1 <!doctype linuxdoc system>
5 <!-- Title information -->
7 <title>The DXSpider Administration Manual v1.49</title>
8 <author>Ian Maude, G0VGS, (ianmaude@btinternet.com)</author>
9 <date>November 2001 revision 1.1</date>
12 A reference for SysOps of the DXSpider DXCluster program.
15 <!-- Table of contents -->
18 <!-- Begin the document -->
20 <sect>Routing and Filtering
25 From DXSpider version 1.48, major changes were introduced to the way
26 node connections are treated. This is part of an ongoing process to
27 remove problems with loops and to enable talk and other functions to
28 propagate across the whole of the worldwide cluster network. In fact,
29 in a Spider network, it would be useful, perhaps even necessary to
30 have loops. This would give real resilience to the network, meaning
31 that if a link dropped, the information flow would simply come in and
32 go out via a different route. Of course, we do not have a complete
33 network of Spider nodes, there are other programs out there. Some of
34 these do not have any protection from loops. Certainly AK1A does not
35 handle loops well at all. It is therefore necessary to have some form
36 of protection for these nodes.
39 In fact DXSpider has had a simple system for some time which is called
40 <it>isolation</it>. This is similar to what in other systems such as
41 <bf>clx</bf>, is called <it>passive mode</it>. A more detailed explanation
42 of <it>isolation</it> is given further below. This system is still available
43 and, for simple networks, is probably all that you need.
46 The new functionality introduced in version 1.48 allows filtering the node
47 and user protocol frames on a "per interface" basis. We call this
48 <it>route filtering</it>. This is used <bf>instead of</bf>
52 What this really means is that you can control more or less completely
53 which user and node management PC protocol frames pass to each of your
54 partner nodes. You can also limit what comes into your node from your
55 partners. It is even possible to control the settings that your partner
56 node has for the routing information that it sends to you
57 (using the <it>rcmd</it> command).
62 Initially when route filters were being tested we generated a
63 "default" filter. Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that this
64 might suit the UK cluster network but didn't really fit anybody else.
65 However using a default filter is an appropriate thing to do. How, is
69 The first thing that you must do is determine whether you need to use
70 route filtering <bf>at all</bf>. If you are a "normal" node with two or
71 three partners and you arranged in an "official" non-looping tree type
72 network, then <bf>you do not need to do route filtering</bf> and you will
73 feel a lot better for not getting involved. If you are successfully using
74 <it>isolation</it> then you also probably don't need to use route filtering.
77 To put it simply, you should not mix Isolation and Route Filtering. It
78 will work, of sorts, but you will not get the expected results. If you
79 are using Isolation sucessfully at the moment, do not get involved in
80 Route Filtering unless you have a good supply of aspirin! Once you have
81 started down the road of Route Filtering, do not use Isolation either.
82 Use one or the other, not both.
85 You will only require this functionality if you are "well-connected". What
86 that means is that you are connected to several different parts of (say)
87 the EU cluster and, at the same time, also connected to two or three places
88 in the US which, in turn are connected back to the EU. This is called a
89 "loop" and if you are seriously looped then you need filtering.
92 I should at this stage give a little bit of background on filters. All
93 the filters in Spider work in basically the same way. You can either
94 accept or reject various options in order to create the filter rules
95 you wish to achieve. Some filters are user settable, others can only
96 be altered by the sysop. Route filtering can only be done by the sysop.
99 Anyway, without further discouragement, let me start the process
102 <sect1>The node_default filter
105 All normal systems should have a default routing filter and it should
106 usually be set to send only the normal, unlooped, view of your
107 "national" network. Here in the UK that means nodes from the UK and
108 Eire, in EU it is more complex as the networks there grew up in a more
112 The generic commands are:-
115 reject/route node_default <filter_option>
119 accept/route node_default <filter_option>
122 where filter_option is one of the following ...
125 call <prefixes>
126 call_dxcc <numbers>
127 call_itu <numbers>
128 call_zone <numbers>
129 channel <prefixes>
130 channel_dxcc <numbers>
131 channel_itu <numbers>
132 channel_zone <numbers>
135 Please be careful if you alter this setting, it will affect
136 <bf><it>ALL</it></bf> your links! Remember, this is a <it>default</it>
137 filter for node connections, not a <it>per link</it> default.
140 For the default routing filter then you have two real choices: either
141 a "national" view or the "safe" option of only your own
142 callsign. Examples of each (for my node: GB7DJK) are:-
145 acc/route node_default call_dxcc 61,38
146 acc/route node_default call gb7djk
149 GB7DJK uses the first of these. The DXCC countries can be obtained from the
150 <it>show/prefix</it> command.
153 The example filters shown control <it>output</it> <bf>TO</bf> all your
154 partner nodes unless they have a specific filter applied to them (see
158 It is also possible to control the <it>incoming</it> routing
159 information that you are prepared to accept <bf>FROM</bf> your partner
160 nodes. The reason this is necessary is to make sure that stuff like
161 mail, pings and similar commands a) go down the correct links and b)
162 don't loop around excessively. Again using GB7DJK as an example a typical
163 default input filter would be something like:
166 rej/route node_default input call_dxcc 61,38 and not channel_dxcc 61,38
169 What this does is accept node and user information for our national
170 network from nodes that are in our national network, but rejects such
171 information from anyone else. Although it doesn't explicitly say so,
172 by implication, any other node information (not from the UK and Eire)
176 As I imagine it will take a little while to get one's head around all of
177 this you can study the effect of any rules that you try by watching the
178 debug output after having done:-
184 After you have got tired of that, to put it back the way it was:-
190 <sect1>General route filtering
193 Exactly the same rules apply for general route filtering. You would
194 use either an accept filter or a reject filter like this ...
197 reject/route <node_call> <filter_option>
201 accept/route <node_call> <filter_option>
205 Here are some examples of route filters ...
208 rej/route gb7djk call_dxcc 61,38 (send everything except UK+EIRE nodes)
209 rej/route all (equiv to [very] restricted mode)
210 acc/route gb7djk call_dxcc 61,38 (send only UK+EIRE nodes)
211 acc/route gb7djk call gb7djk (equiv to SET/ISOLATE)
214 In practice you will either be opening the default filter out for a
215 partner by defining a specific filter for that callsign:-
219 acc/route gb7baa input all
222 or restricting it quite a lot, in fact making it very nearly like an
223 <it>isolated</it> node, like this:-
226 acc/route pi4ehv-8 call gb7djk
227 rej/route pi4ehv-8 input call_dxcc 61,38
230 This last example takes everything except UK and Eire from PI4EHV-8
231 but only sends him my local configuration (just a PC19 for GB7DJK and
232 PC16s for my local users).
235 It is possible to write <bf>much</bf> more complex rules, there are up
236 to 10 accept/reject pairs per callsign per filter. For more information
237 see the next section.
240 <sect1>General filter rules
243 Upto v1.44 it was not possible for the user to set their own filters. From
244 v1.45 though that has all changed. It is now possible to set filters for just
245 about anything you wish. If you have just updated from an older version of
246 DXSpider you will need to update your new filters. You do not need to do
247 anything with your old filters, they will be renamed as you update.
250 There are 3 basic commands involved in setting and manipulating filters. These
251 are <em>accept</em>, <em>reject</em> and <em>clear</em>. First we will look
252 generally at filtering. There are a number of things you can filter in the
253 DXSpider system. They all use the same general mechanism.
256 In general terms you can create a "reject" or an "accept" filter which can have
257 up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example ...
264 where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There are filters
265 for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops) connects. See each different
266 accept or reject command reference for more details.
268 There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter. They are ...
275 There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter.
278 and you can check that your filters have worked by the command ...
285 For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply the same
286 principles to all types of filter.
288 <sect1>Types of filter
291 There are two main types of filter, <em>accept</em> or <em>reject</em>. You
292 can use either to achieve the result you want dependent on your own preference
293 and which is more simple to do. It is pointless writing 8 lines of reject
294 filters when 1 accept filter would do the same thing! Each filter has 10
295 lines (of any length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the
296 action you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept
300 If you specify reject filters, then any lines that arrive that match the filter
301 will be dumped but all else will be accepted. If you use an accept filter,
302 then ONLY the lines in the filter will be accepted and all else will be dumped.
303 For example if you have a single line <em>accept</em> filter ...
306 accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
309 then you will <em>ONLY</em> get VHF spots <em>from</em> or <em>to</em> CQ zones
313 If you set a reject filter like this ...
316 reject/spots on hf/cw
319 Then you will get everything <em>EXCEPT</em> HF CW spots. You could make this
320 single filter even more flexible. For example, if you are interested in IOTA
321 and will work it even on CW even though normally you are not interested in
322 CW, then you could say ...
325 reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota
328 But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:-
331 accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota
334 which achieves exactly the same thing. You should choose one or the other
335 until you are comfortable with the way it works. You can mix them if you
336 wish (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but
337 don't attempt this until you are sure you know what you are doing!
340 You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your own
341 understanding or simply convenience. Here is an example ...
344 reject/spots 1 on hf/cw
345 reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
348 What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots and also rejects any spots on VHF
349 which don't either originate or spot someone in Europe.
352 This is an example where you would use a line number (1 and 2 in this case), if
353 you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits '0'-'9' are available.
354 This make it easier to see just what filters you have set. It also makes it
355 more simple to remove individual filters, during a contest for example.
358 You will notice in the above example that the second line has brackets. Look
359 at the line logically. You can see there are 2 separate sections to it. We
360 are saying reject spots that are VHF or above <em>APART</em> from those in
361 zones 14, 15 and 16 (either spotted there or originated there). If you did
362 not have the brackets to separate the 2 sections, then Spider would read it
363 logically from the front and see a different expression entirely ...
366 (on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16
369 The simple way to remember this is, if you use OR - use brackets. Whilst we are
370 here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is just the same as 'and by_zone'.
372 As mentioned earlier, setting several filters can be more flexible than
373 simply setting one complex one. Doing it in this way means that if you want
374 to alter your filter you can just redefine or remove one or more lines of it or
375 one line. For example ...
378 reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb
381 would redefine our earlier example, or
387 To remove all the filter lines in the spot filter ...
393 <sect1>Filter options
396 You can filter in several different ways. The options are listed in the
397 various helpfiles for accept, reject and filter.
399 <sect1>Default filters
402 Sometimes all that is needed is a general rule for node connects. This can
403 be done with a node_default filter. This rule will always be followed, even
404 if the link is isolated, unless another filter is set specifically. Default
405 rules can be set for nodes and users. They can be set for spots, announces,
406 WWV and WCY. They can also be used for hops. An example might look like
410 accept/spot node_default by_zone 14,15,16,20,33
411 set/hops node_default spot 50
414 This filter is for spots only, you could set others for announce, WWV and WCY.
415 This filter would work for ALL nodes unless a specific filter is written to
416 override it for a particular node. You can also set a user_default should
417 you require. It is important to note that default filters should be
418 considered to be "connected". By this I mean that should you override the
419 default filter for spots, you need to add a rule for the hops for spots also.
