Welcome to XPWare for windows. This program is based on the popular shareware programs XPCOM, XPDUAL, XPKAM, XPPCI and XPPTC.
XPWare for windows was written to provide an easy to use feature filled program that supports the majority of the popular TNC's and radio interfaces.
I hope that you will find this program both user friendly and easy to use. Special thanks go to Doug Alspaugh WA6IEL, Jim Jaffe WA2VOS, Don Ross WQ4W, Troy Davis W4AJJ, Dennis Eddy VK4DAE, Ricky Scott KF7QZ, Steve Campbell WA7YAZ, Allan and Nedra Ewart, Louis Dupree W4NRG, Doug Hall KF4KL, Bill MacDonald K5ZZ and Jack Buekelman AA6OK and many others for their ideas for the program, as well as BETA testing the various versions of the windows program.
Special thanks goes out to my friends at Hal Communications for use of the P38, PCI4000M and DSP-4100 controllers and their support while I was coding the program.. Also a special thanks goes out to Gary Judd at Ham Radio Outlet Phoenix for letting me come into their store and develop the software for the various Yaesu radio interfaces.
73
Gary Johnson KF7XP
License Information
XPWare for Windows: Copyright 1996 by Gary Johnson, KF7XP (All Rights Reserved)
Non exclusive distribution on "The World of Ham Radio" AmSoft CD-ROM granted on 1/31/97.
XPWare for Windows in NOT freeware. If you wish to use the program after the evaluation period you are expected to register the program. There are no differences between the registered version of the program and the unregistered versions, all functions are active in the demonstration version of the program.
You are granted 100 uses of this program before registration is required. There are no time limits on each use so you should be able to evaluate the program for your purposes.
For Registered Users
XPWare programs are registered against the users callsign. If your callsign should change drop a note to the address listed in "Support" or give a phone call, be sure to give your Old Call, Registration Number, Program version and New Callsign. A new registration number will be issued against the new callsign.
Support
In case you run into a problem that you can not solve, please drop me a note or give me a call. I am always glad to give assistance.
PHONE
I can be reached by phone, most evenings and weekends. Calling times are shown below:
Monday through Friday 6:00pm to 9:30pm MST
Saturdays, Sundays 10:00am to 9:30pm MST
The local phone number is (602) 833-6997
VIA BBS
I run an on-line BBS. This board will ALWAYS have the latest version of the program.
This BBS is an open BBS and everyone is welcome to check in.
XPWare Support BBS line (602) 898-1058
24 hrs 7 days.
VIA Internet
EMAIL : gjohnson@indirect.com
WWW : http://www.indirect.com/user/gjohnson
FTP : ftp ftp.indirect.com directory www/gjohnson
CompuServe
Send Email to 74041,2317
MAIL
If all else fails, send your questions to the mailing address shown.
Address: Gary L. Johnson
702 S. Ashbrook
Mesa, Arizona 85204
Ordering Information
XPWARE for Windows is the result of a large investment of time and money spent in the development process, and is NOT freeware. If you have not registered this program and would like to continue to use the program, please send $80 (US).
Foreign orders (outside the US and Canada) add $10 (US) to cover shipping and handling.
By default, this will be shipped on a 1.44M 3.5" disk. 360K disks are not available for this program.
In addition, you will be eligible for full support from me, and will get priority for any enhancement requests you may have.
Upgrade Policy
Current XPWare DOS Users
For current users of any XPWare DOS program, this included XPCOM, XPDUAL, XPKAM, XPPTC or XPPCI the upgrade cost is $45.00.
All other Users
The cost to register the program is $80.00 (US). Foriegn (outside US and Canada) add $10.00 to cover the cost of shipping and handling.
Upgrades of XPWare for Windows
XPWare for Windows upgrades are as follows.
Point Level Updates (Example 1.1.0 to 1.2.0)
Free if downloaded via Internet or other online services
$7.50 if sent by mail.
Revision Level Changes (Example 1.xx to 2.xx)
$15.00 for current registered users of XPWare for Windows.
Hardware Support / Requirements
Computer Requirements
* 386/25 or faster with 4meg of memory
* 5 meg of Hard Drive Space available
* Serial Port (COM 1 to COM 8)
* Mouse (buss style preferred)
* Windows 3.1, 3.11 or Windows 95. Windows NT is supported, but only for serial port interfaced controllers, P38 and PCI4000 will not work correctly. Program has not been tested on OS/2 3.0.
