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SUPER MORSE (TM) Ver. 4.10 Copyright 1986-1993 M. Lee Murrah 2-19-94 I. Introduction.................... 1 A. This Document.............................................. 1 B. Suggested Shareware Contribution........................... 1 C. Super Morse License........................................ 1 II. Getting Started............... 2 A. Equipment and System Requirements and Limitations.......... 2 1. General Requirements.................................... 2 2. System Setup............................................ 2 B. Distribution Files......................................... 2 C. Installation............................................... 4 1. If you have a hard disk................................. 4 2. If you have a floppy drive.............................. 4 D. To run under Windows as a DOS application.................. 5 E. Upgrading from Earlier Versions............................ 5 F. Using a Sound Blaster card................................. 5 III. Super Morse Basics............... 6 A. Starting and Quitting Super Morse.......................... 6 B. The Super Morse Screen..................................... 6 1. The Message Line (Top).................................. 6 2. The Status Lines (Bottom)............................... 7 C. Program Operation and Control.............................. 7 1. Making Selections and Entering Information.............. 7 2. The Function Keys....................................... 7 3. The <ALT> and Other Control Keys........................ 8 4. Repeat a transmission................................... 8 5. Obtaining Help.......................................... 8 6. Saving Program Parameters............................... 9 7. Exiting a Program Function.............................. 9 D. The Morse Character Set.................................... 9 E. Code Speed Definition and Calibration...................... 9 1. Speed Standards......................................... 9 2. Character, Send and Word Speeds......................... 10 3. Calibration............................................. 10 IV. Using Super Morse.............. 11 A. Selecting a Major Program Function......................... 11 B. The Learn Selections....................................... 11 1. Lesson 1 - DITs and DAHs................................ 12 2. Lesson 2 - DIT and DAH Combinations..................... 12 3. Lesson 3 - Character Steps.............................. 12 4. Lesson 4 - Character Runs............................... 12 5. Lesson 5 - Character Groups............................. 12 6. Lesson 6 - Character Levels............................. 12 7. All Characters.......................................... 12 8. User Selected Characters................................ 12 9. Flash Characters........................................ 13 10. Oddball Characters..................................... 13 11. View Group Definitions................................. 13 C. The Build Selections....................................... 13 1. Send and Copy Modes..................................... 13 2. Groups.................................................. 13 3. Words................................................... 14 4. Message................................................. 14 5. QSO..................................................... 14 6. Disk.................................................... 14 D. The Enhance Selections..................................... 15 1. Boost................................................... 15 2. Head.................................................... 15 3. Lag..................................................... 15 4. Q & A................................................... 16 5. Typewriter.............................................. 16 6. Word.................................................... 16 7. Keyboard................................................ 16 8. Manual.................................................. 16 E. The Measure Selections..................................... 16 1. Exam Formats............................................ 16 2. Simulated VEC Exam...................................... 17 3. Auto.................................................... 17 4. Generate, File, and Run................................. 17 5. Check................................................... 17 6. Display and Print....................................... 18 7. Keyboard................................................ 18 8. Solid................................................... 18 F. Operation Selections....................................... 18 1. Modem................................................... 19 2. Radio................................................... 20 G. Review Selections.......................................... 20 1. Session Selections...................................... 21 2. DOC..................................................... 21 3. Stats................................................... 21 H. Options Selections......................................... 22 1. Code.................................................... 22 a. Timing Method........................................ 22 b. Timing Factor........................................ 23 c. Calibration.......................................... 23 d. Tone Split........................................... 23 e. Favorite Speed....................................... 23 f. Farnsworth Lo and Farnworth Hi....................... 24 g. Learn Speed.......................................... 24 h. Speed Lock........................................... 24 i. Standard Lock........................................ 24 2. Chars................................................... 24 3. Ports................................................... 25 b. The Telephone Port................................... 26 i. Selection......................................... 26 ii. Setting Communications Parameters................ 26 c. The Keying Port...................................... 26 4. Colors.................................................. 27 5. Miscellaneous........................................... 28 a. Prompt Sound......................................... 28 b. Video Type........................................... 28 c. Show DIT/DAH......................................... 28 d. Learn Review......................................... 28 e. Learn Choices........................................ 28 f. Jump Spaces.......................................... 29 g. Boost Factor......................................... 29 h. Tie Speeds........................................... 29 i. Clear Screen......................................... 29 j. Sound Device......................................... 29 k. File Reader.......................................... 29 6. Initial................................................. 30 7. Save.................................................... 30 V. Business Details.................... 31 A. Feedback................................................... 31 B. Distribution and Support................................... 31 1. Distribution Policy..................................... 31 2. Suggested Contributions................................. 31 a. General.............................................. 31 b. International Users.................................. 32 c. Credit Cards......................................... 32 d. Payments via Compuserve.............................. 32 3. Support, Inquiries and Correspondence................... 32 C. Help Others Learn About Super Morse........................ 33 D. Send Me Your Good News!.................................... 33 VI. Troubleshooting.................... 