World of Ham Radio 1997/WOHR97_AmSoft_(1997-02-01).iso/packet/pak_22/amsoft.iii

Text File | 1997-02-01 | 27KB | 491 lines

WELCOME TO DX ALERT!    (Version 2.3)

For maximum enjoyment, read these directions thoroughly.  Especially,
BE SURE to read carefully and follow the SET UP directions given at the
end of this documentation!

DX Alert is SHAREWARE.  If you like it and decide to use it, please send a
donation to help cover the costs of producing and distributing this and
future versions.  For a donation of $17, we will send you, free of charge,
a version of the program WITHOUT the opening shareware beg screen and WITH
the ability to change the screen colors to suit your own tastes AND ALSO WITH
the ability to change the length of the alert siren or interrupt it and to
re-enable the packet beeps if desired.

Send donations and inquires to:
        Rob Walker  KA6JLT
        10 Greenwood Place
        Menlo Park, CA  94025
(Rob handles all donations -- please do NOT send them to the author.)

Feel free to distribute DX Alert to your friends -- just make sure they
get all the files.                  NOW FOR THE DIRECTIONS!......







NOTE:

Please read these directions carefully.  DX Alert is designed to
ASSUME an intelligent user who has read the documentation.  (Don't worry --
it's not too long!).  Directions for proper SET UP are given at the end
of the documentation.  Although DX Alert will work immediately with the
sample files provided, it will NOT be calling out the alerts you actually
need.  It will NOT work properly for YOU unless you follow the SET UP
directions.








INTRODUCTION

DX Alert is a simple, but powerful, packet terminal program for DX'ers, for
use in conjunction with a DX Packet Cluster (tm) system.  DX Alert will scan
all packets on frequency and alert you when a country you need is called out.
(DX Alert will not, however, tune your rig, rotate your antenna, or log the
contact for you.)

Unlike some programs, DX Alert will work equally well whether you are
connected or disconnected. You do NOT need to be connected to the Packet
Cluster to reap the full benefits of DX Alert.  (You may wish, for instance,
just to turn on your TNC and radio and leave DX Alert running for extended
periods of time, even when you're not specifically planning to spend time in
the shack -- it will call you from your other chores if there is something
really juicy you need to know about!)  There is no need to be connected!

THE ALERTS

A very attention-getting siren will sound when a country is called out
that (1) is one you need AND (2) is also within the frequency ranges you
specify (you can use this part to ignore call outs in frequency ranges
outside your operating privileges or outside the range of your equipment).
(Note:  The frequency ranges apply to ALL countries you list as needed --
no provision has been made for tracking individual countries by band.)

The siren has been designed to attract your attention even if you're in
another part of the house.  Except for the siren, all the normal packet
"beeps" have been suppressed -- which is especially helpful if you are
using DX Alert without actually being connected to the cluster. (If you
like the packet beeps, however, and IF you are a registered user, you may
re-enable them from the Alt-Z parameter menu.)  If you are a registered
user, you also have two important controls over the alert siren:  (1) While
the siren is actually sounding, you can stop it by hitting any key (for
instance, when you finally make it to the shack to see what all the noise
is about).  (2) You can also choose to use a short version of the siren
(approximately 1 second long).  This is primarily intended for use when you
are in the shack itself and don't need extreme alerting.  To toggle to short
and long versions of the siren, use Alt-S.  The status of the siren (S or L)
is displayed in the menu bar at the bottom of the screen.

Duplicate alerts within a 15 minute period, if completely identical,  are
ignored.  The alert is sounded only once.  This feature is particularly
important if you are using DX Alert without actually being connected to
the cluster -- it prevents you, for instance, from being alerted thirty
times when the same exact alert is simply being sent to each of thirty
different users.

THE QSN FILES

An important feature of DX Alert is the files it keeps of needed stations
that have been heard (QSN).  In addition to sounding the siren, when an
alert is given, the pertinent data will also be automatically saved on disk
both in chronological order (in a file called DXQSN.REM) and in alphabetical
order (in a file called DXQSN.SRT) for later reference.  These lists of
stations heard can be quickly viewed from within the terminal program in
either chronological format (Alt-Q) or alphabetical format (Alt-A).  An
asterisk in the QSN entry indicates that the entry is more than 60 days old.
(To quickly see the last stations called out, hit Alt-Q then immediately hit
the 'END' key.)

Viewing these files can have a number of practical uses for your quest.
For example, studying the alphabetical QSN file (using Alt-A) can be an
excellent way to analyze the operating habits of a particular DX station or
DXpedition that you are stalking.  If desired, you can also manually input
QSN information from other sources (such as dx bulletins or your own listen-
ing) into the QSN files - use Alt-E to do this.

