KB0ZP CONTEST LOG UTILITIES PROGRAM Larry Kebel (KB0ZP) PO Box 2010 Sparks, NV 89432 USA (C) Copyright KB0ZP 1987-1991 All Rights Reserved CompuServe ID# 73517,1054 Ver. 1 KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 DISTRIBUTION --- You are encouraged to copy and distribute the shareware versions of these programs to any and all interested persons. The maximum charge for this service is to be no more than $5 which is to cover the entire cost of Distribution, Disk & Copying. 1.1.1 Local BBSs --- I also wish to encourage you to upload the shareware version of this program to any and all local BBSs. It is extremely difficult to get meaningful distribution of these programs, so your help is really needed. Don't forget Packet BBSs. Any distribution of the shareware version would be appreciated. 1.1.2 Distribution Houses --- Any and all Distribution Houses may distribute an unchanged shareware version of these programs. Distribution Houses need not contact the author for permission to distribute. It is suggested, however, that a separate HAM RADIO or AMATEUR RADIO section be established in your catalog. Ham Radio Operators usually don't look under COMMUNICATIONS, HOBBIES, MISCELLANEOUS or elsewhere for the kinds of programs they are interested in. 1.1.3 Viruses -- If you plan to distribute these programs, I would suggest that you obtain a copy directly from the author. That way you will have the latest version and it will be virus free. Shareware version is $5. 1.2 PUBLIC DOMAIN vs. SHAREWARE --- These programs are NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN. They are SHAREWARE. That is if you like, and are using, these programs you must pay for them. The entire package of the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG Programs is only $25.00. If you obtained these shareware programs from any source other than the author, the author has received nothing. Even though I do get some pleasure from programming, the cost is immense. Your financial help is appreciated. When ordering a registered version, don't forget to include the name and call sign of the purchaser. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.3 REGISTERED MAIL --- PLEASE - Do not send me any registered mail. My PO Box is not where I live, it is a mail forwarding company. So, it costs me about $5.00 each to receive your registered mail. It is simply not worth it. You gain nothing. I don't sign for the letter, the forwarding company does. It can still be stolen. It can still be lost. It takes special handling. It gets delayed. PLEASE, don't send me registered mail. A $5.00 charge will be added if you use registered mail. 1.4 SUGGESTIONS --- Notify me if you have any suggestions on how these programs may be improved. Any and all comments are welcome. You do not have to be a registered user to make suggestions. I will, however, only answer comments from registered users. If your suggestions are accepted and they are the first time men- tioned, I will send you an upgraded disk (free of charge) to registered users, including your modifications as well as those that have proceeded you. If your suggestion is lengthy or complicated, a sample program on a disk would be appreciated. Even this guide is not beyond improvement. 1.4.1 Shareware Users --- The same rules will be used for shareware users. Only I will be MUCH more strict in giving out free copies. The more in depth and unique your suggestion is, the better chance of getting a free copy. 1.4.2 Suggestion Form --- Please print out and use the suggestion form when making suggestions. It is found in its own file SUGGEST.FRM. Just type, from DOS, "TYPE SUGGEST.FRM>PRN". And the form will be printed. Please answer all the questions and then state your suggestion. This will give me a lot of information about your setup for use in solving a problem or for use in future revises. If there is something wrong with the processing of data, please include a copy of your data file. I'll return the disk if you want. 1.5 COMPUSERVE --- I can also be reached on CompuServe. My ID# is 73517,1054. It is my practice to check into CompuServe about once a week. So, the answers coming back may be delayed a little. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.5.1 Downloading --- The latest version of the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG may be downloaded from CompuServe in Library #6 (Software & Pictures) in HAMNET. From any (!) prompt, type (GO HAMNET) (ENTER) to get to the Ham Radio section. Search the library using KB0ZP as the keyword and you should find it. Let me know if you have problems. 