The DXSpider User Manual : Introduction

This line works fine for RedHat and SuSE distributions. The line required for +Slackware distributions is slightly different. My thanks to Aurelio, PA3EZL for +this information. +

This will automatically start DXSpider on tty7 (ALT-F7) on bootup and restart it should it crash for any reason.

diff --git a/html/usermanual-1.html b/html/usermanual-1.html new file mode 100644 index 00000000..568886f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/html/usermanual-1.html @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ + + + + + The DXSpider User Manual : Introduction + + + + + + +Next +Previous +Contents +

1. Introduction

1.1 What is a DX Cluster? +

A DX Cluster is a packet node where DX chasers on any band or mode can +post rare or interesting stations that they have worked or heard. Of +course other people are doing the same thing too, so you can find new +DX as well as telling others about the stations you have worked. +Clusters tend to be linked to each other so that the amount of people +using them is increased, thereby increasing the amount of posted DX. +Other information can be found on clusters such as on-line call books, +mail etc. You can talk to other stations connected to the cluster +network too, in real time, whether at the node you are logged into or +on another node connected to the network. You can also use converse +mode, where several stations can talk to each other in the same way. +Of course, the DX is still posted to you all the while! +

1.2 So what is DXSpider? +

PacketCluster nodes have been around since roughly 1985. The original +PacketCluster idea came from Dick Newell, AK1A, and ran under DOS. +In about 1992 Dick stopped the development of the PacketCluster +software for amateur radio. Many systems are still using this +relatively old DOS software today. +

There are several new compatible cluster programs around now, +including DXSpider. DXSpider is a clone of PacketCluster software that runs +under the Linux operating system. Linux is fast becoming the choice +for amateur radio stations because of it's flexibility, reliability +and the lack of the memory limitations of DOS. Linux supports +multitasking and is also multiuser. It has support for AX25, ROSE, +NetROM and TCPIP built in, making it the ideal choice for amateur +radio. It is also totally free! +

DXSpider was conceived and begun in 1998 by Dirk Koopman, G1TLH as an +exercise in perl programming. It has developed rapidly and today is a +very powerful cluster program. It was designed to be totally compatible +with the AK1A program, although several commands have been extended to +try and improve functionality. +

This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the commands +that DXSpider supports and to help you get the best from the program so +you can enjoy working that rare DX! As DXSpider is being improved all the +time, commands will be added as time goes by, so make sure you have +the most upto date version of this manual. The latest version will +always be included with the cluster program so if you are unsure, simply +ask your sysop. The manual will also be available on the wesite. +

10. Filtering (From version 1.45)

10.1 General filter rules +

Upto v1.44 it was not possible for the user to set their own filters. From +v1.45 though that has all changed. It is now possible to set filters for just +about anything you wish. If you have just updated from an older version of +DXSpider you will need to update your new filters. You do not need to do +anything with your old filters, they will be renamed as you update. +

There are 3 basic commands involved in setting and manipulating filters. These +are accept, reject and clear. First we will look +generally at filtering. There are a number of things you can filter in the +DXSpider system. They all use the same general mechanism. +

In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which can have +up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example ... +

where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There are +filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops) connects. See each +different accept or reject command reference for more details. +

There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter. They are ... +

For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply the same +principles to all types of filter. +

10.2 Types of filter +

There are two main types of filter, accept or reject. You +can use either to achieve the result you want dependent on your own preference +and which is more simple to do. It is pointless writing 8 lines of reject +filters when 1 accept filter would do the same thing! Each filter has 10 +lines (of any length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the +action you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept +means take it) +

If you specify reject filters, then any lines that arrive that match the filter +will be dumped but all else will be accepted. If you use an accept filter, +then ONLY the lines in the filter will be accepted and all else will be dumped. +For example if you have a single line accept filter ... +

Then you will get everything EXCEPT HF CW spots. You could make this +single filter even more flexible. For example, if you are interested in IOTA +and will work it even on CW even though normally you are not interested in +CW, then you could say ... +

which achieves exactly the same thing. You should choose one or the other +until you are comfortable with the way it works. You can mix them if you +wish (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but +don't attempt this until you are sure you know what you are doing! +

You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your own +understanding or simply convenience. Here is an example ... +

What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots and also rejects any spots on VHF +which don't either originate or spot someone in Europe. +

This is an example where you would use a line number (1 and 2 in this case), if +you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits '0'-'9' are available. +This make it easier to see just what filters you have set. It also makes it +more simple to remove individual filters, during a contest for example. +

You will notice in the above example that the second line has brackets. Look +at the line logically. You can see there are 2 separate sections to it. We +are saying reject spots that are VHF or above APART from those in +zones 14, 15 and 16 (either spotted there or originated there). If you did +not have the brackets to separate the 2 sections, then Spider would read it +logically from the front and see a different expression entirely ... +

The simple way to remember this is, if you use OR - use brackets. Whilst we are +here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is just the same as 'and by_zone'. +

As mentioned earlier, setting several filters can be more flexible than +simply setting one complex one. Doing it in this way means that if you want +to alter your filter you can just redefine or remove one or more lines of it or +one line. For example ... +

10.3 Filter options +

You can filter in several different ways. The options are listed in the +various helpfiles for accept, reject and filter. +

10.4 Advanced filtering +

The previous example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU +can be written with a mixed filter, for example ... +

Note that the first filter has not been specified with a number. This +will automatically be assumed to be number 1. In this case, we have +said reject all HF spots in the CW section of the bands but accept +all others at HF. Also accept anything in VHF and above spotted in or +by operators in the zones 14, 15 and 16. Each filter slot actually +has a 'reject' slot and an 'accept' slot. The reject slot is executed +BEFORE the accept slot. +

It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match, the +default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for 'accept'. +In the example what happens is that the reject is executed first, any non +hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets through everything +else on HF. The next filter line lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU. +

11. Hints, tips and common questions.

A.Of course you can and the usual abbreviations work. If you +are unsure, try it. +

Q.I am not sure if this command is correct. Can I cause any +harm if I try it? +

A.Do not be afraid to try a command to see if it will work, +at the worst you will get an error message. If you require any +help on a command, just type help followed by the command you +want help on. Look at the "DXSpider Command Reference" section to see +what help can be found. +

A.With respect. Use the command by all means, but please +only use the "full" extension if absolutely necessary. It can +create a LOT of messages passing between clusters. +

Q.I like to be working in the shack while logged into the +cluster but I can't be looking at the screen all the time. How +can I be alerted when anything happens? +

A.Use the SET/BEEP command. You can find information +on this in the "DXSpider Command Reference" section. +

Q.I keep getting disconnected from the cluster, what is +happening and how can I stop it? +

Q.I got disconnected from the cluster and now I can't log +back in again. What is wrong? +

A.Probably the cluster thinks you are still logged on and +will not let you reconnect using the same call to prevent loops. +Try logging on again adding an ssid to your callsign as DXSpider +treats G0YLM and G0YLM-1 as different users. +

Q.I notice that all the commands are shown in lower case in +the main section of this manual, but in upper case in the "DXSpider +Command Reference" section. Why is that? +

A.The latest and greatest will always be on the Website. It will +also be included with every release of DXSpider. As always, if unsure, +ask your sysop what version number is the latest. +

12. The DXSpider command reference

Below is a complete list of commands available from the cluster prompt. +These are listed below in alphabetical order. +

12.1 accept/announce +

An accept filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. +

This filter would only allow announces that were posted buy UK stations. +You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg: +

12.2 accept/spots +

An accept filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. +

For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in +SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb - +thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 - +this is more efficient than saying simply: freq HF (but don't get +too hung up about that) +

12.3 accept/wcy +

It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- +

There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and +you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them). +

12.4 accept/wwv +

It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- +

is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts +by stations in the US). +

12.5 announce +

Send an announcement to LOCAL users only, where <text> is the text +of the announcement you wish to broadcast +

12.6 announce full +

12.7 apropos +

Search the help database for <string> (it isn't case sensitive), +and print the names of all the commands that may be relevant. +

12.8 bye +

12.9 clear/spots +

This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a spot filter or to +remove the whole filter. +

12.10 dbavail +

The title says it all really, this command lists all the databases defined +in the system. It is also aliased to SHOW/COMMAND. +

12.11 dbshow +

This is the generic user interface to the database to the database system. +It is expected that the sysop will add an entry to the local Aliases file +so that users can use the more familiar AK1A style of enquiry such as: +

but if he hasn't and the database really does exist (use DBAVAIL or +SHOW/COMMAND to find out) you can do the same thing with: +

12.12 directory +

directory List messages
 directory all List all messages

+directory own List your own messages

+directory new List all new messages

+directory to <call> List all messages to <call>

+directory from <call> List all messages from <call>

+directory subject <string> List all messages with <string> in subject

+directory <nn> List last <nn> messages

+directory <from>-<to> List messages <from> message <to> message

If there is a 'p' one space after the message number then it is a +personal message. If there is a '-' between the message number and the +'p' then this indicates that the message has been read. +

You can use shell escape characters such as '*' and '?' in the <call> +fields. +

12.13 dx +

This is how you send a DX Spot to other users. You can, in fact, now +enter the <freq> and the <call> either way round. +

will all give the same result. You can add some remarks to the end +of the command and they will be added to the spot. +

The <freq> is compared against the available bands set up in the +cluster. See SHOW/BANDS for more information. +

12.14 help +

All commands can be abbreviated, so SHOW/DX can be abbreviated +to SH/DX, ANNOUNCE can be shortened to AN and so on. +

Look at the APROPOS <string> command which will search the help database +for the <string> you specify and give you a list of likely commands +to look at with HELP. +

12.15 kill +

Delete a message from the local system. You will only be able to +delete messages that you have originated or been sent (unless you are +the sysop). +

12.16 links +

This is a quick listing that shows which links are connected and +some information about them. See WHO for a list of all connections. +

12.17 read +

read Read the next unread personal message addressed to you

+read <msgno> Read the specified message

You can read any messages that are sent as 'non-personal' and also any +message either sent by or sent to your callsign. +

12.18 reject/announce +

An reject filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. +

12.19 reject/spots +

A reject filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is +dumped (not passed on). See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. +

12.20 reject/wcy +

It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- +

There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and +you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them). +

12.21 reject/wwv +

It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- +

is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts +by stations in the US). +

12.22 reply +

reply Reply (privately) to the last message that you have read

+reply <msgno> Reply (privately) to the specified message

+reply B <msgno> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message

+reply NOPrivate <msgno> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified
+message

+reply RR <msgno> Reply to the specified message with read receipt

You can reply to a message and the subject will automatically have +"Re:" inserted in front of it, if it isn't already present. +

You can also use all the extra qualifiers such as RR, PRIVATE, +NOPRIVATE, B that you can use with the SEND command (see SEND +for further details) +

12.23 send +

send <call> [<call> ...] Send a message to one or more callsigns

+send RR <call> Send a message and ask for a read receipt

+send COPY <msgno> <call> Send a copy of a  message to someone

+send PRIVATE <call> Send a personal message

+send NOPRIVATE <call> Send a message to all stations

All the SEND commands will create a message which will be sent either to +an individual callsign or to one of the 'bulletin' addresses. +

SEND <call> on its own acts as though you had typed SEND PRIVATE, that is +it will mark the message as personal and send it to the cluster node that +that callsign is connected to. +

which should send a copy of message 123 to G1TLH and G0RDI and you will +receive a read receipt when they have read the message. +

SB is an alias for SEND NOPRIVATE (or send a bulletin in BBS speak) +SP is an alias for SEND PRIVATE +

Some logging programs do not like the additional information at +the end of a DX spot. If this is the case, use the unset/dxgrid +command to remove the grid squares. +

12.29 set/echo +

If you are connected via a telnet session, different implimentations +of telnet handle echo differently depending on whether you are +connected via port 23 or some other port. You can use this command +to change the setting appropriately. +

12.30 set/here +

Let others on the cluster know you are here by only displaying your +callsign. If you are away from your terminal you can use the unset/here +command to let people know you are away. This simply puts brackets +around your callsign to indicate you are not available. +

12.31 set/homenode +

Tell the cluster system where you normally connect to. Any Messages sent +to you will normally find their way there should you not be connected. +eg:- +

12.32 set/language +

You can select the language that you want the cluster to use. Currently +the languages available are en (English) sp (Spanish) +and nl (Dutch). +

12.33 set/location +

You can set your latitude and longitude manually or alternatively use the +set/qra command which will do the conversion for you. +

12.34 set/logininfo +

Show users and nodes when they log in and out of the local cluster. You +can stop these messages by using the unset/logininfo command. +

12.35 set/name +

12.36 set/page +

Tell the system how many lines you wish on a page when the number of lines +of output from a command is more than this. The default is 20. Setting it +explicitly to 0 will disable paging. +

12.37 set/qra +

Tell the system what your QRA (or Maidenhead) locator is. If you have not +done a SET/LOCATION then your latitude and longitude will be set roughly +correctly (assuming your locator is correct ;-). For example:- +

12.38 set/qth +

12.39 set/talk +

Allow talk messages to arrive at your console. You can switch off +talks with the unset/talk command. +

12.40 set/wcy +

Allow WCY information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WCY messages with the unset/wcy command. +

12.41 set/wwv +

Allow WWV information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WWV messages with the unset/wwv command. +

12.42 set/wx +

Allow WX information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WX messages with the unset/wx command. +

12.43 show/date +

This is very nearly the same as SHOW/TIME, the only difference the format +of the date string if no arguments are given. +

If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local +time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes +then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at +the prefixes or callsigns that you specify. +

12.44 show/dx +

If you just type SHOW/DX you will get the last so many spots +(sysop configurable, but usually 10). +

In addition you can add any number of these options in very nearly +any order to the basic SHOW/DX command, they are:- +

12.45 show/dxcc +

This command takes the <prefix> (which can be a full or partial +callsign if desired), looks up which internal country number it is +and then displays all the spots as per SH/DX for that country. +

12.46 show/files +

SHOW/FILES on its own will show you a list of the various fileareas +available on the system. To see the contents of a particular file +area type:- +

where <filearea> is the name of the filearea you want to see the +contents of. +

You can also use shell globbing characters like '*' and '?' in a +string to see a selection of files in a filearea eg:- +

12.47 show/filter +

Show the contents of all the filters that are set by you. This command +displays all the filters set - for all the various categories. +

12.48 show/moon +

Show the Moon rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns, +together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those +locations. +

If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for +your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA), +together with the current azimuth and elevation. +

In addition, it will show the gain or loss dB relative to the nominal +distance of 385,000Km due to the ellipsoidal nature of the orbit. +

If all else fails it will show the Moonrise and set times for the node +that you are connected to. +

12.49 show/muf +

This command allow you to estimate the likelihood of you contacting +a station with the prefix you have specified. The output assumes a modest +power of 20dBW and receiver sensitivity of -123dBm (about 0.15muV/10dB SINAD) +

The result predicts the most likely operating frequencies and signal +levels for high frequency (shortwave) radio propagation paths on +specified days of the year and hours of the day. It is most useful for +paths between 250 km and 6000 km, but can be used with reduced accuracy +for paths shorter or longer than this. +

The command uses a routine MINIMUF 3.5 developed by the U.S. Navy and +used to predict the MUF given the predicted flux, day of the year, +hour of the day and geographic coordinates of the transmitter and +receiver. This routine is reasonably accurate for the purposes here, +with a claimed RMS error of 3.8 MHz, but much smaller and less complex +than the programs used by major shortwave broadcasting organizations, +such as the Voice of America. +

The command will display some header information detailing its +assumptions, together with the locations, latitude and longitudes and +bearings. It will then show UTC (UT), local time at the other end +(LT), calculate the MUFs, Sun zenith angle at the midpoint of the path +(Zen) and the likely signal strengths. Then for each frequency for which +the system thinks there is a likelihood of a circuit it prints a value. +

The value is currently a likely S meter reading based on the conventional +6dB / S point scale. If the value has a '+' appended it means that it is +1/2 an S point stronger. If the value is preceeded by an 'm' it means that +there is likely to be much fading and by an 's' that the signal is likely +to be noisy. +

By default SHOW/MUF will show the next two hours worth of data. You +can specify anything up to 24 hours worth of data by appending the no of +hours required after the prefix. For example:- +

indicating that you will have weak, fading circuits on top band and +80m but usable signals on 40m (about S3). +

will get you the above display, but with the next 24 hours worth of +propagation data. +

Gives you an estimate of the long path propagation characterics. It +should be noted that the figures will probably not be very useful, nor +terrible accurate, but it is included for completeness. +

12.50 show/prefix +

This command takes the <callsign> (which can be a full or partial +callsign or a prefix), looks up which internal country number +it is and then displays all the relevant prefixes for that country +together with the internal country no, the CQ and ITU regions. +

12.51 show/qra +

show/qra <locator> [<locator>] Show the distance
+between locators

+show/qra <lat> <long> Convert latitude and longitude to a locator

This is a multipurpose command that allows you either to calculate the +distance and bearing between two locators or (if only one locator is +given on the command line) the distance and beraing from your station +to the locator. For example:- +

The first example will show the distance and bearing to the locator from +yourself, the second example will calculate the distance and bearing from +the first locator to the second. You can use 4 or 6 character locators. +

It is also possible to convert a latitude and longitude to a locator by +using this command with a latitude and longitude as an argument, for +example:- +

12.52 show/qrz +

This command queries the QRZ callbook server on the internet +and returns any information available for that callsign. This service +is provided for users of this software by http://www.qrz.com +

12.53 show/route +

This command allows you to see to which node the callsigns specified are +connected. It is a sort of inverse sh/config. +

12.54 show/satellite +

Show the tracking data from your location to the satellite of your choice +from now on for the next few hours. +

If you use this command without a satellite name it will display a list +of all the satellites known currently to the system. +

If you give a name then you can obtain tracking data of all the passes +that start and finish 5 degrees below the horizon. As default it will +give information for the next three hours for every five minute period. +

12.55 show/sun +

Show the sun rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns, +together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those +locations. +

If all else fails it will show the sunrise and set times for the node +that you are connected to. +

12.56 show/time +

12.57 show/wcy +

show/wcy Show the last 10 WCY broadcasts

+show/wcy <n> Show the last <n> WCY broadcasts

12.58 show/wwv +

show/wwv Show the last 10 WWV broadcasts

+show/wwv <n> Show the last <n> WWV broadcasts

12.59 sysop +

The system automatically reduces your privilege level to that of a +normal user if you login in remotely. This command allows you to +regain your normal privilege level. It uses the normal system: five +numbers are returned that are indexes into the character array that is +your assigned password (see SET/PASSWORD). The indexes start from +zero. +

You are expected to return a string which contains the characters +required in the correct order. You may intersperse those characters +with others to obscure your reply for any watchers. For example (and +these values are for explanation :-): +