For the QSN files to be of most value, they need to be pruned and kept cur-
rent with information you actually need.  DX Alert does this for you auto-
matically.  The QSN files on disk are automatically revised and updated in
two ways:  (1)  When you remove a prefix from the DXNEED.TXT file using
Alt-N  (i.e., the country is no longer needed by you), all call outs for
this prefix in the QSN files are deleted; (2) Also, if you have entered a
DXpedition in the Reminder System (see below), when the dxpedition is fin-
ished (and thus you have no further opportunity to work it), all call outs
for this DXpedition in the QSN files are automatically deleted.  (Thus it is
to your advantage to enter known DXpeditions into the Reminder System -- it
helps automatically keep your QSN files up to date.  See below.)  You may
also manually edit the DXQSN.REM file if desired -- hit Alt-Q and then select
E (for edit) from the menu bar.  If you do so, the DXQSN.SRT file will then
later be automatically revised by the program itself.  It is a good idea
periodically to weed out DXQSN.REM.  (For example, you may want to move the
call outs that are more than a year old into a separate, historical file.)

THE REMINDER SYSTEM

As a further aid, DX Alert also features a Reminder System.  The Reminder
system is displayed when you first call up the program, and then may be
seen at any time later using Alt-R.

The Reminder System has two parts.  The first part reminds you of DXpeditions
that are CURRENTLY in progress.  Essentially, this section of the system
functions as an intelligent scratch pad.  You enter DXpedition information
for upcoming DXpeditions into the system using Alt-P.  DX Alert does the
rest.  (IMPORTANT NOTE:  It is to your advantage to enter DXpedition
information, since this also enables DX Alert, after the DXpedition finishes,
to automatically delete callouts from that DXpedition from your QSN records.)

The second part of the Reminder System alerts you to stations that have
been heard within the last 60 days near the CURRENT time (based on an
analysis of the stored QSN data).  All alerts that have been within one hour
of the current time (either way) are displayed.  Alerts more than 60 days
old are NOT displayed. This portion of the Reminder System can alert you to
stations you may wish to watch out for during the current operating session.

OTHER FEATURES

DX Alert can be used as your personal DX "command center".  Using Alt-Z, you
can configure it so that from within it you can call up other helpful pro-
grams you may want at your fingertips while on the air.  (Example -- my own
system is set up so that I can call up a propagation program, a logging/data-
base program, a gray line map, and a world-time map, all with a keystroke,
without leaving DX Alert.)  (What programs you can call, of course, depends
upon the amount of memory you have available in your system.)  This feature
works by simply shelling to the program in question.  If you have multi-
tasking available, you may wish to use that instead.

Most common features of terminal programs are also supported.  Examples:
A log file can be toggled on, for a disk record of all that comes in over the
comm port.  (The log file is called DXDUMP.TXT, which you can then later
rename or edit as desired.).  The 10 function keys can be assigned to send
strings (such as "C KA1ABC" (your favorite Packet Cluster); SH/DX; SH/WWV;
DIR or whatever you want.)  You may shell to DOS.  No provision has been
made for file transfer.

A large (10K) receive buffer automatically stores all incoming data, for
later, scrollable, reviewing.   In addition to scrolling through this
receive buffer, you may also empty it or write it to a disk file of your
choice (both options are accessed using the Alt-E command from the buffer
display menu).  (If you choose to write the buffer contents to a disk file,
the buffer is also then emptied.)

Rather than wasting packet screen space with a split-screen, DX Alert
features a "mini", one-line, editing screen for your keyboard input.  All
keyboard input appears first in a mini-window at the bottom line of the
screen (where the menu normally is).  (A flashing triangle at the left
indicates that this mini editing screen is active.)  While it is in this
window, text can be edited with all the normal editing keys (cursor left,
cursor right, home, insert, end, delete).  The text leaves the window and
is sent both to the packet screen and to the TNC when EITHER (1) you hit a
carriage return  OR  (2) you have reached the end of the window and keep
on typing.  If you decide you want to abandon the text while it is still in
the mini-window, hit ESC -- whatever is in the editing window will then be
abandoned without being sent anywhere.  (Note that whenever the mini
editing window is active, display of incoming packets is suspended until the
window is closed.)

