home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Tech Arsenal 1
/
Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO
/
tek-20
/
cqvhf210.zip
/
CQ-VHF.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-04-09
|
48KB
|
2,076 lines
CQ-VHF
version 2.10
Notice
Better Software Co. reserves the right to make improvements in
the product described in this manual at any time and without
notice.
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. No portion
of this manual may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated
or reduced to any electronic medium or machine form without prior
consent in writing from Better Software Co.
Copyright 1992, Better Software Co.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 1
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Program Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Logging Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Editing Log Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Grid Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Direction and Distance Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
QSOs for a Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
QSOs from a Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CW Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Exit to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Change your Grid/State (Rovers Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Backup Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Load CW Memory Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
DOS Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
RECOVER.EXE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SUBMIT.EXE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
CQ-VHF Users Guide 2
Introduction
CQ-VHF is a software product of Better Software Company of
Greenville, South Carolina. The initial release of the software
is for contest logging during the ARRL VHF contests. Later
releases will be for the ARRL UHF and CQWPX contests. This
software runs on most IBM or compatible PC's.
The software was designed by VHF contesters with many years
experience and several Top 10 finishes. Until now no contest
logging software supported multiuser, multiop stations. CQ-VHF
is available in single user and multiuser versions.
Better Software wishes to express our sincere appreciation to
Danny Taylor, N4DT for his input as a beta tester.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 3
Features
Fast log entry even with XT class computer
Will operate from floppy disk based systems
Automatic duplicate checking
Rover duplicates allowed
Display of bands needed as each grid is worked
Grid map with worked grids highlighted
Band score and total score always current
Built-in CW keyboard
Calculate direction, distance and reciprocal heading
for any grid
Contact scheduling feature with alarm
Display QSOs logged for a given call
Display calls missed from a grid for Rover operators
Multiuser version available for multiop stations with
message sending system
Output of ASCII files for submission to ARRL
Printouts of contest logs and score sheets
Automatic backup to floppy drive
Context sensitive help messages
Automatic backup to printer
CQ-VHF Users Guide 4
Installation
The CQ-VHF disk is supplied with at least eight files.
BTRIEVE.EXE This is the file I/O
system.
CQ-VHF.EXE This is the main logging
program.
CQ-VHF.HLP Help file for ROVER.EXE,
contents displayed when
you press the F1 key.
CQ-VHF.DOC This is the user manual
file for CQ-VHF.
CQ-VHF.BAT This is the batch file to
start CQ-VHF.
SUBMIT.EXE This program creates the
submission report and
disk file.
SUBMIT.HLP Help file for SUBMIT.EXE,
contents displayed when
you press the F1 key.
RECOVER.EXE Reconstructs data files
from the filename.DT6
backup file.
READ.ME This file if present
contains the latest news
about CQ-VHF.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 5
To install CQ-VHF on hard disk systems, follow these easy steps:
1) Create a directory on your hard disk drive.
MD CQ-VHF <<ENTER>>
2) Move to the new directory.
CD CQ-VHF <<ENTER>>
3) Place the CQ-VHF diskette in the A:
drive and copy the files to the new directory.
COPY A:*.*/V <<ENTER>>
To install CQ-VHF on floppy disk systems, you should set up the
following diskettes.
1) A bootable diskette with the BTRIEVE.COM file. This
diskette is used to boot and load the ISAM file system.
2) A diskette with CQ-VHF.EXE, CQ-VHF.HLP and COMMAND.COM.
This is the diskette you use during the contest.
3) A diskette with the other programs. This diskette is
used for file recovery and submission log creation.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 6
Program Startup
Once you are in the CQ-VHF directory type
CQ-VHF <<ENTER>>
If you are using a color monitor.
CQ-VHF/M <<ENTER>>
If you are using a CGA card with a composite monitor.
CQ-VHF/P <<ENTER>>
If you are using a Laptop with a plasma screen.
You can also change the COM port the CW keyboard feature will
use. The default is COM1. To change you add a /2 for COM2, /3
for COM3, /4 for COM4.
Example: CQ-VHF/M/2 this means you have a monochrome monitor
and want to use COM2 for the CW keyboard feature.