421 <sect1>Advanced filtering
424 Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to experiment.
427 The previous example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU
428 can be written with a mixed filter, for example ...
433 acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
436 Note that the first filter has not been specified with a number. This will
437 automatically be assumed to be number 1. In this case, we have said <em>reject all
438 HF spots in the CW section of the bands but accept all others at HF. Also
439 accept anything in VHF and above spotted in or by operators in the zones
440 14, 15 and 16</em>. Each filter slot actually has a 'reject' slot and
441 an 'accept' slot. The reject slot is executed BEFORE the accept slot.
444 It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match, the default
445 for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for 'accept'. In the example
446 what happens is that the reject is executed first, any non hf/cw spot is passed
447 to the accept line, which lets through everything else on HF. The next filter line
448 lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU.
450 <sect1>Basic hop control
453 In /spider/data you will find a file called hop_table.pl. This is the file
454 that controls your hop count settings. It has a set of default hops on the
455 various PC frames and also a set for each node you want to alter the hops for.
456 You may be happy with the default settings of course, but this powerful tool
457 can help to protect and improve the network. The file will look something
462 # hop table construction
467 # default hopcount to use
470 # some variable hop counts based on message type
481 # the per node hop control thingy
513 Each set of hops is contained within a pair of curly braces and contains a
514 series of PC frame types. PC11 for example is a DX spot. The figures here
515 are not exhaustive but should give you a good idea of how the file works.
518 You can alter this file at any time, including whilst the cluster is running.
519 If you alter the file during runtime, the command <em>load/hops</em> will
520 bring your changes into effect.
522 <sect1>Hop Control on Specific Nodes
524 <p>You can set a callsign specific hop count for any of the standard filter
528 set/hops gb7djk spot 4
529 set/hops node_default route 10
530 set/hops gb7baa wcy 5
533 all work on their specific area of the protocol.
536 The <em>set/hops</em> command overrides any hops that you have set otherwise.
539 You can set what hops have been set using the <em>show/hops</em> command.
541 <sect1>Isolating networks
544 It is possible to isolate networks from each other on a "gateway" node using the
545 <em>set/isolate <node_call></em> command.
548 The effect of this is to partition an isolated network completely from another
549 node connected to your node. Your node will appear on and otherwise behave
550 normally on every network to which you are connected, but data from an isolated
551 network will not cross onto any other network or vice versa. However all the
552 spot, announce and WWV traffic and personal messages will still be handled
553 locally (because you are a real node on all connected networks), that is locally
554 connected users will appear on all networks and will be able to access and
555 receive information from all networks transparently. All routed messages will
556 be sent as normal, so if a user on one network knows that you are a gateway for
557 another network, he can still still send a talk/announce etc message via your
558 node and it will be routed across.
561 If you use isolate on a node connection you will continue to receive
562 all information from the isolated partner, however you will not pass
563 any information back to the isolated node. There are times when you
564 would like to forward only spots across a link (maybe during a contest
565 for example). To do this, isolate the node in the normal way and use
566 an <em>acc/spot >call< all</em> filter to override the isolate.
570 <sect1>Filtering Mail
573 In the /spider/msg directory you will find a file called badmsg.pl.issue. Rename
574 this to badmsg.pl and edit the file. The original looks something like this ....
578 # the list of regexes for messages that we won't store having
579 # received them (bear in mind that we must receive them fully before
583 # The format of each line is as follows
585 # type source pattern
586 # P/B/F T/F/O/S regex
588 # type: P - private, B - bulletin (msg), F - file (ak1a bull)
589 # source: T - to field, F - from field, O - origin, S - subject
590 # pattern: a perl regex on the field requested
592 # Currently only type B and P msgs are affected by this code.
594 # The list is read from the top down, the first pattern that matches
595 # causes the action to be taken.
597 # The pattern can be undef or 0 in which case it will always be selected
598 # for the action specified
616 I think this is fairly self explanatory. It is simply a list of subject
617 headers that we do not want to pass on to either the users of the cluster or
618 the other cluster nodes that we are linked to. This is usually because of
619 rules and regulations pertaining to items for sale etc in a particular country.
622 <sect1>Filtering words from text fields in Announce, Talk and DX spots
625 From version 1.48 onwards the interface to this has changed. You can now
626 use the commands <em>set/badword</em> to add words that you are not prepared
627 to see on the cluster, <em>unset/badword</em> to allow that word again and
628 <em>show/badword</em> to list the words that you have set.
631 If you have a previous <em>/spider/data/badwords</em>, the first time you start
632 the node, it will read and convert this file to the new commands. The old style
633 file will then be removed.
635 <sect1>Stopping (possibly bad) DX Spots from Nodes or Spotters
638 There are a number of commands that control whether a spot progresses
639 any further by regarding it as "bad" in some way.
642 A DX Spot has a number of fields which can be checked to see whether they
643 contain "bad" values, they are: the DX callsign itself, the Spotter and
644 the Originating Node.
647 There are a set of commands which allow the sysop to control whether a
656 These work in the same as the <em>set/badword</em> command, you can add
657 any words or callsigns or whatever to the appropriate database. For
658 example, to stop a spot from a particular node you do:
661 set/badnode gb7djk gb7dxc
667 set/badspotter b0mb p1rat nocall
676 You can remove a word using the appropriate unset command
677 (<em>unset/baddx, unset/badspotter, unset/badnode</em>) or list them
678 using one of <em>show/baddx, show/badspotter</em> and
679 <em>show/badnode</em>.
684 DXSpider deals seamlessly with standard AK1A type mail. It supports both
685 personal and bulletin mail and the sysop has additional commands to ensure
686 that mail gets to where it is meant. DXSpider will send mail almost
687 immediately, assuming that the target is on line. However, only one
688 mail message is dealt with at any one time. If a mail message is already
689 being sent or recieved, then the new message will be queued until it has
692 The cluster mail is automatically deleted after 30 days unless the sysop
693 sets the "keep" flag using the <em>msg</em> command.
698 Personal mail is sent using the <em>sp</em> command. This is actually the
699 default method of sending mail and so a simple <em>s</em> for send will do.
700 A full list of the send commands and options is in the <em>command set</em>
701 section, so I will not duplicate them here.
706 Bulletin mail is sent by using the <em>sb</em> command. This is one of the
707 most common mistakes users make when sending mail. They send a bulletin
708 mail with <em>s</em> or <em>sp</em> instead of <em>sb</em> and of course
709 the message never leaves the cluster. This can be rectified by the sysop
710 by using the <em>msg</em> command.
712 <P>Bulletin addresses can be set using the Forward.pl file.
717 DXSpider receives all and any mail sent to it without any alterations needed
718 in files. Because personal and bulletin mail are treated differently, there
719 is no need for a list of accepted bulletin addresses. It is necessary, however,
720 to tell the program which links accept which bulletins. For example, it is
721 pointless sending bulletins addresses to "UK" to any links other than UK
722 ones. The file that does this is called forward.pl and lives in /spider/msg.
723 At default, like other spider files it is named forward.pl.issue. Rename it
724 to forward.pl and edit the file to match your requirements.
725 The format is below ...
729 # this is an example message forwarding file for the system
731 # The format of each line is as follows
733 # type to/from/at pattern action destinations
734 # P/B/F T/F/A regex I/F [ call [, call ...] ]
736 # type: P - private, B - bulletin (msg), F - file (ak1a bull)
737 # to/from/at: T - to field, F - from field, A - home bbs, O - origin
738 # pattern: a perl regex on the field requested
739 # action: I - ignore, F - forward
740 # destinations: a reference to an array containing node callsigns
742 # if it is non-private and isn't in here then it won't get forwarded
744 # Currently only type B msgs are affected by this code.
746 # The list is read from the top down, the first pattern that matches
747 # causes the action to be taken.
749 # The pattern can be undef or 0 in which case it will always be selected
750 # for the action specified
752 # If the BBS list is undef or 0 and the action is 'F' (and it matches the
753 # pattern) then it will always be forwarded to every node that doesn't have
754 # it (I strongly recommend you don't use this unless you REALLY mean it, if
755 # you allow a new link with this on EVERY bull will be forwarded immediately
756 # on first connection)
762 'B', 'T', 'LOCAL', 'F', [ qw(GB7MBC) ],
763 'B', 'T', 'ALL', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
764 'B', 'T', 'UK', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX) ],
765 'B', 'T', 'QSL', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
766 'B', 'T', 'QSLINF', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
767 'B', 'T', 'DX', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
768 'B', 'T', 'DXINFO', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
769 'B', 'T', 'DXNEWS', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
770 'B', 'T', 'DXQSL', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
771 'B', 'T', 'SYSOP', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX) ],
772 'B', 'T', '50MHZ', 'F', [ qw(GB7BAA GB7ADX PA4AB-14) ],
776 Simply insert a bulletin address and state in the brackets where you wish
777 that mail to go. For example, you can see here that mail sent to "UK" will
778 only be sent to the UK links and not to PA4AB-14.
781 To force the cluster to reread the file use load/forward
784 <sect1>The msg command
787 The <em>msg</em> command is a very powerful and flexible tool for the
788 sysop. It allows the sysop to alter to and from fields and make other
789 changes to manage the cluster mail.
791 Here is a full list of the various options ...
794 MSG TO <msgno> <call> - change TO callsign to <call>
795 MSG FRom <msgno> <call> - change FROM callsign to <call>
796 MSG PRrivate <msgno> - set private flag
797 MSG NOPRrivate <msgno> - unset private flag
798 MSG RR <msgno> - set RR flag
799 MSG NORR <msgno> - unset RR flag
800 MSG KEep <msgno> - set the keep flag (message won't be deleted ever)
801 MSG NOKEep <msgno> - unset the keep flag
802 MSG SUbject <msgno> <new> - change the subject to <new>
803 MSG WAittime <msgno> - remove any waiting time for this message
804 MSG NOREad <msgno> - mark message as unread
805 MSG REad <msgno> - mark message as read
806 MSG QUeue - queue any outstanding bulletins
807 MSG QUeue 1 - queue any outstanding private messages
810 These commands are simply typed from within the cluster as the sysop user.
812 <sect1>Message status
815 You can check on a message from within the cluster by using the command
816 <em>stat/msg</em>. This will give you additional information on the
817 message number including which nodes have received it, which node it
818 was received from and when etc. Here is an example of the output of
822 G0VGS de GB7MBC 28-Jan-2001 1308Z >
825 Msg Time: 26-Jan-2001 1302Z
829 Subject: AMSAT 2line KEPS 01025.AMSAT
831 Got it Nodes: GB7BAA, GB7ADX
835 G0VGS de GB7MBC 28-Jan-2001 1308Z >
838 <sect1>Filtering mail
841 This is described in the section on <em>Other filters</em> so I will not
844 <sect1>Distribution lists
847 Distribution lists are simply a list of users to send certain types of
848 mail to. An example of this is mail you only wish to send to other
849 sysops. In /spider/msg there is a directory called <em>distro</em>. You
850 put any distibution lists in here. For example, here is a file called
851 SYSOP.pl that caters for the UK sysops.
854 qw(GB7TLH GB7DJK GB7DXM GB7CDX GB7BPQ GB7DXN GB7MBC GB7MBC-6 GB7MDX
855 GB7NDX GB7SDX GB7TDX GB7UDX GB7YDX GB7ADX GB7BAA GB7DXA GB7DXH
856 GB7DXK GB7DXI GB7DXS)
859 Any mail sent to "sysop" would only be sent to the callsigns in this list.
864 Spider provides a simple BBS interface. No input is required from the sysop
865 of the cluster at all. The BBS simply sets the cluster as a BBS and pushes
866 any required mail to the cluster. No mail can flow from Spider to the BBS,
867 the interface is one-way.
