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KB0ZPLOG.DOC This document is 37 pages long. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG MAIN PROGRAM Larry Kebel PO Box 2010 Sparks, NV 89432 USA (C) Copyright KB0ZP 1983-1991 All Rights Reserved CompuServe ID# 73517,1054 04 Oct 91 INDEX / ..................................................... 5.2.3.4 5.2.4.5 // .................................................... 5.2.4.6 5.2.5.1 2nd Exchange, Correction .............................. 8.9 3rd Exchange, Correction .............................. 8.10 2nd Exchange Title .................................... 4.18.2, 5.1.13 5.2.4, 7.5 3rd Exchange Title .................................... 4.18.3, 5.1.14 5.2.5, 7.6 A3-A1 ................................................. 5.2.1.1 ARES .................................................. 21.0 ARRL 10-Meter Contest ................................. 4.15 ARRL 160-Meter Contest ................................ 4.14 ARRL International DX Contest ......................... 4.13 ARRL RTTY Roundup ..................................... 4.6 ARRL UHF Contest ...................................... 4.5 Arrow Keys ............................................ 8.2 Backspace Key ......................................... 3.4.1, 3.7.1 5.2.3.1 5.2.4.1, 8.11 Backup Copies ......................................... 1.8, 7.11 BADCOLOR.BAT .......................................... 1.10, 1.19 Band, Change .......................................... 5.2.2 Band, Correction ...................................... 8.7 Band, Extra ........................................... 5.2.2.1 Bands ................................................. 5.1.5 BBSs .................................................. 1.1.1 Billboard ............................................. 3.2 Call Sign, His ........................................ 5.1.12, 5.2.3 8.6 Call Sign, Yours ...................................... 3.7, 5.1.6 7.7 CARD.TXT .............................................. 1.10 Case Sensitive ........................................ 1.12 CCR&CDC.TXT ........................................... 1.10 Chart/Listing Screen .................................. 6.3 Cheat Sheet ........................................... 19.0 Color, Bad ............................................ 1.19 CompuServe ............................................ 1.5, 3.2 Contacts, Total ....................................... 5.1.7 Contest Name .......................................... 4.18.1, 5.1.2 7.3 Contest, Select a ..................................... 4.0 Copying this program .................................. 1.8.1 Copy Protection ....................................... 1.8.1 Corrections to your entries ........................... 6.2, 8.0, 8.3 CQ 160-Meter DX Contest ............................... 4.17 CQ World Wide DX Contest .............................. 4.16 CQ World Wide Prefix Contest .......................... 4.3 CQ World Wide RTTY Contest ............................ 4.7 Cross Band ............................................ 5.2.2.1 Cross Mode ............................................ 5.2.1.1 Configure CW .......................................... 7.15 CWSHEET.TXT ........................................... 1.10 Data Files ............................................ 15.0 Date .................................................. 5.1.1, 7.2 Date Fix .............................................. 3.3.3 Date Set .............................................. 3.3 Day of the Week ....................................... 3.3.5 Delete Key ............................................ 3.4.3, 3.7.3 5.2.3.3 5.2.4.3 5.2.4.4 5.2.5.1 Demo Disc ............................................. 1.13 Demo Disc, Price ...................................... 1.16.1 Disaster .............................................. 3.5.4 Disc Types, Price ..................................... 1.16.5 Distribution .......................................... 1.1 Distribution Houses ................................... 1.1.2 DOS Shell ............................................. 7.9 DOS Versions .......................................... 1.18 Downloading (CompuServe) .............................. 1.5.1 Drive A: only ......................................... 2.2.1 Drive A: & B: ......................................... 2.2.2 Duping ................................................ 5.1.18, 6.5 11.0 Emission Designators .................................. 7.13.1 Error Box ............................................. 5.1.9, 16.1 Errors, Contesting .................................... 16.2 Errors, DOS ........................................... 16.3 Error Messages ........................................ 16.0 Exit .................................................. 7.11 F1 Key ................................................ 5.1.15, 6.10 14.0 F2 Key ................................................ 6.2, 8.0 F3 Key ................................................ 6.3, 9.0, 10.1 F4 Key ................................................ 6.4 F5 Key ................................................ 6.5, 11.0 F6 Key ................................................ 3.5.4, 6.6 12.0 F7 Key ................................................ 6.7, 21.0 F8 Key ................................................ 6.8, 23.0 F9 Key ................................................ 6.9, 13.0 F10 Key ............................................... 6.1 F-Keys ................................................ 6.0 FEATURES.TXT .......................................... 1.10 Field Day ............................................. 4.1, 7.4.1 Files, listing ........................................ 1.10 Frequency Allocations ................................. 7.13 Generic Contests ...................................... 4.18 Getting Started ....................................... 2.0 Grid Squares .......................................... 13.1.1 Hard Disc ............................................. 2.3 Help Screen ........................................... 5.1.15, 6.10 14.0 Hint .................................................. 5.2.5.1 IARU HF World Championship ............................ 4.4 Information Sent ...................................... 23.0 January VHF Sweepstakes ............................... 4.9 June VHF QSO Party .................................... 4.11 KB0ZP-1.BAK ........................................... 7.11 KB0ZP-2.BAK ........................................... 7.11 KB0ZP-1.DTA ........................................... 18.1 KB0ZP-2.DTA ........................................... 18.2 KB0ZP files ........................................... 1.9 KB0ZPLOG.DOC .......................................... 1.10 KB0ZP-XX.EXE .......................................... 1.10 KB0ZPRPT.DOC .......................................... 1.10 KB0ZPRPT.EXE .......................................... 1.10, 15.2 LAN ................................................... 1.11.1 Left Arrow Key ........................................ 3.4.2, 3.7.2 5.2.3.2 5.2.4.2 Limitations, Frequency ................................ 7.13.2 Listing/Chart Screen .................................. 6.3 Local BBSs ............................................ 1.1.1 Main Screen (chart/listing) ........................... 5.0, 9.0, 10.1 Memory Available ...................................... 7.12 Memory Restoration .................................... 3.5 Memory Restoration, What Is ........................... 3.5.3 Message, Two Years Old ................................ 3.3.7 Modes ................................................. 5.1.4, 5.2.1 7.4.2 Modes, Correction ..................................... 8.8 Modes, Other .......................................... 5.2.1.1 Morse Code ............................................ 22.0 Multiple Radios, Multiple Computers ................... 1.11.2 Multiple Radios, One Computer ......................... 1.11.3 Multiplier Screens .................................... 6.9, 13.0 November Sweepstakes .................................. 4.8 Novice Roundup ........................................ 4.12 Operating the program ................................. 3.0, 5.2 Options Menu .......................................... 6.1, 7.0 OVERVIEW.TXT .......................................... 1.10 Path Selection ........................................ 3.4 Points Box ............................................ 5.1.10 Point Schedule ........................................ 7.4, 7.4.2 Practice .............................................. 1.17 Pricing Policy ........................................ 