World of Ham Radio 1997

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QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 QQSL(tm) Quick QSL labels, Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 ********************************************** * Copyright (C) 1989-96 by Bill Mullin, AA4M * * All Rights Reserved * ********************************************** Author ====== QQSL was designed, programmed, and distributed by: Bill Mullin - AA4M 9980 Allen Road Graff, MO 65660-9320 U.S.A. Quick Start =========== For those of you who would rather jump right into the program rather than wading through the manual, the following will get you up and running quickly: 1. Copy QQSL.EXE and SORTF.COM into the same directory or onto the same floppy. NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is required - QQSL will not run on 5.25", 360KB floppies. 2. Run QQSL, immediately selecting the Configuration menu command. If you have any questions about what you see, drop down to the "Configure QQSL" section in this document and read it. Check the index at the end of this document for the page number that the Configure QQSL section begins. Save the new configura- tion permanently [F6]. 3. Select the Modify lines 4/5 menu command. If you have any questions about what you see, drop down to the "Modify lines -------------------- QQSL is a trademark of Bill Mullin - AA4M. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 1 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 4/5" section in this document and read it. Check the index at the end of this document for the page number that the Modify lines 4/5 section begins. Save the line 4 and 5 changes perma- nently [F6]. Note: Only licensed users may change line 5. If you decide to run QQSL according to the brief instructions in the "Quick Start" section, I still HIGHLY recommended that you later read this manual cover-to-cover at least once. It's been my experience that just about every question I've ever gotten relating to QQSL had already been answered here! About This Document =================== This document has been formatted for printing on either a dot matrix or a laser printer. Top margins, bottom margins, headers, and footers with page numbers have all been built into the file. From the DOS prompt, simply enter: TYPE QQSL.DOC > PRN NOTE: If you're printing this document on a laser printer, the assumption is that the printer is set to the factory default of 60 lines/page, 10 characters/inch. If you intend to print to a laser printer with settings other than these, you're on your own <HI!>. If you prefer to view the document online (which is the way I like to read documentation), I recommend Vernon D. Buerg's (N6MG) LIST utility program, which should be available on any general- purpose BBS, or anywhere you find public domain and/or Shareware programs. You can simply view the document with any other com- parable text viewer, or with your word processing software. The HISTORY.DOC file was written only to inform current QQSL users of changes and enhancements to the program, and is set up for online viewing rather than printing. If you wish a printed copy of this file, it should only require minimal reformatting with your favorite word processor before printing. I've been writing technical documents for about thirty years now and found that the best way to write a user document directed to an unknown audience is to write to the level of the least knowl- edgeable user. Therefore, I've written QQSL.DOC with the newer PC user foremost in my mind. Additionally, I've been very "wordy", rather than brief and cryptic as is much of the documen- tation that's on the market! For those of you who are familiar QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 2 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 with the PC and with "computerese", you may find that you'll only need to scan this document, and then later use it for reference. Introduction ============ You're probably saying to yourself, "So this is a program that prints labels - big deal!". Although it's true that QQSL is a label program, it should also be considered a MAJOR application program, as no other program in existence does the job as well, does it as fast, does as nice a job, looks as good, and has all the "bells and whistles" that any good program should! Another way of putting all this is that most programs produce QSL labels as an "afterthought". With QQSL, QSL labels are the ONLY thought! And since labels are the only thought, I've devoted 100% of my energies to making QQSL the most comprehensive QSL label program ever written! QQSL will produce QSL labels for all ham bands from 1.8 MHz to 48 GHz, for all amateur modes, and QQSL won't let you enter an invalid band, mode, RS(T), date, or time! Additionally, QQSL provides you the capability to customize your labels with person- al comments, rig information, etc. There's also the capability to quickly produce labels for SWL's. I've run QQSL on both a 486/33 and 386/25 with SVGA, an AT with EGA, an AT with MDA, and an XT with slow CGA, and had no problems of any nature on these systems. Additionally, QQSL runs fine under Windows 3.x or Windows 95. Meaningful sound has been incorporated into QQSL in the form of "up tones" or "down tones", lasting approximately 4/18ths of a second for each tone. Generally speaking, the down tone mean that you made an error or that you need to pay attention to a message on the screen, and up tone mean that an operation was successful. These tones may be disabled in the Configuration menu. QQSLCD ====== The full distribution copy of QQSL includes a Shareware program named QQSLCD, which is contained in the self-extracting archive QQSL_CD. Full instructions for running QQSLCD are contained in the files which will now be extracted. At the DOS prompt, simply enter: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 3 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 QQSL_CD <CR> Using data from the QQSL.LBL file, QQSLCD will search your CD-ROM disc for address information for U.S. amateurs, and will then print address labels when requested. A CD-ROM drive is required, along with the Buckmaster HamCall CD disc. QQSLCD was written by: Tom Palko - WB5ASD P.O. Box 8762 Alexandria, LA 71306-1762 U.S.A. This program is being distributed with QQSL as both a favor to WB5ASD and to those that use and like it. I've not been able to fully test it, since I don't have a Buckmaster HamCall CD disc. If you have any problems, questions, compliments, or anything else you wish to discuss concerning QQSLCD, please take it up with Tom! If you use and like QQSLCD, please note that this is a Shareware program - registration information can be found in the QQSLCD.DOC file. Printed Manual ============== Many users have asked me about providing a printed manual to licensed users. I had decided against this for a number of reasons: 1. Printing costs alone would add considerably to the cost of a licensed copy of QQSL. 2. This manual is a dynamic document, by this I mean that there are many, many changes with each new version of QQSL. A new printed manual with each release would be very impractical, both for users and for myself. 3. Many users don't realize that printed manuals aren't necessary. Once you become used to viewing manuals online, you should find that you prefer this to a printed manual. NOTE: QQSL.DOC has been formatted without any special fonts, under- lines, italics, nor any other characters which would detract from online viewing. The only special character that you might see on your screen is the '^L', which denotes page breaks. Therefore, this manual is not only suitable for either printing or online QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 4 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 viewing, but is also a GOOD example of a manual which begs to be viewed online! I know that there are some of you that will still insist on having a printed manual, even after reading the above. For these people, order information for a printed manual may be found in the ORDER.FRM file. About the Demonstration Copy ============================ If you haven't licensed your copy of QQSL, then you'll find that the demo version of QQSL you're using is identical to that used by paid users, but with four notable exceptions: 1. The Print menu command will not print out more than three labels. 2. The bottom line on each label will show an advertisement for QQSL. Licensed users may change this line to anything they wish, but non-licensed users are stuck with it just as it is! 3. The words "Demonstration copy: 3-label limit!" on the title page will continually blink on and off. 4. The program starts and ends with a "Demo Reminder". NOTE: Your acceptance of the limitations of the demo copy is NOT an excuse to avoid licensing - send payment to the author if you continue to use QQSL past the one-month trial period! REMINDER: With the exception of the 3-label limit, bottom line advertisement, blinking words on the title page, and the Demo Reminder, the demonstration and licensed copies of QQSL are identical! Why Did I Write QQSL? ===================== QQSL was originally written for my private use. But, as I worked on the program, I felt that others would have similar needs, so I decided to rewrite QQSL for use by the general public. My primary personal need for QQSL is to respond to incoming QSL's from the DX QSL bureaus. I receive many cards each month, and find that this total increases and decreases along with the QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 5 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 sunspot highs and lows. During the sunspot highs, I've often had months when I received 300+ QSL's in a single month! After receiving 30,000+ QSL cards, I no longer get excited about re- ceiving QSL's. But, I feel that one is obligated to respond when he or she receives a QSL card. To do otherwise is RUDE and does nothing to foster the goodwill normally generated by ham radio. Although there are now a LOT of different programs which produce QSL labels, none of them used a format I cared for. It seemed that they all simply print the minimum information required to confirm a QSO, without any thought about some of the niceties which could also be included. QQSL solved this problem by con- tinually switching fonts, printing the first line (the call sign) using a large font and the remaining lines using the very small font. Therefore, the total number of characters which can be printed on a QQSL label are 219. A LOT of information can be conveyed with this many characters. Additionally, the call letters stand out, often eliminating the need to write the call separately in large letters as required by QSL bureaus. The "niceties" mentioned above are label lines 4 and 5, which may be customized by the user. Similar design rules governed develop- ment of routines for laser printer users. In addition to the lack of multiple fonts, I'd noticed that many other programs require a full computerized log and will only generate labels using information from this file. Although I normally store most of my log information on a computer, I found it to be very inconvenient to join various logs together, format them into whatever format the labeling program in question need- ed, and then tagging the lines which required a QSL label. It was much faster for me to type the applicable label using written logs and/or the QSO information from cards received. I think that once you discover how fast you can enter label information using QQSL, you'll agree that there is no advantage to working from a "data base" of QSO information. But - by popular demand, I finally gave in and have added an import capability <HI!>. To summarize all the above, while at the same time repeating myself: Most programs produce QSL labels as an "afterthought". With QQSL, QSL labels are the ONLY thought! And since labels are the only thought, I've devoted 100% of my energies to making QQSL the "Ultimate QSL Label Program"! Learning QQSL ============= The best way to learn QQSL is as follows: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 6 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 1. Scan the documentation! Don't worry if parts don't make sense, they will after you work with the program awhile. I've gone to a lot of detail on how to use the program, probably more than was necessary. Because of this detail, an in-depth study of the documentation at this point in time would probably cause more confusion than anything else! 2. Copy the extracted files from the QQSL archive into a single directory or onto a single floppy diskette (don't forget to make a backup). If you have purchased your lifetime license directly from me, a simplified install program and instructions have been provided. NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is required - QQSL will not run on 5.25", 360KB floppies. 