870 Please be careful not to flood the cluster network with unnecessary mail.
871 Make sure you only send mail to the clusters that want it by using the
872 Forward.pl file very carefully.
877 From 1.48 onwards it will become increasingly possible to control DXSpider's
878 operation with scripts of various kinds.
881 The directory /spider/scripts is where it all happens and is used for several
882 things. Firstly it contains a file called startup that can be used to call
883 in any changes to the cluster from the default settings on startup. This
884 script is executed immediately after all initialisation of the node is done
885 but before any connections are possible. Examples of this include how many
886 spots it is possible to get with the sh/dx command, whether you want
887 registration/passwords to be permanently on etc. An example file is shown
888 below and is included in the distribution as startup.issue.
892 # startup script example
894 # set maximum no of spots allowed to 100
895 # set/var $Spot::maxspots = 1
897 # Set registration on
898 # set/var $main::reqreg = 1
901 # set/var $main::passwdreq = 1
906 As usual, any text behind a # is treated as a comment and not read.
908 Secondly, it is used to store the login scripts for users and nodes. Currently
909 this can only be done by the sysop but it is envisaged that eventually users will
910 be able to set their own. An example is included in the distibution but here is
926 The lines in between commands can simply insert a blank line or a character
927 such as a + sign to make the output easier to read. Simply create this script
928 with your favourite editor and save it with the callsign of the user as the
929 filename. Filenames should always be in lower case.
932 Commands can be inserted in the same way for nodes. A node may wish a series
933 of commands to be issued on login, such as a merge command for example.
936 Thirdly, there are 2 default scripts for users and nodes who do not have a
937 specifically defined script. These are <em>user_default</em> and
938 <em>node_default</em>
943 Spider allows the creation of local or remote databases. It supports
944 chained databases, allowing several different databases to be scanned
945 with one simple command. Importing of databases is limited at present
946 to the standard AK1A databases such as OBLAST and the DB0SDX QSL
947 database but will expand with time.
949 <sect1>Creating databases
952 Creating a database could not be more simple. All the commands are
953 sent from the cluster prompt as the <em>sysop</em> user.
955 To create a database you use the command <em>dbcreate</em>. It can
956 be used in 3 different ways like so ..
962 To simply create a database locally, you just tell the command the
963 name of the database. This does not create the actual database, it
964 simply defines it to say that it exists.
967 dbcreate <name> chain <name> [<name>...]
970 This creates a chained database entry. The first database will be
971 scanned, then the second, the third etc...
974 dbcreate <name> remote <name>
977 This creates a remote entry. the first name field is the database
978 name at the remote node, then the remote switch, then the actual
979 node_call of the remote node, for example...
982 dbcreate buckmaster remote gb7dxc
985 Remote databases cannot be chained, however, the last database in a
986 chain can be a remote database.
988 <sect1>Importing databases
991 The only databases that Spider can currently import are the standard
992 AK1A databases such as OBLAST or the DB0SDX qsl and address database.
993 This will be added to with time.
995 To import such a database, first put the file somewhere useful like /tmp
996 and then issue the following command ...
999 dbimport oblast /tmp/OBLAST.FUL
1002 This will update the existing local oblast database or create it if
1005 <sect1>Checking available databases
1008 Once a database is created, you will want to check that it has been
1009 added. To do this use the <em>dbavail</em> command. This will
1010 output the available databases. For example ...
1014 DB Name Location Chain
1018 G0VGS de GB7MBC 3-Feb-2001 1925Z >
1021 <sect1>Looking up databases
1024 To look for information in a defined database, simply use the <em>dbshow</em>
1025 command, for example ...
1028 dbshow buckmaster G0YLM
1031 will show the information for the callsign G0YLM from the buckmaster
1032 database if it exists. To make things more standard for the users
1033 you can add an entry in the Aliases file so that it looks like a standard
1034 <em>show</em> command like this ...
1037 '^sh\w*/buc', 'dbshow buckmaster', 'dbshow',
1040 Now you can simply use show/buckmaster or an abreviation.
1042 <sect1>Removing databases
1045 To delete an existing database you use the <em>dbremove</em> command.
1052 would remove the oblast database and its associated datafile from the
1053 system. There are no warnings or recovery possible from this command.
1054 If you remove a database it ceases to exist and would have to be created
1055 from scratch if you still required it.
1057 <sect>Information, files and useful programs
1062 One of the more important things a cluster sysop needs to do is to get
1063 information to his users. The simplest way to do this is to have a banner
1064 that is sent to the user on login. This is know as a "message of the day"
1065 or "motd". To set this up, simply create a file in /spider/data called motd
1066 and edit it to say whatever you want. It is purely a text file and will be
1067 sent automatically to anyone logging in to the cluster.
1072 This message of the day file lives in the same directory as the standard
1073 motd file but is only sent to non-registered users. Once registered they
1074 will receive the same message as any other user.
1076 <sect1>Downtime message
1079 If for any reason the cluster is down, maybe for upgrade or maintenance but
1080 the machine is still running, a message can be sent to the user advising them
1081 of the fact. This message lives in the /spider/data directory and is called
1082 "offline". Simply create the file and edit it to say whatever you wish.
1083 This file will be sent to a user attempting to log into the cluster when
1084 DXSpider is not actually running.
1086 <sect1>Other text messages
1089 You can set other text messages to be read by the user if they input the file
1090 name. This could be for news items or maybe information for new users.
1091 To set this up, make a directory under /spider called <em>packclus</em>.
1092 Under this directory you can create files called <em>news</em> or <em>newuser</em>
1093 for example. In fact you can create files with any names you like. These can
1094 be listed by the user with the command ....
1100 They can be read by the user by typing the command ....
1106 If the file they want to read is called <em>news</em>. You could also set
1107 an alias for this in the Alias file to allow them just to type <em>news</em>
1110 You can also store other information in this directory, either directly or
1111 nested under directories. One use for this would be to store DX bulletins
1112 such as the OPDX bulletins. These can be listed and read by the user.
1113 To keep things tidy, make a directory under /spider/packclus called
1114 <em>bulletin</em>. Now copy any OPDX or similar bulletins into it. These
1115 can be listed by the user in the same way as above using the <em>show/files</em>
1116 command with an extension for the bulletin directory you have just created,
1124 An example would look like this ....
1128 bulletin DIR 20-Dec-1999 1715Z news 1602 14-Dec-1999 1330Z
1131 You can see that in the files area (basically the packclus directory) there is a
1132 file called <em>news</em> and a directory called <em>bulletin</em>. You can
1133 also see that dates they were created. In the case of the file <em>news</em>,
1134 you can also see the time it was last modified, a good clue as to whether the
1135 file has been updated since you last read it. To read the file called
1136 <em>news</em> you would simply issue the command ....
1142 To look what is in the bulletin directory you issue the command ....
1146 opdx390 21381 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx390.1 1670 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1147 opdx390.2 2193 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx391 25045 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1148 opdx392 35969 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx393 15023 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1149 opdx394 33429 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx394.1 3116 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1150 opdx395 24319 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx396 32647 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1151 opdx396.1 5537 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx396.2 6242 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1152 opdx397 18433 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx398 19961 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1153 opdx399 17719 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx400 19600 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1154 opdx401 27738 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx402 18698 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1155 opdx403 24994 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx404 15685 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1156 opdx405 13984 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx405.1 4166 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1157 opdx406 28934 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx407 24153 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1158 opdx408 15081 29-Nov-1999 1621Z opdx409 23234 29-Nov-1999 1621Z
1159 Press Enter to continue, A to abort (16 lines) >
1162 You can now read any file in this directory using the type command, like this ....
1165 type bulletin/opdx391
1166 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 391
1167 The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
1171 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
1172 Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
1173 Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1 (New Area Code!)
1174 Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX
1175 Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, K1XN & Golist, WB2RAJ/WB2YQH
1176 & The 59(9) DXReport, W3UR & The Daily DX, K3TEJ, KN4UG, W4DC, NC6J, N6HR,
1177 Press Enter to continue, A to abort (508 lines) >
1180 The page length will of course depend on what you have it set to!
1182 <sect1>The Aliases file
1185 You will find a file in /spider/cmd/ called Aliases. First, copy this file to
1186 /spider/local_cmd/Aliases and edit this file. You will see something like this ...
1192 # provide some standard aliases for commands for terminally
1193 # helpless ak1a user (helpless in the sense that they never
1194 # read nor understand help files)
1196 # This file is automagically reloaded if its modification time is
1197 # later than the one stored in CmdAlias.pm
1199 # PLEASE make this file consistant with reality! (the patterns MUST
1200 # match the filenames!)
1202 # Don't alter this file, copy it into the local_cmd tree and modify it.
1203 # This file will be replaced everytime I issue a new release.
1205 # You only need to put aliases in here for commands that don't work as
1206 # you desire naturally, e.g sh/dx on its own just works as you expect
1207 # so you need not add it as an alias.