* Yaesu (FT767, FT840, FT890, FT900, FT990, FT1000 and FT1000MP)
Getting Started
Below are outlined the most common first time questions from users.
Accessing the Log Book
Press F3 to toggle the Logging window for the current port.
Also see Logging
Calling CQ
In most modes calling CQ is the normal method of establishing a QSO with another station. To call CQ, press F5 or click on the CQ button on the Tool Bar.
To stop the CQ, press the F5 a second time. The CQ will be aborted after the current text clears the transmit buffer.
Clearing the Transmit Buffer
To clear the transmit buffer, press the DELETE key.
Dropping a Link
Forced Drop (ARQ Modes)
To force drop a link or link attempt, press the HOME key.
Drop ARQ Link (Normal Disconnect)
To drop or disconnect the current link, press either ALT-D or SHIFT-ALT-D or use the QRT button on the toolbar.
Packet Disconnect
Select the QRT button from the toolbar. If you are on the Unproto (non-connected) channel the program will display a list box showning all connects. Select the stream or streams you wish to disconnect and click on OK. ALT-D is also active in packet mode.
Sending a Simple Indentication
Press ALT-I to send the user defined identication text for the current mode.
Linking to Another Station
To link to another station in Packet or LInked modes (Pactor, GTOR, CLOVER etc). Press ALT-C, enter the callsign of the other station and press enter. This will start the link.
Receiving Graphic Files
XPWare for Windows supports graphic files in BMP, JPG, GIF, TIF or PCX format. It is required for the user to have an external graphics viewing program lke LView, Paintshop Pro or other graphics editor that accept command line arguments.
For digital use, JPEG format pictures saved with a JPEG quality of 50 to 70 work well. Note that using a higher quality level results in a considerable larger file which may be difficult to transmit.
To configure the viewer, use the following Steps.
1. Go to the "Setup" Menu
2. Select "Operating Parameters"
3. Select the Tab marked "Graphics"
4. Click on the Viewer Button.
5. Using the File Selector to find the location and name of the viewer.
6. Click on the Ok of the viewing.
Accessing the Clover Tuning Window
To access the Clover tuning window, press the F7 key. This is used to toggle the tuning window on and off.
Accessing the Transceiver Control
To access the transceiver control panel, press F9. This is used to toggle the control panel on and off of the screen.
Accessing the File Status Window
The file status window is used to display the current status of the files that are being sent or received. Use F8 to access this screen. F8 will also deactivate the window.
ARQ Operation Modes
AMTOR,. GTOR and Pactor operation is virtually the same for all modes. The major difference is that in AMTOR the linking stations call is not automatically received and must be enter using the F2 Key.
FEC Operations
FEC operation are "one-way" forms of communications. This can be convenient for "round table" operations involving more than one other stations. There are only three active controls required for FEC operation. There are Page Up which places the TNC into transmit mode, Page Down which places the the TNC into receive mode after the appropriate idle sequence and the End Key which provides a formatted changeover to receive mode.
To operate in FEC mode, first place the TNC into the appropriate mode using the Menu, right mouse click or special key option. Then press Page up to go into the transmit mode. When ready to receive press Page Down.
You may PANIC Kill the transmitter at any time by pressing the HOME key.
Note: In GTOR mode, AMTOR is used as the FEC mode.
ARQ Operations
ARQ operations are characterized as two stations in a "linked" QSO. The advantage of ARQ operation is that it is virtually error free. When a station does not receive a data frame correctly it will "REQUEST" a repeat of the data frame.
Linking to Another Station
To link to another station, use the following steps.
1. Enter the Callsign of the other station.
This can be done using the F2 Enter Call dialog box, or highlighting the call with the mouse.
2. Press ALT-C and press enter when ready.
If the link is sucessful and Annoucements have been selected, the callsign will be played VIA CW or Voice.
Killing a Link
To force kill a link,. press the HOME key. This will drop the link immediately.
Ending a QSO
Press either ALT-D (this sends the END QSO text) or ALT-SHIFT-D (sends no additional text).
Indentifying during a link
To identify your station callsign, press ALT-I.
Calling CQ
To Call CQ, press the F5 key. This will start the automatic CQ sequence. To stop the CQ, press F5 a second time.
To delete any data that remains in the transmit buffer and stop the transmitter immediately, press DELETE followed by the HOME key.
