Shareware Overload/ShartewareOverload.cdr/database/bcast100.zip/BCAST.MAN

Text File | 1991-11-18 | 43KB | 990 lines

              DAILY SOLAR GEOPHYSICAL DATA BROADCAST PROCESSOR
                      DATA BASE MANAGER - USERS MANUAL

                                VERSION 1.0


               Copyright (c) 1991 Solar Terrestrial Dispatch



























































              DAILY SOLAR GEOPHYSICAL DATA BROADCAST PROCESSOR
                      DATA BASE MANAGER - USERS MANUAL

                                VERSION 1.0


               Copyright (c) 1991 Solar Terrestrial Dispatch



   1.  Introduction

        The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch (STD) recently began  providing  a
   comprehensive  set of daily solar geophysical indices to the public in
   the form of a product known  as  the  "Daily  Solar  Geophysical  Data
   Broadcast"  (SGDB).   The  data  and indices contained in the SGDB are
   very valuable to persons interested in  ionospheric  radio  communica-
   tions,  solar  activity,  auroral activity, related geomagnetic events
   and even atmospheric phenomena.  The  datsets  are  used  by  a  large
   number  of professional research institutions and astronomical organi-
   zations to aid in the study of such things as the  Earths  atmosphere,
   the Earths magnetic field, solar and space research, etc.

        It was clearly evident that such a large set  of  data  would  be
   more  useful  if it could be archived and studied over time.  In order
   to satisfy  this  need,  the  Solar  Terrestrial  Dispatch  began  the
   development  of  a  software package which would automatically extract
   all of the relevant data from the SGDBs and archive them to  disk  for
   analysis  and study.  This software became known as "BCAST", the Solar
   Geophysical Data BroadCAST Processor and Database Manager.

        BCAST provides complete archive and database management capabili-
   ties  in  a  user-friendly  and  easily operated environment.  It will
   automatically maintain a fully sorted archive of  the  data  sets  for
   instant  recall  or graphical analysis.  It will also produce detailed
   summaries of the datasets in laymans terms which may  be  printed  out
   and distributed or filed away.

        BCAST also provides a  powerful  "batch"  processing  feature  to
   automatically archive large numbers of SGDBs in one simple step.

        Included with the BCAST software is a complete copy of every SGDB
   report produced since its inception to the date the BCAST software was
   released.  All of the SGDB reports are archived at several  sites  and
   may  also be obtained from our computer BBS at: [phone].  Using
   the "batch" function of the BCAST software, you will easily be able to
   create a complete archive of the data contained in these SGDB reports.

        Also included with BCAST is our extensive document "Understanding
   Solar  Terrestrial Reports" and the supplement "Glossary of Solar Ter-
   restrial Terms."  These  documents  have  helped  many  people  better



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                                   - 2 -


   understand  the impact the Sun has on phenomena and conditions here on
   Earth as well as the language and jargon used to describe conditions.

        The database generated and  maintained  by  BCAST  will  let  you
   analyze  and  study  the  cyclical  behavior  of  such things as solar
   activity, geomagnetic activity, and ionospheric disturbances.  You may
   also  be  able to anticipate the future behavior of the indices.  This
   is invaluable to those who, for example, are interested in  predicting
   when  radio  communications  will be optimum, or when auroral activity
   may again be observed, or when the next group of hot solar regions  is
   due to rotate into view.

        These, and other features of the BCAST software provide you  with
   all of the tools necessary to closely monitor conditions on your own.

   2.  The SGDB Data Sets

        The Solar Geophysical Data Broadcasts (SGDBs) released  daily  by
   the  Solar  Terrestrial  Dispatch  are composed of a number of compact
   textual lines.  In order to fully describe the meaning  of  each  com-
   ponent  of  each  line in the SGDBs, a document was created which goes
   through the data sets line by line, component by component.

        A complete copy of this descriptive document may be found in  the
   file  "SGDB.DOC".   For  those who are interested in understanding the
   format of the SGDB reports, this document will be invaluable.

   3.  The Shareware Concept

        Shareware is a unique method of distributing  computer  software.
   Programs  are  developed  and freely distributed throughout the world.
   The programs provide you with an idea of  their  operation  and  their
   features, but restrict access to certain key features until the person
   interested pays for the software.

