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VUSC for Windows

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Version 6.13

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 9.0a 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 unpack the vusc.zip archive (if it’s a new VUSC Windows installation in a new separate directory) 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). In case of upgrade to a higher VUSC version do _NOT_ copy them since your private databases would be destroyed. The old *.DIX files from the DOS VUSC version can be read, but they are automatically converted to the new Windows format when saved and can not be used by the DOS version any 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 DEL key. However, the records are permanently deleted from the database only if you answer “Yes” to the question "Do you want to update the database?" when evaluating the contest.

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 @@@@# are the placeholders for the QSO data. You can change their order and/or layout on the QSL label or they can be omitted as well. On the other hand the item length can not be changed except of the contest name. The numbers denote the QSO items as follows:

 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 PARIS by using the slide bar in the “CW/SSB control” window or shortcuts. The keying can be done either directly from the keyboard in the window “CW/SSB control” or with the paddle. You can insert all symbol variables as well. Sending can be always interrupted by hitting ESC, by touching the paddle or clicking on the button “Stop” in the “CW/SSB control” window. The CW keying is possible only in the CW mode. The following shortcuts can be used:

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.