34 Page 1 I. Introduction --------------- A. This Document ----------------- This document contains the basic information needed to run Super Morse user's manual. Information of interest to advanced users is contained in the file ADVANCE.DOC. If you need information that is not contained in one of these two files, please contact the author. B. Suggested Shareware Contribution ----------------------------------- $20 is the suggested contribution, although any amount will be appreciated. Payments may be charged to your Compuserve account in the Shareware Registration Database (GO SWREF, Program No. 649). C. Super Morse License ---------------------- The author retains ownership of the copyright in Super Morse. However, You are granted the right to use the program for private, non-commercial purposes without further permission from the author. That is, you can copy it, use it, and share it (including distribution at hamfests and in ham radio and computer equipment stores) so long as you do not charge any money for it other than the cost of the disk or other transfer medium, not to exceed $2. You may not make a profit or recover labor costs for copying or distributing Super Morse. Super Morse must be distributed in its original form and content. Please note that you MUST return a completed registration form as contained in the file REGISTER.FRM as a condition of using Super Morse. Shareware distributors may distribute Super Morse so long as they include on or in close associate with the distribution diskette a PROMINENT NOTICE stating that the user must also make a Shareware contribution to the author. The copy fee may not exceed $5. Page 2 II. Getting Started ------------------- A. Equipment and System Requirements and Limitations ---------------------------------------------------- 1. General Requirements ----------------------- Memory: 384K Drive : Floppy disk or hard drive Mouse : Microsoft Serial Ports: 3 for full use of Super Morse features. Video : Monochrome or color 2. System Setup --------------- Your CONFIG.SYS file should authorize at least 20 files. This can be done with the following statement: FILES = 20 B. Distribution Files --------------------- Super Morse is normally shipped as a self-extracting archive file with a name such as SM401.EXE, containing all the files necessary for operation. The number in the file name is the program version number. If you would like to give a copy of Super Morse to a friend or want to upload it to a computer bulletin board system, please upload or share the archive file in its original condition. Do not add or remove files, since that can create confusion to other users. In addition, do not distribute or share the files in de-archived form since you may omit an important file! Page 3 The Super Morse distribution file contains the following files: Needed Name Description to Run? ----------- ----------- ------- ANTENNAS.SM - Names of antennas for QSO feature Yes CITIES.SM - Names of cities for QSO feature Yes CLASSES.SM - Definition of license classes Yes GROUPS.SM - Code groups for Learn phase Yes GROUPS.1 - Alternate code group for Learn phase No GROUPS.2 - Alternate code group for Learn phase No HAMWORDS.SM - List of "ham" words for receive feature Yes JOBS.SM - Name of occupations for QSO feature Yes NAMES.SM - Names of operators for QSO feature Yes Q&A.SM - Sample question and answer file Yes QSO1.SM - QSO template for Measure phase Yes QUICK.DOC - This DOC file No README.1ST - Important information about setup No REGISTER.FRM - For user registration and suggestions No REGWORDS.SM - List of "regular" words for Receive feature Yes RIGS.SM - Names of radio equipment for QSO feature Yes RUNS.SM - Character runs for Learn feature Yes SM.EXE - the main executable file Yes SM.ICO - Icon file for use in Windows No SM.PIF - Program information file for Windows Yes* SMBLD.HLP - Help file for Build phase Yes SMBYE.HLP - Sign off message Yes SMHOME.HLP - Help file for control keys Yes SMENH.HLP - Help file for Enhance phase Yes SMLRN.HLP - Help file for Learn phase Yes SMMAIN.HLP - Main help file Yes SMMEAS.HLP - Help file for Measure phase Yes SMMORSE.HLP - Help file for Morse characters Yes SMONLINE.HLP - Help file for the Modem feature Yes SMOP.HLP - Help file for the Operate phase Yes SMRADIO.HLP - Help file for radio terminal feature Yes SMSTATS.HLP - Help file for Review|Statistics Yes STATES.SM - States Yes STEPS.SM - Character pairings for Learn feature Yes WHATSNEW.nnn - New features in version nnn No * Needed for Windows use only The data files ANTENNAS.SM, CITIES.SM, MAMWORDS.SM, JOBS.SM, NAMES.SM, Q&A.SM, QSOn.SM, REGWORDS.SM, RIGS.SM, and STATES.SM can be edited with a line editor or word processor in the ASCII output mode. For more information on editing, see the full user manual. Page 4 C. Installation --------------- In the following examples "<ENTER>" means to press the key labelled "ENTER" or "RETURN". Also version 4.01 is used as the example, but for later versions, you should substitute the correct version number. This can be found in the name of the distribution file, which is in the form SMnnn.EXE, where nnn is the version number. For example, SM401.exe contains version 4.01. 1. If you have a hard disk -------------------------- 1. Make a directory, preferably named "\SM", as follows: C> MD \SM <ENTER> 2. Change the current directory to the newly created directory as follows: C> CD \SM <ENTER> 3. Place the distribution diskette in a floppy drive. We will assume drive A: in this example. 4. Copy the program files to the newly created directory as follows: C> COPY A:*.* C:\SM <ENTER> 5. Extract the files from the archive file as follows: C> SM401 <ENTER> 6. Run the program as follows: C> SM <ENTER> 2. If you have a floppy drive ----------------------------- 1. Extract the files from the archive file follows: following A> SM401 <ENTER> 2. Run the program as follows: A> SM <ENTER> Page 5 3. Do not use a write protect tab on the floppy. NOTE: If you have a 360K floppy drive, you will not be able to extract the files onto the distribution diskette. You will have to find a friend with a high density drive or hard drive, copy the files onto that machine, and do the extraction there. You can then copy the extracted files (less the ZIP distribution file) back onto a 360K diskette to run on your machine. D. To run under Windows as a DOS application -------------------------------------------- 1. Follow the steps for hard disk above. 2. Make sure SM.PIF and SM.ICO are in the \SM directory. 3. Enter Windows and select the program group in which you want Super Morse to appear. 4 Choose "File". 5. Select "Program Item". 6. Define Program "Properties": Description: "Super Morse" Command Line: "\SM\SM" Working Directory: "\SM" 7. Use Browse to select the SM.ICO from the \SM directory (or whatever directory you install Super Morse in). 8. Use the loop timing method and speaker sound output. E. Upgrading from Earlier Versions ---------------------------------- If you are upgrading from version 4.07 or earlier, delete SM.CFG and all SMn.USR files (e.g., SM1.USR). F. Using a Sound Blaster card ----------------------------- To use a Sound Blaster or compatible card, insert an environment string in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file as described in your Sound Blaster manual, using a text editor or word processor in ASCII output mode. If you are using Windows and have a Sound Blaster installed as you Windows sound device, you will not be able to use it with Super Morse. You must use the speaker as the sound output device or exit Windows and run Super Morse under DOS. Page 6 III. Super Morse Basics ----------------------- A. Starting and Quitting Super Morse ------------------------------------ To start Super Morse: 1. At the prompt type SM <ENTER>. 