They will all match. If there is no password you will still be offered +numbers but nothing will happen when you input a string. Any match is +case sensitive. +

12.60 talk +

talk <callsign> Enter talk mode with <callsign>

+talk <callsign> <text> Send a text message to <callsign>

+talk <callsign> > <node_call> [<text>]
+Send a text message to <callsign> via <node_call>

Send a short message to any other station that is visible on the cluster +system. You can send it to anyone you can see with a SHOW/CONFIGURATION +command, they don't have to be connected locally. +

The second form of TALK is used when other cluster nodes are connected +with restricted information. This usually means that they don't send +the user information usually associated with logging on and off the cluster. +

If you know that G3JNB is likely to be present on GB7TLH, but you can only +see GB7TLH in the SH/C list but with no users, then you would use the +second form of the talk message. +

If you want to have a ragchew with someone you can leave the text message +out and the system will go into 'Talk' mode. What this means is that a +short message is sent to the recipient telling them that you are in a 'Talking' +frame of mind and then you just type - everything you send will go to the +station that you asked for. +

All the usual announcements, spots and so on will still come out on your +terminal. +

If you want to do something (such as send a spot) you precede the normal +command with a '/' character, eg:- +

12.61 type +

Type out the contents of a file in a filearea. So, for example, in +filearea 'bulletins' you want to look at file 'arld051' you would +enter:- +

See also SHOW/FILES to see what fileareas are available and a +list of content. +

12.62 who +

This is a quick listing that shows which callsigns are connected and +what sort of connection they have +

12.63 wx +

wx <text> Send a weather message to local users

+wx full <text>  Send a weather message to all cluster users

Weather messages can sometimes be useful if you are experiencing an extreme +that may indicate enhanced conditions +

2. Logins and logouts.

You might not think that there is a lot of point of including a +section on how to log in and out of DXSpider. However, you would be +suprised at the difficulties some people have in simply getting in +and out of the cluster! +

There are several ways a login might be achieved, dependant on how +the sysop has DXSpider configured. It is impossible for me to cover all +variations but here are the basic ones. +

2.1 AX25 logins. +

Simplicity itself. The usual CONNECT command will log you straight +into the cluster and you will not have to do anything else. +Obviously, you will have to connect to the correct callsign. Some +nodes use an SSID with their call so you would have to add that. +

2.2 Netrom logins. +

There are several possibilities here, dependant on how the sysop has +configured his system. If you are connecting via netrom then you are +most probably connecting from another station. Listing the nodes in +that station with the NODES command will tell you what callsign +or netrom alias to connect to. Then just issue the connect command +from there. It is possible that the netrom alias may connect you to +a node with an alias for the cluster, such as DXC. Just type this +and you will be connected. +

2.3 Telnet logins. +

Because DXSpider runs under the Linux operating system, it is possible to +make a direct telnet connection into the cluster. With telnet +connections, the source callsign is not seen by DXSpider, so you will be +asked to login with your callsign. +To telnet to DXSpider, you would connect to a specific port. There is no +standard at the moment for a cluster telnet port but ask the sysop if +you are unsure. +

All the above are possible ways of connecting to a DXSpider cluster. You +may have some or all of these available to you. There may be one or +two additional ways to connect dependant on the network local to you. +However I am sure you get the idea. +

2.4 Logouts. +

You could also send a disconnect if you are using AX25, or a CLOSE +command if you are connected via telnet. +If you do not log out gracefully using one of the above commands, +you may find you are unable to get a full connect next time. This +may also happen if a NETRom connection drops. You may get connected, +but nothing else will happen because the program thinks you are still +connected and will not let you connect twice under the same call. +However you could reconnect by adding a number to the end of your call, +for example G0YLM2. +This can be done by either altering your MYCALL setting in the TNC or +by altering your program configuration. +

3. Setting your personal details.

Once logged in to the cluster, you should set your details so that +anybody who wishes to contact you can find out who and where you are. +There are four items to set, your name, qth, location and home node. +Setting these details also allows the use of the SHOW/HEADING and +SHOW/SUN commands from within the cluster. Unless you set your QTH +and location, these commands cannot function. +Once you have set your name, DXSpider will greet you with it next time +you login. Your QTH setting is where you live and it is a good idea +to add your locator to this as the location setting is converted to +latitude and longitude once inputted. You can actually set your location +in latitude/longitude or as a locator. Setting your home node will +tell the program where you wish mail to be sent to you. +

4. Getting and posting DX.

When all is said and done, this is the main function of a DX cluster. +In its simplest form you can just connect to the node and you will +start to receive DX spots almost immediately! You can check on +recent postings in either a general manner or on a particular band or +mode. You can even check DX by callsign or a fragment of a callsign. +Of course, once you get the hang of things, it is expected that you +start posting some yourself! After all, there would be no clusters +if people did not post DX and you get the added thrill of the hunt! +

4.1 Receiving DX. +

As we have already said, it is possible just to connect to the +cluster and you will receive spots automatically. However, you may +wish to check on spots just posted. Maybe you wish to see if a +particular band is open or if a certain callsign is active, perhaps a +DXpedition. The command to do this is SHOW/DX. Without any +other arguments, this command will output the last 10 spots +posted. It is possible to look at more than this, for example the +last 20 or 50 spots, by adding the number to the command. You can +make it even more specific by adding a band in either wavelength or +frequency, and/or any additional information such as QSL details. +

It is also possible to check for certain callsigns, or fragments of +callsigns in the same way. +

You can check for DX by offset and also by specifying a comment to +search for. +

would show the spots that arrived between 30 and 40 spots ago and any +spots with the word iota in the comment field. The case of +the comment is not important. +

Checking DX posted on a certain day is possible too. All you have +to do here is to specify how many days ago it was like this ... +

This would show the last 20 spots posted by or about calls with the prefix +9a on vhf 30 days ago. +

As you can see the SHOW/DX command is very flexible, so if you are +not sure whether something will work or not, try it and see! More +information can be found in the Command Set section. +

4.2 Posting DX. +

Where frequency is in kilohertz and the callsign is the callsign of +the station you have worked or heard, (ie not your own callsign!). +The remarks section allows you to add information like the operators +name or perhaps a location. Actually DXSpider will allow the frequency +and callsign fields to be entered in any order. +

This posting, or callout as it is known, will be forwarded to all +other connected stations both at the cluster you are connected to and +other active clusters in the network. The callout will also be sent +to you as proof of receipt. +

5. Headings and propagation

There are three commands in DXSpider to help you get the best DX possible. +These are SHOW/SUN, SHOW/MOON and +SHOW/HEADING. These commands will only work for you if you +have entered your personal details. They use your entered location as +a reference, so if you have not entered it or have entered it incorrectly +they will not return the correct information. +

5.1 Sun +

The SHOW/SUN command can be used in three different ways. It +can be used to show sunrise and sunset times for your own station, a +particular callsign or a prefix. +

5.2 Moon +

The SHOW/MOON command works in the same way as the +SHOW/SUN command. This program however, calculates the +rise and set times of the moon for a prefix or callsign, together +with the current azimuth and elevation of the sun at these +locations. +

You can see that the output is similar to the SHOW/SUN +command, with slightly different fields. +

5.3 Heading +

The SHOW/HEADING command works in the same way as the +SHOW/SUN and SHOW/MOON commands but outputs beam +headings for a specified callsign or prefix. Reciprocal beam headings +are also calculated. +

6. Announcements.

6.1 Making announcements. +

Occasionally, you may wish to post something that does not fall into +the normal parameters for a DX callout. You may wish to tell +everybody connected that 10 FM is open for example, or ask if anyone +knows the QSL manager for a certain callsign etc. You can do this +using the ANNOUNCE command. +

That would let everyone know locally that this was the case, however +it would not be forwarded to other nodes connected. To send +announcements to other connected nodes as well, you would use the +FULL extension. +

Be cautious in your use of announce full. There are many other tools +available to get the information you require and the judicious use of +this command is frowned upon as it creates a great deal of traffic +across the network. +

6.2 Listing announcements. +

You can list previous announcements in the standard format with the +SHOW command. As before you can list just the last 5 or as +many as you wish. +

7. Nodes and users.

You can check which nodes are connected in the network, who is +logged on locally, who is logged on at all the nodes or even +just one node in particular. This is handy if you wish to see whether +a friend is connected at the node they use. To see who is connected +to the nodes, the SHOW/CONFIGURATION command is used. +

You will notice that EI5TCR is showing only that it has 7 users and not +giving the actual callsigns. This means that this node is on a limited +protocol of some kind, probably because of a contest situation where +slow radio links can block up and fail if too much information is sent +between nodes. +

The second example would just show the nodes connected in the +network, like this, +

If we insert the node_call pi4tue-8 into the third example, then +this would be the output, +

You can also use a prefix to show only a group of nodes. For example +you may only wish to see who is connected to the nodes in the UK. To +do this simply use a prefix like this ... +

8. Talk mode.

You can send a single comment or start a dedicated talk session to +another user by using the TALK command. +

Talk mode is used to send a one line comment or greeting to a +specific user connected either at your node or another in the +network. You can also enter into a dedicated talk session with +another user. Talks will be automatically forwarded to other nodes +if the station you are talking to is not connected locally. +You can find out who is connected by using the +SHOW/CONFIGURATION command, (described earlier). +

This example would send the line "Having a good day Iain?" to the +user g0rdi but would leave you in normal mode. +

As you can see, you can still run commands whilst in talk mode. +Simply prefix the command with a / like /sh/dx and you will get +the expected output. +If the user is connected to another node, you may have to use a +slightly extended version of the TALK command. +

Whilst in talk mode you will still receive DX spots. This means that +you can chat to a friend whilst working DX. +

9. Mail.

You can send and receive both personal mail and bulletins with DXSpider +quite easily. +

9.1 The "directory" command. +

To list mail you would use the DIRECTORY command. On its +own, this command will output the last ten messages received by the +node, either to or from yourself or bulletins such as "DX" and "ALL". +As with other commands you can display more by specifying a number +with the command. You should be aware that Spider will accept +these commands by separating with either a slash or a space, so +dir new and dir/new work in the same way. +

Of course most of the time you will only want to list new mail sent +to you personally since your last login. However you might also like +to check for general mail received by the node. In fact if there is +new mail for you, the cluster will tell you when you login. You will +also be informed if new mail arrives for you during the time you are +logged in. +Mail is not only sent to callsigns though. Mail can also be sent to +subjects like "all" or "local" or "dx" etc. You can treat these +bulletins in the same way as personal mail with the directory +command. +

The last option will only show mail from a callsign if it was sent to +you personally or was sent as a bulletin. There are some additional +commands and these can be found in the DXSpider Command Reference section. +

9.2 Reading mail. +

The first column is the actual message number. If the message is a +personal one to you, you will see a letter 'p' after this number. If +the message has been read, there will be a '-' between the message +number and the 'p'. This only works for personal messages. The next +column shows the file size of the message. The third column shows the +address the message was sent to and the next column shows who sent it. +The rest is fairly self-explanatory. +

Reading a message is as simple as typing read, followed by the +message number that you wish to read. +

will read message number 25. However the mail will be displayed in it's +entirety unless you specify a page length. You can set your page length +to any number you like and when the message reaches that number of lines +you will get a prompt giving you options. +

9.3 Sending mail. +

Sending mail is done in the time honoured way. First you specify +a recipient for the message, then you will be prompted for a subject. +Once you have done this you will be asked to type your message. +Please remember that there is no automatic word wrap, so unless you +are using a client that wraps lines automatically, remember to hit +return at the end of each line. +

At this point you can either hit return and enter /ex to send the +message or use /abort at any time to abort it. You can now display +the message in the normal way. There are several send options and +these are listed in the Command Set section. These include sending +mail to several recipients and asking for a return receipt. +

9.4 Replying to mail. +

If mail is addressed to you or to a bulletin address, you can use the +REPLY command to reply to it. Using this command, the +subject will be automatically set for you as "Re: subject", whatever +the subject was. +

9.5 Deleting mail +To delete a message, you use the delete command.You can only delete messages sent to or received by yourself. Bulletins are dealt with automatically or by the sysop.

The DXSpider User Manual

Ian Maude, G0VGS, (ianmaude@btinternet.com)

1. Introduction

2. Logins and logouts.

3. Setting your personal details.

4. Getting and posting DX.

5. Headings and propagation

10. Filtering (From version 1.45)

11. Hints, tips and common questions.

12. The DXSpider command reference

+This line works fine for RedHat and SuSE distributions. The line required for +Slackware distributions is slightly different. My thanks to Aurelio, PA3EZL for +this information. + + +DX:23:respawn:/bin/su - sysop -c "/usr/bin/perl -w /spider/perl/cluster.pl" >/dev/tty7 + +

This will automatically start DXSpider on tty7 (ALT-F7) on bootup and restart it should it crash for any reason. diff --git a/sgml/usermanual.sgml b/sgml/usermanual.sgml new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1d45a933 --- /dev/null +++ b/sgml/usermanual.sgml @@ -0,0 +1,2444 @@ + + +

