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VUSC for Windows
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Version 6.14
OK1DIX (c) 2006
1. VUSC -
VHF/UHF/SHF/Contest
The program was
developed for VHF/UHF contests. Operator experiences of contest stations OK1KRA
and OK2KKW have been used during its development. Of course any ideas to
improve it are very welcome. Currently there's only an English program version,
but there will be the Czech and German versions soon.
2. Technical
conditions
Requirements:
Hardware:
Software:
3. Installation
It’s very likely,
that DirectX is already installed in your system. You can check it by running
the program dxdiag.exe, usually located in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 or
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32. If there’s no DirectX or a version older then 9.0c download
it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=9226A611-62FE-4F61-ABA1-914185249413&displaylang=en
or http://www.soft32.com/
(search for the “DirectX Redistributable”) and follow the instruction for
installation.
Then in
case of new installation create a new separate directory (the path must NOT
contain any spaces or hyphens), unpack the vusc.zip
archive and install the DLportIO
driver by running Install.exe in the subdirectory DriverLINX\install.
If it's a new installation also unzip the archive databases.zip in
the subdirectory “data” and copy all files from this subdirectory into the
program directory (one level up). If you're doing just the upgrade to a
higher VUSC version do _NOT_ copy them, because your private databases
would be destroyed. The best way how to perform an upgrade is to get the special
upgrade zip-file vusc_<version number>.zip and copy all files except
vuscwin.cfg into the existing directory. The file vuscwin.cfg should be copied just in
case you have problems with your own configuration file after the upgrade. In this
case you have to renew your individual setting, though. The old *.DIX files
from the DOS VUSC version higher then 4.03 can be read, but they are
automatically converted to the new Windows format when saved and can not be used by the
DOS version further more.
4. List of files
The complete installation contains following
file:
Following
files are created while working with the program:
####### - stands for
the name of the contest
$$$ - three
characters band code
144 - 144 MHz
432 - 432 MHz
129 - 1296 MHz
232 - 2320 MHz
340 - 3400 MHz
565 - 5.6 GHz
10G - 10 GHz
24G - 24 GHz
47G - 47 GHz
76G - 76 GHz
5. Program start
Before the start
the right local time and time zone setting should be checked. It’s not
necessary to set UTC time on your computer provided the system time and the local
time zone settings are correct. The program allows later time correction, but
you avoid complications if you don't start with the wrong setting.
The system variable
PATH must contain the symbol for the current directory ".". Check it
in the system setting “Start->Settings->Control
Panel->System->Advanced->System” variables and set it if necessary.
Start the program
with double click on VUSC.EXE file or create a short cut on the desktop.
If you work in
network it’s absolutely necessary after the program start to synchronize time
on all computers before the contest begins. Choose one computer with the right
time and zone setting, open a contest, log it on any band and use the menu
“Network->Band to synchronize” on other computers to synchronize the clock.
The program is
designed for minimal display resolution 1024x768 pixel. Optimal resolution is 1280x1024
or better. You can change size, layout and fonts ("Options->Font")
of all windows to match them to your display and individual needs. If you
terminate the program with “Contest->Exit” the current setting is saved in
the file vuscwin.cfg for the next start. The
configuration can be stored also explicitly by using “Contest->Save config”. If this file does
not exist at the program start default values are used.
6. Contest
operation
The program VUSC
has been primarily designed for on-line usage by the operator in the contest.
To open a new contest, choose the menu item “Contest->New” and enter the
contest name, evaluation style, own locator and call sign. If you use the style
“Locators with/without Multipliers” you can supply your own file with the point
pattern for a specific contest. Take a look at the default file QRBPAT.DAT for
an example. You can also open an existing contest file with “Contest->Open”.
Following file formats can be read: VUSC specific format (extension “.dix”), EDI format (“.edi”) or a
crash recovery file (“.bin”). The contest data are secured, so they don’t get
lost even if the program and/or computer crash for any reason. Only the last
currently entered QSO may be lost. In such case after the program restart look
for the file with the relevant contest name and extension “.bin” in the file
open dialog and open it. When opening a “.dix” file
and a “.bin” file with the same name exists (i.e. the program was not correctly
closed) a warning message is issued and you can choose if you want to read the
original file or the crash recovery copy. In addition you can write backup
copies at any time during the contest by using “Save as” menu item. It’s also
possible to merge another file to the open contest by using “Contest->Add”.