3. Run one or more QQSL practice sessions, entering ficti- tious QSO information as you proceed. Test the Import menu command with one or more of your current contest files. Use ALL possible menu commands as you practice, and enter erroneous data along with good information so that you can see how QQSL reacts to errors. Print out lots of labels, but don't waste continuous- feed labels or laser label paper for this testing phase - your normal paper in your printer will suffice. This is also a good time to make permanent changes to label lines 4 and 5 (modifiable only by licensed users), using the Modify menu command as de- scribed in the "Modify" section. Refer to the documentation again as you perform these tasks, but only if you're stuck! 4. Now, study the documentation carefully from the first line to the last. 5. If you're just getting familiar with a new version of QQSL, all that may be needed is for you to read about the latest enhancements in the front of HISTORY.DOC file, and then search the index for more information about new features which catch your interest. Congratulations - you're now a QQSL "expert"! Getting Started =============== QQSL will run on an IBM PC or compatible running under MS-2.0 or greater. Any monitor and display adapter may be used and large amounts of memory are not required. If you are running QQSL from a floppy diskette, the diskette must not be write pro- QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 7 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 tected, but make sure you have a backup copy! NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is required - QQSL will not run on 5.25", 360KB floppies. The following files must all be in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette from which you run QQSL: QQSL.EXE SORTF.COM Actually, either program may be anywhere in your DOS PATH, and you may then simply execute QQSL from the same directory or diskette which contains QQSL.EXE. If you're asking what a PATH is, then disregard this information and ensure that the above files are in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette as previously described. If you have a floppy-only computer, you shouldn't put any files on the floppy other than the above, since the additional files will simply use space that could be utilized by label files. To run QQSL, simply enter: QQSL <CR> Menus ===== Labels are saved to a file named QQSL.LBL. The first time you run QQSL (or if you run QQSL after deleting your QQSL.LBL file with the Delete menu command), QQSL will detect that you don't have an existing label file and you'll see a menu with the fol- lowing menu commands: About QQSL Create label file Import file aLign printer Modify lines 4/5 cOnfigure QQSL Quit program You may use the arrow keys to select the appropriate menu item and then press <Enter>, or you may simply press a key correspond- ing to the first letter of the desired menu item. For "power users", the following will tell you all there is to know about QQSL menus: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 8 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Menu Movement Key Action ----------------- ------ UpArrow............moves selection bar up DownArrow..........moves selection bar down Enter..............selects the item that the selection bar is on Single Character...selects the item beginning with that character Home...............moves selection bar to menu top End................moves selection bar to menu bottom Esc................return to previous menu QQSL also supports the mouse as follows: Key Action --- ------ Left button........same as the enter key above Right button.......same as the <Esc> key Middle button......not used Mouse movement.....select an item Subsequent runs of QQSL will show this menu: Add new labels Count labels Delete QQSL.LBL Import file aLign printer Modify lines 4/5 cOnfigure QQSL Print all labels Sort labels Quit program A description of each of these menu commands follows . . . About QQSL ========== This menu command will pop up a window telling you something about QQSL and the author. Create Label File (or) Add New Labels ===================================== These menu commands are essentially the same. The only differ- ence is that Create will start a new QQSL.LBL file and Add will QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 9 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 append new labels to the existing QQSL.LBL file. You don't need to be concerned as to whether you need to enter 'C' or 'A', as QQSL has built-in safeguards to prevent the wrong menu command from being selected. You are about to discover that entering label information with QQSL is FAST, as entry speed was always in my mind during the entire program development process. This speed comes about because duplicate information is carried forward from one saved label to the next. Additionally, the RS(T) automatically has a '9' appended to the end for all applicable modes and the '9' is dropped for phone modes. Because of these enhancements, you'll be amazed at how fast you can create labels from the keyboard. The editing keys for the Add/Create menu commands are mostly intuitive and will be quite easy to master. But, for those who want to know ALL the possible edit keys, they are as follows: Field Editing Key Action ----------------- ------ LeftArrow..........cursor left RightArrow.........cursor right UpArrow............cursor up DownArrow..........cursor down Ctrl-LeftArrow.....word left Ctrl-RightArrow....word right Tab................field right Shift-Tab..........field left Enter..............process field F2.................process all fields, save temporary F6.................process all fields, save permanent Ctrl-Enter.........same as F2 Period (.).........enter period, delete to end of field Home...............beginning of field End................end of field line / end of field Ctrl-Home..........beginning of first field Ctrl-End...........end of last field Ins................toggle field insert mode Del................delete character at cursor BackSpace..........delete character left Ctrl-BackSpace.....delete word left Ctrl-R.............restore field to original contents Ctrl-T.............delete word right Ctrl-U.............delete to end of field Ctrl-Y.............delete to end of last field Esc................return to previous menu QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 10 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 NOTE: All the above edit keys work the same with the Modify menu command. The first time you use the Add/Create menu command, all fields (other than the Call sign) will be preset to common values and may then be adjusted as necessary. If you've just finished importing a file, the last label imported will be shown on the Add/Create form. Label information for saved [F6] entries will be carried forward from label to label, with one exception - the RS(T) will change back to 59 (or 599) after each label is saved. I think that you'll find this a very "workable" arrangement once you become accustomed to it. You don't need to be concerned about whether or not to use capi- tal letters as QQSL automatically converts all lower case letters to upper case (exception - label lines 4 and 5 may be entered in both upper and lower case). Add/Create input is as follows: Call Sign --------- Enter the full call sign. Although I have never heard a call sign with more than twelve characters (more on that later), QQSL will accept up to 15. The letters 'A' - 'Z', the numbers '1' - '0', and special characters '/', and '-' are the only valid characters allowed in this field. If you precede the call sign with spaces, these spaces will be removed and the call sign will be shifted to the left. QQSL will validate a call sign to ensure that it contains at least three characters and that the prefix is not all numbers. Embedded spaces will also cause a call sign to be flagged as invalid. No further validations are performed to call signs, so be sure to "eyeball" each entry carefully before proceeding to the next field. If you're asking yourself, "Why is the dash (-) a valid charac- ter"? This is because the dash is commonly used in SWL calls. If you use a dash in the call and then press [F6] to save the label, QQSL will check the SWL field to ensure that it is a 'Y'. If not, a warning will be issued, but you'll have the option to then save the label if you wish. SPECIAL NOTE: The Call sign field has one unique difference from most of the other fields. After pressing [F6] to save a label, you'll notice that the cursor is now positioned at the beginning QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 11 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 of the Call field. You now have two choices: 1. Start typing the next call. You'll notice that old call is immediately blanked, or 2. Use any of the edit keys previously described to modify the current call. QQSL will decide with the FIRST keystroke whether you are enter- ing a new call or modifying the old. There are a number of reasons why I set up this field to behave this way. The most important is that I found touch typists (such as myself) tended to not notice that they were entering short calls incorrectly after entering longer calls. For example, if I were to press [F6] to save a label for WA6XYZ and then immediately start typing a label for KC4B, the Tab or Enter key which I pressed following the 'B' would leave the letters "YZ" behind, thereby creating a label for KC4BYZ! "Two-finger" typists will probably never appreciate the effort I went through to handle the Call sign field in this manner, but touch-typists will! MHz --- QQSL will accept the following frequency ranges: 1.800 - 2.000 3.500 - 4.000 7.000 - 7.300 10.100 - 10.150 14.000 - 14.350 18.068 - 18.168 21.000 - 21.450 24.890 - 24.990 28.000 - 29.700 50.000 - 54.000 144.000 - 148.000 222.000 - 225.000 420.000 - 450.000 902.000 - 928.000 You may enter as little or as many characters as you wish to show the frequency for a QSO, to a maximum of seven characters. For example, a SSB QSO on 14.234 MHz could be entered as: 14 14. 14.2 14.23 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 12 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 14.234 14.2340 The last example shows the degree of exactness you can achieve (if desired) with the seven-character maximum. Additionally, 1.2G, 2.3G, 3.4G, 5.7G, 10G, 24G, and 48G will also be accepted as valid entries. Frequencies other than these or those shown above will be rejected. If anyone has any need for frequencies beyond 48 GHz, let me know and I'll gladly incorporate their choices. But, I personally plan to avoid the UHF bands, as lead underwear is a bit expensive at the local Wal-Mart . . . just kidding <HI!>. SPECIAL NOTE: The MHz field has one unique difference from most of the other fields. After pressing [F6] to save a label and then entering a new call sign as described in the previous sub- section, you'll notice that the cursor is now positioned at the beginning of the MHz field. You now have two choices: 1. Start typing the new frequency. You'll notice that old frequency is immediately blanked, or 2. Use any of the edit keys described above to modify the current frequency. Again, this is one of those features that is easier understood if it is "played with" rather than discussed <HI!