+ + + +The DXSpider User Manual +<author>Ian Maude, G0VGS, (ianmaude@btinternet.com) +<date>Version 1.0, March 2001 +<abstract> +A complete reference for users of the DXSpider DXCluster program. +</abstract> + + +<toc> + + + +<sect>Introduction + +<sect1>What is a DX Cluster? + + +A DX Cluster is a packet node where DX chasers on any band or mode can +post rare or interesting stations that they have worked or heard. Of +course other people are doing the same thing too, so you can find new +DX as well as telling others about the stations you have worked. +Clusters tend to be linked to each other so that the amount of people +using them is increased, thereby increasing the amount of posted DX. +Other information can be found on clusters such as on-line call books, +mail etc. You can talk to other stations connected to the cluster +network too, in real time, whether at the node you are logged into or +on another node connected to the network. You can also use converse +mode, where several stations can talk to each other in the same way. +Of course, the DX is still posted to you all the while! + +<sect1>So what is DXSpider? + + +PacketCluster nodes have been around since roughly 1985. The original +PacketCluster idea came from Dick Newell, AK1A, and ran under DOS. +In about 1992 Dick stopped the development of the PacketCluster +software for amateur radio. Many systems are still using this +relatively old DOS software today. + +There are several new compatible cluster programs around now, +including DXSpider. DXSpider is a clone of PacketCluster software that runs +under the Linux operating system. Linux is fast becoming the choice +for amateur radio stations because of it's flexibility, reliability +and the lack of the memory limitations of DOS. Linux supports +multitasking and is also multiuser. It has support for AX25, ROSE, +NetROM and TCPIP built in, making it the ideal choice for amateur +radio. It is also totally free! + +DXSpider was conceived and begun in 1998 by Dirk Koopman, G1TLH as an +exercise in perl programming. It has developed rapidly and today is a +very powerful cluster program. It was designed to be totally compatible +with the AK1A program, although several commands have been extended to +try and improve functionality. + +This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the commands +that DXSpider supports and to help you get the best from the program so +you can enjoy working that rare DX! As DXSpider is being improved all the +time, commands will be added as time goes by, so make sure you have +the most upto date version of this manual. The latest version will +always be included with the cluster program so if you are unsure, simply +ask your sysop. The manual will also be available on the wesite. + + +<sect>Logins and logouts. + + +You might not think that there is a lot of point of including a +section on how to log in and out of DXSpider. However, you would be +suprised at the difficulties some people have in simply getting in +and out of the cluster! + +There are several ways a login might be achieved, dependant on how +the sysop has DXSpider configured. It is impossible for me to cover all +variations but here are the basic ones. + +<sect1>AX25 logins. + + +Simplicity itself. The usual <bf>CONNECT</bf> command will log you straight +into the cluster and you will not have to do anything else. +Obviously, you will have to connect to the correct callsign. Some +nodes use an SSID with their call so you would have to add that. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +connect GB7MBC +connect GB7MBC-1 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>Netrom logins. + + +There are several possibilities here, dependant on how the sysop has +configured his system. If you are connecting via netrom then you are +most probably connecting from another station. Listing the nodes in +that station with the <bf>NODES</bf> command will tell you what callsign +or netrom alias to connect to. Then just issue the connect command +from there. It is possible that the netrom alias may connect you to +a node with an alias for the cluster, such as DXC. Just type this +and you will be connected. + +<bf>Example:</bf> +<tscreen><verb> +connect MBCDX +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>Telnet logins. + + +Because DXSpider runs under the Linux operating system, it is possible to +make a direct telnet connection into the cluster. With telnet +connections, the source callsign is not seen by DXSpider, so you will be +asked to login with your callsign. +To telnet to DXSpider, you would connect to a specific port. There is no +standard at the moment for a cluster telnet port but ask the sysop if +you are unsure. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +telnet gb7mbc 8000 +</verb></tscreen> + +All the above are possible ways of connecting to a DXSpider cluster. You +may have some or all of these available to you. There may be one or +two additional ways to connect dependant on the network local to you. +However I am sure you get the idea. + +<sect1>Logouts. + + +Logging out can be done by simply issuing the standard <bf>BYE</bf> +command. + +You could also send a disconnect if you are using AX25, or a <bf>CLOSE</bf> +command if you are connected via telnet. +If you do not log out gracefully using one of the above commands, +you may find you are unable to get a full connect next time. This +may also happen if a NETRom connection drops. You may get connected, +but nothing else will happen because the program thinks you are still +connected and will not let you connect twice under the same call. +However you could reconnect by adding a number to the end of your call, +for example G0YLM2. +This can be done by either altering your MYCALL setting in the TNC or +by altering your program configuration. + + +<sect>Setting your personal details. + + +Once logged in to the cluster, you should set your details so that +anybody who wishes to contact you can find out who and where you are. +There are four items to set, your name, qth, location and home node. +Setting these details also allows the use of the SHOW/HEADING and +SHOW/SUN commands from within the cluster. Unless you set your QTH +and location, these commands cannot function. +Once you have set your name, DXSpider will greet you with it next time +you login. Your QTH setting is where you live and it is a good idea +to add your locator to this as the location setting is converted to +latitude and longitude once inputted. You can actually set your location +in latitude/longitude or as a locator. Setting your home node will +tell the program where you wish mail to be sent to you. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +set/name Ian +set/qth Morecambe, Lancashire IO84NB +set/location 48 34 n 12 12 e +set/qra IO84NB +set/home gb7mbc +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect>Getting and posting DX. + + +When all is said and done, this is the main function of a DX cluster. +In its simplest form you can just connect to the node and you will +start to receive DX spots almost immediately! You can check on +recent postings in either a general manner or on a particular band or +mode. You can even check DX by callsign or a fragment of a callsign. +Of course, once you get the hang of things, it is expected that you +start posting some yourself! After all, there would be no clusters +if people did not post DX and you get the added thrill of the hunt! + +<sect1>Receiving DX. + + +As we have already said, it is possible just to connect to the +cluster and you will receive spots automatically. However, you may +wish to check on spots just posted. Maybe you wish to see if a +particular band is open or if a certain callsign is active, perhaps a +DXpedition. The command to do this is <bf>SHOW/DX</bf>. Without any +other arguments, this command will output the last 10 spots +posted. It is possible to look at more than this, for example the +last 20 or 50 spots, by adding the number to the command. You can +make it even more specific by adding a band in either wavelength or +frequency, and/or any additional information such as QSL details. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx +show/dx 5 +show/dx 20 +</verb></tscreen> + +will show the last 10, 5 and 20 spots received by the cluster +respectively. + +<bf>Examples</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx on 20m +show/dx 10 on 20m +show/dx 20 on 20m +</verb></tscreen> + +will show the last 5, 10 or 20 spots on 20 metres only. + +It is also possible to check for certain callsigns, or fragments of +callsigns in the same way. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx g0vgs +show/dx 10 g0vgs +</verb></tscreen> + +would show the last 5 or 10 dx spots containing the callsign g0vgs. + + +You can check for DX by offset and also by specifying a comment to +search for. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx 30-40 +show/dx 14000-14033 +show/dx iota +</verb></tscreen> + +would show the spots that arrived between 30 and 40 spots ago and any +spots with the word iota in the comment field. The case of +the comment is not important. + +Checking DX posted on a certain day is possible too. All you have +to do here is to specify how many days ago it was like this ... + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx day 30 +</verb></tscreen> + +It is of course possible to specify multiple arguments. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/dx 20 prefix 9a on vhf day 30 +</verb></tscreen> + +This would show the last 20 spots posted by or about calls with the prefix +9a on vhf 30 days ago. + +As you can see the <bf>SHOW/DX</bf> command is very flexible, so if you are +not sure whether something will work or not, try it and see! More +information can be found in the Command Set section. + +<sect1>Posting DX. + + +To post DX you use the <bf>DX</bf> command. The syntax is shown below. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +dx (frequency) (callsign) (remarks) +</verb></tscreen> + +Where frequency is in kilohertz and the callsign is the callsign of +the station you have worked or heard, (ie not your own callsign!). +The remarks section allows you to add information like the operators +name or perhaps a location. Actually DXSpider will allow the frequency +and callsign fields to be entered in any order. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599 +</verb></tscreen> + +In fact, all the following will give the same result... + +<tscreen><verb> +dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599 +dx pa3ezl 14004 OP Aurelio 599 +dx pa3ezl 14.004 OP Aurelio 599 +</verb></tscreen> + +This posting, or callout as it is known, will be forwarded to all +other connected stations both at the cluster you are connected to and +other active clusters in the network. The callout will also be sent +to you as proof of receipt. + +<sect>Headings and propagation + + +There are three commands in DXSpider to help you get the best DX possible. +These are <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf>, <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> and +<bf>SHOW/HEADING</bf>. These commands will only work for you if you +have entered your personal details. They use your entered location as +a reference, so if you have not entered it or have entered it incorrectly +they will not return the correct information. + +<sect1>Sun + + +The <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> command can be used in three different ways. It +can be used to show sunrise and sunset times for your own station, a +particular callsign or a prefix. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/sun +</verb></tscreen> + +The output from this would look something like this .. + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/sun Location Rise Set Azim Elev +G0VGS Morecambe, Lancashire 07:08Z 17:39Z 205.3 24.1 +</verb></tscreen> + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/sun 5b4 +</verb></tscreen> + +would look like this ... + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/sun 5b4 Location Rise Set Azim Elev 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.0 18.8 +</verb></tscreen> + +You can also specify multiple arguments like this ... + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs +</verb></tscreen> + +and then the output would look like this ... + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs +Location Rise Set Azim Elev +GW4VEQ Brungwran, Isle of Anglesey IO 07:14Z 17:48Z 204.9 24.9 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.5 18.3 +ZS So-Africa-ZS1-ZS 04:31Z 17:28Z 289.9 41.3 +ZS So-Africa-ZS5-ZS 03:44Z 16:34Z 278.5 32.0 +ZS So-Africa-ZS6-ZS 03:59Z 16:42Z 277.6 35.0 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>Moon + + +The <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> command works in the same way as the +<bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> command. This program however, calculates the +rise and set times of the moon for a prefix or callsign, together +with the current azimuth and elevation of the sun at these +locations. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/moon ea +</verb></tscreen> + +The output from this command would look like this .. + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/moon ea +Location Rise Set Azim Elev RGain dB +EA Spain-EA 08:15Z 20:09Z 257.2 9.5 -0.6 +</verb></tscreen> + +You can see that the output is similar to the <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> +command, with slightly different fields. + +<sect1>Heading + + +The <bf>SHOW/HEADING</bf> command works in the same way as the +<bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> and <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> commands but outputs beam +headings for a specified callsign or prefix. Reciprocal beam headings +are also calculated. + +<bf>Example</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/heading zl +</verb></tscreen> + +The output from this command would look like this .. + +<tscreen><verb> +sh/heading zl +ZL New-Zealand-ZL1-ZL: 7 degs - dist: 11238 mi, 18087 km Reciprocal heading: 355 degs +ZL New-Zealand-ZL2-ZL: 9 degs - dist: 11540 mi, 18574 km Reciprocal heading: 353 degs +ZL New-Zealand-ZL3-ZL: 19 degs - dist: 11634 mi, 18724 km Reciprocal heading: 345 degs +ZL New-Zealand-ZL4-ZL: 34 degs - dist: 11783 mi, 18963 km Reciprocal heading: 332 degs +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect>Announcements. + +<sect1>Making announcements. + + +Occasionally, you may wish to post something that does not fall into +the normal parameters for a DX callout. You may wish to tell +everybody connected that 10 FM is open for example, or ask if anyone +knows the QSL manager for a certain callsign etc. You can do this +using the <bf>ANNOUNCE</bf> command. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +announce 10 FM is open in IO84NB to europe. +</verb></tscreen> + +That would let everyone know locally that this was the case, however +it would not be forwarded to other nodes connected. To send +announcements to other connected nodes as well, you would use the +<bf>FULL</bf> extension. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +announce full Anyone seen EA7WA today? +</verb></tscreen> + +Be cautious in your use of announce full. There are many other tools +available to get the information you require and the judicious use of +this command is frowned upon as it creates a great deal of traffic +across the network. + +<sect1>Listing announcements. + + +You can list previous announcements in the standard format with the +<bf>SHOW</bf> command. As before you can list just the last 5 or as +many as you wish. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/announcements +show/announcements 10 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect>Nodes and users. + + +You can check which nodes are connected in the network, who is +logged on locally, who is logged on at all the nodes or even +just one node in particular. This is handy if you wish to see whether +a friend is connected at the node they use. To see who is connected +to the nodes, the <bf>SHOW/CONFIGURATION</bf> command is used. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/configuration +show/configuration/nodes +show/configuration (node_call) +show/configuration (prefix) +</verb></tscreen> + +The first of our three examples would output something like this, + +<verb> +sh/c +Node Callsigns +EI5TCR (7 users) +GB7ADX +GB7BAA G4FPV G8TIC +GB7BIG (GD0TEP) GD3UMW +GB7BPQ (G0INA) G0RCI G3AKU G3OCA +(GB7CDX) G3JNB G4ALR +GB7DJK G0FYD G0REK G1TLH G4PEL G4SOZ + G4TVR G7SQW K8AZ M0CTQ-1 MM1CXE-10 + ON7WP +GB7DXA G0RDI G8SJP +GB7DXC (G0HDB) G0WFK (G1FYC) G3KWK G3LME + G3OIL G4BGW G4FUJ (G4PDQ) GW7SMV +GB7DXE G1NNB +(GB7DXG) GU6EFB GU7DHI +GB7DXK G1NTW G3IBI G3NSM G3XAQ G4CUS + G4XQY G7GAN +GB7DXM G1EUC G3GAF G3LAS G4ZTR G8WXU + M0BCT M1EMF +</verb> + +You will notice that EI5TCR is showing only that it has 7 users and not +giving the actual callsigns. This means that this node is on a limited +protocol of some kind, probably because of a contest situation where +slow radio links can block up and fail if too much information is sent +between nodes. + +The second example would just show the nodes connected in the +network, like this, + +<verb> +sh/c/n +Node Callsigns +GB7BAA GB7BAA GB7BPQ (GB7CDX) GB7DJK GB7DXA + GB7DXC GB7DXE (GB7DXG) GB7DXK GB7DXL + GB7DXM GB7DXS GB7IPT GB7MRS GB7UJS + GB7YDX KL7G N2TLY (ON0DXK) +GB7BIG EI5TCR GB7ADX GB7BIG GB7UDX +GB7MBC +PA4AB-14 PA4AB-14 +PI4TUE-8 PI4TUE-8 +</verb> + +If we insert the node_call pi4tue-8 into the third example, then +this would be the output, + +<verb> +Node Callsigns +PI4TUE-8 9A1CMA-6 DF6PW DL4FAY DL4KAK DL4WF-2 + F5NOD-2 F5PAC IZ0CSR N6CR OH2BLD + ON1LVL-13 ON4CBT ON4CJP ON5DXL-14 ON7NQ + PA0RCT PA3DYS PA3FDO PA5KW-4 PI4TUE-9 + YT1XX +</verb> + +As you can see, only the users of the requested node are shown. + +You can also use a prefix to show only a group of nodes. For example +you may only wish to see who is connected to the nodes in the UK. To +do this simply use a prefix like this ... + +<verb> +show/configuration gb7 +</verb> + +To show the locally connected users, the <bf>SHOW/USERS</bf> command is +used + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +show/users +</verb></tscreen> + +The output of this command would look like this, + +<verb> +Callsigns connected to GB7MBC +G0JHC G0NEI G0VGS G0VGS-2 G0YLM +G3JAG G3OWO G3UEU +</verb> + +<sect>Talk mode. + + +You can send a single comment or start a dedicated talk session to +another user by using the <bf>TALK</bf> command. + + +Talk mode is used to send a one line comment or greeting to a +specific user connected either at your node or another in the +network. You can also enter into a dedicated talk session with +another user. Talks will be automatically forwarded to other nodes +if the station you are talking to is not connected locally. +You can find out who is connected by using the +<bf>SHOW/CONFIGURATION</bf> command, (described earlier). + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +talk g0rdi Having a good day Iain? +</verb></tscreen> + +This example would send the line "Having a good day Iain?" to the +user g0rdi but would leave you in normal mode. + +<tscreen><verb> +talk g0rdi +Entering Talkmode, /EX to end, /<cmd> to run a command +Talk (G0RDI)> +</verb></tscreen> + +As you can see, you can still run commands whilst in talk mode. +Simply prefix the command with a / like /sh/dx and you will get +the expected output. +If the user is connected to another node, you may have to use a +slightly extended version of the <bf>TALK</bf> command. + +<tscreen><verb> +talk g0rdi > gb7djk +</verb></tscreen> + +To exit talk mode, you issue the command <bf>/ex</bf>. + +Whilst in talk mode you will still receive DX spots. This means that +you can chat to a friend whilst working DX. + +<sect>Mail. + + +You can send and receive both personal mail and bulletins with DXSpider +quite easily. + +<sect1>The "directory" command. + + +To list mail you would use the <bf>DIRECTORY</bf> command. On its +own, this command will output the last ten messages received by the +node, either to or from yourself or bulletins such as "DX" and "ALL". +As with other commands you can display more by specifying a number +with the command. You should be aware that Spider will accept +these commands by separating with either a slash or a space, so +dir new and dir/new work in the same way. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +directory +directory/20 +directory 20 +</verb></tscreen> + +Of course most of the time you will only want to list new mail sent +to you personally since your last login. However you might also like +to check for general mail received by the node. In fact if there is +new mail for you, the cluster will tell you when you login. You will +also be informed if new mail arrives for you during the time you are +logged in. +Mail is not only sent to callsigns though. Mail can also be sent to +subjects like "all" or "local" or "dx" etc. You can treat these +bulletins in the same way as personal mail with the directory +command. + +<bf>Examples:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +directory/new +directory/own +directory/own/10 +directory/all +directory/from <call> +</verb></tscreen> + +The last option will only show mail from a callsign if it was sent to +you personally or was sent as a bulletin. There are some additional +commands and these can be found in the DXSpider Command Reference section. + +<sect1>Reading mail. + + +The output of the <bf>DIRECTORY</bf> command could be something like +this. + +<verb> +dir + 20735 2 ALL GW7SMV 21-Feb 1204Z REC 9E1S QSL TDY 50Mhz.... + 20823 308 UK G0HDB 22-Feb 2334Z Help - which district code? + 20824 105 ALL W9AE 23-Feb 0349Z S0NY QSL address? + 20825 2 UK G0LRJ 23-Feb 0806Z QSL REC LZ2CJ/1.CARD NO-750. + 20858 2 ALL GW7SMV 24-Feb 0905Z REC S92DX QSL CARD TDY 50Mhz + 20921 200 ALL GM4FDM 27-Feb 2203Z Trip to VP8 + 20949 375 ALL K0MN 27-Feb 0428Z ST0P cards are gd @ ARRL + 20950 2 UK G0LRJ 28-Feb 0835Z QSL REC SV9/IZ0CKJ/P EU-187. + 20987 569 ALL GD0TEP 1-Mar 1733Z Portable contests + 21076 2 ALL G4AFJ 3-Mar 1743Z kh6nd/kh5 qsl received + 21184-p 599 GW4HAT G0VGS 4-Mar 1518Z Re: Time +</verb> + +The first column is the actual message number. If the message is a +personal one to you, you will see a letter 'p' after this number. If +the message has been read, there will be a '-' between the message +number and the 'p'. This only works for personal messages. The next +column shows the file size of the message. The third column shows the +address the message was sent to and the next column shows who sent it. +The rest is fairly self-explanatory. + +Reading a message is as simple as typing read, followed by the +message number that you wish to read. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +read 25 +</verb></tscreen> + +will read message number 25. However the mail will be displayed in it's +entirety unless you specify a page length. You can set your page length +to any number you like and when the message reaches that number of lines +you will get a prompt giving you options. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +set/page 20 +</verb></tscreen> + + +<sect1>Sending mail. + + +Sending mail is done in the time honoured way. First you specify +a recipient for the message, then you will be prompted for a subject. +Once you have done this you will be asked to type your message. +Please remember that there is no automatic word wrap, so unless you +are using a client that wraps lines automatically, remember to hit +return at the end of each line. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +send m0azm +Enter Subject (30 characters): +See you Thursday +Enter Message /EX to send or /ABORT to exit +Hi Ian, +Just a quick note to say that I can make Thursday after all. The +appointment I had has cancelled so we are go! +Cheers +Ian +</verb></tscreen> + +At this point you can either hit return and enter /ex to send the +message or use /abort at any time to abort it. You can now display +the message in the normal way. There are several send options and +these are listed in the Command Set section. These include sending +mail to several recipients and asking for a return receipt. + + +<sect1>Replying to mail. + + +If mail is addressed to you or to a bulletin address, you can use the +<bf>REPLY</bf> command to reply to it. Using this command, the +subject will be automatically set for you as "Re: subject", whatever +the subject was. + +<bf>Example:</bf> + +<tscreen><verb> +reply 2500 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>Deleting mail + +To delete a message, you use the delete command. +You can only delete messages sent to or received by yourself. +Bulletins are dealt with automatically or by the sysop. + +<sect>Filtering (From version 1.45) + +<sect1>General filter rules + + +Upto v1.44 it was not possible for the user to set their own filters. From +v1.45 though that has all changed. It is now possible to set filters for just +about anything you wish. If you have just updated from an older version of +DXSpider you will need to update your new filters. You do not need to do +anything with your old filters, they will be renamed as you update. + + +There are 3 basic commands involved in setting and manipulating filters. These +are accept, reject and clear. First we will look +generally at filtering. There are a number of things you can filter in the +DXSpider system. They all use the same general mechanism. + + +In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which can have +up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example ... + +<tscreen><verb> +accept/spots ..... +reject/spots ..... +</verb></tscreen> + +where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There are +filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops) connects. See each +different accept or reject command reference for more details. + +There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter. They are ... + +<tscreen><verb> +clear/spots 1 +clear/spots all +</verb></tscreen> + +There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter. + + +and you can check that your filters have worked by the command ... + +<tscreen><verb> +show/filter +</verb></tscreen> + + +For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply the same +principles to all types of filter. + +<sect1>Types of filter + + +There are two main types of filter, accept or reject. You +can use either to achieve the result you want dependent on your own preference +and which is more simple to do. It is pointless writing 8 lines of reject +filters when 1 accept filter would do the same thing! Each filter has 10 +lines (of any length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the +action you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept +means take it) + + +If you specify reject filters, then any lines that arrive that match the filter +will be dumped but all else will be accepted. If you use an accept filter, +then ONLY the lines in the filter will be accepted and all else will be dumped. +For example if you have a single line accept filter ... + +<tscreen><verb> +accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +then you will ONLY get VHF spots from or to CQ zones +14, 15 and 16. + + +If you set a reject filter like this ... + +<tscreen><verb> +reject/spots on hf/cw +</verb></tscreen> + +Then you will get everything EXCEPT HF CW spots. You could make this +single filter even more flexible. For example, if you are interested in IOTA +and will work it even on CW even though normally you are not interested in +CW, then you could say ... + +<tscreen><verb> +reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota +</verb></tscreen> + +But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:- + +<tscreen><verb> +accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota +</verb></tscreen> + +which achieves exactly the same thing. You should choose one or the other +until you are comfortable with the way it works. You can mix them if you +wish (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but +don't attempt this until you are sure you know what you are doing! + + +You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your own +understanding or simply convenience. Here is an example ... + +<tscreen><verb> +reject/spots 1 on hf/cw +reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots and also rejects any spots on VHF +which don't either originate or spot someone in Europe. + + +This is an example where you would use a line number (1 and 2 in this case), if +you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits '0'-'9' are available. +This make it easier to see just what filters you have set. It also makes it +more simple to remove individual filters, during a contest for example. + + +You will notice in the above example that the second line has brackets. Look +at the line logically. You can see there are 2 separate sections to it. We +are saying reject spots that are VHF or above APART from those in +zones 14, 15 and 16 (either spotted there or originated there). If you did +not have the brackets to separate the 2 sections, then Spider would read it +logically from the front and see a different expression entirely ... + +<tscreen><verb> +(on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16 +</verb></tscreen> + +The simple way to remember this is, if you use OR - use brackets. Whilst we are +here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is just the same as 'and by_zone'. + +As mentioned earlier, setting several filters can be more flexible than +simply setting one complex one. Doing it in this way means that if you want +to alter your filter you can just redefine or remove one or more lines of it or +one line. For example ... + +<tscreen><verb> +reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb +</verb></tscreen> + +would redefine our earlier example, or + +<tscreen><verb> +clear/spots 1 +</verb></tscreen> + +To remove all the filter lines in the spot filter ... + +<tscreen><verb> +clear/spots all +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>Filter options + + +You can filter in several different ways. The options are listed in the +various helpfiles for accept, reject and filter. + +<sect1>Advanced filtering + + +Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to experiment. + + +The previous example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU +can be written with a mixed filter, for example ... + +<tscreen><verb> +rej/spot on hf/cw +acc/spot on 0/30000 +acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +Note that the first filter has not been specified with a number. This +will automatically be assumed to be number 1. In this case, we have +said reject all HF spots in the CW section of the bands but accept +all others at HF. Also accept anything in VHF and above spotted in or +by operators in the zones 14, 15 and 16. Each filter slot actually +has a 'reject' slot and an 'accept' slot. The reject slot is executed +BEFORE the accept slot. + + +It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match, the +default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for 'accept'. +In the example what happens is that the reject is executed first, any non +hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets through everything +else on HF. The next filter line lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU. + + +<sect>Hints, tips and common questions. + + +<bf/Q./These commands seem very long! Can I shorten them? + +<bf/A./Of course you can and the usual abbreviations work. If you +are unsure, try it. + +<bf/Q./I am not sure if this command is correct. Can I cause any +harm if I try it? + +<bf/A./Do not be afraid to try a command to see if it will work, +at the worst you will get an error message. If you require any +help on a command, just type help followed by the command you +want help on. Look at the "DXSpider Command Reference" section to see +what help can be found. + +<bf/Q./How should I use the announce command? + +<bf/A./With respect. Use the command by all means, but please +only use the "full" extension if absolutely necessary. It can +create a LOT of messages passing between clusters. + +<bf/Q./I like to be working in the shack while logged into the +cluster but I can't be looking at the screen all the time. How +can I be alerted when anything happens? + +<bf/A./Use the <bf>SET/BEEP</bf> command. You can find information +on this in the "DXSpider Command Reference" section. + +<bf/Q./I keep getting disconnected from the cluster, what is +happening and how can I stop it? + +<bf/Q./I got disconnected from the cluster and now I can't log +back in again. What is wrong? + +<bf/A./Probably the cluster thinks you are still logged on and +will not let you reconnect using the same call to prevent loops. +Try logging on again adding an ssid to your callsign as DXSpider +treats G0YLM and G0YLM-1 as different users. + +<bf/Q./I notice that all the commands are shown in lower case in +the main section of this manual, but in upper case in the "DXSpider +Command Reference" section. Why is that? + +<bf/Q./How do I know if I have got the latest version of this +user manual? + +<bf/A./The latest and greatest will always be on the Website. It will +also be included with every release of DXSpider. As always, if unsure, +ask your sysop what version number is the latest. + +<sect>The DXSpider command reference + + +Below is a complete list of commands available from the cluster prompt. +These are listed below in alphabetical order. + +<sect1>accept/announce + + +<tt> +<bf>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept filter + line for announce +</tt> + + +Create an 'accept this announce' line for a filter. + +An accept filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. + +You can use any of the following things in this line:- + +<tscreen><verb> + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + wx 1 filter WX announces + dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros) +</verb></tscreen> + +some examples:- + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/ann dest 6MUK + acc/ann 2 by_zone 14,15,16 + (this could be all on one line: acc/ann dest 6MUK or by_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +or + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/ann by G,M,2 +</verb></tscreen> + +This filter would only allow announces that were posted buy UK stations. +You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg: + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/ann all +</verb></tscreen> + +but this probably for advanced users... + +<sect1>accept/spots + + +<tt> +<bf>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept filter +line for spots +</tt> + + +Create an 'accept this spot' line for a filter. + + +An accept filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. + +You can use any of the following things in this line:- + +<tscreen><verb> + freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m + on <range> same as 'freq' + call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9 + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> + call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + call_itu <numbers> + call_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + origin <prefixes> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + + +For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in +SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb - +thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 - +this is more efficient than saying simply: freq HF (but don't get +too hung up about that) + +some examples:- + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/spot 1 on hf/cw + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything, eg: + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/spot 3 all +</verb></tscreen> + +but this probably for advanced users... + +<sect1>accept/wcy + + +<tt> +<bf>accept/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> set an accept WCY filter +</tt> + + +It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- + +<tscreen><verb> + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + + +There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and +you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them). + +This command is really provided for future use. + +See HELP FILTER for information. + +<sect1>accept/wwv + + +<tt> +<bf>accept/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept WWV filter +</tt> + + +It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- + +<tscreen><verb> + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + +for example + +<tscreen><verb> + accept/wwv by_zone 4 +</verb></tscreen> + +is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts +by stations in the US). + +See HELP FILTER for information. + +<sect1>announce + + +<tt> +<bf>announce <text></bf> Send an announcement to local users +</tt> + + +Send an announcement to LOCAL users only, where <text> is the text +of the announcement you wish to broadcast + +<sect1>announce full + + +<tt> +<bf>announce full <text></bf> Send an announcement cluster wide +</tt> + + +This command will send your announcement across the whole cluster +network. + +<sect1>apropos + + +<tt> +<bf>apropos <string></bf> Search the help database +</tt> + + +Search the help database for <string> (it isn't case sensitive), +and print the names of all the commands that may be relevant. + +<sect1>bye + + +<tt> +<bf>bye</bf> Exit from the cluster +</tt> + + +This will disconnect you from the cluster + +<sect1>clear/spots + + +<tt> +<bf>clear/spots [1|all]</bf> Clear a spot filter line +</tt> + + +This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a spot filter or to +remove the whole filter. + +If you have a filter:- + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/spot 1 on hf/cw + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +and you say:- + +<tscreen><verb> + clear/spot 1 +</verb></tscreen> + +you will be left with:- + +<tscreen><verb> + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +If you do: + +<tscreen><verb> + clear/spot all +</verb></tscreen> + +the filter will be completely removed. + +<sect1>dbavail + + +<tt> +<bf>dbavail</bf> Show a list of all the databases in the system +</tt> + + +The title says it all really, this command lists all the databases defined +in the system. It is also aliased to SHOW/COMMAND. + +<sect1>dbshow + + +<tt> +<bf>dbshow <dbname> <key></bf> Display an entry, if it exists, +in a database +</tt> + + +This is the generic user interface to the database to the database system. +It is expected that the sysop will add an entry to the local Aliases file +so that users can use the more familiar AK1A style of enquiry such as: + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/BUCK G1TLH +</verb></tscreen> + +but if he hasn't and the database really does exist (use DBAVAIL or +SHOW/COMMAND to find out) you can do the same thing with: + +<tscreen><verb> + DBSHOW buck G1TLH +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>directory + + +<tt> +<bf>directory</bf> List messages<newline> +<bf>directory all</bf> List all messages<newline> +<bf>directory own</bf> List your own messages<newline> +<bf>directory new</bf> List all new messages<newline> +<bf>directory to <call></bf> List all messages to <call><newline> +<bf>directory from <call></bf> List all messages from <call><newline> +<bf>directory subject <string></bf> List all messages with <string> +in subject<newline> +<bf>directory <nn></bf> List last <nn> messages<newline> +<bf>directory <from>-<to></bf> List messages <from> message <to> message <newline> +</tt> + + +List the messages in the messages directory. + +If there is a 'p' one space after the message number then it is a +personal message. If there is a '-' between the message number and the +'p' then this indicates that the message has been read. + +You can use shell escape characters such as '*' and '?' in the <call> +fields. + +You can combine some of the various directory commands together eg:- + +<tscreen><verb> + DIR TO G1TLH 5 +or + DIR SUBJECT IOTA 200-250 +</verb></tscreen> + +You can abbreviate all the commands to one letter and use ak1a syntax:- + +<tscreen><verb> + DIR/T G1* 10 + DIR/S QSL 10-100 5 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>dx + + +<tt> +<bf>dx [by <call>] <freq> <call> <remarks></bf> Send a DX spot +</tt> + + +This is how you send a DX Spot to other users. You can, in fact, now +enter the <freq> and the <call> either way round. + +<tscreen><verb> + DX FR0G 144.600 + DX 144.600 FR0G + DX 144600 FR0G +</verb></tscreen> + +will all give the same result. You can add some remarks to the end +of the command and they will be added to the spot. + +<tscreen><verb> + DX FR0G 144600 this is a test +</verb></tscreen> + +You can credit someone else by saying:- + +<tscreen><verb> + DX by G1TLH FR0G 144.600 he isn't on the cluster +</verb></tscreen> + +The <freq> is compared against the available bands set up in the +cluster. See SHOW/BANDS for more information. + +<sect1>help + + +<tt> +<bf>help <cmd></bf> Get help on a command +</tt> + + +All commands can be abbreviated, so SHOW/DX can be abbreviated +to SH/DX, ANNOUNCE can be shortened to AN and so on. + +Look at the APROPOS <string> command which will search the help database +for the <string> you specify and give you a list of likely commands +to look at with HELP. + +<sect1>kill + + +<tt> +<bf>kill <msgno> [<msgno> ..]</bf> Delete a message +from the local system +</tt> + + +Delete a message from the local system. You will only be able to +delete messages that you have originated or been sent (unless you are +the sysop). + +<sect1>links + + +<tt> +<bf>links</bf> Show which nodes are physically connected +</tt> + + +This is a quick listing that shows which links are connected and +some information about them. See WHO for a list of all connections. + +<sect1>read + + +<tt> +<bf>read</bf> Read the next unread personal message addressed to you<newline> +<bf>read <msgno></bf> Read the specified message<newline> +</tt> + + +You can read any messages that are sent as 'non-personal' and also any +message either sent by or sent to your callsign. + +<sect1>reject/announce + + +<tt> +<bf>reject/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject filter +for announce +</tt> + + +Create an 'reject this announce' line for a filter. + +An reject filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is +passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. + +You can use any of the following things in this line:- + +<tscreen><verb> + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + wx 1 filter WX announces + dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros) +</verb></tscreen> + +some examples:- + +<tscreen><verb> + rej/ann by_zone 14,15,16 and not by G,M,2 +</verb></tscreen> + +You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg: + +<tscreen><verb> + rej/ann all +</verb></tscreen> + +but this probably for advanced users... + +<sect1>reject/spots + + +<tt> +<bf>reject/spots [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject filter +line for spots +</tt> + + +Create a 'reject this spot' line for a filter. + +A reject filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is +dumped (not passed on). See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this +to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. + +You can use any of the following things in this line:- + +<tscreen><verb> + freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m + on <range> same as 'freq' + call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9 + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> + call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + call_itu <numbers> + call_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + origin <prefixes> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + +For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in +SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb - +thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 - +this is more efficient than saying simply: on HF (but don't get +too hung up about that) + +some examples:- + +<tscreen><verb> + rej/spot 1 on hf + rej/spot 2 on vhf and not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) +</verb></tscreen> + +You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg: + +<tscreen><verb> + rej/spot 3 all +</verb></tscreen> + +but this probably for advanced users... + +<sect1>reject/wcy + + +<tt> +<bf>reject/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject WCY filter +</tt> + + +It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- + +<tscreen><verb> + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + +There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and +you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them). + +This command is really provided for future use. + +See HELP FILTER for information. + +<sect1>reject/wwv + + +<tt> +<bf>reject/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject WWV filter +</tt> + + +It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can +filter on the following fields:- + +<tscreen><verb> + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> +</verb></tscreen> + +for example + +<tscreen><verb> + reject/wwv by_zone 14,15,16 +</verb></tscreen> + +is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts +by stations in the US). + +See HELP FILTER for information. + +<sect1>reply + + +<tt> +<bf>reply</bf> Reply (privately) to the last message that you have read<newline> +<bf>reply <msgno></bf> Reply (privately) to the specified message<newline> +<bf>reply B <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message<newline> +<bf>reply NOPrivate <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified +message<newline> +<bf>reply RR <msgno></bf> Reply to the specified message with read +receipt<newline> +</tt> + + +You can reply to a message and the subject will automatically have +"Re:" inserted in front of it, if it isn't already present. + +You can also use all the extra qualifiers such as RR, PRIVATE, +NOPRIVATE, B that you can use with the SEND command (see SEND +for further details) + +<sect1>send + + +<tt> +<bf>send <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Send a message to +one or more callsigns<newline> +<bf>send RR <call></bf> Send a message and ask for a read receipt<newline> +<bf>send COPY <msgno> <call></bf> Send