1215 '^\?', 'apropos', 'apropos',
1218 '^ann.*/full', 'announce full', 'announce',
1219 '^ann.*/sysop', 'announce sysop', 'announce',
1220 '^ann.*/(.*)$', 'announce $1', 'announce',
1227 '^del', 'kill', 'kill',
1228 '^del\w*/fu', 'kill full', 'kill',
1229 '^di\w*/a\w*', 'directory all', 'directory',
1230 '^di\w*/b\w*', 'directory bulletins', 'directory',
1231 '^di\w*/n\w*', 'directory new', 'directory',
1232 '^di\w*/o\w*', 'directory own', 'directory',
1233 '^di\w*/s\w*', 'directory subject', 'directory',
1234 '^di\w*/t\w*', 'directory to', 'directory',
1235 '^di\w*/f\w*', 'directory from', 'directory',
1236 '^di\w*/(\d+)', 'directory $1', 'directory',
1253 '^l$', 'directory', 'directory',
1254 '^ll$', 'directory', 'directory',
1255 '^ll/(\d+)', 'directory $1', 'directory',
1260 '^news', 'type news', 'type',
1270 '^r$', 'read', 'read',
1271 '^rcmd/(\S+)', 'rcmd $1', 'rcmd',
1274 '^s/p$', 'send', 'send',
1275 '^sb$', 'send noprivate', 'send',
1276 '^set/home$', 'set/homenode', 'set/homenode',
1277 '^set/nobe', 'unset/beep', 'unset/beep',
1278 '^set/nohe', 'unset/here', 'unset/here',
1279 '^set/noan', 'unset/announce', 'unset/announce',
1280 '^set/nodx', 'unset/dx', 'unset/dx',
1281 '^set/nota', 'unset/talk', 'unset/talk',
1282 '^set/noww', 'unset/wwv', 'unset/wwv',
1283 '^set/nowx', 'unset/wx', 'unset/wx',
1284 '^sh$', 'show', 'show',
1285 '^sh\w*/buck', 'dbshow buck', 'dbshow',
1286 '^sh\w*/bu', 'show/files bulletins', 'show/files',
1287 '^sh\w*/c/n', 'show/configuration nodes', 'show/configuration',
1288 '^sh\w*/c$', 'show/configuration', 'show/configuration',
1289 '^sh\w*/com', 'dbavail', 'dbavail',
1290 '^sh\w*/dx/(\d+)-(\d+)', 'show/dx $1-$2', 'show/dx',
1291 '^sh\w*/dx/(\d+)', 'show/dx $1', 'show/dx',
1292 '^sh\w*/dx/d(\d+)', 'show/dx from $1', 'show/dx',
1293 '^sh\w*/email', 'dbshow email', 'dbshow',
1294 '^sh\w*/hftest', 'dbshow hftest', 'dbshow',
1295 '^sh\w*/vhftest', 'dbshow vhftest', 'dbshow',
1296 '^sh\w*/qsl', 'dbshow qsl', 'dbshow',
1297 '^sh\w*/tnc', 'who', 'who',
1298 '^sh\w*/up', 'show/cluster', 'show/cluster',
1299 '^sh\w*/w\w*/(\d+)-(\d+)', 'show/wwv $1-$2', 'show/wwv',
1300 '^sh\w*/w\w*/(\d+)', 'show/wwv $1', 'show/wwv',
1301 '^sp$', 'send', 'send',
1305 '^ta$', 'talk', 'talk',
1306 '^t$', 'talk', 'talk',
1313 '^wx/full', 'wx full', 'wx',
1314 '^wx/sysop', 'wx sysop', 'wx',
1325 You can create aliases for commands at will. Beware though, these may not
1326 always turn out as you think. Care is needed and you need to test the
1327 results once you have set an alias.
1332 In later versions of Spider a simple console program is provided for the sysop.
1333 This has a type ahead buffer with line editing facilities and colour for spots,
1334 announces etc. To use this program, simply use console.pl instead of client.
1337 To edit the colours, copy /spider/perl/Console.pl to /spider/local and edit the
1338 file with your favourite editor.
1340 <sect1>Updating kepler data
1343 Spider has a powerful and flexible show/satellite command. In order for
1344 this to be accurate, the kepler data has to be updated regularly. In
1345 general, this data is available as an email or via cluster mail.
1346 Updating it is simple. First you need to export the mail message as a
1347 file. You do this with the <em>export</em> command from the cluster prompt
1348 as the sysop. For example ...
1351 export 5467 /spider/perl/keps.in
1354 would export message number 5467 as a file called keps.in in the
1355 /spider/perl directory.
1357 Now login to a VT as sysop and cd /spider/perl. There is a command in
1358 the perl directory called <em>convkeps.pl</em>. All we need to do now is
1359 convert the file like so ...
1362 ./convkeps.pl keps.in
1365 Now go back to the cluster and issue the command ...
1371 That is it! the kepler data has been updated.
1373 <sect1>The QRZ callbook
1376 The command <em>sh/qrz</em> will only work once you have followed a few
1377 simple steps. First you need to get a user ID and password from qrz.com.
1378 Simply go to the site and create one. Secondly you need to copy the file
1379 /spider/perl/Internet.pm to /spider/local and alter it to match your user
1380 ID and password. You also at this point need to set $allow=1 to complete
1381 the setup. Many thanks to Fred Lloyd, the proprieter of
1382 <htmlurl url="http://www.qrz.com" name="qrz.com"> for allowing this access.
1387 From version 1.49 DXSpider has some additional security features. These
1388 are not by any means meant to be exhaustive, however they do afford some
1389 security against piracy. These two new features can be used independently
1390 of each other or in concert to tighten the security.
1395 The basic principle of registration is simple. If a user is not registered
1396 by the sysop, then they have read-only access to the cluster. The only
1397 thing they can actually send is a talk or a message to the sysop. In
1398 order for them to be able to spot, send announces or talks etc the sysop
1399 must register them with the <em>set/register</em> command, like this ...
1405 The user g0vgs can now fully use the cluster. In order to enable
1406 registration, you can issue the command ...
1409 set/var $main::reqreg = 1
1412 Any users that are not registered will now see the motd_nor file rather
1413 than the motd file as discussed in the Information, files and useful
1417 Entering this line at the prompt will only last for the time the cluster
1418 is running of course and would not be present on a restart. To make the
1419 change permanent, add the above line to /spider/scripts/startup. To
1420 read more on the startup file, see the section on Information, files
1421 and useful programs.
1424 To unregister a user use <em>unset/register</em> and to show the list
1425 of registered users, use the command <em>show/register</em>.
1430 At the moment, passwords only affect users who login to a DXSpider
1431 cluster node via telnet. If a user requires a password, they can
1432 either set it themselves or have the sysop enter it for them by using
1433 the <em>set/password</em> command. Any users who already have passwords,
1434 such as remote sysops, will be asked for their passwords automatically
1435 by the cluster. Using passwords in this way means that the user has a
1436 choice on whether to have a password or not. To force the use of
1437 passwords at login, issue the command ...
1440 set/var $main::passwdreq = 1
1443 at the cluster prompt. This can also be added to the /spider/scripts/startup
1444 file as above to make the change permanent.
1447 Of course, if you do this you will have to assign a password for each of
1448 your users. If you were asking them to register, it is anticipated that
1449 you would ask them to send you a message both to ask to be registered and
1450 to give you the password they wish to use.
1453 Should a user forget their password, it can be reset by the sysop by
1454 first removing the existing password and then setting a new one like so ...
1457 unset/password g0vgs
1458 set/password g0vgs new_password
1464 CVS stands for "Concurrent Versions System" and the CVS for DXSpider is held
1465 at <htmlurl url="http://www.sourceforge.net" name="Sourceforge">. This means
1466 that it is possible to update your DXSpider installation to the latest
1467 sources by using a few simple commands.
1470 Please be aware that if you update your system using CVS, it is possible that
1471 you could be running code that is very beta and not fully tested. There is
1472 a possibility that it could be unstable.
1475 I am of course assuming that you have a machine with both DXSpider and
1476 Internet access running.
1479 BEFORE YOU EVEN CONSIDER STARTING WITH THIS MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR
1480 ENTIRE SPIDER TREE!!
1483 Assuming you are connected to the Internet, you need to login to the
1484 CVS repository and then update your Spider source. There are several
1485 steps which are listed below ...
1488 First login as the user <em>sysop</em>. Next you need to connect to the CVS
1489 repository. You do this with the command below ...
1492 cvs -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.DXSpider.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/dxspider login
1495 You will get a password prompt. Simply hit return here and your machine should
1496 return to a normal linux prompt.
1499 What happens next depends on whether you have an existing installation that
1500 you want to update with the latest and greatest or whether you just want
1501 to see what is there and/or run it on a new machine for testing.
1503 If you are installing Spider from CVS then change directory to /home/sysop
1505 If you are wanting to update Spider then cd to /tmp
1508 The next step will create a brand new 'spider' directory in your current
1512 cvs -z3 -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.DXSpider.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/dxspider co spider
1515 This command is all on one line.
1518 Hopefully your screen should show you downloading files. The -z3 simply compresses
1519 the download to improve speed.
1520 When this has finished, you will have exactly the same as if you had untarred a full
1521 tarball PLUS some extra directories and files that CVS needs to do the magic that
1525 Now if you are doing a new installation, that's it. Carry on as if you have
1526 just downloaded and untarred the lastest tarball.
1529 If you want to upgrade your current installation then do this ...
1532 tar cvfz /tmp/s.tgz spider
1534 tar xvfzp /tmp/s.tgz
1537 This is assuming you downloaded to the /tmp directory of course.
1540 NOTE: the 'p' on the end of the 'xvfz' is IMPORTANT! It keeps the permissions
1541 correct. YOU WERE LOGGED IN AS THE USER SYSOP WEREN'T YOU?????
1543 Remember to recompile the C client (cd /spider/src; make)
1546 At this point the files have been upgraded. You can (usually) restart the cluster
1547 in your own time. However, if you attempt to use any new commands or features
1548 expect it to be fatal! At least your cluster will have been restarted then so it
1549 will be too late to worry about it!
1552 Now the magic part! From now on when you want to update, simply connect to the
1553 Internet and then, as the user <em>sysop</em> ...
1560 and your files will be updated. As above, remember to recompile the "C" client
1561 if it has been updated (CVS will tell you) and restart if any of the perl scripts
1562 have been altered or added, again, CVS will tell you.
1565 You will find any changes documented in the /spider/Changes file.
1567 <sect>The DXSpider command set
1570 Below is a complete list of commands available from the cluster prompt.
1571 Most maintenance tasks are automatic but there are some commands that are useful
1572 for a sysop. These are listed below in alphabetical order. The number in
1573 brackets following the command name is the permissions level needed to use
1576 <sect1>accept/announce (0)
1580 <bf>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept filter
1585 Create an 'accept this announce' line for a filter.
1587 An accept filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is
1588 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this
1589 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1591 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1594 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
1595 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1597 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1598 origin_itu <numbers>
1599 origin_zone <numbers>
1604 wx 1 filter WX announces
1605 dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros)
1612 acc/ann 2 by_zone 14,15,16
1613 (this could be all on one line: acc/ann dest 6MUK or by_zone 14,15,16)
1622 This filter would only allow announces that were posted buy UK stations.
1623 You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg:
1629 but this probably for advanced users...