        BCAST is not  free.   A  considerable  amount  of  our  time  and
   resources  have been expended to develop this software package, not to
   mention the large number of resources which are regularly dedicated to
   produce the daily data sets.

        In order to be able to continue providing these daily  data  sets
   and  software  to  use them, it is important that we recover our costs
   for providing these services.  In order to accomplish  this,  we  have
   based  the BCAST software on the shareware theme and will require pay-
   ment from those who wish to use all of its capabilities.

        The BCAST  software  package  is  freely  distributed  as  "Unre-
   gistered"  software.   To purchase the software so all of its features
   may be used, it must be registered.  The only way to  accomplish  this
   is  to send a cheque or money order for $28.00 dollars (in Canadian or
   U.S. funds) to:






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                                   - 3 -



                          Solar Terrestrial Dispatch
                                 P.O. Box 357
                          Stirling, Alberta, Canada
                                   T0K 2E0


        All funds should be remitted to the "Solar Terrestrial Dispatch".
   U.S.   cheques  or money orders are acceptable.  A sample registration
   form is contained  with  this  software  package  under  the  filename
   "REGISTER.DOC".   You may print out a copy and mail it to us with your
   payment, if desired.

        Upon receipt of your registration request and  payment,  we  will
   immediately  send  you the necessary instructions to make your copy of
   the BCAST software a registered copy, along with your unique registra-
   tion  I.D.  number.   Thereafter,  you  will  be able to use the BCAST
   software without limitation.

        If you have an email address on one of  the  larger  INTERNET  or
   BITNET  networks,  include  your  address(es)  with  your registration
   request so we can contact you through e-mail.  If you  don't  have  an
   e-mail address or if you fail to include it with your payment, we will
   notify you through postal mail.

   4.  Starting Up BCAST

        There are two ways you can invoke BCAST.  The easiest  method  is
   simply  to  type  "BCAST"  at your DOS command line prompt.  This will
   immediately load the program and execute it.   The  second  method  of
   invoking  BCAST is through the use of the "batch" feature for process-
   ing multiple SGDB data sets quickly and easily.  This feature will  be
   described later.

        In order for BCAST to be able to find the various  support  files
   it  requires  for normal operation (ex. the database file), you should
   execute BCAST in the directory where the BCAST database  file  exists.
   When  you  are maintaining a database, BCAST expects to find the data-
   base file with the filename: "DATASETS.DAT".  BCAST will  not  utilize
   the  database  if this file cannot be found in the same directory that
   you execute BCAST.

        After you have executed BCAST, a title  page  should  appear  on-
   screen.   If  you  have  registered  your  copy  of  BCAST,  the  word
   "Registered" will appear on the title  page.   If  you  have  not  yet
   registered  your  copy  of  BCAST,  the  word  "Unregistered"  will be
   displayed.  Unregistered copies of BCAST are heavily  limited  in  the
   number of functions which may be performed, in order to help encourage
   payment for the program.

        Pressing any key will move you from the title page screen to  the
   main  menu  screen.  This screen has four major functions which may be
   selected using the arrow keys.  Each function is discussed below.




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                                   - 4 -


   4.1.  Processing Data Sets

        To select this function, use the left or right arrow  keys  until
   the  function  "Process  Data  Sets" is highlighted, then hit the down
   arrow key or press ENTER.

        This function simply extracts all of  the  information  from  the
   textual  SGDB file and converts the data into a form which can be more
   easily used by the computer.

        Use this function when you need to incorporate a  new  SGDB  data
   set  into  your  database,  or  to extract the information for display
   using the second function of the main menu (Review Data Set).

        You will be asked for the name of the file  containing  the  SGDB
   data  set.  Simply supply the name of the file and press ENTER.  BCAST
   will automatically find the dataset (even if the dataset is buried  in
   another  text file such as a mail message or a descriptive report) and
   process it.

        During the processing phase, BCAST checks to make sure  that  you
   are  using  a  version of BCAST which is compatible with the SGDB data
   set being processed.  It also checks every line of the SGDB report  to
   ensure  that  it is properly formatted.  If BCAST finds anything unex-
   pected or anomalous with the data set it is processing, it reports  it
   on-screen.   Depending  on the severity of the anomaly detected, BCAST
   may terminate with a Fatal Error (ex. return you  to  the  DOS  prompt
   with  an  explanation)  or simply warn you and continue processing the
   data set.

