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Version 4.08

OK1DIX (c) 1995 - 2005

Main features:

Requirements:

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

340 - 3400 MHz

565 - 5.6 GHz

10G - 10 GHz

24G - 24 GHz

47G - 47 GHz

76G - 76 GHz

Before the start it is recommended to set the right UTC and date. The program allows later correction, but you'll save some 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 ".". Otherwise you have to set it 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] [-d net packet delay] [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 a lower amount. The highest number of QSOs is limited only by the RAM size up to 32 MB.

-d - time delay between the net packets (see the chapter on network).

Under Windows 95/98/Me you should create a shortcut for the command file vusc.bat on the desktop, check the options "Close on exit", "Uses HMA" and "Full screen" and uncheck the options "Allow screen saver" and "Background - Always suspend". The slide indicator "Idle sensitivity" should be set on "Low". Leave the other options on their default values.

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 data for a new contest (own call, locator, time of the contest start, evaluation mode etc.) are required. The program accepts EDI files as an input file as well. In this case you have to check the EDI option by entering 'X' into the EDI field on the screen. If the input file is from the version 3.xx it's automaticaly converted after confirming. In rare case it can happen, that the program switches to the wrong evaluation method after the conversion, use ALT/R (see below) for correction. The network option must be entered at this point, too. Unlike all the other options this one can not be changed while program running. If you start a new contest, you have to enter the evaluation method "Distance" or "Locators". In latter case you can also choose the point pattern file, where points for every locator are defined according to a particular contest rules. The file QRBPAT.DAT is delivered with the program as an example.

All other options and technical parameters are normaly read from the configuration file VUSC.CFG. If this file does not exist or if it's incomplete, the parameter screen is automatically called after the initial screen. The missing parameters are to be defined here (see the description of ALT/P).

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 (nodes) in the network, QSOs received to do and the 8 last received text messages can be cyclically chosen. The calls and locators matching the currently entered call/locator are automatically displayed in the upper half of the screen or the super check partials result window appears here when requested. The database window appears dynamically also in this screen part. The rotator window is located in the upper right corner if the rotator port has been configured. Other windows appear dynamically when they're needed. The lowest line serves for displaying of system and/or error messages and for the typed-in characters while sending CW from keyboard or typing the input for packet radio.

The program VUSC has been primarily designed for on-line usage by the operator in the contest. The data are secured, so that they can't be lost even if the program and/or computer crash for any reason. Only the current data of the currently entered QSO could be lost. In such case you need only to reboot the system, restart the program and enter the contest name again. The data are automatically restored (the message "Recovering..." is displayed) and you can continue in the contest. In addition you can write backup copies at any time during the contest on the floppy and/or on the second hard or network drive in case of hard disc failure. Files from other computers in the network can be used for that purpose as well, 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 the CT contest log from K1EA). QSO number manipulations are described later.

After bad experiences with too restrictive 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 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 consider the 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 upper window. Similarly if you enter *KN all callsigns ending with KN are displayed. The same rules apply for the locators. If a field with the meta character is highlighted later again using tabulator or space key the cursor is put on that character. For faster data entering it is possible to omitt the callsign prefix OK and report 59(9). Also the first two letters of a locator are automatically added - JO if the second figure in the locator is in the interval 0-4, else JN.

The program supports also inquiries to the database of callsigns and locators from previous contests. For the locator inquiry (F9) the callsign must be completely entered except for /P, /A and like. A list of all locators from the previous contests for this callsign is displayed. For the callsign inquiry (F10) 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 number at the displayed records means the number of occurences of the combination call/locator in previous contests. A super check partials (F11) searches for records containing parts of callsigns and locators. The search result is displayed in the window appearing dynamically in the upper right corner or next to the rotor window if it's active. 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. In order to do that switch to the database window using the key ALT/F10 or SHIFT/F10. You can browse then through the current records with keys UP/DOWN and remove invalid record with the DEL key. Note that the record(s) are permanently deleted only if ALT/X is used for closing the program or if you response Y to the question "Do you want to update the database files?" when evaluating the contest using ALT/E key.

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

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 a new started 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.

Function keys:

ALT/F1 - band up

ALT/F2 - band down

F9 - locators database inquiry for a call

F10 - calls database inquiry for a locator

F11 - super check partials of calls and locators

ALT/F10, SHIFT/F10 - switch to the database window to remove wrong entries. Browse with keys UP/DOWN and remove the record with DEL. Note that the record(s) are permanently deleted only if ALT/X is used for closing the program or the evaluation ALT/E is performed.

CTRL/F1 - toggle the band specific display. Only QSOs from a single band are displayed.

General control keys:

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

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

ALT/E - start of evaluation program (the description see below).

ALT/Q - quit the program without writing any file. All data entered/changed since the program start are lost.

ALT/H - help

ALT/A - merging of data from another contest file (#######.DIX) or EDI file 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 network is not available. 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 a confirmation is required then. For the "locator" evaluation method the point pattern file can be also changed. Its default name is QRBPAT.DAT.