1.16 Printout .............................................. 3.6, 7.8 Provinces/States ...................................... 13.1.2 Public Domain ......................................... 1.2 Purpose ............................................... 1.11 Quit .................................................. 7.11 Redupe ................................................ 8.4 Registered Copy ....................................... 1.15 Registered Copy, Price ................................ 1.16.3 Registered Copy, Self Extracting ...................... 2.1.1 Registered Mail ....................................... 1.3 Remit Screen .......................................... 5.2.5.2 Same Station, Different Band .......................... 4.18.3 Save to Disc .......................................... 5.2.7 Scoring ............................................... 17.0 Scoring Summary ....................................... 6.7, 24.0 Screen Problems ....................................... 3.8 Screen Saver .......................................... 3.5.4 Sections .............................................. 13.1.3 Sent Information ...................................... 5.1.16, 5.1.16 6.8, 23.0 September VHF QSO Party ............................... 4.10 Shareware ............................................. 1.2 Shareware Copy, Self Extracting ....................... 2.1.2 Shareware Users ....................................... 1.4.1 Shareware Version, Price .............................. 1.16.2 Soap Box .............................................. 19.1 Source Code ........................................... 1.6 Spacebar .............................................. 7.14 Special Event Stations ................................ 1.11.4 Starting .............................................. 2.0, 3.1 Starting from Floppies ................................ 2.2 States/Provinces ...................................... 13.1.2 STCONGL.TXT ........................................... 1.10 Suggestion Form ....................................... 1.4.2, 20.0 Suggestions ........................................... 1.4 SUGGEST.TXT ........................................... 1.10 Test Disc ............................................. 1.14 Test Disc, price ...................................... 1.16.4 Time .................................................. 5.1.3, 7.1 Time Fix .............................................. 3.3.2 Time Off .............................................. 6.6, 12.0 Timer ................................................. 5.1.8, 7.10 Time Set .............................................. 3.3 Title Box ............................................. 5.1.11 Ugly Screen ........................................... 1.15, 3.3.8 5.2.5.2 UTC.TXT ............................................... 1.10 VHF/UHF Spring Sprints ................................ 4.2 Viruses ............................................... 1.1.3 Warning ............................................... 3.3.8 Warranties ............................................ 1.7 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 DISTRIBUTION --- You are encouraged to copy and distribute the unchanged shareware versions of these programs to any and all interested persons. 1.1.1 Local BBSs --- I also wish to encourage you to upload the unchanged shareware version of this program to any and all local BBSs. It is extremely difficult to get meaningful distribution of these programs, so your help is really needed. Don't forget Packet BBSs. Any distribution of the shareware version would be appreciated. 1.1.2 Distribution Houses --- Any and all Distribution Houses may distribute an unchanged shareware version of these programs. Distribution Houses need not contact the author for permission to distribute. It is suggested, however, that a separate HAM RADIO or AMATEUR RADIO section be established in your catalog. Ham Radio Operators usually don't look under COMMUNICATIONS, HOBBIES, MISCELLANEOUS or elsewhere for the kinds of programs they are interested in. 1.1.3 Viruses -- If you plan to distribute these programs, I would suggest that you obtain a copy directly from the author. That way you will have the latest version and it will be virus free. Shareware version is $5. 1.2 PUBLIC DOMAIN vs. SHAREWARE --- These programs are NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN. They are SHAREWARE. That is if you like, and are using, these programs you MUST pay for them. The entire package of the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG Programs is only $25.00. If you obtained these programs from any source other than the author, the author has received nothing. Even though I do get some pleasure from programming, the cost is immense. Your financial help is appreciated. When ordering a registered version, don't forget to include the name and call sign of the purchaser. 1.3 REGISTERED MAIL --- PLEASE - Do not send me any registered mail. My PO Box is not where I live, it is a mail forwarding company. So, it costs me about $5.00 each to receive your registered mail. It is simply not worth it. You gain nothing. I don't sign for the letter, the forwarding company does. It can still be stolen. It can still be lost. It takes special handling. It gets delayed. PLEASE, don't send me registered mail. A $5.00 charge will be added if you use registered mail. 1.4 SUGGESTIONS --- Notify me if you have any suggestions on how these programs may be improved. Any and all comments are welcome. You do not have to be a registered user to make suggestions. I will, however, only answer comments from registered users. If your suggestions are accepted and they are the first time mentioned, I will send you an upgraded disk (free of charge) to registered users, including your modifications as well as those that have proceeded you. If your suggestion is lengthy or complicated, a sample program on a disk would be appreciated. Even this guide is not beyond improvement. 1.4.1 Shareware Users --- The same rules will be used for shareware users. Only I will be MUCH more strict in giving out free copies. The more in depth and unique your suggestion is, the better chance of getting a free copy. 1.4.2 Suggestion Form --- Please print out and use the suggestion form when making suggestions. It is found in its own file SUGGEST.TXT. Just type, from DOS, "TYPE SUGGEST.TXT>PRN". And the form will be printed. Please answer all the questions and then state your suggestion. This will give me a lot of information about your setup for use in solving a problem or for use in future revises. If there is something wrong with the processing of data, please include a copy of your data files. (KB0ZP-1.DTA & KB0ZP-2.DTA) I'll return the disk if you want. 1.5 COMPUSERVE --- I can also be reached on CompuServe. My ID# is 73517,1054. It is my practice to check into CompuServe about once a week. So, the answers coming back may be delayed a little. 1.5.1 Downloading --- The latest shareware version of the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG may be downloaded from CompuServe in Library #6 (Software & Pictures) in HAMNET. From any (!) prompt, type (GO HAMNET) (ENTER) to get to the Ham Radio section. Search library #6 using KB0ZP as the keyword and you should find it. Let me know if you have problems. 1.6 SOURCE CODE --- Copies of the original source code are NOT available to any individual or organization for any reason. So, please don't ask. 1.7 WARRANTIES --- I make no guarantees or warranties of any sort as to the accuracy, correctness or reliability of these programs. All responsibilities are borne by the user. 1.8 BACKUP COPIES --- The first thing to do is to make a backup copy of the original disk. Keep the original in a safe place for copying purposes only. Use the backups in the field or for general use. Place the original disk in Drive A: and use one of the following: A> DISKCOPY A: B: If you have two floppy drives A> DISKCOPY A: A: If you have one floppy drive A> COPY A:*.* B: If you have two floppy drives A> COPY A:*.* C:\[directory name] If you have a hard disk 1.8.1 Copy Protection --- These programs are not copy protected. You may make as many copies as needed. 