        If all goes well, BCAST will almost instantly  load  the  textual
   SGDB  data set into memory.  Once the data set has been processed, you
   are free to do a number of things.  You may display the dataset in  an
   easier  to  understand format on-screen.   Or you may wish to save the
   dataset to your database for future analysis.  You may also want BCAST
   to  create  a detailed summary of the data set on disk, or graphically
   analyze the data.  Once you have loaded a dataset into memory, you are
   free to do almost anything.

   4.2.  Displaying Data Sets On-Screen

        After a SGDB dataset has been loaded from disk into  memory,  you
   may  choose to display the data on-screen in a much friendlier format.
   The second main menu function, "Display Data Set"  provides  you  with
   this capability.

        This feature automatically decodes the various acronyms  used  in
   the textual SGDB reports and displays their meanings on-screen in lay-
   mans terms.  It provides screenful upon screenful of  useful  informa-
   tion regarding the dataset by interpreting the contents and explaining
   or displaying them.

        The first and possibly second screens displayed by BCAST are sum-
   maries  of  the warnings and alerts which were in progress at the time



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   the SGDB data set was compiled  at  the  Solar  Terrestrial  Dispatch.
   These  warnings and alerts which are displayed do not go into any sig-
   nificant detail.  In fact, this section of the SGDB report is the only
   section  which  is  not  copied verbosely into the computer during the
   processing phase.  In other words, the details of each warning  and/or
   alert  are  not  processed.   The reason for this is to keep the BCAST
   database file down to a minimal size. The smaller each BCAST  database
   record  is,  the more information you will be able to store in a given
   amount of disk space.  If all of the possible details of every various
   warning  and  alert were processed, each database record would be much
   larger than needed, more difficult to process and  would  be  wasteful
   with  disk  space.   All  that  is really required is knowledge of the
   basic warnings and alerts which are in effect during  each  day.   The
   details of the warnings or alerts aren't as important.  If the details
   are important, you are encouraged  to  obtain  one  of  the  extensive
   monthly  summaries  of  activity  produced  by  the  Solar Terrestrial
   Dispatch, or made available on our computer BBS system.

        The screens following the warnings and alerts summarize in  great
   detail the data which was loaded from the textual SGDB report.  All of
   the various indices are listed.  Many of them are interpreted for  you
   so you can better understand their meaning.

        This feature may be executed by those who have not registered the
   BCAST software package with us.

   4.3.  The Archive and Analysis Menu

        The third function of the BCAST main menu represents the heart of
   BCAST:  the  archive and analysis features.  This is an extensive menu
   containing all of the functions necessary to  maintain  the  database,
   archive  new  data  to disk, generate reports, and graphically analyze
   the data in the database.

        In order to encourage payment for this program, this  section  of
   BCAST  is not available to those who have not registered their copy of
   BCAST with us.  In order to develop and maintain your own database  of
   records, you will need to purchase your copy of the program by sending
   a cheque or money order for $28.00 in either Canadian or U.S. funds to
   the  Solar  Terrestrial  Dispatch  (our  address  was  given  in  "The
   Shareware Concept" section of this manual).  After your unique  regis-
   tration  number  has been returned to you with the simple instructions
   for making your copy of BCAST a registered copy, you will be  able  to
   access and use this section of BCAST at your leisure.

   4.3.1.  Saving Loaded Data Sets to the Database

        BCAST expects to find its database file  in  the  same  directory
   that  you execute BCAST and with a filename of "DATASETS.DAT".  If you
   execute BCAST in a directory where this file  does  not  exist,  BCAST
   will  not  use  the  database.   This  behavior allows you to maintain
   separate databases in different directories.  To use a specific  data-
   base, simply move to the directory containing the database and execute
   BCAST.



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        There are two methods of adding datasets to your  database.   The
   first  is  the  "batch" processing method which automatically archives
   large numbers of SGDB datasets to your database in a  single  command.
   The second method, and the one which will be discussed now, archives a
   single SGDB dataset to your database.

        Before this option can be executed, you must first load a dataset
   into  memory  using  the  first  option (Process Data Set) of the main
   menu.  After you have loaded a dataset into memory,  you  may  archive
   that  dataset  to  your database file using this option of the Archive
   Menu.  To execute this option,  simply  select  the  "Save  Data  Set"
   option  in  the  Archive Menu using the Up and Down arrow keys.  After
   you have highlighted the "Save Data Set" option, press ENTER.

