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1986-11-07
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KB0ZP HAM DISK #2
USERS GUIDE
Larry Kebel (KB0ZP)
398 Adams Street
Cumming, IA 50061
USA
KB0ZP Page # 2
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
You are encouraged to copy and distribute this HAM DISK #2 in an
unmodified form. Please notify me if you have any suggestions on how
these programs may be improved or changed. Any and all comments are
welcome. If your suggestions are accepted and they are the first time
mentioned, I will send you an upgraded HAM DISK #2 (free of charge)
including your modifications as well as all the others that have
preceded you. If your suggestion is lengthy or complicated, a sample
program on a disk would be appreciated. Even this GUIDE is not beyond
improvement.
The programs were created on a Leading Edge computer with a monochrome
monitor and no graphics board using GW Basic and then compiled with
the Microsoft QuickBASIC Compiler. And, the printer used is a Gemini
10X. Therefore, these programs should work on the IBM XT and many
clones. If you have found trouble on your computer, please let me
know.
Copies of the original source code are NOT available to any individual
or organization for any reason. So please don't ask.
I make no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy , correctness or
reliability of these programs. All responsibilities are borne by the
user.
The first thing you should do is to make a copy of the HAM DISK #2
using the DISKCOPY command from DOS and put it in a safe place.
A>DISKCOPY A: B:
HAM DISK #2 Version 1.x consists of the following programs:
READ ME
LOG EXE
GUIDE
PRINTLOG EXE
BRUN20 EXE
*INTRODUCTION*
KB0ZP Page # 3
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
SUPER CONTEST LOG
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 4
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
PURPOSE ---
Yes, I know - What we don't need is another contest logging program.
But, what we do need is a GOOD contest program. One that is easy to
use and works fast. One that can be run by one person while working
the radio. It should help the operator, not hinder him and slow things
down. With your help and suggestions, we will make this the "Contest
Program to end all Contest Programs."
GETTING STARTED ---
You will need a copy of the HAM DISK #2 and 2 blank formatted disks.
The first thing to do is to create a contest log program disk on one
of the blank diskettes for use in the field. The procedure is to place
the HAM DISK #2 in Drive A: and a blank disk in Drive B:. Then from
the A prompt enter -
A>DISKCOPY A: B:
The next step is to label the disks you are working with. The one you
created above should be labelled SUPER CONTEST LOG PROGRAM. And the
last blank disk you have should be labelled (CONTEST NAME) DATA DISK
(DATE). All the data for 4000 contacts will be written to this disk. I
don't think you will need any more data space.
STATION SETUP ---
Since one of the objectives of this program is that it is to be run by
one person only - a few words about station setup. Sit squarely at
your table and place the microphone on a stand right in front of you.
Then immediately behind that place the computer keyboard. Working away
from you, the computer comes next with the screen on top. Place the
radio to the right or left of the computer. The radio should be put on
VOX and wear earphones. Now you are all set for one man operation.
RUNNING THE PROGRAM ---
Place the program disk in Drive A: and enter -
A>LOG
And the program will start. Remove the program disk from Drive A: and
replace it with the Data disk. That is all that must be done with the
programs. Turn on the printer and align the paper at this time.
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 5
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
After the opening billboard - Press any key to continue ...
TIME & DATE RESET ---
The time and date that are in memory will be shown here. if both of
these are OK - press Y and you will move on to the next screen. If
either one is not correct, press N. You will then be asked which one
is incorrect. Press D for Date and T for Time. If you press N you will
move to the next screen.
When D is pressed, you will be able to enter the corrected date. It
must be entered in the format shown. ie MM/DD/YY. July 12, 1978 would
be entered as 07/12/78. Don't forget the slashes (/). Then press enter
and you will be asked if all is correct. If OK press Y, if not press
N.
Now press T to change the time. Enter the correct time in the format
shown. 2PM would be entered as 14:00:00. This is a 24 hour clock.