2. At the bottom of the title screen, enter a user number selected from 0-9 and press <ENTER>. User 1 is the default. To quit Super Morse: 1. Press <ESC> or select Quit from the main menu. 2. Answer whether you want to save the new program parameters, if prompted. B. The Super Morse Screen ------------------------- 1. The Message Line (Top) ------------------------- At all times while Super Morse is running, the top line of the screen is used to identify the current function and the key necessary to abort that function. Page 7 2. The Status Lines (Bottom) ---------------------------- Likewise, the bottom three lines display important program parameters as follows: Wt Code weighting (ratio of DAH to DIT length) Std Code speed standard, either text or random characters. Zoom Zoom mode status. Mat Match mode status. Match mode checks keyboard input against characters previously sent. Int Interference status Jit Code jitter status Sou Sound output status Ch Currently active characters Txt Hide or show text status ETim Elapsed time SSp Send speed Csp Character speed WSp Word speed Class License class represented by speed Tone Speaker tone frequency or note User Current user number C. Program Operation and Control -------------------------------- 1. Making Selections and Entering Information --------------------------------------------- Selections are made from pull-down and line menus using either the arrow keys, the mouse, or entering a highlighted letter in the menu selection via the keyboard. The up and down arrow keys move a pointer bar up and down in pull-down menus, and the right and left arrow keys move the pointer laterally in line menus. A selection can be highlighted by pointing and clicking the left mouse button. The highlighted selection can be invoked by pressing <ENTER>, double clicking the left mouse button, or by pressing the highlighted character in the selection name. 2. The Function Keys -------------------- The function keys are active at any input prompt, and while code is being sent. They are defined as follows: F1 - Decrease SEND Speed F2 - Increase SEND Speed F3 - Decrease CHAR Speed F4 - Increase CHAR Speed F5 - Decrease WORD Speed F6 - Increase WORD Speed F7 - Lower Speaker Tone F8 - Raise Speaker Tone F9 - Decrease All Speeds F10 - Increase All Speeds Page 8 The operations performed by these keys are discussed in more detail in several of the following sections. 3. The <ALT> and Other Control Keys ----------------------------------- Super Morse parameters may also be set using <ALT> key combinations and other keys. Some are active while code is being sent and others only when an input is required. The following <ALT> combinations and other keys are available: <ALT-C> - Clear the screen (not active during menu presentation) <ALT-E> - Set to Extra class speed <ALT-F> - Set to User's favorite speed <ALT-G> - Set to General class speed <ALT-H> - Context sensitive help <ALT-I> - Set Interference type <ALT-J> - Toggle code speed jitter <ALT-K> - Toggle speaker <ALT-N> - Set to Novice class speed <ALT-P> - Pause <ALT-S> - Toggle between code speed standards (PARIS and CODEX) <ALT-T> - Reset elapsed time clock <ALT-V> - Save new settings <ALT-W> - Set code weight (2.0-6.0) <ALT-X> - Set text display mode <ALT-Z> - Toggle "Zoom" mode <ALT-1> - Set class 1 speed <ALT-2> - Set class 2 speed <ALT-3> - Set class 3 speed <ALT-=> - Set cs,ss and ws to the same value <HOME> - Quick key help <ESC> - Quit a function 4. Repeat a transmission ------------------------ In most exercises characters sent by Super Morse can be repeated by pressing the <TAB> key at any prompt. 5. Obtaining Help ----------------- Most menu's have a HELP selection which provides a brief help screen. Help for the control keys is available by pressing <HOME>. Page 9 6. Saving Program Parameters ---------------------------- Program parameters can be saved using the <ALT-V> command, the Options|Save command, or when prompted upon exiting the program. 7. Exiting a Program Function ----------------------------- Most program functions can be aborted or exited using the <ESC> key. D. The Morse Character Set -------------------------- Super Morse implements the standard Morse code character set used in amateur radio. In addition, Super Morse supports Nordic characters and non-amateur punctuation(colon, semicolon, left parenthesis, and right parenthesis). Procedure signs ("prosigns") which are not printable as ASCII characters are printed on the screen as a combination of characters in pointed brackets. Super Morse permits prosigns to be entered either as a combination of the two printable characters or a special ASCII character. The prosigns and the ASCII representations are as follows: Prosign ASCII Representation Meaning ------- -------------------- ------- <AR> + End of message <SK> $ End of contact <AS> ! Wait, stand-by <KN> # Over-specified station only <BT> = Double dash <AA> @ New line <KA> & Attention <SN> % Understood Double characters may be entered on the keyboard by pressing the <SHIFT> key. E. Code Speed Definition and Calibration ---------------------------------------- 1. Speed Standards ------------------ The PARIS standard for random characters is used for all but the Build/Groups functions where the CODEX method for plain text is used. As a consequence, that function will seem to be faster than the other functions, but do not be alarmed. That is the way Page 10 it should be! You can toggle the code speed standard at any time by pressing <ALT-S>. 2. Character, Send and Word Speeds ---------------------------------- Super Morse provides control over three aspect of code speed. The "character" speed is the speed at which individual elements comprising the Morse characters (DITS, DAHS, and inter-element spacing) are sent. Normally, the spacing between characters is sent at the same speed as the character elements. However, when the Farnsworth method is used, the spacing between characters is sent at a slower speed than the characters themselves. The Farnsworth method is implemented in Super Morse by permitting you to control the "send" speed, which takes into consideration the present character speed and increases the inter-character spacing to provide the indicated overall send speed. Super Morse provides a further refinement in permitting you to also control the "word speed", which controls the spacing between words or character groups. This is, of course, available only when words or character groups are being sent. Only advanced users are likely to find any need for this setting, and all others can ignore it. 3. Calibration -------------- In order for Super Morse to send properly-timed code, calibration to each computer is required. Super Morse uses two different calibration methods, Clock and Loop, in order to handle various types of PC designs and operating systems. The method is selected from the Options|Code menu. If the clock calibration method is used, Super Morse automatically calibrates each time it loads, and the speed should be independent of your computer clock speed. You may need to touch up the calibration the first time you run the program. If you use the loop method, you must manually calibrate Super Morse. You must also recalibrate Super Morse each time you add or remove a memory resident program if you use the loop method. The loop method must be used if your computer does not implement the system clock chip in the same way as the original PC design. Super Morse is initially set for the clock method; but if the code is erratic or choppy on your computer, you should