        Before writing the new data  set  to  the  database  file,  BCAST
   checks  to  make  sure that no other records in the database match the
   one you are attempting to archive.  If it finds a record in the  data-
   base  with the same date as the dataset you are attempting to archive,
   a warning is displayed on-screen giving you three  options.   You  may
   overwrite  the  record,  which  is  useful when you need to correct or
   modify a record in your database.  You may skip the record, which will
   force BCAST to write the dataset to the database.  In this case, noth-
   ing is overwritten.  New space within the database is created for  the
   dataset  you  are saving.  If this option is chosen, there will be two
   records in your database with identical dates.  The last  option  lets
   you  abort  the save procedure altogether.  In this case, the database
   is left unchanged.  Nothing is written to the database.

        When BCAST saves datasets to the database file, it  automatically
   archives  the  dataset  fully sorted  with the existing records in the
   database.  It sorts the database according to dates.  For this reason,
   records  which  are  archived  near the "front" of the database (ex. a
   dataset which has a date earlier than anything presently  existing  in
   the  database)  will  take longer to save to disk than a dataset which
   has a date close to the present  date.   The  sorting  process  occurs
   sequentially from the lowest to the highest dates.  That is, a dataset
   dated January 1, 1991 would appear BEFORE a dataset dated  January  2,
   1991.   Conversely,  a dataset dated December 31, 1990 (note the year)
   would appear BEFORE the datasets dated January 1 and 2,  1991  in  the
   database file.

        This  automatic  sorting  feature  significantly  simplifies  and
   speeds up many of the functions available in this program.

        If the dataset is  successfully  archived  to  the  database,  an
   "operation  successful"  message  is  displayed on your screen.  If an
   error occurs, you may be returned to DOS depending on the severity  of
   the  error.   All  disk  errors  result in a Fatal Error message which
   immediately returns you to the DOS prompt with an explanation.

   4.3.2.  Loading a Dataset from the Database

        This option loads a dataset which you previously archived to  the
   database.   Using  this  option,  you  can  examine (via the main menu



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                                   - 7 -


   option "Review Data Sets")  the  conditions  and  indices  which  were
   observed for any date contained in your database file.

        You are simply prompted for the date of the dataset you  wish  to
   load  from  the  database.   After  specifying  a date, BCAST searches
   through the database until it finds the  requested  dataset.   If  the
   date you specify is either invalid or cannot be found in the database,
   an error message is displayed which then returns you  to  the  Archive
   Menu.

        This option has a secondary side-effect which may not be  clearly
   apparent  at  first.   When BCAST graphically analyzes the datasets in
   the database file, it always attempts to graphically display the vari-
   ous datasets with respect to the date of the currently loaded dataset.
   In other words, all  graphs  or  charts  produced  by  BCAST  will  be
   displayed  so  that  the  LAST line of the graph or chart is the graph
   line of the dataset which you have currently loaded in memory.  If you
   do  not  have a specific dataset loaded in memory, all graphs are pro-
   duced with the last dataset of the database  (ex.  the  most  recently
   archived dataset) displayed as the last graph line on the screen.

        To better explain this feature, let's assume that  you  have  200
   datasets archived to your database and you wish to graphically analyze
   them.  Since BCAST can only fit 70 datasets on-screen at one time,  it
   is  necessary  to  select a portion of the 200 datasets to graphically
   analyze.  This is achieved by loading datasets for specific dates into
   memory.   If a dataset is loaded into memory, the date of that dataset
   is used to determine which portion of the 200 datasets to  graphically
   display  on-screen.  For example, if the 200 datasets in your database
   were sequentially dated from January 1, 1991 to  July  19,  1991  (200
   consecutive  days),  and  you  loaded  a dataset into memory which was
   dated March  11,  1991,  BCAST  would  only  graphically  analyze  the
   datasets  from  January  1,  1991  to  March  11, 1991 (70 days).  The
   dataset for March 11, 1991 would be the last graph line displayed  on-
   screen.   Similarly,  if you wanted to graphically display the last 70
   datasets on-screen, you would load the dataset which  was  dated  July
   19,  1991  into memory.  All graphical charts produced by BCAST follow
   this procedure.