1631 <sect1>accept/announce (extended for sysops) (8)
1635 <bf>accept/announce <call> [input] [0-9]<pattern></bf> Announce filter sysop version
1639 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
1640 default for nodes and users eg:-
1644 accept/ann input node_default by G,M,2
1645 accept/ann user_default by G,M,2
1648 <sect1>accept/route (8)
1652 <bf>accept/route <call> [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an 'accept' filter line for routing
1656 Create an 'accept this routing PC Protocol' line for a filter.
1659 An accept filter line means that if a PC16/17/19/21/24/41/50 matches this filter
1660 it is passed thru that interface. See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please read this
1661 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1664 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1667 call <prefixes> the callsign of the thingy
1668 call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1671 origin <prefixes> really the interface it came in on
1672 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1673 origin_itu <numbers>
1674 origin_zone <numbers>
1681 acc/route gb7djk call_dxcc 61,38 (send only UK+EIRE nodes)
1682 acc/route gb7djk call gb7djk (equiv to SET/ISOLATE)
1686 You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg:
1692 <sect1>accept/spots (0)
1696 <bf>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept filter
1701 Create an 'accept this spot' line for a filter.
1704 An accept filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is
1705 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this
1706 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1708 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1711 freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m
1712 on <range> same as 'freq'
1713 call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9
1714 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
1716 call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1727 For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in
1728 SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb -
1729 thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 -
1730 this is more efficient than saying simply: freq HF (but don't get
1731 too hung up about that)
1737 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1740 You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything, eg:
1746 but this probably for advanced users...
1748 <sect1>accept/spots (extended for sysops) (8)
1752 <bf>accept/spots <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf> Spot filter sysop version
1756 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
1757 default for nodes and users eg:-
1760 accept/spot db0sue-7 1 by_zone 14,15,16
1761 accept/spot node_default all
1762 set/hops node_default 10
1764 accept/spot user_default by G,M,2
1767 <sect1>accept/wcy (0)
1771 <bf>accept/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> set an accept WCY filter
1775 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
1776 filter on the following fields:-
1779 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1781 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1782 origin_itu <numbers>
1783 origin_zone <numbers>
1791 There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and
1792 you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them).
1794 This command is really provided for future use.
1796 See HELP FILTER for information.
1798 <sect1>accept/wcy (extended for sysops) (8)
1802 <bf>accept/wcy <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf>
1803 WCY filter sysop version
1807 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
1808 default for nodes and users eg:-
1811 accept/wcy node_default all
1812 set/hops node_default 10
1815 <sect1>accept/wwv (0)
1819 <bf>accept/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an accept WWV filter
1823 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
1824 filter on the following fields:-
1827 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1829 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1830 origin_itu <numbers>
1831 origin_zone <numbers>
1841 accept/wwv by_zone 4
1844 is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts
1845 by stations in the US).
1847 See HELP FILTER for information.
1849 <sect1>accept/wwv (extended for sysops) (8)
1853 <bf>accept/wwv <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf>
1854 WWV filter sysop version
1858 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
1859 default for nodes and users eg:-
1862 accept/wwv db0sue-7 1 by_zone 4
1863 accept/wwv node_default all
1864 set/hops node_default 10
1866 accept/wwv user_default by W,K
1873 <bf>announce <text></bf> Send an announcement to local users
1877 Send an announcement to LOCAL users only, where <text> is the text
1878 of the announcement you wish to broadcast. If you do not wish to receive
1879 announces, use the <em>set/noannounce</em> command. Any announces made by
1880 a sysop will override set/noannounce.
1882 <sect1>announce full (0)
1886 <bf>announce full <text></bf> Send an announcement cluster wide
1890 This command will send your announcement across the whole cluster
1894 <sect1>announce sysop (5)
1898 <bf>announce sysop <text></bf>
1902 Send an announcement to Sysops only
1908 <bf>apropos <string></bf> Search the help database
1912 Search the help database for <string> (it isn't case sensitive),
1913 and print the names of all the commands that may be relevant.
1919 <bf>bye</bf> Exit from the cluster
1923 This will disconnect you from the cluster
1929 <bf>catchup <node_call> All|[<msgno> ...]</bf>
1930 Mark a message as sent
1934 When you send messages the fact that you have forwarded it to another node
1935 is remembered so that it isn't sent again. When you have a new partner
1936 node and you add their callsign to your /spider/msg/forward.pl file, all
1937 outstanding non-private messages will be forwarded to them. This may well
1938 be ALL the non-private messages. You can prevent this by using these
1943 catchup GB7DJK 300 301 302 303 500-510
1946 and to undo what you have just done:-
1949 uncatchup GB7DJK all
1950 uncatchup GB7DJK 300 301 302 303 500-510
1953 which will arrange for them to be forward candidates again.
1955 Order is not important.
1957 <sect1>clear/announce (8)
1961 <bf>clear/announce [input] <callsign> [0-9|all]</bf> Clear an announce filter line
1965 A sysop can clear an input or normal output filter for a user or the
1966 node_default or user_default.
1968 <sect1>clear/route (8)
1972 <bf>clear/route [input] ^lt;callsign> [0-9|all]</bf> Clear a route filter line
1976 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a route filter or to
1977 remove the whole filter.
1979 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
1981 A sysop can clear an input or normal output filter for a user or the
1982 node_default or user_default.
1984 <sect1>clear/spots (0)
1988 <bf>clear/spots [1|all]</bf> Clear a spot filter line
1992 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a spot filter or to
1993 remove the whole filter.
1995 If you have a filter:-
1999 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2008 you will be left with:-
2011 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2020 the filter will be completely removed.
2022 <sect1>clear/spots (extended for sysops) (8)
2026 <bf>clear/spots [input] <callsign> [0-9|all]</bf> Clear a spot filter line
2030 A sysop can clear an input or normal output filter for a user or the
2031 node_default or user_default.
2033 <sect1>clear/wcy (0)
2037 <bf>clear/wcy [1|all]</bf> Clear a WCY filter line
2041 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a WCY filter or to
2042 remove the whole filter.
2044 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
2046 <sect1>clear/wcy (extended for sysops) (8)
2050 <bf>clear/wcy [input] <callsign> [0-9|all]</bf> Clear a WCY filter line
2054 A sysop can clear an input or normal output filter for a user or the
2055 node_default or user_default.
2057 <sect1>clear/wwv (0)
2061 <bf>clear/wwv [1|all]</bf> Clear a WWV filter line
2065 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a WWV filter or to
2066 remove the whole filter.
2068 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
2070 <sect1>clear/wwv (extended for sysops) (8)
2074 <bf>clear/wwv [input] <callsign> [0-9|all]</bf> Clear a WWV filter line
2078 A sysop can clear an input or normal output filter for a user or the
2079 node_default or user_default.
2085 <bf>connect <callsign></bf> Start a connection to another DX Cluster
2089 Start a connection process that will culminate in a new connection to the
2090 DX cluster <callsign>. This process creates a new 'client' process which will
2091 use the script in /spider/connect/<callsign> to effect the 'chat' exchange
2092 necessary to traverse the network(s) to logon to the cluster <callsign>.
2098 <bf>dbavail</bf> Show a list of all the databases in the system
2102 The title says it all really, this command lists all the databases defined
2103 in the system. It is also aliased to SHOW/COMMAND.
2109 <bf>dbcreate <name></bf> Create a database entry<newline>
2110 <bf>dbcreate <name> chain <name> [<name>..]</bf> Create a
2111 chained database entry<newline>
2112 <bf>dbcreate <name> remote <node></bf> Create a remote database
2117 DBCREATE allows you to define a database in the system. It doesn't actually
2118 create anything, just defines it.
2120 The databases that are created are simple DB_File hash databases, they are
2121 therefore already 'indexed'.
2123 You can define a local database with the first form of the command eg:
2127 You can also chain databases with the addition of the 'chain' keyword.
2128 This will search each database one after the other. A typical example
2131 DBCREATE sdx_qsl chain sql_ad
2133 No checking is done to see if the any of the chained databases exist, in
2134 fact it is usually better to do the above statement first then do each of
2135 the chained databases.
2137 Databases can exist offsite. To define a database that lives on another
2140 DBCREATE buckmaster remote gb7dxc
2142 Remote databases cannot be chained; however, the last database in a
2143 a chain can be a remote database eg:
2145 DBCREATE qsl chain gb7dxc
2147 To see what databases have been defined do:
2149 DBAVAIL (or it will have been aliased to SHOW/COMMAND)
2151 It would be normal for you to add an entry into your local Aliases file
2152 to allow people to use the 'SHOW/<dbname>' style syntax. So you would
2153 need to add a line like:-
2159 '^sh\w*/buc', 'dbshow buckmaster', 'dbshow',
2169 to work as they may be used to.
2171 See DBIMPORT for the importing of existing AK1A format data to databases.
2172 See DBSHOW for generic database enquiry
2178 <bf>dbimport <dbname></bf> Import AK1A data into a database
2182 If you want to import or update data in bulk to a database you can use
2183 this command. It will either create or update entries into an existing
2184 database. For example:-
2186 DBIMPORT oblast /tmp/OBLAST.FUL
2188 will import the standard OBLAST database that comes with AK1A into the
2189 oblast database held locally.
2195 <bf>dbremove <dbname></bf> Delete a database
2199 DBREMOVE will completely remove a database entry and also delete any data
2200 file that is associated with it.
2202 There is no warning, no comeback, no safety net.
2208 will remove the oblast database from the system and it will also remove
2209 the associated datafile.
2213 There is no warning, no comeback, no safety net.
2215 You have been warned.
2221 <bf>dbshow <dbname> <key></bf> Display an entry, if it exists,
2226 This is the generic user interface to the database to the database system.
2227 It is expected that the sysop will add an entry to the local Aliases file
2228 so that users can use the more familiar AK1A style of enquiry such as:
2234 but if he hasn't and the database really does exist (use DBAVAIL or
2235 SHOW/COMMAND to find out) you can do the same thing with:
2246 <bf>debug</bf> Set the cluster program into debug mode
2250 Executing this command will only have an effect if you are running the cluster
2257 It will interrupt the cluster just after the debug command has finished.
2259 <sect1>delete/user (9)
2263 <bf>delete/user <callsign></bf> Delete a user from the User Database
2267 This command will completely remove a one or more users from the database.
2269 There is NO SECOND CHANCE.
2271 It goes without saying that you should use this command CAREFULLY!
2274 <sect1>directory (0)
2278 <bf>directory</bf> List messages<newline>
2279 <bf>directory all</bf> List all messages<newline>
2280 <bf>directory own</bf> List your own messages<newline>
2281 <bf>directory new</bf> List all new messages<newline>
2282 <bf>directory to <call></bf> List all messages to <call><newline>
2283 <bf>directory from <call></bf> List all messages from <call><newline>
2284 <bf>directory subject <string></bf> List all messages with <string>
2286 <bf>directory <nn></bf> List last <nn> messages<newline>
2287 <bf>directory <from>-<to></bf> List messages <from> message <to> message <newline>
2291 List the messages in the messages directory.
2293 If there is a 'p' one space after the message number then it is a
2294 personal message. If there is a '-' between the message number and the
2295 'p' then this indicates that the message has been read.