1.9 SPECIAL KB0ZP FILES --- As you use and become more familiar with these programs, the following files will be created. KB0ZP-1.DTA Random file which contains all the data on each contact. (See 18.1) KB0ZP-2.DTA Random file which contains all the data specific to a given contest. (See 18.2) KB0ZP-3.DTA A file used in the reduping option. When an entry is changed, this file is the same as KB0ZP-1.DTA except that it shows any new dupes. (See Print Program) KB0ZP-4.DTA Temporary file. KB0ZP-5.DTA Sequential file (ASCII) which is compatible with word processors. (See Print Program) KB0ZPCON.FIG Configuration file for the printer and some special commands for the computer. (See Print Program) 1.10 FILES --- The entire set of files for the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG are: KB0ZP_XX.EXE Main Logging Program KB0ZPLOG.DOC Main Logging Program Documentation KB0ZPRPT.EXE Reports Program KB0ZPRPT.DOC Reports Program Documentation BADCOLOR.BAT Preferred way to start the program. Insures correct color on some computers. SUGGEST .TXT Suggestion Form (ASCII) CARD .TXT Reference card for commands (ASCII) OVERVIEW.TXT General overview of program operation and objectives. STCONGL .TXT Standard Contest Guidelines UTC .TXT UTC Conversion Chart CCR&CDC .TXT Club Competition Rules & Club Disqualification Criteria FEATURES.TXT Listing of major features of the two programs. CWSHEET .TXT Reference sheet for CW F keys. 1.11 PURPOSE --- Yes, I know - What we don't need is another contest logging program. But, what we do need is a GOOD contest program. One that is easy to use and works fast. One that can be run by one person while working the radio. It should help the operator, not hinder him and slow things down. With your help and suggestions, we will make this the "Contest Logging Program to end all Contest Logging Programs". 1.11.1 LAN --- This program was originally designed to be operated by one person and one radio. But, now I am getting a lot of comments on how to use the program with more that one radio. The real way that should be done is with a separate computer with each radio and a Master Control Computer. This would take some sort of a LAN (Local Area Network) system. If there were 4 radios involved, all 5 computers would be hooked together and the Master Computer would do all the duping, record keeping, scoring, etc. Then the computers would have to be connected by fiber optics, not coax, due to all the RFI in the area. WOW! maybe someday I will work on that. 1.11.2 Multiple Radios, Multiple computers --- Today, the best way to run many separate radios is to assign each radio a specific band to operate with its own computer. Then with the COMBINE utility on the KB0ZP REPORTS PROGRAM (See KB0ZPRPT.EXE) all the data can be combined into one database for further processing. There will be no duplication between computers since each is on a different band. 1.11.3 Multiple Radios, One Computer --- This type of logging will have to be a blend of the old and new. Set up the radios any way you wish and have the logging done by hand. Then a separate person can enter the log into the computer page by page. Be sure to turn off the duping feature when doing this. Then after all the logging is done, use the duping feature in the KB0ZP UTILITY PROGRAM to find all the dupes and clean up the data bank. The benefit here is that you now have all the data in an easy to use form for duping, printing, scoring, etc. 1.11.4 Special Event Stations --- Special Event Stations can use the OTHER (Generic) selection when choosing a contest. Then, set it up any way you like. There is also available from KB0ZP a convert program that will convert the database created by this program for use by other file programs. Write for details. 1.12 CASE SENSITIVE --- These programs are NOT case sensitive. That is, you may type upper or lower case letters anytime and the program will correct your entry to what is needed. 1.13 DEMO DISC --- If upon booting up the program disk, (See 3.2) there is a flashing sign saying "DEMO DISC", then you will know that the program you have is for demonstration purposes only. The program, duping, logging, etc. will all work exactly as the full program but it will be limited to only 25 contacts. You will have an opportunity to evaluate the program and make sure it is exactly what you want. If there is something that you would like added before you order a full working program, just let me know. 1.14 TEST DISC --- If there is a line in the opening billboard (See 3.2) mentioning that this is "FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY", believe it! You have a disk that was sent out for error checking and there may still be serious errors in the programs. 1.15 REGISTERED COPY --- When you send in your $25 to become a registered user, you will receive a personalized copy of the latest version of these programs. And, there will be no more requests for money (no UGLY screen). You will be entitled to receive written or electronic replies to your questions and comments. You will receive periodic notices of upgrades and new programs. In addition, upgrades are available to you for only $3 or just send a blank disk, postage, and mailer. 1.16 PRICING POLICY --- 1.16.1 Demo Disc --- Cost $3. This is a fully working version of the program. It is limited to a maximum of 25 contacts. It may or may not be the latest version. 1.16.2 Shareware Version --- Cost $5. A fully working copy of the latest version of the program. There are no limitations. Used for program evaluation. Also available from BBSs. 1.16.3 Registered Copy --- Cost $25. A personalized copy of the latest version. Upgrades available for $3. No "ugly" screen. No pleas for money. Answers to your questions & comments. Notification of new items. 1.16.4 Test Disc --- Not for sale. 1.16.5 Disc Types --- You may order special disc types at these additional costs: 5 1/4 360K No additional charge 5 1/4 1.2M Add $1.00 3 1/2 720K Add $1.00 3 1/2 1.4M Add $1.50 1.17 PRACTICE --- PLEASE practice with this program BEFORE using it during a contest. It is very user friendly. And very easy to learn. This must be done in all cases especially if you have been using other contest logging programs. The commands are different, the options are different, and this program has features that the others don't. Become familiar with the Users Guide so if you do have a problem, you can find the answer quickly. After practicing, if you like the program, tell others. If not, tell me. 1.18 DOS VERSION --- These programs will run on DOS 3.3 or later. 1.19 BAD COLOR --- It has been brought to my attention that some computers handle color in different ways. If you think that the color is not correct on your computer, then before you start the program, type from your DOS prompt, MODE CO80, then run the program. Check out the MODE command in your DOS book for more information. This color problem usually shows up in the blinking CALL SIGN on the main screen. It should be a blinking Light Magenta with no funny background. 1.19.1 BADCOLOR.BAT --- An easier way to start the program would be to type BADCOLOR [ENTER]. This batch file will automatically do what is discussed above. 2.0 GETTING STARTED 2.1 SELF EXTRACTING FILES --- 2.1.1 Registered Copy --- You will receive one disc. The program will be ARCed. And, must be unARCed before using. The README.1ST file will give you the instructions. 2.1.2 Shareware Copy --- This disk will only have one file. It is self unarcing and contains all the shareware files. This must be unarced on a hard disk or to a 1.4Mb floppy. Copy the file to the 1.4Mb floppy and then type the filename to unarc. The unarced file will expand to over 550K. 2.2 START FROM FLOPPIES --- 2.2.1 A: Drive Only --- Place the file KB0ZP-XX.EXE in drive A: and type KB0ZP-XX to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, answer A:. Then remove the program disk and insert another blank disc in drive A:. This will become your data disc for the contest you are running. XX represents the version number. 2.2.2 A: & B: Drives --- Place the file KB0ZP-XX.EXE in drive A: and a blank disc in drive B:. From drive A: type KB0ZP-XX to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, answer B:. XX represents the version number. 2.3 START WITH A HARD DISC --- Create a directory for the main program and copy KB0ZP_XX.EXE to that directory. Create a directory for the data. From the main program directory type KB0ZP_XX to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, you may enter the directory you created for the data. Any DOS acceptable command will work. XX represents the version number. 3.0 OPERATING THE PROGRAM 3.1 STARTING THE PROGRAM --- To run the program from whatever disk or directory you may be using just type (KB0ZP-XX) and then press (ENTER). XX represents the version number. 