The log has a
classic form. It means that the QSO are entered as they have been made in time
and all fields (inclusive QSO number) can be changed at any time also in
previous records (the same philosophy as in the CT contest log from K1EA). Be
careful when manipulating QSO numbers because the other stations have them
already in the log. Also avoid putting higher QSO number before the lower one.
Normally you move
among the input fields using SPACE or TAB key. For changing of other fields,
click on them with the mouse.
After bad
experiences with too restrictive input date checks, the program allows to enter
double and/or incomplete QSOs. All data can be
changed at any time and all changes are immediately reflected in the whole log
also on the other computers in the network if used.
The current UTC
time is automatically entered, when not supplied manually. If working in
network the clock must be synchronized (see above the previous chapter).
For a quick
filtering of calls when checking an incomplete call/locator received you can
use meta characters "*" and ".".
The "*" matches a string of any characters, the "." matches
just one character. To make the usage of meta characters clear look at
following examples:
If a string like
DL.KN is entered, all call signs of set DL1KN, DL2KN ... DL0KN with their
locators and bands are displayed in the window “Current contest check”.
Similarly if you enter *KN all call signs ending with KN are displayed. The
same rules apply for the locators.
For faster data
entering it is possible to omit the call sign prefix and report 59(9). Also the
first two letters of a locator (if omitted) are automatically added for the
area of one big WW locator around your own QTH. The boundaries for this area
can be changed in the setting “Options->VUSC” “North-South default border”
and “East-West default border as well as the default call sign prefix.
The program
supports also inquiries to the database of call signs and locators from
previous contests. For the locator check (F9) the call sign must be completely entered
except for /P, /A and similar. A list of all locators
from the previous contests for this call sign is displayed. For the call sign
check (F10) the locator must be entered completely. The number at the displayed
records means the number of occurrences of the combination call/locator in
previous contests. The function “super check” (F11) searches for records
containing parts of call signs and locators. The search results are displayed
in the window “Database check”. Apparently wrong database records (for instance
if a locator differs only in one letter against the currently received locator)
can be removed from the database by clicking on it and deleting with
When entering a
call sign a database check is automatically made. You can set which kind of
check is performed by default by using “Options->VUSC->Default database
check”. Normally you should use “Super Check”. However on less performing
machines you may experience some delay when entering the call sign and/or
locator. In this case try to set the option to “Call Check”.
There’s also an
option to backup work file during the contest in case it gets damaged for any
reason. The number of backup copies and frequency can be set in
“Options->VUSC. The copies are stored in the directory of the same name as
the contest.
For general
overview different types of statistics can be selected in the menu in the
window “Statistic”.
To enter and edit
the QSO records following keys can be used:
Arrows UP, DOWN -
move through the records.
Arrows LEFT, RIGHT
- move inside of one field.
SPACE - move to the
next field right
TAB - move to the
next field left
Home - move cursor
to the begin of a field
End - move cursor
to the end of a field
Page Up - list of
one page up
Page Dn - list of
one page down
INS - toggle
insert/overwrite mode
CTRL/Page Up - jump
to the begin of the log
CTRL/Page Dn - jump
to the end of the log
Delete - delete
character under the cursor
Backspace - delete
character left from the cursor
CTRL/W, F12 - wipe
out a not finished QSO
CTRL/N – enter
remark to a QSO
Return, Enter – Saving
of a new QSO or confirmation of a change of an existing QSO, without the
confirmation no change is made and the old data are put back.
CTRL/Return - same
as Return, but in addition the band and frequency for a sked is to be entered
and a message is sent to another node in the network according to the chosen
band.
Right click on a
QSO – A context menu with the most frequent QSO operations
Function keys:
F1-F8 CW/SSB
buffers (see below)
F9 - locators
database check for a call
F10 - calls
database check for a locator
F11 - super check
partials of calls and locators
F12 – wipe out
current line
General control
keys:
ALT/M – mode change
CW/SSB
ALT/X - program
exit with saving of the contest file and configuration changes (file vuscwin.cfg).