Also, you must type the colons (:). You do not have to type the
seconds. 14:00 is OK. The time will start when enter is pressed for
more accurate timekeeping. But, please remember that the clock in the
computer is not too accurate.
The next question to answer is whether you are using Local, Zulu, or
UTC time. Press the appropriate letter and you are now shown the new
date and time. If you still have errors or change your mind, do the
process again. If all is OK, press Y.
START UP ---
Make sure that there is a blank formatted disk in Drive A: This is
where all the data of the contacts made is stored. I calculate that a
DSDD disk will hold all the info on 4000 contacts.
Turn the "CAPS LOCK" on. Everything from this point on must be entered
in capital letters. Mainly for uniformity and alphabetizing later on.
KB0ZP Page # 6
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
Now enter Y or N if you want to print out the contacts as well as save
to disk. Only a capital Y or N will do. This is a check to see if the
"CAPS LOCK" is on. And don't forget to turn on the printer and align
the paper.
Then enter the call sign that is going to be used for the contest.
There is a maximum of 10 characters that can be entered here.
KA0HAM/VE6 is the longest type of call sign that may be used.
NAME OF CONTEST ---
Enter the name of the contest when asked. You have a maximum of 26
characters, numbers & spaces available. Things like 1985 FIELD DAY,
JUNE SWEEPSTAKES (1973), CQ PREFIX, are all OK.
EXCHANGE #2 ---
The first piece of information (or 1st Exchange) you receive from the
other station will be his call sign. That will be true no matter what
contest you are running. The second piece of information depends upon
the contest. And may be selected by you. Let's say you need a signal
report from him. You may type RST or SIG REPORT at this point. There
is a maximum of 12 characters, numbers & spaces available.
EXCHANGE #3 ---
This works the same as above and is optional. If a 3rd piece of
information is not needed for the contest, press enter.
SAME STATION, DIFFERENT BANDS ---
If you may contact a station only once no matter what band or mode
during the contest, enter N.
SELECT THE BAND ---
Press the key letter of one of the 13 different bands listed. If you
want to work a band that is not listed, enter O. Then type in the band
you wish to use. Numbers only please. Then type M or C for Meters or
Centimeters.
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 7
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
You may use this extra band as many times as you wish. The computer
will record and save any band you enter. So, you may enter two or
three or more different bands in this area and all the record keeping
and duping will be taken care of. This gives you an unlimited number
of bands you may work. I have put the most common ones on the screen
for your use.
SELECT THE MODE ---
There are 7 different modes you may choose from or press 8 and you may
select any mode you wish. This option works the same as BAND above.
THE MAIN SCREEN ---
This is where the action takes place. In the upper left hand corner,
Today's Date is displayed. The date will change as you pass midnight.
Check to make sure it is correct especially if you are using Zulu or
UTC time. If it is incorrect, enter DATE as the call sign and you will
be offered a chance to change the date just like before when you
originally entered it.
The upper right hand corner displays the Time of Day. It is Local,
Zulu, or UTC as you specified in the beginning. If you would like to
change it, enter TIME as the call sign and you will be given a chance
to change it as before. Don't try to get away with not specifying the
L, Z, or U options because it is needed on the printout.
In the top center is the name of the contest. Make sure it is correct.
If not. You will have to reboot the program again from the beginning.
The Call Sign of the operating station is displayed near the top of
the screen on the right.
Under that, the Total Number of contacts are kept track of.
Working down, the next thing is an Elapsed Timer. It indicates how
long it has been since the last contact.
The next box will display any error messages that come up.
The next to bottom box is not used.
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 8
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
TEST RUN ---
As you can see, the Band & Mode you selected are highlighted by a
square box.
Now enter a Call Sign, say KB0ZP. Then enter the other information
asked for. Just make up something. A maximum of 12 characters is
allowed for each. The Call Sign must have at least 4 characters with a
maximum of 10 and a number must be in the second or third position.