3.2 BILLBOARD --- The first screen you will see is the Billboard. This screen will give you information such as which version of the program you are using. It also shows my CompuServe ID# in case you wish to use that service for any suggestions. (See 1.5) In the box there will be a message. This message will be different depending upon whether you have a registered version or not. The registered version will show your name and call sign in the box. Also, check for any special messages. (See 1.13) (See 1.14) To move on, just press any key. 3.3 TIME & DATE SET --- The next screen will give you a chance to make any corrections in the system date and time. 3.3.1 Correct? (Y or N) --- Check to see if the date and time are correct. The time should be UTC. Make sure that the date is also UTC. If everything is OK, then press (Y). If not, press (N). 3.3.2 Fix the Time --- If you pressed (N) (See 3.3.1) you now have a choice of TIME or DATE to fix. Press (T) to fix the TIME. Now enter the TIME as you would if you were entering it in DOS. Don't forget to use the colon. 5:34 in the afternoon would be entered as 17:34. Only a 24 hour clock is used. As shown, you may omit the seconds if you wish. Actually, the computer clock is not too accurate anyway. When you have entered the correct TIME you must now use UTC. Check again to make sure all is OK. 3.3.3 Fix the Date --- After choosing (N) (See 3.3.1) choose (D) to change the DATE. Enter the new DATE just as you would under DOS. Don't forget to use the (/) or (-) in the DATE. Also, make sure you have the correct DATE since you are using ZULU or UTC time. 3.3.4 No Changes --- If you find yourself in the position to make changes and have now decided not to, Press (N). 3.3.5 Day of the Week --- As a final check, you must check the day of the week. It will change automatically when you change the date. 3.3.6 Move On --- Press (Y). 3.3.7 Message --- If the version you are working with is more than two years old, you will get a message to that effect at this point. Presently, this series of programs is having an upgrade at the rate of one every six months. I don't know how long that rate will last. But, you can check CompuServe or drop me a note with an SASE to find out the latest version number. ========== WARNING ========== 3.3.8 Warning --- The shareware version will have an "UGLY SCREEN" appear every 25 contacts reminding you that continued and active use of this program requires that you register a copy. The cost is $25. If you make a large number of contacts, the "UGLY SCREEN" will start to appear more often. Beware, if you are involved in a really good contest, and start to make many contacts, the "UGLY SCREEN" will get more ugly. ============================== 3.4 SELECT THE PATH --- Enter the path to where you would like to have the data stored. If you will be restoring data, enter the path to where the data is. Follow the examples given. Remember to add a colon (:) after a single drive entry. ie A:. The computer will add \KB0ZP-1.DTA and \KB0ZP-2.DTA to the path that you enter. If the data is to be stored in C:\CONTEST\FIELDDAY\1991 then that is all you will enter. Look for the two KB0ZP files in that directory after the contest. Actually, any DOS acceptable form is OK. 3.4.1 Backspace --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the backspace may be used to correct the error. 3.4.2 Left Arrow --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the left arrow may be used to correct the error. 3.4.3 Delete --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the DEL key may be used to correct the error. 3.5 MEMORY RESTORATION (Y or N) --- Press any key if you are not restoring memory after a power down or some other disaster. (Go to 3.6) Press (Y) to restore memory. 3.5.1 Press (Y) --- After pressing (Y) you will be shown the directory you chose. (See 3.4) KB0ZP-1.DTA and KB0ZP-2.DTA must be available in that directory. The memory will automatically be restored and when it is finished, you will be taken directly to the main screen. (Go to 3.9) 3.5.2 What is Restored --- Total number of contacts. All duping information will be in memory. Name of the contest. Scoring information (partial) Contact numbers on the main chart 3.5.3 What is not Restored --- Contact Listing 3.5.4 Disaster --- Please remember that this feature really should never be used. It is only in the program to save you from total disaster if the power is lost due to no fault of yours. Contesting is really a way to test your equipment and skills under adverse operating conditions. And, isn't that what Emergency Preparedness is all about? If you take a rest period, then use the Screen Saver feature.(F6) But, leave the computer on. This won't hurt it. As a matter of fact, many people believe that turning the computer on and off will tend to shorten the life of your hard disc. Remember, this is not a tinker-toy program. It needs power to run, but protects you against total failure. 3.6 PRINTOUT --- If you don't want a printout of your contacts while you are operating, press any key. (Go to 3.7) 3.6.1 Press (Y) --- After pressing (Y) you will be reminded to turn on the printer and align the paper. Do so at this time. Then press any key when done. 3.7 ENTER YOUR CALL SIGN --- This screen will be skipped if you have a registered version. (Go to 4.0) Otherwise, enter your call sign in the space provided. You have a maximum of 12 characters. Then press (ENTER) to proceed. 3.7.1 Backspace --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the backspace may be used to correct the error. 3.7.2 Left Arrow --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the left arrow may be used to correct the error. 3.7.3 Delete --- If you make a mistake in entering the path, the DEL key may be used to correct the error. 3.8 MESSED UP SCREEN --- Sometimes, in the heat of battle, something may cause the screen to get messed up. You know, like things printing in the wrong spots - double images - etc. If anything like that happens, then just press F1 three times. All the mess should be cleaned up. Actually, just go to any other full screen and back again. That should do it. 4.0 SELECT A CONTEST 4.1 FIELD DAY (A) --- Source: QST, May 1990, Page 84 Contest name set to: FIELD DAY 2nd Exchange set to: CLASS 3rd Exchange set to: SECTION Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station on any band or mode. Press (F1) then (P) to set the bonus points for the contest. Voice contacts are preset to 1 point and all others are set to 2 points. You are not limited to just voice & CW contacts. The multiplier may be set to 1, 2, or 5 only. The point score is calculated as follows: Total Points = ((Voice Contacts + (Total Contacts - Voice Contacts) * 2) * Multiplier) + Bonus Points (F9) will show the SECTIONS worked. The sections are not used in calculating the score. See (13.1.3) (F10) (P) will allow you to select the bonus points. 4.2 VHF/UHF SPRING SPRINTS (B) --- Source: QST Contest name set to: VHF/UHF SPRING SPRINTS 2nd Exchange set to: GRID SQUARE 3rd Exchange set to: RST Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all GRID SQUARES by band. Both the number of GRID SQUARES worked as well as your score by band will be shown. Enter the Grid Square as EN13 not EN 13. Only the first four characters will be used. The point score is calculated as follows: Points per Band = (Contacts per Band) * (Grid Squares per Band) (F9) Shows GRID SQUARES worked (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.3 CQ WORLD WIDE PREFIX CONTEST (C) --- Source: QST, March 1990, Page 85 Contest name set to: CQ PREFIX CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: SERIAL NUMBER Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all prefixes. The scoring is much too complicated for this program to keep track of. There is no way to keep track of which continent contacts which continent as well as which country within each continent. The number of different prefixes contacted will be shown. The different prefix shapes are as follows: A4, A44, AA4, A444, and AA44. In addition, the call sign AA3AA/2 will be duped as AA2 as per the rules of the contest. Use the "Total Contacts" number as your SERIAL NUMBER. (F9) doesn't work (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.4 IARU HF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (D) --- Source: QST, April 1990, Page 78 Contest name set to: IARU HF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: ITU ZONE Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station once per band/mode. The scoring is much too difficult for this program to handle. (F9) doesn't work (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.5 ARRL UHF CONTEST (E) --- Source: QST, July 1990, Page 80 Contest name set to: ARRL UHF CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: GRID SQUARE 3rd Exchange set to: RST Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all GRID SQUARES by band. Both the number of GRID SQUARES worked as well as your score by band will be shown. The point score is calculated as follows: Points per Band = (Contacts per Band)*(Grid Squares per Band) * X Where X is the multiplier for the selected band. Multipliers are as follows: 220 Mhz = 3, 432 Mhz = 3, 902 MHz = 6, 1296 MHz = 6, EXTRA BAND = 12. (F9) shows GRID SQUARES worked (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.6 ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP (F) --- Source: QST, November 1988 Contest name set to: ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: STATE/PROV Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. The multiplier rules are much too difficult for this program to handle. For DX stations put the serial number in the 3rd exchange. There are no scoring parameters for this contest. (F9) will show the STATES/PROVINCES multiplier screen. (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.7 CQ WORLDWIDE RTTY CONTEST (G) --- Source: Contest name set to: CQ WORLDWIDE RTTY CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: RST-STATE 3rd Exchange set to: CQ ZONE Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. The scoring is much too difficult for this program to handle. Don't forget to set the time to UTC. There are no scoring parameters for this contest. (F9) doesn't work (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.8 NOVEMBER SWEEPSTAKES (H) --- Source: QST, October 1989, Page 83 Contest name set to: NOVEMBER SWEEPSTAKES 2nd Exchange set to: NR-PREC 3rd Exchange set to: CK-SECTION Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band & mode. Enter the second exchange as a number then a dash (-) then the Precedence. ie 0279-B. Enter the third exchange as the Check then a dash (-) then the Section. ie 83-LAX. Then the SECTIONS will be duped and the scoring will be accurate. The point score is calculated as follows: Total Points = (Total Contacts * 2) * Number of Sections (F9) will show the SECTIONS screen (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.9 JANUARY VHF SWEEPSTAKES (I) --- Source: QST, December 1988, Page 104 Contest name set to: JANUARY VHF SWEEPSTAKES 2nd Exchange set to: GRID SQUARE 3rd Exchange set to: RST Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all GRID SQUARES by band. Both the number of GRID SQUARES worked as well as your score by band will be shown. The point score is calculated as follows: Points per Band = (Contacts per Band)*(Grid Squares per Band) * X Where X is the multiplier for the selected band. Multipliers are as follows: 50 MHz = 1, 144 MHz = 1, 220 MHz = 2, 432 MHz = 2, 902 MHz = 4, 1296 MHz = 4, EXTRA BAND = 8 (F9) shows GRID SQUARES worked (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.10 SEPTEMBER VHF QSO PARTY (J) --- Source: QST, August 1990, Page 80 Contest name set to: SEPTEMBER VHF QSO PARTY 2nd Exchange set to: GRID SQUARE 3rd Exchange set to: RST Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all GRID SQUARES by band. Both the number of GRID SQUARES worked as well as your score by band will be shown. The point score is calculated as follows: Points per Band = (Contacts per Band)*(Grid Squares per Band) * X Where X is the multiplier for the selected band. Multipliers are as follows: 50 MHz = 1, 144 MHz = 1, 220 MHz = 2, 432 MHz = 2, 902 MHz = 3, 1296 MHz = 3, EXTRA BAND = 4 (F9) shows GRID SQUARES worked (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.11 JUNE VHF QSO PARTY (K) --- Source: QST, May 1990, Page 86 Contest name set to: JUNE VHF QSO PARTY 2nd Exchange set to: GRID SQUARE 3rd Exchange set to: RST Dupes all call signs - You may contact the same station only once per band. Dupes all GRID SQUARES by band. Both the number of GRID SQUARES worked as well as your score by band will be shown. The point score is calculated as follows: Points per Band = (Contacts per Band)*(Grid Squares per Band) * X Where X is the multiplier for the selected band. Multipliers are as follows: 50 MHz = 1, 144 MHz = 1, 220 MHz = 2, 432 MHz = 2, 902 MHz = 3, 1296 MHz = 3, EXTRA BAND = 4 (F9) shows GRID SQUARES worked (F10) (P) doesn't work 4.12 NOVICE ROUNDUP (L) --- Source: QST, January 1989, Page 102 Contest name set to: NOVICE ROUNDUP 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: SECTION Dupes all call signs. The scoring will show the number of SECTIONS worked and a raw score of the number of SECTIONS worked times the number of contacts. (F9) will show the SECTION multiplier screen. (F10) (P) doesn't work. 4.13 ARRL INTERNATIONAL DX CONTEST (M) --- Source: QST, December 1988, Page 103 Contest name set to: ARRL INTERNATIONAL DX CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: STATE/PROV/PWR Dupes call signs only. (F9) doesn't work. (F10) (P) doesn't work. 4.14 ARRL 160-METER CONTEST (N) --- Source: QST, November 1989, Page 80 Contest name set to: ARRL 160-METER CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: SECTION Dupes all call signs - The scoring shows the number of SECTIONS worked and the points with the following formula: Total Points = (Number of Sections) * (Number of Contacts) (F9) will show the SECTIONS multiplier screen. (F10) (P) doesn't work. 4.15 ARRL 10-METER CONTEST (O) --- Source: QST, November 1989, Page 79 Contest name set to: ARRL 10-METER CONTEST 2nd Exchange set to: RST 3rd Exchange set to: STATE/PROV Dupes all call signs - The scoring shows the number of STATES and PROVINCES worked and the points per the following formula: Total Points = (Number of States/Prov) * (Number of Contacts) (F9) shows the STATES/PROVINCES multiplier screen (F10) (P) doesn't work. 4.16 CQ World Wide DX Contest (P) --- 4.17 CQ 160-Meter DX Contest (Q) --- 4.18 GENERIC CONTESTS (X) --- As far as I know, this is the only contest logging program that has a "GENERIC" logging section where you can track any contest or QSO party, because this is where you can make your own rules. After pressing (X) 4.18.1 Contest Name --- The name of the contest you are running must be entered. Try to remember to drop me a line telling me which contest you entered and how it worked. If you do I will probably put that contest in the program permanently. 4.18.2 2nd Exchange Title --- Since the first exchange is the call sign, the 2nd exchange must be entered here. Anything may be used. If you selected RST, then when you press (ENTER) during the contest, 59 or 599 will appear in this spot. 4.18.3 3rd Exchange Title --- This works the same as the 2nd exchange (See 4.16.2) and it is optional. If this is not needed, press (ENTER). 4.18.3 Same Station Different Band --- Select (Y or N) to determine if you can contact the same station on different band. Note that this cannot be changed during the contest. 5.0 MAIN SCREEN (chart) 5.1 DESCRIPTION --- 5.1.1 Today's Date --- Located in the upper left hand corner. This date is in European format only because I like it that way (smile). It will change after midnight. It is taken and corrected from DOS. 5.1.2 Name of the Contest --- Located in the top center. This is what you chose upon bootup. 5.1.3 Time --- Located in the upper right hand corner. It should be set to UTC time. The clock runs from DOS. 5.1.4 Modes --- All the available modes are shown horizontally under the contest name. 7 different modes are shown plus "OTHER" which can be changed to suit the operator. This gives you an unlimited list of modes that may be used. 5.1.5 Bands --- All the available bands are shown vertically on the left of the screen. 14 different bands are shown plus "EXTRA" which can be changed to suit the operator. This gives you an unlimited list of bands that may be used. 5.1.6 Station Call Sign --- Located top right. This is the call of the sending station, the computer operator. In the registered version, this cannot be changed. The registered version was sold to one and only one specific call sign. 5.1.7 Total Contacts --- Located under the Station Call Sign. Shows the total contacts made during the contest. 5.1.8 Elapsed Time --- Located under the Total Contacts. Shows the amount of time in minutes & seconds since your last contact. 5.1.9 Error Box --- Located under Elapsed Time. Any error messages will be shown here during the contest. 5.1.10 Points Box --- Located under the Error Box. This will show different point calculations according to the contest chosen. 5.1.11 Title Box --- Located under the Points Box. This space is only used when the scoring needs the extra space. 