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VUSC

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Version 3.11

OK1DIX (c) 1995 - 2000

 

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. Nevertheless any ideas to improve it are very welcome. Currently there's only an english program version, but there are czech, english and german version of the help file. The user can create any other language very easily.

Main features:

2. Technical conditions

The program runs on the PC computers with the operating systems MS-DOS version 5.0 and higher, Windows 3.11, Windows 95/98 and with some limitations under Windows NT. It is recommended to use Windows 95/98 in order to utilize all its features.

Requirements:

The requirements to free disc space and RAM may vary depending on use of sound card and the size of database files.

 

3. Installation

The program is installed by extracting to any directory from the zip file. It is recommended to create a new empty directory. Do not forget to check the option "Use folder names". It is also possible to copy all files from another installation. If it's a new installation copy the files from the directory "data" in the the program directory (one level up) after the unpacking the zip file. In case of upgrade do NOT copy the data directory, since your private settings and/or databases would be destroyed.

4. List of files

The complete installation contains following file:

 

Following files are created while working with the program:

####### - name of the contest

$$$ - three characters band code

144 - 144 MHz

432 - 432 MHz

129 - 1296 MHz

232 - 2320 MHz

565 - 5.6 GHz

10G - 10 GHz

24G - 24 GHz

47G - 47GHz

5. Start of the program

Before the start it is recommended to set up the right UTC and date. The program allows later correction, but you'll save some correcting work if you don't start with the wrong time and/or date. The system variable PATH must also contain the symbol for the current directory ".". If not you have to set it up in the file AUTOEXEC.BAT. If you want to use the back up floppy disk, insert one in the floppy drive.

The program is started with the batch file VUSC.BAT from the installation directory as follows:

vusc.bat [-o] [-l] [-q number of QSOs] [contest name]

The parameters in the brackets are optional and have following meaning:

-o - off-line start (for example to enter data from paper log).

-l - set the screen to the black/white.

contest name - the name from which all other file names are derived.

-q - the total number of QSOs for which the memory should be reserved. The default value is 3000. In case of problems with the lack of RAM, you can set lower amount. The highest number of QSOs is limited only by the RAM size up to 32 MB.

If the name of the contest is not entered in the command line, it has to be entered in the starting page. If the contest file does not exist other contest data (own call, locator, time of the contest start etc.) must also be entered by user.

If you choose CW option with the paddle connected to the paralel port, you have to test it right away after the start. There may be problem (especially on the laptop computers) with the missing bypass resistors at the port. If the program for example chaotically sends dots or dash or even crashes, you can try to connect a paddle with resistors according to the scheme below. In the worst case choose the option "None" in the appropriate menu and continue using only the keyboard keying. Similar problem can arise with the rotator. Also in this case the rotator can be disabled by choosing "No" in the menu "Rotator".

The similar handling applies also for the sound card. You can activate it by choosing "Yes" in the menu "Sound". A testing sound is played if the sound card has been successfuly recognized and initialized. Otherwise the card can be disabled by choosing "No". The configuration of CW, sound card and rotator is described in following chapters in more details.

Network support can be activated/deactivated by "Yes"/"No" in the menu "Network".

In case of new contest you have to choose the evaluation method "Distance" or "Locator" in the menu "Evaluation.

After the initialization you'll get into the work screen, which is divided to several parts. The lower left part is used for the log, in the lower right part the windows of summary contest data, list of the computers in the network, QSOs sent to do and the last received text message can be cyclicaly chosen. The data about the calls and locators are automaticaly displayed in the upper half of the screen according to the currently entered call/locator. The database window appears dynamicaly also in this part. The rotator window is located in the upper right corner. Other windows appear dynamicaly if needed. The lowest line serves for displaying of system and/or error messages and the typed characters while sending CW from keyboard.

6. Operation during the contest

The program VUSC is designed first of all for on-line use by the operator during the contest. The data are secured, so that they can't be lost even if the program or computer crashes for any reason. Only the current data of the last QSO could be lost. In such a case you have to enter only the contest name again after the system reboot and restart of the program. The data are automaticaly restored (the message "Recovering..." is displayed) and you can continue the contest. In addition you can write backup copies at any time during the contest on the floppy and/or on the second hard drive in case of hard disc failure. Also files from other computers in the network can be used for that purpose, since they all contain a complete log (see below).

The log has a classic form. It means that the QSO are entered as they have been made in time and all fields (except of QSO number) can be changed at any time also in previous records (the same philosophy as in SW contest log K1EA). QSO number manipulations are described later.

After bad experiences with too resctrictive input date checks, the program allows to enter double and incomplete QSOs. All data can be changed at any time and all changes are immediately reflected in the whole log.

