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Text File | 1991-07-18 | 24KB | 495 lines

QQSL(tm) REVISION HISTORY ========================= Version 4.1 (07/18/91): - The 3-label limit in the evaluation version has been removed, thanks to the input from MANY users! - "Commercial breaks" have been introduced, but only in the evaluation version. These screen displays have been designed to be a reminder, rather than an irritant. See "About the Evaluation Version" in QQSL.DOC for full details. Thanks to network television for the inspiration. - Added support for K8CC's NA, version 6.02, including the Novice Roundup contest. This includes supporting the new NA bands 222 MHz, 432 MHz, and 1.2 GHz. Programming for NA version 6.02 while maintaining support for older versions was a much BIGGER task than you would ever believe - shame on you Dave for making so many changes to the QSO file format! - The mouse flicker has been 99% removed. Hopefully, the remaining 1% won't be a nuisance to anyone! - The DOS "TYPE" command will now print QQSL.DOC correctly on a laser printer, assuming that the printer is set to the facto- ry default of 60 lines/page, 10 characters/inch. - There is now an "About" function on the smaller of the two main menus. Thanks to Windows 3.0 for the idea. - The registration fee has been raised to $19.95. This price increase became necessary because I've had over $1,000 in expenses during the last two months directly related to QQSL development. For what it's worth though, I feel that the program has been worth this much (or more) ever since version 3.0 was introduced. Many users have echoed this sentiment by overpaying - how about you <HI!>? - Changed 440 MHz to 432 MHz. Version 4.0 (06/12/91): - * All "BIN" files created by the K1EA "CT" program can now be imported into QQSL. This includes BIN files created during these contests: ARRL 10 Meter Contest ARRL 160 Meter Contest ARRL DX Contest, DX Side ARRL DX Contest, W/VE Side ARRL Field Day ARRL Sweepstakes CQ WPX Contest CQWW 160 Meter Contest CQWW Contest (including the CQWW RTTY) DX'pedition Logs (including RTTY) WAE Contest See QQSL.DOC for full details on using this new capability. * The one exception is the ARRL VHF QSO Party, which is not supported because CT does not include mode information in the BIN file. - 220 MHz has been changed to 222 MHz, in order to align with the new FCC band allocations. - 902 MHz has been added as a valid input to the MHz field. Additionally, I added the following bands, all of which are in the GHz frequency range: 1.2G, 2.3G, 3.4G, 5.7G, 10G, 24G, and 48G. If anyone has any need for frequencies beyond 48 GHz, let me know and I'll gladly incorporate their choices. But, I personally plan to avoid the UHF bands, as lead underwear is a bit expensive at the local Sears - just kidding <HI!>. Version 3.6 (05/01/91): - * All "QSO" files created by the K8CC "NA" program can now be imported into QQSL. This includes QSO files created during these contests: ARRL 10 Meter Contest ARRL 160 Meter Contest ARRL Field Day ARRL Sweepstakes CQWW 160 Meter Contest IARU HF Championship North America QSO Party North America Sprint See QQSL.DOC for full details on using this new capability. * NA versions prior to 5.00 created files with the extension NAF. This format is not compatible with QQSL. Fortunately though, K8CC has provided the user with a program to convert NAF files to the QSO format. This program is called CONVERT.EXE and is included with all versions of NA beginning with 5.00. Use this program to convert all your NAF files to QSO files before importing these files into QQSL. - Individual field edits for the Add/Create form have been substantially speeded up. Now, many errors are caught imme- diately, rather than after you press [F6] to save the label. Of course, validations requiring cross referencing of various fields are still performed after pressing [F6]. - The closing routines for both QQSL and QQSLCFG have been modified. Now, rather than ending with the last display still remaining on the screen, both programs go through a brief animation before clearing the screen. - To improve continuity, the date in the upper-left corner of the screen is now in the same format as that on the labels. - All prompts to "Press any key" will now be automatically activated if the user does nothing for 60 seconds. - Either mouse button may now also be used in response to "Press any key" requests. - Prompts requiring a "Y" or "N" response from the user - [y/N] now show a flashing cursor under the default entry. - All "[y/N]" prompts now default to 'N'. - Prompts requiring a 'Y' or 'N' response will now accept a press of a mouse button to enter the default response. For example, when you select the Delete function from the main menu, the program responds with "Delete QQSL.LBL...are you sure? [y/N]". The default response is 'N', as indicated by the capital letter and the flashing cursor. Pressing either mouse button is the same as pressing the 'N' key. - I've added a "type ahead" capability to the Add/Create function. Now, you may continue typing information for the next label after saving (pressing F6) the current one. You faster typists will appreciate this new feature! - The clock for CGA users has been restored. See changes for version 3.3 (itemized below) to see why this feature had been removed. Additionally, CGA users will note that the "/S" (snow removal) now works properly. But, it may no longer be necessary to invoke this option as I have programed in rou- tines which should automatically detect CGA and invoke snow removal. Give it a try both ways and see if you still need this parameter! - Mouse functionality has stabilized, although I didn't program to mouse to simulate arrow keys as I had previously planned. See changes for version 3.3 (itemized below) to see why this feature had been removed. - The capability to terminate label printing prior to comple- tion with the <Esc> key has been removed. This routine turned out to be very complex to maintain, and was largely a useless feature (in my opinion). Additionally, there was an obscure bug which was giving me headaches. Rather than continuing support for this useless function, I trashed it! - Converted function libraries from TCXL 5.51 to TCXL 5.52. At face value, it looks like this should have been an easy task. But, there were many differences between the old and new versions and the effort required was substantial. As a user, the only difference you'll notice from this change is that the programs are larger, but still "Quick" - <HI!