Clover Operation
Clover operation is a specialized mode supported only by Hal P38, PCI4000M and DSP-4100 Controllers.
FEC Operations
Modulation Type
In Clover FEC you must select a modulation mode for FEC communications, this can be done by selecting the desired mode from the Clover FEC Modulation mode from the TNC Menu.
FEC operation are "one-way" forms of communications. This can be convenient for "round table" operations involving more than one other stations. There are only three active controls required for FEC operation. There are Page Up which places the TNC into transmit mode, Page Down which places the the TNC into receive mode after the appropriate idle sequence and the End Key which provides a formatted changeover to receive mode.
To operate in FEC mode, first place the TNC into the appropriate mode using the Menu, right mouse click or special key option. Then press Page up to go into the transmit mode. When ready to receive press Page Down.
You may PANIC Kill the transmitter at any time by pressing the HOME key.
ARQ Operations
ARQ operations are characterized as two stations in a "linked" QSO. The advantage of ARQ operation is that it is virtually error free. When a station does not receive a data frame correctly it will "REQUEST" a repeat of the data frame.
Linking to Another Station
To link to another station, use the following steps.
1. Enter the Callsign of the other station.
This can be done using the F2 Enter Call dialog box, or highlighting the call with the mouse.
2. Press ALT-C and press enter when ready.
If the link is sucessful and Annoucements have been selected, the callsign will be played VIA CW or Voice.
Killing a Link
To force kill a link,. press the HOME key. This will drop the link immediately.
Ending a QSO
Press either ALT-D (this sends the END QSO text) or ALT-SHIFT-D (sends no additional text).
Indentifying during a link
To identify your station callsign, press ALT-I.
Calling CQ for an ARQ Connect
To Call CQ, press the F5 key. This will start the automatic CQ sequence. To stop the CQ press the HOME key.
Packet Operation
Connect to another Station
To connect to another station use one of the following methods.
Simply Connect
Press ALT-C and enter the callsign of the station that you wish to connect. This may include any "vias" or ROSE switch parameters that are required.
Mheard List
To access the mheard list, click on the "ear" on the toolbar. This will display the Mheard List. To connect to a station, double click on the enter within the list. The proper port will automatically selected if using a dual port controller (KAM, KPC-9612, PK900 or DSP2232).
Connect List
To access the connect list, Click on the "file cabinet" on the tool bar or press ALT-SHIFT-C.
You amy select any of the entries with in the list. You amy also create a new entry at this point.
Routing is supported via the connect list.
Disconnecting from a Station
To disconnect from a station press ALT-D or Click on the QRT on the Toolbar. This will cause the link to disconnect normally.
To perform a "dirty" disconnect, press ALT-D twice .
Packet Window Operation
Each connect is displayed in a separate window within the program desktop. This window may be set up to be automatically removed upon disconnect or left on the screen after the disconnect.
The outgoing keyboard data may be selectively echoed to the receive window.
To change the Packet operating parameters, use the following steps.
1. Select the Setup Menu.
2. Select the Operating Parameters Option
3. Select the Tab marked Packet.
4. Make desired changes
5. Click on OK or Cancel (no changes are made).
Switching between Streams
To switch between connect streams or windows, press the F12 or Shift-F12 keys.
Printer Support
XPWare for Windows offers three methods of Printing data to the printer. All of these methods use the windows print spooling to help the program integrate with other windows applications.
Printing the Current Receive Buffer CTRL-P
Printing the contents of the receive buffer uses the Print option from the Files menu or the CTRL-P keystroke. Issuing this command will cause the program to request the printer information and the user may select either OK or CANCEL to the print request.
This option printer the entire receive buffer. The user can preview the printing by using the Print Preview option from the Files menu.
Toggling the Printer Onto a Port
XPWare for Windows has the ability to print data as it is received from the TNC. This is done in the following way. The program holds data in a buffer until one of two conditions occurs. The first condition is that the buffer holds a full page of data, at this point the program will queue up the page and send it to the print spooler within windows. The second condition is when the user Toggles the Printer OFF. When this occurs, the program will print any remaining data to the printer.
This allows the user to print several incoming ports or stream of data while keeping the data totally separate between ports.
Printing the Copy Buffer
If you highlight text in the receive buffer you can print the data directly by choosing the Print Option from the popup menu that appears after the left mouse button is released.
File Handling
XPWare for Windows offers several different formats for transmitting files. These are Unfiltered, Filtered and Binary.