For a quick filtering of the calls when checking an incomplete calls/locators recieved 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 consider the following examples:

If a string like DL.KN is entered , all callsigns of set DL1KN, DL2KN ... DL0KN with their locators and bands are displayed in the upper window. Similarly if you enter *KN all callsigns ending with KN are displayed. The same rules apply for the locators.

The program supports also inquiries to the database of callsigns and locators from previous contests. For the locator inquiry the callsign must be completely entered except for /P, /A or similar. A list of all locators from the previous contests for this callsign is displayed. For the callsign inquiry at least the locator must be entered completely. Any string in the callsign field will be used as a filter for the displayed database records. The search result is displayd in the window which dynamicaly appears in the upper right corner.

To enter and edit the QSO records the 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

PgUp - list of one page up

PgDn - list of one page down

Ins - toggle insert/overwrite mode

CTRL/PgUp - jump to the begin of the log

CTRL/PgDn - jump to the end of the log

Del - delete character under the cursor

Backspace - delete character left from the cursor

CTRL/W,F12 - wipe out the started QSO

Return,Enter - confirmation ofa new QSO or of a change of previous QSO. Without this no change is made and the old data are put back.

CTRL/Return - same as Return, but in addition the band for sked is required and the message is sent to another node in the network.

 

Function keys:

ALT/F1 - band up

ALT/F2 - band down

F9 - locators database inquiry for a call

F10 - calls database inquiry for a locator

 

General control key:

ALT/M - Toggle mode CW/SSB. It changes the format of the sent RS(T) and the meaning of the keys F1-F8

ALT/X - program exit with the writing of the contest file and configuration changes (file VUSC.CFG).

ALT/E - start of evaluation program with optional QSL creation.

ALT/Q - quit of the program without writing any file. All new data entered are lost.

ALT/H - help

ALT/A - merging of the data from another contest file #######.DIX into the current log. It can be used for merging of more contest files into one. This option is useful when running more bands simultaneously without the network connection. The contest files can be merged during the contest and/or after it. For the data exchange during the contest among different bands the back up copies can be used. If the basic data (call, own locator) in the merged file don't match the data of the current contest, a warning window pops up and the confirmation is required.

ALT/R - change of the evaluation method and/or recalculation to another locator.

ALT/D - deletion of the current QSO and renumbering of the log. This option should be used with care. If you renumber the QSOs in your log, the stations will have wrong QSO numbers in their logs and thus they will be invalid. Since it's possible to enter incomplete and double QSOs, you can always change the entries later and invalidate incorrect QSOs. This function is to be used primarily for the corrections in the off-line mode. It does not work when network is active.

ALT/I - insertion of the empty QSO at the current position. The same rules apply as for ALT/D. This function is not possible in the network mode as well.

ALT/F - writing of the backup file to the floppy disc or network drive. The file name is #######.DIX.

ALT/T - Time shift and/or system time set up.

ALT/W - Locator map with the QSO counts. Own locator blinks. Moving through the map is possible with arrow keys, HOME, END, PGUP a PGDN. Band change with ALT/F1(F2) as well. The summary statistics of all bands can be obtained by pressing SPACE.

ALT/C - rotator callibration (see below).

ALT/Z - choise of own band in network mode (see below)

ALT/L - sending of the text message in network mode (see below)

ALT/RIGHT - move to the window with the QSO to do.

CTRL/Z - window switching in the lower right corner. The windows "Summary" (summary information of the current band), "Nodes" (computers in the network), "To do" (QSO to do coming from another node) and "Message" (text message from another node) can be cyclicaly swiched.

ALT/V - Log synchronization with a node in the network. The log can be synchronized at any time, for example after the computer restart. The time is synchronized as well.

 

7. Contest evaluation

If the network was not used during the contest the logs from diverse bands can be merged into one file with ALT/A, although the separate evaluation is possible, too. To create the contest log from a band the evaluation program must be started. It can be done either from the running contest program by pressing ALT/E or off-line by starting the command file eva.bat. In the start up page choose the band and fill out the header page. All entries are stored in the file OWNH.BIN, so you don't need to repeat the constant data as first operator's name, QTH etc. The format of the header page and the QSL label can be changed by editing of files VUS.HDR and QSLTEM.HDR. The following limitations apply: the order of the data items can't be changed and any of the data items can't be deleted. On the other hand it is possible to change the number of lines and their layout. The character @ is used as a place holder for the variable QSO or header page data.