ALT/Q - quit the
program without saving any file. All data entered/changed since the program
start is lost.
ALT/L – switch to
the message window in network mode (see below)
ALT/R – log
recalculation
ALT/F – find a call
ALT/O – open a
contest
ALT/S – send sked menu
ALT/T - Time shift
and/or system time set up. It serves for correction if time was wrong set at
the contest start.
ALT/U - band up
ALT/D - band down
ALT/E - start QSO
edit menu, also the right mouse click on a line
ALT/H - help
ALT/W –
CW/SSB/Packet Setting menu
ALT/N – send CW
from keyboard
ALT/- - CW speed
down
ALT/= - CW speed up
ALT/B – band
selective display
ALT/G – create log
Sound recording
control:
CTRL/R – record
CTRL/S – stop
record/playback
CTRL/P – pause record/playback
CTRL/B – back
(playback)
CTRL/E – forward
(playback)
7. Contest
evaluation
If the network was not used during the contest
the logs from diverse bands can be merged into one file with the
“Contest->Add” function, although the separate evaluation is possible, too.
You start the evaluation of the relevant band from the menu option “Create
Log”. In the following dialog choose the band and fill out the header page. All
entries for every band are stored in the file OWNH.BIN, so you don't need to
repeat the constant data as first operator's name, QTH etc. Editing of files VUS.HDR(evaluation by distances), VUS2.HDR(evaluation by
locator and multipliers), VUS3.HDR(Nordic activity contest) and QSLTEM.HDR
changes the format of header page and QSL label. In the file QSLTEM.HDR the
strings in the format @
1 - contest name
2 - own call sign
3 - own locator
4 - call, 5 – date
6 - time, 7 – band
8 - own RS(T) and contest number
9 – mode
10 – power
11 - antenna.
In the files VUS.HDR, VUS2.HDR and VUS3.HDR it
is only possible to change their layout. The strings @@@@@ are used as
placeholders for the variable header page data.
The following files
are created after the evaluation for every band:
The first two files
are to be printed; the third file is for the electronic data exchange (e-mail,
floppy disc, web interface etc.). Fourth file contains data for the update of
databases (see below). Last two files deal with QSL. The first one contains
labels for QSL to print, the other one is for the electronic QSL exchange. The
program does not print the files directly, due to the very wide spectrum of
printer types with various control character sets. The files contain only the
ASCII data in pages separated by FF. For printing it is recommended to load the
file into any word processor/editor (for example MS-Word) and format the output
according to your needs. In the worst case the files can be printed using the
command in the command prompt window:
print
/D:<printer name>
filename
The files are
formatted 38 row and 76 columns by default. Do not forget to sign the statement
on the header page when sending the paper log.
8. Database
maintenance
As mentioned before
the program can utilize a database of calls and locators. Users can build up
their own databases from the previous contests. A sample database is provided
with the program. For a routine database update after the contest reply
"Yes" to the question "Do you want to update the database?"
at the end of the evaluation run. The database records previously marked for
delete are permanently removed from the database, too. Every time a new contest
is evaluated the occurrence counters of the combinations call/locator are
updated as well. The contest name is entered in the file CONLIST.TXT to avoid
double processing of the same contest.
The database
consist basically of four files VUS_BASE.DAT, VUS_BASE.ASC a LOC_BASE.DAT, LOC_BASE.ASC.
The program itself uses the files with the extension *.DAT. The files with the
extension *.ASC are ASCII files, which can be edited by any text editor
(Notepad, WordPad, etc.). They are used to correct errors and/or to delete of
cancelled prefixed etc. The file CONLIST.TXT can be edited as well for possible
reprocessing of a contest. If the database was not updated automatically during
the evaluation, following command can be used for it:
dbase.bat
#######.ldb
#######.ldb is the sorted file with the calls and locators created
by the evaluation program. The new calls and locators are inserted into the
database. The original database file is copied to the file VUS_BASE.OLD. In
case of any problems with the new database you can use this backup file as a
source for restoring of the original database. To do this you have to rename
this file back to VUS_BASE.DAT and start the command file dbase.bat
without parameters. The file VUS_BASE.DAT is a primary file from which all
other database files are derived.
