home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Tech Arsenal 1
/
Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO
/
tek-20
/
minimuf3.zip
/
MINIMUF.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1990-10-14
|
7KB
|
199 lines
MINIMUF PROGRAM OPERATION
Version 1.00
by Keith Seabourn, 5N6SKD & KD5NZ
These program calculates the Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF)
for specified paths for a 24 hour period given in GMT (UTC).
The program gives the MUF for 1 path and draws a graph. The
user can select from 15 pre-programmed paths or can enter
the latitude and longitude coordinates for any path desired.
The program can customized for any QTH by putting the
necesary information in a setup file.
The program operates the screen in the text mode as opposed
to the graphics mode. The text mode is common to all IBM-
compatible equipment whereas the graphics mode is not. By
using the text mode, all access is provided to greater
numbers of amateur radio operators. Also, the text mode
allows any printer to be used to obtain a printed copy of
the screen graph. The printers use widely different
standards for their graphics mode of operation.
SETUP FILE
A SETUP FILE called MUFSETUP.DAT customizes MINIMUF to your
exact callsign and QTH. It also contains 15 path choices.
This disk is originally supplied with MUFSETUP.DAT
containing information for a QTH in Dallas, Texas. You
should use any ASCII text file editor or a word processor
that can read/write ASCII text files to create a
MUFSETUP.DAT for your exact QTH.
The MUFSETUP.DAT file should be created as follows:
Line 1 would contain your callsign; your station latitude;
your station longitude (all separated by semicolons)
Line 2 to Line 16 would contain paths in the format path
name; destination latitude; destination longitude (again
separated by semicolons)
NOTE: MINIMUF expects Choices 16 and 17 to always be
exactly as they are written. The user must only enter 15
path options in MUFSETUP.DAT. The program requests
additional data if Option 16 or 17 are chosen. The user may
freely change path options 1-15. The latitude and longitude
conventions used in this program are:
Latitude North is positive (+)
Latitude South is negative (-)
Longitude West is positive (+)
Longitude East is negative (-)
MINIMUF DOCUMENTATION Page 1
An example is:
KD5NZ;33.0;97.0
To USA-W.Coast(San Fran);38.0;122.0
To USA-E.Coast (Wash DC);39.0;73.0
To USA-Hawaii;21.0;158.0
To AFRICA-Zambia;-15.0;-28.0
|
|
v
To ASIA-Japan;36.0;-140.0
To EUROPE-London;51.0;0.0
The maximum lengths of the various items are:
Station Callsign 11 characters
Station Latitude, 7 characters maximum (-xxx.xx)
Longitude
Path Name 24 characters
Destination Lat, Lon 7 characters (same as Station
Lat, Lon)
The best way to customize the MUFSETUP.DAT is to use your
word processor/text editor to read the MUFSETUP.DAT supplied
with the program disk, called MUFSETUP.DAT. Then modify the
station call, station latitude/longitude and any path names
and latitude/longitude.
PROGRAM OPERATION
The user works through the requested information.
1. Choice. The user must enter a choice from 1 to 17.
Press RETURN when ready to proceed.
2. Day and month. Enter the day and month as day <space>
month. The <space> separates the 2 entries. Enter
RETURN to proceed.
3. Source of solar activity. Enter either 's' for Sunspot
data or 'f' for Solar flux data. RETURN to proceed.
4. Sunspot number or Solar Flux. Enter the correct value.
RETURN to proceed.
5. Flag on MUF. A 'y' will cause the graph to show a
special character when the MUF exceeds the frequency
entered. A 'n' to omit flag. RETURN to proceed. If
'y' selected, the user is asked to enter frequency in
MHz. All points which exceed this frequency are
plotted with a different character.
The MUF is calculated for all times from 0000z to 2300z at
this time. The screen shows the MUF information both
graphically and tabular.
MINIMUF DOCUMENTATION Page 2
6. Want Printout (Y/N)? Enter 'y' to print a hard copy of
this screen data. Make sure the printer is turned on
and paper inserted before proceeding. Type an 'n' to
omit hard copy. RETURN to proceed.
7. Plot another (Y/N)? Enter 'y' to calculate the MUF for
another path. If 'y' is chosen, the 17 path choices
will appear again. However, the items 2-5 are omitted
and the previous values are repeated for the new path.
Type an 'n' to cancel program. RETURN to proceed.
PROGRAM OUTPUT
The program presents the MUF for the chosen path on the
screen both graphically and in tabular form. By pressing
'y' when the question Want Printout (Y/N)? is asked, the
program will print a copy of the screen. The program sends
no special printer control characters so any printer that
can print 80 columns will work satisfactorily. The program
will use the default state of the printer (the normal,
power-up state).
MINIMUF DOCUMENTATION Page 3