        For these reasons, this option is important for  positioning  the
   graphical  charts  produced by BCAST.  The graphical analysis features
   are presented next.

   4.3.3.  The Graphical Analysis Options

        BCAST provides a set of valuable graphical analysis  tools  which
   will help you better analyze the cyclical behavior or other parameters
   of the datasets in your database.

        Almost all of the various data contained in the SGDB reports  can
   be  graphically  analyzed  using  BCAST.  The only items which are not
   analyzed are the Boulder and Planetary K-indices.  For these  indices,
   we  have  developed  an impressive three-dimensional graphics analysis
   package which will read the database generated by BCAST to analyze the



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   Boulder and Planetary K indices.  It will also generate self-contained
   GIF images of the graphs  you  produce  on-screen  for  future  study,
   reference,  archiving, transmission, or for hard-copy production using
   GIF image viewers.  This VGA-compatible graphical analysis package may
   be  purchased  from  the Solar Terrestrial Dispatch.  Those of you who
   are interested may wish to purchase this program at the same time  you
   register   your  copy  of  BCAST.   This  three-dimensional  graphical
   analysis software is a handsome complement to the BCAST software pack-
   age.   For  more  information  regarding this program and for purchase
   information, consult the file "SOFTWARE.DOC".

        To analyze a specific set of data, simply select the  appropriate
   option from the Archive Menu and press ENTER.

        BCAST produces two types of graphical charts  depending  on  what
   type  of  data  you  are  analyzing.  Linear data, such as the 10.7 cm
   solar radio flux or the geomagnetic data,  use  the  linear  graphical
   functions.  Other datasets such as the proton fluence or x-ray statis-
   tics are analyzed and  graphed  using  logarithmic  graphical  charts.
   This significantly improves the detail of the graphs.

        There are two important functions which  can  be  executed  while
   graphs  of datasets are displayed on-screen.  The first is the ability
   to move through the graph, line by line,  using  the  left  and  right
   arrow  keys.   As you use the arrow keys, each new graph line you move
   to is highlighted.  Using the left arrow keys  moves  the  highlighted
   area  to  the left.  The right arrow key moves the highlighted area to
   the right.  In addition, the date of the  highlighted  graph  line  as
   well as the exact value producing that line is displayed at the bottom
   of the screen.  This lets you examine each line of the graph in  great
   detail.

        The second important function  which  can  be  executed  while  a
   graphical  chart  is  displayed,  is the ability to save the currently
   displayed graph to a text ASCII file on disk.  After a graph has  been
   saved  to  disk,  you  may  print it out on a printer or transfer them
   electronically to other locations.

        To invoke this  disk  saving  function,  simply  press  "S"  (for
   "S"ave)  while any graphical chart is displayed on-screen.  The screen
   will immediately be converted to ASCII format and saved to disk  under
   the  file  name  "GRAPH.TXT".   Each time you press "S", the graphical
   chart displayed on-screen is APPENDED to (or written to  the  end  of)
   the  GRAPH.TXT file.  This lets you compile an extensive set of graphs
   simply by graphically analyzing those datasets you need  and  pressing
   the  "S" key.  After you have finished and exited the BCAST program to
   the DOS prompt, you may display the GRAPH.TXT file, edit it using your
   favorite  word  processor,  print it out, transfer it elsewhere, or do
   whatever you see fit to do with it.

        To continue to view other datasets, press  ENTER  when  you  have
   finished  viewing  a specific graphical chart.  To abort the procedure
   and return to the archive menu, press the ESCape key.




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                                   - 9 -


   4.3.4.  Generating an Activity Summary Report

        This option of the Archive Menu  analyzes  the  currently  loaded
   dataset and writes a summary report to the file "SUMMARY.TXT" on disk.
   All of the indices contained in that dataset are written to the  file,
   along  with the various warnings and alerts which were in effect, etc.
   This report-generation feature is most useful when data from the  SGDB
   reports   are   to  be  distributed  throughout  an  organization,  or
   transfered to other locations through e-mail or modem.  This  is  also
   an  invaluable  tool  for producing hard-copy summaries of the dataset
   you have loaded in memory.  This file may  then  be  printed  out  and
   filed away for future reference.

        If the file "SUMMARY.TXT" already exists when  you  execute  this
   function,  the  contents  of  the  file  will NOT be overwritten.  All
   information is appended to the SUMMARY.TXT file.  You  will  therefore
   be able to store multiple summaries in a single file, if so desired.