Tip: This method
can be used also for the import of calls and locators from other sources. It
must be in the ASCII file format with rows as follows:
<call><delimiter><locator><delimiter><any
contents>
As delimiter any
number of spaces and/or tabulators can be used.
If the manual
change of the database is needed you have to edit the file VUS_BASE.ASC first
and convert it to the binary file VUS_BASE.DAT. You start the command file dbase.bat without parameters then to re-create all other
files. For the conversion from/to the binary/ASCII form use commands:
tr.exe -f vus_base.asc vus_base.dat (binary
to ASCII)
tr.exe -b vus_base.asc vus_base.dat (ASCII
to binary)
The commands are to
be started always from the directory where the database files reside. The program
VUSC checks always the consistency of the binary database files (LOC_BASE.DAT
and VUS_BASE.DAT) at the program start. If an inconsistency is detected a
warning message is issued and the usage of the database is disabled. To correct
the problem, proceed similarly as in case of manual database editing.
9. QSL
maintenance
The evaluation
program supports also printing of QSL and a small database of the QSO for which
the QSL has been sent. There are several processing options:
No QSL – no QSL are
created.
All QSL - QSL for
all QSOs of a band are created.
New QSL - only QSL
for the new QSOs (which are not in the database yet)
are created.
Update QSL Database
– if checked, the QSOs are written into the QSL
database.
A QSO is considered
to be new if the call sign is new and/or the band and/or the locator. Database
ASCII file (QSL_BASE.ASC) is sorted by the call signs and bands and it can be
edited by any text editor (Notepad, WordPad) in order to correct mistakes. If
you insert a line you have to regard the right sorting. Unlike the locator
database this one is updated automatically during the program run. The file
QSL_BASE.DAT is only a work file without any other meaning. As mentioned above
a file with the extension *.adi to upload to http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/.
10. CW/SSB
control
The program VUSC
supports direct CW keying through the serial or parallel port and also a paddle
connected to the parallel port. The circuits and the default pin-out are
described in the appendix below. The pin-out can be changed in
“CW/SSB/Packet->Setting”. There are 8 CW buffers, which can be programmed
and used for the automatic keying. They buffer contents can be maintained with
“CW/SSB/Packet->Program CW”. They are
also stored in the configuration file vuscwin.cfg, so
they are permanently available. The following symbol variables can be used for
the CW buffer programming.
$O - own call sign
$C – call sign of
the current QSO
$L - own locator
$R - report of the
current QSO
$Q - report with short
nines
$N - contest number
of the current QSO
$M - contest number
with short zeros
$0-7 – user buffer
content
When programming
the CW buffers you have to pay attention not to create a loop by putting a buffer
symbol ($number) into the same buffer or even indirectly through another
buffer. The program would work, but after the stack exhausting the keying is
automatically stopped.
The speed can be
changed from 5 WPM to 45
F1-F8 - buffer send
ALT/= - increase
the speed by 1 WPM
ALT/- - decrease
the speed by 1 WPM
ESC – interrupt
ALT/N – direct CW
input from the keyboard
If the sound
card is installed in the computer (and operational under Windows) it can be
used for the TRX modulation especially for CQs. Since
the program VUSC does not support on-line recording yet, you have to prepare
the WAV files by using the sound recorder in Windows or by a similar program.
There are also 8
buffers for SSB WAV file names controlled by F1-F8 keys in SSB mode. They can
be programmed in the dialog “CW/SSB/Packet->Program SSB”.
The headphone output of the sound card is the best choice for the TRX modulation. Some computers have also the volume control of this output, which can be used for the optimal modulation level setting. Otherwise you have to use a resistor trimmer. Of course a shielded cable is necessary for the connection between the computer and the TRX.
11. Network
operation
The network enables
the communication of connected computers, sending of QSOs,
skeds, synchronization, sending of messages among them, packet sharing etc. A
connected computer is called a network node.