>. Mode: ( ) --------- Enter the appropriate character at this prompt and the full mode will automatically be displayed. If you are not sure which letter to use, enter a question mark between the quotes (?) to see the first mode menu, then enter an explanation mark (!) to see the second mode menu. Satellite modes: If you're a serious satellite fan, select (more!) from the bottom of this first menu to see the satellite modes and the "generic" mode. Note that the satellite modes seem to be changing all the time, so this second menu has been made VERY general. I didn't like the idea of requiring the user to write on the labels after they were printed, but I couldn't see a better way. As a satellite user, I'd recommend that you create and print out some test labels before creating labels for normal satellite QSO's. Note that The MHz entry is still shown on the screen, but is ignored for satellite modes. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 13 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Generic mode: For those who are using a mode which is not in- cluded on either of the two mode menus, for someone who wishes to write in a (T)one other than '9', or for someone who has other special uses for QQSL labels, there is also a generic mode at the bottom of the second mode menu. This mode will allow the user to later write in any mode, and/or (T)one desired. Again, I didn't like the idea of requiring the user to write on the labels after they were printed, but I couldn't see a better way. Considering the situation, I think my solution was reasonable <HI!>. Note that The MHz entry is still shown on the screen, but is ignored for the generic mode. If you see any errors or potential enhancements for either mode menu or label appearance, please let me know. If I later use your suggestions, I'll send you a free upgrade when the version containing your suggestions is ready for distribution. RS(T) ----- Any valid RS(T) report will be accepted. The third number (9) for all reports is automatically entered or removed as applicable. If you work someone on one of the modes requiring a (T)one and give them something other than a '9', I you will probably need to use the "generic" mode as described above, and then fill out the remainder of this label by hand. I doubt this will be a problem though as I haven't seen a tone other than '9' given during a QSO for over twenty-five years! As explained earlier, the full RS(T) field will change back to 59 or 599, depending on the mode after each label is saved. Time (UTC) ---------- Enter the time in UTC only. Invalid times will be rejected. Day --- 01 - 31. Invalid days will be rejected. Month ----- 01 - 12. Invalid months will be rejected. If the day is "31", QQSL will not accept 02, 04, 06, 09, nor 11. If the day is "30", QQSL will not accept 02. The month will be converted to either English characters (Jan - Dec) or Roman numerals (I - XII) on the label, depending on how you have set QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 14 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 the month format with the Configuration menu command. If you're in the middle of a label session and forget which month format you've chosen, both the system date in the upper-left corner of the screen and the sample label for the Modify menu command will be in the selected format. NOTE: If you are sending QSL's to hams in other countries, I'd suggest using Roman numerals, as this is the ONLY format that will not be misinterpreted anywhere in the world - think about it! Year ---- 1945 - 1999 are the only valid years at this time. Sometime during the year 1999, I'll add the capability of entering the years 2000 and above. If you have entered "29" as day and "02" as month, only a leap year will be accepted. Note: Only one out of four centennial years (years divisible by 100 with no remainder) has a "leap day" in February. The year 2000 is one of these years, therefore when QQSL starts accepting the years 2000 and above, 29/02/2000 will be accepted as a valid date. QSL (P/T) --------- (P)lease or (T)hanks only. Any other entry will be rejected. If you are entering a label for an SWL, 'P' will be flagged as invalid. SWL (Y/N) --------- (Y)es or (N)o only. Invalid characters will be rejected. If you enter 'Y', QQSL will check the call to see if it looks like an SWL call (includes one or more dashes). If not, a warn- ing will be issued, but you'll have the option to save the label if you wish. [F6] ---- Press the [F6] key to save the completed label. You do not need to be at the end of the Add/Create form to press this key. Individual fields are edited as they are entered, but validations which require cross referencing fields are performed at this QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 15 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 time. You'll get an error message and "down tones" if there are errors, or you'll get "up tones" if all is OK and the label was saved. The moving light bar changes density at specific prede- termined points during the save process, and therefore should be considered a practical and useful feature, rather than decora- tion. Of course this light bar may not appear to move at all if you have a fast PC! You may continue to enter the information for the next label as the current one is being saved - if you're fast enough <HI!>. NOTE: After pressing [F6] to save the label, you'll notice that all fields are still on the form, with the exception that the RS(T) has reverted to 59 or 599 depending on mode. All of this information may be re-used as necessary for the next label. <Esc> ----- Press the <Esc> key to return to the main menu. The right mouse button also acts as the <Esc> key. Should you later decide to return to the Add/Create menu command without first exiting QQSL, all label information from the last time you saved a label will still be available on the form. QQSL was written so that system crashes will not cause you to lose files! For example, you're an avid contester in W4-land who is in the process of entering QSL label information for 600 Eastern European QSL's which just arrived from the bureau. These labels are being added to an existing QQSL.LBL file which already contains approximately 200 labels. Suddenly, there's a brief power interruption (and you don't have a UPS)! In this situa- tion, you might lose the entire QQSL.LBL file, including the 200 labels from your previous sessions!! Trust me - these situations in which a computer user loses all his or her work because of system or application failure are quite common! Therefore, I have written QQSL in such a manner that it will never lose more the single label which you are currently processing, and I have extensively tested this feature! Prove it to yourself - start a new QQSL.LBL file by entering a few fictitious labels. Then, reset the computer as you are entering the information for a new label. After the system reboots, go directly to the Print menu command and print out the test labels. You'll see that only the label that you were working on when you threw the switch was lost! This might seem to be a minor feature to some of you, but if you have ever lost all your work from a system crash or soft- ware glitch, you'll appreciate the sizable effort I put forth to install and test this capability! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 16 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Count Labels ============ This menu command is self-explanatory. It's a good idea to invoke the Count menu command from time to time to see if the label file is the size that you normally like to print. Addi- tionally, the Sort menu command (described below) will not sort an unlimited number of labels. If you have a LOT of labels in your QQSL.LBL file, this menu command will let you know that it is about to exceed the number of labels that the Sort menu com- mand can reasonably handle. Count displays the count continuous- ly as it counts the labels in the QQSL.LBL file. I set it up this way just because I thought it looked neat! If you are counting a small number of labels, this feature won't mean much. But if you're counting a lot of labels, it's fun to watch the numbers spinning! Trivia - for those of you who have been considering an upgrade to a faster computer, you might want to consider this: On my clone 486/33, a Count against a label file of 100 labels is normally completed before my finger is fully removed from the 'C' key! Delete QQSL.LBL =============== You will normally select this menu command after you have printed out your current label file. When selecting this menu command, you'll see: Delete QQSL.LBL...are you sure? [y,N] This prompt is provided in case you've accidentally pressed the 'D' key or in case you might now wish to change your mind. You may now press 'Y' to delete QQSL.LBL or 'N' if you wish to keep the file. TIP: I recommend that you keep a copy of PC Tools, Norton Utili- ties, or some other utility program which allows "undeleting" files, and that you know how to use it! Then, if you delete QQSL.LBL and discover that you need it back for any reason, immediately stop whatever you're doing and recover the deleted file. NOTE: It is very important to recover a file as soon as you discover that you need it back, as DOS will write data over your deleted file sooner or later, at which time it is no longer possible to undelete it! By the way, this undeleting program will have many uses beyond QQSL, as I'm sure you can imagine! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 17 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 TIP 2: Don't delete QQSL.LBL until all the labels have been re- moved from their backing and are affixed to your QSL cards. This way, individual labels can be reprinted if they become "messed up" in any way - it happens! Import File =========== This menu command will automatically convert files created by CT, DXBase, and NA programs into QQSL labels. The Import menu command supports the following: Program Versions ------- -------------------- CT 7.xx 8.xx 9.xx DXBase 2.x 3.x 4.x NA 6.xx 7.xx 8.xx If you're using CT, DXBase, or NA versions other than these, QQSL may still be able to create labels - but first you must to print out your current label file (or take a chance on destroying it)! General Import Notes -------------------- BEFORE importing files, be sure to first run the Modify menu command to change the last two label lines. Any remarks directed towards the specific contest or log file for which you're now creating labels should be entered on lines 4 and 5 at this time. Additionally, be sure to configure for (E)nglish or (R)oman month before importing, as well as configuring "QSL (P/T)" for (P)lease or (T)hanks. Neither CT nor NA make any provision for reports other than 59 or 599 to be sent. Therefore, all you'll see is 59 or 599 on your imported labels. DXBase RS(T)'s are correctly recorded on the label, just as you sent them. I know that NA version 9.00 has been released. I don't have a copy of this program and probably won't get one as I haven't perceived much interest in NA compared to CT. If you have NA version 9.00 and wish to import files into QQSL from this pro- gram, follow the directions for 8.00 and see what happens. If this doesn't work, let me know and we'll work something out. And no - it won't cost you anything <HI!>. The Import function has been programmed in such a manner that it should not be too difficult to program additional import capabil- QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 18 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 ities for different logging or contest programs. So, if you have a favorite logging or contest program on your PC that isn't supported by the QQSL import function, please get in touch with me and we'll talk. And no - this won't cost you anything either, <HI!