Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-20/801hf.zip/README.TXT

Text File | 1991-10-04 | 16KB | 392 lines

Terzon Systems Inc.  P. O.  Box 835921 Richardson, TX  75083 [phone]

801HF  Receiver Control System

Our Scanning Programs
All of our scanning software is built for the IBM/PC and compatibles
hardware.  You need at least 512K of RAM and DOS 2.0 or later.
A hard disk is recommended  but isn't required.  Our programs make
good use of color in their user interface, but you can use
monochrome also.  Each program uses a menu  and function keys
for easy control.  Things you may want to do often that don't
require a lot of input are done with function keys (F-Keys).  For
example, to start or stop scanning or searching, change the delay
timer or delay mode, or perform simple operations, you would use
a function key.  To add new channels or banks, or perform other
operations that require significant input, you'd use a menu screen.
On-line help is  fast and available from almost anywhere.

The Demo Programs
The demo programs are the actual working programs with the receiver
communications portions disabled.  Signal detection is simulated randomly.
In every way possible, these programs are exactly what the working
programs are.  You can even work on your database using the demo
program, and use it when the real one arrives! Since link speed
(communications between the program and the receiver) controls the
scan/search speed, the demo program speeds are simulated as closely as
possible.

The 801HF Program

While the 801SCAN program operates mostly on the basis of signal detection
(squelch detect),  the 801HF program is useful without it, since the HF
bands are often so crowded and prone to noise as to make the detection
of a signal via the squelch circuit dubious at best.  For VHF scanning,
speed is essential to provide coverage for as many channels as possible,
since you're often listening to transitory two-way communications.  HF
listening is more broadcast oriented, and speed of scanning or searching
isn't very important, since you'll probably have to listen to the receiver
to determine if you wish to stop scanning/searching.  On HF, there are many
more encoded signals such as RTTY, Morse code, etc., which can be decoded
by specialized hardware, which we call a Terminal Unit.  While running your
control program you'll need a way to communicate with your Terminal Unit,
so a special window is provided.

The 801HF program is now available for the ICOM R71 receiver.  We plan to
support the ICOM line of transceivers with full-coverage receive, such as
the 751, 735, 725 etc.

Many of the features of the 801SCAN and 801HF programs are the same; here are the highlights of the differences.

1000 Channel Definitions
Each with frequency, receive mode/bandwidth, 42-character description,
and lockout status.  The HF program Channels definition also includes
program schedule information.  You can specify the days of week, begin
time and end time of a broadcast.  Two schedule definitions are allowed
for each Channel to accommodate differing weekday and weekend schedules.
A special Scan mode lets you only scan Channels that are currently
scheduled.

200 Bank Definitions
Banks are sized depending on the number of memories in the receiver.
For the R71, each bank may have 32 Channels.  Bank description is 32
characters.

100 Search Ranges
A Search Range definition contains a start frequency (the lower limit),
a stop frequency (the upper limit), a step or increment, receive mode and
a 42-character text description.  An enable flag (set to Yes or No) for
each range tells the program whether to search this range when the Search
F-Key is pressed.

500 Auto-Search Frequencies
This database is used to collect active frequencies in an unattended
Search.  The frequencies can be marked so that you can search again for
new activity, ignoring the ones already investigated or already in your
Channels database.  Note that this feature depends on operable Squelch
Detect, and therefore would be of limited use on crowded and noisy HF
bands.

NotePad Database
The NotePad feature of the HF program provides a text database based
on frequency.  You can keep free-form notes in an editor window on any
frequency, and even view them while scanning!

801HF Function Keys

F1 Help
This key will pop up the on-line help window.  You can get context-sen-
sitive help from almost anywhere in the program.

F2 Select Bank Set
A Bank Set is simpley a group of your defined Banks that are enabled
to scan.  You can have several different sets of Banks enabled, and
switch between them quickly while scanning using this F-Key.  Select
from 5 Multiple-Bank sets, or a Single-Bank mode.

F3 Scan/Stop
This key starts the scan.  If you are already scanning, it stops the scan.

F4 Search/Stop
This key starts a search.  If you are already searching, it stops the
search.

F5 Continue
This key causes the scan/search to continue without waiting for the delay
timer to expire.  If you are stopped, it resumes your last scan/search
where you left off.

F6 Scan Mode
Scan Mode modifies the selection of Channels to scan.  The following modes
are supported.

    Scan All.
    This mode is the normal default mode.  All Channels in the
    currently enabled Banks that are not locked out are scanned.