5.1.12 Call Sign --- Located along the bottom. This is where the call sign of the received station is logged. 5.1.13 2nd Exchange --- Located to the right of the Call Sign. This is where the second exchange is entered. The title of the exchange will change according to the contest being worked. 5.1.14 3rd Exchange --- Located to the right of the 2nd Exchange and works the same as the 2nd Exchange. When formatting a "generic" contest, this exchange is optional. 5.1.15 F1 = Help --- Located in the lower left hand corner of the screen. This is just a reminder when F1 may be used to bring up help screens. When it does not appear, it cannot be used. (See 14.1) 5.1.16 1st Information Sent --- Located in its own box to the right of the 3rd Exchange. Once set, this should not be changed. 5.1.17 2nd Information Sent --- Located to the right of the 1st Information Sent. 5.1.18 Duping --- Located in the lower right hand corner of the screen. It indicates if the program is duping the call signs or not. Flashing numbers just to the right will indicate the speed of duping. They will only be noticeable after about 250 contacts depending upon the speed of your computer. (See 11.0) 5.2 OPERATING FROM THE MAIN SCREEN (chart) 5.2.1 Change Mode --- Press the right or left arrow key to change the mode. The highlighted box will move to the right or left. When you reach the extreme right you will have a chance to enter any mode you wish. 5.2.1.1 Other Modes --- Enter the name of the mode you wish. 5 characters maximum. Then press (ENTER) to return to the main screen. The new mode will be shown. If you do not wish to change the mode then enter a single (X) and no change will be made. You may make as many changes as you wish. Each mode will be recorded separately which gives you an unlimited choice of modes. If you are using cross mode operation, then enter the mode as A3-A1 or similar. 5.2.2 Change Band --- Press the up or down arrow keys to change the band. The highlighted box will move up or down. When you reach the bottom you will have a chance to enter any band you wish. 5.2.2.1 Extra Band --- First enter the numbers. 3 are maximum. Then enter (M) for Meters, (C) for Centimeters, or (G) for Gegahertz. Then press enter to return to the main screen. The new band will be shown. If you do not wish to change the band then enter a single (X) and no change will be made. You may make as many changes as you wish. Each band will be recorded separately which gives you an unlimited choice of bands. I know of no contest that allows you to operate cross band. If you know of one, let me know. 5.2.3 Enter Call Sign --- When the call sign is flashing, it is asking for an entry. Any form of call sign is acceptable up to 12 characters in length. This program does not check the call sign for anything except length. The way call signs through out the world are changing, most anything is becoming a call sign. A call sign of less than 4 characters is too short, and over 12 is too long. 5.2.3.1 Backspace --- If you make a mistake in entering the call sign, the backspace may be used to correct the error. 5.2.3.2 Left Arrow --- If you make a mistake in entering the call sign, the left arrow may be used to correct the error. 5.2.3.3 Delete --- If you make a mistake in entering the call sign, the DEL key may be used to correct the error. 5.2.3.4 (/) --- If you make an error in entering the call sign, you can place a (/) as the last character in the call sign, then press enter and the entire call sign will disappear. 5.2.4 Enter 2nd Exchange --- When the 2nd Exchange is flashing, it is asking for an entry. If the 2nd Exchange title is RST all you need do is to press (ENTER). 59 or 599 will appear in the space according to the mode you are in. If the title is anything else, pressing (ENTER) will repeat what was entered for the last contact. Of course, you may also enter anything else you wish. 5.2.4.1 Backspace --- If you make a mistake in entering the 2nd Exchange, the backspace may be used to correct the error. 5.2.4.2 Left Arrow --- If you make a mistake in entering the 2nd Exchange, the left arrow may be used to correct the error. 5.2.4.3 Delete --- If you make a mistake in entering the 2nd Exchange, the DEL key may be used to correct the error. 5.2.4.4 Delete (twice) --- After pressing the DEL key once, you may press it again and delete the call sign as well. This way you may move backwards, deleting as you go. 5.2.4.5 (/) --- If you make an error in entering the 2nd Exchange, you can place a (/) as the last character in the 2nd Exchange, then press enter and the entire 2nd Exchange will disappear. 5.2.4.6 (//) --- By placing (//) as the last two characters in the 2nd Exchange, and then pressing enter, you will delete the entire line. 5.2.5 Enter 3rd Exchange --- If you have chosen the "generic" contest and have chosen not to have a 3rd Exchange, then this entry will not be needed and it will not appear. In all other contests it will work the same as the 2nd Exchange (See 5.2.4) 5.2.5.1 Hint --- When trying to make a contact with a weak station, log in the call sign, press (ENTER). This will dupe the call sign to see if you have worked that station before. If it is not a dupe you can continue to try as long as you wish. Still no contact? Enter the double slash (//) or (DEL) and look elsewhere. [Other programs don't offer this feature] 5.2.5.2 Remit Screen --- If you are using the shareware version, a plea for you to purchase a registered copy of this program will appear after every 25 contacts. And the frequency will increase after a reasonable amount of contacts. This screen will not appear in the registered version. Press spacebar to clear the screen. 5.2.6 After the Contact --- When the program is asking for another call sign (flashing) note that the number in the highlighted box is showing the number of contacts made with that band/mode combination. The Total Contact box (See 5.1.7) shows the total contacts made to date. The Elapsed Timer (See 5.1.8) has been reset to 0 Min. and 0 Sec. The points, if applicable, have been updated. And, if you have chosen the printer to run during the contest, will print. 5.2.7 Saves to Disk --- At this time, all the information is saved to disk. If power goes out, you have lost nothing since it is all on the disk. As a matter of fact, all the information for 4000 or more contacts fit on a 360K floppy. [Other programs don't have this feature] 6.0 F-KEYS 6.1 (F10) OPTIONS MENU --- Press (F10) to bring up the options menu. (See 7.0) 6.2 (F2) CORRECTIONS --- Press (F2) to enter the Corrections mode (See 8.0) 6.3 (F3) CHART/LISTING SCREEN --- Press (F3) to return to toggle between the contact listing and chart formats. (See 9.0) 6.4 (F4) NOT USED --- 6.5 (F5) DUPING TOGGLE --- Press (F5) to activate the duping toggle (See 11.0) 6.6 (F6) TIME OFF TOGGLE --- Press (F6) when taking time off (See 12.0) 6.7 (F7) SCORING SUMMARY --- Press (F7) to see a summary of the scoring (See 21.0) 6.8 (F8) INFORMATION SENT --- Press (F8) to enter/change the information sent (See 23.0) 6.9 (F9) MULTIPLIER SCREENS --- Press (F9) to view the multiplier screens (See 13.0) 6.10 (F1) HELP SCREEN --- Press (F1) for the help screens (See 14.0) 7.0 OPTIONS MENU (F10) 7.1 TIME --- The time may be changed by pressing (T). This will return you to the same screen you used when you first booted up the program. Reset the time as before (See 3.3) 7.2 DATE --- The date may be changed by pressing (D). This will return you to the same screen as above (See 7.1) Both the time and date may be changed here. (See 3.3) 7.3 CONTEST NAME --- The name of the contest can be changed by pressing (N). Be careful if you have chosen a contest from the selection given. (See 4.0) The scoring will probably get messed up since all scoring is "contest name dependent". If you used the generic contest, you may not change it. (See 4.16) Actually, the best thing to do is to start over. 7.4 POINT SCHEDULE --- This only works when the "FIELD DAY" or "GENERIC" contest was chosen. Press (P) Here you can customize the contest to your liking. The standard contests have all the point schedules preset. 7.4.1 Field Day --- The points for voice contacts are preset to 1 point each. All other contacts are preset to 2 points each. You may enter the bonus points as per the chart shown. 