>. If I later add a new import file to QQSL using the infor- mation gathered from you, you'll receive a free upgrade when the revised program is ready for distribution! I've found a few bugs with both CT and NA, whereas DXBase files have all been relatively clean! My assumption is that both Ken (K1EA) and Dave (K8CC) will be fixing the problems in future versions, therefore it is not necessary for me to write QQSL in such a way as to filter out errors in their programs. On the other hand, at times it is possible for me to work around invalid files and/or records with a minimum of effort, and I'll do this when I can. With this in mind, please read the "CT Import notes" and "NA Import notes" before importing labels. Before invoking the Import menu command, be sure that files to be imported are in your working directory (the directory from which you normally run QQSL), unless stated otherwise below. Highlight the Import menu command selection using arrow keys and press <Enter> or 'I' to bring up a second window. A single press of the left mouse button on this selection will also work. You may now select from three different versions of CT, DXBase, or three different versions of NA using the same guidelines. If you have selected DXBase, you should now skip down to the "DXBase" section as the remainder of this section does not apply to you. Before selecting the file to be imported, there will be window to the right of the main menu showing: "Xxxxxx QSL" will show on all labels imported from this file. Press <Esc> and reconfigure if this is not OK! "Xxxxxx" will show either "Please" or "Thanks", and imported files will be saved with "Please QSL" or "Thanks QSL" as part of each label. Press <Esc> and reconfigure for this field if the value is not as you want it. Most users will want to leave the default "Please" for this field as is. All labels produced from the selected file will then state "Please QSL". On the other hand, QSL managers or rarer DX stations will probably want to configure for "Thanks", which will QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 19 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 then print "Thanks QSL" on all labels for the selected file. In this manner, you'll have QSL labels ready to go for that ava- lanche of QSL requests <HI!>. If you've selected one of the three CT versions, only files with the extension ".BIN" will be selected for import. If you've selected NA 6.xx, only files with the extension ".QSO" will be selected for import. If you've selected NA 7.xx or NA 8.xx, only files with the extension ".QDF" will be selected for import. You may now scroll through the files listed in this window with either the keyboard arrow keys or by using a mouse and the scroll bar arrows on the right side of the window. All "menu movement keys" described at the beginning of the "Menus" section are functional. To summarize these keys, you may enter the first letter of the name of the file you are interested in importing, and the first file which starts with this letter will be high- lighted. You may use <Home> to go to the beginning of the file list, <End> to go to the end, and <Esc> or the right mouse button to take you out of the file list without importing any labels. Once you have selected the file to be imported, press Enter or "click" on the file name with the left mouse button to complete the import process. Further import instructions for each of the three logging pro- grams follow. CT -- All contest files created by CT 7.xx, 8.xx, and 9.xx can be imported by QQSL. For example, assume that you just finished an effort in the ARRL CW DX contest using CT version 9.25 and named your log "ARRLDXCW". CT will create a file named ARRLDXCW.BIN. This file must then be copied to your \QQSL directory using a command similar to the following: COPY ARRLDXCW.BIN C:\QQSL The ARRLDXCW.BIN file may now be imported by QQSL. If required, see your DOS manual for information on the COPY command. Note that your original ARRLDXCW.BIN file will not be unaffected by any of the above operations! CT Import Notes: --------------- The CT 8.xx and CT 9.xx ARRL VHF Contests each have a band called "LHT". This will be handled as if it was a 48 GHz QSO. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 20 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 The CT 8.xx and CT 9.xx California QSO Party Contests each have a band called "VHF". This will be handled as if it was a 50 MHz QSO. The CT 7.xx, 8.xx, and 9.xx (in a limited manner - see the next paragraph) Field Day Contest allows 6, 2, NOV (Novice), SAT (Satellite), and PKT (Packet) to be entered as bands. QQSL will use 50 MHz for 6 meters, 144 MHz for 2, and will assume that PKT is a 144 MHz contact and that NOV is a 28 MHz contact. Addition- ally, SAT will be shown as "Satellite" on the label without showing a mode such as CW, SSB, etc. The CT 9.xx Field Day Contest would not allow me to create any Novice, Satellite, or Packet QSO's - even though these were shown on the CT 9.xx screen. In spite of this, I believe I was able to simulate meaningful test data for these mode/bands. But - if you have any QSO's of this nature in your Field Day log, be sure to check your labels carefully before sticking them on your cards! NOTE: I talked with the ARRL's DXCC desk in early February, 1993. At this time, I was told that just about anything that identifies the QSL as a satellite contact would qualify the card as valid towards Satellite DXCC. With this in mind, it seems that all of the following would be acceptable to the DXCC desk: AO-13B, OSCAR, Satellite, etc. Therefore, QQSL labels printed from satellite QSO's logged with CT would all be acceptable towards Satellite DXCC! DXBase ------ DXBase 4.x stores log data in a special file named QSODATA.DB. I've contacted with the DXBase authors, and found that even they don't know the character-by-character values for all information in this file. Therefore, it's necessary to first convert this file into a format which can be imported by QQSL. Note that this must be done EVERY time you wish to import DXBase 4.x labels! The following example was done using DXBase 4.0c, but should work with any DXBase 4.x version: 1. Go to your \DXB40 directory. If you've installed DXBase in a directory with a different name, then go to this new direc- tory. 2. Enter "IMPORT", without the quotes. 3. Select the 4th line: "EXPORT LOG to SDF ASCII FORMAT", then press <Enter>. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 21 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 4. Enter 'S' without the quotes (to show any possible errors on the screen). 5. Press any key . . . 6. You have just created a file named QSOLOG.SDF, which may now be imported by QQSL. This file may either be copied to your \QQSL directory or left where it is. If your copy of DXBase 4.x is installed in the \DXB40 directory, my suggestion is that you leave the QSOLOG.SDF file where it is - QQSL will find it! The above procedure is actually quite easy. After a little practice, you'll find that it takes 30 seconds or less to convert your DXBase 4.x log file into the QSOLOG.SDF file format! DXBase 2.x and 3.x log all QSO's in the QSOLOG.SDF file, which may be imported into QQSL without change. QQSL will first look in the \QQSL directory for the QSOLOG.SDF file. If not found, it will then look in the \DXB40 directory on the current drive, followed by the \DXB30 directory, and then the \DXB20 directory. Note that this means if you have a copies of QSOLOG.SDF in more than one of these directories, the first file found will be the only one processed! Labels will be created only for QSO's which you've told DXBase to "set the flag to print a QSL label". If you've told DXBase that a particular QSO already has "QSL card received", the label will show "Thanks QSL", otherwise it will show "Please QSL". NA -- All contest files created by NA 6.xx, 7.xx, and 8.xx can be imported by QQSL. NA version 6.xx creates files with the exten- sion ".QSO", whereas NA versions 7.xx and 8.xx create files with the extension ".QDF". For example, assume that you just finished an effort in the SPRINT CW contest using NA version 8.00 and named your log "SPRINTCW". NA will create a file named SPRINTCW.QDF. This file must then be copied to your \QQSL direc- tory using a command similar to the following: COPY SPRINTCW.QDF C:\QQSL The SPRINTCW.QDF file may now be imported by QQSL. If required, see your DOS manual for information on the COPY command. Note that your original SPRINTCW.QDF file will not be unaffected by any of the above operations! Substitute "QSO" for "QDF" in the above instructions if you are importing files created by NA version 6.xx. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 22 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 NA Import Notes: --------------- Neither NA 7.xx nor NA 8.xx would permit me to make 24 GHz en- tries, in spite of the fact that this band was on the setup menu. Therefore, no labels will be created for this band. RTTY by WF1B: ------------ Ray (WF1B) and others are now in the process of designing a standardized format for log records. Rather than delay the release of QQSL by writing a routine to import the current WF1B log files, and then have to rewrite this import routine when the new format is available, the following instructions will allow you to import your RTTY contest files right now! A WF1B RTTY contest file may be imported into QQSL by first converting it to a DXBase 3.x or 4.x file. Although this proce- dure is cumbersome, the following instructions will help. Note that this example is done with version 2.20D of "RTTY by WF1B", and that the name of the sample contest file is "96RNDUP.BIN": 1. RTTY by WF1B includes a program named CONVERT.EXE. Be sure your 96RNDUP.BIN contest log is in the same directory as this program, then enter: CONVERT 2. From the CONVERT menu, enter '1' or '8', without the quotes. 3. Using the arrow keys, select "96RNDUP.BIN" and press <Enter>. 4. Enter 'Q' to leave the CONVERT program. 5. (Optional) Using the SORTF utility delivered with QQSL and the instructions contained in the SORTF.DOC file, sort the 96RNDUP.SDF file on columns 1-11. This sorted file will later facilitate your ability to locate various calls. 6. Edit the new 96RNDUP.SDF file using the non-document mode of your favorite word processor or the EDIT program which comes with versions 5.0 through the current version of DOS. 7. You'll notice that column 38 of all records contain the letter 'N'. This character is used to tell DXBase to (N)ot send a QSL card for this QSO, and QQSL will honor this request by not generating a label! Therefore, you must then change each 'N' to QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 23 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 a 'Y' for those QSO's for which you wish a QQSL label. This 'Y' may be entered in either upper or lower case, and is the only character that you should change in this file - other changes will cause unpredictable results! 8. Save the edited file when finished making changes. 9. Change the name of the 96RNDUP.SDF file to QSOLOG.SDF, by entering at the "C>" prompt: REN 96RNDUP.SDF QSOLOG.SDF 10. Copy the QSOLOG.SDF to the \QQSL directory by entering: COPY QSOLOG.SDF C:\QQSL 11. You may then import this file into QQSL as a DXBase file, thereby generating labels for the QSO's you identified (in #7 above) with 'Y' in column 38. Align Printer ============= This menu command will print out dummy labels, which may be used to line up labels in your printer. For dot matrix users: each time you press 'L', QQSL will print out one dummy label. NOTE: This is also a good time to turn on your printer's near letter quality (NLQ) capability, if you have it. Doing so will make the labels look MUCH better. A reminder to switch over to NLQ mode will flash on the screen for five seconds while each dummy label is printing out. If you have specified in your configuration that zeros are to be slashed, this slash will also appear in the first line of the dummy label. For laser printer users: each time you press 'L', QQSL will print out one PAGE of dummy labels. You'll be shown a running count of the number of dummy labels as they are sent to the printer. Check the index for the "Print All Labels" section for more information on how these labels should appear. TIP: Con- sidering the high prices charged for laser label paper, I recom- mend that you use your normal paper when checking alignment. You then take a blank label page and remove the two labels at the top, the two from the last line, and two more from any line near the middle. Lay this page over the page generated by the Align menu command to see how well your actual labels will center. Neat trick - right? <HI!> QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 24 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Modify Lines 4/5 ================ The information which prints on the last two thirds of line 4 and all of line 5 (for licensed users only) can be either permanently or temporarily modified by this menu command. Sample lines 4 and 5 have been pre-loaded by the program author. Selecting Modify will allow you to change either line 4, line 5, both lines, or neither (should you change your mind). Changes can be either temporary (used for this QQSL session only) or permanent (this and all future QQSL sessions). Lower case letters will NOT be converted to upper case for lines 4 and 5. NOTE: Changes to lines 4 and 5 will apply only to labels created AFTER the change - labels created before modifying lines 4 and 5 will remain the same, which is the way it should be! The Modify form is very straight-forward, and is actually simpler to use than describe. Additionally, all of the edit keys shown above in the description of the "Create Label File" or "Add New Labels" section will also work the same in the Modify menu com- mand. The first time you run QQSL, you should immediately run Modify in order to replace line 4 and 5 information with your personal preferences. Be sure to then save the new lines permanently [F6]. The new information you entered is now available for all future QQSL sessions. NOTE: The carat sign (^) is not allowed on lines 4 or 5 as I'm using this character in the QQSL.LBL file to separate label lines. Take a look at a QQSL.LBL file using your favorite word processor in (N)ondocument mode or any general purpose file viewer and you'll see what I mean. [F2] ---- This is the "save temporary" key, which will save the modified lines 4 and 5 for use during the current QQSL session only. [F6] ---- This is the "save permanent" key, which will allow use of the modified lines 4 and 5 during this session and will also write the new lines to your QQSL.EXE program for use in future QQSL sessions. Be careful with this key - if you're not sure you want to lose the current line 4 and 5 information, you might consider using [F2] instead. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 25 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 <Esc> ----- If you type some changes, but then decide you want to leave the lines as they were, press either <Esc> or the right mouse button to return to the main menu BEFORE pressing [F2] or [F6]. The lines will return to their former contents. NOTE: If you have any kind of "virus detection" software running as a TSR (watching execution of other DOS programs), [F6] (perma- nent save) may set off an "alarm" when it attempts to write back the configuration information to QQSL.EXE. You can ignore the warning, but if you're unhappy doing so I'd recommend you run any of the virus detection programs against the new copy of QQSL.EXE to assure yourself that the program hasn't become "infected". The best and least expensive (in my opinion) of these programs is the Shareware program SCAN, written my McAfee Associates and available on many of the better computer bulletin boards (BBS's). NOTE 2: I have probably made the Modify command sound more com- plicated than it really is. Play around with it, print a label or two, and you'll see that it's really quite simple! This is a situation where a picture is worth 1,000 words <HI!>. Configure QQSL ============== Before you use QQSL for the first time, you'll want to configure the program for your particular preferences. Additionally, when you purchase a lifetime license for your copy of QQSL, you'll be supplied with a unique serial number which must be configured into QQSL in order to remove the demonstration version limita- tions. Please note that you must use Save Permanent [F6] to install your personal serial number. All QQSL configuration is done with the Configure menu command, and all configuration changes are applied immediately when either the [F2] or [F6] key is pressed. IMPORTANT: Versions of QQSL prior to 5.1 were distributed with a separate configuration program, named QQSLCFG. DO NOT use any of these older QQSLCFG programs to configure QQSL, since to do so would cause erroneous (and possibly disastrous) results. To configure QQSL, you must first ensure that the following file is in the same directory or on the same floppy diskette from which you started QQSL: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 26 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 QQSL.EXE NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is required as QQSL will not run on 5.25", 360KB floppies. You then simply select the Configuration menu command from the main menu. QQSL will then show you a modifiable form, which shows you your current configuration. These fields and their possible values are: Serial Number ------------- If you have licensed your copy of QQSL with the author, enter your personal ten-character serial number. If you are using a demo copy of QQSL, enter the phrase "QQSL IS OK" (without the quotes). QQSL will not allow you to skip this field if it is blank, nor will it allow you to enter an invalid serial number. Those who are using licensed copies of QQSL and had previously installed their serial number will NOT be prompted again for an entry in this field. Sound ----- Enter 'N' if you wish a silent program, otherwise enter 'Y'. QSL (P/T) --------- (P)lease or (T)hanks only. This entry determines what the Add/Create menu will show in the "QSL (P/T)" field (for the first label only), and whether imported files will be saved with "Please QSL" or "Thanks QSL" as part of each label. This parame- ter will have no effect on imported DXBase labels. Month Format (E/R) ------------------ Enter 'E' for English (Jan - Dec) or 'R' for Roman (I - XII). If you're in the middle of a label session and forget which month format you've configured, both the system date in the upper-left corner of the screen and the Modify sample label will be in the selected format. Slash Zero ---------- If your dot matrix printer automatically slashes the zero (0), QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 27 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 enter 'N', otherwise enter 'Y'. Most amateur radio users have probably configured their printer dip switches to automatically slash zeros, in which case an 'N' is REQUIRED in this field. This parameter will have no affect with laser printers, as all zeros will be slashed automatically. If you have entered 'Y' and QQSL detects a zero in label line one (the call sign or the string of fifteen digits in the test label), it will print the zero, backspace, and then print a '/' (slash) over the zero. QQSL will not attempt to slash zeros other than in the first label line. NOTE: I've tested this option extensively, and I've discovered that the backspace-slash combination is NOT the same as the slashed zero normally produced by dot matrix printers. With some printers, the backspace-slash looked better than the standard slashed zero, and in some cases it was worse. Again, the rule-of-thumb is that (when possible), you should set your printer dip switches to automatically slash zeros and enter an 'N' in this field. Printer (E/I/2/3/4) ------------------- If you have an Epson or Epson-compatible dot matrix printer, enter 'E'. If you have an IBM ProPrinter dot matrix printer or compatible, enter 'I'. If unsure or you're using a compatible dot matrix printer, try both to see which is best for your par- ticular installation. For laser users, enter '2' for the Hewlett-Packard Series 2 LaserJet and compatibles, or '3' for any other LaserJet or com- patible. If unsure or you're using an InkJet printer, experi- ment, but be sure to use plain paper rather than label paper in order to cut expenses! LPT Port -------- If you're one of the lucky users who have multiple printers with multiple ports on the back of your PC to support these printers, enter the port number of the printer to which you wish to direct QQSL labels. Valid entries are 1, 2, or 3, with the default entry being '1'. 99% of the QQSL users (those with only a single printer) will not need to change this parameter. Color ----- Enter 'Y' if you have a color monitor or 'N' if you are using a monochrome monitor or some laptop computers. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 28 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 QQSL will normally detect that a monochrome system is being used and will automatically convert colors to monochrome equivalents. But, in some cases an 'N' in this field will provide better results than those provided by the automatic detection system. If you're using a monochrome monitor, try this field both ways to determine which is better on your particular system. An 'N' in this field will substantially improve the display on some color laptop computers, while at the same time removing the QQSL's from the background wallpaper in order to improve menu visibility. NOTE: When running QQSL with Color set to 'N', some of the windows will appear "washed out". This is because QQSL was written to be a color program. In interpreting colors to mono- chrome, it will sometimes happen that a window's background will be interpreted as white, which will then cause it to blend in with the white background. But, both the window's border and its text will be visible, so there should be no problem reading the contents of the windows. I've alleviated the problem somewhat by not printing the "QQSL's" in the background wallpaper and by not using window shadows. Unfortunately though, the only way to get completely around the monochrome interpretation problem is to avoid the use of lighter colors, but this would have been at the expense of the majority of the QQSL users! QQSL Wallpaper -------------- Enter 'Y' if you wish to continue seeing the QQSL's in the back- ground, otherwise enter 'N'. Note that if you've configured for a monochrome system as described above, this parameter is ignored and no QQSL's will be displayed. Auto Sort Before Printing ------------------------- If this parameter is set to 'Y', an unsorted label file will automatically sort into "Callbook" order before printing. If it is set to 'N', the label sequence will be unchanged before print- ing, although the user may still use the Sort command from the main menu before printing. Blank Labels at End ------------------- This parameter must be set between '0' through '9', and is used to determine the number of blank labels to be printed at the end of a job for those using dot matrix printers. Note that this parameter has no effect with laser printers. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 29 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 [F2] ---- Press [F2] to save your configuration changes temporarily. Changes made in this manner will be discarded when you exit QQSL. If you're attempting to install your personal serial number for the first time, pressing this key will generate an error message. [F6] ---- Press [F6] to save your configuration entries, at which time QQSL will write configuration changes back to the QQSL.EXE program. All configuration changes will then be in effect during this and future QQSL sessions. Please note that you MUST use this key if you are installing your personal serial number. <Esc> ----- Press <Esc> to abort configuration changes. NOTE: If you have any kind of "virus detection" software running as a TSR (watching execution of other DOS programs), [F6] (perma- nent save) may set off an "alarm" when it attempts to write back the configuration information to QQSL.EXE. You can ignore the warning, but if you're unhappy doing so I'd recommend you run any of the virus detection programs against the new copy of QQSL.EXE to assure yourself that the program hasn't become "infected". The best and least expensive (in my opinion) of these programs is the Shareware program SCAN, written my McAfee Associates and available on many of the better bulletin boards. NOTE 2: I've thought about making a separate configuration file, in order that your personal preferences could be carried forward from upgrade to upgrade, thereby eliminating the need to recon- figure for each new version. But, I decided against this for these reasons: 1. The Configuration menu command still needs to be run to install the licensed user's serial number. 2. The installed parameters are simple and easy to remember. 3. Parameters are often enhanced from version to version, which would thereby invalidating any previous configuration file. Compare the parameters available in version 4.1 to those in the current version and you'll see what I mean. Of course in this situation, it would ALWAYS be necessary to reconfigure. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 30 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 4. The delivered configuration defaults to the selections which will be used by most of the QQSL users. Print All Labels ================ After you have properly lined up the printer with the Align menu command, enter 'P' to print your entire label file. Be sure the label file is sorted or that the "Auto Sort Before Printing" has been selected from the Configuration menu if the labels are in- tended to be distributed "via the bureau". A count of the number of labels printed is displayed on the screen and is continuously updated. This count will not coincide with the label currently being printed if you have a print buffer or are using a laser printer, but in all cases the end count will reflect the actual number of labels printed. Printing Under Windows 95. The default Windows 95 installation provides for all print jobs, including DOS applications (QQSL is a DOS application), to go through the Windows 95 Print Manager. If you're having problems with the Print Manager when printing with DOS applications, or if you want to avoid the additional time spent waiting for Print Manager to print out your labels, here's how: From the taskbar select Start, Settings, Printers, "your printer", Printer, Properties, Details, Port Settings, then de-select "Spool MS-DOS print jobs", select OK, now close all open windows associated with this change. You will not have to reboot for this change to take effect. But for what it's worth, I've had printing problems with both QQSL and other DOS jobs under Windows 95, whether or not the job was handled by Print Manager. Although the problems haven't been severe, I wanted you to realize that any DOS print problems you experience under Windows 95 are with the operating system, not with QQSL! Postscript Printers. If your labels are coming out looking "funny" and you're using a Postscript printer, turn off the Post- script option. I've found that QQSL fonts (typefaces) change unpredictably under Postscript, therefore turning off this option should solve your problem. Laser Printer - Miscellaneous Information. The rest of this section is of interest only to laser printer users, the rest of you may skip down to the next heading. IMPORTANT: Be sure to read whatever documentation came with your laser printer as it relates to laser labels. Doing this may save you considerable grief in the future. For instance, did you know that you could damage your printer if you remove a label or two QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 31 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 from a label page, and then use the same page again in your printer? The following quote is directly from the "LaserJet IIIP Printer User's Manual": "Using label stock with spaces between labels often results in labels peeling off during the printing cycle, causing serious jamming problems". Of course, removing a label and then reusing the sheet would DEFINITELY qualify as a space between labels. You MUST read your printer documentation! While at it, it isn't a bad idea to read any data sheets which accompanied your blank label sheets. QQSL was designed for use with Avery #5161 or #5261, 2-up label paper. If you have any 2-up, 20-per-page label paper made by another manufacturer, give it a try to see what happens. I'll be happy to later add support for 3-up labels if there's enough demand. As stated in the "Configure QQSL" section, you may print QQSL labels with either the Hewlett-Packard Series 2 LaserJet or compatibles, or any other LaserJet printer or compatible depend- ing on how you configure QQSL. If you're using an InkJet or unsure about which laser printer you have, configure for 2, then 3 while using the Align menu command and plain paper to see how your labels will appear. For your information, the font for the second through the last line on your labels will be the same, regardless of which laser printer you've selected. The font for these lines is: Fixed, Medium, Line Printer. The difference lies with the first line, and an important difference it is! Series 2 users will see that the first line utilizes a font which is: Fixed, Courier, Bold, 10 Pitch, 12 Point. A space is added between each pair of char- acters to make the first line look more "symmetrical". Series 3, 4, and 5 users have a real treat in store, since the selected font is: Scalable, Bold, Italic, CG Times, and this looks GOOD on a label. In both cases, I've selected fonts which are built into your laser printer, so it isn't necessary for you to purchase and install special font cartridges or download soft fonts. But, for the Series 2 user who might want to take advantage of the better font offered for the Series 3 or 4 printers, it's OK to load a cartridge or soft font which includes this format. Just be sure to then select '3', '4' or '5' as your printer when you configure QQSL. For those "power users" who may wish to see the escape codes for the selected fonts, they are: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 32 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Line 1, Series 2 printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s0p10.00h12.0v0s3b3T Line 1, Series 3 printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s1p18.50v1s3b4101T Line 1, Series 4 printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s1p18.50v1s3b4101T Line 1, Series 5 printer: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s1p18.50v1s3b4101T Lines 2 - 5, both printers: <Esc>(8U<Esc>(s0p16.67h8.5v0s0b0T Sort Labels =========== This menu command will sort the QQSL.LBL file in "Callbook" order by call sign. Please note that the Sort function works with the EXACT contents of the call field. Therefore, ZA1/AA4M will sort up with the DX calls under the letter 'Z', whereas AA4M/ZA1 will sort up with the U.S. calls under the letter 'A'. The moving light bar changes density at specific predetermined points during the Sort process, and therefore should be consid- ered a practical/useful feature rather than only being decora- tion. Of course this light bar may not appear to move at all if you have a fast PC and/or are sorting a small file! During development, I tested the Sort menu command on a 640 KB "AT" clone with no expanded memory and a minimum of TSR's (Termi- nate but Stay Resident) programs installed, and I was able to sort 14,000 labels with no trouble. My suggestion though is that you should consider the maximum sort capability to be approxi- mately 10,000 records, or less if you don't have the full 640 KB of RAM. TIP: If you're going to sort 3,000 or more labels, you may as well take a break as this many labels will take a while to sort, especially if you have a slow computer! It's probably a good idea to not use the Sort menu command if your files are all stored on floppy diskette, unless the QQSL.LBL file is very small. This is because the Sort creates an addi- tional file named QQSL.TMP which is the same size as QQSL.LBL. QQSL.TMP is subsequently deleted as the Sort is finished, but nevertheless the space needs to be available during the process. As you can see, as your QQSL.LBL file grows you may find that there is no longer space to sort on floppy diskette. I'll leave it up to you, but be VERY careful if sorting on floppy! NOTE: If you are using floppy diskette, high density is required - QQSL will not run on 5.25", 360KB floppies. This seems an appropriate time for me to give a great big THANK YOU to Vernon D. Buerg, N6MG for his permission to incorporate his program SORTF into my QQSL program. Without this, I would have had to write and debug my own code to sort labels, and the QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 33 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 resulting sort would have been slower than Vern's program and probably wouldn't have been able to sort as many labels! So thanks Vern! And - all you users please be sure to read the SORTF.DOC which accompanies QQSL. You'll see that SORTF has many applications beyond sorting QQSL labels and will be an important addition to your utility library! Note that if you use SORTF, please be sure to register it with Vern. Details are in the SORTF.DOC file. NOTE: Vern is probably better known as the author of the great Shareware program, LIST! Quit Program ============ Self-explanatory. Additionally, pressing the <Esc> key or the right mouse button from the main menu will allow you to end your QQSL session. Label Information ================= Fonts and label paper for laser users is described in the "Print All Labels" section. For dot matrix users, QQSL prints on standard 3-1/2" X 15/16", 1- up labels. The first line of the label (the call sign) is print- ed using a wide font (5 characters/inch) and the remaining four lines are printed with a compressed font (17 characters/inch). An Epson compatible dot matrix printer is assumed, but the IBM ProPrinter (or compatible) may be configured using the Configura- tion menu command. I've tested QQSL on a Panasonic KXP-1091i and a number of Citizen and Epson dot matrix printers, and it works fine on all. If you're using a non-standard printer, give QQSL a try anyway to see what happens. If the labels come out "bad", check the manual to see if the printer can be reconfigured to Epson or ProPrinter mode through "dip" switch settings. If you have a Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode on your dot matrix printer, use it. Although NLQ will slow the printer down, the labels will look MUCH better! The following table illustrates how QQSL will format the label's first line, for both dot matrix and laser users. The format is determined by the actual length of the call, as you can see: QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 34 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Letters in call Format ------- ------ 1 - 5 *.*..W6XYZ..*.* 6 - 7 *.*.W6XYZ/4.*.* 8 - 9 *..KL7/W6XYZ..* 10 - 11 *.VP2M/WA6XYZ.* 12 - 15 REALLY-LONG-CALL Periods (.) represent blanks. The first label line (shown above), second, third, and first 10 characters of the fourth line are automatically generated by QQSL. The last 41 characters of the fourth line and all of line five (51 characters) are preset as shown between the following lines of asterisks. When a user receives a new version of QQSL, these lines may be modified with the Modify menu command. Note: The fifth (bottom) label line can only be modified by licensed users. ***************************************************************** - 73, Bill Rig: IC-781, Yagi, PK-232 > Label created with QQSL(tm) by AA4M - Graff, MO < ***************************************************************** Things to Come ============== The following potential enhancements are listed in order by what I personally think are the most to the least important: - WA5DTK, KK6XN, KC4B, K7RLS/4, and others have suggested that I allow the Modify information on the same screen as the Add/Create Form, so that they could more easily change lines 4 and 5 for EACH label, thereby enabling them to write personal comments to QSL card recipients as needed. This is an interest- ing idea, and one which I'll implement soon. - I'd like to write "QQSL for Windows 95". My intention when this chore is completed is to continue maintaining and distribut- ing the DOS version of QQSL, but additionally including a Windows version with the DOS version for those who routinely run in that environment. - My chief beta tester, KC4B, has told me that he has five different ways he configures lines 4 and 5 with the Modify menu QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 35 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 command! He'd like a way to automatically store these lines and recall them with a keystroke or two. WB8CKI later requested the same enhancement, so I'll do it - but no promises when <HI!