Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-20/winwas11.zip/README.TXT

Text File | 1993-07-22 | 8KB | 127 lines

Windows WAS MAP v 1.1                        22 July 1993
Copyright (c) 1993 by John Kirkham, KC4B. All rights reserved.

WHAT IS Windows WAS MAP?
Windows WAS MAP is a computerized version of the blank US maps that for a long
time hams have loved to color in as they work new states.  There is increased
interest in working all states on various bands and modes with awards for 5 Band
WAS, Single Bands,  SSB, CW, OSCAR, SSTV, RTTY, etc.  Windows WAS MAP
gives you a colorful display of your "states worked status" for each of 20 types of
WAS Awards.  It is designed to be run entirely with a mouse; however shortcut keys
are provided.  It can easily be used to keep track of your status  It works easily with
manual record keeping as easily as computer logs.  (You still have to set each
state with a simple mouse click).  I personally keep my cards in a file cabinet and
use Windows WAS MAP to keep track of the status.  Since it is a Windows program
you can have it quickly available to check your status by running it in the
background and using Alt. Tab to retrieve it.  Load up Windows WAS MAP and start
keeping track of your status as you work toward various WAS awards,

REMINDER
Windows WAS MAP is a copyrighted program released as shareware.  You have
permission to use it only for one month trial without registering it.  If you find it
useful and plan to use it longer please register it as described below.  You may
freely copy and distribute it only if you include this README.TXT file. Standard,
reasonable copying fees may be charged by vendors for its distribution.

REGISTRATION
I hope that you find the program useful.  If you do and plan to use it for more than
one month please register it by sending the registration fee of $5.00 to:

        John Kirkham, KC4B
        10920 Byrd Drive
        Fairfax, VA 22030

For this registration you will also receive a free update of the next version of the
program mailed to you at no charge.  Please specify the version you have and
whether you need a 3 1/2 inch disk or a 5 1/4 inch disk.  I already have several
improvements in mind for the next version and I solicit your suggestions with your
registration.  Ask about a personalized edition with your call sign and your
selection of Band/Modes if you are interested. I am considering offering such an
addition at a slight additional charge.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
You must have a computer that runs Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later to run
this program.  It may work with Windows 3.0 but there are no promises. The faster
computer you have the faster the program will run.  I have tried it on a 12 MHz 286
with 1MByte of extended memory using Windows 3.1 in standard mode and its
speed is adequate but not fast.  I developed it on a 33 MHz 386 with 8MBytes and
it runs very well on it.  Please let me know your experiences with other hardware.

GETTING STARTED
Installing Windows WAS MAP is very simple.  You must copy the files -
WASMAP.EXE; WASMAP.DAT; and BWCC.DLL to a directory on your hard disk ( I
suggest creating a directory called WINWAS.)  Next you should install the Program
in a Program Group.    Simply click on the background of the group in which you
wish to have the icon stored. Next choose New from the File Menu.  Select the
Program Item button and click OK.  In the Description box type the identifier that
you wish to appear under the icon.  (e.g. WIN WAS)  In the Command Line box type
the path to the directory where you copied the files followed by WINWAS.EXE (e.g.
C:\WINWAS\WINWAS.EXE)  In the Working Directory box type the path to the
directory where you copied the files.  (e.g. C:\WINWAS)  Then click OK.  The icon
should appear in the group you selected.  Simply double click the icon to start the
program.

USING Windows WAS MAP
The program's use is simple.  The Band menu item (or Alt. B) brings up a
band/mode dialog.  Simply select the button of the band/mode whose display you
wish to see and select OK.  If you select OK without selecting any buttons the
display will remain as it was.  To change the states you have worked select the
States menu item (or push Alt. S) to get the states dialog box.  Check the states you
have worked and remove checks for those you have not worked.  Note: clicking on
a state or check box will toggle the check mark on or off.  There are setting two
buttons: one for setting all the states and the other for clearing all the states.  If you
make a mistake in this box and want to start over you can click the Cancel button
and the changes you made will not take effect.  Click the OK button when you have
finished checking the states for the band you selected.  When you leave the
program either by the Exit menu item or by the system box you will be asked if you
want to save the changes you have made.  If you say yes the next time you run the
program you will find it starts the way you left it.  If you say no the changes will be
lost.  The program as distributed initially has all the states on 160 meters checked.
It comes up is All Band mode.  This is to show you the colors you will get as you
check the states.  (Note:  In All Band mode the State dialog is disabled.  If you
check a state on any band/mode it will be checked on the All Band mode.)  If you
save your changes you can keep the program current with your own states worked
status.  I'm sorry to say help is not yet available.

THE MECHANICS
Windows WAS MAP was written in Borland C++ using Object Windows Libraries.  It
used the Borland Custom Controls (hence the BWCC.DLL file).  I used this program
as a way to learn Windows programming and it may not use the most efficient
code, but it seems to do the job.  I am pleased with this my first Windows
programming effort.  As a new shareware author my future efforts depend on your
support.  Please let me know your comments, problems, and suggestions.  As I
stated above I hope to have a new version out when I get enough feedback as to
the problems and limitations of this one.

KNOWN PROBLEMS
The only problem I have found at this time is the fact that when you switch from
another program to Windows WAS MAP some of the fill areas do not refill.  This is
because if the fill point I have chosen is outside of the area needing re-drawing so
it will not fill into the area which was re-drawn.  If you click on the Refresh menu
item (or push Alt. R) you will get a new map display.

CHANGES FROM v 1.0 to v 1.1 (22 July 1993)
    The main change is to the Bands.  It has been expanded from 10 Bands to
20 Band/Modes.  The ICON has been improved.  (The original COMPUSERVE
upload had a development icon.)  An additional ICON is in the .EXE file and can be
chosen by program manager if you wish;  however, the flag icon is the one used
when the program is minimized.  The State dialog now has buttons for selection all
of the states or clearing all of the states.  This should improve your initial setup.  I
added the Refresh menu item to handle the fill problem.  Also if you exit without
making any changes you will not be asked if you want to save your changes.  The
map has changed slightly.  Lake Okeechobee in FL and the Great Salt Lake in UT
have been added and the coloration in the Alaska panhandle has been improved.
The message boxes now use the Borland controls.

FUTURE PLANS
I have several ideas in mind for future editions.  Some of them are:
    A third choice for states worked but whose cards are not yet in hand.
    (gray or hatched coloring)
    Additional band/modes.  Let me know what you need.
    Color control.  In case you didn't like the ones I chose.
    Personalized.  Your call sign in place of WIN WAS.
    Help files.  Possibly README access from program.
I am open to your suggestions for other modifications/enhancements.

                Good luck on your WAS awards and 73, John KC4B.