   4.3.5.  Generating a Standard SGDB File & Modifying Records

        BCAST has the ability to recreate a  standard  Solar  Geophysical
   Data Broadcast format file.  This is an important function if you need
   to modify certain indices or values of  a  specific  dataset  in  your
   archive.

        To use this feature, you must have a  dataset  loaded  in  memory
   (either using the first option of the Main Menu [Process Data Set], or
   the second option of the Archive Menu [Load a  Data  Set]).   After  a
   dataset has been loaded in memory, a precisely formatted SGDB file can
   be created using this function.

        Why would you need to create a standard SGDB file  in  the  first
   place?   There  are  a  number of reasons.  You may need to transfer a
   specific dataset you have in your archive to a friend who  is  missing
   that  particular  dataset.   You  could transfer the SUMMARY.TXT file,
   although this file is not in the correct format  to  be  processed  by
   others  using  BCAST.  Using this function, you can recreate a copy of
   the SGDB for any dataset in your archive, which  may  then  be  shared
   with others who are using BCAST to archive and analyze data.

        One of the primary reasons for requiring this function is to per-
   mit  the easy modification of specific datasets in your database.  For
   example, lets assume that one of your datasets  in  your  database  is
   corrupt.   Lets  say  that one of your datasets in your database has a
   bad value for the 10.7 cm solar radio flux and you need to correct it.
   All  you  need to do is load that dataset into memory using the second
   option of the Archive Menu (Load a Data Set), and generate a  standard
   SGDB  file  for  that dataset.  The incorrect 10.7 cm solar radio flux
   value will be written to the SGDB.TXT file.  Simply exit  BCAST,  edit
   the SGDB.TXT file to correct the 10.7 cm solar radio flux value.  Then
   reload BCAST, reprocess  the  SGDB.TXT  file  so  that  the  corrected
   dataset  is  reloaded into memory (using the "Process Data Set" option
   of the Main Menu), and save the corrected  dataset  to  your  database
   using  the  "Save  Data  Set"  option of the Archive Menu.  BCAST will



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                                   - 10 -


   detect the corrupted dataset by realizing that the  dataset  you  have
   loaded  into  memory  has  the  same  date  as the bad dataset in your
   archive.  It will then ask whether or not you want  to  overwrite  the
   dataset.   By  responding  so  that  BCAST  overwrites  the  incorrect
   dataset, you can effectively correct the bad solar flux value in  your
   database.

        This procedure can be carried out for any of the values  in  your
   database.   It  is a quick and easy method of modifying any dataset in
   your archive.  To summarize, simply extract the dataset  you  need  to
   correct  to  a  standard  SGDB  file,  edit it using a word processor,
   reprocess it using BCAST and resave it to your database file using the
   "O"verwrite option which will appear.

        This function  will  not  overwrite  any  existing  data  in  the
   SGDB.TXT  file  if  it  already exists when you attempt to produce the
   standard SGDB file.  All data is appended to the SGDB.TXT  file.   You
   may  therefore  create  multiple  SGDB  reports  in  a single file, if
   desired.

   4.3.6.  Dumping Data Sets to an ASCII File

        This powerful function lets you dump the entire contents of  your
   database  to a text ASCII file with the name "DATASETS.TXT".  Use this
   function with caution, since very large text files can be  created  in
   the process.

        During this procedure, BCAST runs through your database file mul-
   tiple  times,  extracting  each  of the datasets from the database and
   saving them to the DATASETS.TXT file.  The resulting text  file  is  a
   well-ordered,  fully  sorted,  textual  representation of every set of
   data in your database.

        This feature becomes particularly  important  when  you  need  to
   analyze  the  data  externally using something like a statistical com-
   puter program or a spreadsheet.  Also, since the data is dumped  in  a
   pure  ASCII  format,  you  can edit the text file and extract only the
   information you require.

   4.3.7.  Deleting Datasets from the Database

        The only other function required to provide  complete  management
   control  over your database is a method of deleting datasets from your
   database.  That is the purpose of this Archive Menu function.