A screen blanker blanks the screen once each minute.  The contents can be
restored by hitting any key. (If you are not acutally inputting information,
use a key such as Pg-Up, Pg-Dn, Cursor Up, Cursor Down, etc., which will not
cause the editing windown to be opened.  )  The screen is also restored
automatically whenever there is anything coming from the comm port.  In
addition to preventing screen burn-in on mono systems, this sometimes reduces
the amount of RFI from the computer to your rig.

Alt-V is configured to view (with scrollability) an ASC file showing
your DXCC statistics.  However, you will have to supply your own file and
name it DXCCREF.TXT.  (Personally, I create a file from the output of
DXLOG (tm).)

When you exit DX Alert, various files will automatically be updated if
they need it, which should take just a few seconds.  Usually, no updating
will be needed at all.

A hard drive is strongly recommended for this program, because of the many
disk accesses.  You may put it in any subdirectory you choose.  The only
thing that must be true is that ALL the DX Alert files MUST be in the same
subdirectory.

DX Alert, by the way, also works fine for routine, non-DX packet cluster
packet radio use.  Unless you do a lot of actual file uploading and down-
loading, it may be all you ever want for connecting to your favorite PBBS.

SPECIFYING COUNTRIES TO ALERT

DX Alert works by scanning for the prefixes you have stated you need.

The edit-able table of prefixes is stored in the filed called "DXNEED.TXT".
To edit the needed list, hit Alt-N.  Your text editor will be invoked and
you can proceed to edit the list.  When you are done, DX Alert will analyze
the file and prepare its own working file.  (Warning:  DXNEED.TXT is a regular
ASC file, but do NOT edit it outside of the program.  Always use Alt-N --
otherwise the necessary working file will not be updated.)

Each time you work and confirm a country, simply delete all lines containing
that country.  You may also add countries, add prefixes, and delete prefixes.
You can also enter full call signs, if desired, if you know a particular sta-
tion you want to be alerted to.

When editing, follow this format:  For a given country, put all the prefixes
you want alerts for on the same line, separated by commas.  This will make
later deletion of that country easier.  (If the list is too long, use as many
lines as necessary.)  All items on a line MUST be separated by commas.  If de-
sired, you can put the country name or other remark at the end of the line,
separated by a comma and preceded by the word REM (like in Basic).  (Note:
NO COMMAS are allowed after  REM.)  Country comments are not required -- they
are there only to simplify your later editing.

        Examples of valid entries:

        KH9,AH9,WH9     , REM WAKE ISLAND
        PJ5,PJ6,PJ7,PJ8
        VP2V            , REM BR.VIRGIN IS.

        (Note in the examples, that if you choose to you REM comments,
        the REM comment must be separated from the list by a comma.)

It is important to know that DX Alert has NO table of prefixes OTHER THAN
what you see when you use Alt-N.  All prefixes, AND their variations, you want
alerted MUST appear in the DXNEED.TXT file.  Any prefixes not shown will NOT
be alerted!  (This allows you maximum control over what is going on.)

For your convenience, DX Alert is distributed with a full file of countries
and their possible prefixes.  (Note that this is simply for your convenience
-- no guarantee is made for accuracy and, in some cases, legal prefix combina-
tions are included that in practice are never or rarely used.  Edit the list as
desired.  It should be more than sufficient for normal use.)  When you first
set up DX Alert, you should use Alt-N and go through the complete list and
delete all the countries you do not need (i.e., the ones you have already
worked and confirmed).  (Note:  a backup copy of the complete distribution
list is contained in the file "DXNEED.SAV", in case you later need it.  If you
later need to work with this full list again, copy it to another file first
and work with that file, not with DXNEED.SAV.)

Whenever you change the list of prefixes needed by editing DXNEED.TXT, DX
Alert will then automatically edit your QSN and Reminder System files --
deleting all callouts in them for stations with prefixes no longer needed.
This automatically keeps those files pruned down and useful.  (They are de-
signed to display information on countries you are still seeking.)

FINE TUNING THE ALERT CHECKS

With any cluster analysis program, there is always the possibility of false
alerts.  This usually happens under one of two circumstances:

Circumstance #1:  You have single letter prefixes in the file, along with
other prefixes beginning with the same letter.  Example -- you have the
single letter F for France, as well as other prefixes beginning with F.  In
that case, all callouts beginning with F will be alerted.  If you wanted, you
could get around this problem by listing all the valid combinations with the
single letter (F1,F2,etc.,etc.).  However, in practice, this is hardly worth-
while.  The single letter prefixes where there are also other countries' pre-
fixes sharing the same first letter mostly belong to the most common DXCC
countries (like USA, France, England, etc.) -- which most DX'ers won't have
in their DXNEED.TXT file anyway!