The following files are created after the evaluation of every band:

The system of their naming is described above. The first two files are to be printed, the third filed is for the electronic data exchange (e-mail, floppy disc etc.). Fourth file contains data for the update of the databases (see below). The program does not print the files directly, because of the very wide spectrum of printer types with various control character set. The files contain only the ASCII data in pages separated by FF. For the printing it is recommended to read the file into any word processor/editor (for example MS-Word) and format the output according to our needs. In the worst case the files can be printed using the MS-DOS command:

copy file_name >LPTn

file_name = file to be printed - #######.$$$, #######p.$$$ (for example pd_96.144, pd_96p.144 etc.)

LPTn = printer port(for example LPT1)

The files are formated 38 row and 76 columns by default. Do not forget to sign the statement in the header page.

The command line for off-line start of the evaluation program:

eva [-l] [contest_name]

Parameters in the brackets are optional and have this meaning

-l = black/white LCD display

contest_name = contest name from which all file names are derived

 

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. These's only a small sample database supplied with the program containing about 500 QSOs as a demo.

The database consist of four files VUS_BASE.DAT, VUS_BASE.ASC a LOC_BASE.DAT, LOC_BASE.ASC. The files with the extension DAT are used by the program itself. The files with the extension ASC are ASCII files which can be edited by any text editors (Norton, Notepad, Write). They are used to correct errors and/or to delete of cancelled prefixed (for example in YU). For the routine update of the database (without any manual changes) the following command is to be used:

dbase.bat #######s.$$$

#######s.$$$ is the sorted file with the calls and locators created by the evaluation program. The new calls and locators are then 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.

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. Then we start the command file dbase.bat without parameters to create all other files. For the conversion from/to the binary/ASCII form use commands:

tr -f vus_base.asc vus_base.dat (binary to ASCII)

tr -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 contest program VUSC checks always at the start the consistency of the binary database files LOC_BASE.DAT a VUS_BASE.DAT. If an inconsistency is detected a warning message is issued and the usage of the database is blocked. To correct the problem proceed similarly as in case of manual database editing.

If you have the older program version without the file LOC_BASE.DAT, start the command file dbase.bat without parameters to create it.

9. QSL maintenance

The evaluation program supports also print of QSL and a small database of the QSO for which the QSL has been sent. There are several processing options:

All - QSL for all QSOs of a band are created, no changes to the QSL database are made.

All+DB - QSL for all QSOs of a band are created and the QSOs are written into the database.

New only - only QSL for the new QSOs (which are not in the database yet) are created, no changes to the QSL database are made.

New+DB - only QSL for the new QSOs (which are not in the database yet) are created and the QSOs are written into the database.

A QSO is considered to be new if the callsign is new and/or the band and/or the locator. Spojeni je povazovano za nove je-li nova znacka protistanice a/nebo pasmo a/nebo vlastni lokator. Database ASCII file(QSL_BASE.ASC) is sorted by the callsigns and bands and it can be edited by any text editor (Norton, Notepad, Write) 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 automaticaly at the program run. The file QSL_BASE.DAT is only a work file without any other meaning.

10. Conversion of older contest files versions

The most important file is #######.DIX. Its format had to be extended in the version 3.00, because of new program features. The older file versions can be converted by using the conversion utility.

2TO3.BAT [-p directory] contest_file

Parameter in the brackets is optional

directory - directory path to store the converted file for example c:\temp\. there must be a backslash at the end of the path.

The converting utility can detect if the file has been converted or not. The original file in stored in the under the name ######.OLD.

11. CW control

The program VUSC supports also direct CW keying of a TRX through the serial port and paddle connection to the paralel port. The pin-out is described in the appendix. There are 8 CW buffers, which can be programed and used for the automatic keying. Their content is stored in the configuration file VUSC.CFG, so they are permanently available. The following symbol variables can be used for the buffer programing.

$O - own callsign

$C - callsign of the current QSO

$L - own locator

$R - report of the current QSO

$N - contest number of the current QSO

$0-7 - buffer content

The buffers are common for the CW and SSB (see below the chapter on the sound card). In CW mode they contain the texts for keying. In SSB mode they contain the file names of the sound files (WAV) to play.

When programming the CW buffers you have to pay attention not to program a cycle by puting a buffer symbol ($number) into the same buffer. This must not occur even indirectly over another buffer. The program will work, but after the stack exhausting is the keying automatically stopped.