This will bring up the program and display the opening credits
screen. Pressing the <<ENTER>> key removes the credits screen
and begins a series of prompts you must answer.
ENTER CONTEST NAME:
Enter the name you wish to call the files for this contest. A
suggestion would be to use the date the contest begins, ie.
061392 for the 1992 June VHF contest. The name you chose will be
the name used for all data files.
ENTER HOURS FROM UTC:
Here you enter the time offset from your computer's clock to UTC.
UTC is used for all logging functions. If, for example, your
computer is on EDT the offset would be 4 hours.
ENTER STATION GRID:
Here you enter the grid square you are operating from. This
information will be used in calculating direction and distance
to other grids. If you are a Rover station, enter the grid you
are starting the contest from. Later as you move to a new grid
square you can change this entry.
ENTER STATE:
Enter the state you are operating from. Rover stations should
enter the state they are starting the contest in. This entry can
be changed as Rovers move to a new state.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 7
ENTER STATION CALL:
Here you enter the call used by your contest station.
The grid map will now display using the defaults of your station
grid and band A (50 mhz). The scoreboard will be updated with
information from the data base.
You are now in logging mode.
At any prompt within CQ-VHF you may press F1 and get a help
message about the prompt you are on. Pressing <<ENTER>> will
remove the help message.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 8
The Screen
The screen has seven sections.
Across the top line is the UTC date and time, your grid, state
and call for your reference. Rover stations should carefully
check this line after each move to make sure they have the
correct grid and state entered.
Just below the reference line and to the left is the scoreboard.
Then to the right of the scoreboard is the grid map.
Below these sections on the left is the logging section. To the
right of the logging section is the multi-use section. This
section is used for the multi-user message system, for the
direction and distance calculator, and for setting up contact
schedules.
Below these two sections are the function key definitions. The
definitions will change if you hold down the ALT or CTL keys.
The ALT+function keys are used for additional features of CQ-VHF.
The CTL+function keys are memory buffers for the CW sending
feature.
Below the function key line is a message line used by the program
to prompt the operator.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 9
EDITING KEYS
When entering data the following editing keys are available.
Ins - Toggles between typeover and insert
modes. In type over new text
overlays old. In insert mode text
to the right of the cursor is push
to the right, characters pushed off
the screen are lost.
Del - Deletes characters beneath cursor
and moves text to right of cursor
one character to the left.
Back Space - Deletes character to left of cursor
and moves text one character to
left.
Left Arrow - Moves cursor one character to left.
Right Arrow - Moves cursor one character to
right.
Up Arrow - Moves cursor to previous input
prompt.
Home - Moves cursor to beginning of input.
End - Moves cursor to end of input.
ESC - Aborts changes to input and
restores original data.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 10
Logging Function
To log a contact, you must supply four pieces of data; band,
mode, call and grid.
BAND:
Enter the letter associated with the band you are working. The
definition of the letters are on the scoreboard. The default
band will the band last worked. To accept the default press
<<ENTER>>.
MODE:
Enter the mode of this contact. AM, FM, CW, SSB are the allowed
modes. The default mode is the mode last used. To accept the
default press <<ENTER>>.
CALL:
Enter the call of the station you are working. The program will
check for a duplicate and give you a warning message is it finds
a dup. After entering the call, the current date and time are
also displayed. If you want to change to a date & time other than
the current, you press the 'up arrow' key and move back to time
ant then date.
GRID:
Enter the grid of the station you are working.
A message will now appear on the last line of the screen asking
you to confirm your entry. Pressing <<ENTER>> will begin the
second dup check and logging process. If you typed something
wrong, enter 'N' and you can correct the contact prior to
logging.
DUP CHECKING & WRITING CONTACTS
Rover dups are allowed. If the contact is a dup, a message will
be displayed on the last line of the screen and the entry will
not be logged. The dup message includes the date and time of
dup contact.
If the entry passes the dup check, the program will display any
bands needed in the grid you just worked. This might allow you
to work another multiplier on a different band. The grid map and
scoreboard are also updated.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 11
If at any point during the logging process you decide not to log
the contact you may press ALT+F9 to clear all log entries and
return you to the band entry.