Circumstance #2:  More common, some DXCC countries share the same unique
prefix.  (Example:  CE0 could be Easter Island, San Felix, or Juan Fernandez.)
You can handle this in two ways to avoid unnecessary false alerts if they
bother you:

        A. In some cases, where a shared prefix is for a very rare location,
only accessible by a DXpediton, just leave it out of your DXNEED.TXT file
until a DXpedition actually occurs.  (Example:  If you have already worked Fr.
Polynesia (FO), but still need Clipperton, don't bother putting FO0, FO8 in
for Clipperton until a DXpedition to Clipperton is actually going to take
place.  This will eliminate false "Clipperton" callouts that are really for
stations in Fr. Polynesia.)

        B. DX Alert also provides you with the ability to screen out alerting
for specific full callsigns, when you know that that station is in a "shared"
prefix country you do not need.  This can be extremely helpful.  A list of
full callsigns to ignore is contained in the file DXNONEED.TXT.  Use Alt-I
to  add or delete excluded complete callsigns from it.  (For example, say
you need some VP8 countries, but not VP8 - Falkland Islands.  When a VP8
is alerted that is in the Falklands, hit Alt-I and add its callsign to the
exclude list.  You will then not be alerted to that callsign again.)  The
building of this exclude list can be a very helpful feature.

In practice, if you have followed the tips above and have also been intelli-
gent in the way you set up DXNEED.TXT, "false" alerts are rare.  They are
also obviously even more rare the fewer DXCC countries you need.


POSSIBLE ERROR MESSAGES

Beginning with Version 1.2, there is an initial check to make sure your TNC
is on, but after that, there is no on-going error checking for the status
of the comm port.   (This was done in order to further reduce code size,
freeing up as much memory as possible in limited-memory systems for shelling
to other programs.)  All this means in practice is that if you turn off the
power to your TNC while the program is running (or the cable between TNC and
computer falls off), you will get a "Device I/O" error and the program will
terminate.  This error mesage does NOT indicate anything significantly wrong
-- just that your TNC is off or has become unplugged.  Simply fix and
re-start the program.

Other possible error messages and their meaning:  (1) Under certain con-
ditions, when you shell to DOS from within DX Alert and then execute a memory
resident program, when you return (via "Exit") to DX Alert, you may get a
"String Space Corrupt" message.  This only happens with certain memory
resident programs.  You can avoid the conflict by using a TSR install/
remove program when you enter the shell.  Simply remove the memory resident
program before you return to DX Alert.  There are no known problems with
memory resident programs that are installed BEFORE DX Alert is started.
(2) If you somehow manage to corrupt your DXQSN.SRT file (unlikely unless
you try hard), you may get an error during the opening display of "Stations
Heard" information and the program will abort.  Use an ASC text editor and
correct any irregularities in BOTH the DXQSN.REM file and the DXQSN.SRT file.
Possible irregularities to look for:  stray carriage returns, missing time
and date codes, junk.

If you get an error message other than the above, and you can't correct
things by CAREFULLY reading the directions, please send me the EXACT error
message you have received, including the hex address given, along with a
description of the symptoms (i.e., under exactly what conditions does the
error occur?).

USING COM3 AND COM4

The DX Alert parameters menu will allow you to specify only serial port 1
or 2.  If you wish to use DX Alert with serials ports 3 or 4, you may do
this, in most cases, with the SWAPPORT.EXE utility which is provided with
the registered user version.  SWAPPORT "fools" DX Alert into using COM3 or
4 when it thinks it isusing COM1 or 2.  It does this by swapping the port
addresses held in the BIOS data area.  In other words, you can temporarily
make serial ports 3 or 4 into serial ports 1 or 2. Run SWAPPORT with no
parameters to see the full directions on syntax.

For ease of use, DX Alert should then be run from a batch file.  Example:
If you want DX Alert to use COM4, but have specified COM1 in the DX Alert
parameters list, use this batch file to run DX Alert:

        SWAPPORT S1-4
        DXALERT
        SWAPPORT R1-4

(Please note, in this example, that until the port addresses are swapped
back using the "R" command, any other program that calls COM4 in the
meantime will actually be accessing COM1, since the addresses for the two
ports have been swapped.)  (Also note that some application software may
un-do the effects of SWAPPORT.  It is recommended that you test and see.
To date, the only program known to un-do the swapping is QAPLUS, the
diagnostic program.)