a copy of a message +to someone<newline> +<bf>send PRIVATE <call></bf> Send a personal message<newline> +<bf>send NOPRIVATE <call></bf> Send a message to all stations<newline> +</tt> + + +All the SEND commands will create a message which will be sent either to +an individual callsign or to one of the 'bulletin' addresses. + +SEND <call> on its own acts as though you had typed SEND PRIVATE, that is +it will mark the message as personal and send it to the cluster node that +that callsign is connected to. + +You can have more than one callsign in all of the SEND commands. + +You can have multiple qualifiers so that you can have for example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SEND RR COPY 123 PRIVATE G1TLH G0RDI +</verb></tscreen> + +which should send a copy of message 123 to G1TLH and G0RDI and you will +receive a read receipt when they have read the message. + +SB is an alias for SEND NOPRIVATE (or send a bulletin in BBS speak) +SP is an alias for SEND PRIVATE + +<sect1>set/address + + +<tt> +<bf>set/address <your_address></bf> Record your postal address +</tt> + + +Literally, record your address details on the cluster. + +<sect1>set/announce + + +<tt> +<bf>set/announce</bf> Allow announce messages +</tt> + + +Allow announce messages to arrive at your terminal. + +<sect1>set/beep + + +<tt> +<bf>set/beep</bf> Add beeps to terminal messages +</tt> + + +Add a beep to DX and other terminal messages. + +<sect1>set/dx + + +<tt> +<bf>set/dx</bf>Allow DX messages to arrive at your terminal +</tt> + + +You can stop DX messages with the unset/dx command + +<sect1>set/dxgrid + + +<tt> +<bf>set/dxgrid</bf>Allow grid squares on the end of DX messages +</tt> + + +Some logging programs do not like the additional information at +the end of a DX spot. If this is the case, use the unset/dxgrid +command to remove the grid squares. + +<sect1>set/echo + + +<tt> +<bf>set/echo</bf> Make the cluster echo your input +</tt> + + +If you are connected via a telnet session, different implimentations +of telnet handle echo differently depending on whether you are +connected via port 23 or some other port. You can use this command +to change the setting appropriately. + +You can remove the echo with the unset/echo command + +The setting is stored in your user profile. + +YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE THIS COMMAND IF YOU ARE CONNECTED VIA AX25. + +<sect1>set/here + + +<tt> +<bf>set/here</bf> Set the here flag +</tt> + + +Let others on the cluster know you are here by only displaying your +callsign. If you are away from your terminal you can use the unset/here +command to let people know you are away. This simply puts brackets +around your callsign to indicate you are not available. + +<sect1>set/homenode + + +<tt> +<bf>set/homenode <node_call></bf> Set your home cluster +</tt> + + +Tell the cluster system where you normally connect to. Any Messages sent +to you will normally find their way there should you not be connected. +eg:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SET/HOMENODE gb7djk +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>set/language + + +<tt> +<bf>set/language <language></bf> Set the language you wish to use +</tt> + + +You can select the language that you want the cluster to use. Currently +the languages available are en (English) sp (Spanish) +and nl (Dutch). + +<sect1>set/location + + +<tt> +<bf>set/location <lat and long></bf> Set your latitude and longitude +</tt> + + +You can set your latitude and longitude manually or alternatively use the +set/qra command which will do the conversion for you. + +<tscreen><verb> + set/location 54 04 N 2 02 E +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>set/logininfo + + +<tt> +<bf>set/logininfo</bf> Show logins and logouts of nodes and users +</tt> + + +Show users and nodes when they log in and out of the local cluster. You +can stop these messages by using the unset/logininfo command. + +<sect1>set/name + + +<tt> +<bf>set/name <your_name></bf> Set your name +</tt> + + +Tell the cluster what your name is, eg:- + +<tscreen><verb> + set/name Dirk +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>set/page + + +<tt> +<bf>set/page <n></bf> Set the number of lines per page +</tt> + + +Tell the system how many lines you wish on a page when the number of lines +of output from a command is more than this. The default is 20. Setting it +explicitly to 0 will disable paging. + +<tscreen><verb> + SET/PAGE 30 + SET/PAGE 0 +</verb></tscreen> + +The setting is stored in your user profile. + +<sect1>set/qra + + +<tt> +<bf>set/qra <locator></bf> Set your QRA locator +</tt> + + +Tell the system what your QRA (or Maidenhead) locator is. If you have not +done a SET/LOCATION then your latitude and longitude will be set roughly +correctly (assuming your locator is correct ;-). For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SET/QRA JO02LQ +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>set/qth + + +<tt> +<bf>set/qth <your QTH></bf> Set your QTH +</tt> + + +Tell the system where your are. For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + set/qth East Dereham, Norfolk +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>set/talk + + +<tt> +<bf>set/talk</bf> Allow talk messages to be seen at your console +</tt> + + +Allow talk messages to arrive at your console. You can switch off +talks with the unset/talk command. + +<sect1>set/wcy + + +<tt> +<bf>set/wcy</bf> Allow WCY messages to be seen at your console +</tt> + + +Allow WCY information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WCY messages with the unset/wcy command. + +<sect1>set/wwv + + +<tt> +<bf>set/wwv</bf> Allow WWV messages to be seen at your console +</tt> + + +Allow WWV information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WWV messages with the unset/wwv command. + +<sect1>set/wx + + +<tt> +<bf>set/wx</bf> Allow WX messages to be seen at your console +</tt> + + +Allow WX information to be seen at your console. You can switch off +WX messages with the unset/wx command. + +<sect1>show/date + + +<tt> +<bf>show/date [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show +the local time +</tt> + + +This is very nearly the same as SHOW/TIME, the only difference the format +of the date string if no arguments are given. + +If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local +time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes +then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at +the prefixes or callsigns that you specify. + +<sect1>show/dx + + +<tt> +<bf>show/dx [options]</bf> interrogate the spot database +</tt> + + +If you just type SHOW/DX you will get the last so many spots +(sysop configurable, but usually 10). + +In addition you can add any number of these options in very nearly +any order to the basic SHOW/DX command, they are:- + +<tscreen><verb> +on <band> - eg 160m 20m 2m 23cm 6mm +on <region> - eg hf vhf uhf shf (see SHOW/BANDS) + +<number> - the number of spots you want +<from>-<to> - <from> spot no <to> spot no in + the selected list + +<prefix> - for a spotted callsign beginning with <prefix> +*<suffix> - for a spotted callsign ending in <suffix> +*<string>* - for a spotted callsign containing <string> + +day <number> - starting <number> days ago +day <from>-<to> - <from> days <to> days ago + +info <text> - any spots containing <text> in the info or remarks + +by <call> - any spots spotted by <call> (spotter <call> + is the same). + +qsl - this automatically looks for any qsl info on the call + held in the spot database. + +iota [<iota>] - If the iota island number is missing it will + look for the string iota and anything which looks like + an iota island number. If you specify then it will look + for that island. + +qra [<locator>] - this will look for the specific locator if + you specify one or else anything that looks like a locator. +</verb></tscreen> + +e.g. + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/DX 9m0 + SH/DX on 20m info iota + SH/DX 9a on vhf day 30 + SH/DX rf1p qsl + SH/DX iota + SH/DX iota eu-064 + SH/DX qra jn86 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/dxcc + + +<tt> +<bf>show/dxcc <prefix></bf> Interrogate the spot database by country +</tt> + + +This command takes the <prefix> (which can be a full or partial +callsign if desired), looks up which internal country number it is +and then displays all the spots as per SH/DX for that country. + +The options for SHOW/DX also apply to this command. +e.g. + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/DXCC G + SH/DXCC W on 20m info iota +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/files + + +<tt> +<bf>show/files [<filearea> [<string>]]</bf> List +the contents of a filearea +</tt> + + +SHOW/FILES on its own will show you a list of the various fileareas +available on the system. To see the contents of a particular file +area type:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/FILES <filearea> +</verb></tscreen> + +where <filearea> is the name of the filearea you want to see the +contents of. + +You can also use shell globbing characters like '*' and '?' in a +string to see a selection of files in a filearea eg:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/FILES bulletins arld* +</verb></tscreen> + +See also TYPE - to see the contents of a file. + +<sect1>show/filter + + +<tt> +<bf>show/filter</bf> Show the filters you have set +</tt> + + +Show the contents of all the filters that are set by you. This command +displays all the filters set - for all the various categories. + +<sect1>show/moon + + +<tt> +<bf>show/moon [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show moon +rise and set times +</tt> + + +Show the Moon rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns, +together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those +locations. + +If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for +your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA), +together with the current azimuth and elevation. + +In addition, it will show the gain or loss dB relative to the nominal +distance of 385,000Km due to the ellipsoidal nature of the orbit. + +If all else fails it will show the Moonrise and set times for the node +that you are connected to. + +For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/MOON + SH/MOON G1TLH W5UN +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/muf + + +<tt> +<bf>show/muf <prefix> [<hours>][long]</bf> Show +the likely propagation to <prefix> +</tt> + + +This command allow you to estimate the likelihood of you contacting +a station with the prefix you have specified. The output assumes a modest +power of 20dBW and receiver sensitivity of -123dBm (about 0.15muV/10dB SINAD) + +The result predicts the most likely operating frequencies and signal +levels for high frequency (shortwave) radio propagation paths on +specified days of the year and hours of the day. It is most useful for +paths between 250 km and 6000 km, but can be used with reduced accuracy +for paths shorter or longer than this. + +The command uses a routine MINIMUF 3.5 developed by the U.S. Navy and +used to predict the MUF given the predicted flux, day of the year, +hour of the day and geographic coordinates of the transmitter and +receiver. This routine is reasonably accurate for the purposes here, +with a claimed RMS error of 3.8 MHz, but much smaller and less complex +than the programs used by major shortwave broadcasting organizations, +such as the Voice of America. + +The command will display some header information detailing its +assumptions, together with the locations, latitude and longitudes and +bearings. It will then show UTC (UT), local time at the other end +(LT), calculate the MUFs, Sun zenith angle at the midpoint of the path +(Zen) and the likely signal strengths. Then for each frequency for which +the system thinks there is a likelihood of a circuit it prints a value. + +The value is currently a likely S meter reading based on the conventional +6dB / S point scale. If the value has a '+' appended it means that it is +1/2 an S point stronger. If the value is preceeded by an 'm' it means that +there is likely to be much fading and by an 's' that the signal is likely +to be noisy. + +By default SHOW/MUF will show the next two hours worth of data. You +can specify anything up to 24 hours worth of data by appending the no of +hours required after the prefix. For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/MUF W +</verb></tscreen> + +produces: + +<tscreen><verb> + RxSens: -123 dBM SFI: 159 R: 193 Month: 10 Day: 21 + Power : 20 dBW Distance: 6283 km Delay: 22.4 ms + Location Lat / Long Azim + East Dereham, Norfolk 52 41 N 0 57 E 47 + United-States-W 43 0 N 87 54 W 299 + UT LT MUF Zen 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.1 14.0 18.1 21.0 24.9 28.0 50.0 + 18 23 11.5 -35 mS0+ mS2 S3 + 19 0 11.2 -41 mS0+ mS2 S3 +</verb></tscreen> + +indicating that you will have weak, fading circuits on top band and +80m but usable signals on 40m (about S3). + +inputing:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/MUF W 24 +</verb></tscreen> + +will get you the above display, but with the next 24 hours worth of +propagation data. + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/MUF W L 24 + SH/MUF W 24 Long +</verb></tscreen> + +Gives you an estimate of the long path propagation characterics. It +should be noted that the figures will probably not be very useful, nor +terrible accurate, but it is included for completeness. + +<sect1>show/prefix + + +<tt> +<bf>show/prefix <callsign></bf> Interrogate the prefix database +</tt> + + +This command takes the <callsign> (which can be a full or partial +callsign or a prefix), looks up which internal country number +it is and then displays all the relevant prefixes for that country +together with the internal country no, the CQ and ITU regions. + +See also SHOW/DXCC + +<sect1>show/qra + + +<tt> +<bf>show/qra <locator> [<locator>]</bf> Show the distance +between locators<newline> +<bf>show/qra <lat> <long></bf> Convert latitude and longitude to +a locator +</tt> + + +This is a multipurpose command that allows you either to calculate the +distance and bearing between two locators or (if only one locator is +given on the command line) the distance and beraing from your station +to the locator. For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> +SH/QRA IO92QL +SH/QRA JN06 IN73 +</verb></tscreen> + +The first example will show the distance and bearing to the locator from +yourself, the second example will calculate the distance and bearing from +the first locator to the second. You can use 4 or 6 character locators. + +It is also possible to convert a latitude and longitude to a locator by +using this command with a latitude and longitude as an argument, for +example:- + +<tscreen><verb> +SH/QRA 52 41 N 0 58 E +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/qrz + + +<tt> +<bf>show/qrz <callsign></bf> Show any callbook details on a callsign +</tt> + + +This command queries the QRZ callbook server on the internet +and returns any information available for that callsign. This service +is provided for users of this software by http://www.qrz.com + +<sect1>show/route + + +<tt> +<bf>show/route <callsign></bf> Show the route to <callsign> +</tt> + + +This command allows you to see to which node the callsigns specified are +connected. It is a sort of inverse sh/config. + +<tscreen><verb> + sh/route n2tly +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/satellite + + +<tt> +<bf>show/satellite <name> [<hours> <interval>]</bf> +Show satellite tracking data +</tt> + + +Show the tracking data from your location to the satellite of your choice +from now on for the next few hours. + +If you use this command without a satellite name it will display a list +of all the satellites known currently to the system. + +If you give a name then you can obtain tracking data of all the passes +that start and finish 5 degrees below the horizon. As default it will +give information for the next three hours for every five minute period. + +You can alter the number of hours and the step size, within certain +limits. + +Each pass in a period is separated with a row of '-----' characters + +So for example:- + +<tscreen><verb> +SH/SAT AO-10 +SH/SAT FENGYUN1 12 2 +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/sun + + +<tt> +<bf>show/sun [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show +sun rise and set times +</tt> + + +Show the sun rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns, +together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those +locations. + +If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for +your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA), +together with the current azimuth and elevation. + +If all else fails it will show the sunrise and set times for the node +that you are connected to. + +For example:- + +<tscreen><verb> + SH/SUN + SH/SUN G1TLH K9CW ZS +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>show/time + + +<tt> +<bf>show/time [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show +the local time +</tt> + + +If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local +time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes +then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at +the prefixes or callsigns that you specify. + +<sect1>show/wcy + + +<tt> +<bf>show/wcy</bf> Show the last 10 WCY broadcasts<newline> +<bf>show/wcy <n></bf> Show the last <n> WCY broadcasts +</tt> + + +Display the most recent WCY information that has been received by the system + +<sect1>show/wwv + + +<tt> +<bf>show/wwv</bf> Show the last 10 WWV broadcasts<newline> +<bf>show/wwv <n></bf> Show the last <n> WWV broadcasts +</tt> + + +Display the most recent WWV information that has been received by the system + +<sect1>sysop + + +<tt> +<bf>sysop</bf> Regain your privileges if you login remotely +</tt> + + +The system automatically reduces your privilege level to that of a +normal user if you login in remotely. This command allows you to +regain your normal privilege level. It uses the normal system: five +numbers are returned that are indexes into the character array that is +your assigned password (see SET/PASSWORD). The indexes start from +zero. + +You are expected to return a string which contains the characters +required in the correct order. You may intersperse those characters +with others to obscure your reply for any watchers. For example (and +these values are for explanation :-): + +<tscreen><verb> + password = 012345678901234567890123456789 + > sysop + 22 10 15 17 3 +</verb></tscreen> + +you type:- + +<tscreen><verb> + aa2bbbb0ccc5ddd7xxx3n + or 2 0 5 7 3 + or 20573 +</verb></tscreen> + +They will all match. If there is no password you will still be offered +numbers but nothing will happen when you input a string. Any match is +case sensitive. + +<sect1>talk + + +<tt> +<bf>talk <callsign></bf> Enter talk mode with <callsign><newline> +<bf>talk <callsign> <text></bf> Send a text message to <callsign><newline> +<bf>talk <callsign> > <node_call> [<text>]</bf> +Send a text message to <callsign> via <node_call> +</tt> + + +Send a short message to any other station that is visible on the cluster +system. You can send it to anyone you can see with a SHOW/CONFIGURATION +command, they don't have to be connected locally. + +The second form of TALK is used when other cluster nodes are connected +with restricted information. This usually means that they don't send +the user information usually associated with logging on and off the cluster. + +If you know that G3JNB is likely to be present on GB7TLH, but you can only +see GB7TLH in the SH/C list but with no users, then you would use the +second form of the talk message. + +If you want to have a ragchew with someone you can leave the text message +out and the system will go into 'Talk' mode. What this means is that a +short message is sent to the recipient telling them that you are in a 'Talking' +frame of mind and then you just type - everything you send will go to the +station that you asked for. + +All the usual announcements, spots and so on will still come out on your +terminal. + +If you want to do something (such as send a spot) you precede the normal +command with a '/' character, eg:- + +<tscreen><verb> + /DX 14001 G1TLH What's a B class licensee doing on 20m CW? + /HELP talk +</verb></tscreen> + +To leave talk mode type: + +<tscreen><verb> + /EX +</verb></tscreen> + +<sect1>type + + +<tt> +<bf>type <filearea>/<name></bf> Look at a file in one of the fileareas +</tt> + + +Type out the contents of a file in a filearea. So, for example, in +filearea 'bulletins' you want to look at file 'arld051' you would +enter:- + +<tscreen><verb> + TYPE bulletins/arld051 +</verb></tscreen> + +See also SHOW/FILES to see what fileareas are available and a +list of content. + +<sect1>who + + +<tt> +<bf>who</bf> Show who is physically connected locally +</tt> + + +This is a quick listing that shows which callsigns are connected and +what sort of connection they have + +<sect1>wx + + +<tt> +<bf>wx <text></bf> Send a weather message to local users<newline> +<bf>wx full <text> </bf> Send a weather message to all cluster users +</tt> + + +Weather messages can sometimes be useful if you are experiencing an extreme +that may indicate enhanced conditions + +</article> diff --git a/txt/adminmanual.txt b/txt/adminmanual.txt index de47e0af..00cb98f7 100644 --- a/txt/adminmanual.txt +++ b/txt/adminmanual.txt @@ -988,6 +988,18 @@ + This line works fine for RedHat and SuSE distributions. The line + required for Slackware distributions is slightly different. My thanks + to Aurelio, PA3EZL for this information. + + + + DX:23:respawn:/bin/su - sysop -c "/usr/bin/perl -w /spider/perl/cluster.pl" >/dev/tty7 + + + + + This will automatically start DXSpider on tty7 (ALT-F7) on bootup and restart it should it crash for any reason. @@ -1048,61 +1060,55 @@ + # + # hop table construction + # + package DXProt; + # default hopcount to use + $def_hopcount = 5; + # some variable hop counts based on message type + %hopcount = + ( + 11 => 10, + 16 => 10, + 17 => 10, + 19 => 10, + 21 => 10, + ); - - # - # hop table construction - # - - package DXProt; - - # default hopcount to use - $def_hopcount = 5; - - # some variable hop counts based on message type - %hopcount = - ( - 11 => 10, - 16 => 10, - 17 => 10, - 19 => 10, - 21 => 10, - ); - - - # the per node hop control thingy + # the per node hop control thingy - %nodehops = + %nodehops = - GB7ADX => { 11 => 8, - 12 => 8, - 16 => 8, - 17 => 8, - 19 => 8, - 21 => 8, - }, + GB7ADX => { 11 => 8, + 12 => 8, + 16 => 8, + 17 => 8, + 19 => 8, + 21 => 8, + }, - GB7UDX => { 11 => 8, - 12 => 8, - 16 => 8, - 17 => 8, - 19 => 8, - 21 => 8, - }, - GB7BAA => { - 11 => 5, - 12 => 8, - 16 => 8, - 17 => 8, - 19 => 8, - 21 => 8, - }, - }; + GB7UDX => { 11 => 8, + 12 => 8, + 16 => 8, + 17 => 8, + 19 => 8, + 21 => 8, + }, + GB7BAA => { + 11 => 5, + 12 => 8, + 16 => 8, + 17 => 8, + 19 => 8, + 21 => 8, + }, + }; @@ -1119,7 +1125,6 @@ will bring your changes into effect. - 55..22.. IIssoollaattiinngg nneettwwoorrkkss It is possible to isolate networks from each other on a "gateway" node @@ -1247,11 +1252,6 @@ - - - - - 0 = frequency 1 = call 2 = date in unix format diff --git a/txt/usermanual.txt b/txt/usermanual.