to write to the diskette to create the configuration and user statistics files. F. Strange Values on the Status Line and Other Weird Happenings Erase the SM.CFG and/or SM.USR file and start over! G. 'Disk Read Error' Erase SM.CFG and/or SM.USR and start over. H. No Video on Laptop Computer It has been reported to me that Super Morse will not run on some laptop computers with LCD screens. If someone knows why and knows how to fix the problem, please let me know. XI. INTERFACING TO EXTERNAL DEVICES A. Using an External Hand Key To RS-232 DSR o-----------+ (Pin 6) or CTS | (Pin 5) o / Morse Hand Key / ("Straight" Key) o | To RS-232 o-----------+ Pin 4 B. Driving a Transmitter or Other Device The following circuit designed by John Swancara, WA6LOD, can be used to drive a keyer, code oscillator, or a transmitter. It is described in QST Magazine, February, 1990, page 36. A similar circuit was provided by John Dilks, K2TQN. +-----------------------+ | Radio Shack TIL-113 | | | +---+ +---+ | | | | To RS-232 Signal o-----+ 1 +---+ +----------+ 6 +-o NC Ground (Pin 7) | | | | | | +---+ | | +---+ | | | | | --- | | | \ / | | | v | | | --- | | | | | | | | | | D1 | | \ | | +---+ | \ | +---+ R1 | /| | | | \ | | | To RS-232 o--+-/\/\/--+< |--+ 2 +---+ \ | +---+ 5 +-o To DTR (Pin | | \| | | | | | | Positive 20) | +---+ | | / +---+ Keying | | | |/ | Line --+-- C1 | | | | --+-- | | | | | | +---+ | | | | | | | | | | | |\ | To o--+ | | \ | Computer | +---+ _| +---+ Chassis | | | | | | Ground --- NC o-+ 3 | +---+ 4 +-+-o To Trans- - | | | | | mitter +---+ +---+ | Chassis Interface | | | Board | | | Ground +-----------------------+ | | --- Interface - Board Ground D1 = 1N914 R1 = 1K Ohm, 1/4 Watt C1 = 0.01 Microfarad, 50 Volt DTR = Data Terminal Ready pin NC = no connection Note: Voltage on pins 4 and 5 of TIL-113 should be kept below 20 volts, and the current draw should not exceed 100 ma.