USING SDXALERT.EXE

A quite considerable effort has been expended to make DX Alert occupy as
little memory as possible, without sacrificing any features.  Although this
is aesthetically pleasing from a programming point of view, for most users
the amount of memory used will make little difference.  However, for users
with limited systems who want to be able to shell to very large programs from
within DX Alert, this can be an issue.  If you find you need more free
memory for a shell operation, and IF you have a math coprocessor, try using
SDXALERT.EXE instead of DXALERT.EXE (the "S" stands for "smaller").  You
will save approximately 5K of memory without sacrificing any features except
that error messages will be more cryptic.  SDXALERT will NOT work without a
math coprocessor.  (Also note that SDXALERT is distributed only with the
registered user version.)

*******************  SET-UP PROCEDURE  **********************

To set up DX Alert for your use, do these two things:

        (1) From within DX Alert, use Alt-Z to set up default
            parameters including comm port specifications, the valid
            frequency ranges, function key assignments, and up to
            5 programs you want to be able to call from within
            DX Alert.  When specifying comm port parameters, be sure to
            follow exactly the syntax given in the example.

            WARNING:  Be SURE to enter some frequency ranges.  If none
            are entered, DX Alert will skip ALL alerts!

        (2) Use Alt-N and edit the list of prefixes needed, stored in
            DXNEED.TXT.  Follow the directions given above in "Specifying
            Countries to Alert" and "Fine Tuning the Alert Checks".

For demonstration purposes, SAMPLES are included of the following files:
DXQSN.REM, DXQSN.SRT, and DXCCREF.TXT.  This enables you to try out some
of the program features immediately.  However, these are only SAMPLE files!!!
To set up the program for yourself, erase all three of them.  Create your
own  DXCCREF.TXT if you want it -- it's optional.  The program itself will
create DXQSN.REM and DXQSN.SRT as needed.  A SAMPLE set of parameters is also
included for demonstration purposes -- use Alt-Z and change them.


**************************************************************
HISTORY AND FUTURE

DX Alert has gone through countless changes, expansions, and revisions
over the last three years, during which time it has been in constant use
at my (modest) station.  All the features are ones which emerged from
actual "in-use" experience.

The next major revision is projected to include a major revision of the
country needed editing system, basing it in a database system which will be
shared by other DX programs I've written (including one for azimuthal map
and gray line drawing and one for propagation prediction).  Let me know if
there are other features or changes you'd like to see.

Enjoy DX Alert!  If you find it helpful, drop me a packet and let me know.
If this or some other packet alert program doesn't quite meet your exact
needs, try your hand at writing your own, custom, alert system, tailor made
for your own purposes.  It is NOT particularly hard to do!  Be adventurous!
(The only danger is that you'll spend more time playing with the computer
than chasing DX!)

Good DX!

Tim Walker  KB4PEF  (@KA3FMO)
2210 Anthony Ave.
Broomall, PA  19008

Version 2.3
May, 1992

P.S. Please feel free to distribute the SHAREWARE version of DX Alert
to your friends.  The more the merrier!  However, please distribute the
self-extracting archived version (a single file), not the un-archived files
themselves -- this will insure that they get all the necessary files.
Thank you!  (Obviously, please do NOT distribute the registered user
version -- that is for people who send donations.)
**************************************************************

LIST OF FILES:

        * = MUST be present

      * DXALERT.EXE     - main program (registered user version)
        DXALERTD.EXE    - main program (shareware version)
        DXHELLO.TXT     - this file
      * DXPARAM.DAT     - parameters  (create using Alt-Z from main program)
      * DXNEED.TXT      - ASC text file of prefixes to search for - edit
                                by using Alt-N
        DXNONEED.TXT    - ASC text file of callsigns to ignore for alerts
                                - edit by using Alt-I
      * DXNEED.CMP      - prefix working file created by program
        DXNEED.SAV      - backup copy of original DXNEED.TXT file
        DXQSN.SRT       - alphabetical listing of all alerts
        DXQSN.REM       - chronological listing of all alerts
        DXPED.REM       - DXpedition listings for Reminder System
        DXCCREF.TXT     - ASC file of your DXCC info.  You must supply this
                          file if it is desired.
        SWAPPORT.EXE    - utility for using COM3 or COM4. (Distributed with
                          registered version only)
        SDXALERT.EXE    - identical to DXALERT.EXE except uses 5k less
                          memory.  Must have math co-processor.  (Distributed
                          with registered version only.)                          only)
      * A TEXT EDITOR   - can be any one of your choice (such as Qedit,
                          Brief, TED, etc.).  Specify the editor name using
                          the Alt-Z menu.  (In case you do not already have
                          a text editor, a sample copy of TED.COM, a very
                          simple one, is included on the distribution disk.)