ALT/R - change the evaluation method and/or log recalculation to a new locator. The point pattern file can be changed as well.

ALT/D - delete the current QSO and renumber the entire band. 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 the incorrect QSOs. This function is to be used primarily for the corrections in the off-line mode. It does not work when the network is active.

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

ALT/U - Setting the contest period. It allows running contests with more periods (for instance Christmas Contest). The contest period is only an attribut of a QSO, which can be set independently at every record. The same QSOs with the different contest period are not considered to be dupes. The change of the contest period in an existing QSO must be (as every other change) confirmed by the RETURN key.

ALT/J - switching packet radio screens and modes (see below).

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. It serves for correction if time was wrong set at the contest start.

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 - rotor calibration (see below)

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

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

ALT/UP - Browsing through the last 8 network messages

ALT/RIGHT - switch to the "To Do" window.

CTRL/Z - switching of windows 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 other nodes) and "Message" (text messages from other nodes) can be cyclicaly swiched.

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

ALT/P - technical setting page. Communication ports for CW/PTT keying, paddle, antenna rotor and packet radio and pin layouts of their connectors are set here. If a serial port is set for the CW/PTT it should be diffent from the packet radio port. The pin layout change enables also the toggle of paddle dot/dash. If the network is active, the option "Remote" in the packet port menu connects the local node to the packet server (a node in the network where the packet modem is connected to the local port and set as a packet server). The PTT on/off times set the delay of the PTT switch at the beginning and end of both CW and SSB transmissions. If the soundcard is activated by YES in the soundcard menu, the card type is detected automatically and a control sound is played to indicate the successful initialization. The net delay time is the time between two sent network packets. Its value depends on the network speed rate. It must be long enough to send a packet before new packet data are written into the network buffers. This solution is necessary due to DOS SPX/IPX network interface, which is not re-entrant. Its default value is set to 7 ms. If network problems occur especially during the synchronization the time should be increased. If you enter "Y" in the option "Save" the configuration is saved into the file VUSC.CFG. This file is read automatically when the program starts.

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

Their naming convention is described above. The first two files are to be printed, the third file is for the electronic data exchange (e-mail, floppy disc etc.). Fourth file contains data for the update of the 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, because of the very wide spectrum of printer types with various control characters set. 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 MS-DOS command:

copy file_name >LPT

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 on 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

The off-line start of the evaluation program should be used only if the start from the main contest program (ALT/E) does not work for any reason.

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 editors (Norton, Notepad, WordPad). They are used to correct errors and/or to delete of cancelled prefixed (for example in YU). The file CONLIST.TXT can be edited as well for possible reprocessing of a contest. If the database was not updated automaticaly during the evaluation, following command can be used for it:

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

#######s.$$$ 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.bat -f vus_base.asc vus_base.dat (binary to ASCII)

tr.bat -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.

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

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:

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. Database ASCII file (QSL_BASE.ASC) is sorted by the callsigns and bands and it can be edited by any text editor (Norton, 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 automaticaly during the program run. The file QSL_BASE.DAT is only a work file without any other meaning.

The most important file is #######.DIX. Its format has been extended in the version 3.00 and 4.00 due to new program features. The program version 4.xx can read the file version 3.xx. The conversion takes place automatically after the confirmation in a short dialog. The older file versions can be always converted manually by using the conversion utilities.

2TO3.BAT [-p directory] contest_file in case of conversion from the version 2.xx to 3.xx

3TO4.BAT [-p directory] contest_file in case of conversion from the version 3.xx to 4.xx

Parameter in the brackets is optional

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

The program VUSC supports direct CW keying of a TRX through the serial or parallel port and a paddle connected to the parallel port. The circuits and the default pin-out are described in the appendix below. The setting can be changed by using ALT/P. 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

$Q - report with short nines

$N - contest number of the current QSO

$M - contest number with short zeros

$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 create a loop by puting 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 30 PARIS (6 WPM) to 1000 PARIS (200 WPM)(about 25 to 850 characters per minute) The upper limit can vary depending on the usage of rotator and on processor speed. The keying can be made either directly from the keyboard or with the paddle. All symbol variables can be inserted from the keyboard as well. The characters are displayed in the lowest line. They can be typed in advance. The typed characters that haven't been sent yet can be deleted with BACKSPACE. 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/S - toggle CW monitor (PC speaker) on/off

ALT/= - increase the speed by 10 PARIS (2 WPM)

ALT/- - decrease the speed by 10 PARIS (2 WPM)

ESC - interrupt

ALT/N - direct keyboard keying

ALT/K - TX tuning

ALT/Y - activation of the automatic repeating with the pause for RX. There are following parameters to define: buffer #, # of replays and gap for RX in seconds.

ALT/0-9 - buffer contents 0-9

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 when in SSB mode

Hitting the ESC key interrupts always the transmitting. 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 both the SSB and CW CQs.

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. 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 it is useful to divide the user buffers which will be used for CW and which for SSB.

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

1. Set the value of the resistor Ra (depending on the potentiometer value) so that the voltage on the potentiometer is about 3 volts or set the external signal source (AUX input) in this way.

2. Set the trimmers shift and gain so that the voltage at the point X can continuously change between 2.5 and 10.5 volts when the potentiometer turns from left to right.

3. Connect the interface to the computer and start the program with the rotator option "Yes". Switch to the rotator callibration with the ALT/C. Counter value (instead of degrees) appears in the middle of the indicator.

4. Turn the rotator to the margin position where the voltage at the point X is minimal (about 2.5 volts) and set the counter value to about 100 with the trimmer Rt.

5. Turn the rotator to the opposite margin position and check if the counter value increases. If not switch the outer pins of the potentiometer. Check the counter value in this position. Its value depends on the processor speed. The higher value the better precision. It should be at least 400. Typically it is about 700; on the fast machines even 1000.

6. Check if the rotator doesn't affect PC timer interrupts. Turn the rotator in the margin position with the highest counter value, switch on the CW mode (ALT/M) and start sending CQ or any buffer content. Then increase the CW speed up to at least 80 WPM. 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.

7. Leave the callibration mode with the ESC key.

This is a basic setting for a specific processor speed with the tolerance about 20%. For the usage in the contest you have to perform calibration and rectification.

1. After the errection of the antenna 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) clockwise 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 +420 degrees. The entered values must be always increasing. It means if you start for example at the azimuth 270 degrees (most left position) they have to begin 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 entering at least 8 values. In case of error during the calibration it can be always interrupted by pressing ESC. At most 30 callibration values can be entered.

After finishing of the callibration the electronic stoppers are automaticaly set at the both margin positions. If there are also mechanical stop switches in your 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 parallel port can be in an 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 of 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

A computer is automatically connected to the network if the option "Network" - "Yes" is chosen at the program start. A connected computer is called a network "node". A QSO made or changed on any node is sent to all other nodes after pressing the 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 negotiated 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. Automatic network search for on-line nodes is performed when the program is started. The same check is made always when the node list is refreshed with CTRL/Z. Nodes on-line are displayed in yellow, otherwise in red. A node may not always anwer to the "ping" if doing a special operation (for instance file writing). It's a good practice to turn CTRL/Z several times to test if a node is really not answering.

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 ALT/RIGHT and choose the sked you want to make. By pressing the RETURN key the QSO is 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. The program stores 8 last messages, which could be displayed cyclicaly by using ALT/UP.

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 with a log of another node using 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. Use the synchronization also when an inconsistence in QSO numbering on the network is detected (Warning message: "Inconsistence on the band ... detected, synchronize").

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.

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 for network initialization:

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 currently used under the operating system MS-DOS.

Under Windows 95/98 you should install the network card. You need also the Windows 95/98 installation CD-ROM if the installation kit is not present on the hard disc. Follow the instructions for the driver installation according to the card manual. After driver installation 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 completes, 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.

As of version 3.17 the program supports the packet radio modem for checking the DX cluster during the contest. It works in terminal mode with the modems of TNC standard (currently TNC5+). For the connection to the COM port, use the standard null-modem cable (see the modem documentation). The communication parameters are set to 9600-N-1 (9600 bit/s, no parity, 1 stop bit) by default. The speed can be changed in the technical setting screen (ALT/P). If the network is active the computer with the local modem can work as a packet server for those computers on the network on which the option "Remote" has been chosen. Responding "Yes" to the question "Packet server" in the technical setting screen activates the server mode. The packet server's network address is also displayed in the network node window. For the cyclic mode and packet window switching the key ALT/J is used as follows: 

- Activate the upper packet window. The window scrolls on new incoming lines. The cursor stays in the main window for normal entering of QSOs. 

- Switch to the lower command line. You can enter the packet commands. If the first character is the asterisk (*) the command is meant for the modem (escape sequence), otherwise the line is sent out by the packet TRX. The upper window window scrolls on incoming lines.

- Switch to the upper window to browse (using the arrow keys) through the received lines. The last 180 received lines are stored in the memory. In this mode the filter for the diplayed lines can be defined using CTRL/F. More patterns separated by | (bar) can be entered. Only the lines matching one or more patterns from the filter string are displayed. If the first character in the filter string is ~ (tilde) the matching lines are suppressed. The current filter string is showed in the upper right corner. The window does not scroll in order not to disturb the browsing through the lines.

- Switch off the packet window and return to the original upper window displaying calls and locators.

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.

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 by a capacitor. The interface itself should be also built in the metal box.

The circuit of motor switching can be designed diversely according to the rotator type. There may be a problem with the parallel port sometimes. Although the outputs of the port should be TTL compatible, their real output current may not be sufficient (especially on notebooks) for full switching of bipolar transistors. The capacitor Ct must have a very good temperature stability. For safety reasons the power supplies for the indicator and the motor switching circuits should be separated.

The default paddle pin out is compatible with the program N6TR.