1.6 SOURCE CODE --- Copies of the original source code are NOT available to any individual or organization for any reason. So, please don't ask. 1.7 WARRANTIES --- I make no guarantees or warranties of any sort as to the accuracy, correct- ness or reliability of these programs. All responsibilities are borne by the user. 1.8 BACKUP COPIES --- The first thing to do is to make a backup copy of the original disk. Keep the original in a safe place for copying purposes only. Use the backups in the field or for general use. Place the original disk in Drive A: and use one of the following: A> DISKCOPY A: B: If you have two floppy drives A> DISKCOPY A: A: If you have one floppy drive A> COPY A:*.* B: If you have two floppy drives A> COPY A:*.* C:\[directory name] If you have a hard disk 1.8.1 Copy Protection --- These programs are not copy protected. You may make as many copies as needed. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.9 SPECIAL KB0ZP FILES --- As you use and become more familiar with these programs, the following files will be created. KB0ZP-1.DTA Random file which contains all the data on each contact. KB0ZP-2.DTA Random file which contains all the data specific to a given contest. KB0ZP-3.DTA Not Used KB0ZP-4.DTA Temporary file used when converting the database (KB0ZP-1 and KB0ZP-2) to another file program. KB0ZP-5.DTA Sequential file (ASCII) which is compatible with word proces- sors. KB0ZPCON.FIG Configuration file for the printer and some special commands for the computer. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.10 FILES --- The entire set of files for the KB0ZP CONTEST LOG are: KB0ZPLOG.EXE Main Logging Program KB0ZPLOG.DOC Main Logging Program Documentation KB0ZPUTL.EXE Utilities Program KB0ZPUTL.DOC Utilities Program Documentation KB0ZPDB1.EXE Self Extracting Archived Utility for PCFILE:dB Version 1.1 Consisting of: ADDRESS.LBL LOG .DBF LOG .HDB LOGLIST.ANS QSL .LBL SAMPLE .LTR SIGN .NDX KB0ZPDB2.EXE Self Extracting Archived Utility for PCFILE+ Version 2.0 Consisting of: ADDRESS.LBL LOG .DTA LOG .HDR LOG .INX LOGLIST.ANS LOGLIST.REP QSL .LBL SAMPLE .LTR KB0ZPDB3.EXE Self Extracting Archived Utility for FILE EXPRESS Version 4.26 Consisting of: LOG .HDR LOG .SRT LOG .DTA LOG .IDX KB0ZPDB .DOC Manual for the Data File Utilities SUGGEST .FRM Suggestion Form (ASCII) CARD .FRM Reference card for commands (ASCII) OVERVIEW.DOC An overview of what the programs do and hints to make the learning curve easier. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 1.11 CASE SENSITIVE --- These programs are NOT case sensitive. That is, you may type upper or lower case letters anytime and the program will correct your entry to what is needed. 1.12 TEST DISK --- If there is a line in the opening billboard (See 3.2) mentioning that this is "FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY", believe it! You have a disk that was sent out for error checking and there may still be serious errors in the pro- grams. 2.0 GETTING STARTED 2.1 SELF EXTRACTING FILES --- 2.1.1 Registered Copy --- You will receive two files on the disk. One is KB0ZPLOG.EXE which is the registered version of the log program. The other will be KB0ZP- U.EXE. This second file is self unarcing and will have to be unarced on a hard disk or to a 720K floppy. A 360K floppy will not hold all the files it will generate. Just type KB0ZP-U to unarc. 2.1.2 Shareware Copy --- This disk will only have one file, KB0ZP.EXE. It is self unarcing and contains all the shareware files. This must be unarced on a hard disk or to a 720K floppy. Copy the file to the 720K floppy and then type KB0ZP to unarc. The unarced file will expand to about 450K. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 2.2 START FROM FLOPPIES --- 2.2.1 A: Drive Only --- Place the file KB0ZPUTL.EXE in drive A: and type KB0ZPUTL to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, answer A:. Then remove the program disk and insert the data disk in drive A:. 2.2.2 A: & B: Drives --- Place the file KB0ZPUTL in drive A: and the data disk in drive B:. From drive A: type KB0ZPUTL to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, answer B:. 