LOGGING FUNCTION KEYS
At any point in logging mode you may press a function key and
move to another operation.
F1 Brings up a help message about the prompt you are on.
F2 Brings up the log data editor.
F3 Allows you to move or change the displayed grid map.
F4 Takes you to the direction and distance calculator.
F5 Takes you to the contact scheduling feature.
F6 Allows you to display the QSOs for a particular call.
F7 Allows you to display the QSOs missed from another
grid. This feature is for Rover operation.
F8 Allows you to change the CW sending speed and spacing.
F9 Puts you in CW send mode.
F10 Exit the program.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 12
LOGGING ALT+FUNCTION KEYS
To use these function keys, hold down the ATL key while pressing
the function key.
F1 Brings up a help message about the prompt you are on.
F2 Allows you to change your grid and state. Used by
Rover operators after moving to a new grid or state.
F3 Toggle off and on the printer for log entries.
F4 Toggle off and on the floppy disk backup of log
entries.
F5 Load the CW memory buffers.
F6 Toggle the scoreboard between current grid only and
totals for all grids.
F7 Currently not used in this version of CQ-VHF.
F8 Currently not used in this version of CQ-VHF.
F9 Clear the current logging entry.
F10 Shell to DOS to execute another command.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 13
Editing Log Entries
The log data editor is obtained by pressing the F2 key while in
the logging function. Once selected, the grid map section will
be overwritten by the last twelve logged contacts.
The display shows the Band, Mode, State, Grid, Call, Date and
Time of the stations worked with the first logged contact
highlighted.
The highlight bar is moved by using the Up, Dn, Pg Up and Pg Dn
keys. The Up & Dn keys move the highlight bar one entry up and
down at a time. If the bar is at the top or bottom of the list of
contacts, pushing an arrow key will display the previous or next
page of log entries. The Pg Up & Pg Dn keys display the previous
or next page of log entries.
If the highlight bar is at the last contact logged or the end of
the log file then pushing the arrow keys will cause a beep and
will not move the highlight bar, pushing the Pg Up or Pg Dn keys
will move the highlight bar to the top or bottom of that page.
EDITING A LOG ENTRY
Once the contact is highlighted, you may press, F3 to delete the
contact completely or press, F2 to edit the contact. In both
cases the contact is removed from the log, and the scoreboard,
grid map, and bands needed files will be updated.
If you chose to edit the contact (F2) the contact will now be
displayed in the logging section. You may now accept items that
are correct and change incorrect items. You will also be allowed
to edit the date and time, however once you have accepted them
you must press F9 in order to be allowed to edit them again.
This editor is for making changes that you find during and after
the contest. If you entered the data editor by mistake, press
<<ESC>> to exit the editor and return to the logging function.
LOG EDITOR FUNCTION KEYS
F1 - Brings up a help message about the prompt you
are on.
F2 - Deletes the log entry and places a copy of it
into the logging section, then returns to the
logging section.
F3 - Deletes the log entry, then returns to the
logging section.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 14
Grid Map
The grid map will show at a glance what squares for a particular
grid and band, you need to work. As you work contacts the grid
maps are updated. Any map can be displayed. The worked squares
are marked in reverse video.
The grid map display change option is obtained by pressing the F3
key. You can now use the arrow keys to move around the map. The
grid map can be scrolled to the desired position. Scrolling has
two advantages over entering the grid and band. First, it allows
you set the grid map across grid squares. This is very useful if
the grid you are operating from is at a grid's border. Second,
it allows you to move the map around one square at a time
allowing you to get an idea of the area you are working (much
like moving a magnifying glass over a map).
The map can be scrolled one row or column at a time by pushing
the four arrow keys. The band can also be changed by pressing
the PG-UP & PG-DN keys. Once the desired grid area is displayed
pushing <<ENTER>> sets it and returns you to the logging
function.
To change to a particular map, you press F2 and supply two pieces
of data, grid and band.
GRID:
Enter the two letter prefix of the new grid square to display or
press <<ENTER>> to leave unchanged.
BAND:
Enter the letter associated with the new band you want to display
or press <<ENTER>> to leave unchanged. The scoreboard has the
definitions of the letters.