    Scheduled.
    In this mode, the Channel must also have a defined schedule
    and be scheduled to be active at the current time.  This lets
    you scan all of your favorite scheduled broadcasts automatically!

    RcvMode.
    In this mode, only Channels that also have the specified receive
    mode (AM, CW, etc.) will be scanned.

F7 Delay Time Select
This function key brings up a pop-up window with the delay values you
defined on the Parameters screen.  Select one by pressing <RETURN> on
your choice.

F8 Select Short Step
Puts up a pop-up for you to select a short step (as defined on Parameters).
Alt-F8 selects the Long Step

F9 Short Step Down
Allows manual frequency control.  This sets the receiver to the current
frequency minus the current short step.  Alt-F9 uses the Long Step.

F10 Short Step Up
This sets the receiver to the current frequency plus the short step.
Alt-F10 uses the Long Step.

Alt-F1 Set Direction
This very useful key lets you toggle the direction of your scan or search.
If you accidentally pass up a interesting signal, just press this key to
reverse your scan/search!

Alt-F2 Set Frequency/Mode
Brings up a pop-up to set the current freq/mode of your receiver.

Alt-F3 Single-Step Scan
Performs a one-channel scan, setting the next channel and stopping.

Alt-F4 Single-Step Search
Performs a one-step search.

Alt-F5 Save to Disk
Saves the current Parameters, Channels and Banks to disk.

Alt-F6 Lockout
If you are scanning and stopped on a signal, this key will set the lockout
flag for this channel, and continue the scan.  You can reset the lockout
using the Channels screen.

Alt-F7 Selects Delay Mode
Choose from one of these delay modes:

    End-Delay.
    Scan/search continues after the signal drops for the current
    delay timer value.  Only functional if you have a squelch-detect
    interface.

    Start-Delay.
    Scan/search continues after being stopped on a signal for the
    timer value, or if the signal drops for the Start-Delay timer
    interval (set on the Parameters screen).  Only functional if
    you have a squelch-detect interface.

    Fixed-Delay.
    Stops on a signal for the timer value even if the signal
    subsequently drops.  Only functional if you have a squelch-
    detect interface.

Shift-F1 F-Key Help
This lets you look at the help text pop-up for the function key you
select.

Shift-F2  Receive Log
This invokes a pop-up for placing a line in your received log file.  It
automatically grabs the current frequency, mode, and time, you fill in
optional call sign/station id, signal report and comment.  The received
log file is a simple text file you can edit or print with DOS utilities.

Shift-F3 Time Display Toggle
Lets you toggle between displaying the current time in local or UTC.

Shift-F4  Read receiver
Reads the current freq/mode of the receiver and sets up the program's
current values.

Shift-F5  Select Database
You may have up to 9 databases in the 801HF program.  Use this key to
create, delete, or select one.

Shift-F6  Select Search Mode
The Search Mode is similar to the Scan Mode in that it modifies the
Search criteria.

    Ranges.
    This is the normal mode, all enabled Search Ranges will be
    searched.

    Current.
    This is a special mode that ignores the Search Ranges and begins
    searching from the current frequency, in the current direction,
    using the current Short Step as the increment.  When you toggle
    the direction, the other end (limit) of the Search Current range
    is established.

    RcvMode.
    Searches only the enabled Search Ranges that have the specified
    receive mode.

Shift F10  F-Key Press
This pops up a window with the F-Key items in a menu list.  You can select
one using cursor keys and perform the same operation as if you'd pressed
the F-Key.  This is useful when you are inside a screen form and the F-Key
you want to use has a different meaning in the form.

801HF Screens
The 801HF screens are available from the Menu at the top of the screen.
Here is a brief description of their functions.  To familiarize yourself
with them, use the demo program and try them out.  They are designed to be
easy to understand and use.  Press F1-Help to get more information when
you need it.  Play around, using the system is the quickest way to become
expert at it!

Bank
The Bank screen is used to select the Banks you want to scan.  You can set
up the banks for the currently selected Bank Set, or work on another one.

Channels
The Channels screen is used to add new Bank and Channel definitions, delete
Banks or Channels, or just update the information such as description, or
schedule information.

Parameters
This screen is used to set up the less often changed operational para-
meters.  Here you set up the link port and speed, and your own list of
delays and steps that you can then choose with Function Keys while running.
Use F1-Help on each field for more information.

Auto-Search Run
This screen is used to run an Auto-Search.  This feature lets you search
a range or ranges for activity  while unattended.  It keeps a list of
what it found for you to work with using the Auto-Search Frequencies
screen.  The Frequencies screen lets you review the findings and move
the frequencies to a Bank, delete them or mark them as Lockouts so you
can search the ranges again for new activity!