2.3 START WITH A HARD DISK --- Create a directory for the main program and copy KB0ZPUTL to that directory. Create a directory for the data. From the main program directory type KB0ZPUTL to start the program. When asked which drive for the data, you may enter the directory you created for the data. Any DOS acceptable command will work. 3.0 OPERATING THE PROGRAM 3.1 STARTING THE PROGRAM --- To run the program from whatever disk or directory you may be using just type (KB0ZPUTL) and then press (ENTER). 3.2 BILLBOARD --- The first screen you will see is the Billboard. This screen will give you information such as which version of the program you are using. It also shows my CompuServe ID# in case you wish to use that service for any sugges- tions. (See 1.5) Check for any special messages. To move on, just press any key. 3.3 WHICH PATH --- Enter the path to where you you have the data stored. Follow the examples given. Remember to add a colon (:) after a single drive entry. ie A:. The computer will add \KB0ZP-1.DTA and \KB0ZP-2.DTA to the path that you enter. If the data is stored in C:\CONTEST\FIELDDAY\1991 then that is all you will enter. Actually, any DOS acceptable form is OK. The KBZP filename will be added as needed. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 3.3.1 Entry Errors --- If a mistake in entering the path is made, then you may use the back- space or left arrow to fix the error. 4.0 MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTORY 4.1 GENERAL --- This is where you will find all the miscellaneous items that are needed to have a smooth running contest and program. First of all run the SETUP. (See 4.2) 4.2 SETUP (A) --- This must be run first to configure the printer commands to your printer. If the resulting KB0ZPCON.FIG file is not available when you are printing out forms etc., the special effects will not be used and the printout might look funny. So, always have the KB0ZPCON.FIG file in the same directory as your data file. 4.2.1 Path --- You will not have a selection of paths. The file KB0ZPCON.FIG will be written to Drive A:. Then, you can copy it to the file or directory of your choice. 4.3 QSL LABEL (B) --- This printout will not be sorted at all. It will be printed exactly in the same order that the contacts were made. It is for the purpose of making the chore of QSLing a little easier. The pertinent information will be printed on labels (1 1/2" by 15/16"). Just affix the label to your QSL, address, and mail. The printout will be in the following form: +--------------------------------------+ | Confirming QSO with: KB0ZP | | DATE: 03 Mar 1991 TIME: 20:13 | | BAND: 10 Mtr MODE: RTTY | | GRID SQUARE: EN10FG | | SIG REPORT: 599 | +--------------------------------------+ KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide For more help in printing these kind of labels, convert the database to your favorite file program. (See 4.1 4.4 GENERAL LOGGING SHEETS (C) --- This option starts printing immediately. It will produce two pages of blank log sheets. The lines will be numbered 1 thru 100. 50 to a page. Additional sheets may be printed or copied. These are useful for those who like to manually log or for special event stations. 4.5 ASCII DISK (D) --- The purpose of this option is so that you may work with the database with your word processor. The file KB0ZP-5.DTA will be created on Drive A:. The entire list will be in ASCII and should be compatable with most word processors. The list is not sorted and will be in numerical order. Please see, Suggested Standard File Format, for more information. (See 7. 4.6 CLUB RULES (E) --- 4.7 CONTEST GUIDELINES (F) --- 4.8 POSTOFFICE ABBREVIATIONS (G) --- States abbrev. what is recognized by the program 4.9 SECTION ABBREVIATIONS (H) --- 4.10 CONVERT DATAFILE to GENERAL LOG (I) --- This option creates the file KB0ZP-4.DTA. It is used with the general logging programs explained in the RECORD KEEPING UTILITIES Users Guide. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 4.11 NOT USED (J) --- 4.12 NOT USED (K) --- 4.13 CHANGE the PATH for the DATA (L) --- 4.14 DUPE CONTACTS (M) --- If you have chozen the "No Dupe" option when logging your contacts, the list may be duped here. This option will print out a listing of the duplicate contacts. They may then be found on your submission list and so marked. I do find, however, that printing out a listing alphabetized by callsign may be a better way to dupe. Then that can become your "dupe sheet" for submission. 4.15 CONTACT LISTING (N) --- Same as log 4.16 TEST DISK (O) --- 4.17 PRINTOUT DIRECTORY (P) --- 4.18 QUIT (Q) --- 5.0 PRINTOUTS DIRECTORY 5.1 GENERAL --- This directory is where you will find all the different alphabetical print- outs that the program can handle. These are mainly for your own personal use. In the extreme right of each printout, there will be two columns for you to log the QSL information as to (S)ent and (R)eceived. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 5.1.1 Duplicate Copies --- After the printing has stopped, in the PRINTOUTS DIRECTORY Selections, you will be asked if you want another copy. By pressing (N) you will be returned to the menu. If you select (Y) another printout will start immediately. This way you save all the time it takes to sort. 5.2 ALPHABETICAL by CALL SIGN & BAND (A) --- This selection will sort the data first by CALL SIGN and then by BAND. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: CALL SIGN BAND MODE Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.3 ALPHABETICAL by CALL SIGN & MODE (B) --- This selection will sort the data first by CALL SIGN and then by MODED. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: CALL SIGN MODE BAND Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.4 ALPHABETICAL by BAND, MODE & CALL SIGN (C) --- This selection will sort the data first by BAND then by MODE and since you may make many contacts with the same band & mode, we sort it again by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: BAND MODE CALL SIGN Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.5 ALPHABETICAL by BAND & CALL SIGN (D) --- This selection will sort the data first by BAND and then by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: BAND CALL SIGN MODE Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 5.6 ALPHABETICAL by MODE, BAND & CALL SIGN (E) --- This selection will sort the data first by MODE and then by BAND and since you may make many contacts with the same band & mode, we sort it again by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: MODE BAND CALL SIGN Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.7 ALPHABETICAL by MODE & CALL SIGN (F) --- This selection will sort the data first by MODE and then by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: MODE CALL SIGN BAND Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.8 ALPHABETICAL by 2nd EXCHANGE & CALL SIGN (G) --- This selection will sort the data first by 2nd EXCHANGE and then by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: 2nd EXCHANGE CALL SIGN BAND MODE Mo/Da TIME 3rd EXCHANGE -------------------------------------------------------------- 5.9 ALPHABETICAL by 3rd EXCHANGE & CALL SIGN (H) --- This selection will sort the data first by 3rd EXCHANGE and then by CALL SIGN. It will not be sorted any further. The printout will list: 3rd EXCHANGE CALL SIGN BAND MODE Mo/Da TIME 2nd EXCHANGE ---------- ---------------------------------------------------- 5.10 NUMERICAL ORDER (I) --- This printout will not be sorted at all. It will be printed exactly in the same order that the contacts were made. The printout will list: CONTACT# TIME CALL SIGN BAND MODE 2nd EXCHANGE 3rd EXCHANGE ----------------------------------------------------------------- KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 5.11 CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER (J) --- This printout is the same as Numerical Order. (See 5.10) 5.12 CALL SIGN LISTING (K) --- This printout was asked for by two HAMS. So, I added it. I don't think it is too useful but, here it is. The listing consists of an alphabetical listing of CALL SIGNS. CALL SIGN ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5.13 NOT USED (L) --- 5.14 NOT USED (M) --- 5.15 NOT USED (N) --- 5.16 NOT USED (O) --- 5.17 SUBMISSIONS DIRECTORY (P) --- By pressing (P) you will be taken to the SUBMISSIONS DIRECTORY. (See 6.0) 5.18 QUIT (Q) --- By pressing (Q) you will quit the program and return to DOS. 6.0 SUBMISSIONS DIRECTORY 6.1 GENERAL --- KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 6.2 DUPE SHEET (A) --- 6.2.1 ASCII Disk (Alt A) --- 6.3 FIELD DAY REPORT (B) --- 6.3.1 ASCII Disk (Alt B) --- 6.4 ARRL 10/160 METER CONTEST (C) --- 6.4.1 ASCII Disk (Alt C) --- 6.5 JANUARY VHF SWEEPSTAKES (D) --- 6.5.1 ASCII Disk (Alt D) --- 6.6 ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP (E) --- 6.6.1 ASCII Disk (Alt E) --- 6.7 SEPTEMBER VHF QSO PARTY (F) --- 6.7.1 ASCII Disk (Alt F) --- 6.8 NOVICE ROUNDUP (G) --- 6.8.1 ASCII Disk (Alt G) --- 6.9 ARRL VHF CONTEST (H) --- 6.9.1 ASCII Disk (Alt H) --- KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 6.10 JUNE VHF QSO PARTY (I) --- 6.10.1 ASCII Disk (Alt I) --- 6.11 VHF/UHF SPRING SPRINTS (J) --- 6.11.1 ASCII