2297 You can use shell escape characters such as '*' and '?' in the <call>
2300 You can combine some of the various directory commands together eg:-
2305 DIR SUBJECT IOTA 200-250
2308 You can abbreviate all the commands to one letter and use ak1a syntax:-
2316 <sect1>directory (extended for sysops) (5)
2319 Works just like the user command except that sysops can see ALL messages.
2321 <sect1>disconnect (8)
2325 <bf>disconnect <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Disconnect a user or node
2329 Disconnect any <call> connected locally
2335 <bf>dx [by <call>] <freq> <call> <remarks></bf> Send a DX spot
2339 This is how you send a DX Spot to other users. You can, in fact, now
2340 enter the <freq> and the <call> either way round.
2348 will all give the same result. You can add some remarks to the end
2349 of the command and they will be added to the spot.
2352 DX FR0G 144600 this is a test
2355 You can credit someone else by saying:-
2358 DX by G1TLH FR0G 144.600 he isn't on the cluster
2361 The <freq> is compared against the available bands set up in the
2362 cluster. See SHOW/BANDS for more information.
2368 <bf>export <msgno> <filename></bf> Export a message to a file
2372 Export a message to a file. This command can only be executed on a local
2373 console with a fully privileged user. The file produced will be in a form
2374 ready to be imported back into the cluster by placing it in the import
2375 directory (/spider/msg/import).
2377 This command cannot overwrite an existing file. This is to provide some
2378 measure of security. Any files written will owned by the same user as the
2379 main cluster, otherwise you can put the new files anywhere the cluster can
2380 access. For example:-
2384 <sect1>export_users (9)
2388 <bf>export_users [<filename>]</bf> Export the users database to ascii
2392 Export the users database to a file in ascii format. If no filename
2393 is given then it will export the file to /spider/data/user_asc.
2395 If the file already exists it will be renamed to <filename>.o. In fact
2396 up to 5 generations of the file can be kept each one with an extra 'o' on the
2399 BE WARNED: this will write to any file you have write access to. No check is
2400 made on the filename (if any) that you specify.
2402 <sect1>filtering (0)
2406 <bf>filtering</bf> Filtering things in DXSpider
2410 There are a number of things you can filter in the DXSpider system. They
2411 all use the same general mechanism.
2413 In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which
2414 can have up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example:-
2419 where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There
2420 are filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops)
2421 connects. See each different accept or reject command reference for
2424 There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter and
2425 one to show you what you have set. They are:-
2434 There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter.
2436 For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply
2437 the principles to all types of filter.
2439 There are two main types of filter 'accept' or 'reject'; which you use
2440 depends entirely on how you look at the world and what is least
2441 writing to achieve what you want. Each filter has 10 lines (of any
2442 length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the action
2443 you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept
2446 The important thing to remember is that if you specify a 'reject'
2447 filter (all the lines in it say 'reject/spots' (for instance) then if
2448 a spot comes in that doesn't match any of the lines then you will get
2449 it BUT if you specify an 'accept' filter then any spots that don't
2450 match are dumped. For example if I have a one line accept filter:-
2452 accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2454 then automatically you will ONLY get VHF spots from or to CQ zones 14
2455 15 and 16. If you set a reject filter like:
2457 reject/spots on hf/cw
2459 Then you will get everything EXCEPT HF CW spots, If you am interested in IOTA
2460 and will work it even on CW then you could say:-
2462 reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota
2464 But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:-
2466 accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota
2468 which is exactly the same. You should choose one or the other until
2469 you are confortable with the way it works. Yes, you can mix them
2470 (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but
2471 don't try this at home until you can analyse the results that you get
2472 without ringing up the sysop for help.
2474 You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your
2475 own understanding or simply convenience. I have one set frequently:-
2477 reject/spots 1 on hf/cw
2478 reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2480 What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots (being a class B I can't
2481 read any CW and couldn't possibly be interested in HF :-) and also
2482 rejects any spots on VHF which don't either originate or spot someone
2485 This is an exmaple where you would use the line number (1 and 2 in
2486 this case), if you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits
2487 '0'-'9' are available.
2489 You can leave the word 'and' out if you want, it is implied. You can
2490 use any number of brackets to make the 'expression' as you want
2491 it. There are things called precedence rules working here which mean
2492 that you will NEED brackets in a situation like line 2 because,
2493 without it, will assume:-
2495 (on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16
2497 annoying, but that is the way it is. If you use OR - use
2498 brackets. Whilst we are here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is
2501 If you want to alter your filter you can just redefine one or more
2502 lines of it or clear out one line. For example:-
2504 reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb
2510 To remove the filter in its entirty:-
2514 There are similar CLEAR commands for the other filters:-
2522 Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to experiment.
2524 my example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU
2525 can be written with a mixed filter, eg:
2529 acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2531 each filter slot actually has a 'reject' slot and an 'accept'
2532 slot. The reject slot is executed BEFORE the accept slot.
2534 It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match,
2535 the default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for
2536 'accept'. In the example what happens is that the reject is executed
2537 first, any non hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets
2538 thru everything else on HF.
2540 The next filter line lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU.
2542 <sect1>forward/latlong (8)
2546 <bf>forward/latlong <node_call></bf> Send latitude and longitude
2547 information to another cluster
2551 This command sends all the latitude and longitude information that your
2552 cluster is holding against callsigns. One advantage of recieving this
2553 information is that more locator information is held by you. This
2554 means that more locators are given on the DX line assuming you have
2555 <em>set/dxgrid</em> enabled. This could be a LOT of information though, so
2556 it is not recommended on slow links.
2558 <sect1>forward/opername (1)
2562 <bf>forward/opername <call></bf> Send out information on this <call>
2567 This command sends out any information held in the user file which can
2568 be broadcast in PC41 protocol packets. This information is Name, QTH, Location
2569 and Homenode. PC41s are only sent for the information that is available.
2575 <bf>help <cmd></bf> Get help on a command
2579 All commands can be abbreviated, so SHOW/DX can be abbreviated
2580 to SH/DX, ANNOUNCE can be shortened to AN and so on.
2582 Look at the APROPOS <string> command which will search the help database
2583 for the <string> you specify and give you a list of likely commands
2584 to look at with HELP.
2590 <bf>init <node call></bf> Re-initialise a link to an AK1A compatible node
2594 This command attempts to re-initialise a link to a (usually) AK1A node
2595 that has got confused, usually by a protocol loop of some kind. It may
2596 work - but you usually will be better off simply disconnecting it (or
2597 better, if it is a real AK1A node, doing an RCMD <node> DISC/F <your
2600 Best of luck - you will need it.
2606 <bf>kill <msgno> [<msgno> ..]</bf> Delete a message
2607 from the local system
2611 Delete a message from the local system. You will only be able to
2612 delete messages that you have originated or been sent (unless you are
2619 <bf>kill <msgno> [<msgno> ...]</bf> Remove or erase a message from
2621 <bf>kill from <call></bf> Remove all messages from a callsign<newline>
2622 <bf>kill to <call></bf> Remove all messages to a callsign<newline>
2626 You can get rid of any message to or originating from your callsign using
2627 this command. You can remove more than one message at a time.
2629 As a sysop you can kill any message on the system.
2631 <sect1>kill full (5)
2635 <bf>kill full <msgno> [<msgno>]</bf> Delete a message from the
2640 Delete a message (usually a 'bulletin') from the whole cluster system.
2642 This uses the subject field, so any messages that have exactly the same subject
2643 will be deleted. Beware!
2645 <sect1>kill/expunge (6)
2649 <bf>kill/expunge <msgno> [<msgno>..]</bf>Expunge a message
2653 Deleting a message using the normal KILL commands only marks that message
2654 for deletion. The actual deletion only happens later (usually two days later).
2656 The KILL EXPUNGE command causes the message to be truly deleted more or less
2659 It otherwise is used in the same way as the KILL command.
2666 <bf>links</bf> Show which nodes are physically connected
2670 This is a quick listing that shows which links are connected and
2671 some information about them. See WHO for a list of all connections.
2674 <sect1>load/aliases (9)
2678 <bf>load/aliases</bf> Reload the command alias table
2682 Reload the /spider/cmd/Aliases file after you have editted it. You will need to
2683 do this if you change this file whilst the cluster is running in order for the
2684 changes to take effect.
2686 <sect1>load/badmsg (9)
2690 <bf>load/badmsg</bf> Reload the bad message table
2694 Reload the /spider/msg/badmsg.pl file if you have changed it manually whilst
2695 the cluster is running. This table contains a number of perl regular
2696 expressions which are searched for in the fields targetted of each message.
2697 If any of them match then that message is immediately deleted on receipt.
2699 <sect1>load/badwords (9)
2703 <bf>load/badwords</bf> Reload the bad words table
2707 Reload the /spider/data/badwords file if you have changed it manually whilst
2708 the cluster is running. This file contains a list of words which, if found
2709 on certain text portions of PC protocol, will cause those protocol frames
2710 to be rejected. It will all put out a message if any of these words are
2711 used on the announce, dx and talk commands. The words can be one or
2712 more on a line, lines starting with '#' are ignored.
2714 <sect1>load/bands (9)
2718 <bf>load/bands</bf> Reload the band limits table
2722 Reload the /spider/data/bands.pl file if you have changed it manually whilst
2723 the cluster is running.
2725 <sect1>load/cmd_cache (9)
2729 <bf>load/cmd_cache</bf> Reload the automatic command cache
2733 Normally, if you change a command file in the cmd or local_cmd tree it will
2734 automatially be picked up by the cluster program. Sometimes it can get confused
2735 if you are doing a lot of moving commands about or delete a command in the
2736 local_cmd tree and want to use the normal one again. Execute this command to
2737 reset everything back to the state it was just after a cluster restart.
2739 <sect1>load/forward (9)
2743 <bf>load/forward</bf> Reload the msg forwarding routing table
2746 Reload the /spider/msg/forward.pl file if you have changed it
2747 manually whilst the cluster is running.
2749 <sect1>load/messages (9)
2753 <bf>load/messages</bf> Reload the system messages file
2757 If you change the /spider/perl/Messages file (usually whilst fiddling/writing ne
2758 commands) you can have them take effect during a cluster session by executing this
2759 command. You need to do this if get something like :-
2761 unknown message 'xxxx' in lang 'en'
2763 <sect1>load/prefixes (9)
2767 <bf>load/prefixes</bf> Reload the prefix table
2771 Reload the /spider/data/prefix_data.pl file if you have changed it manually
2772 whilst the cluster is running.
2778 <bf>merge <node> [<no spots>/<no wwv>]</bf> Ask for the
2779 latest spots and WWV
2783 MERGE allows you to bring your spot and wwv database up to date. By default
2784 it will request the last 10 spots and 5 WWVs from the node you select. The
2785 node must be connected locally.
2787 You can request any number of spots or wwv and although they will be appended
2788 to your databases they will not duplicate any that have recently been added
2789 (the last 2 days for spots and last month for WWV data).