>. - N0QMY, KF9CX, and AB6FO have all asked for 3-up laser labels. I'll implement this change sometime in the future. - All label lines are left justified, which looks just fine with one exception. This is with the first line (call sign) when configuring for laser printers. This is because the font being used is a scalable, proportional font. What this means is that the letters don't use the same amount of space as they do with fixed modes, particularly when narrow letters (I) are mixed on the same line as wide letters (W). This line needs to be cen- tered above the rest of the label information to look good, but this is much more complex a programming task then it might appear to the casual user. I'll do what I can with this one, and thanks to KK6XN for the feedback. - K1ER (QSL manager for AH1A, 1993) and K3RV would both like a more generic label format, as well as the full-featured label which has been the hallmark of QQSL for many years. Since there are a LOT of label programs now printing generic labels, I tend to think that I'd be wasting my time providing this feature. On the other hand, QSL managers might be more likely to use this program if I offered such an option. QQSL was made to produce quality rather than generic labels, simply because there are so many generic label programs out there. But, I'll think about it some more! - The ability to change or delete individual labels after entry would be quite useful. Incorporating this capability into QQSL would essentially require building a text editor into the program. This would be a nice enhancement, but unfortunately would also be a BIG programming chore. But then this capability could also be used to "tag" a label to be deleted, printed to a label, or held but not printed at this time. This tagging idea is still rough right now, so I'll keep thinking about it. On this subject, GW5BLE and K5MR suggested that I give the user the capability of searching for a specific call before tagging it. I have no idea right now how difficult adding this capability to an internal editor might be, but I'll make every attempt to add this "call search" routine to QQSL at the same time I incorporate an editor. Until this edit capability is ready, use the (N)ondocu- ment mode of your word processing software as described in the "Miscellaneous Stuff" section to correct any errors which you may have inadvertently saved to your QQSL.LBL file or to delete any labels which you later decide you don't wish to print. NOTE: DO QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 36 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 NOT add, remove, or change any carat signs (^) in the QQSL.LBL file! - AB6FO, KF9CX, and V73CT have asked if I would provide the capability to import ASCII files other than the CT and NA contest files. I think a workable (tentative) ASCII import capability might be in the format: CALL, DATE, TIME, MHZ, MODE, RS(T), P/T The following rules will apply to this format: a. Comma's are required, but spaces are optional. b. Date in the format YYMMDD. c. RST is optional, if not included it will be set to 59 or 599 depending on mode. d. The last field is also optional, and is 'P' for Please QSL or 'T' for Thanks QSL. "Please" is assumed if not included. Here's a sample record: AB6FO, 960424, 2334, 14, SSB, 59, P - I'd like to add the capability to import files rather than those created by DXBase, CT, or NA. If you have a favorite logging program on your PC, please get in touch with me and we'll talk. If I later add a new import file to QQSL using the infor- mation gathered from you, you'll receive a free upgrade when the revised program is ready for distribution! - I'd like to be able to enter a single digit in the day or month field, and then have this digit automatically shift right and zero-fill the left position when <CR> is pressed. This turns out to be a lot more of a programming problem than it would first appear. I'll keep "playing" with this idea. - Provide the capability for more precise laser label align- ment through the use of a parameter entered with the Configura- tion menu command. This priority might be higher, but no user has ever reported an alignment problem with laser labels, whereas many have told me that the alignment is perfect for their system! Because of these reasons, this potential enhancement now holds a very low position in my priority list <HI!>. - AB6FO would like to chose between a Sort by date or call. Since this is the first request for any change of any type to the sort function and because this would require MAJOR changes to both the program and to the layout of the QQSL.LBL file, I'm QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 37 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 going to hold off on this one until I determine that others are interested in a change of this nature. Comments? - KK6XN would like to see an audit trail of QSL's sent. This would probably be in the form of a printout containing boiler- plate QSO information for each QSL sent, the date the labels were printed, and the date a QSL card was received for the applicable QSO. This is an interesting idea, and one which I might imple- ment in the future if others show interest. Comments? - KK6XN also suggested that I add the capability to have a label which contains only comments print immediately after the label the comments are to accompany. This might be a useful feature for those with extended comments they wish to enter for their contacts. Any comments? Other enhancements/revisions/corrections to QQSL will be released as necessary. Miscellaneous Stuff =================== Much of the following has nothing to do with running QQSL, but I felt it might be of interest to some users. The topics are listed in no particular order: QSL Card Formats ---------------- My personal QSL card wasn't designed with the idea of using QQSL labels. But, the card was arranged in such a way that the over- all card looks OK when I put a label over the pre-printed QSO information block. But - I've seen many QSL cards designed with the idea that a user might like to either fill out the card himself OR use a label. The printers have been very accommodat- ing with these formats in that the QSO blocks are pre-printed lightly so that the block does not "bleed" through onto labels. The first card I saw using this format came from "QSL's by W4MPY" in Monetta, SC. If this kind of QSL interests you, write for samples to the address shown in W4MPY advertisements in the ham publications. While at it, you might write to a few other QSL printers for samples, as I have seen advertisements from other printers recently offering similar formats. Long Call Signs --------------- In 1990, I had QSO's with two of the longest calls I have ever heard on the amateur bands! This first call was VE2EDK/CI0GI, a QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 38 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Canadian operating from a potential new country and the second was ZB2/HB9DCQ/P, a Swiss amateur operating portable from Gibral- tar. QQSL had no problems generating labels for either call, even though each consisted of twelve characters. If anybody has ever worked a real-life, valid call (not a hypothetical call) longer than either of these, I'd be interested in hearing about it. In 1993 I received a bureau QSL card from an SWL with the call DL-O-05/2017994. This is the longest call I have ever seen of any nature, and I really felt sorry for its owner <HI!>. Of course I answered his "PSE QSL" request, and QQSL handled this monster call with no problem! Word Processor Problem ---------------------- During a QQSL test session, I decided to make changes to the QQSL.LBL file using my DOS word processing (WP) software, Word- Star 6.0. Of course I used (N)ondocument mode, as you should if you want to modify any individual labels with your WP software, since if you use the (D)ocument mode, QQSL will no longer be able to read the QQSL.LBL file! Anyway, after making changes to only a single label, I found that QQSL would no longer add new labels to the file. It took awhile for me to figure this one out, but I finally discovered that my WordStar had added some "hex padding" characters to the end of the QQSL.LBL file, in order to bring the total number of characters to a multiple of 128. Why it needed multiples of 128 for a (N)ondocument file I have no idea. Any- way, I changed WordStar so that it no longer added these padding characters and I can now correctly edit the file. The moral of this story is that you MUST BE SURE to make a backup copy of your QQSL.LBL file before making any changes with your WP software, at least until you are confident that your label file won't be "clobbered" by your WP! For those interested, if you're using this version of WordStar and can't figure out how to eliminate the padding characters, get in touch with me and I'll be glad to help. Reminder: DO NOT add or remove any carat signs (^) in the QQSL.LBL file! Double Printing --------------- I experimented with double-printing the first line on dot matrix labels in order to emphasize the call sign. But, I discovered that various "Epson compatible" printers handled this part of the program differently - what worked on one was ignored by the other. After spending an inordinate amount of time on this potential enhancement, I decided to abandon it rather than re- lease a program which might not work in a particular user's QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 39 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 environment. This was unfortunate, because when it worked, it looked good! Short History ------------- Version 1.0 of QQSL was originally released as free (but copy- righted) software. I even included the source code for those of you that might wish to "tinker" with the program. That version of QQSL represented about 400 lines of source code. Version 2.0 grew to about 1000 lines, subsequent versions saw the program grow and grow, with version 5.7 now totaling exactly 6,801 lines! This program has taken me MUCH more effort than I had originally planned - those of you who are programmers know what I mean. Because of this effort, starting with version 2.0, I withheld the source code and made the program Shareware. With version 3.0, I imposed a 3-label limit for non-licensed users. Version 4.1 saw the elimination of the 3-label limit and the introduction of Demo Reminder (registrations all but disappeared with this version), and version 5.0 included an advertisement on the bottom label line which was only modifiable by licensed users. Version 5.0 also saw QQSL leave the ranks of Shareware and become a commer- cial program, complete with [very expensive!] advertising in the major ham radio publications. Version 5.1 saw the reintroduction of the 3-label limit for non-licensed users and the elimination of the "pop up" Demo Reminder, at which time registrations re- turned to normal! Versions 5.2 onward were created in order to provide more and more "bells and whistles". Version 5.2 also saw the end of advertising in the major publications, complete with a corresponding price reduction from $24.95 to $19.95. Version 5.3 saw another price reduction to an all-time low of $14.95 (30 IRC's). Trust me - this is as low as I'm going to go <HI!>. With the postage hikes in January, 1995, it became necessary for me to raise the price to $15.95 (32 IRC's) for version 5.6. Label Prices ------------ A box of 5,000 3-1/2" X 15/16", continuous-form 1-up labels retails for about $10.00 at many retail outlets. Three national stores that have these prices are Price/Costco, Sam's Club, and CompUSA, and I'm sure that a little "shopping around" would locate other sources. Additionally, it appears that the prices for blank labels is slowly decreasing, a trend which I'd like to see continue. You can see that QSL labels produced with your dot matrix printer and QQSL can be quite reasonable, since 5,000 labels will last you a long, long time <HI!>. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 40 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Upgrading to Laser ------------------ If you decide to upgrade your dot matrix printer to a laser printer, or just to a better dot matrix, my advice would be to keep the old printer rather then selling it or giving it to the kids! You could then connect both the old and new printers to the printer port by using a surge-protected, parallel "A/B switch" and then leave continuous-form labels in the older print- er at all times. This way, you would be relieved of the hassle of reloading the printer with continuous-form label paper each time you wanted to run off a batch of QQSL labels. Additionally, small batches of labels (as few as one) won't be daunting, since you'll no longer have to load/unload the printer! I've taken my own advice and am now printing small runs of QQSL labels on my old 9-pin dot matrix printer, while using my laser printer for the larger label runs and for all other print tasks. Backup Practices ---------------- This paragraph has nothing to do with QQSL, but is important enough that I felt I should include it. It is EXTREMELY IMPOR- TANT that you backup your data! If you know this and already have a suitable backup schedule in place, skip the rest of this paragraph. But, if you're not in the habit of backing up your data on a routine basis, you're going to get stung some day, BAD! If you have a floppy-only system, backing up is as simple as using the DOS DISKCOPY command. For those using a hard disk, the least efficient but simplest way is to backup files is with the DOS COPY command. Next is through the use of the DOS BACKUP and RESTORE commands. If you find that you have a LOT of data on a BIG hard disk and that the act of physically swapping floppy diskettes is forcing you to attend backup sessions of 20 minutes or more, you're a candidate for a tape backup! I normally do backups with a tape backup system, and can honestly say that I'd never again backup more than 20 MB or so to floppy diskettes. Tape is definitely the way to go if you have a large hard disk! In closing, please note that I've lost the entire contents of my hard disk SIX times over the last few years, but never lost more than an hour or two of work thanks to good backup practices! Disclaimer ========== The author assumes no responsibility for direct or consequential damages resulting from the use of QQSL, either to your software, hardware, storage media, or collected data. While I've made every effort to ensure that this software works properly, I QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 41 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 know better than to claim that you'll never experience problems while using it. Users of QQSL must accept this disclaimer of warranty: QQSL is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. Licensing Information ===================== QQSL is a commercial program, but a demonstration copy is provid- ed at no charge to the user for a trial period of one-month. Feel free to share this copy with your friends, but you may not give it away altered or as part of another system. If you find this program useful and that you are continuing to use QQSL after the one-month trial period, please send license payment to the author as defined in the ORDER.FRM file. This fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. In other words, you must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. NOTE: Your acceptance of the limitations of the demo copy is NOT an excuse to avoid licensing - you must send payment to the author if you continue to use QQSL beyond the one-month trial period! Prior to licensing, you'll find that: 1. The Print menu command will not print out more than three labels! 2. The bottom line on each label now shows an advertisement for QQSL. Licensed users may change this line to anything they wish, but non-licensed users are stuck with it - as is! 3. The words "Demonstration copy: 3-label limit!" on the title page will continually blink on and off. 4. The program starts and ends with a "Demo Reminder". Other than these "features", the demonstration program is fully functional and exactly like the licensed version. For those of you that do not like the inconvenience of the demo limitations but otherwise like the program, it's time to put your check in QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 42 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 the mail! The QQSL license is issued for life, meaning that all future upgrades will be covered by this single fee! With your license, you'll receive a personal serial number which may be used with the cOnfiguration menu command (described earlier) to install the serial number into your copy of QQSL. Following successful serial number installation, all limitations of the demonstration version will be removed. This serial number will work with all future versions of QQSL, so no more license fees will be required from paid users! All newly-licensed users will receive a copy of the latest ver- sion of QQSL, normally mailed within 24-hours of receipt of your payment. The exception to this rule is when a new version of QQSL is imminent. In this situation, I'll delay mailing of your program no more than seven days. REMINDER: With the exception of the 3-label limit, bottom line advertisement, blinking words on the title page, and the Demo Reminder, the demonstration and licensed copies of QQSL are identical! Order Information ================= The full order form, complete with pricing information is con- tained in the file ORDER.FRM. Upgrades ======== All licensed users are entitled to free lifetime upgrades to the latest version of QQSL. It can be downloaded from Compuserve's HAMNET Forum, LIB 6 (Programs). A search for (KEY)word "QQSL" will find the program, for example: BRO/DES/KEY:QQSL. Addition- ally, many of the ham radio oriented BBS's across the country will have copies of QQSL available for downloading. If you wish, you can get the latest upgrade directly from me. Full upgrade order information is contained in the file ORDER.FRM. Direct order upgrades will normally be in the mail within 24 hours of receipt. The only exception to this rule is if I'm close to having a new version ready for distribution, in which case I'll wait for no more than one week to ensure that you get the latest version of QQSL. QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 43 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 The upgrade price described in the ORDER.FRM file is requested as a media/shipping/handling charge only. But, it's OK for anyone to avoid this fee by sending me a stamped floppy mailer and a 3.5" or 5.25" high-density floppy, and I'll be happy to send the latest version of the program. Please note that if you don't put adequate postage on the mailer, I won't cover the difference! I mention this as a LOT of users have sent mailers with only a single 1st class stamp affixed, which isn't enough postage! What I do in these cases is to mail the floppy back to the user with the postage provided, and let the Postal Service sort it out! Bugs ==== 1. If you're using a LaserJet Series 2 laser printer, the following problem may affect you: I've tested the laser capabil- ity on a LaserJet 2, LaserJet IIIP, and LaserJet 4. Although there are no problems with the IIIP and 4, the Series 2 printer puts out a blank page for each page of labels. Interestingly enough, the Series IIIP and Series 4 printers have no such prob- lem. I don't know if this situation with the Series 2 is unique to this single printer or if all Series 2 printers will have similar problems. Additionally, I neither have a Series 2 "Technical Reference Manual", nor do I any longer have access to a Series 2 machine. Therefore, this won't be an easy problem to analyze. But I don't think this is a serious problem, as the blank sheets can be reused. NOTE: Do not reuse label paper if you have removed even a single label from the page. This could cause serious jamming and possibly permanent damage to your laser printer, as discussed earlier in this document. For more infor- mation on this subject, check the index for "Print All Labels" for the applicable page number. 2. I have two users who have reported display problems with the Toshiba T1200XE laptop computer. Since I don't own one of these units and don't know any locals who might loan me one to use during debugging, this bug will have to go "unsquashed" for now. There are no other known bugs in QQSL at this time. But you can be assured that I'll "stomp" the little insects as fast as I find them! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 44 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Technical Support ================= If you believe you've found a bug, please report it in as much detail as possible, including a reproducible sequence of events that leads to the problem, a complete description of your hard- ware, DOS version used, amount of free memory reported by CHKDSK, and a copies of your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. If the bug occurred with imported CT or NA files, I'll need a floppy with copies of BOTH the contest program you were using at the time and the applicable file with which you had your problem. If the bug occurred when you were importing other than CT/NA files, I need copies of these files also. For questions, comments, bug reports, etc., write to: Bill Mullin - AA4M 9980 Allen Road Graff, MO 65660-9320 U.S.A. I can also be reached via E-mail on Compuserve to user-id "72220,2707", or via Internet to "72220.2707@compuserve.com". NOTE: If you contact me via public E-mail and are a licensed user, please let me know the LAST six digits of your serial number only! DO NOT put the entire ten-character serial number in E-mail messages unless you know that it will be seen by me only (private E-mail!)! You may also call me at my home (417) 668-5821, but please be aware that if you get my telephone answering machine, I won't call you back. My intention is not to be rude, it's just that the licensing fee isn't sufficient to cover long distance phone calls. TIP: My telephone recorder answers on the 4th or 5th ring, so normally you should be able to hang up after the third ring and not get caught by the machine! Please include your personal serial number with all correspond- ence. REMINDER: I'd like all ten digits of your serial number if you're contacting me via some private means, but I only want the last six digits if you're using public E-mail! Final Words =========== These days anyone with a PC, a modem, a decent graphic word processor, and a laser printer can look like a big operation. In my case though, nothing could be farther from the truth! I QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 45 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 operate out of my house, do everything myself, and intend to keep on doing business this way. I have no desire to build a big organization nor to get rich - rather I just want to make enough money to buy some of the latest radio and computer toys, and give myself time to play with them. This unorthodox attitude gets me into trouble now and then, since a few people seem to expect a lot more than I'm prepared to deliver. But, most of you under- stand and it's a pleasure doing business with you! I hope QQSL fills a need in your ham/computer shack and that you have as much fun using it as I do! For now though . . . 73 es gud QQSLing de Bill - AA4M P.S. See you in the pileups! QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 46 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Section/Subsection Index About QQSL, 9 About the Demonstration Copy, 5 About This Document, 2 Align Printer, 24 Author, 1 Auto Sort Before Printing, 29 Backup Practices, 41 Blank Labels at End, 29 Bugs, 44 Call Sign, 11 Color, 28 Configure QQSL, 26 Count Labels, 17 Create Label File (or) Add New Labels, 9 CT, 20 CT Import Notes, 20 Day, 14 Delete QQSL.LBL, 17 Disclaimer, 41 Double Printing, 39 DXBase, 21 Final Words, 45 General Import Notes, 18 Generic mode, 14 Getting Started, 7 Import File, 18 Introduction, 3 Label Information, 34 Label Prices, 40 Laser Printer - Miscellaneous Information, 31 Learning QQSL, 6 Licensing Information, 42 Long Call Signs, 38 LPT Port, 28 Menus, 8 MHz, 12 Miscellaneous Stuff, 38 Mode: ( ), 13 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 47 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Section/Subsection Index Modify Lines 4/5, 25 Month, 14 Month Format (E/R), 27 NA, 22 NA Import Notes, 23 Order Information, 43 Postscript Printers, 31 Print All Labels, 31 Printed Manual, 4 Printer (E/I/2/3/4), 28 Printing Under Windows 95, 31 QQSL Wallpaper, 29 QQSLCD, 3 QSL Card Formats, 38 QSL (P/T), 15, 27 Quick Start, 1 Quit Program, 34 RS(T), 14 RTTY by WF1B, 23 Satellite modes, 13 Serial Number, 27 Short History, 40 Slash Zero, 27 Sort Labels, 33 Sound, 27 SWL (Y/N), 15 Technical Support, 45 Things to Come, 35 Time (UTC), 14 Upgrades, 43 Upgrading to Laser, 41 Why Did I Write QQSL?, 5 Word Processor Problem, 39 Year, 15 <Esc>, 16, 26, 30 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 48 QQSL(tm), Version 5.7 April 24, 1996 Section/Subsection Index [F2], 25, 30 [F6], 15, 25, 30 QQSL(tm) - Quick QSL Labels by AA4M Page 49