change to the loop method. You must also use the loop method if you are running Microsoft Windows or a PC emulator on a McIntosh! Page 11 IV. Using Super Morse --------------------- A. Selecting a Major Program Function ------------------------------------- The following major program functions are provided: Learn Learn Morse code characters Build Build receiving speed Enhance Enhance sending and receiving skills Measure Measure progress Operate Operate via telephone or radio Review Review pertinent information Options Set program parameters Help Obtain help Quit Quit Super Morse When one of these is selected, a pull down menu with additional selections is then presented. One of the selections is always a Help screen, and the last selections is always Quit. Help and Quit are not shown in any of the subsequent discussions of menus, but you should understand that they are there. B. The Learn Selections ----------------------- The Learn menu includes the following selections: DIT/DAH Learn the basic DIT and DAH sounds Combos Learn the basic DIT and DAH combinations Steps Learn characters in steps of similar sounding characters. Runs Drill using sequential groups of similar sounding characters from the Steps function. Groups Drill using character groups defined by the ARRL. Levels Drill using combinations of Groups. All Drill using all Morse characters User Drill with user-selected characters shown on the status line. Oddball Select the one character that is different Flash Character flashcards Groups View the Steps, Runs and Group definitions Many of the features are scored and the result is shown in the status area showing number right, number wrong, consecutive number correct, and percentage correct. In addition each exercise has a mastery level associated with it (see Review|Stats), and the user is notifed with message when it is attained. Page 12 1. Lesson 1 - DITs and DAHs --------------------------- Hear the DIT and DAH sounds and learn to distinguish them in an interactive drill. 2. Lesson 2 - DIT and DAH Combinations -------------------------------------- Hear the four basic DIT and DAH combinations and learn to distinguish them in an interactive drill. 3. Lesson 3 - Character Steps ----------------------------- Interactively learn characters in 69 steps of closely related character pairs. Enter the correct character when prompted. 4. Lesson 4 - Character Runs ---------------------------- Interactively learn runs of characters, each successive one of which differs from by only a DIT or a DAH from the previous character. Enter the correct character when prompted. 5. Lesson 5 - Character Groups ------------------------------ Interactively learn from standard character groups as used by the ARRL and others. Enter the correct character when prompted. Groups are customizable. 6. Lesson 6 - Character Levels ------------------------------ Interactively learn from character levels formed from the groups. Enter the correct character when prompted. 7. All Characters ----------------- Drill using all Morse characters. Enter the correct character when prompted. 8. User Selected Characters --------------------------- Take interactive quiz involving a customized group of characters from the currently active character set. Enter the correct character when prompted. Page 13 9. Flash Characters ------------------- Listen to the sounds of randomly selected characters as Super Morse flashes them on the screen in large size. No user keyboard response is required. 10. Oddball Characters --------------------- Listen to a group of five characters and then enter the one character that is different from the rest. 11. View Group Definitions -------------------------- The character steps and groups used in the preceding selections may be displayed using the View selection. C. The Build Selections ------------------------ The Build selections include the following: Groups Receive groups of random characters Words Receive whole words Message Receive a message entered by the user QSO Receive a simulated radio conversation Disk Receive contents of a disk file 1. Send and Copy Modes ---------------------- All functions are sent at the speed shown on the status line. However, the Groups, Words and Disk functions can be sent in the "zoom" mode, which is enabled and disabled by pressing the <ALT-Z> key, and its current status is shown on the status line. The zoom mode sends a specified number of words at one speed and then bumps the speed to a higher speed in a specified increment. The Zoom start and stop speeds, speed increment and number of words at each speed is set in Options|Zoom. Code can be copied directly on the keyboard by setting the Match mode using <ALT-M>. Correct characters ares shown in normal video and incorrect characters are shown in reverse video. 2. Groups -------- Choose either Random, Variable or Structured groups from the line menu. Then choose Normal, Timed or Number modes. Page 14 Random sends characters in randomly selected 5 character groups. Structured groups are similar to the Random groups except that the first and second randomly selected characters of a group are repeated in reverse order as the fourth and fifth characters. The third character is always a randomly selected number. This permits you to receive random code but have the ability to check his answer without looking at the screen. Variable groups are also similar to Random groups except that the length of the groups is variable from 1 to 10. This helps you become accustomed to copying normal words, which are of differing lengths. Normal mode sends continuously without limit. Number mode sends the number of groups specified by the user, and Time mode sends for a limited time specified by the user. 3. Words -------- This selection permits you to work with real words rather than groups. You can select either Regular or Ham words, Call signs, or words from a user disk file. 4. Message ----------- Type in a message and press <ENTER> to send it. Press <TAB> to repeat it. The maximum length of the message is 255 characters. 5. QSO ------ Use the QSO function to copy a simulated radio contact between two stations (know to hams as a "QSO"). Random text is sent containing randomly chosen call signs, names, etc., providing a variety of QSO combinations. 6. Disk ------- To send a text stored in a disk file, enter a filename, including disk drive letter and subdirectory at the prompt. The last file used is shown as a suggestion, and it may be selected by pressing <ENTER>. If you do not know the name of the file you wish to receive, you may press <SPACE> to obtain a disk directory. At the prompt enter the file specification in the form D:\SUBDIR\FILENAME.EXT, where "D:" is the drive designator, "SUBDIR" is the subdirectory name if applicable. Wildcards are may be used. Disk files can be sent either in Normal or Reverse modes as selected by the user when prompted. Page 15 Scripted disk files can also be used. See SCRIPT.SM for an example, or the full manual for complete instructions. D. The Enhance Selections ------------------------- The following enhance selections are provided: Boost Speed is automatically boosted as long as you maintain a specified accuracy level. Head Copy code in your head by memorizing a string of characters as they are sent. Lag Learn to copy behind - max 50 characters behind. Both random lag and specified number behind Q & A Answer questions sent in code. Typewriter Send using keyboard as a typewriter. There is an 80 character type ahead buffer. Word Copy whole words. Keyboard Copy on the keyboard Manual Send code using designated key on keyboard, mouse key or external telegraph key with automatic decoding to screen. Default is ALT key. 1. Boost -------- Code is sent beginning at 3 WPM and gradually increases in speed as long as the accuracy level set in Options|Misc is maintained. Copying is on the keyboard. The maximum speed reached is recorded, and Boost begins at slightly below that speed when this feature is next used. 2. Head ------- A string starting with length 1 is sent again and again, adding one character each time, until the user misses. This forces you to memorize a string of increasing length. 