The speed can be changed from 30 to 1000 PARIS (about 25 to 850 char per minute) The upper limit can vary depending on the rotator usage and processor speed. The keying can be made either directly from the keyboard or with the elbug paddle. The symbol variables can be inserted as well. The characters are displayed in the most lower line. They can be typed in advance. The characters which haven't been sent can be deleted with the key BACKSPACE. The sending can be always interrupted by hiting ESC or by touching the paddle. The CW keying is possible only in the CW mode (ALT/M). The following control keys can be used:

F1-F8 - buffer send

SHIFT/F1-F8 - buffer programming

ALT/P - toggle paddle dash/dot

ALT/= - increase speed by 10 PARIS

ALT/- - decrease speed by 10 PARIS

ESC - interrupt

ALT/N - direct keyboard keying

ALT/K - TX tuning

ALT/0-9 - memory contents 0-9

 

12. The sound card

If the sound card is installed in the computer it can be used for the modulation of the TRX 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 95/98 or similar program. The recording parameters are as follows:

Sampling frequence 11025 Hz, 8 bits, Mono.

The sound card is contolled by following commands:

ALT/B - upload of the WAV file into the memory. The file name is in the user buffer under the entered number.

ALT/0-9 - transmitting of the WAV file, which was uploaded into the user buffer number 0-9

F1-F4 - the same as ALT/1-4 if in SSB mode

The transmitting can be always interrupted by hitting the ESC key. The meaning of the keys F1-F4 changes according the mode (CW/SSB - toggled by ALT/M). It means that for example under the key F1 there can be the SSB and CW CQs.

The headphone output of the sound card is the best choice for the TRX modulation. Some computer 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. A shielded cable is necessary for the connection between the computer and the TRX.

AS mentioned above the user buffers are common for CW and SSB. They can contain not only the CW texts but also the WAV file names. For that reason is useful to divide the user buffers which will be used for CW and which for SSB.

 

13. Rotator

In order to control the rotator directly from the program a simple interface have to be connected between the paralel port and the rotator. The scheme can be found in the appendix. The rotator must use a potentiometer to pick up its position. Its value should be between 100 Ohms and about 20 kOhms. The upper limit is not hard. The value may be higher, but there is a danger of the interference of VHF power on higher impedance. The potentiometer must be connected so that the voltage rises when turning clockwise.

The lower limit of the constant (Rt,Ct) in the timer circuit is limited by the processor speed and the required precision of the rotator position. The upper limit is about 500 microseconds. The higher value can result in the loss of PC timer interrupts and so in the incorrect clock run. The setting procedure is as follows:

1. According to the value of the scanning potentiometer determine the trimmer values Rx and Ry so that the lower input voltage can be set between 1.4V and 1.6V and upper voltage 4.4V - 4.6V.

2. Connect the rotator with the interface to the computer and start the program with the rotator option "Yes" With the ALT/C switch to the rotator callibration. A counter value (instead of degrees) appears in the middle of the indicator.

3. Turn the rotator in the most left position, check if the input voltage is between 1.4 - 1.6 V and with the trimmer Rt set the counter value between 60 - 100.

4. Turn the rotator in the most right position (clockwise) and check if the counter value increases. If not then the potetiometer is wrong connected. Check the counter value in the most right position. Its value depends on the processor speed. The higher value the better precision. It should be at least 400.

5. Check if the rotator doesn't affect PC timer interrupts. Turn the rotator in the most right position (the highest counter value), switch in the CW mode (ALT/M) and start sending CQ or any buffer content. Then increase the CW speed up to at least 400 PARIS. If the CW speed increases smoothly all is OK. If it jumps suddenly back to about half of its displayed value it means that the processor has just begun to lose interrupts. In this case you have to set lower time constant with the trimmer Rt, of course at cost of losing some precision.

6. Leave the callibration mode with the ESC key.

This is a basic rough setting for a potentiometer value. For the usage in the contest you have to perform calibration and rectification.

1. After the errection of the antenna mast turn the antenna to the most left position and switch to the calibration mode (ALC/C).

2. Enter the currect azimut in degrees and press ENTER.

3. Turn the antenna by some angle (usually about 45) and enter the new azimut. Repeat this until the whole rotator range is covered.

4. Save the new setting by pressing ENTER twice without changing the antenna position.

The calibration covers at most two antenna turns in the angle range from -360 to +360 degrees. The values must be entered always as increasing values. It means if you start for example at the azimuth 270 degrees (most left position) that they have to start with -90 then -45, 0, +45, +90 etc. This applies of course only for the callibration. Since the dependence angle/counter value is not quite linear it's recommended to enter at least 8 values. In case of error during the calibration you can always interrupt it by pressing ESC without saving the new callibration table. It is possible to enter at most 30 callibration values.

After the finishing of the callibration the electronic stoppers are automaticaly set at the both margin positions. If there are also mechanical stop switches in the rotator their positions must agree with the lowest and highest voltage on the potentiometer.

The calibration table is stored in the configuration file VUSC.CFG so it does not get lost when the program is restarted.