Disk (Alt J) --- 6.12 ARRL INTERNATIONAL DX CONTEST (K) --- 6.12.1 ASCII Disk (Alt K) --- 6.13 CQ WW WPX CONTEST (L) --- 6.13.1 ASCII Disk (Alt L) --- 6.14 NOT USED (M) --- 6.15 NOT USED (N) --- 6.16 NOT USED (O) --- 6.17 MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTORY (P) --- 6.18 QUIT (Q) --- KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 7.0 SUGGESTED STANDARD FILE FORMAT --- The ARRL has sent me the following as a guideline for submitting your log to them on a disk. They do not mention, however, how they would like the list to be sorted or what column headings are needed. I am assuming that they will be the same as is required by the ARRL if you were to submit by paper only. Additionally, they request that you send a paper copy also to back up the disk. SuGssSUGGESTED STANDARD FILE FORMAT for SUBMISSION of ARRL CONTEST LOG DATA All files must be in standard ASCII format. All files must be on an MS-DOS formatted disk, 3.5 inch (720 Kb or 1.44 Mb) or 5.25 inch (360 Kb or 1.2 Mb). A diskette label should clearly indicate the call used, contest name, entry class, and date of the contest. The log file must consist of one line of data per QSO, without headers, footers, pagebreaks, or other non-ASCII characters. All QSO data must appear in each line, alignen by columns, and must include the following: band: wavelength for HF and frequency for VHF. mode: designator such as CW, PH, etc. date: in MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY format. time: 4 digit UTC without colons. station worked. complete exchange sent. complete exchange received. indication of multipliers: for example an "*", section/prefix/zone or etc. points claimed: ALL unclaimed QSOs must be "0" points. The log data file name shall consist of the call sign and the extention ".LOG". A paper summary sheet is required of all logs, either an official ARRL summary sheet or a close facsimile with a signed contest participation disclaimer. All diskettes become the property of the ARRL and are not returnable. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide 8.0 DUPE SHEETS --- I have been trying for some time to get a definition of exactly what a "dupe sheet" is from the ARRL when all your contacts are automatically duped while you are contesting and logging on a computer. The following is the best definition to date, even though it still leaves some unanswered questions. "What a dupe sheet is, or at least what we consider one to be, is a listing of all the call signs worked in a particular contest in some sort of order (i.e., alphanumeric, alphabetic, etc.) to easily show that there are no duplicate contacts. This may also need to be delineated by band, as in the International DX Test or the VHF contests; or it may need to be delineated by mode, as in the 10-Meter Contest. In some contests, they need to be delineated by band and mode, as in the IARU HF Championships, or Field Day. So long as it is some kind of ordered list, it will satisfy our require- ments. (there are as many different formats for a dupe sheet as there are contesters). An alphabetic listing is fine, as is an alphabetic listing by call area or country." I believe that with all the choices you have on the PRINTOUTS DIRECTORY you will be able to find one that satifies the above requirements. PLEASE NOTE: If you submit your entries on disk, a "dupe sheet" is NOT needed. Only logs submitted on paper need "dupe sheets". You may also submit your logs directly to the ARRL via modem. The W1AW BBS is (203) 665-0090. 2400-8-N-1. KB0ZP CONTEST LOG - Utilities Program - Users Guide .0 ARES and CONTESTING .1 SOAP BOX --- For those who think that contesters gum up the frequencies on weekends, I have this answer. Amateur Radio is a SERVICE not a HOBBY. If we continue to call it a hobby, congress will get very tired real soon in supporting a hobby. It is not only a waste of taxpayers money but it make congress look stupid. And that's not too difficult now-a-days. Contesting is a way of preparing you for Emergency Preparedness. You give me a good contester and he will get the message through under the most trying conditions. He will do it by voice, CW, or RTTY. And now, he has packet and other computerized forms of transmissions available to him. Isn't that what Field Day is all about? Lets combine our efforts with the ARES so that our operating expertise can be joined with efficient procedures. ***************************************************************** GOOD LUCK IN YOUR CONTESTING KB0ZP