3. Lag ------ Learn to copy behind the current character being sent in two modes. In the first mode, the user enters a lag number and sending begins. The program asks the user to enter not the current character but the one sent the lag number times ago. In the Random lag mode, several characters are sent and the user is asked to enter a randomly selected one of them. Page 16 4. Q & A -------- Super Morse sends a question taken from the Q&A.SM disk file in code, and the use is asked to enter the answer. The answer must match the word shown in the line immediately following the question in the disk file. 5. Typewriter ------------- Copy randomly sent characters on the keyboard. Correct characters are shown in normal video, and errors in reverse video. 6. Word ------- Whole words are sent, and the user is asked to type the word on the keyboard. 7. Keyboard ----------- Characters typed on the keyboard are sounded by Super Morse. 8. Manual --------- The user sends Morse code manually using either the ALT, ESC, Right SHIFT, Left SHIFT, or left mouse button. The key is chosen in Options|Misc. Super Morse decodes the characters sent and prints them on the screen. The program adapts to send speed. E. The Measure Selections ------------------------- Measure provides the following selections: Auto Take an internally generated test File Take a test stored in a disk file Check Check character content of a test Display Display the current test Print Print the current test Generate Generate a test Keyboard Test receive speed on the keyboard Solid Test ability to copy characters without a mistake 1. Exam Formats --------------- Several of the Measure functions use examinations based upon simulated radio contacts, or QSO's. The format and content of these QSO's are determined either by an internal QSO generation Page 17 routine or an external template. The internal routine is used exclusively in the Auto exam function and is the default selection in the Generate exam function. The external template may be selected in the Generate exam function. The external template is contained in a disk file named QSOn.SM where "n" is a number from 1 to 99. The file QSO1.SM is provided as an example, but you may create other ASCII files yourself. Instructions for creating templates is provided in the full Super Morse manual. 2. Simulated VEC Exam --------------------- All but the last two selections are associated with a simulated code test much like the one you would take when sitting for the license exam given by the FCC-approved Volunteer Examination Coordinator (VEC). All VEC exam-related functions are based upon the simulated contact used for the QSO command discussed above. In the exam functions the student is asked to set the exam speed either at novice, general class, extra class speed, or other user-specified speed. If one of the three license classes is chosen, you are further given the opportunity to select either regular or Farnsworth spacing. 3. Auto ------- This is a fully integrated self-test for the student. All exam questions are displayed on the screen, and the exam is automatically graded. 4. Generate, File, and Run -------------------------- Prepare an exam in advance and give it using the Generate exam command and Run exam file commands. These commands are intended primarily for use by an instructor to create and give a simulated test to a student or students. The Generate command creates an exam QSO either internally or from an external template as selected and stores it in a special file on disk. The Generate command also permits a new set of questions to be created for the existing exam. The Run command loads the exam previously created using the Generate command and sounds it at the Novice, General, or Extra exam speed as selected. You can also select None, and the speed will default to that shown on the status line. 5. Check -------- Check tallies and reports the characters used and not used in the current exam file. This may be used to determine whether Page 18 an exam meets the requirements for an official code test. 6. Display and Print -------------------- Review the text of the test QSO by displaying it on the screen or by listing it on a line printer with the Display and Print commands. Either command permits you to select either the text of the exam, the related exam questions, or the exam answers. In the Print mode you are prompted to turn on the line printer and press a key to begin. If the printer is not on, an error will occur, and the program will terminate. 7. Keyboard ----------- This command lets you test your approximate receive speed. You are prompted to choose either random characters or the contents of a disk file. The computer sends a character and waits for you to type in the correct key. The accuracy of the copy and the approximate copy speed are displayed on the status line. If the incorrect key is typed, the character is printed in reverse video (color monitors only) and sent again. The computer also remembers wrong characters and sends them more often than the other characters. The character set used in the test can be configured using the Options|Chars command. 8. Solid -------- This function tests your ability to copy random characters without a mistake. A sequence of characters of increasing length is sent, and you are asked to type in the sequence exactly as sent. When a mistake is made, the test ends and you are given a report of the number of consecutive characters copied correctly and the number of minutes and seconds during which "solid copy" occurred. F. Operation Selections ------------------------ The Operations function contains the following selections Modem Send and receive via a telephone modem Radio Send and receive using a radio Page 19 1. Modem -------- The Modem command provides a simple terminal program which permits you to use a telephone modem connected to your computer to call another similarly equipped user and carry on a real-time QSO in Morse code. A modem using the Hayes AT command set is assumed. When Modem is selected, the computer's selected communications port is initialized to the parameters stored in the configuration file, the default values of which are COM1, 1200 baud, 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. The modem is initialized to automatically answer calls from another computer on the first ring. The Modem commands may be displayed using the usual <ALT-H> specific help key. All Modem commands are invoked using the <CTRL> key in combination with another key. The following commands are provided: <CTRL-C> Activate CW (Morse) mode <CTRL-D> Dial a number <CTRL-E> Echo/No echo of characters sent to modem <CTRL-F> Send a disk file <CTRL-H> Terminate telephone connection (hang up) <CTRL-L> Add/remove linefeeds from received text <CTRL-M> Hang up modem <CTRL-P> Set baud rate and other communications parameters <CTRL-R> Enable/disable Morse mode for received characters <CTRL-S> Enable/disable Morse mode for transmitted characters <CTRL-T> Activate Terminal (non-Morse) mode Initially, the Modem function is in the "Terminal" mode, which means that it will act just like a normal modem program and will not sound Morse code. The terminal mode should