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VUSC for Windows
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Version
6.16
OK1DIX
(c) 2007
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 at its development. Of course any ideas to improve it are very welcome.
Currently there are only English and Czech program versions, but there will be
also the German versions soon.
2.
Technical conditions
The program is designed for using on
the PC with operating system Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP. Program was not tested
with Windows 95 or NT.
Hardware requirements:
·
processor: better then PII at 200 MHz
·
RAM:
at least 32 MB
·
free
space on hard disc: about 5 MB
·
ports:
1 x serial RS-232C (COM), 1 x parallel Centronics (LPT)
·
sound
card
·
network
card
Software:
·
Windows 2000/XP/Me/98SE
·
DirectX
9.0c or higher
·
DLportIO
Driver
The
requirements on RAM size may vary depending on the database sizes and number of
QSOs.
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:
·
VUSC.EXE - contest program
·
TR.EXE
- utility to transform database files
·
USORT.EXE
- sort utility
·
DBASE.BAT
- batch file for the database update
·
VUS_BASE.ASC
- ASCII file containing the database records sorted by stations
·
VUS_BASE.DAT
- database binary file sorted by stations
·
LOC_BASE.ASC
- ASCII file contaning the database records sorted by locators
·
LOC_BASE.DAT
- database binary file sorted by locators
·
QSL_BASE.ASC
- QSL database ASCII file
·
CONLIST.TXT
- list of contests entered in the database
·
QSLTEM.HDR
- QSL label form
·
VUS.HDR
- log header form for contests evaluated by distances
·
VUS2.HDR
- log header form for contests evaluated by locators/multipliers
·
VUS3.HDR
- log header form for Nordic Activity Contest
·
VUSC_EN.HTM
- english documentation in HTML format
·
SCHEMA_EN.JPG
- scheme of CW keying interface
·
VUSCWIN.CFG
- file containing CW memories, port settings and other technical parameters
·
QSL_BASE.ASC
– QSL database file
·
CONTLIST.TXT
– list of evaluated contests
Following files are created while
working with the program:
·
#######.DIX - contest file
·
#######.BIN
- work file
·
#######_$$$.LOG
- log file from one band
·
#######_$$$.EDI
- contest log file from one band in EDI format.
·
#######_$$$.LDB
- sorted list of calls with their locators.
·
#######_$$$.SUM
- summary sheet of one band (calls with their contest numbers).
·
#######_$$$.QSL
- file to print on QSL labels
·
#######_$$$.ADI
- file in ADIF format for upload to http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/
·
OWNH.HDR
- stored individual data of the log header sheet
·
QSL_BASE.DAT
- QSL binary work file
·
Subdirectory
####### for storing of sound files and work file backups
####### - 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 you should check the
right local time and time zone setting. 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 by double clicking on
VUSC.EXE file or create a shortcut 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 and time zone.
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 are 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
ALT/V - Statitics window
ALT/C - Packet window
ALT/A - Database window
ALT/J - To do window
ALT/Z - Band map window
ESC - return to the main window
Sound recording control:
CTRL/R – record
CTRL/S – stop record/playback
CTRL/P – pause record/playback
CTRL/B – back (playback)
CTRL/E – forward (playback)
Rotator
control:
CTRL/<
- turn left
CTRL/>
- turn right
CTRL/space
- stop
CTRL/?
– turn to the azimuth of the current QSO (if valid)
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:
·
contest log from the appropriate band
to print, extension *.log
·
sorted
list of calls with their contest numbers, extension *.sum
·
contest
log in the EDI format ,
extension
*.edi
·
sorted
list of calls with their locators, extension *.ldb
·
file
with the QSL labels to print, extension *.qsl
·
QSL
file in the ADIF format to upload to the e-QSL web page http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/, extension *.adi
The first two files are to be printed;
the third EDI-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 via http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/. 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 following commands in the command prompt window:
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 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 databases 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 and elbug paddle connected to the serial or 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”. Note that in case of paddle connected
to the serial port there is no galvanic connection between the cable shielding
(i.e. also paddle body) and the PC ground. Therefore you should avoid direct
contact to the TRX or PC ground. 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
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 and configuration
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.
14.
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.
15.
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.
16. Rotator and band switch
For rotator control a simple hardware
interface to the parallel port is needed. You’ll find the scheme in the
appendix below. A feedback potentiometer as position indicator is a
prerequisite for this interface. Its value can be between 100 ohms and about
30k. The higher feedback potentiometer value increases the risk of interference
voltage being induced in the connection wires. The interface has been designed
with an 8-bit ADC which is sufficient precision for normal antennas. If a
higher precision is required (for example for a dish antenna) the interface can
use 9th bit on the ACK signal (pin 10) of the parallel port.
Interface set up procedure:
1. Choose the value of the resistor Ra
according to the value of the feedback potentiometer, so the maximal voltage on
it is between 3.5 and 4 V.
2. Set the 50% of the maximal voltage
of the feedback potentiometer at the point B using the trimmer 2k2.
3. Start the program and set the
parallel ports for rotator and band switch in the menu “Rotator/Band
switch->Setting”. The rotator requires a dedicated port. On the other hand
the band switch port can be shared with CW/PTT keying.
4. Confirm the setting by clicking
“OK”.
5. In the menu “Rotator/Band
switch->Rotator” activate rotator window, connect the interface to the port
and turn the antenna to the most left position (counter clockwise). Check if
the output voltage on the feedback potentiometer is minimal, if not switch over
the potentiometer feeding wires. Choose again “Rotator/ Band
switch->Setting”, enter the beginning azimuth in the left field of “Rotator
calibration” and confirm with “Set.
6. Turn the rotator to the most right
position (clockwise), set the azimuth value in the right field of “Rotator calibration”
and confirm with “Set.
The azimuth values must be positive and the end value must be higher the
beginning value. For example if the beginning value is 60 degrees and the
rotator turns over 380 degrees the end azimuth value will be 60+380=440 degrees.
7. Confirm the setting by clicking
“OK”.
After calibration setup the software
limit switches are automatically set to the beginning and end azimuth values.
If you have hardware terminal switches in your rotator make sure that their
beginning and ending positions comply with the minimal and maximal voltage on
the feedback potentiometer respectively.
CAUTION! After booting the computer the
parallel port may be in an undefined state. Switch on the motor power supply
after the activation of the rotator window to avoid unwanted motor start. Also,
when ending the program switch the motor power supply before rotor control
deactivation.
Rotor control keys:
CTRL/<
- turn left
CTRL/>
- turn right
CTRL/space
- stop
CTRL/?
– turn to the azimuth of the current QSO (if valid)
The band switch works on the chosen
port. The band is hexadecimal coded on the upper four data pins (6-9). The
switching is accomplished either manually in the menu “Rotator/Band switch” or
automatically with the band change if you check “Band auto” in the same menu.
17.
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.