2795 <bf>msg <cmd> <msgno> [data ...]</bf> Alter various message
2800 Alter message parameters like To, From, Subject, whether private or bulletin
2801 or return receipt (RR) is required or whether to keep this message from timing
2805 MSG TO <msgno> <call> - change TO callsign to <call>
2806 MSG FRom <msgno> <call> - change FROM callsign to <call>
2807 MSG PRrivate <msgno> - set private flag
2808 MSG NOPRrivate <msgno> - unset private flag
2809 MSG RR <msgno> - set RR flag
2810 MSG NORR <msgno> - unset RR flag
2811 MSG KEep <msgno> - set the keep flag (message won't be deleted ever)
2812 MSG NOKEep <msgno> - unset the keep flag
2813 MSG SUbject <msgno> <new> - change the subject to <new>
2814 MSG WAittime <msgno> - remove any waitting time for this message
2815 MSG NOREad <msgno> - mark message as unread
2816 MSG REad <msgno> - mark message as read
2817 MSG QUeue - queue any outstanding bulletins
2818 MSG QUeue 1 - queue any outstanding private messages
2821 You can look at the status of a message by using:-
2823 STAT/MSG <msgno>
2825 This will display more information on the message than DIR does.
2831 <bf>pc <call> <text></bf> Send text (eg PC Protocol) to <call>
2835 Send some arbitrary text to a locally connected callsign. No processing is done on
2836 the text. This command allows you to send PC Protocol to unstick things if problems
2837 arise (messages get stuck etc). eg:-
2839 pc gb7djk PC33^GB7TLH^GB7DJK^400^
2841 You can also use in the same way as a talk command to a connected user but
2842 without any processing, added of "from <blah> to <blah>" or whatever.
2844 pc G1TLH Try doing that properly!!!
2850 <bf>ping <node></bf> Check the link quality between nodes
2854 his command allows you to send a frame to another cluster node on
2855 the network and get a return frame. The time it takes to do this
2856 is a good indication of the quality of the link. The actual time
2857 it takes is output to the console in seconds.
2858 Any visible cluster node can be PINGed.
2865 <bf>rcmd <node call> <cmd></bf> Send a command to another DX cluster
2869 This command allows you to send nearly any command to another DX Cluster
2870 node that is connected to the system.
2872 Whether you get any output is dependant on a) whether the other system knows
2873 that the node callsign of this cluster is in fact a node b) whether the
2874 other system is allowing RCMDs from this node and c) whether you have
2875 permission to send this command at all.
2881 <bf>read</bf> Read the next unread personal message addressed to you<newline>
2882 <bf>read <msgno></bf> Read the specified message<newline>
2886 You can read any messages that are sent as 'non-personal' and also any
2887 message either sent by or sent to your callsign.
2890 <sect1>read (extended for sysops) (5)
2894 <bf>read <msgno></bf> Read a message on the system
2898 As a sysop you may read any message on the system
2900 <sect1>reject/announce
2904 <bf>reject/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject filter
2909 Create an 'reject this announce' line for a filter.
2911 An reject filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is
2912 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this
2913 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
2915 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
2918 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
2919 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
2921 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2922 origin_itu <numbers>
2923 origin_zone <numbers>
2928 wx 1 filter WX announces
2929 dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros)
2935 rej/ann by_zone 14,15,16 and not by G,M,2
2938 You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg:
2944 but this probably for advanced users...
2946 <sect1>reject/announce (extended for sysops) (8)
2950 <bf>reject/announce <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf> Announce filter sysop version
2954 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
2955 default for nodes and users eg:-
2959 reject/ann input node_default by G,M,2
2960 reject/ann user_default by G,M,2
2963 <sect1>reject/route (8)
2967 <bf>reject/route <call> [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an 'reject' filter line for routing
2971 Create an 'reject this routing PC Protocol' line for a filter.
2974 An reject filter line means that if a PC16/17/19/21/24/41/50 matches this filter
2975 it is NOT passed thru that interface. See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please
2976 read this to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
2977 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
2980 call <prefixes> the callsign of the thingy
2981 call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2984 origin <prefixes> really the interface it came in on
2985 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2986 origin_itu <numbers>
2987 origin_zone <numbers>
2994 rej/route gb7djk call_dxcc 61,38 (everything except UK+EIRE nodes)
2998 You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg:
3001 rej/route all (equiv to [very] restricted mode)
3004 <sect1>reject/spots (0)
3008 <bf>reject/spots [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject filter
3013 Create a 'reject this spot' line for a filter.
3015 A reject filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is
3016 dumped (not passed on). See HELP FILTERS for more info. Please read this
3017 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
3019 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
3022 freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m
3023 on <range> same as 'freq'
3024 call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9
3025 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
3027 call_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
3037 For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in
3038 SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb -
3039 thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 -
3040 this is more efficient than saying simply: on HF (but don't get
3041 too hung up about that)
3047 rej/spot 2 on vhf and not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
3050 You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg:
3056 but this probably for advanced users...
3058 <sect1>reject/spots (extended for sysops) (8)
3062 <bf>reject/spots <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf>
3063 Reject spot filter sysop version
3067 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
3068 default for nodes and users eg:-
3071 reject/spot db0sue-7 1 by_zone 14,15,16
3072 reject/spot node_default all
3073 set/hops node_default 10
3075 reject/spot user_default by G,M,2
3078 <sect1>reject/wcy (0)
3082 <bf>reject/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject WCY filter
3086 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
3087 filter on the following fields:-
3090 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
3092 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
3093 origin_itu <numbers>
3094 origin_zone <numbers>
3101 There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and
3102 you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them).
3104 This command is really provided for future use.
3106 See HELP FILTER for information.
3108 <sect1>reject/wcy (extended for sysops) (8)
3112 <bf>reject/wcy <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf>
3113 WCY reject filter sysop version
3117 This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
3118 default for nodes and users eg:-
3120 reject/wcy gb7djk all
3122 <sect1>reject/wwv (0)
3126 <bf>reject/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a reject WWV filter
3130 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
3131 filter on the following fields:-
3134 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
3136 origin_dxcc <numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
3137 origin_itu <numbers>
3138 origin_zone <numbers>
3148 reject/wwv by_zone 14,15,16
3151 is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts
3152 by stations in the US).
3154 See HELP FILTER for information.
3156 <sect1>reject/wwv (extended for sysops) (8)
3160 <bf>reject/wwv <call> [input] [0-9] <pattern></bf>
3161 WWV reject filter sysop version
3164 <P>This version allows a sysop to set a filter for a callsign as well as the
3165 default for nodes and users eg:-
3168 reject/wwv db0sue-7 1 by_zone 4
3169 reject/wwv node_default all
3171 reject/wwv user_default by W
3178 <bf>reply</bf> Reply (privately) to the last message that you have read<newline>
3179 <bf>reply <msgno></bf> Reply (privately) to the specified message<newline>
3180 <bf>reply B <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message<newline>
3181 <bf>reply NOPrivate <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified
3183 <bf>reply RR <msgno></bf> Reply to the specified message with read
3188 You can reply to a message and the subject will automatically have
3189 "Re:" inserted in front of it, if it isn't already present.
3191 You can also use all the extra qualifiers such as RR, PRIVATE,
3192 NOPRIVATE, B that you can use with the SEND command (see SEND
3193 for further details)
3199 <bf>send <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Send a message to
3200 one or more callsigns<newline>
3201 <bf>send RR <call></bf> Send a message and ask for a read receipt<newline>
3202 <bf>send COPY <msgno> <call></bf> Send a copy of a message
3204 <bf>send PRIVATE <call></bf> Send a personal message<newline>
3205 <bf>send NOPRIVATE <call></bf> Send a message to all stations<newline>
3209 All the SEND commands will create a message which will be sent either to
3210 an individual callsign or to one of the 'bulletin' addresses.
3212 SEND <call> on its own acts as though you had typed SEND PRIVATE, that is
3213 it will mark the message as personal and send it to the cluster node that
3214 that callsign is connected to.
3216 You can have more than one callsign in all of the SEND commands.
3218 You can have multiple qualifiers so that you can have for example:-
3221 SEND RR COPY 123 PRIVATE G1TLH G0RDI
3224 which should send a copy of message 123 to G1TLH and G0RDI and you will
3225 receive a read receipt when they have read the message.
3227 SB is an alias for SEND NOPRIVATE (or send a bulletin in BBS speak)
3228 SP is an alias for SEND PRIVATE
3230 <sect1>set/address (0)
3234 <bf>set/address <your_address></bf> Record your postal address
3238 Literally, record your address details on the cluster.
3240 <sect1>set/announce (0)
3244 <bf>set/announce</bf> Allow announce messages
3248 Allow announce messages to arrive at your terminal.
3250 <sect1>set/arcluster (5)
3254 <bf>set/arcluster <node_call> [<node_call> ...]</bf> Make
3255 the node_call an AR-Cluster type node
3259 Set the node_call as an AR-Cluster type node
3261 <sect1>set/baddx (8)
3265 <bf>set/baddx <call></bf> Stop words we do not wish to see in the callsign field
3266 of a dx spot being propagated
3270 Setting a word as 'baddx' will prevent spots with that word in the callsign
3271 field of a DX spot from going any further. They will not be displayed and they
3272 will not be sent onto other nodes.
3274 The word must be wriiten in full, no wild cards are allowed eg:-
3277 set/baddx FORSALE VIDEO FR0G
3280 To allow a word again, use the following command ...
3286 <sect1>set/badnode (6)
3290 <bf>set/badnode <node_call></bf> Stop spots from this node_call
3295 Setting a callsign as a 'badnode' will prevent spots from that node
3296 going any further. They will not be displayed and they will not be
3297 sent onto other nodes.
3299 The call can be a full or partial call (or a prefix), eg:-
3305 will stop anything from K1TTT (including any SSID's)
3311 will allow spots from him again.
3313 Use with extreme care. This command may well be superceded by FILTERing.
3315 <sect1>set/badspotter (8)
3319 <bf>set/badspotter <call></bf> Stop spots from this callsign being propagated
3323 Setting a callsign as a 'badspotter' will prevent spots from this callsign
3324 going any further. They will not be displayed and they will not be
3325 sent onto other nodes.
3327 The call must be written in full, no wild cards are allowed eg:-
3330 set/badspotter VE2STN
3333 will stop anything from VE2STN. If you want SSIDs as well then you must
3334 enter them specifically.
3337 unset/badspotter VE2STN
3340 will allow spots from him again.
3342 Use with extreme care. This command may well be superceded by FILTERing.
3344 <sect1>set/badword (8)
3348 <bf>set/badword <word></bf> Stop things with this word being propogated
3352 Setting a word as a 'badword' will prevent things like spots,
3353 announces or talks with this word in the the text part from going any
3354 further. They will not be displayed and they will not be sent onto
3357 The word must be written in full, no wild cards are allowed eg:-
3359 set/badword annihilate annihilated annihilation
3361 will stop anything with these words in the text.
3363 unset/badword annihilated
3365 will allow text with this word again.