be used to make a connection with the other computer, and then you should switch to the "CW" mode by pressing <CTRL-C>. You can switch back to the terminal mode by pressing <CTRL-T>. Initially Super Morse will sound both the received and sent characters. This can be selectively changed using the <CTRL-R and CTRL-S> commands. Super Morse also adds line feeds to all carriage return characters. If received lines are printed double-spaced, this can be changed with the <CTRL-L> command. If you would like to see characters sent to the modem during the time that Super Morse is not connected to another computer, use the <CTRL-E> command. Page 20 To connect with another computer and use the Modem command, do the following: a. Prearrange the call with the other person. Both copies of Super Morse should be in the Modem function, and both should be set to the terminal mode with <CTRL-T>. Both must set their communications parameters, other than the communications port, to the same values. b. Dial the other computer using the <CTRL-D> command. c. Enter the telephone number and press <ENTER>. d. Wait for the other party's telephone to ring and the his modem answer the phone, followed by a brief carrier tone. Both screens should indicate "Connected to Remote SUPER MORSE." e. Both users then enter the CW mode by pressing <CTRL-C> and proceed with the conversation from the keyboard or from a file entered using the <CTRL-F> command. f. To disconnect the phone, use the <CTRL-H> command. 2. Radio -------- The Radio command is for advanced users and is described in the full user's manual. G. Review Selections -------------------- The Review menu provides the following selections: Session Examine and replay the most recent Super Morse session Keys View function and ALT key assignments Morse Display the Morse code definitions DOC Display this file. QSO Display the most recent QSO Stats Examine user statistics Only those selections that require any further explanation or user input will be covered below. Page 21 1. Session Selections --------------------- A secondary pull-down menu presents the following Session selections: View Display the most recent session Play Replay the most recent session in Morse code Erase Erase it Print Print it to a line printer File Save it to a disk file 2. DOC ----- This QUICK.DOC file may be viewed using this command. 3. Stats -------- This selection permits you to review statistical information about your progress recorded in several Super Morse functions. A tertiary pull-down menu presents the following selections for the current user: General Number sessions, total time and current step, run, group, and level in learn function. Learn Mastery status of DITs/DAHs, combinations, all characters, steps, runs, groups and levels. Progress Progress measured by boost copy speed, longest head copy, solid copy time at each speed, best auto exam score, and best type test speed. Erase Erase statistice for current user. Mastery is defined as a certain number of consecutive correct answers for all characters in the current exercise. The numbers for each exercise are as follows: DIT/DAH 10 Combinations 5 Steps 5 Runs 3 Groups 3 Levels 3 All characters 1 A mastery level of 1 is also set for user characters, but the results are not shown since it is not a fixed grouping. The user statistics can be cleared with the <E>rase User command from the Stats display. Page 22 H. Options Selections --------------------- The Options menu provides the choices of the following groups of options setting: Code Set parameters relating to code generation Chars Define character set Ports Set up ports Colors Set screen colors Misc Miscellaneous settings Initial Reinitialize parameter settings to default Save Save current parameter settings All parameters can be reset to their initial values using the "Initial" command, and the current values can be saved using the "Save" command. 1. Code ------- Following are the selections in the code menu with example settings shown. Timing Method : Timer Timing Factor : 1083 Calibration : XXXX Tone Split : On Set Fav. Speed : 5-14-5 Learn Speed : On Farnsworth Lo : 18 Farnsworth Hi : 25 Speed Lock : Off Standard Lock : Diff a. Timing Method ---------------- Super Morse uses two different calibration methods that may be used depending upon your equipment requirements. The first is the Timer method, which directly uses the PC's clock chip. This method provides automatic calibration each time Super Morse is run and produces more accurate times and thus better sounding code. The Loop method is provided as an alternative since not all PC's support the clock chip in exactly the same way (and therefore that method will not work on all PC's), the Timer method seems to be incompatible with Microsoft Windows, and the Timer method will not work with PC emulators for other machines such as the Apple McIntosh. The disadvantage of the Loop method is that it requires manual calibration and must be recalibrated Page 23 each time a memory resident program (including Windows) is added or removed. b. Timing Factor ---------------- The timing factor helps match the code speed to the computer speed. When switching between the Timer and Loop timing methods, you will find that the timing factor is radically different. In some cases the calibration test may be so slow that you will have to abort it and guess at a an appropriate timing factor. As a rough guide, the timing factor can vary from 100-12000 or greater depending upon clock speed and computer design. c. Calibration -------------- While the Timer timing method automatically calibrates each time Super Morse is run, you should adjust the timing factor the first time you run Super Morse running manual Calibration. Once Super Morse is adjusted to your computer when using the Timer method, you should not need to change it. If you use the Loop method, calibration must be performed manually each time you add or delete memory resident programs. Super Morse tests calibration by sending the standard word PARIS the same number of times as the send speed shown on the status line. The send, character and word speeds can be set to any desired speed. If Super Morse is correctly calibrated, the test should be completed in exactly one minute. Super Morse times the test and displays the result along with a recommendation for a revised Timing Factor. The calibration should be repeated until the recommended and the current Timing Factor are very close. You should seek an elapsed time of 59-60 seconds so that any errors will be on the too-fast side of the indicated speed. d. Tone Split ------------- The tones for sending DITs and DAHs are normally the same, but as an additional aid in distinguishing between the two, Super Morse permits you to split the two tones such that the DAH is 10 Hz. lower than the DIT. This is accomplished using the Tone Split selection in the Options|Code menu. The Tone Split feature is not available when the Sound Blaster is used for sound output. e. Favorite Speed ----------------- You can directly set the current speed to a speed that you commonly use by pressing the <ALT-F> key combination. The speed used by the <ALT-F> command is set to the current speed shown on Page 24 the status line using the Set Fav. Speed selection in the Options|Code menu. Thus, to set a favorite speed, set the speeds on the status line using the function keys and then press <ALT- F>. The speeds shown in the menu are in the same order as on the status line. f. Farnsworth Lo and Farnworth Hi --------------------------------- The character speed for the Farnsworth method can be set for both low and a high speed ranges. The Farnsworth speed for send speeds below 20 WPM