        To delete a specific dataset from  your  archive,  simply  select
   this  function.   BCAST will prompt you for the date of the dataset to
   delete.  After typing in the date, BCAST will search through the data-
   base  until  it  finds  a  dataset with a matching date.  It will then
   request confirmation from you.  If you  respond  in  the  affirmative,
   BCAST  will delete the dataset from your database.  If you do not con-
   firm deletion, BCAST will abort the procedure and leave your  database
   untouched.




                             November 13, 1991





                                   - 11 -


        It is important to note that after you have  confirmed  deletion,
   BCAST  will  delete  ALL datasets with dates matching the one you sup-
   plied, not only the one which BCAST first detects.   Therefore,  using
   this  command  you  can delete accidental redundant datasets from your
   database (as can occur if you save a dataset  to  your  archive  which
   already exists).

   4.3.8.  Returning to the Main Menu

        You can return from the Archive Menu to the main menu at any time
   by  either  pressing  the  ESCape key, or selecting the "Return to the
   Main Menu" option.  When running BCAST, the ESCape key serves  as  the
   "abort"  key.   It  will  abort almost any process and return you to a
   menu.

   4.4.  Exiting BCAST and Returning to DOS

        To exit BCAST and return to the DOS  prompt,  either  select  the
   "Exit Program" command of the Main Menu or press the ESCape key at the
   Main Menu prompt.  Either method will terminate the program and return
   you to the DOS prompt.

   5.  The Batch Processing Feature of BCAST

        BCAST provides a powerful batch  processing  function  which  can
   only be invoked at the command line.  This function will automatically
   process large numbers of SGDB report files and archive  them  to  your
   database.   All  SGDB files processed in this manner are automatically
   and accurately saved to your database fully sorted.

        To execute this command, simply execute BCAST  with  the  command
   line  parameter  "-b"  (or "-B", it is not case sensitive) followed by
   the name(s) of the files you want to be processed and archived.  Wild-
   cards in the filenames are permitted.

        For example, to create an extensive archive of every SGDB  report
   included  with  this  software  package, simply type: "BCAST -B *.DLY"
   (excluding the parenthesis, of course) and press  ENTER.   BCAST  will
   automatically begin processing and archiving every file containing the
   extension ".DLY".  As each file is processed, it's name  is  displayed
   on-screen  so you can monitor the progress of the processing.  It does
   not matter which order you  specify  files  to  be  processed.   BCAST
   automatically sorts the database so that all added datasets are placed
   in the proper position in the archive.

        During the batch processing phase, if BCAST attempts to process a
   dataset  which  already exists in your archive (ex. a dataset with the
   same date), BCAST discards the dataset and processes  the  next  file.
   You  may  therefore  process a group of files without needing to worry
   about accidentally processing a duplicate  dataset.   BCAST  will  not
   batch process a dataset which already exist in your database.

        After all of the files  have  been  processed,  BCAST  loads  and
   displays the title page, followed by the Main Menu, etc.



                             November 13, 1991





                                   - 12 -


        Please note that the last file processed will  reside  in  memory
   while  BCAST  executes.   As a result, if you graphically analyze your
   database after executing the batch processing feature,  the  graphical
   charts  will  be  displayed  according to the date of the last dataset
   processed.  Consult the section on "Loading a Data Set from the  Data-
   base" for more information regarding this feature.

        This feature is only available to those who have registered their
   copy of BCAST with us (consult "The Shareware Concept" section of this
   manual or the  file  "REGISTER.DOC"  for  more  information  regarding
   registration).

   6.  Alternate Method of Executing BCAST

        You can run BCAST and process a textual SGDB dataset at the  same
   time by executing BCAST with an extra parameter specifying the name of
   the file to process.  For example, to execute BCAST and  automatically
   process the file "SGDB.TXT" so that the dataset contained in that file
   is loaded in memory, simply execute BCAST using  the  command:
   "BCAST SGDB.TXT".  This will run BCAST as usual, but will force  it to
   process the file SGDB.TXT before the main menu appears.

        This speeds up the procedure for  processing  and  analyzing  the
   dataset.   Normally,  you  would need to select the "Process Data Set"
   function of the Main Menu before  you  could  review  or  archive  the
   dataset.   By  specifying  the name of the SGDB file to process on the
   command line, you effectively skip this step.

        Please note that  the  dataset  loaded  in  this  manner  is  NOT
   archived  to  your  database.   It is simply loaded in memory.  If you
   want to archive the dataset to your database, you will need to include
   the  "-B"  (batch  processing) parameter on the command line or expli-
   citly save the loaded dataset to your database using  the  appropriate
   Archive Menu function.

