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1991-01-21
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WR9R - Field Day Logging System
WARNING.
This program and is documentation is not warranted in any way.
Even though every attempt has been made to insure its reliability,
when you use this program, you accept responsibility for the
consequences of it's use and/or misuse. The author does not warranty
the applicability, outputs, or performance of this program in any
way. The author is not responsible for any loss, corruption, or
destruction of data, or any damage, real or imagined, to any
physical equipment.
INTRODUCTION.
Field Day is a "mostly for fun", yet highly competitive
contest, constructed for the purpose of having fun and introducing
the populous to amateur radio. If you enjoy the competition, then
you will probably try to construct your station to
give you just that little "edge" over the rest.
Once the fun part is over, you must then grind down
through the log sheets and turn in a completed dupesheet, or
a sorted log/list of callsigns and a summary.
This program will log callsigns, associated reports, and QTHs
to support a Field Day's QSOing. The primary intent is to be a
real-time data entry system, that will aid in avoiding duplications
and increase the QSOs/hour by decreasing the hassle.
All QSOs are logged into a common ASCII data base for easy
access. The system can later split the log up by mode and band, into
separate files, sorted into alpha-numeric order by call, and
generate summary sheets. Typically over 10,000 stations with their
reports can be logged, with any duplicate entries detected and
rejected at a very high rate.
Automatic dupe checking and partial call checking can be disabled
if you wish, speeding up the process (if your computer is a little
slow and you're commanding a pile-up, for example). Partials are
displayed in the lower-left window and can be detected automatically.
Calls displayed in the "Partials" window only apply to the current
operating mode and band, this helps in the detection of duplicates
before the QSO is actually made.
An audible warning is used to help indicate that an entry has been
rejected, along with a pop-open window.
If a printer is connected to the system, it can be enabled to
print QSOs as they are being entered into the log.
The program is designed such that one person can very easily handle
both logging and operating at the same time.
This system is designed to work on IBM PC XT,AT,386,clones and
compatibles with at least 384K of memory and a MONOCHROME, CGA,
EGA, or VGA adaptor.
OPERATION
Before starting the system, set the computer's clock to UTC time
using the DOS Time and Date commands.
Make a backup copy of the disk for safe keeping.
To start the system, type in the application name and the data base
file name for the event being logged. For example:
C:> WR9R TX1.FD
A window will open up that lets you enter the statistics about
your station, once this is filled in, press ESC. If you wish
to make changes the window can be accessed through the 'F9=LOGS'
menu.
A window will open for you to select your operating class which
is used to calculate the multiplier for the event. Use the arrow keys
to select, hit return to keep, or ESC to leave it the same. (This
selection method is common to all windows of this type that you
will see.)
Other windows will open to select the initial band and mode of
operation.
The QSOs are entered in the left-middle window. The window has
three fields, the SPACE bar or TAB allows you to move from field to
field. When all three fields are filled in, an ENTER will log the
call and the log will scroll up on the right. The DEL key wipes the
current field. RIGHT ARROW, LEFT ARROW and BACKSPACE work as
character edit keys.
If you wish to edit an already logged call, the UP ARROW and DOWN
ARROW keys let you access the last 10 QSOs. As the past QSOs are
highlighted, the data is brought into the QSO entry/edit window
where it can be altered. The ESC key will exit this mode without
changing the log, an ENTER will save the changes back to the log.
The menu at the bottom of the screen allows you to access all the
features of the system.
F1 - Performs a duplicate check on the call currently
entered in the Call field.
F2 - Performs a partial check on the characters currently
entered in the Call field.
F3 - Allows you to select a different HF band.
F4 - Allows you to change modes (CW/PHONE).
F5 - Allows you to change system features such as enabling
or disabling automatic partial checking, dupe checking,
and the printer. If you enable the printing function
make sure the printer is on-line before trying to log
another QSO.
F9 - Allows you to create summary sheets and sorted
log listings. These files are pretty complete but
you will always want to make sure that all the
information YOU THINK SHOULD BE THERE is there.
Bonus points and bonus proof sheets will have to
be edited into these files or added to the printouts
manually.
F10- Exits to DOS. If there are several hundred or a
few thousand calls, it may take a little while to reload.
You may not want to leave very often.
CW keying is performed via a serial port utilizing the DTR (pin 20)
as the keying source. Holding down on the ALT key, when in CW/RTTY
mode brings up a new command list at the bottom of the screen. The
F-keys can be preprogrammed using the "F5=Extras" menu under "CW keying
Features". Standard alpha-numerics and punctuation are supported
with the following special characters allowed:
% This symbol inserts whatever text is in the call
field of the logging window.
= BT " _..._ "
+ AR " ._._. "
Back Space in the Chat mode sends " ........ "
To connect the serial port to the keyer input of your rig use a
1K resistor from pin 20 of the DB25 to the base of a 2N4400 or
equivalent transistor. Connect the emitter to pin 7 of the DB25, as
well as the ground of your rig. Connect the collector to the
positive keyed CW input of your rig (this can usually parallel
the keyer being used).
If you are already have a CW cable for use with one of the "TOP
GUN" contest packages such as "CT" by Ken Wolff (K1EA), or "NA" by
Dave Pruett (K8CC), then you are all set. The author utilized the
same pinout in an attempt to keep the user from having to build or
buy another cable just for Field Day use.
pin 20 o----|
(pin 4 DB9) | 1 K c
|___VVV___b_|/-----------> to CW input.
|\ e
|
|
pin 7 o-----------------------------> to CW ground.
(pin 5 DB9)
A different circuit would have to be constructed for NEGATIVE keying.
MULTI-OP STATION LOGS
Each transmitter at a multi-op station should run the software in
a real time entry fashion. Each transmitter should be assigned a
mode (CW or SSB), group of bands, or both, and stay there
to prevent dupes.
At the end of the contest the data base files (the filenames used
when the programs were started) for all the transmitters can be
concatenated into one file by using the DOS copy command. For example,
one file by using the DOS copy command. For example,
c:> copy TX1.FD + TX2.FD + TX3.FD MULTI.OP
Each transmitter data base file (TX1.FD, TX2.FD, and TX3.FD) is
concatenated to the file "MULTI.OP", creating one file for the entire
operation. The "MULTI.OP" file can then be loaded into the system and
the summaries and sorted log listings generated.
CONCLUSION
This system is a new release, if there are bugs that need fixing
or features that need adding please feel free to WRITE and tell me
about them. (Remember, there's no such thing as finished software,
if there was... LOTUS, Borland, and MicroSoft would not be in
business!)
If you would like the most current version, and wish to participate
in the on-going development of this package, as well as, other
Ham related software, please send $10 (and any CONSTRUCTIVE
suggestions) to:
Larry D. O'Cull
ARS - WR9R
3725 Tara Ct.
Westfield, IN
46074