When the last piece of information is entered. the printer begins to
print the masthead for page one and the record of your first contact.
Notice that the disk drive light also went on which means that your
contact has been saved to disk. Immediately after each contact, all
information is printed & saved to disk so that if there is a power
failure no information is lost. The Elapsed Timer has been reset to
zero and it starts counting again. Now you are ready for your next
contact. All of this takes about 4 seconds.
Enter KB0ZP again as another contact and see what happens.
Embarrassing isn't it? Hi! The error message will keep blinking until
you log in another Call Sign or enter CLS.
CLS just clears the screen. All the totals and records are kept.
Now let's change the band. Enter BAND for the call sign and you will
be given a chance to choose a different band to work - Choose one and
press the key letter. Notice that the highlight box has changed
position reflecting your new choice. Enter KB0ZP again with the other
information and you will see that it is not a dupe this time because
you changed the band. And, hopefully, you have indicated in the set-up
that you MAY contact the same station on different bands. Total
contacts now reads 2. And since the masthead was not printed, the
total time elapsed was about 1.5 seconds.
Change the mode by entering MODE as above. Make a change and the box
moved again. Enter KB0ZP again and now you might have another dupe
because you "worked" me on that band before.
Notice that you are building a complete record on the screen of all
your contacts. The Total Contact box adds them up and displays the
grand total. The program will crash if the total exceeds 3000. If you
do exceed 3000 contacts - call me - I'd like to talk to you!
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 9
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
Now take a look at the printout that you are generating. The masthead
contains your Call Sign, The name of the contest, and the date. It
lists all the information you obtained in your contact in a
chronological order. There is now a permanent record of the time lag
between contacts. There is also a place to keep track of QSL records.
I believe that this might come in handy if you are collecting prefixes
or something. Notice also that the column headings change to reflect
the information required by each contest. The printout will scroll to
print a new page after every 50 contacts. This makes it easy to file
your contacts by 50's. There is enough room on the left side of the
page for 3-hole punching if you file in a loose leaf binder.
To see if you have worked a station before - type in the call sign and
hit enter. If it is a dupe, you will be notified. If it is not a dupe,
try to work him. Then let's say that you make no contact, just enter
(/) slash at the next piece of information and it is cancelled. The
elapsed time clock will continue as if nothing happened.
A slash may be typed as the last character of any of the three pieces
of information. And, when return is pressed, all those entries will be
voided.
A list of help screens is at the bottom of the display in reverse. The
numbers represent the bands most commonly used. Enter one and see what
is displayed. It will show you what frequencies are available to the
different classes of licences as well as what emissions are allowed
and any limitations to the frequencies. Press L to display the
limitations or press E for 3 screens of explanations of the symbols.
Page 11 of this guide lists all the Amateur Radio Sections in North
America and suggested abbreviations. When entering the sections as
called for on Field Day you must be careful to use a good abbreviation
chart. No two should be the same and they should be easy to remember.
If you enter the Iowa Section as IA one time Iowa the next, when you
alphabetize IN or Indiana will fall between the two.
Those who have helped in improving this program are:
KB0VT,
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR CONTESTING
KB0ZP
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 10
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
WHAT TO DO IF THE POWER GOES OFF
1. Don't panic - you have all the important data on the disk.
2. Remove the data disk from Drive A:
3. Insert the program disk in Drive A:
4. Return to DOS
5. Enter A>:LOG
6. Run the program normally until you are asked if you want to print.
7. Enter the word RESTORE in place of Y or N
8. Remove the program disk and insert the data disk in Drive A:
9. Press any key
10. When finished, Press any key
11. This will take you back to the main chart.
12. Check the printer and align the paper.
13. Re-enter the mode and band you wish to operate.
14. The printer will start automatically and print another masthead
starting with the next contact number. All duping will continue as if
you never lost power.
15. A clean printout can be made after the contest with the print
program.