>. From my viewpoint, the program is "stronger", less likely to cause problems in the future, and easier to maintain. Version 3.5 (03/19/91): - QQSLCFG has been totally rewritten. It now incorporates windows, window shadows, monochrome compatibility, and a small input form. This rewrite was done for three reasons: 1. QQSLCFG is now used only to register QQSL, but I have tentative plans to incorporate additional configuration items in the future. The new program will more readily accommodate these planned changes. 2. In its old form, QQSLCFG was only able to configure programs of 57,000 bytes (characters) or less. Since this limitation was fast approaching, some form of rewrite was needed anyway. The new configuration program will handle any size program! 3. QQSL utilizes a "spiffy" interface, whereas the old configuration program was "blah"! The new look sup- ports the professional image conveyed by QQSL. - The "aLign printer" function has been added to the main menu. This function is used to print a single dummy label, and may be executed as many times as it takes to correctly align continuous-form labels in your printer. - If you press <Esc> while labels are printing, QQSL will present you with the message "Quit Print? [Y/n]", thereby giving you the opportunity to terminate printing early. - The use of the [F10] key (exit back to the Main Menu) has been eliminated from both the Add/Create and the Modify form, the <Esc> key now serves this function. For those of you who may wonder why I did this, it was because there was a partic- ularly obscure bug associated with the use of the [F10] key. Since this bug did not affect the <Esc> key, and because both keys were supposed to serve the same function, I dropped the [F10] code from the program rather than continue to try to support a function which was both redundant and "buggy". - An input error on the Add/Create form would result in the RS(T) being set back to 59(9). Fixed! - LU/K6XYZ is a sample of a valid call which would generate an error. Fixed! - Converted the program from Turbo C++ Professional to Borland C++ Professional. With this new compiler, there is now the possibility that QQSL can someday be converted into a "pure" Microsoft Windows program. - Optimized some of the Add/Create routines. Version 3.4 (02/28/91): - Converted from Microsoft's QuickC programming language to Borland's Turbo C++ Professional. As a user, you may see no differences at all from this specific change. But, from the programmer's viewpoint, I now have a program which is much more able to take advantage of new technology as it comes along and is more portable between various computers. - <Esc> handling has been substantially improved. Additional- ly, the right mouse button now correctly simulates the <Esc> key. - Fixed a problem with the Add/Create form that was causing the initial year to display incorrectly. - JA labels now sort EXACTLY in "Callbook" order. Thanks to KK6XN for the problem report. - The character which separates lines in the QQSL.LBL file has been changed from "~" to "$". This was needed as part of an overhaul of the Sort function. - The disappearing cursor for those using CGA monitors has been fixed. Thanks to KK6XN and K4PRT for the bug reports. - The Sort function now checks the current directory and the PATH directories for SORTF.COM before proceeding. If this program is not found, an error message is displayed. - In addition to deleting QQSL.LBL, the Delete function now deletes QQSL.BAK (if found). - Partial mouse support has been recovered. I'll consider mouse support fully restored when mouse movements produce the same results as arrow key presses. You'll notice that the mouse cursor flickers, but please note this will not affect its functionality. - The /M parameter now suppresses window "shadows". These shadows look great on color monitors, but seem to actually detract from readability with monochrome monitors! - Registration fees have been raised $1.00, to $15.95. The higher cost of supplies (particularly postage) has caused this change! Those paying with IRC's will still only need to send 30. Version 3.3 (01/17/91): - Converted extended function libraries from CXL 5.2 to TCXL 5.5. As a user, the only differences you should see from this change are a slightly smaller QQSL.EXE program and you may detect a tiny speed increase. From the programmer's standpoint - the program is much closer to ANSI standard C, the functions are "tighter", and I now have many new func- tions available to use with future versions of QQSL. In other words, the future for QQSL is looking great! - The Modify function has been strengthened. Thanks to TCXL 5.5 for leading me to the discovery of a couple of weaknesses in the program! - The History Section of QQSL.DOC has been made into a separate file and named HISTORY.DOC. Versions have been listed in reverse order so that the latest revisions are always at the top. - The /N parameter now turns ALL the sound off, both for regis- tered and non-registered users. - The /M parameter now suppresses the QQSL's in the background "wallpaper", as this doesn't look that great on a monochrome monitor. TNX to N4HHZ for your observations. - Mouse support has been temporarily removed, since I've locat- ed a bug in an external function used by the mouse routines. I've been in touch with the author who has pinpointed the location of the problem and informed me that it will be fixed with the next version (whenever this may be) of his program. If this fix