The network is in
“disabled” state after the program start. It means just limited network
functions are enabled. This avoids the receiving of QSOs
from other nodes and other log related operations before a contest file is open
when for example a node has been taken into operation when a contest is already
in progress, had to be restarted etc. The full network functionality is enabled
by unchecking the “Network->Disable” menu item. Do it only when the contest
is open on the local node and synchronization (see below) has been made. The
contest file name muster be the same on all nodes in order to avoid operators mistake and overwriting the contest QSO by other
ones. The network is also automatically enabled when a node is logged on a
band.
After opening of a
contest a node can (but does not have to) be logged on one or more bands. The
band(s) for a particular node can be entered by “Network->Own band”. The
network is then automatically enabled for this node. The skeds negotiated on
other bands can be sent to this node (see below). The assignment of bands to
nodes is displayed in the window “Nodes”. Only one node can be defined for a
specific band, but one node can serve for more bands. The assignment is valid
till a new node is defined for the same band. For assigned nodes their IP
addresses are displayed. The bands which are not assigned to a node are marked
by 0.0.0.0. Automatic network search for on-line nodes is performed when the
program is started or a new band is assigned. The same check is made always
when the node list is refreshed by clicking the button “Network check”; an “A”
(active) beside the IP address means an on-line node, an “O” (own) own band.
A QSO made or
changed on any node is sent automatically to all other nodes after pressing the
RETURN key.
If a node is
assigned to a band the skeds on this band sent from another node (band) are
displayed in the "To Do" window. By double clicking on an item in the
“To Do” list the QSO is copied into the current line in the log. The skeds
which could not be made can be deleted from the "To Do" window by
pressing DEL key.
For relaying
information among the nodes (bands) a text message can be sent either to a
specific node or to all nodes in the network by using ALT/L or by clicking into
the input line of the window “Network Message”. Only nodes assigned to a band
can be chosen as a specific message target.
If any information
on a node gets lost during the operation (for example computer crash, network
connection interrupt, later connection to the network etc.) you can synchronize
the local log with a log of another node using “Network->Band to synchronize”.
The complete log is transferred from the source node including the system time
and zone setting. A message with the number of QSOs
to transfer is issued at the transfer beginning and the message
"Synchronization complete" indicates the successful completion. Use
the synchronization also when an inconsistence in QSO numbering on the network
is detected. It’s recommended to synchronize all nodes in the network before
the contest in order to ensure the identical time setting.
If a new QSO is
inserted from a foreign node (i.e. which is not defined for the particular
band) a confirmation is required, because it can cause double numbering on this
band. The same confirmation is required if a band is overtaken by another node.
When running more
then one nodes on one band (for example a second search and pound working place
in VHF contest) use the button “Book #” for requesting a contest number from a
node which is assigned to the relevant band in order to avoid double QSO
numbering.
12. Network -
installation
The program VUSC
for Windows utilizes the TCP/IP network protocol. You have to configure it
before the operation. If there’s a DHCP server in the local network you don’t
need to do any other configuration, just check the firewall setting (see
below). If not, you have to set fix IP addresses for every node. Choose the
network TCP/IP protocol configuration in “Start->Control Panel” and set the
IP addresses, normally from the range 192.168.x.x, network mask 255.255.255.0
or from any other general recommended range for local networks. Do NOT use the automatically
Windows set local IP addresses (usually from range 162.254.x.x, mask
255.255.0.0). In Windows XP you can take advantage of setting the fix IP
address as the alternate TCP/IP setting. Check your setting by command ”ipconfig” in the command prompt window and also check the
connection between the nodes with ping. If you’re using firewall software
ensure that the port # 5068 is enabled in both directions.
The port and other settings can be changed in
the menu “Network->Setting”. You can also specify IP addresses out of the
local network or choose another network interface if there are more installed
in the system.
13. TRX control
VUSC supports control of certain TRX types over serial interface. Most of the ICOM types (with the CI-V protocol) and KENWOOD types are supported. Since every YAESU model has different control protocol, just FT1000MP and FT847 are currently supported.