If you selected the map change by mistake, press <<ESC>> to exit
without changing the displayed map.
The grid map also has a unique toggle feature to compare grid
squares. First enter the grid to compare by pressing F3 and
entering a grid square. Once entered you can now compare the
entered grid to your current grid by pressing F4.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 15
Direction and Distance Calculator
This function helps you zero in on rare grids when you hear the
grid square but don't know which way to point the antenna. After
entering the target grid the direction to and from the target is
shown in degrees and minutes and the distance in miles.
ENTERING TARGET
The direction and distance calculator is obtained by pressing the
F4 key from then logging function. To calculate you supply one
piece of data.
ENTER TARGET GRID:
Enter the grid square to calculate or press <<ENTER>> to use the
default value.
CQ-VHF now displays the heading to the grid, the reciprocal
heading from the grid and the distance between the grids.
If you selected the direction and distance calculator by mistake,
press <<ESC>> to exit.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 16
Scheduling
This feature is used to schedule contacts or events in the future
and to be told about them when their scheduled time approaches.
The scheduling function is selected by pressing F5 from the
logging function. An alarm will sound informing the operator of
the sched at 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minutes and at
the scheduled time.
SCHEDULING A CONTACT
To schedule a contact or event, you can supply up to five pieces
of data; freq, call, date, time and grid.
FREQ:
Enter the frequency of the contact you are scheduling. The
frequency is not validated or required. You can push <<ENTER>>
without entering a frequency if you are scheduling an event
rather than a contact.
CALL:
Enter the call of the station you are scheduling. The call sign
is not validated and may be any text message ten characters in
length such as GAS GEN or SHIFT CHG if you are scheduling an
event rather than a contact.
DATE:
Enter the date of the scheduled event. The current date is the
default. Press <<ENTER>> to select the default.
TIME:
Enter the time of the scheduled event. The current time is the
default and must be edited.
GRID:
Enter the grid of the station you are scheduling. This entry is
not required and may be left blank. The prompt is validated if
anything is entered.
A message will now appear on the last line of the screen asking
you to confirm your entry. Pressing <<ENTER>> will store the
event. If you typed something wrong, enter 'N' and you can
correct the event prior to saving.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 17
SCHEDULING FUNCTION KEYS
At any point in scheduling mode you may press a function key and
move to another operation.
F1 Brings up a help message about the prompt you
are on.
F2 Brings up the schedule data editor.
<<ESC>> Returns to the logging section.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 18
SCHEDULE DATA EDITOR
The schedule data editor is obtained by pressing the F2 key while
in the schedule function. Once selected, the grid map section
will be overwritten by the last twelve schedules.
The display shows the Date, Time, Call and Frequency of the
schedules with the first highlighted.
The highlight bar is moved by using the Up, Dn, Pg Up and Pg Dn
keys. The Up & Dn key move the highlight bar one entry
up and down at a time. If the bar is at the top or bottom of the
list of events, pushing an arrow key will display the previous
or next page of schedule entries. The Pg Up & Pg Dn keys display
the previous or next page of schedule entries.
If the highlight bar is at the last schedule or the end of the
schedule file then pushing the arrow keys will cause a beep and
will not move the highlight bar, pushing the Pg Up or Pg Dn keys
will move the highlight bar to the top or bottom of that page.
EDITING A SCHEDULE ENTRY
Once the scheduled contact is highlighted, you may press, F3 to
delete the event completely or press, F2 to edit the event. In
both cases the event is removed from the schedule.
If you chose to edit the event (F2) the event will now be
displayed in the scheduling section. You may now accept items
that are correct and change incorrect items.
This editor is for making changes when, schedules change and
entry errors are made. If you entered the data editor by
mistake, press <<ESC>> to exit the editor and return to the
scheduling function.
SCHEDULE EDITOR FUNCTION KEYS
F1 Brings up a help message about the prompt you
are on.
F2 Deletes the schedule event and places a copy
of it into the scheduling section, then
returns to the schedule function.
F3 Deletes the schedule event, then returns to
the schedule function.