7.4.2 Other Contests --- Here you may enter the points for each mode of contact you wish. The bonus points must be figured separately and entered as a lump sum. 7.5 2nd EXCHANGE --- Press (2) to change the title of the 2nd Exchange. (See 5.2.4) (See 4.16.2) 7.6 3rd EXCHANGE --- Press (3) to change the title of the 3rd Exchange. (See 5.2.5) (See 4.16.3) 7.7 YOUR CALL SIGN --- With the shareware version, you may change the call sign of the sending station. Press (C) The registered versions have the call sign already inserted into the program and may not be changed. They are registered to only one call sign. Press (Y) to change. (See 3.7) 7.8 AUTO PRINT --- Press (A) to start or stop the printer. It is nice to have a hard copy generated while you are contesting. But, it can become quite noisy. And, you can create a new and clean printout after the contest with the KB0ZPUTL.EXE program. (See 3.6) 7.9 DOS SHELL --- Press (O) to drop to DOS for any reason. To return to the program, type EXIT and then press (ENTER) from the DOS prompt. [Other programs don't have this feature] 7.10 SET THE TIMER --- Press (S) to set an elapsed timer. If you intend to make contacts every 15 seconds to reach your goal, then set the timer for 15 seconds. After the allotted time the elapsed timer box will start flashing and an alarm will go off. (See 5.1.8) If you set the timer to 0 it is virtually shut off. Actually you have set the timer to 24 Hrs. If you don't make a contact in that amount of time, you are really not in the contest. The timer will reset to 0 after each contact. To give you an idea as to how to set the timer, I suggest the following. Figure out the number of contacts you wish to make during the contest. This might be determined by trying to win your class. Or, maybe you are going for a personal best. But, figure out some number. Then you can use the following guidelines. To make 500 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 172 seconds To make 1000 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 86 seconds To make 1500 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 57 seconds To make 2000 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 43 seconds To make 2500 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 34 seconds To make 3000 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 28 seconds To make 3500 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 24 seconds To make 4000 contacts in 24 hours, make one every 21 seconds. etc. The formula for this is: (X / (Number of Contacts)) X is found by multiplying the number of hours you will operate by 3600. This gives the average number of seconds between contacts. 7.11 QUIT TO DOS --- Press (Q) to quit the program. This is not a DOS shell. (See 7.9) To restart, you will have to restore the memory (See 3.5) to get things going again. 7.11.1 Make Backup --- After quitting you will be asked if you wish to make a backup copy of your data. Press Y to do so. Place a disk in drive A: and your backup will be made there. The extention .BAK is used in this case to make sure that you don't overwrite any existing files. You will have to use the REN command from DOS to change the name back to a .DTA extention so it will be usable by the programs. 7.12 AVAILABLE MEMORY --- Press (V) to check how much memory you have available in your computer. I don't know how much memory your computer started with or how many memory resident programs are running. This should be checked every so often to make sure you are not running out. I run this program easily on a simple machine with 640K and no memory resident programs. 7.13 FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS --- Press (Alt A thru Alt O) to check the frequencies available to you and your class of license. 7.13.1 Emission Designators --- Press (E), 3 screens are available to define the codes. 7.13.2 Limitations --- Press (L), 1 screen is available to define the codes. 7.14 SPACEBAR --- Press (SPACEBAR) to return to the program. 7.15 CONFIGURE CW --- In the future, CW capabilities will be added here. 8.0 CORRECTIONS MODE (F2) 8.1 GENERAL --- From either the chart screen or the listing screen, you may press F2 to enter the "Correction Mode". You will know that you are in the "Correction Mode" when those words are flashing in the lower left corner of the screen. 8.2 ARROW KEYS --- By using the arrow keys you can move the cursor to the item you wish to change. Only the item highlighted may be changed. 8.3 MAKE CHANGES --- Type in the correction directly over the spot you wish it to appear. The color of your entry will be different than the original. When you are satisfied that the correction is correct, press [ENTER] and the correction will be made. Only one correction can be made at a time. 8.4 REDUPE --- Whenever you make changes like this, there is a possibility of creating dupes. After the contest, run the data through the REDUPING program which is found in the REPORTS PROGRAM. 8.5 EXIT CORRECTION MODE --- Just press F2 again to exit the "Correction Mode". F2 is a toggle to get you in and out of this mode from either the Listing Screen or the Chart Screen. 8.6 CALL SIGN --- Upper case only. Only the left 12 characters will be used. 8.7 BAND --- Upper and lower case is allowed here. The following formats must be followed or the band will be duped as EXTRA. 23 Cm 33 Cm 70 Cm 1.2 Mtr 2 Mtr 6 Mtr 10 Mtr 12 Mtr 15 Mtr 20 Mtr 30 Mtr 40 Mtr 80 Mtr 160 Mtr Or, it is easier to follow the format of other contacts. 8.8 MODE --- Upper case only. The following formats must be followed or the mode will be duped as OTHER. VOICE CW RTTY PACK SSTV ASCII AMTOR 8.9 2nd EXCHANGE --- Upper case only. 8.10 3rd EXCHANGE --- Upper case only. 8.11 BACKSPACE --- The backspace is active to make corrections. 9.0 MAIN SCREEN (listing) (F3) 9.1 GENERAL --- From this screen in the program, all the operations are available as they are in the MAIN SCREEN (chart). (See 10.0) (See 5.0) It is just which format you prefer. You may toggle between the two with (F3). The listing will show the details of the last 14 contacts at all times. The newest contacts will be added on the top and the oldest contact will disappear off the bottom. For a more detailed listing of all your contacts, check the printout that is being printed, if you chose that option. To change bands, you must return to the MAIN SCREEN (chart) (F3). 10.0 MAIN SCREEN (chart) (F3) 10.1 GENERAL --- This is the same as the MAIN SCREEN (listing). (See 9.0) (See 5.0) Except that now you may change the band or mode with the arrow keys. This chart shows the number of contacts by band & mode as well as which band & mode you are operating. 11.0 DUPING TOGGLE (F5) 11.1 GENERAL --- By pressing (F5) you can turn the duping feature on and off. Remember, when it is turned off NOTHING is duped. That includes the duping needed for scoring. (See 5.1.16) This option has been added because with a slow computer like mine, 4.77 Mhz, after a few hundred contacts the time it takes to dupe could become bothersome. This choice is up to you. I have found that you probably can't type fast enough to overload the computer. Not to mention making contacts that fast. From the time you enter your last contact, to the time that the computer is asking for another call sign is about 3 seconds. That is on my computer with the printer running and the data being written to a floppy disk. That's the slowest setup I know. In addition, you really don't have to wait for the computer to ask for the next call sign. If you don't wait and start typing before the call sign starts flashing, everything will still be OK. You will be typing to the keyboard buffer which will hold the information until the computer is ready. So now, you can make contacts at the rate of one every two or three seconds. If you can keep that up steadily, contacts will be made at the rate of 1200 to 1800 per hour. I think that's fast enough to win any contest. (smile) I have had some comments that, even if you know the contact is a dupe, it is quicker to make the contact than to get in a discussion about it. I agree. So, you try to log a contact and the computer tells you that it is a dupe and won't let you log the contact. That's OK. Just continue with the contact as if everything is OK but don't log it. With this program, you are smarter than he is. So play along. What you have done is to not waste time with him, kept your log clean without all those DUPE entries, and gave your computer a short rest. 12.0 TIME OFF TOGGLE (F6) 12.1 GENERAL --- Most contests want you to indicate in the log when you took time off. Press (F6) when you do. The screen will clear and a small box will appear showing the amount of time you have taken off. This box will move around the screen so you don't get a screen burn in. When you are ready to resume contesting, press (F6) again and you are back in business. The amount of time you took off will appear in your data file. Press (F2) to show it to you. (See 8.0) It will not appear in the MAIN SCREEN (listing). 