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 11
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
CANADA NEW ENGLAND DIVISION
AB - Alberta CT - Connecticut
BC - British Columbia EMA- Eastern Massachusetts
MB - Manitoba ME - Maine
NF - Maritime, Nfld NH - New Hampshire
ON - Ontario RI - Rhode Island
PQ - Quebec VT - Vermont
SK - Saskatchewan WMA- Western Massachusetts
ATLANTIC DIVISION NORTHWESTERN DIVISION
DE - Delaware AK - Alaska
EPA- Eastern Pennsylvania ID - Idaho
MD - Maryland, DC MT - Montana
SNJ- Southern New Jersey OR - Oregon
WNY- Western New York WA - Washington
WPA- Western Pensylvania
PACIFIC DIVISION
CENTRAL DIVISION EB - East Bay
IL - Illinois NV - Nevada
IN - Indiana PC - Pacific
WI - Wisconsin SV - Sacremento Valley
SF - San Francisco
DAKOTA DIVISION SJV- San Joaquin Valley
MN - Minnesota SCV- Santa Clara Valley
ND - North Dakota
SD - South Dakota ROANOKE DIVISION
NC - North Carolina
DELTA DIVISION SC - South Carolina
AR - Arkansas VA - Virginia
LA - Louisiana WV - West Virginia
MS - Mississippi
TN - Tennessee ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION
CO - Colorado
GREAT LAKES DIVISION NM - New Mexico
KY - Kentucky UT - Utah
MI - Michigan WY - Wyoming
OH - Ohio
SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
HUDSON DIVISION AL - Alabama
ENY- Eastern New York GA - Georgia
NYC- NYC, Long Island NFL- Northern Florida
NNJ- Northern New Jersey SFL- Southern Florida
WIN- West Indies
MIDWEST DIVISION
IA - Iowa SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION
KS - Kansas AZ - Arizona
MO - Missouri LOS- Los Angeles
NE - Nebraska OJ - Orange
SDO- San Diego
WEST GULF DIVISION SB - Santa Barbara
NTX- Northern Texas
OK - Oklahoma
STX- Southern Texas
KB0ZP Page # 12
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
BENEFITS OF THE SUPER CONTEST LOG
The date changes automatically as you pass midnight
It automatically keeps track of the total number of contacts and where
they were made and continuously displays all the information on the
screen
Unlimited number of BANDS may be used
Unlimited number of MODES may be used
Help screens for 13 bands (Frequencies by license class and emissions
allowed)
Help screen for frequency limitations
Help screens for emission designators
Elapsed time indicator
Automatic duping (You select if by band or total contacts)
Automatic save to disk
Optional immediate printout
All duping information can be restored after power down
Fast running
Easy to use
Protection against power failure
Enter your own exchange titles
Creates a data disk for customized printouts at you liesure
*CONTEST LOG*
KB0ZP Page # 13
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
SUPER CONTEST LOG PRINT PROGRAM
*PRINTLOG*
KB0ZP Page # 14
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
PURPOSE ---
This program works in conjunction with the SUPER CONTEST LOG Version
1.x and will print out the information from the data disk in any
alphabetical form wanted as well as to produce the source forms needed
for submissions for awards.
RUNNING THE PROGRAM ---
You will need a copy of the HAM DISK #2 and the data disk which was
created by the SUPER CONTEST LOG program.
At this time it might be a good idea to make a copy of your data disk
for safe keeping.
Place the HAM DISK #2 in Drive A: and enter:
A>PRINTLOG
And the program will start. Remove the program disk from Drive A: and
replace it with the data disk. Be sure to turn on the printer and
align the paper at this time.
After the opening billboard - Press any key to continue ...
The next screen will be a directory of all the different prinouts
available. Eleven are listed at the present time. If you would like to
see additional formats, please let me know. Almost anything can be
done.
Press the appropriate key ...