<<ESC>> Aborts editor and returns to schedule
function.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 19
QSOs for a Call
The QSOs for a call display will show at a glance all QSOs for a
given call. This option is useful in several ways. First, use it
to check if you have made all the contacts with a Rover before
he moves on. Second, check if the contact you are about to make
is a dup. Third, check if you have contacted a station on all
bands planned.
DISPLAYING THE QSOs
The display QSOs for a call function is obtained by pressing the
F6 key from the logging function. The grid map section will be
cleared and you will prompted for one piece of data; the call.
ENTER CALL:
Enter the call of the station who's QSOs you want displayed. The
default will be the one that is entered in the logging section.
Once the call is entered the grid map section will be overwritten
by up to twelve QSOs for the call entered. If there are no QSOs
for the call entered you will be informed of this and returned to
the logging function.
The display shows the Call, Band, Grid, Date and Time of the
QSOs for the entered station.
If there are more than twelve QSOs for a call the rest of the
QSOs can be displayed by using the Pg Up and Pg Dn keys. The
Pg Up & Pg Dn keys display the previous or next page of QSOs.
When finished looking at the QSOs or if you entered the QSO
display by mistake, press <<ESC>> to exit and return to the
logging function.
HINT: For quick dup checking in the logging function; enter the
band and mode you are working. Now you can enter calls heard and
then press F6 to put you in the QSOs for a call function. The
call you just entered is the default. Press <<ENTER>> and CQ-VHF
will quickly tell you if you have worked. The call will remain
in the logging function so you can work and log a "new one".
CQ-VHF Users Guide 20
QSOs from a Grid
The QSOs from a grid display will show at a glance all QSOs from
a given grid that have not been worked form the current grid.
This allows Rover operators to make sure they have worked all the
stations they can before moving on to a new grid.
DISPLAYING THE QSOs
The display QSOs from a grid function is obtained be pressing F7
from the logging function. The grid map section will be cleared
and you will be prompted for one piece of data; the grid.
ENTER GRID:
Enter the grid you wish to compare to the current grid. Once the
grid is entered the grid map section will be overwritten by up to
twelve QSOs for the grid entered. These will be stations not
worked from the current grid.
If there are more than twelve QSO's to display, the rest can be
displayed by using the <<Pg Up>> and <<Pg Dn>> keys.
This function is exited by pressing the <<ESC>> key.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 21
CW Keyboard
CQ-VHF provides a full feature CW keyboard. The CW keyboard
requires a simple hardware connection to your radio. A schematic
diagram for the hardware is provided in Appendix A. You can also
purchase a manufactured version of the hardware from Better
Software (see the order form).
The character speed and spacing for the CW is set by pressing F8
from the logging function. You enter a four digit number
followed by <<ENTER>>. The first two digits indicate the
character spacing and the second two digits indicate the speed.
For example, 0520 would mean 20 WPM characters with 5 WPM
spacing.
To manually send CW text, you press F9 from the logging function.
Once selected, any characters entered will be sent to the
selected COM port. Pressing F1 while in manual CW mode will
toggle off and on the computer speaker for sidetone. F2 while in
manual CW mode will toggle on and off a continuous tone.
Ten CW memory buffers are also provided and are explained later
in the users guide.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 22
Exit to DOS
To exit CQ-VHF and return to DOS, press F10 while in the logging
function. You will be asked to confirm your entry and then
dropped out of the program to DOS.
CQ-VHF uses ISAM files which are constantly updated. There will
be no lost data when your exit the program.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 23
Change your Grid/State (Rovers Only)
Rover stations need the ability to change their grid or state
when they move. This is done by pressing ALT+F2 from the logging
function. You may now enter the new grid square or state. The
scoreboard can be set to show only the score from this new grid
or all totals for all grids.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 24
Backup Logs
There are three types of backup logs kept by CQ-VHF.
The first is a text file called filename.DT5 and is kept in the
same directory as the other data files used by CQ-VHF.
The second is a optional hard copy printout identical to the
filename.DT5 file.
The third is a copy of the filename.DT5 file optionally copied
and maintained after each log entry on the A: floppy drive. This
copy is called filename.DT6.
The filename.DT5 file is a text file kept for backup purposes. If
the data base used by CQ-VHF becomes corrupt, it can be rebuilt
from this text file.