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2985f3f1 --- /dev/null +++ b/txt/usermanual.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2904 @@ + The DXSpider User Manual + Ian Maude, G0VGS, (ianmaude@btinternet.com) + Version 1.0, March 2001 + + A complete reference for users of the DXSpider DXCluster program. + ______________________________________________________________________ + + Table of Contents + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 1. Introduction + + 1.1 What is a DX Cluster? + 1.2 So what is DXSpider? + + 2. Logins and logouts. + + 2.1 AX25 logins. + 2.2 Netrom logins. + 2.3 Telnet logins. + 2.4 Logouts. + + 3. Setting your personal details. + + 4. Getting and posting DX. + + 4.1 Receiving DX. + 4.2 Posting DX. + + 5. Headings and propagation + + 5.1 Sun + 5.2 Moon + 5.3 Heading + + 6. Announcements. + + 6.1 Making announcements. + 6.2 Listing announcements. + + 7. Nodes and users. + + 8. Talk mode. + + 9. Mail. + + 9.1 The "directory" command. + 9.2 Reading mail. + 9.3 Sending mail. + 9.4 Replying to mail. + 9.5 Deleting mail To delete a message, you use the + + 10. Filtering (From version 1.45) + + 10.1 General filter rules + 10.2 Types of filter + 10.3 Filter options + 10.4 Advanced filtering + + 11. Hints, tips and common questions. + + 12. The DXSpider command reference + + 12.1 accept/announce + 12.2 accept/spots + 12.3 accept/wcy + 12.4 accept/wwv + 12.5 announce + 12.6 announce full + 12.7 apropos + 12.8 bye + 12.9 clear/spots + 12.10 dbavail + 12.11 dbshow + 12.12 directory + 12.13 dx + 12.14 help + 12.15 kill + 12.16 links + 12.17 read + 12.18 reject/announce + 12.19 reject/spots + 12.20 reject/wcy + 12.21 reject/wwv + 12.22 reply + 12.23 send + 12.24 set/address + 12.25 set/announce + 12.26 set/beep + 12.27 set/dx + 12.28 set/dxgrid + 12.29 set/echo + 12.30 set/here + 12.31 set/homenode + 12.32 set/language + 12.33 set/location + 12.34 set/logininfo + 12.35 set/name + 12.36 set/page + 12.37 set/qra + 12.38 set/qth + 12.39 set/talk + 12.40 set/wcy + 12.41 set/wwv + 12.42 set/wx + 12.43 show/date + 12.44 show/dx + 12.45 show/dxcc + 12.46 show/files + 12.47 show/filter + 12.48 show/moon + 12.49 show/muf + 12.50 show/prefix + 12.51 show/qra + 12.52 show/qrz + 12.53 show/route + 12.54 show/satellite + 12.55 show/sun + 12.56 show/time + 12.57 show/wcy + 12.58 show/wwv + 12.59 sysop + 12.60 talk + 12.61 type + 12.62 who + 12.63 wx + + + ______________________________________________________________________ + + 11.. IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn + + 11..11.. WWhhaatt iiss aa DDXX CClluusstteerr?? + + A DX Cluster is a packet node where DX chasers on any band or mode can + post rare or interesting stations that they have worked or heard. Of + course other people are doing the same thing too, so you can find new + DX as well as telling others about the stations you have worked. + Clusters tend to be linked to each other so that the amount of people + using them is increased, thereby increasing the amount of posted DX. + Other information can be found on clusters such as on-line call books, + mail etc. You can talk to other stations connected to the cluster + network too, in real time, whether at the node you are logged into or + on another node connected to the network. You can also use converse + mode, where several stations can talk to each other in the same way. + Of course, the DX is still posted to you all the while! + + + 11..22.. SSoo wwhhaatt iiss DDXXSSppiiddeerr?? + + PacketCluster nodes have been around since roughly 1985. The original + PacketCluster idea came from Dick Newell, AK1A, and ran under DOS. In + about 1992 Dick stopped the development of the PacketCluster software + for amateur radio. Many systems are still using this relatively old + DOS software today. + + There are several new compatible cluster programs around now, + including DXSpider. DXSpider is a clone of PacketCluster software + that runs under the Linux operating system. Linux is fast becoming + the choice for amateur radio stations because of it's flexibility, + reliability and the lack of the memory limitations of DOS. Linux + supports multitasking and is also multiuser. It has support for AX25, + ROSE, NetROM and TCPIP built in, making it the ideal choice for + amateur radio. It is also totally free! + + DXSpider was conceived and begun in 1998 by Dirk Koopman, G1TLH as an + exercise in perl programming. It has developed rapidly and today is a + very powerful cluster program. It was designed to be totally + compatible with the AK1A program, although several commands have been + extended to try and improve functionality. + + This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the commands + that DXSpider supports and to help you get the best from the program + so you can enjoy working that rare DX! As DXSpider is being improved + all the time, commands will be added as time goes by, so make sure you + have the most upto date version of this manual. The latest version + will always be included with the cluster program so if you are unsure, + simply ask your sysop. The manual will also be available on the + wesite. + + + + 22.. LLooggiinnss aanndd llooggoouuttss.. + + You might not think that there is a lot of point of including a + section on how to log in and out of DXSpider. However, you would be + suprised at the difficulties some people have in simply getting in and + out of the cluster! + + There are several ways a login might be achieved, dependant on how the + sysop has DXSpider configured. It is impossible for me to cover all + variations but here are the basic ones. + + + 22..11.. AAXX2255 llooggiinnss.. + + Simplicity itself. The usual CCOONNNNEECCTT command will log you straight + into the cluster and you will not have to do anything else. + Obviously, you will have to connect to the correct callsign. Some + nodes use an SSID with their call so you would have to add that. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + connect GB7MBC + connect GB7MBC-1 + + 22..22.. NNeettrroomm llooggiinnss.. + + There are several possibilities here, dependant on how the sysop has + configured his system. If you are connecting via netrom then you are + most probably connecting from another station. Listing the nodes in + that station with the NNOODDEESS command will tell you what callsign or + netrom alias to connect to. Then just issue the connect command from + there. It is possible that the netrom alias may connect you to a node + with an alias for the cluster, such as DXC. Just type this and you + will be connected. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + connect MBCDX + + + + + + 22..33.. TTeellnneett llooggiinnss.. + + Because DXSpider runs under the Linux operating system, it is possible + to make a direct telnet connection into the cluster. With telnet + connections, the source callsign is not seen by DXSpider, so you will + be asked to login with your callsign. To telnet to DXSpider, you + would connect to a specific port. There is no standard at the moment + for a cluster telnet port but ask the sysop if you are unsure. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + telnet gb7mbc 8000 + + + + + All the above are possible ways of connecting to a DXSpider cluster. + You may have some or all of these available to you. There may be one + or two additional ways to connect dependant on the network local to + you. However I am sure you get the idea. + + + 22..44.. LLooggoouuttss.. + + Logging out can be done by simply issuing the standard BBYYEE command. + + You could also send a disconnect if you are using AX25, or a CCLLOOSSEE + command if you are connected via telnet. If you do not log out + gracefully using one of the above commands, you may find you are + unable to get a full connect next time. This may also happen if a + NETRom connection drops. You may get connected, but nothing else will + happen because the program thinks you are still connected and will not + let you connect twice under the same call. However you could + reconnect by adding a number to the end of your call, for example + G0YLM2. This can be done by either altering your MYCALL setting in + the TNC or by altering your program configuration. + + + + 33.. SSeettttiinngg yyoouurr ppeerrssoonnaall ddeettaaiillss.. + + Once logged in to the cluster, you should set your details so that + anybody who wishes to contact you can find out who and where you are. + There are four items to set, your name, qth, location and home node. + Setting these details also allows the use of the SHOW/HEADING and + SHOW/SUN commands from within the cluster. Unless you set your QTH + and location, these commands cannot function. Once you have set your + name, DXSpider will greet you with it next time you login. Your QTH + setting is where you live and it is a good idea to add your locator to + this as the location setting is converted to latitude and longitude + once inputted. You can actually set your location in + latitude/longitude or as a locator. Setting your home node will tell + the program where you wish mail to be sent to you. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + set/name Ian + set/qth Morecambe, Lancashire IO84NB + set/location 48 34 n 12 12 e + set/qra IO84NB + set/home gb7mbc + + + + + + 44.. GGeettttiinngg aanndd ppoossttiinngg DDXX.. + + When all is said and done, this is the main function of a DX cluster. + In its simplest form you can just connect to the node and you will + start to receive DX spots almost immediately! You can check on recent + postings in either a general manner or on a particular band or mode. + You can even check DX by callsign or a fragment of a callsign. Of + course, once you get the hang of things, it is expected that you start + posting some yourself! After all, there would be no clusters if + people did not post DX and you get the added thrill of the hunt! + + + 44..11.. RReecceeiivviinngg DDXX.. + + As we have already said, it is possible just to connect to the cluster + and you will receive spots automatically. However, you may wish to + check on spots just posted. Maybe you wish to see if a particular + band is open or if a certain callsign is active, perhaps a DXpedition. + The command to do this is SSHHOOWW//DDXX. Without any other arguments, this + command will output the last 10 spots posted. It is possible to look + at more than this, for example the last 20 or 50 spots, by adding the + number to the command. You can make it even more specific by adding a + band in either wavelength or frequency, and/or any additional + information such as QSL details. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + show/dx + show/dx 5 + show/dx 20 + + + + + will show the last 10, 5 and 20 spots received by the cluster + respectively. + + EExxaammpplleess + + + show/dx on 20m + show/dx 10 on 20m + show/dx 20 on 20m + + + + + will show the last 5, 10 or 20 spots on 20 metres only. + + It is also possible to check for certain callsigns, or fragments of + callsigns in the same way. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + show/dx g0vgs + show/dx 10 g0vgs + + + + + would show the last 5 or 10 dx spots containing the callsign g0vgs. + + + You can check for DX by offset and also by specifying a comment to + search for. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + show/dx 30-40 + show/dx 14000-14033 + show/dx iota + + + + + would show the spots that arrived between 30 and 40 spots ago and any + spots with the word _i_o_t_a in the comment field. The case of the + comment is not important. + + Checking DX posted on a certain day is possible too. All you have to + do here is to specify how many days ago it was like this ... + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/dx day 30 + + + + + It is of course possible to specify multiple arguments. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/dx 20 prefix 9a on vhf day 30 + + + + + This would show the last 20 spots posted by or about calls with the + prefix 9a on vhf 30 days ago. + + As you can see the SSHHOOWW//DDXX command is very flexible, so if you are not + sure whether something will work or not, try it and see! More + information can be found in the Command Set section. + + + 44..22.. PPoossttiinngg DDXX.. + + To post DX you use the DDXX command. The syntax is shown below. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + dx (frequency) (callsign) (remarks) + + + + + Where frequency is in kilohertz and the callsign is the callsign of + the station you have worked or heard, (ie not your own callsign!). + The remarks section allows you to add information like the operators + name or perhaps a location. Actually DXSpider will allow the + frequency and callsign fields to be entered in any order. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599 + + + + + In fact, all the following will give the same result... + + + + dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599 + dx pa3ezl 14004 OP Aurelio 599 + dx pa3ezl 14.004 OP Aurelio 599 + + + + + This posting, or callout as it is known, will be forwarded to all + other connected stations both at the cluster you are connected to and + other active clusters in the network. The callout will also be sent + to you as proof of receipt. + + + 55.. HHeeaaddiinnggss aanndd pprrooppaaggaattiioonn + + There are three commands in DXSpider to help you get the best DX + possible. These are SSHHOOWW//SSUUNN, SSHHOOWW//MMOOOONN and SSHHOOWW//HHEEAADDIINNGG. These + commands will only work for you if you have entered your personal + details. They use your entered location as a reference, so if you + have not entered it or have entered it incorrectly they will not + return the correct information. + + + + + + 55..11.. SSuunn + + The SSHHOOWW//SSUUNN command can be used in three different ways. It can be + used to show sunrise and sunset times for your own station, a + particular callsign or a prefix. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/sun + + + + + The output from this would look something like this .. + + + + sh/sun Location Rise Set Azim Elev + G0VGS Morecambe, Lancashire 07:08Z 17:39Z 205.3 24.1 + + + + + + + sh/sun 5b4 + + + + + would look like this ... + + + + sh/sun 5b4 Location Rise Set Azim Elev 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.0 18.8 + + + + + You can also specify multiple arguments like this ... + + + + sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs + + + + + and then the output would look like this ... + + + + sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs + Location Rise Set Azim Elev + GW4VEQ Brungwran, Isle of Anglesey IO 07:14Z 17:48Z 204.9 24.9 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.5 18.3 + ZS So-Africa-ZS1-ZS 04:31Z 17:28Z 289.9 41.3 + ZS So-Africa-ZS5-ZS 03:44Z 16:34Z 278.5 32.0 + ZS So-Africa-ZS6-ZS 03:59Z 16:42Z 277.6 35.0 + + + + + + + 55..22.. MMoooonn + + The SSHHOOWW//MMOOOONN command works in the same way as the SSHHOOWW//SSUUNN command. + This program however, calculates the rise and set times of the moon + for a prefix or callsign, together with the current azimuth and + elevation of the sun at these locations. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/moon ea + + + + + The output from this command would look like this .. + + + + sh/moon ea + Location Rise Set Azim Elev RGain dB + EA Spain-EA 08:15Z 20:09Z 257.2 9.5 -0.6 + + + + + You can see that the output is similar to the SSHHOOWW//SSUUNN command, with + slightly different fields. + + + 55..33.. HHeeaaddiinngg + + The SSHHOOWW//HHEEAADDIINNGG command works in the same way as the SSHHOOWW//SSUUNN and + SSHHOOWW//MMOOOONN commands but outputs beam headings for a specified callsign + or prefix. Reciprocal beam headings are also calculated. + + EExxaammppllee + + + + show/heading zl + + + + + The output from this command would look like this .. + + + + sh/heading zl + ZL New-Zealand-ZL1-ZL: 7 degs - dist: 11238 mi, 18087 km Reciprocal heading: 355 degs + ZL New-Zealand-ZL2-ZL: 9 degs - dist: 11540 mi, 18574 km Reciprocal heading: 353 degs + ZL New-Zealand-ZL3-ZL: 19 degs - dist: 11634 mi, 18724 km Reciprocal heading: 345 degs + ZL New-Zealand-ZL4-ZL: 34 degs - dist: 11783 mi, 18963 km Reciprocal heading: 332 degs + + + + + + 66.. AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss.. + + 66..11.. MMaakkiinngg aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss.. + + Occasionally, you may wish to post something that does not fall into + the normal parameters for a DX callout. You may wish to tell + everybody connected that 10 FM is open for example, or ask if anyone + knows the QSL manager for a certain callsign etc. You can do this + using the AANNNNOOUUNNCCEE command. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + announce 10 FM is open in IO84NB to europe. + + + + + That would let everyone know locally that this was the case, however + it would not be forwarded to other nodes connected. To send + announcements to other connected nodes as well, you would use the FFUULLLL + extension. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + announce full Anyone seen EA7WA today? + + + + + Be cautious in your use of announce full. There are many other tools + available to get the information you require and the judicious use of + this command is frowned upon as it creates a great deal of traffic + across the network. + + + 66..22.. LLiissttiinngg aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss.. + + You can list previous announcements in the standard format with the + SSHHOOWW command. As before you can list just the last 5 or as many as + you wish. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/announcements + show/announcements 10 + + + + + + 77.. NNooddeess aanndd uusseerrss.. + + You can check which nodes are connected in the network, who is logged + on locally, who is logged on at all the nodes or even just one node in + particular. This is handy if you wish to see whether a friend is + connected at the node they use. To see who is connected to the nodes, + the SSHHOOWW//CCOONNFFIIGGUURRAATTIIOONN command is used. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + + + + + show/configuration + show/configuration/nodes + show/configuration (node_call) + show/configuration (prefix) + + + + + The first of our three examples would output something like this, + + + sh/c + Node Callsigns + EI5TCR (7 users) + GB7ADX + GB7BAA G4FPV G8TIC + GB7BIG (GD0TEP) GD3UMW + GB7BPQ (G0INA) G0RCI G3AKU G3OCA + (GB7CDX) G3JNB G4ALR + GB7DJK G0FYD G0REK G1TLH G4PEL G4SOZ + G4TVR G7SQW K8AZ M0CTQ-1 MM1CXE-10 + ON7WP + GB7DXA G0RDI G8SJP + GB7DXC (G0HDB) G0WFK (G1FYC) G3KWK G3LME + G3OIL G4BGW G4FUJ (G4PDQ) GW7SMV + GB7DXE G1NNB + (GB7DXG) GU6EFB GU7DHI + GB7DXK G1NTW G3IBI G3NSM G3XAQ G4CUS + G4XQY G7GAN + GB7DXM G1EUC G3GAF G3LAS G4ZTR G8WXU + M0BCT M1EMF + + + + You will notice that EI5TCR is showing only that it has 7 users and + not giving the actual callsigns. This means that this node is on a + limited protocol of some kind, probably because of a contest situation + where slow radio links can block up and fail if too much information + is sent between nodes. + + The second example would just show the nodes connected in the network, + like this, + + + sh/c/n + Node Callsigns + GB7BAA GB7BAA GB7BPQ (GB7CDX) GB7DJK GB7DXA + GB7DXC GB7DXE (GB7DXG) GB7DXK GB7DXL + GB7DXM GB7DXS GB7IPT GB7MRS GB7UJS + GB7YDX KL7G N2TLY (ON0DXK) + GB7BIG EI5TCR GB7ADX GB7BIG GB7UDX + GB7MBC + PA4AB-14 PA4AB-14 + PI4TUE-8 PI4TUE-8 + + + + If we insert the node_call pi4tue-8 into the third example, then this + would be the output, + + + + + + + + Node Callsigns + PI4TUE-8 9A1CMA-6 DF6PW DL4FAY DL4KAK DL4WF-2 + F5NOD-2 F5PAC IZ0CSR N6CR OH2BLD + ON1LVL-13 ON4CBT ON4CJP ON5DXL-14 ON7NQ + PA0RCT PA3DYS PA3FDO PA5KW-4 PI4TUE-9 + YT1XX + + + + As you can see, only the users of the requested node are shown. + + You can also use a prefix to show only a group of nodes. For example + you may only wish to see who is connected to the nodes in the UK. To + do this simply use a prefix like this ... + + + show/configuration gb7 + + + + To show the locally connected users, the SSHHOOWW//UUSSEERRSS command is used + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + show/users + + + + + The output of this command would look like this, + + + Callsigns connected to GB7MBC + G0JHC G0NEI G0VGS G0VGS-2 G0YLM + G3JAG G3OWO G3UEU + + + + + 88.. TTaallkk mmooddee.. + + You can send a single comment or start a dedicated talk session to + another user by using the TTAALLKK command. + + + Talk mode is used to send a one line comment or greeting to a specific + user connected either at your node or another in the network. You can + also enter into a dedicated talk session with another user. Talks + will be automatically forwarded to other nodes if the station you are + talking to is not connected locally. You can find out who is + connected by using the SSHHOOWW//CCOONNFFIIGGUURRAATTIIOONN command, (described + earlier). + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + + talk g0rdi Having a good day Iain? + + + + + + This example would send the line "Having a good day Iain?" to the user + g0rdi but would leave you in normal mode. + + + + talk g0rdi + Entering Talkmode, /EX to end, /<cmd> to run a command + Talk (G0RDI)> + + + + + As you can see, you can still run commands whilst in talk mode. + Simply prefix the command with a / like /sh/dx and you will get the + expected output. If the user is connected to another node, you may + have to use a slightly extended version of the TTAALLKK command. + + + + talk g0rdi > gb7djk + + + + + To exit talk mode, you issue the command //eexx. + + Whilst in talk mode you will still receive DX spots. This means that + you can chat to a friend whilst working DX. + + + 99.. MMaaiill.. + + You can send and receive both personal mail and bulletins with + DXSpider quite easily. + + + 99..11.. TThhee ""ddiirreeccttoorryy"" ccoommmmaanndd.. + + To list mail you would use the DDIIRREECCTTOORRYY command. On its own, this + command will output the last ten messages received by the node, either + to or from yourself or bulletins such as "DX" and "ALL". As with + other commands you can display more by specifying a number with the + command. You should be aware that Spider will accept these commands + by separating with either a slash or a space, so _d_i_r _n_e_w and _d_i_r_/_n_e_w + work in the same way. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + directory + directory/20 + directory 20 + + + + + Of course most of the time you will only want to list new mail sent to + you personally since your last login. However you might also like to + check for general mail received by the node. In fact if there is new + mail for you, the cluster will tell you when you login. You will also + be informed if new mail arrives for you during the time you are logged + in. Mail is not only sent to callsigns though. Mail can also be sent + to subjects like "all" or "local" or "dx" etc. You can treat these + bulletins in the same way as personal mail with the directory command. + + EExxaammpplleess:: + + + + directory/new + directory/own + directory/own/10 + directory/all + directory/from <call> + + + + + + The last option will only show mail from a callsign if it was sent to + you personally or was sent as a bulletin. There are some additional + commands and these can be found in the DXSpider Command Reference + section. + + + 99..22.. RReeaaddiinngg mmaaiill.. + + The output of the DDIIRREECCTTOORRYY command could be something like this. + + + dir + 20735 2 ALL GW7SMV 21-Feb 1204Z REC 9E1S QSL TDY 50Mhz.... + 20823 308 UK G0HDB 22-Feb 2334Z Help - which district code? + 20824 105 ALL W9AE 23-Feb 0349Z S0NY QSL address? + 20825 2 UK G0LRJ 23-Feb 0806Z QSL REC LZ2CJ/1.CARD NO-750. + 20858 2 ALL GW7SMV 24-Feb 0905Z REC S92DX QSL CARD TDY 50Mhz + 20921 200 ALL GM4FDM 27-Feb 2203Z Trip to VP8 + 20949 375 ALL K0MN 27-Feb 0428Z ST0P cards are gd @ ARRL + 20950 2 UK G0LRJ 28-Feb 0835Z QSL REC SV9/IZ0CKJ/P EU-187. + 20987 569 ALL GD0TEP 1-Mar 1733Z Portable contests + 21076 2 ALL G4AFJ 3-Mar 1743Z kh6nd/kh5 qsl received + 21184-p 599 GW4HAT G0VGS 4-Mar 1518Z Re: Time + + + + The first column is the actual message number. If the message is a + personal one to you, you will see a letter 'p' after this number. If + the message has been read, there will be a '-' between the message + number and the 'p'. This only works for personal messages. The next + column shows the file size of the message. The third column shows the + address the message was sent to and the next column shows who sent it. + The rest is fairly self-explanatory. + + Reading a message is as simple as typing read, followed by the message + number that you wish to read. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + read 25 + + + + + will read message number 25. However the mail will be displayed in + it's entirety unless you specify a page length. You can set your page + length to any number you like and when the message reaches that number + of lines you will get a prompt giving you options. + + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + set/page 20 + + + + + + + 99..33.. SSeennddiinngg mmaaiill.. + + Sending mail is done in the time honoured way. First you specify a + recipient for the message, then you will be prompted for a subject. + Once you have done this you will be asked to type your message. + Please remember that there is no automatic word wrap, so unless you + are using a client that wraps lines automatically, remember to hit + return at the end of each line. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + send m0azm + Enter Subject (30 characters): + See you Thursday + Enter Message /EX to send or /ABORT to exit + Hi Ian, + Just a quick note to say that I can make Thursday after all. The + appointment I had has cancelled so we are go! + Cheers + Ian + + + + + At this point you can either hit return and enter /ex to send the + message or use /abort at any time to abort it. You can now display + the message in the normal way. There are several send options and + these are listed in the Command Set section. These include sending + mail to several recipients and asking for a return receipt. + + + + 99..44.. RReeppllyyiinngg ttoo mmaaiill.. + + If mail is addressed to you or to a bulletin address, you can use the + RREEPPLLYY command to reply to it. Using this command, the subject will be + automatically set for you as "Re: subject", whatever the subject was. + + EExxaammppllee:: + + + + reply 2500 + + + + + + 99..55.. TToo ddeelleettee aa mmeessssaaggee,, yyoouu uussee tthhee ddeelleettee ccoommmmaanndd.. YYoouu ccaann oonnllyy + ddeelleettee mmeessssaaggeess sseenntt ttoo oorr rreecceeiivveedd bbyy yyoouurrsseellff.. BBuulllleettiinnss aarree ddeeaalltt + wwiitthh aauuttoommaattiiccaallllyy oorr bbyy tthhee ssyyssoopp.. DDeelleettiinngg mmaaiill + + + 1100.. FFiilltteerriinngg ((FFrroomm vveerrssiioonn 11..4455)) + + 1100..11.. GGeenneerraall ffiilltteerr rruulleess + + Upto v1.44 it was not possible for the user to set their own filters. + From v1.45 though that has all changed. It is now possible to set + filters for just about anything you wish. If you have just updated + from an older version of DXSpider you will need to update your new + filters. You do not need to do anything with your old filters, they + will be renamed as you update. + + + There are 3 basic commands involved in setting and manipulating + filters. These are _a_c_c_e_p_t, _r_e_j_e_c_t and _c_l_e_a_r. First we will look + generally at filtering. There are a number of things you can filter in + the DXSpider system. They all use the same general mechanism. + + + In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which + can have up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example ... + + + + + accept/spots ..... + reject/spots ..... + + + + + where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There + are filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops) connects. + See each different accept or reject command reference for more + details. + + There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter. + They are ... + + + + clear/spots 1 + clear/spots all + + + + + There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter. + + + and you can check that your filters have worked by the command ... + + + + + show/filter + + + + + + For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply + the same principles to all types of filter. + + + + + 1100..22.. TTyyppeess ooff ffiilltteerr + + There are two main types of filter, _a_c_c_e_p_t or _r_e_j_e_c_t. You can use + either to achieve the result you want dependent on your own preference + and which is more simple to do. It is pointless writing 8 lines of + reject filters when 1 accept filter would do the same thing! Each + filter has 10 lines (of any length) which are tried in order. If a + line matches then the action you have specified is taken (ie reject + means ignore it and accept means take it) + + + If you specify reject filters, then any lines that arrive that match + the filter will be dumped but all else will be accepted. If you use + an accept filter, then ONLY the lines in the filter will be accepted + and all else will be dumped. For example if you have a single line + _a_c_c_e_p_t filter ... + + + + accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + then you will _O_N_L_Y get VHF spots _f_r_o_m or _t_o CQ zones 14, 15 and 16. + + + If you set a reject filter like this ... + + + + reject/spots on hf/cw + + + + + Then you will get everything _E_X_C_E_P_T HF CW spots. You could make this + single filter even more flexible. For example, if you are interested + in IOTA and will work it even on CW even though normally you are not + interested in CW, then you could say ... + + + + reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota + + + + + But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:- + + + + accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota + + + + + which achieves exactly the same thing. You should choose one or the + other until you are comfortable with the way it works. You can mix + them if you wish (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the + same line) but don't attempt this until you are sure you know what you + are doing! + + + You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your + own understanding or simply convenience. Here is an example ... + reject/spots 1 on hf/cw + reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots and also rejects any spots + on VHF which don't either originate or spot someone in Europe. + + + This is an example where you would use a line number (1 and 2 in this + case), if you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits + '0'-'9' are available. This make it easier to see just what filters + you have set. It also makes it more simple to remove individual + filters, during a contest for example. + + + You will notice in the above example that the second line has + brackets. Look at the line logically. You can see there are 2 + separate sections to it. We are saying reject spots that are VHF or + above _A_P_A_R_T from those in zones 14, 15 and 16 (either spotted there or + originated there). If you did not have the brackets to separate the 2 + sections, then Spider would read it logically from the front and see a + different expression entirely ... + + + + (on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16 + + + + + The simple way to remember this is, if you use OR - use brackets. + Whilst we are here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is just the + same as 'and by_zone'. + + As mentioned earlier, setting several filters can be more flexible + than simply setting one complex one. Doing it in this way means that + if you want to alter your filter you can just redefine or remove one + or more lines of it or one line. For example ... + + + + reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb + + + + + would redefine our earlier example, or + + + + clear/spots 1 + + + + + To remove all the filter lines in the spot filter ... + + + + clear/spots all + + + + + 1100..33.. FFiilltteerr ooppttiioonnss + + You can filter in several different ways. The options are listed in + the various helpfiles for accept, reject and filter. + + + 1100..44.. AAddvvaanncceedd ffiilltteerriinngg + + Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to + experiment. + + + The previous example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf + spots from EU can be written with a mixed filter, for example ... + + + + rej/spot on hf/cw + acc/spot on 0/30000 + acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + Note that the first filter has not been specified with a number. This + will automatically be assumed to be number 1. In this case, we have + said _r_e_j_e_c_t _a_l_l _H_F _s_p_o_t_s _i_n _t_h_e _C_W _s_e_c_t_i_o_n _o_f _t_h_e _b_a_n_d_s _b_u_t _a_c_c_e_p_t _a_l_l + _o_t_h_e_r_s _a_t _H_F_. _A_l_s_o _a_c_c_e_p_t _a_n_y_t_h_i_n_g _i_n _V_H_F _a_n_d _a_b_o_v_e _s_p_o_t_t_e_d _i_n _o_r _b_y + _o_p_e_r_a_t_o_r_s _i_n _t_h_e _z_o_n_e_s _1_4_, _1_5 _a_n_d _1_6. Each filter slot actually has a + 'reject' slot and an 'accept' slot. The reject slot is executed BEFORE + the accept slot. + + + It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match, + the default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for + 'accept'. In the example what happens is that the reject is executed + first, any non hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets + through everything else on HF. The next filter line lets through just + VHF/UHF spots from EU. + + + + 1111.. HHiinnttss,, ttiippss aanndd ccoommmmoonn qquueessttiioonnss.. + + QQ..These commands seem very long! Can I shorten them? + + AA..Of course you can and the usual abbreviations work. If you are + unsure, try it. + + QQ..I am not sure if this command is correct. Can I cause any harm if I + try it? + + AA..Do not be afraid to try a command to see if it will work, at the + worst you will get an error message. If you require any help on a + command, just type help followed by the command you want help on. + Look at the "DXSpider Command Reference" section to see what help can + be found. + + QQ..How should I use the announce command? + + AA..With respect. Use the command by all means, but please only use the + "full" extension if absolutely necessary. It can create a LOT of + messages passing between clusters. + + QQ..I like to be working in the shack while logged into the cluster but + I can't be looking at the screen all the time. How can I be alerted + when anything happens? + + AA..Use the SSEETT//BBEEEEPP command. You can find information on this in the + "DXSpider Command Reference" section. + + QQ..I keep getting disconnected from the cluster, what is happening and + how can I stop it? + + QQ..I got disconnected from the cluster and now I can't log back in + again. What is wrong? + + AA..Probably the cluster thinks you are still logged on and will not let + you reconnect using the same call to prevent loops. Try logging on + again adding an ssid to your callsign as DXSpider treats G0YLM and + G0YLM-1 as different users. + + QQ..I notice that all the commands are shown in lower case in the main + section of this manual, but in upper case in the "DXSpider Command + Reference" section. Why is that? + + QQ..How do I know if I have got the latest version of this user manual? + + AA..The latest and greatest will always be on the Website. It will also + be included with every release of DXSpider. As always, if unsure, ask + your sysop what version number is the latest. + + + 1122.. TThhee DDXXSSppiiddeerr ccoommmmaanndd rreeffeerreennccee + + Below is a complete list of commands available from the cluster + prompt. These are listed below in alphabetical order. + + + 1122..11.. aacccceepptt//aannnnoouunnccee + + aacccceepptt//aannnnoouunnccee [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set an accept filter line for announce + + + Create an 'accept this announce' line for a filter. + + An accept filter line means that if the announce matches this filter + it is passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please + read this to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief + later on. + + You can use any of the following things in this line:- + + + + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + wx 1 filter WX announces + dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros) + + + + + + some examples:- + + + + acc/ann dest 6MUK + acc/ann 2 by_zone 14,15,16 + (this could be all on one line: acc/ann dest 6MUK or by_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + or + + + + acc/ann by G,M,2 + + + + + This filter would only allow announces that were posted buy UK + stations. You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg: + + + + acc/ann all + + + + + but this probably for advanced users... + + + 1122..22.. aacccceepptt//ssppoottss + + aacccceepptt//aannnnoouunnccee [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set an accept filter line for spots + + + Create an 'accept this spot' line for a filter. + + + An accept filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is + passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this + to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on. + + You can use any of the following things in this line:- + + + + freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m + on <range> same as 'freq' + call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9 + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> + call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + call_itu <numbers> + call_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + origin <prefixes> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in + SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb - + thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 - + this is more efficient than saying simply: freq HF (but don't get too + hung up about that) + + some examples:- + + + + acc/spot 1 on hf/cw + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything, eg: + + + + acc/spot 3 all + + + + + but this probably for advanced users... + + + 1122..33.. aacccceepptt//wwccyy + + aacccceepptt//wwccyy [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> set an accept WCY filter + + + It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you + can filter on the following fields:- + + + + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + + There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place + and you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want + them). + + This command is really provided for future use. + + See HELP FILTER for information. + + + 1122..44.. aacccceepptt//wwwwvv + + aacccceepptt//wwwwvv [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set an accept WWV filter + + + It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you + can filter on the following fields:- + + + + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + for example + + + + accept/wwv by_zone 4 + + + + + is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV + broadcasts by stations in the US). + + See HELP FILTER for information. + + + 1122..55.. aannnnoouunnccee + + aannnnoouunnccee <<tteexxtt>> Send an announcement to local users + + + Send an announcement to LOCAL users only, where <text> is the text of + the announcement you wish to broadcast + + + 1122..66.. aannnnoouunnccee ffuullll + + aannnnoouunnccee ffuullll <<tteexxtt>> Send an announcement cluster wide + + + This command will send your announcement across the whole cluster + network. + + + 1122..77.. aapprrooppooss + + aapprrooppooss <<ssttrriinngg>> Search the help database + + + Search the help database for <string> (it isn't case sensitive), and + print the names of all the commands that may be relevant. + + + 1122..88.. bbyyee + + bbyyee Exit from the cluster + + + + This will disconnect you from the cluster + + + 1122..99.. cclleeaarr//ssppoottss + + cclleeaarr//ssppoottss [[11||aallll]] Clear a spot filter line + + + This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a spot filter or + to remove the whole filter. + + If you have a filter:- + + + + acc/spot 1 on hf/cw + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + and you say:- + + + + clear/spot 1 + + + + + you will be left with:- + + + + acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + If you do: + + + + clear/spot all + + + + + the filter will be completely removed. + + + 1122..1100.. ddbbaavvaaiill + + ddbbaavvaaiill Show a list of all the databases in the system + + + The title says it all really, this command lists all the databases + defined in the system. It is also aliased to SHOW/COMMAND. + + + 1122..1111.. ddbbsshhooww + + ddbbsshhooww <<ddbbnnaammee>> <<kkeeyy>> Display an entry, if it exists, in a database + + + + This is the generic user interface to the database to the database + system. It is expected that the sysop will add an entry to the local + Aliases file so that users can use the more familiar AK1A style of + enquiry such as: + + + + SH/BUCK G1TLH + + + + + but if he hasn't and the database really does exist (use DBAVAIL or + SHOW/COMMAND to find out) you can do the same thing with: + + + + DBSHOW buck G1TLH + + + + + + 1122..1122.. ddiirreeccttoorryy + + ddiirreeccttoorryy List messages + ddiirreeccttoorryy oowwnn List your own messages + ddiirreeccttoorryy nneeww List all new messages + ddiirreeccttoorryy ttoo <<ccaallll>> List all messages to <call> + ddiirreeccttoorryy ffrroomm <<ccaallll>> List all messages from <call> + ddiirreeccttoorryy ssuubbjjeecctt <<ssttrriinngg>> List all messages with <string> in subject + ddiirreeccttoorryy <<nnnn>> List last <nn> messages + ddiirreeccttoorryy <<ffrroomm>>--<<ttoo>> List messages <from> message <to> message + + + List the messages in the messages directory. + + If there is a 'p' one space after the message number then it is a + personal message. If there is a '-' between the message number and the + + You can use shell escape characters such as '*' and '?' in the <call> + fields. + + You can combine some of the various directory commands together eg:- + + + + DIR TO G1TLH 5 + or + DIR SUBJECT IOTA 200-250 + + + + + You can abbreviate all the commands to one letter and use ak1a + syntax:- + + + + DIR/T G1* 10 + DIR/S QSL 10-100 5 + + + + + + 1122..1133.. ddxx + + ddxx [[bbyy <<ccaallll>>]] <<ffrreeqq>> <<ccaallll>> <<rreemmaarrkkss>> Send a DX spot + + + This is how you send a DX Spot to other users. You can, in fact, now + enter the <freq> and the <call> either way round. + + + + DX FR0G 144.600 + DX 144.600 FR0G + DX 144600 FR0G + + + + + will all give the same result. You can add some remarks to the end of + the command and they will be added to the spot. + + + + DX FR0G 144600 this is a test + + + + + You can credit someone else by saying:- + + + + DX by G1TLH FR0G 144.600 he isn't on the cluster + + + + + The <freq> is compared against the available bands set up in the + cluster. See SHOW/BANDS for more information. + + + 1122..1144.. hheellpp + + hheellpp <<ccmmdd>> Get help on a command + + + All commands can be abbreviated, so SHOW/DX can be abbreviated to + SH/DX, ANNOUNCE can be shortened to AN and so on. + + Look at the APROPOS <string> command which will search the help + database for the <string> you specify and give you a list of likely + commands to look at with HELP. + + + 1122..1155.. kkiillll + + kkiillll <<mmssggnnoo>> [[<<mmssggnnoo>> ....]] Delete a message from the local system + + + Delete a message from the local system. You will only be able to + delete messages that you have originated or been sent (unless you are + the sysop). + + + + + + 1122..1166.. lliinnkkss + + lliinnkkss Show which nodes are physically connected + + + This is a quick listing that shows which links are connected and some + information about them. See WHO for a list of all connections. + + + 1122..1177.. rreeaadd + + rreeaadd Read the next unread personal message addressed to you + rreeaadd <<mmssggnnoo>> Read the specified message + + + You can read any messages that are sent as 'non-personal' and also any + message either sent by or sent to your callsign. + + + 1122..1188.. rreejjeecctt//aannnnoouunnccee + + rreejjeecctt//aannnnoouunnccee [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set a reject filter for announce + + + Create an 'reject this announce' line for a filter. + + An reject filter line means that if the announce matches this filter + it is passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please + read this to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief + later on. + + You can use any of the following things in this line:- + + + + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + wx 1 filter WX announces + dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros) + + + + + some examples:- + + + + rej/ann by_zone 14,15,16 and not by G,M,2 + + + + + You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg: + + + + rej/ann all + + but this probably for advanced users... + + + 1122..1199.. rreejjeecctt//ssppoottss + + rreejjeecctt//ssppoottss [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set a reject filter line for spots + + + Create a 'reject this spot' line for a filter. + + A reject filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is + dumped (not passed on). See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read + this to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief + later on. + + You can use any of the following things in this line:- + + + + freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m + on <range> same as 'freq' + call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9 + info <string> eg: iota or qsl + by <prefixes> + call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + call_itu <numbers> + call_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + origin <prefixes> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in + SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb - + thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 - + this is more efficient than saying simply: on HF (but don't get too + hung up about that) + + some examples:- + + + + rej/spot 1 on hf + rej/spot 2 on vhf and not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16) + + + + + You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg: + + + + rej/spot 3 all + + + + + but this probably for advanced users... + + + + + 1122..2200.. rreejjeecctt//wwccyy + + rreejjeecctt//wwccyy [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set a reject WCY filter + + + It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you + can filter on the following fields:- + + + + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place + and you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want + them). + + This command is really provided for future use. + + See HELP FILTER for information. + + + 1122..2211.. rreejjeecctt//wwwwvv + + rreejjeecctt//wwwwvv [[00--99]] <<ppaatttteerrnn>> Set a reject WWV filter + + + It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you + can filter on the following fields:- + + + + by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2 + origin <prefixes> + origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G) + origin_itu <numbers> + origin_zone <numbers> + by_dxcc <numbers> + by_itu <numbers> + by_zone <numbers> + channel <prefixes> + + + + + for example + + + + reject/wwv by_zone 14,15,16 + + + + + is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV + broadcasts by stations in the US). + See HELP FILTER for information. + + + 1122..2222.. rreeppllyy + + rreeppllyy Reply (privately) to the last message that you have read + rreeppllyy <<mmssggnnoo>> Reply (privately) to the specified message + rreeppllyy BB <<mmssggnnoo>> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message + rreeppllyy NNOOPPrriivvaattee <<mmssggnnoo>> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message + rreeppllyy RRRR <<mmssggnnoo>> Reply to the specified message with read receipt + + + You can reply to a message and the subject will automatically have + "Re:" inserted in front of it, if it isn't already present. + + You can also use all the extra qualifiers such as RR, PRIVATE, + NOPRIVATE, B that you can use with the SEND command (see SEND for + further details) + + + 1122..2233.. sseenndd + + sseenndd <<ccaallll>> [[<<ccaallll>> ......]] Send a message to one or more callsigns + sseenndd RRRR <<ccaallll>> Send a message and ask for a read receipt + sseenndd CCOOPPYY <<mmssggnnoo>> <<ccaallll>> Send a copy of a message to someone + sseenndd PPRRIIVVAATTEE <<ccaallll>> Send a personal message + sseenndd NNOOPPRRIIVVAATTEE <<ccaallll>> Send a message to all stations + + + All the SEND commands will create a message which will be sent either + to an individual callsign or to one of the 'bulletin' addresses. + + SEND <call> on its own acts as though you had typed SEND PRIVATE, that + is it will mark the message as personal and send it to the cluster + node that that callsign is connected to. + + You can have more than one callsign in all of the SEND commands. + + You can have multiple qualifiers so that you can have for example:- + + + + SEND RR COPY 123 PRIVATE G1TLH G0RDI + + + + + which should send a copy of message 123 to G1TLH and G0RDI and you + will receive a read receipt when they have read the message. + + SB is an alias for SEND NOPRIVATE (or send a bulletin in BBS speak) SP + is an alias for SEND PRIVATE + + + 1122..2244.. sseett//aaddddrreessss + + sseett//aaddddrreessss <<yyoouurr__aaddddrreessss>> Record your postal address + + + Literally, record your address details on the cluster. + + + 1122..2255.. sseett//aannnnoouunnccee + + sseett//aannnnoouunnccee Allow announce messages + + Allow announce messages to arrive at your terminal. + + + 1122..2266.. sseett//bbeeeepp + + sseett//bbeeeepp Add beeps to terminal messages + + + Add a beep to DX and other terminal messages. + + + 1122..2277.. sseett//ddxx + + sseett//ddxxAllow DX messages to arrive at your terminal + + + You can stop DX messages with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_d_x command + + + 1122..2288.. sseett//ddxxggrriidd + + sseett//ddxxggrriiddAllow grid squares on the end of DX messages + + + Some logging programs do not like the additional information at the + end of a DX spot. If this is the case, use the _u_n_s_e_t_/_d_x_g_r_i_d command + to remove the grid squares. + + + 1122..2299.. sseett//eecchhoo + + sseett//eecchhoo Make the cluster echo your input + + + If you are connected via a telnet session, different implimentations + of telnet handle echo differently depending on whether you are + connected via port 23 or some other port. You can use this command to + change the setting appropriately. + + You can remove the echo with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_e_c_h_o command + + The setting is stored in your user profile. + + YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE THIS COMMAND IF YOU ARE CONNECTED VIA AX25. + + + 1122..3300.. sseett//hheerree + + sseett//hheerree Set the here flag + + + Let others on the cluster know you are here by only displaying your + callsign. If you are away from your terminal you can use the + _u_n_s_e_t_/_h_e_r_e command to let people know you are away. This simply puts + brackets around your callsign to indicate you are not available. + + + 1122..3311.. sseett//hhoommeennooddee + + sseett//hhoommeennooddee <<nnooddee__ccaallll>> Set your home cluster + + + Tell the cluster system where you normally connect to. Any Messages + sent to you will normally find their way there should you not be + connected. eg:- + + SET/HOMENODE gb7djk + + + + + + 1122..3322.. sseett//llaanngguuaaggee + + sseett//llaanngguuaaggee <<llaanngguuaaggee>> Set the language you wish to use + + + You can select the language that you want the cluster to use. + Currently the languages available are _e_n (English) _s_p (Spanish) and _n_l + (Dutch). + + + 1122..3333.. sseett//llooccaattiioonn + + sseett//llooccaattiioonn <<llaatt aanndd lloonngg>> Set your latitude and longitude + + + You can set your latitude and longitude manually or alternatively use + the _s_e_t_/_q_r_a command which will do the conversion for you. + + + + set/location 54 04 N 2 02 E + + + + + + 1122..3344.. sseett//llooggiinniinnffoo + + sseett//llooggiinniinnffoo Show logins and logouts of nodes and users + + + Show users and nodes when they log in and out of the local cluster. + You can stop these messages by using the _u_n_s_e_t_/_l_o_g_i_n_i_n_f_o command. + + + 1122..3355.. sseett//nnaammee + + sseett//nnaammee <<yyoouurr__nnaammee>> Set your name + + + Tell the cluster what your name is, eg:- + + + + set/name Dirk + + + + + + 1122..3366.. sseett//ppaaggee + + sseett//ppaaggee <<nn>> Set the number of lines per page + + + Tell the system how many lines you wish on a page when the number of + lines of output from a command is more than this. The default is 20. + Setting it explicitly to 0 will disable paging. + + + SET/PAGE 30 + SET/PAGE 0 + + + + + The setting is stored in your user profile. + + + 1122..3377.. sseett//qqrraa + + sseett//qqrraa <<llooccaattoorr>> Set your QRA locator + + + Tell the system what your QRA (or Maidenhead) locator is. If you have + not done a SET/LOCATION then your latitude and longitude will be set + roughly correctly (assuming your locator is correct ;-). For example:- + + + + SET/QRA JO02LQ + + + + + + 1122..3388.. sseett//qqtthh + + sseett//qqtthh <<yyoouurr QQTTHH>> Set your QTH + + + Tell the system where your are. For example:- + + + + set/qth East Dereham, Norfolk + + + + + + 1122..3399.. sseett//ttaallkk + + sseett//ttaallkk Allow talk messages to be seen at your console + + + Allow talk messages to arrive at your console. You can switch off + talks with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_t_a_l_k command. + + + 1122..4400.. sseett//wwccyy + + sseett//wwccyy Allow WCY messages to be seen at your console + + + Allow WCY information to be seen at your console. You can switch off + WCY messages with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_w_c_y command. + + + 1122..4411.. sseett//wwwwvv + + sseett//wwwwvv Allow WWV messages to be seen at your console + + + Allow WWV information to be seen at your console. You can switch off + WWV messages with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_w_w_v command. + 1122..4422.. sseett//wwxx + + sseett//wwxx Allow WX messages to be seen at your console + + + Allow WX information to be seen at your console. You can switch off + WX messages with the _u_n_s_e_t_/_w_x command. + + + 1122..4433.. sshhooww//ddaattee + + sshhooww//ddaattee [[<<pprreeffiixx>>||<<ccaallllssiiggnn>>]] Show the local time + + + This is very nearly the same as SHOW/TIME, the only difference the + format of the date string if no arguments are given. + + If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the + local time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some + prefixes then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not + including DST) at the prefixes or callsigns that you specify. + + + 1122..4444.. sshhooww//ddxx + + sshhooww//ddxx [[ooppttiioonnss]] interrogate the spot database + + + If you just type SHOW/DX you will get the last so many spots (sysop + configurable, but usually 10). + + In addition you can add any number of these options in very nearly any + order to the basic SHOW/DX command, they are:- + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + on <band> - eg 160m 20m 2m 23cm 6mm + on <region> - eg hf vhf uhf shf (see SHOW/BANDS) + + <number> - the number of spots you want + <from>-<to> - <from> spot no <to> spot no in + the selected list + + <prefix> - for a spotted callsign beginning with <prefix> + *<suffix> - for a spotted callsign ending in <suffix> + *<string>* - for a spotted callsign containing <string> + + day <number> - starting <number> days ago + day <from>-<to> - <from> days <to> days ago + + info <text> - any spots containing <text> in the info or remarks + + by <call> - any spots spotted by <call> (spotter <call> + is the same). + + qsl - this automatically looks for any qsl info on the call + held in the spot database. + + iota [<iota>] - If the iota island number is missing it will + look for the string iota and anything which looks like + an iota island number. If you specify then it will look + for that island. + + qra [<locator>] - this will look for the specific locator if + you specify one or else anything that looks like a locator. + + + + + e.g. + + + + + SH/DX 9m0 + SH/DX on 20m info iota + SH/DX 9a on vhf day 30 + SH/DX rf1p qsl + SH/DX iota + SH/DX iota eu-064 + SH/DX qra jn86 + + + + + + 1122..4455.. sshhooww//ddxxcccc + + sshhooww//ddxxcccc <<pprreeffiixx>> Interrogate the spot database by country + + + This command takes the <prefix> (which can be a full or partial + callsign if desired), looks up which internal country number it is and + then displays all the spots as per SH/DX for that country. + + The options for SHOW/DX also apply to this command. e.g. + + + + + + + SH/DXCC G + SH/DXCC W on 20m info iota + + + + + + 1122..4466.. sshhooww//ffiilleess + + sshhooww//ffiilleess [[<<ffiilleeaarreeaa>> [[<<ssttrriinngg>>]]]] List the contents of a filearea + + + SHOW/FILES on its own will show you a list of the various fileareas + available on the system. To see the contents of a particular file area + type:- + + + + SH/FILES <filearea> + + + + + where <filearea> is the name of the filearea you want to see the + contents of. + + You can also use shell globbing characters like '*' and '?' in a + string to see a selection of files in a filearea eg:- + + + + SH/FILES bulletins arld* + + + + + See also TYPE - to see the contents of a file. + + + 1122..4477.. sshhooww//ffiilltteerr + + sshhooww//ffiilltteerr Show the filters you have set + + + Show the contents of all the filters that are set by you. This command + displays all the filters set - for all the various categories. + + + 1122..4488.. sshhooww//mmoooonn + + sshhooww//mmoooonn [[<<pprreeffiixx>>||<<ccaallllssiiggnn>>]] Show moon rise and set times + + + Show the Moon rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or + callsigns, together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun + currently at those locations. + + If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times + for your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or + SET/QRA), together with the current azimuth and elevation. + + In addition, it will show the gain or loss dB relative to the nominal + distance of 385,000Km due to the ellipsoidal nature of the orbit. + + If all else fails it will show the Moonrise and set times for the node + that you are connected to. + For example:- + + + + SH/MOON + SH/MOON G1TLH W5UN + + + + + + 1122..4499.. sshhooww//mmuuff + + sshhooww//mmuuff <<pprreeffiixx>> [[<<hhoouurrss>>]][[lloonngg]] Show the likely propagation to + <prefix> + + + This command allow you to estimate the likelihood of you contacting a + station with the prefix you have specified. The output assumes a + modest power of 20dBW and receiver sensitivity of -123dBm (about + 0.15muV/10dB SINAD) + + The result predicts the most likely operating frequencies and signal + levels for high frequency (shortwave) radio propagation paths on + specified days of the year and hours of the day. It is most useful for + paths between 250 km and 6000 km, but can be used with reduced + accuracy for paths shorter or longer than this. + + The command uses a routine MINIMUF 3.5 developed by the U.S. Navy and + used to predict the MUF given the predicted flux, day of the year, + hour of the day and geographic coordinates of the transmitter and + receiver. This routine is reasonably accurate for the purposes here, + with a claimed RMS error of 3.8 MHz, but much smaller and less complex + than the programs used by major shortwave broadcasting organizations, + such as the Voice of America. + + The command will display some header information detailing its + assumptions, together with the locations, latitude and longitudes and + bearings. It will then show UTC (UT), local time at the other end + (LT), calculate the MUFs, Sun zenith angle at the midpoint of the path + (Zen) and the likely signal strengths. Then for each frequency for + which the system thinks there is a likelihood of a circuit it prints a + value. + + The value is currently a likely S meter reading based on the + conventional 6dB / S point scale. If the value has a '+' appended it + means that it is 1/2 an S point stronger. If the value is preceeded by + an 'm' it means that there is likely to be much fading and by an 's' + that the signal is likely to be noisy. + + By default SHOW/MUF will show the next two hours worth of data. You + can specify anything up to 24 hours worth of data by appending the no + of hours required after the prefix. For example:- + + + + SH/MUF W + + + + + produces: + + + + + RxSens: -123 dBM SFI: 159 R: 193 Month: 10 Day: 21 + Power : 20 dBW Distance: 6283 km Delay: 22.4 ms + Location Lat / Long Azim + East Dereham, Norfolk 52 41 N 0 57 E 47 + United-States-W 43 0 N 87 54 W 299 + UT LT MUF Zen 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.1 14.0 18.1 21.0 24.9 28.0 50.0 + 18 23 11.5 -35 mS0+ mS2 S3 + 19 0 11.2 -41 mS0+ mS2 S3 + + + + + indicating that you will have weak, fading circuits on top band and + 80m but usable signals on 40m (about S3). + + inputing:- + + + + SH/MUF W 24 + + + + + will get you the above display, but with the next 24 hours worth of + propagation data. + + + + SH/MUF W L 24 + SH/MUF W 24 Long + + + + + Gives you an estimate of the long path propagation characterics. It + should be noted that the figures will probably not be very useful, nor + terrible accurate, but it is included for completeness. + + + 1122..5500.. sshhooww//pprreeffiixx + + sshhooww//pprreeffiixx <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> Interrogate the prefix database + + + This command takes the <callsign> (which can be a full or partial + callsign or a prefix), looks up which internal country number it is + and then displays all the relevant prefixes for that country together + with the internal country no, the CQ and ITU regions. + + See also SHOW/DXCC + + + 1122..5511.. sshhooww//qqrraa + + sshhooww//qqrraa <<llooccaattoorr>> [[<<llooccaattoorr>>]] Show the distance between locators + sshhooww//qqrraa <<llaatt>> <<lloonngg>> Convert latitude and longitude to a locator + + + This is a multipurpose command that allows you either to calculate the + distance and bearing between two locators or (if only one locator is + given on the command line) the distance and beraing from your station + to the locator. For example:- + + + + SH/QRA IO92QL + SH/QRA JN06 IN73 + + + + + The first example will show the distance and bearing to the locator + from yourself, the second example will calculate the distance and + bearing from the first locator to the second. You can use 4 or 6 + character locators. + + It is also possible to convert a latitude and longitude to a locator + by using this command with a latitude and longitude as an argument, + for example:- + + + + SH/QRA 52 41 N 0 58 E + + + + + + 1122..5522.. sshhooww//qqrrzz + + sshhooww//qqrrzz <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> Show any callbook details on a callsign + + + This command queries the QRZ callbook server on the internet and + returns any information available for that callsign. This service is + provided for users of this software by http://www.qrz.com + + + 1122..5533.. sshhooww//rroouuttee + + sshhooww//rroouuttee <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> Show the route to <callsign> + + + This command allows you to see to which node the callsigns specified + are connected. It is a sort of inverse sh/config. + + + + sh/route n2tly + + + + + + 1122..5544.. sshhooww//ssaatteelllliittee + + sshhooww//ssaatteelllliittee <<nnaammee>> [[<<hhoouurrss>> <<iinntteerrvvaall>>]] Show satellite tracking + data + + + Show the tracking data from your location to the satellite of your + choice from now on for the next few hours. + + If you use this command without a satellite name it will display a + list of all the satellites known currently to the system. + + If you give a name then you can obtain tracking data of all the passes + that start and finish 5 degrees below the horizon. As default it will + give information for the next three hours for every five minute + period. + + You can alter the number of hours and the step size, within certain + limits. + + Each pass in a period is separated with a row of '-----' characters + + So for example:- + + + + SH/SAT AO-10 + SH/SAT FENGYUN1 12 2 + + + + + + 1122..5555.. sshhooww//ssuunn + + sshhooww//ssuunn [[<<pprreeffiixx>>||<<ccaallllssiiggnn>>]] Show sun rise and set times + + + Show the sun rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns, + together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those + locations. + + If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times + for your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or + SET/QRA), together with the current azimuth and elevation. + + If all else fails it will show the sunrise and set times for the node + that you are connected to. + + For example:- + + + + SH/SUN + SH/SUN G1TLH K9CW ZS + + + + + + 1122..5566.. sshhooww//ttiimmee + + sshhooww//ttiimmee [[<<pprreeffiixx>>||<<ccaallllssiiggnn>>]] Show the local time + + + If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the + local time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some + prefixes then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not + including DST) at the prefixes or callsigns that you specify. + + + 1122..5577.. sshhooww//wwccyy + + sshhooww//wwccyy Show the last 10 WCY broadcasts + sshhooww//wwccyy <<nn>> Show the last <n> WCY broadcasts + + + Display the most recent WCY information that has been received by the + system + + + + + 1122..5588.. sshhooww//wwwwvv + + sshhooww//wwwwvv Show the last 10 WWV broadcasts + sshhooww//wwwwvv <<nn>> Show the last <n> WWV broadcasts + + + Display the most recent WWV information that has been received by the + system + + + 1122..5599.. ssyyssoopp + + ssyyssoopp Regain your privileges if you login remotely + + + The system automatically reduces your privilege level to that of a + normal user if you login in remotely. This command allows you to + regain your normal privilege level. It uses the normal system: five + numbers are returned that are indexes into the character array that is + your assigned password (see SET/PASSWORD). The indexes start from + zero. + + You are expected to return a string which contains the characters + required in the correct order. You may intersperse those characters + with others to obscure your reply for any watchers. For example (and + these values are for explanation :-): + + + + password = 012345678901234567890123456789 + > sysop + 22 10 15 17 3 + + + + + you type:- + + + + aa2bbbb0ccc5ddd7xxx3n + or 2 0 5 7 3 + or 20573 + + + + + They will all match. If there is no password you will still be offered + numbers but nothing will happen when you input a string. Any match is + case sensitive. + + + 1122..6600.. ttaallkk + + ttaallkk <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> Enter talk mode with <callsign> + ttaallkk <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> <<tteexxtt>> Send a text message to <callsign> + ttaallkk <<ccaallllssiiggnn>> >> <<nnooddee__ccaallll>> [[<<tteexxtt>>]] Send a text message to + <callsign> via <node_call> + + + Send a short message to any other station that is visible on the + cluster system. You can send it to anyone you can see with a + SHOW/CONFIGURATION command, they don't have to be connected locally. + + The second form of TALK is used when other cluster nodes are connected + with restricted information. This usually means that they don't send + the user information usually associated with logging on and off the + cluster. + + If you know that G3JNB is likely to be present on GB7TLH, but you can + only see GB7TLH in the SH/C list but with no users, then you would use + the second form of the talk message. + + If you want to have a ragchew with someone you can leave the text + message out and the system will go into 'Talk' mode. What this means + is that a short message is sent to the recipient telling them that you + are in a 'Talking' frame of mind and then you just type - everything + you send will go to the station that you asked for. + + All the usual announcements, spots and so on will still come out on + your terminal. + + If you want to do something (such as send a spot) you precede the + normal command with a '/' character, eg:- + + + + /DX 14001 G1TLH What's a B class licensee doing on 20m CW? + /HELP talk + + + + + To leave talk mode type: + + + + /EX + + + + + + 1122..6611.. ttyyppee + + ttyyppee <<ffiilleeaarreeaa>>//<<nnaammee>> Look at a file in one of the fileareas + + + Type out the contents of a file in a filearea. So, for example, in + filearea 'bulletins' you want to look at file 'arld051' you would + enter:- + + + + TYPE bulletins/arld051 + + + + + See also SHOW/FILES to see what fileareas are available and a list of + content. + + + 1122..6622.. wwhhoo + + wwhhoo Show who is physically connected locally + + + This is a quick listing that shows which callsigns are connected and + what sort of connection they have + + + 1122..6633.. wwxx + + wwxx <<tteexxtt>> Send a weather message to local users + wwxx ffuullll <<tteexxtt>> Send a weather message to all cluster users + + + Weather messages can sometimes be useful if you are experiencing an + extreme that may indicate enhanced conditions + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +