Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-20/nrd34.zip/NRD.DOC

Text File | 1991-06-01 | 24KB | 579 lines

                N  R  D

   A Control Program / Database for use with Japan Radio NRD525/535 Radios

               by Tom Whiteside


NRD is a control program / database for NRD525 and NRD535 receivers and
requires an IBM or compatible computer.  This program is distributed as
"Freeware" as a token repayment for the valuable assistance received over the
years from other DXers in the form of articles and log reports.  Included also
is source code (for Turbo Pascal) so you can adapt this to your own style (or
convert existing computer database files over to NRD).

Note:  The enclosed database files are intended as examples, not definitive
       Short Wave databases by any means!  This is intended as a tool to
       enhance your own logging productivity and enjoyment.  This program
       can import data from Tom Sundstrom's English language database for
       subscribers to this (described later) and his IS a definitive database.

Note:  There are many commands and features in NRD that take some practice.
       I recommend printing this and trying the various commands in the
       documentation with the program.

PHILOSOPHY:

I got tired of using paper for logging many moons ago.    With paper logs, its
tough to go back and find where radio xyz is, etc.  Much continues to be
written on ways to organize paper records -- no thanks!!!  The first step was
logging on paper, then entering the data in a Spreadsheet.  Now, things could
be found but this is tedious!  This program eliminates the middle person!  The
next step was achieving the right balance between controlling the radio
manually and from the keyboard.  Basically, you can do either with this
program.  This program does not use the radio's memory channels (essentially
the database can be thought of as memory channels only with comments).    Sloth
is the watch-word throughout and every attempt is made to minimize effort.  For
example, to log a station, hit the "L" key and the program does all the work to
automatically grab the frequency, date, time (and the rest of the receiver
state) leaving you to enter only the ID and Location.  While you don't have to
use the program to search for stations, keys like "+" and "-" can be used to
tune in 5khz increments.  The program will automatically follow along these
frequency changes and point at records for this frequency.  If you've been
tuning manually, hit the "*" key to find the entries for this frequency.  Other
keys bump the bandwidth or mode.

SETUP:

The program defaults to COM1: for the serial port.  If you need to change this
delete the CONFIG.DAT file and rerun the program.  This causes NRD to request
the desired COM port and other information described below.  If you specify "0"
for the COM port, the program will run in demo mode.  You will be able to see
the database but none of the radio commands will operate.

IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY:

Problems can be caused by using the wrong receiver baud rate.  The program uses
1200 baud for the 525 and 4800 baud for the 535 to communicate with the radio.
(NRD535 users need not worry about this - the 535 uses only 4800 baud).  (To
determine the baud setting on a 525, hold down the "MEMO" key and hit the "8"
key on the Radio keypad.  The radio should display "1200" on the frequency
readout.  If it shows "300", press "MEMO" "8" again.  The most likely source of
difficulty I've seen to date is with the cable setup.  To isolate problems, it
is sometimes useful to use a communications package, such as BITCOM, and use it
to send "H1" to the radio.  You should see the radio REMOTE light come on and



see a string of data come back from the radio.    If the REMOTE light comes on
but no string returns, the cable should be examined.  If the REMOTE light does
not come on, it could be you are selecting the wrong COM port or have some
other problem.

Note:  The time offset from GMT is also contained in CONFIG.DAT.  Delete
       CONFIG.DAT if you are not on Central Standard Time.  NRD will prompt
       you for the COM port, etc.  and rebuild this file.

Note:  When you run the program after deleting CONFIG.DAT, you will be asked
       if you have a KIWA MAP Unit.  If you don't have one, simply say no.
       Saying "yes" will enable a "K" for "KIWA" command described later. (This
       feature is only available with the NRD525.

Note:  NRD assumes you have a color monitor.  To use with a monochrome display,
       delete the file @MONITOR.DAT.


RUNNING NRD:  Type:  NRD and hit enter.


COMMANDS:

These will be described in three sections:  CONTROLLING THE RADIO, GRAPHICS
COMMANDS and DATABASE COMMANDS.


CONTROLLING THE RADIO:

This program allows you to control the radio either manually or with the
computer keyboard.  To do this, mostly the radio is kept "unlocked" by the
program.  This philosophy means that when you change the radio, the program
does not know about it and the receiver display will not automatically reflect
changes.  (Note:  for the 535, this is not true, The 535 allows the program's
view of the receiver status to be continuously updated without locking out the
receiver controls.)  However, all radio and database commands that involve
knowing the status of the radio will automatically check the contents of the
radio before proceeding.  For example, the "+" key described below that
increments the radio's frequency by 5 khz will check the actual radio frequency
before proceeding to increment it.  If you wish to update the radio status
display at any time, hit the SPACE BAR.  Changes since the last update are
always highlighted in RED.



CONTROLLING THE RADIO COMMANDS:

  "+" : increments the frequency by 5khz.  If the mode is USB or LSB, this is
    first done off a khz to assist in hearing weak station heterodynes.

    Note: if the database is sorted by frequency, the highlighted database
          entry will automatically follow the frequency.

  "-" : decrements the frequency by 5khz.  If the mode is USB or LSB, this is
    first done off a khz to assist in hearing weak station heterodynes.

    Note: if the database is sorted by frequency, the highlighted database
          entry will automatically follow the frequency.

  "<" : decrements the receiver "mode".  eg LSB to USB.  "," works as well so
    no shifting is needed.

  ">" : increments the receiver "mode".  eg USB to LSB.  "." works as well so
    no shifting is needed.

  "[" : decrements the bandwidth.

  "]" : increments the bandwidth.

  " " : (space) refresh the receiver display.  Useful if radio has been changed
    manually. (Not necessary for the 535 except for channel changes).

  "K" : for "Kiwa" - If in LSB or USB, puts the radio in AM with WIDE bandwidth
    (and detunes by 2 khz).  If in AM, puts radio on nearest 5 khz center
    and puts in LSB or USB (depending on the offset) and sets the bandwidth
    to INTER.  Used to toggle high fidelity listening for use with KIWA MAP
    unit.  Unless you answer "yes" to has KIWA MAP unit in building
    CONFIG.DAT file, this command will not appear or work.    This feature is
    not supported for the NRD535.

  "R": for "s-meteR" - applies only for NRD535 users.  Toggles mode of
       displaying the S-Meter reading in the receiver status.  Default is OFF.
       This mode causes an annoying synthesizer (I assume) induced noise in
       USB/LSB/CW/RTTY modes hence the option.



 GRAPHICS COMMANDS:

 For users with NRD535s and with graphics hardware, there is a G(raphics
 option.  Most graphics hardware should work.  Testing included VGA, EGA,
 and CGA.  The following adapters should work but were NOT tested:  MCGA,
 EGA64, EGAMONO, HERCMONO, and PC3270.    This code requires reading the radio's
 S-Meter which is not possible on the NRD525 and hence does not show up on the
 menu for the 525.  From the 535 command menu, select:

  "G" : for "Graphics.  Selecting the Graphics option produces the following
    command menu:

     GRAPHICS:    C(lear, T(ime plot, S(pectral plot, Q(uit

       These commands are as follow:

     "C" for "Clear"

         Clears the graphics screen.

     "T" for "Time plot"

         Produces a time domain plot of the S-Meter output.  This is useful
         for watching signals fade in and out over time.  Units are in dB
         and calibrated to the NRD535 S-Meter.  Hitting the SPACE BAR will
         stop the plotting and return control to the Graphics menu.

     "S" for "Spectral plot"

         Produces a frequency domain plot of the S-Meter output over a user
         specified frequency range.  You will be prompted to enter the
         start and stop frequencies.  The program defaults to -/+ 5khz off
         the current frequency if you wish to hit enter without typing a
         number for the start and stop frequencies.  The sampling is done
         in CW mode using Narrow bandwidth (1000Hz).  The following command
         prompt is displayed when doing Spectral plots:

           COMMANDS: A(verage, C(lear, F(ind, Q(uit

         Hitting "A" for "Average" will plot the average value for each
         frequency.  Typically, after sampling a while, this is useful
         to see signals that might otherwise be in the mud and to filter
         out lighting and modulation effects.  A running average is
         maintained that wieghts each sample equally.

         "C" for "Clear"  clears the screen but does not stop the sampling
         or reset the statistics used in Averaging.

         "Q" for "Quit" returns to the graphics menu.

         The "F" for "Find" command is a special mode that stops scanning
         and allows you to tune the radio either manually or with the
         computer.    This mode allows switching back and forth between the
         main database screen and Find mode.  After selecting "Find, the
         radio will cease scanning,  the radio state will be returned to
         its state prior to entering scan mode, the average Spectral
         response previously computed will be plotted, the radio's current
         status will be displayed at the top of the screen, a green cursor
         will mark the receiver's frequency on the Average plot, and you


         will see the following prompt: (whew!!!)

           FIND: C(ontinue, L(og, Q(uit

         "C" for "Continue" returns to the Spectral scan mode and resumes
         sweeping the receiver.

         "L" for "Log" returns to the main log screen.  Hitting "G" for
         "Graghics from the log screen returns to find mode.  This is a
         very powerful command.  You can tune the radio in "Find" mode to
         some interesting peak, toggle back to the "Log", hit the "*"
         command to find the selected log entry (if this is sorted in
         frequency order).    Further, you can tune around in "Log" mode,
         toggle back to Find mode and the cursor will now be placed on
         the new frequency (if it was in the sweep range).

         Try this command and use the radio controls to change the
         frequency.  You will see the cursor move across the screen as you
         tune and will see a frequency display change at the top of the
         screen.  The radio can also be controlled from the program in this
         mode.  The left and right arrow keys move the frequency up and
         down one sample point at a time.  The TAB keys move this by 25
         sample points.  The + and - keys move the frequency by +/- 5 khz
         as before.  The ususal mode and bandwidth control keys function
         normally in this mode as well.

         Hint: the +/- commands always tune to an exact multiple of 5 khz.
         These can make tuning in an exact frequency much easier than the
         TAB or cursor keys.

         "Q" terminates Find mode and the Spectral plot and returns to the
         main Graphics menu.

         Note:  Spectral plot performance was significantly enhanced by
         using the auto-frequency increment mode in the 535 and taking a
         large number of samples between display updates.  It is normal for
         a small time lag to occur before the program responds to user
         commands as a result of this.

     "Q" for "Quit"

         Returns control to the main menu and leaves graphics mode.


DATABASE COMMANDS:

This program allows for a set of up to 20 separate databases.  These are
selected with the Journal command (described later).  One database is displayed
at a time.  The status line at the bottom of the display will show the "active"
log.  When you switch logs, the program remembers the previous log which is
shown as the "inactive" log.  Commands described below allow hot keying between
these logs and copying data from the inactive log.  A highlighted line shows
the position in the database.  Cursor control keys move about in the database
as do "pageup" and "pagedn" keys.  "Control-pageup" and "control-pagedn" keys
page by 10 pages at a time.  The "home" key takes you to the top of the
database.  Likewise the "end" takes you to the end.  The following commands
affect the "active" log.


"L" for "Log":

     "Logs" a new entry in the "active" database.  Time stamp and radio contents
      are provided automatically.  User is placed in "Edit mode" at the call
      sign location.  Enter the call sign and hit the "tab" key to enter the
      location.  Hit the "tab" key again to enter a comment.

      Note: This comment field is contained on a different "page".  (See the
        "Page" command).


"C" for "Confirm":

     "Confirms" and existing log entry.  Date is updated to current date.  If
     time is outside "Start" and "End" time fields, these are changed.  The
     contents of the radio are polled and this data is updated.  (Particularly
     valuable for drifting stations).

     Note: The time algorithms are rather simple minded.  Mostly they do the
       right thing.


"T" for "Tune":

     "Tunes" the radio from the highlighted database entry.


"*"  This command finds the first database entry with the same (or higher)
     frequency that the radio is set to.  Sort of the opposite of the "Tune"
     command.


"E" for "Edit":

     Because the program uses commands, you cannot just type over database
     entries without using this mode.  The edit field will be highlighted and
     the entry can be changed.    "Home" takes you to the beginning of the field;
     "End" takes you to the end.  The "insert" and "delete" keys work.  When
     finished, hit "enter" or use a "tab" key to bounce to the next field.



"P" for "Page":

     Each database entry is displayed horizontally over three "pages".  Hitting
     the "P" key toggles between these three.  Cursor and Tab keys can be used
     as well.