        This function may be used on unregistered copies of BCAST.

   7.  Future Software Releases & BCAST Revisions

        The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch reserves the right  to  change  at
   any  time,  and  without  prior warning, the format of the daily Solar
   Geophysical Data Broadcasts.  However, before any changes are made, we
   will  make  sure  that  compatible  versions of this BCAST program are
   available.  To ensure the proper operation  of  BCAST  with  the  SGDB
   datasets,  the version numbers of both the SGDB datasets and the BCAST
   software must match.  If  they  don't  match,  you  run  the  risk  of
   experiencing problems in processing the datasets.

        Also, before any changes to the SGDB dataset formats are made, we
   will  ensure  that  future  revisions  or  releases  of  BCAST contain
   appropriate software to convert existing databases to the new format.

        The Daily Solar Geophysical Data Broadcasts are  used  world-wide
   by  an  increasing  number  of  professional research institutions and



                             November 13, 1991





                                   - 13 -


   interested amateurs.  It is therefore important  that  we  maintain  a
   format which is as consistent and stable as possible.

        All those who register the BCAST program with us will be able  to
   use  future  revisions or updates of BCAST without additional charges,
   provided you continue to remain  registered  with  us.   Registrations
   expire after one year.  Registered persons who let their registrations
   expire will still be able to use their  software  without  limitation.
   However, they will not  qualify to  use  future updates  of BCAST free
   of charge, or  be  granted  special  priviledges  to  future  software
   releases.   The  most recent versions of BCAST may be ordered directly
   from us at the address given earlier (read the file  "ORDERS.DOC"  for
   procedures),  or  may  be  downloaded  directly  from  our  BBS  in  a
   compressed format in the "Utilities" file section.

        Although we have taken every measure to try to ensure the  proper
   operation  of this software, there is always the chance that bugs were
   overlooked.  In the unfortunate event a bug is observed, please make a
   note  of  it  along  with  details  which may help us to reproduce the
   error.  All bug reports should either be mailed to the  Solar  Terres-
   trial  Dispatch,  or  be  sent via e-mail to: [e-mail], or to:
   [e-mail].  We will make every effort  to  correct  any
   problems with the software as soon as possible.

        All future software which we develop  may  require  the  database
   generated by the BCAST software to operate properly.  We are presently
   in the process of developing a large solar terrestrial software  pack-
   age  which  will use the database generated and maintained by BCAST to
   produce regionalized forecasts for any area of  the  world.   Although
   still being developed, this software package should prove to be a sig-
   nificant aid  to  those  interested  in  observing  auroral  activity,
   exploiting  optimum  radio  communication  conditions, or studying the
   disturbance zones in interplanetary space.  This software package will
   be easy to use and understand by the layman.

        A software package to graphically analyze the Boulder and  Plane-
   tary  K-indices in three-dimensions from the records created by BCAST,
   is (or soon will be) available  from  the  Solar Terrestrial Dispatch.
   This  software  requires  the  database generated  by  BCAST  to  work
   properly.  For those who are now registered with us, please  note that
   special discounts apply.  Consult the file "SOFTWARE.DOC" for details.















                             November 13, 1991





                                   - i -





                             Table of Contents




   Introduction ....................................................    1

   The SGDB Data Sets ..............................................    2

   The Shareware Concept ...........................................    2

   Starting Up BCAST ...............................................    3

   Processing Data Sets ............................................    4

   Displaying Data Sets On-Screen ..................................    4

   The Archive and Analysis Menu ...................................    5

   Saving Loaded Data Sets to the Database .........................    5

   Loading a Dataset from the Database .............................    6

   The Graphical Analysis Options ..................................    7

   Generating an Activity Summary Report ...........................    9

   Generating a Standard SGDB File & Modifying Records .............    9

   Dumping Data Sets to an ASCII File ..............................   10

   Deleting Datasets from the Database .............................   10

   Returning to the Main Menu ......................................   11

   Exiting BCAST and Returning to DOS ..............................   11

   The Batch Processing Feature of BCAST ...........................   11

   Alternate Method of Executing BCAST .............................   12

   Future Software Releases & BCAST Revisions ......................   12












                             November 13, 1991