13.0 MULTIPLIER SCREENS (F9) 13.1 GENERAL --- When (F9) is pressed from either MAIN SCREEN, the multiplier screen will be shown. This screen can take any of three forms depending upon the contest you are running. Press any key to return to the program. 13.1.1 Grid Squares --- A maximum of 100 different Grid Squares will be listed here in the order you contacted them. If you exceed 100 different Grid Squares, they will be recorded in the data file but will not be displayed here. All the Grid Squares will be duped. The listing will also show the band you used to contact each Grid Square. ED34 on 33Cm is duped separately from ED34 on 70 Cm. When logging in Grid Squares, use only a four character Grid Square, ie ED34. No spaces or anything. The program picks the last four characters you typed in that area for display. The Grid Squares multiplier screen will be active for the following contests: ARRL UHF CONTEST JANUARY VHF SWEEPSTAKES SEPTEMBER VHF QSO PARTY JUNE VHF QSO PARTY VHF/UHF SPRING SPRINTS 13.1.2 States/Provinces --- A screen showing all the US States and Canadian Provinces will be produced. As each State or Province is contacted, it will be highlighted. Be sure to use the correct abbreviations. Anything that is not listed will be treated as DX. And, will appear at the bottom. Refer to the KB0ZPRPT.EXE program where you can print out a listing of all the abbreviations for easy reference. The States/Provinces multiplier screen will be active for the following contests: ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP ARRL 10-METER CONTEST 13.1.3 Sections --- The SECTIONS multiplier screen works much the same as the STATES/PROVINCES screen. (See 13.1.2) The States multiplier screen will be active for the following contests: FIELD DAY NOVEMBER SWEEPSTAKES NOVICE ROUNDUP ARRL 160-METER CONTEST 14.0 HELP SCREENS (F1) 14.1 GENERAL --- Press (F1) to view the HELP screens. If the F1 = Help does not appear in the lower left hand corner of the screen, the HELP screen is not available. (See 5.1.16) A complete list of all the commands can be obtained by printing out the separate file CARD.TXT. 15.0 DATA FILE 15.1 CARE & TREATMENT --- Please be sure to make backup copies of your data file. If you are out in the field during FIELD DAY, I know you are tired when the contest is over and you really don't need more chores during takedown, but PLEASE make one if not two backups of your data file on floppies. Moving a computer around can be very damaging to a hard disk. If your hard disk gets damaged, it can always be replaced. But, your data cannot. Protect yourself. 15.2 KB0ZPRPT.EXE The whole purpose of using a computer logging program is to create the data file. With this file and the appropriate program most anything that is needed can be created. The KB0ZPRPT.EXE program is just that kind of program. Virtually any kind of printout can be created. All the duping logs, special printouts by band or mode are available, submission forms, QSL Labels, etc. etc. [Many of the options offered here are not available on other contest programs] After the contest you will see how useful this program can be. Read the documentation KB0ZPRPT.DOC. 16.0 ERROR MESSAGES 16.1 ENTRY ERRORS --- A message will appear and you will hear a sound when you make an error in your entry of information. Usually this will be because your entry is not in the right form, or it is too long, or nonexistent. You will immediately be informed of the error. 16.2 CONTESTING ERRORS --- These errors occur during the logging of information during the contest. You will be notified of the error by sight and sound. (See 5.1.9) You will be notified of dupes the same way. These errors automatically fix themselves and should be of no real concern. Just continue and type in the good data. 16.3 DOS ERRORS --- These errors are a bit more serious with few exceptions. The major DOS errors you should see are if you enter the date or time incorrectly and if you mess up on the path to the data. These things happen. However, if any other DOS errors appear, I would like to know about them. The program has error catching parameters for all the possible DOS errors. Let me know the error number, description, and how you caused the error to appear. You will know its a DOS error, because the screen will clear and all you will see is a box containing the error number and description. 17.0 SCORING 17.1 GENERAL --- Just a few words about scoring. The reports you send in are yours, not mine. You sign them, I don't. So, you must be sure that all is done correctly. At this point in the development of these programs, the final scoring must be done by you. The program, during the contest can only give you an idea as to what your score is. Errors in typing can cause large errors in your final score. Possibly in the future I will become such an expert programmer I will not have to warn you about errors. Both yours and mine. 18.0 DATA FILE DESCRIPTION 18.1 KB0ZP-1.DTA --- This is the file that contains all the data on each contact. It is a random file and each contact contains 87 Bytes. They are distributed as follows: 18 Bytes for the Duping Code 12 " " " Call Sign 9 " " " Date 4 " " " Time 7 " " " Band 5 " " " Mode 6 " " " 2nd Exchange 6 " " " 3rd Exchange 6 " " " 1st Sent 6 " " " 2nd Sent 5 " " " Contact Number 3 " " " Multiplier or points 87 " Total The program is limited to 5000 contacts so all this information will take a maximum of 435,000 Bytes. 18.2 KB0ZP-2.DTA This is the file that contains all the one time information. It is a random file and contains 142 Bytes. They are distributed as follows: 10 Bytes for the Call Sign of the Operating Station 26 " " " Name of the Contest 12 " " " 2nd Exchange Title 12 " " " 3rd Exchange Title 4 " " " Year 1 " " " Turn on Printer 1 " " " Same Station Different Band 76 " " " Record of points (19 Sections of 4 each) 142 " Total Most of the other contest logging programs only allow you to make a maximum of 3,500 contacts. I feel that with computerized contesting that limit might be pushed in the near future. So, this program is limited to 5,000 contacts. But, if you log 4,000 contacts all the contact info and the one- time info will fit on a 360K floppy. On a 360K floppy there are 362,496 bytes available. Subtract the 142 needed for one-time info, there are 362,354 bytes left. Divide by the 87 bytes needed for each contact and you have enough room for 4,164 contacts. So, a floppy can hold all the data needed by most people. This makes for easy storage of backups. Just label each disk to the contest worked. 19.0 CHEAT CARD Print out the file CARD.TXT. This will give you a listing of all the commands available to you. Post it nearby for reference while contesting. It will make your life a little easier. 20.0 SUGGESTION FORM Print out and fill in the suggestion form when sending in your registration fee. Or if you have any comments about the programs offered here. It is file SUGGEST.TXT 21.0 ARES and CONTESTING 21.1 SOAP BOX --- For those who think that contesters gum up the frequencies on weekends, I have this answer. Amateur Radio is a SERVICE not a HOBBY. If we continue to call it a hobby, congress will get very tired real soon in supporting a hobby. It is not only a waste of taxpayers money but it make congress look stupid. And that's not too difficult now-a-days. Contesting is a way of preparing you for Emergency Preparedness. You give me a good contestee and he will get the message through under the most trying conditions. He will do it by voice, CW, or RTTY. And now, he has packet and other computerized forms of transmissions available to him. Isn't that what Field Day is all about? Lets combine our efforts with the ARES so that our operating expertise can be joined with efficient procedures. 22.0 MORSE CODE --- To Come 23.0 INFORMATION SENT --- Press (F8) and the cursor will move to the Information Sent Boxes. The left one will be flashing. Enter up to 6 characters. Then press ENTER. You will be moved to the second box where you may enter up to 6 characters for the 2nd piece of sent information. Press ENTER again and you are returned to the main program. For those contests where you must send a contact or serial number, enter a # as the first character, this may be followed by a maximum of two characters if needed. The # will turn into a four digit number and change after each contact. As an example, for the November Sweepstakes, enter #-A and the sent information will be 0001-A. This will work in either box or both. 24.0 SCORING SUMMARY --- GOOD LUCK IN YOUR CONTESTING KB0ZP