were within QQSL, it would be a top priority for me. But because it's in someone else's program, it's beyond my control. The loss of the mouse interface should be con- sidered a MINOR inconvenience, because as I mentioned in the below version 3.2 revision history: I personally don't feel that the mouse is a useful tool outside of a graphic environ- ment. - I've located a bug in another external function which causes the "/S" (snow removal) parameter to work improperly on CGA displays when the on-screen clock in the upper right-hand corner is running. I'm in touch with the author on this problem also, but in the interim, users who invoke CGA snow removal by using the /S parameter will have their clock automatically disabled. This problem will have no effect on users other than those using CGA displays. For those, this should be considered a MINOR inconvenience, and it will be corrected as soon as debugged functions are received. But as with the previous bug, the fix is beyond my control. Version 3.2 (11/11/90): - SWL labels may now be produced. - Many new edits and cross validations have been written to accommodate the new SWL label capability. - QQSLCFG has been written and included with the QQSL Sfx file. This program will greatly improve the registration process for newly registered users and for previous users who need to "uncripple" a newer version of QQSL. - Mouse support is now provided. I did this just as for the programming experience, but I personally don't feel that the mouse is a useful tool outside of a graphic environment. Of course with a GUI (Graphic User Interface), the mouse is great! - The RS(T) will automatically change back to 59 or 599 (depending on mode) after [F6] is pressed to save a label. - The time field on the Add/Create form has been moved so that it now precedes the date. Entry should be greatly speeded up by this change. TNX to N3US for the suggestion. - The disappearing main menu for non-registered users printing less than three labels has been fixed. In retrospect, I'd guess that this bug has cost me quite a few potential new users! TNX to KK6XN for the bug report. - Call sign validation strengthened. Version 3.1 (10/09/90): - QQSL now sorts in "Callbook" sequence. At first glance, you might not think this would have been a difficult programming task, but it increased the size of the source program by over 200 lines and should be considered a MAJOR enhancement! - Registered users not using the /N parameter and all nonregis- tered users will get a Morse "73" at the end. - The four "up tones" when saving labels, etc., have been changed to only two. I decided that four tones were a bit overbearing <HI>! - Sample Modify label smoothed up. - Improved call sign validation. - /M parameter added, resulting in improved monochrome capabil- ity. QQSL now looks good on a laptop computer. TNX to WA5DTK for the problem report. - The Add/Create form is now initialized with sample entries in all fields (except Call sign). - Added moving bars to Sort and Add/Create [F6] save functions. - The third number (9) for all RS(T) reports is now automati- cally provided for AMTOR, CW, Packet, and RTTY, and removed for both FM and SSB. - Now including assorted files for those who want to run QQSL as a DOS program under Windows 3.0. Also included are some other ham-related icons for Windows users. See your Windows 3.0 documentation for information on using these files. - By popular demand, QQSL.DOC is now formatted for printing on a printer rather than for online viewing. TNX to KC4B for providing the impetus to make this change. - Massive documentation changes. Hummm - I wonder if I should have called this version 4.0 rather than 3.1? There were a LOT of beneficial changes made to the program. Oh well, I'll try to be a bit more conservative next revision <HI!>. Version 3.0 (09/09/90): - Windowing techniques, bar menus, and input forms, have been added. QQSL is now a VERY "user-friendly" program. - Extensive use of colors. QQSL now looks great! - QQSL "wallpaper" added to all screens. Thanks to Microsoft Windows 3.0 for the inspiration! - Changed QQSL.PIF to QQSL.INF in order to prevent any confu- sion when using Microsoft Windows. - Changed QQSL.LOG to QQSL.LBL to eliminate a naming conflict. - RS(T) no longer limited to 59 or 599. TNX to WA5DTK and others for "twisting my arm" on this one <HI>! - Extensive user edit control is now available in the Modify and the Add/Create functions. - Modify is easier to understand since a sample label is now shown as part of function. - All fields in the Add/Create form now remain after the label is saved, resulting in greatly speeded up data entry. TNX to N6QCM, N3US, and others for your input on this enhancement. - Data validation is MUCH more thorough than in earlier ver- sions. - Meaningful sounds added. /N parameter included for those who want a silent program. - Print limited to three labels for unregistered programs. Sorry, I dislike "crippled" programs as much as the next person. But even though I have fielded hundreds of questions relating to version 2.0, registrations were poor. This is the only way I have to "fight back"! - MASSIVE documentation changes. Version 2.1 (Not released to the public): - SORTF 2.35 replaces SORTF 2.32. - Fine tuned some of the routines. Version 2.0 (01/25/90): - QQSL no longer prints each label as it is entered, instead a file named QQSL.LBL is created on hard disk (or floppy disk- ette). This file can be added to, printed, etc., as neces- sary. - The QQSL.INF file can now be modified from within QQSL. - Labels can be counted before printing. - Labels can be sorted before printing. - Labels are counted as they print. - Three new modes have been added. - Seven new bands have been added. - A separate copyright screen has been added. - The program is now Shareware. - Advertisement added to end. You can register QQSL to make it go away <HI!>. - The source is no longer included. - MASSIVE documentation changes. Version 1.0 (10/18/89): - Initial release, source included.