"D" for "Delete":

     This removes an entry from the database.


"N" for "uNdelete":

     Reverses accidental deletions.  Since subsequent "loggings" use up deleted
     entries, this is best used immediately after an accidental delete.


"S" for "Sort":

     The database can be sorted in ascending order with any two fields.  For
     example, by frequency and by time.  In this example, the database will
     be sorted by frequency with all stations with a common frequency listed
     in time order.

     Note:  For automatic searching on the receiver frequency (see "*", "+",
        and "-") to work properly, the database should be in frequency
        order.

     Note:  This only sorts the active log.  Different logs can be sorted in
        different ways.


"M" for "Mark":

     Marks the current highlighted line.  Displayed in YELLOW.    Moving the
     cursor to another line and pressing "M" again marks a range of lines.
     See the Journal command for usage.


"U" for "Unmark":

     Cancels any marked lines.


"H" for "Help":  Type for help on using this program.

"/":  Selects alternate command prompt.  All commands are always active.



"A" for "Alternate":

     This command allows hot keying between the active and inactive database.
     This will have no effect if there is no inactive database.  (The active
     and inactive databases are displayed on the status line at the bottom
     of the screen).  This is particularly useful for switching between
     a station log and a target log.  The "A" key was selected for its
     keyboard position.


"W" for "Write":

     This command will "write" the log data from the highlighted line for the
     "inactive" (not seen) log to the highlighted area for the active log.
     To illustrate how the "A" and "W" commands might be used, consider this
     example:  It is dawn and you are using your "INDO TARGET" log to search
     for new stations.    You find one!  You use the "Confirm" command to update
     the time and date in the target log and use the Journal command to bring
     up the log you use to keep confirmed catches.  To save time, you don't
     bother to find the "proper" place in this log for this station (you can
     sort it later).  You hit the "W" for "Write" key and the entry appears.
     Now hit the "A" for "Alternate" key and you are back in "INDO TARGET".
     Find another one?    Confirm it and just hit "A" for "Alternate" again to
     toggle back to the main log and use "W" again.

     Note: This creates a new entry and does not overwrite data.

     Note: The Journal "Read", "Write" and "Move" commands may also be used.



"J" for "J(ournal"

     This command will display the various log choices and its own command
     menu:

  Journal: S(elect, C(reate, D(el, I(mport, R(ead, W(rite, M(ove, P(rint, Q(uit

     These commands will now be described:

     "S" for "Select":

     Select a new active database.    You will be prompted to enter the
     name OR the number of the database you which to view.    (Note: This is
     a change.  Earlier versions required entering the name).   This new
     database becomes the active database and the last one becomes the
     inactive one.


     "C" for "Create":

     Creates a new, empty database.


     "D" for "Delete":

     Deletes a database.


     "I" for "Import":

     Imports data from another database:  Currently, only one supported is
     Tom Sundstrom's English language database.  To accomplish this, copy
     the file SWSKED.DBF into the NRD subdirectory and select "J" for
     "Journal" then "I" for "Import".  This file is NOT included and must
     be purchased from TRS Consultants.  To receive more information on
     Tom's  program, send a #10 SASE to Thomas R. Sundstrom PO Box 2275,
     Vincentown, NJ 08088-2275, USA or FAX [phone] or call the
     Pinelands BBS on [phone]. .  Tom offers an update service.  MY
     PROGRAM ASSUMES THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE UPDATE PROCEDURE HIS
     DOCUMENTATION CALLS FOR PRIOR TO USE.

     "W" for "Write":

     Writes marked lines to database you select.


     "M" for "Move":

     Like "Write" but deletes the marked lines from the source log after
     copying them to the new log.


     "P" for "Print":

     Prints a copy of the database in compressed print to LPT1:

     "Q" for "Quit":

     Leave Journal and return to database.    Currently same as Select
     command.



ABOUT THE DATABASE SAMPLE:

I include my personal log (called, somewhat unimaginatively "LOG") as a sample.
In practice, I use this to record stations as I hear (or rehear) them and use
other logs for specific target areas.  You can very quickly tune through a list
of INDOs at dawn by creating a special target file, for example and it's easy
to copy entries from one database to another.  You will probably want to start
over with your own log.  If you do some programming and have a computer log in
some other format, it's not hard to map over using the included source code.
(My original database was Lotus 1-2-3).