The records in filename.DT5 must follow this format:
Position 1 - 4 Grid operated from
Position 5 space
Position 6 - 7 State operated from
Position 8 Band
Position 9 - 10 spaces
Position 11 Mode
Position 13 - 16 Grid Square
Position 17 - 28 Call Worked
Position 29 - 36 UTC Date as MM/DD/YY
Position 38 - 42 UTC Time as HH:MM
Position 44 - 46 Record Code: ADD for new contacts
EDT for edits
DEL for deletes
HARD COPY
The optional hard copy printout is toggled on & off by pushing
the ATL+F3 key. When this function is on the keyword PRT will
appear on the top line of the screen and each contact logged will
be printed on the printer.
Keeping a hard copy printout of the log is recommended in case of
computer problems during the contest. With the printout you
should be able to continue with the contest in case your
computer stops working. You can also use a text editor to enter
the log entries from the printout into a file called
filename.DT5 and recover the data base used by CQ-VHF in case you
loose all data on the computer.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 25
BACKUP OF filename.DT6 TO FLOPPY DISK
The filename.DT6 file can be copied and updated on floppy by
pushing then ALT+F4 key from the logging function. After pushing
the ALT+F4 key you will be asked to insert a backup disk in drive
A:. This disk should be a blank formatted disk. If you selected
this option by mistake then push the letter 'A' to abort, else
push <<ENTER>> and the filename.DT6 file will be copied to the
floppy and you will be returned the to logging function. The
keyword DSK will also appear on the top line of the screen and
all contacts logged will also be written to the floppy disk.
If a disk error occurs while copying the log file to the floppy
you will be informed of the disk error and allowed to retry with
another disk or abort the process. If an error occurs writing to
the floppy while logging contacts the error will be displayed
and the program will be aborted. The program may the be restarted
with no loss of data.
DO NOT REMOVE THE FLOPPY FROM THE DRIVE WHILE THE KEYWORD DSK IS
DISPLAYED AT THE TOP OF THE SCREEN.
Multiple backups of the filename.DT6 file can be kept by pushing
ALT+F4 when the DSK keyword is displayed to close the log file,
then changing the disk, and pushing the ALT+F4 key again to copy
the log file to another disk.
Backing up to multiple floppies is recommended in case of
computer problems. The backup log can be used to reconstruct the
data base after a computer crash or it can be printed to
continue contesting after a computer failure.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 26
Load CW Memory Buffers
CQ-VHF offers the user ten definable CW memory buffers. To load
a buffer, press ALT+F5 from the logging function. You can now
enter up to 120 characters of text to send. Once you have
entered your text your are asked to supply a description of the
buffer. This description can be up to six characters in length.
You are then asked to indicated which function key to store this
buffer under. The description you supplied will be visible on
the screen any time you press and hold the CTL key.
To send a CW memory buffer all you need to do is press and hold
the CTL key and then press the function key associated with the
buffer you want to send. If you want to stop the transmission,
press <<ESC>>. F1 will toggle on and off the speaker sidetone.
You may edit previously entered buffers by pressing F2 while in
the CW memory buffer function.
There are several keywords that can be used in the CW memory
buffers. These keywords are replaced at runtime with their
equivalents.
:1 your call
:2 your current grid
:3 the call you are currently logging
:4 the grid you are currently logging
CQ-VHF Users Guide 27
DOS Shell
CQ-VHF allows you to "shell to DOS" to perform DOS commands. The
DOS shell function is obtained by pressing ALT+F10. You are
instantly taken to DOS. You return to CQ-VHF by typing "EXIT"
<<ENTER>>. You will then instantly pop back into CQ-VHF.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 28
RECOVER.EXE
The RECOVER program allows the user to recreate the contest data
files from the file filename.DT5 or filename.DT6. This could be
used after a computer problem that corrupted your other data
files. You could also restore from a backup copy of the
filename.DT5 or filename.DT6 file.
filename.DT5 is a text file (see the section on Backup Logs for
layout) that you can edit or create, enabling you to enter data
from a previous contest, from a printed backup or a hand written
log and then use the RECOVER program to create the other data
files used by CQ-VHF.