First you have to connect the serial ports with the appropriate cable (the cable type can be different for various TRX types - straight or null modem, check the TRX manual) and set up serial connection and other parameters in the menu "TRX->Setting". Since the computer can be assigned to more bands and (especially on the microwave bands) the transverters are often used you have to set the band on which the TRX works and eventually the frequency offset. The computer must be also assigned to the same band on the network on which the TRX works to display the frequency and mode even if there are no other computers on the network. Then you can choose in the menu "TRX" the appropriate TRX type to activate the connection. After activating the operating frequency and mode are displayed in the window "Nodes" (this information is automatically sent to other nodes on the network). Also the curent frequency is displayed in the "Band map" window. With a double click on a spot in the band map the TRX is tuned to the spot frequency and the callsign is copied into the log. If you want to change any setting and the TRX connection is active you have to close it first using "TRX->Close".
For ICOM TRX types the ICOM-address has to be maintained accordingly and you must ensure that the menu item 38 (CI-V Transceive) is set to OFF on the TRX side.
13. Packet radio
The packet radio
operation is supported for modems of TNC standard (currently TNC5+) of for
Internet servers using the telnet protocol. For the modem connection to the COM
port, use the standard null-modem cable (see the modem documentation). The
communication parameters (port, speed etc.) can be set in
“CW/SSB/Packet->Setting”. The communication with the modem works only in the
terminal mode. It means that some settings (as for example channel select, own
call, TX delay etc.) must be done manually after starting the program and
modem. See the modem documentation for details. The speed, port and other
parameters are also stored in the file vuscwin.cfg.
To connect to a modem (or a telnet server) use the menu
“Packet->Connect/Disconnect”.
For telnet servers
an IP address or server name and the port number can be set. The most used
servers with their parameters can be found on the web page www.cpcug.org/user/wfeidt/Misc/cluster.html. If the local network is active the computer with the packet
connection can work as a packet server for those computers on the network on
which the option "Packet Remote" has been chosen. Check the option
"Packet->server" in the menu of the packet window. The packet
server network address is also displayed in the network node window. The packet
server IP address is stored also displayed in the window “Nodes”. The current
packet configuration is displayed in the title of the packet window.
For
better overview the DX spots from the packet are gathered into the band map
window. Four lists are maintained for 2m, 70cm, 23cm and microwave bands. You can choose
them in the menu “Band”. The new spots are displayed in blue, the spots
with already made callsigns in black. By checking the item “Band->Filter Made”
these spots can be filtered out. For microwave bands a bit mask in hexadecimal format
can be entered in the dialog “Options->VUSC”. The mask determines the relevant
microwave bands of the current contest on which a QSO must be made for a spot
to be considered as made. The bits correspond to the bands from the least
relevant one. For example 68 mean 13cm, 6cm and 3cm bands. With the
“Band->Wipe” the whole map for a band can be cleared. In the dialog
“CW/SSB/Packet->Setting” time out can be set after which the items are
deleted from the list.
14. Sound
recording
If you experience
troubles receiving a DX station it may be useful to record the signal for further
examination. Choose the microphone as a signal source and disable the other
ones (mute) in the recording sound mixer control. Double click on the little
speaker on the Windows task bar to get the mixer control and go to the menu
“Option->Properties->Recording” to get the recording controls. Use a
shielded line to connect the TRX speaker with the microphone input on your PC.
The sound recorder controls are record, play,
back and forward. You can choose either the button controls or shortcuts
mentioned above. The usage is similar to a normal tape recorder. The sound
files *.wav are stored in a subdirectory of the same name as the contest. Their
name consists of time stamps of the record start and end, record hour and
minute and the call sign. The hour, minute and call sign is taken at the end of
the recording. Besides normal controls storing of a QSO with <Enter> ends
up automatically the recording. The file size is about 1MB per minute. You
should be careful when using the recorder in order not to fill your hard disk
with the sound files. The files have the standard *.wav format and can be
played by any player.
15. Appendix -
schemes and pin-outs of the interfaces
Use only
shielded cables for all connections between the computer and TRX. The shield
should be connected to the signal ground (GND). The 100 Ohm resistor in the
collector of the keying transistor is only for the protection. It can be leaved
out if necessary.
The default paddle
pin out is compatible with the program N6TR.