MICROSOFT WINDOWS:

NRD can be used with Microsoft Windows.  I use NRD in one window and the
wonderful GEOCLOCK program in another.    (See NASWA Listener's Library May 1990
for John Bryant's review on GEOCLOCK -- get this program and register it in
order to get all the extra maps!!!). The file NRD.ICO and GEOCLOCK.ICO are
icons for use with windows.


PERFORMANCE HINTS:

Using Disk Cache programs really help.    As you delete and add entries over
time, the database will become fragmented and you may notice some degradation.
To remedy, first back up the data files (using DOS), then mark all entries (put
the cursor on the top line and hit "M" for "Mark", go to the last entry and hit
"M again -- all lines should be Yellow now if you have a color monitor).  Next
hit "J" for "Journal", Create a new database ("C" for "Create), and select "W"
for "Write".  When the program asks for "Log to write to:", enter the name of
the database you just created.    Next delete the old database.  This process
copies the old log to the new one and eliminates any fragmentation.  In
practice, this process is rarely needed.

SAVING DISK SPACE:

Turbo Pascal Source and library files may be deleted to save space.  DEL *.TPU
and DEL *.INC and DEL *.PAS will clean these files.


OTHER RADIOS:

All routines for the receiver control are isolated in the NRDIO.PAS file and
the intention was to minimize receiver dependent code to simplify the task of
porting this to other receivers.  A global variable: radio_type of type word
is used to distinguish different radios and this concept should be used when
adding a new radio.  Today, supported values are 525 and 535.


FEEDBACK PLEASE:

I'm interested in feedback on the program and ideas for how to make it better.
If you make changes to the program, please comment your changes well and upload
with a name that distinguishes it from NRD so we don't get confused.  I can be
contacted at:

            Tom Whiteside [phone]
            11505 Oak View
            Austin, TX 78759


I will also be on the Pineland's BBS [phone] from time to time.  Hope
you enjoy NRD!


Fixes:

    Rev 2.1  12-02-90  Oops, original upload had the offset to GMT hardwired
               for Central Time Zone.  Offset is not stored in the
               Config.dat file.  Fixed a minor bug where homing
               left the cursor at the bottom of the page rather than
               the top.

    Rev 2.2 12-25-90   Added feature to allow com port 0 --- allows demoing the
               program if you don't have an NRD525 or a working serial
               link to it.

    Rev 2.3 12-26-90   Improved error recovery if receiver is off

    Rev 2.4 03-01-91   Embarrasment preventing use with monochrome monitors
               fixed.

    Rev 2.5 03-23-91   Added Import command to Journal.  Allows subscribers
               to "import" Tom Sundstrom's English Language data
               to an NRD journal entitled: "SWSKED"

    Rev 2.6 03-30-91   Added concept of "Active" and "Inactive" logs and the
               ability to write between them.  "*" command added.
               Fixed potential hang condition in comreadln (com port
               read line).  Deleted non-useful and dangerous Read
               command from Journal.

    Rev 3.0 04-26-91   modified for 535

    Rev 3.1 04-27-91   Fixed program hang if user incorrectly enters the db
               name in "Journal".  Added continuous update of receiver
               status display for the 535

    Rev 3.2 05-12-91   Added S-meter to 535; changed mode order to AM -> ECSS_U;
               Added graphics command for 535; misc bug fixes for 535;

    Rev 3.3 05-19-91   Enhancements to graphics - commands for spectral and
               time displays.  Performance enhancement to spectral plot

    Rev 3.4 05-31-91   By popular demand, journals can be selected by either
               name OR number.    (Previous versions required typing the
               name).
               Several bug fixes:  Previous versions allowed the cursor
               to go below the last record with some wierd side effects.
               Importing DB files from Tom Sundstrom's English Language
               DB did NOT put a value in the attenuator column.  (This
               caused entries to NOT be loadable on the NRD535).
               Fixed misc bugs in Journal.  Hopefully no more I/O
               errors.
               Added date and time stamp to the status line (kudos to
               Micheal Graver for this and numerous other good
               suggestions).