When the user selects a file to send it is placed in a QUEUE. This means that several files may be selected to transmit to another station. File formats may be mixed freely.
Unfiltered File Transfer (ALT-T)
Using the Transmit File option allows the user to select a file to send to an another station. This file will be placed at the end of the current file queue for this port.
The program will not filter or removed any character from file and it will be sent in its original format.
Filtered File Transfer (ALT-SHIFT-T)
This tool bar or menu option allows the user to send a file that will be interpreted through the macro handler. This will enable the user to embed macros into a file to "personalize" it on a QSO to QSO basis.
The Following Macros are available.
The following macros are available to allow you to embed information about your station into outgoing text.
Your Station Information
sn - Your first name
sc - Your callsign
sq - Your QTH (station location)
ss - Your AMTOR SELCAL
Other Stations Information
hn - His first name
hc - His callsign
hq - His QTH (station location)
hs - His AMTOR SELCAL
Logging Information
ld - Date of Last QSO
lf - Frequency of Last QSO
lm - Mode of Last QSO
lt - Time of Last QSO
qs - Number of total log entries
Communication Macros (insertion style only)
OE - End current ARQ link or QSO after all data is sent.
Send no additional data to TNC.
OR - Sets TNC to Receive Mode after all data has been sent
Send no additional data to TNC.
OT - Sets TNC to Transmit Mode
r - Adds carriage return to text.
Time and Date Macros
du - Appends current date (UTC).
dl - Appends current date (Local).
tu - Appends current time (UTC)
tl - Appends current time (Local)
These macros are supported in both Insertion and Typeover versions.
Start Insertion Macros with '~'. Example ~sn
Start Typeover Macros with '@'. Example @sn
Example (insertion style)
Hi, this is ~sn in ~sq
Would be sent as
Hi, this is Gary in Mesa, Arizona
NOTE : All Macro Commands are also available for use with the Operating parameters and the Brag Text Options in the Setup Menu.
Binary File Transfer
XPWare for Windows supports Binary File Transfers in Clover, GTOR, Packet and Pactor.
Protocol Information for Binary files
Clover Protocol
In Clover XPWare uses the same binary protocol as the Hal PCC, P38 and DSP41 programs. This allows the user send and received files with other stations using a compatible program. This protocol is NOT compatible with the Express program.
This protocol allows bi-directional transfers with other users of XPWare for Windows and the XPPCI program. It also allows the users to "chat" during the file transfer. It also supports AutoStart and Resume.
GTOR / Pactor Protocol
In GTOR and Pactor XPWare for Windows uses a specially developed binary file protocol. This protocol is AutoStart capable and also has a resume capability (restart in the middle of a file transfer if the link dies).
This protocol is compatible will all supported TNCs and Controllers.
If you are a developer and would like information on this protocol, drop me a note.
Packet Protocol
In Packet, XPWare for Windows supports the YAPP binary protocol. This is the basic standard for file transfers at this time. It does not support YappC or YappResume at this time, but this will be added in a future release of the program.
YAPP protocol as implemented in XPWare for Windows is AutoStarting.
Transmitting a Binary File
To start a binary file Transfer in the current mode (Clover, GTOR, Packet and Pactor only), use the following steps.
1. Select Transmit Binary file using either the Files Menu, Right Click File Options or CTRL-ALT-T.
2. Select the file to be sent and click on OK. The file will now be added the transmit queue.
To Delete the File from the queue, use the Transmit Queue and select delete.
Monitoring the Progress of a File Transfer
To monitor the progress of a file transfer, press F8, this will display the File Transfer status window.
TNC Parameter Files
XPWare for Windows uses Parameter Files for all controllers except the Hal units. These files consist of nornal TNC commands that set the TNC into particular states.
There are two main parameter files. The first is the Initialization file and the second is the termination file. The Initialization File is loaded each time the program is started. The termination file is loaded when the user exit the program.
There is an additional type of Parameter file that allows the user to define special parameters for various operating modes, these are be loaded by using the "Load Parameter File" option in the TNC menu.
Editting Parameter Files
To edit a parameter file. Use the following steps...
1. Go to the TNC Menu.
2. Select either Edit Initialization, Termination or Parameter File.
If you select parameter file, you will be requested to select a file to edit.
3. The program will now display the contents of the file in the text editor.
4. Edit the file as necessary and save it, you will now be back in XPWIN.
5. To make the changes active, use the Load Parameter File Option.
DX Cluster Support
XPWare for Windows supports DX Cluster operating and logging of DX Spots.