USING THE RECOVER PROGRAM
To execute the RECOVER program change into the directory that
contains the CQ-VHF programs and the filename.DT5 or filename.DT6
file you want to recover.
Then type :
RECOVER <<ENTER>> at the DOS prompt.
The program will request that you <<Press any key to begin>>.
Once you push a key the program will initialize the data files.
The program will make two passes on the data to create the other
data files. At the end of the second pass you are asked to
<<Press any key to end>>. The CQ-VHF data base has been
restored.
The RECOVER program also allows an additional feature. If you
wish to exchange logs with other users of CQ-VHF, simply send
then the filename.DT5 file. They can then use RECOVER to create
the other data files.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 29
SUBMIT.EXE
The SUBMIT program creates both hardcopy and disk file logs for
submission to the contest committee.
USING THE SUBMIT PROGRAM
Change to the directory where the CQ-VHF programs and the data
files you want to create the submission log for are located.
Then type:
SUBMIT <<ENTER>> at the DOS prompt.
Once the program is started you must supply several pieces of
data.
STATION:
Enter the call used by your contest station.
OPERATING FROM GRID:
Enter the grid you operated from during the contest
CITY:
Enter the nearest city or landmark to your contest operation.
CQ-VHF:
Enter the name of the contest you operated in for this log. (ex.
June 1992 ARRL VHF QSO Party)
START:
Enter the date the contest started.
END:
Enter the date the contest ended.
CATEGORY:
Enter the category you are entering (ex. Single Operator)
CQ-VHF Users Guide 30
MULTIOP CALLS:
If you operated a multiop station, enter the calls for the other
operators. Leave this area blank otherwise.
At anytime while you are entering the above information you may
push F2 key to save the information to a disk file. Pushing the
F3 key will retrieve this information. Use this feature so you
only have to enter this information once even though you may run
the SUBMIT program several times.
After entering the last piece of information you are asked to
confirm that the Data is ok. Push <<ENTER>> to continue
processing or push 'N' to edit the information.
You are the asked if you want a printed copy of the log. Answer
'Y' or 'N' to the question. In either case the disk files
SUBMIT.LOG & SUMMARY.LOG are created.
Once the program begins processing it sorts the log entries and
processes the grid multipliers. If printer output was selected
the program asks if the printer is ready and at top of form.
Press <<ENTER>> when the printer is ready.
The summary sheet should be signed and submitted to the contest
committee in all cases. Even if submitting your log on disk you
need to attest to the data.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 31
Appendix A
The hardware to attach you computer to your radio for CW
operation is detailed below. The parts are all readily available
at Radio Shack or hamfests. Should you desire to purchase a
manufactured version of the hardware please see the order form in
Appendix C.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 32
Appendix B
CQ-VHF is available in a demo version for those wishing to try
the software before purchasing. If you obtained your copy of CQ-
VHF from a computer bulletin board it is the demo version. This
version will give you a feel for how CQ-VHF works.
The demo version is supplied with a sample contest data base. To
use the sample data enter 060891 for the contest name at program
startup. Using this data you can see how the various functions
and displays perform. This sample data is from a Rover station
and will have contact made from several different grid squares.
We may also create your own blank data base by supplying another
contest name at startup. We will be allowed to enter only 25
contacts and the editing function has been removed. This should
let you see how easy CQ-VHF is to use.
The RECOVER and SUBMIT programs described in the users guide are
not included in the demo version.
The latest version of CQ-VHF with full features and the RECOVER
and SUBMIT programs is available by completing the order form in
Appendix C.
CQ-VHF Users Guide 33
Appendix C
To order the complete and latest version of CQ-VHF please
complete the order form below. Each copy of CQ-VHF will be
shipped with a complete, illustrated Users Guide.
Order Form
Send _______ copies of CQ-VHF software at $25.00 each.
Send _______ CW computer to radio interfaces at $25.00 each.
Include $3.00 shipping and handling with each order.
Name: ___________________________________ Call: ___________
Address: ___________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________
Mail the completed order form along with payment to:
Better Software Company
10 Wilburn Avenue
Greenville, SC 29611
CQ-VHF Users Guide 34