After you have entered your choice - the computer & printer take over
and everything is automatic. When all the printing is finished, you
will be asked if you want another copy. Type Y for yes, N for no. If
you typed Y, the printing will scroll and start immediately since no
alphabetising has to be done.
A note on alphabetising - I know it is very slow. It is a bubble sort.
I am looking for something much quicker. If you have any suggestions -
send them to me.
*PRINTLOG*
KB0ZP Page # 15
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
You may also write your own program if you want to. All the data was
written to the disk with the following commands.
10 OPEN "R", #1, "A:KB0ZP.DTA", 86
20 FIELD #1, 18 as K$, 10 AS C$, 9 AS D$, 9 AS T$, 7 AS B$,
5 AS M$, 12 AS G$, 12 AS S$, 4 AS Q$
Where:
K$=Duping Records
C$=Call Sign
D$=Date
T$=Time (Last byte is Z, L, or U)
B$=Band
M$=Mode
G$=2nd piece of the exchange
S$=3rd piece of the exchange
Q$=Contact Number
30 OPEN "R", #2, "A:KB)ZP-1.DTA",60
40 field #2, 10 as A$, 26 as B$, 12 as E$, 12 as F$
Where:
A$=Call Sign of the operating station
B$=Name of the contest
E$=2nd exchange name
F$=3rd exchange name
*PRINTLOG*
KB0ZP Page # 16
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
BENEFITS OF THE SUPER CONTEST LOG PRINT PROGRAM
Alphabetized printouts (in any form)
Special formats for different contests
Tailored with your Call Sign
Room for 42 different printouts
Can be done at your liesure
*PRINTLOG*
KB0ZP Page # 17
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
USER SUPPORTED
These programs are written and used by Amateur Radio Operators. If you
have any favorite programs you would like to see distributed on these
disks please let me know. You and the original writer will get full
credit for the effort put forth. Submit all programs on a DSDD 5 1/4
inch Diskette. The program must be available as Public Domain and
written in IBM BASIC. I don't know any other languages. If the program
is accepted, I will send you the latest version of the HAM DISK it
appears in.
If you like these programs and wish to add any ideas of your own,
please let me know about them. If they are valid, I will add them to
the disks. If they are long & involved, I would appreciate it if you
would submit your programs on a DSDD disk and they must be written in
IBM BASIC. But, any and all ideas are welcome.
A $10 contribution to KB0ZP is not much to ask. Upon receipt of your
$10, you will become a registered user of HAM DISK #2 and will receive
all notifications of any updates or additions to this disk. It will
also help to defer any mailing costs and some of the expenses involved
in creating these programs as well as to encourage me to continue to
make high quality and easy to use ham software. Only registered users
will get replies to letters.
THANK YOU
KB0ZP
398 Adams Street
Cumming IA 50061
USA
*USER SUPPORT*
KB0ZP Page # 18
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
SUGGESTION FORM
Name Call Sign
Address
City
State Zip
Type of computer used:
Amount of RAM available:
Program Name:
Program Version number (as seen on the screen):
$10 enclosed (Y or N) to become a registered user.
Only registered users get replies.
Your comments and suggestions please: ___
Larry Kebel, KB0ZP, 398 Adams Street, Cumming, Iowa 50061
*SUGGESTION FORM*
KB0ZP Page # 19
HAM DISK #2
Version 1.A
USERS GUIDE
ORDER FORM
HAM DISK #1 (Not copy protected) Registration fee ------------ $10.00
Message Recording
Decoding
HAM DISK #2 (Not copy protected) Registration fee ------------ $10.00
Super Contest Log
Multiple printouts
PC TALK III (For registered users only) ---------------------- $ 5.00
PC FILE (For registered users only) -------------------------- $ 5.00
PC CALC (For registered users only) -------------------------- $ 5.00
(More to Come)
Morse Code Practice
Satellite Tracking
Antenna Design
etc.
Larry Kebel KB0ZP
398 Adams Street
Cumming, IA 50061
*ORDER FORM*