CAUTION! After the switching on and booting the computer the paralel port can be in the undefined state. Do not switch on the rotator power supply before the start of the program to prevent unwanted switching on the motor. At the end of work you have to switch off the power supply first and then end the program.

The rotator is controled by these keys:

CTRL/UP - turn the antenna to the locator in the current QSO.

CTRL/DOWN - enter an explicit azimuth.

CRTL/RIGHT - turn the rotator right (clockwise)

CRTL/LEFT - turn the rotator left (counterclockwise)

ALT/C - calibration and rectification

 

14. Network

The network enables the automatic log sychronization of connected computers, sending of selected QSOs to do on another bands and sending the free text messages among them.

A computer is automatically connected to the network if the option "Network" - "Yes" is chosen. The connected computer is called network "node". A QSO made or changed on any node is sent to all other nodes after pressing of RETURN key.

The network nodes can (but does not have to) be identified for one or more bands. The band(s) can be entered by pressing ALT/Z. The skeds negotioated on other bands are sent to this node (see below). The list of bands assigned to nodes can be displayed by CTRL/Z (rotation of windows in the lower right corner). 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. In the node list are the bands assigned to a local node marked by the word "local". The bands assigned to other nodes are marked by three bytes of their network card address (for example "FE:1D:97"). The band which are not assigned to a node are marked by "00:00:00.

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. You can move the cursor in this window by using of ALT/RIGHT and choose the sked you want to make. After pressing the RETURN key is the QSO copied to the current line in the log to make the QSO. The skeds which could not be made can be deleted from the "To Do" window by pressing DEL key.

For relaying informations among the nodes a free text message can be sent either to a specific node or to all nodes in the network by using ALT/L. Only nodes assigned to a band can be chosen as a specific message target.

If any information on a node gets lost during the contest (for example computer crash, later connection to the network etc.) you can synchronize the local log using a log of another node using the key ALT/V. The complete log is transfered from the source node including the system time 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.

15. Network - installation

The program VUSC utilizes the SPX/IPX network protocol. You have to install a driver for the Novell Netware (usually supplied with the network card) and the protocol support in the operating system. In MS-DOS the driver and programs for the Novell Netware client must be installed. They can be downloaded from the Novell Web Page. There will be the following command sequence in the file AUTOEXEC.BAT:

LSL.COM

Driver.com - network card driver name, specific to the network card.

IPXODI.COM

CAUTION! Because of a bug in the DOS-extender dos4gw.exe the network can NOT be used under the operating system MS-DOS.

Under Windows 95/98 you should implement the network card driver installation according the card manual. You need also the Windows 95/98 installation CD-ROM if the installation kit is not present on the hard disc. provedeme instalaci driveru podle navodu, ktery je dodavan se sitovou kartou. After driver installation you should restart the system and install the network protocoll as follows:

  1. Open the control panel with the START->Settings->Control Panel.
  2. Double click on the Network icon.
  3. Add the protocol by using Add->Protocol, double click on it or click on Add. In the following window select Microsoft and SPX/IPX Compatible protocol. Click on OK.
  4. After the installation completion configure the protocol. Double click on the icon Network in the Control Panel again, select SPX/IPX-Compatible Protocol->network card name. Click on Properties and in the folder Advanced set up Network Frame type = Ethernet 802.3 and Network Address = 0. Set the other parameters to Not present or Off.
  5. Resboot the system.

Start the program VUSC and select "Network" "Yes". If the installation is OK you'll get the message:

NIC address: Physical network card address - a series of hexadecimal numbers

Otherwise you get an error message in the format "Netinit error #x", where x is the error number.

1 - The network support not correctly installed.

2 - MS-DOS memory allocation error.

3 - Main memory allocation error.

 

16. Appendix - schemes and pin outs of the interfaces

 

 

  Use only shielded cables for all connections between the computer and TRX the shied should be connected to the signal ground (GND). The 100 Ohm resistor in the collector of the keying transitor is only for the protection. It can be leaved out if necessary.

All inputs (power supply and the rotator potentiometer) must be blocked by capacitors and HF chokes. The cable between the rotator interface and the paralel port must be also shielded, because some signals are of pulse character and can not be blocked. The interface itself should be also build in the metal box.

The circuit of motor switching can be designed diversely according to the rotator type. The only problem can be caused by the paralel port. Although the outputs should be TTL compatible, their real output current may not be sufficient for switching of bipolar transistors. The capacitor Ct must have very good temperature stability and the power for the timer circuit must be regulated by the monolithic 5V regulator or similarly.

The paddle pin out is compatible with the program N6TR.