To utilize the DX spotting capability use the following steps.
1. Create an entry in your packet connect list for the DX Cluster. Be sure to check the DX Cluster box on the connect list.
2. Connect to your DX Cluster.
When a DX spot is announced on your DX cluster XPWIN will sound the DX Alert wave file that you have assigned.
To review the DX spots that have occurred since logging into the DX Cluster, click on the DX button that will appear in the tool bar. Note, the DX button will only appear if you are connected to a station that you have signified as a DX Cluster or at least one spot has been sent by the DX Cluster.
Special Keys
XPWare for Windows offers a host of keystrokes that simplify normal communications. Below are shown the list by function of the special keys used within this program.
Accessing the Log Book
Press F3 to Toggle the Logbook on and off for the current port or stream.
Brag Files (Sending)
Press Control F1 through F10 to send the file attached to this key.
Brag Text (Sending)
Press ALT 0 through 9 to send the text attached to this key.
Calling CQ
Press F5 to start a CQ (non - packet modes). Press F5 a second time to end the CQ in all modes except Clover where you must press the HOME key to terminate the CQ.
Changing Modes
ALT - B Switch to 45 Baud RTTY
ALT - G Switch to GTOR (Kantronics only)
ALT - L Switch to AMTOR Listen Mode.
ALT - P Switch to Pactor Listen mode
Note, clicking the right button in the receive window is a fast method of switching modes.
Clearing the Current Transmit Buffer Contents
To clear the contents of the transmit buffer (Packet and Hal Controllers excepted), presss the DELETE key.
Connecting to Another Station
To connect to another station, press ALT-C and enter the callsign.
Copying Text To Clipboard
To copy a section of highlighted text from the screen to the clipboard, Press CTRL-INSERT.
CTRL-C may also be used.
Disconnecting a Link or Connect
To disconnect a link or Connect press ALT-D. To immediately press the HOME key (ARQ modes only).
Displaying the Clover Tuning/Status Window
Press F7 to Display / Hide the tuning window.
Displaying the File Transfer Status Window
Press F8 to Display / Hide the file transfer window
Displaying the Transceiver Control Panel
Press F9 to Display / Hide the Transceiver Control Panel
Editing a Text File
To edit a text file, press ALT-E and select the file to edit.
Entering the Current Frequency into the Log
Press CTRL-F to enter the frequency into the log.
Entering the Other Stations Name into the Log
Press CTRL-N to enter the other stations name into the log.
Entering the Other Station QTH into the Log
Press CTRL-Q to enter the other stations QTH (location) into the log.
Entering a TNC command
Press F11, Enter the TNC command with optional parameters and press enter. A small Dialog box will be displayed showing the parameters.
Entering the Callsign of another Station
Press F2, enter the call into the dialog box and press enter.
Exiting the Program
Press ALT-X to exit.
Force Dropping an ARQ Link (PANIC KILL TRANSMITTER)
Press the HOME key.
Pasting Text from Clipboard
Press SHIFT-INSERT to paste the clipboard to the current stream or connect.
Receiving a File from Another Station
To start receiving a text file to disk, press ALT-R. To close the receive file, press ALT-R a second. When Active, an "R" will be displayed in the status window of the port.
Sending an Identification
To send you user defined indentication text, press ALT-I.
Seizing an ARQ Link
To sieze a link from the other station in an ARQ link, press the PAGE UP key.
Switching Between Windows
Use the F12 to move forward through the windows, Shift F12 will move you back.
Transmitting a File to Another Station
There are several file transmission options within XPWare for Windows.
ALT - T
Place a file in the transmit queue. This option performs NO translation of macro characters.
ALT-SHIFT-T
Place a file in the transmit queue. This option performs translation of macro characters.
CTRL-ALT-T
Place a binary file in the transmit queue. This option sends the file using a binary file transfer protocol. The other station must be capable of receiving in the same format. This is supported for CLOVER (PCC Protocol), GTOR, PACKET (YAPP) and Pactor.
Transmit / Receive Changeover
Going to Receive
To change over a link in ANY mode (except packet and Clover) press either Page Down or the End Key.
The End Key will send a user defined characeter string. See Operating Parameters for more information
Going to Transmit or "Breaking In" during an ARQ Connect
Press the Page Up key to go into transmit mode or to "sieze" an ARQ link.