is set in the range of 13-30 WPM with the "Farnsworth Lo" selection; and for speeds above 20 WPM in the range 20-30 WPM with the "Farnsworth Hi" selection. The Farnsworth speed is also used in the quick speed settings, using ALT keys. g. Learn Speed -------------- Using the Learn Speed selection, you can determine whether Super Morse switches to special learn speeds when the Learn phase is entered or whether the speeds remain the same as for other phases. h. Speed Lock ------------- When using Super Morse for classroom teaching, it may be helpful to lock the speed settings to prevent the student from changing them to an easier speed. This setting permits the speed change keys to be locked and unlocked selectively. i. Standard Lock ---------------- Normally Super Morse toggles between the PARIS (text) and CODEX (random) speed standards as the context dictates. However, those users are distracted by the change a lock may be set to maintain the PARIS standard regardless of the type of characters being sent. In addition the standard lock also disables the <ALT-S> standard toggle. Use of the lock is not recommended since it will help you on the test to have studied random characters at the seemingly "higher" random character speed. 2. Chars -------- The set of characters that you desire to receive may be set by choosing this command. The Chars screen displays the entire character set in a line at the top and a series of x's and -'s just below them. The x's indicate that character just above it is currently active while the -'s indicate the opposite. The Page 25 status can be altered in groups or individually using the following commands: Letters The letters A-Z Numbers The numbers 0-9 Punctuation Prosigns The Procedure signs National The international characters Group 1 The character groups used in Learn Group 2 " Group 3 " Group 4 " Group 5 " Group 6 " Group 7 " Default The default set Type Set individual characters by typing All All characters Note that the prosigns are represented by their single character ASCII equivalent character. The default character set has the letters and numbers enabled and the punctuation and prosigns disabled. The National command is active only when the special Nordic character set has been enabled. When using Groups, note that the alternate character groups file (GROUPS.2) has only six groups, and the "Group 7" selection will thus not be active if that file is used. To change the status of individual characters, select "Type" and then press the desired keys. When finished entering individual characters, press <ESC> to exit back to the character menu. 3. Ports -------- Super Morse uses two different serial ports, a "keying port" to interface with a keyer or other device and a "telephone port" Page 26 to interface with a telephone modem. The setting for these ports are determined using the following menu: Phone Port : COM1 Baud Rate : 1200 No. Bits : 8 Parity : N Dial type : Tone Keying Port : COM2 Input Keying : ALT RS-232 Input : DSR Input Sense : + Output Keying : Off RS-232 Output : DTR Output Sense : + b. The Telephone Port --------------------- i. Selection ------------ Super Morse makes use of the PC serial communications ports for the Operate|Modem feature. You can set either COM1 or COM2 using the Phone Port selection. ii. Setting Communications Parameters ------------------------------------- The baud rate for the telephone port can be set at 300-9600 baud with the Baud Rate selection, the number of bits can be set either at 7 or 8 using the No. Bits selection, and the parity can be set at either Even, Odd, or None using the Parity selection. The dialing type used by your telephone is set to either Tone or Pulse using the Dial type selection. c. The Keying Port ------------------ Setting up and using the keying port for external input and output is an advanced feature that is covered in detail in the main Super Morse manual. Only the onboard functions will be covered here. To use the keyboard as a manual key, set input keying to either of the select either ALT, CTRL, Left SHIFT, Right SHIFT, or Mouse. This designates the selected key for use as a manual key in the Enhance|Manual function. If the mouse is selected, the left button is used. Page 27 4. Colors --------- Screen colors can be set using the following commands: A - Main Bg Main screen B - Main Fg C - Main Hi D - Menu Bg Menus E - Menu Fg F - Menu Hi G - MBar Bg Menu selector bar H - MBar Fg I - MBar Hi J - Status Bg Status line K - Status Fg L - Status Hi M - SBar Bg Status line selector bar N - SBar Fg O - SBar Hi P - Line Bg Line menu R - Line Fg S - Line Hi T - Info Bg Information box U - Info Fg V - Info Hi W - IBar Bg Information box selector bar X - IBar Fg Y - IBar Hi 1 - Blue Set Predefined blue color set 2 - Red Set Predefined red color set 3 - Green Set Predefined green color set 4 - Mono Set Predefined Monochrome colors where: Bg = background Fg = foreground Hi = highlight As A-Y are selected, the indicated areas are cycled through the CGA adapter colors. 1-4 select entire predefined color sets. Page 28 5. Miscellaneous ---------------- A miscellaneous group of parameters is et using the following menu selections: National Chars : English Video Adapter : CGA Show DIT/DAH : On Learn Review : On Learn Choices : On Boost Factor : 90% Prompt Sound : On Jump Spaces : Yes Tie Speeds : On Clear Screen : On Sound Device : Speaker File Reader : Int. a. Prompt Sound --------------- The prompt sounds ("beep", "diddle", "click")can be toggled On and Off using this selection. b. Video Type ------------- At program start Super Morse automatically determines the video type used in your computer. However, this can be changed between Mono and Color if necessary with the Video Adapter selection. c. Show DIT/DAH --------------- The Learn phase uses a screen display of DIT and DAH to reinforce the audio. This feature can be turned on and off using the Show DIT/DAH selection. d. Learn Review --------------- Normally when a mistake in the character quizzes in Learn, you are given the opportunity to review the characters missed and the character actually chosen. This can be turned off and on with this selection. e. Learn Choices ---------------- In the character quizzes in the Learn, the prompt normally displays the character list from which the character was chosen. This can be toggled off and on using this selection. Page 29 f. Jump Spaces -------------- The Jump Spaces selection permits multiple spaces in a disk file to be skipped. g. Boost Factor --------------- The percentage of correct answers necessary to increase the speed in the Boost feature can be adjusted using the Boost Factor selection. h. Tie Speeds ------------- Super Morse permits you to tie the send, character and word speeds above 20 words per minute for easy one-key settings. However, this can be disabled using the Tie Speeds selection. i. Clear Screen --------------- Setting this choice to "On" causes the screen to be cleared when exiting a function. j. Sound Device --------------- Super Morse permits selection of either the PC speaker or the Sound Blaster card for audio output, or a flashing light for a silent code output, using the Sound Device selection. The Sound Blaster card provides a much higher output level than the PC speaker and can easily be fed to an external amplifier or recorder if desired. The flashing light option permits Super Morse to be used where the audio output is inappropriate. k. File Reader -------------- Super Morse permits use of either an internal file reader to display this QUICK.DOC file or the very popular LIST program by Vernon Buerg. The latter is recommended since it is a very flexible program which permits scrolling forward and backward and text searches. LIST must be in the same directory as the Super Morse files. LIST can be downloaded from many computer bulletin boards or purchased from Shareware copy services. The File Reader selection in the Options/Misc menu toggles between the two readers, which are displayed as "Int." for the Page 30 internal reader and "LIST" for the LIST program. 6. Initial ---------- Super Morse parameters can be reset to their initial settings with the Options/Initial selection. 7. Save ------- This selection saves the current parameters. Page 31 V. Business Details ------------------- A. Feedback ----------- It is my goal that Super Morse be absolutely the best Morse code training program available anywhere, commercial or otherwise. If it is not the best, I will endeavor to make it so. To achieve this I NEED YOUR INPUT! Please let me know what you like about Super Morse, what you don't like about it, any bugs or cosmetic defects you have discovered, what you would like to see changed or added, etc. If you have used another Morse code program that you like better, tell me the name of the program and why you like it better. Please take the time to answer and return the questions in the feedback form contained in the file FEEDBACK.FRM to me. If that form is inadequate, write me a letter. If a letter won't do the job, give me a call! B. Distribution and Support --------------------------- 1. Distribution Policy ---------------------- Super Morse is distributed primarily through Compuserve "Hamnet" and computer bulletin board systems. If possible, users should obtain the program in that manner. If the user does not have a modem and a Compuserve subscription, the author will make a courtesy copy if the user will send a formatted diskette (preferably high density--either 5 1/4 or 3 1/2) and a stamped, addressed diskette mailer. A contribution to support further development and distribution of the program as described below is requested but not required. The contribution is not a purchase price, and the author therefore will not accept "orders" for Super Morse--a diskette and mailer must be provided by the user in order to receive a copy. The author does not notify the users of updates. The users should check Compuserve "Hamnet" and other bulletin boards periodically for new versions. If you wish, you can send the author a diskette and mailer as described above to be held until a new version is released. 2. Suggested Contributions -------------------------- a. General ---------- In order to cover expenses associated with the development and distribution of Super Morse, such as equipment, software, telecommunications charges, postage, supplies, and long distance Page 32 calls to users, I suggest that you make a voluntary contribution of $20 (or whatever is affordable to you--or more if you think it is worth it) for each copy of the program. For use by ham clubs in organized classes, I suggest a contribution of $5 for each student, unless the students make their own contributions individually. If you have already made a contribution for a an earlier release, you do not need to make an additional contribution for a new release. If you cannot afford a monetary contribution, at least write the author a note and give me an "attaboy" or two. The author is a always a sucker for an ego massage. b. International Users ----------------------- Please send contributions denominated in U. S. Dollars, if possible. Changing foreign currency in Cedar Rapids, IA requires a trip to a downtown bank, and I am extremely lazy. If you cannot obtain U.S. currency, you can send an International Money Order through your national post office. The order will be forwarded to the United States Postal Service which will process and mail a U. S. money order to the author. c. Credit Cards --------------- Sorry, I cannot accept credit cards. d. Payments via Compuserve -------------------------- Super Morse contributions may also be made via Compuserve's Shareware Registration Database. Enter GO SWREG and choose program no. 649. 3. Support, Inquiries and Correspondence ---------------------------------------- The author is happy to help you with problems in using Super Morse. However, please keep in mind that there is only one of the author and thousands of you. Therefore, before contacting the author, please read this document and if possible consult with a friend who is also a Super Morse user. If you are have a question about DOS or WINDOWS, please check with your computer vendor or a knowledgeable friend first. The author can be contacted on Compuserve (ID No.: 71016,1355), GEnie (Address: L.MURRAH), on packet @WA0RJT or by U.S. mail at the following address: 10 Cottage Grove Woods, S.E. Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 Page 33 If you write the author, you must enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The author does not normally respond without one. The author can also be reached by telephone at 319-365-6530, evenings and weekends. Please do not call the author at his work place! C. Help Others Learn About Super Morse -------------------------------------- If Super Morse is helpful to you, you can help others learn about it in the following ways: 1. Give a copy to your friends. 2. Upload Super Morse to your local computer bulletin board system. 3. Leave a message on your computer bulletin board recommending Super Morse. 4. Tell your ham club about it, especially the person in charge of license classes. 5. Write a letter to a ham radio magazine recommending Super Morse. 6. Write a review of Super Morse for a ham radio or computer magazine. D. Send Me Your Good News! -------------------------- If Super Morse helps you obtain your license or upgrade to a higher class of license, I would love to hear about it! Please take the time to drop me a note and let me hear your good news! Page 34 VI. Troubleshooting ------------------ If you have difficulty in using Super Morse, you should begin by reading the instructions! Most problems are due to a misunderstanding of how Super Morse operates. However, if you continue to have a problem, the following points may be helpful. Problem or message Solution ------------------ -------- Code seems too fast Not a problem. See discussion of for speed code speed. 'File Not Found' -All files with SM and HLP extension should be in same directory as SM.EXE. -Check file list to see if all are there. -Program disk must be in the current. drive. -Make sure SM.CFG is present and not shown with 0 bytes. If so, erase it. -If files dearchived onto a floppy, copy distribution file to a hard disk and try again. The floppy may have overflowed. 'I/O Error 02' Ditto 'I/O Error 100' Erase SM.CFG file. If that does not work, erase the SMn.USR files. The current version of one of these files is probably longer than the previous version. 'I/O Error 101' Disk is full. Usually happens when trying to run from a floppy. Run on a hard disk, or remove all unnecessary files, such as QUICK.DOC, from the floppy. 'I/O Error 150' Remove write protect tab from diskette! Super Morse must be able to write to diskette to create configuration and user files. Strange Values on Erase SM.CFG and/or SMn.USR files. Status Line and Other and start over. Weird Happenings 'Disk Read Error' Erase SM.CFG and/or SMn.USR and start over. Page 35 Erratic/Choppy Code Switch to Loop timing method. If in Windows, go to DOS and run it. Code Speed Changes If loop timing method is used, speed will be affected each time you add or remove a memory resident program. You must recalibrate each time. Mouse Does Not Work Reboot computer Low Speaker Volume Inherent PC problem. Install a Sound Blaster card.