Auto-Search Search
This screen is used to define your Search Ranges.  These ranges are used
for Auto-Search and well as the normal (F4) interactive search.

Memories, Upload and Download
The Download screen lets you re-program your receiver's memories from data
in your Channels database.  The Upload feature lets you read the receiver's
memories into a Bank you specify.

Find
This screen lets you search your Channels for a text string (searches the
descriptions) frequency, or based on the scheduled time for the channel.
Use it to find out if a particular frequency is already in your database,
to look for all Channels with "fire" or "repeater" in their descriptions,
or to see whaich broadcasts are active at a particular time.  A list of
Channels meeting Find's search criteria are displayed in a window.  You
can make a new Bank from them, or just set the receiver to one using an
F-Key.

Text Read
This screen lets you read Banks/Channels information for an ordinary text
file.  The file can be in practically any format, including columnar
(which means that the information fields can be identified by their
positions in the line) or delimiter (which means a special character such
as tab or comma separates the information fields).  The Text Write
functions lets you write your Bank/Channels information to ordinary
disk files for manipulation with a text editor, spreadsheet, etc.

Terminal Unit
The Terminal Unit window lets you use your RTTY/Morse/AMTOR/etc.  decoder
while running your 801HF program.  It includes user-defined macros to aid
in performing setup commands for your Terminal Unit.

NotePad
The NotePad is an exciting feature providing you a simple way to create
a text database based on receive frequency. You can create Notes for the
current freq simply, and have the program automatically bring them up as
you scan or search.  A hard disk is recommended if you intend to use the
NotePad feature, as frequent disk access is required if you run in
automatic update mode.

More About the Programs
The 801 programs are professionally-developed and designed for the
professional and  advanced radio hobbyist.  You may not feel that you need
all of their features now, but the power is there as your needs grow.
The programs make it as simple as possible to do basic things like
scanning and searching.

Interfaces
You must have an interface, a special device to convert your computer's
RS-232 signals into the type the receiver requires, to run a control
program with your receiver.  We provide an excellent interface for
the ICOM receivers, it requires no power supply and is completely self-
contained.  You simply connect it to your 25-pin RS-232 connector
(use an adapter if you have 9-pin) and the other end connects to the
receiver.

If you already have an interface, you can use our program with it.
The ICOM CT-17 is suitable for the 801HF program where squelch detection
isn't required.  The interface from other radio-control system manufac-
turers will work with our program, so you can upgrade your capabilities
without buying another interface.

Also note that if you have an R71 or other receiver that does not come
with the CI-V interface, you'll have to get the ICOM UX-14 converter to
use our systems.

Installation
Installation of the 801 programs and interfaces is very simple.  You'll
be up and running in minutes!

Warranty
All Terzon Systems interface/cables are warranted for 1 year from date
of purchase.  Our software warranty is unique.  If you can find a program
error, we'll correct it and return you an upgrade free of charge!

Ordering
You may order by mail using check, money order or VISA /MasterCard, or
by telephone using VISA or MasterCard.  If you get our voice mail system
when you call, use your touch tone phone to access mailbox 801 and follow
the instructions.  Orders are generally processed weekly.  All prices
include shipping by USPostal Service Priority Mail, which provides two-day
service to most locations.  If you pay by check, your order will be delayed
about a week.  If you want your order filled within two working days, we
offer that service at an extra charge.  If we can't fill your order that
fast, we'll refund the extra charge.

We now offer the user manual as a separate item.  If you purchase a demo or
user manual, you can deduct your price from your program order.  We'll
omit the manual from your shipment if you already purchased one.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name ___________________________

Address _________________________

City _____________________________ State ______________  Zip__________

Telephone ______________________

___ 801SCAN Program Only .  .  .  .  .    .  $94.95
___ 801SCAN Program with Interface/Cable .  $144.95
___ 801SCAN Demo Program .  .  .  .  .   .  . $5.00
___ 801SCAN Instruction Manual Only .  .  .  $16.00

___ Rush Order (2 day processing).  .  .   .  $18.00

Deduct ____ for Demo  _____ for Manual        ______

TX residents add 8.25% sales tax . . .  .  .  ______

            Shipping/Handling     FREE

                  TOTAL:     _______


Credit Card Info    ____ M/C   ____VISA

Card Number _______________________

Expires ___________

Signature________________________________

Terzon Systems Inc.
P. O.  Box 835921
Richardson TX  75083
[phone]
24 hour voice mail.  Use touch tone phone to access mailbox 801.