3372 <bf>set/beep</bf> Add beeps to terminal messages
3376 Add a beep to DX and other terminal messages.
3382 <bf>set/bbs <call> [<call>..]</bf>Make <call> a BBS
3389 <bf>set/clx <node_call> [<node_call> ...]</bf> Make
3390 the node_call a CLX type node
3394 Set the node_call as a CLX type node
3396 <sect1>set/debug (9)
3400 <bf>set/debug <name></bf> Add a debug level to the debug set
3404 You can choose to log several different levels. The levels are
3412 You can show what levels you are logging with the <em>show/debug</em>
3415 You can remove a debug level with unset/debug <name>
3421 <bf>set/dx</bf>Allow DX messages to arrive at your terminal
3425 You can stop DX messages with the <em>unset/dx</em> command
3427 <sect1>set/dxgrid (0)
3431 <bf>set/dxgrid</bf>Allow grid squares on the end of DX messages
3435 Some logging programs do not like the additional information at
3436 the end of a DX spot. If this is the case, use the <em>unset/dxgrid</em>
3437 command to remove the grid squares.
3439 <sect1>set/dxnet (5)
3443 <bf>set/dxnet <node_call> [<node_call> ...]</bf> Make
3444 the node_call a DXNet type node
3448 Set the node_call as a DXNet type node
3454 <bf>set/echo</bf> Make the cluster echo your input
3458 If you are connected via a telnet session, different implimentations
3459 of telnet handle echo differently depending on whether you are
3460 connected via port 23 or some other port. You can use this command
3461 to change the setting appropriately.
3463 You can remove the echo with the <em>unset/echo</em> command
3465 The setting is stored in your user profile.
3467 YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE THIS COMMAND IF YOU ARE CONNECTED VIA AX25.
3469 <sect1>set/email (0)
3473 <bf>set/email <email_address></bf> Set email address(es) and forward your personals
3477 If any personal messages come in for your callsign then you can use
3478 these commands to control whether they are forwarded onto your email
3479 address. To enable the forwarding do something like:-
3481 SET/EMAIL mike.tubby@somewhere.com
3483 You can have more than one email address (each one separated by a space).
3484 Emails are forwarded to all the email addresses you specify.
3486 You can disable forwarding by:-
3494 <bf>set/here</bf> Set the here flag
3498 Let others on the cluster know you are here by only displaying your
3499 callsign. If you are away from your terminal you can use the <em>unset/here</em>
3500 command to let people know you are away. This simply puts brackets
3501 around your callsign to indicate you are not available.
3503 <sect1>set/homenode (0)
3507 <bf>set/homenode <node_call></bf> Set your home cluster
3511 Tell the cluster system where you normally connect to. Any Messages sent
3512 to you will normally find their way there should you not be connected.
3523 <bf>set/hops <node_call> ann|spots|wwv|wcy <n></bf>
3528 Set the hop count for a particular type of broadcast for a node.
3530 This command allows you to set up special hop counts for a node
3531 for currently: announce, spots, wwv and wcy broadcasts.
3535 set/hops gb7djk ann 10
3536 set/hops gb7mbc spots 20
3539 Set SHOW/HOPS for information on what is already set. This command
3540 creates a filter and works in conjunction with the filter system.
3542 <sect1>set/isolate (9)
3546 <bf>set/isolate <node call></bf> Isolate a node from the rest of the network
3550 Connect a node to your system in such a way that you are a full protocol
3551 member of its network and can see all spots on it, but nothing either leaks
3552 out from it nor goes back into from the rest of the nodes connected to you.
3554 You can potentially connect several nodes in this way.
3556 You can see which nodes are isolated with the show/isolate (1) command.
3558 You can remove the isolation with the command unset/isolate.
3560 <sect1>set/language (0)
3564 <bf>set/language <language></bf> Set the language you wish to use
3568 You can select the language that you want the cluster to use. Currently
3569 the languages available are <em>en</em> (English) and <em>nl</em> (Dutch).
3571 <sect1>set/location (0)
3575 <bf>set/location <lat and long></bf> Set your latitude and longitude
3579 You can set your latitude and longitude manually or alternatively use the
3580 <em>set/qra</em> command which will do the conversion for you.
3583 set/location 54 04 N 2 02 E
3587 <sect1>set/sys_location (9)
3591 <bf>set/sys_location <lat & long></bf> Set your cluster latitude and longitude
3595 In order to get accurate headings and such like you must tell the system
3596 what your latitude and longitude is. If you have not yet done a SET/QRA
3597 then this command will set your QRA locator for you. For example:-
3600 SET/LOCATION 52 22 N 0 57 E
3603 <sect1>set/logininfo (0)
3607 <bf>set/logininfo</bf> Show logins and logouts of nodes and users
3611 Show users and nodes when they log in and out of the local cluster. You
3612 can stop these messages by using the <em>unset/logininfo</em> command.
3615 <sect1>set/lockout (9)
3619 <bf>set/lockout <call></bf> Stop a callsign connecting to the cluster
3623 You can show who is locked out with the <em>show/lockout</em> command.
3624 To allow the user to connect again, use the <em>unset/lockout</em> command.
3630 <bf>set/name <your_name></bf> Set your name
3634 Tell the cluster what your name is, eg:-
3644 <bf>set/node <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Make the callsign an AK1A cluster
3648 Tell the system that the call(s) are to be treated as AK1A cluster and
3649 fed PC Protocol rather normal user commands.
3651 From version 1.41 you can also set the following types of cluster
3660 To see what your nodes are set to, use the <em>show/nodes</em> command.
3662 <sect1>set/obscount (9)
3666 <bf>set/obscount <count> <node call></bf> Set the 'pump-up'
3667 obsolescence counter
3671 From version 1.35 onwards neighbouring nodes are pinged at regular intervals (see
3672 SET/PINGINTERVAL), usually 300 seconds or 5 minutes. There is a 'pump-up'
3673 counter which is decremented on every outgoing ping and then reset to
3674 the 'obscount' value on every incoming ping. The default value of this
3677 What this means is that a neighbouring node will be pinged twice at
3678 (default) 300 second intervals and if no reply has been heard just before
3679 what would be the third attempt, that node is disconnected.
3681 If a ping is heard then the obscount is reset to the full value. Using
3682 default values, if a node has not responded to a ping within 15 minutes,
3689 <bf>set/page <n></bf> Set the number of lines per page
3693 Tell the system how many lines you wish on a page when the number of lines
3694 of output from a command is more than this. The default is 20. Setting it
3695 explicitly to 0 will disable paging.
3702 The setting is stored in your user profile.
3704 <sect1>set/password (0)
3708 <bf>set/password</bf> Set your own password
3712 This command only works for a 'telnet' user (currently). It will
3713 only work if you have a password already set. This initial password
3714 can only be set by the sysop.
3716 When you execute this command it will ask you for your old password,
3717 then ask you to type in your new password twice (to make sure you
3718 get it right). You may or may not see the data echoed on the screen
3719 as you type, depending on the type of telnet client you have.
3721 <sect1>set/password (9)
3725 <bf>set/password <callsign> <string></bf> Set a users password
3729 The password for a user can only be set by a full sysop. The string
3730 can contain any characters.
3732 The way this field is used depends on context. If it is being used in
3733 the SYSOP command context then you are offered 5 random numbers and you
3734 have to supply the corresponding letters. This is now mainly for ax25
3737 If it is being used on incoming telnet connections then, if a password
3740 set/var $main::passwdreq = 1
3742 command is executed in the startup script, then a password prompt is
3743 given after the normal 'login: ' prompt.
3745 The command "unset/password" is provided to allow a sysop to remove a
3746 users password completely in case a user forgets or loses their password.
3748 <sect1>set/pinginterval (9)
3751 <tt><bf>set/pinginterval <time> <node call></bf> Set the ping time
3752 to neighbouring nodes
3756 As from version 1.35 all neighbouring nodes are pinged at regular intervals
3757 in order to determine the rolling quality of the link and, in future, to
3758 affect routing decisions. The default interval is 300 secs or 5 minutes.
3760 You can use this command to set a different interval. Please don't.
3762 But if you do the value you enter is treated as minutes up 60 and seconds
3763 for numbers greater than that.
3765 This is used also to help determine when a link is down at the far end
3766 (as certain cluster software doesn't always notice), see SET/OBSCOUNT
3767 for more information.
3769 <sect1>set/privilege (9)
3773 <bf>set/privilege <n> <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Set the
3774 privilege level on a call
3778 Set the privilege level on a callsign. The privilege levels that pertain
3779 to commands are as default:-
3783 1 - allow remote nodes normal user RCMDs
3784 5 - various privileged commands (including shutdown, but not disc-
3785 connect), the normal level for another node.
3786 8 - more privileged commands (including disconnect)
3787 9 - local sysop privilege. DO NOT SET ANY REMOTE USER OR NODE TO THIS
3791 If you are a sysop and you come in as a normal user on a remote connection
3792 your privilege will automatically be set to 0.
3794 <sect1>set/spider (5)
3798 <bf>set/spider <node_call> [<node_call> ...]</bf> Make
3799 the node_call a DXSpider type node
3803 Set the node_call as a DXSpider type node
3805 <sect1>set/sys_qra (9)
3809 <bf>set/sys_qra <locator></bf> Set your cluster QRA locator
3816 <bf>set/qra <locator></bf> Set your QRA locator
3820 Tell the system what your QRA (or Maidenhead) locator is. If you have not
3821 done a SET/LOCATION then your latitude and longitude will be set roughly
3822 correctly (assuming your locator is correct ;-). For example:-
3832 <bf>set/qth <your QTH></bf> Set your QTH
3836 Tell the system where your are. For example:-
3839 set/qth East Dereham, Norfolk
3842 <sect1>set/register (9)
3846 <bf>set/register <call></bf> Mark a user as registered
3850 Registration is a concept that you can switch on by executing the
3852 set/var $main::regreq = 1
3854 command (usually in your startup file)
3856 If a user is NOT registered then, firstly, instead of the normal
3857 motd file (/spider/data/motd) being sent to the user at startup, the
3858 user is sent the motd_nor file instead. Secondly, the non registered
3859 user only has READ-ONLY access to the node. The non-registered user
3860 cannot use DX, ANN etc.
3862 The only exception to this is that a non-registered user can TALK or
3863 SEND messages to the sysop.
3865 To unset a user use the 'unset/register' command
3871 <bf>set/talk</bf> Allow talk messages to be seen at your console
3875 Allow talk messages to arrive at your console. You can switch off
3876 talks with the <em>unset/talk</em> command.
3882 <bf>set/wcy</bf> Allow WCY messages to be seen at your console
3886 Allow WCY information to be seen at your console. You can switch off
3887 WCY messages with the <em>unset/wcy</em> command.
3893 <bf>set/wwv</bf> Allow WWV messages to be seen at your console
3897 Allow WWV information to be seen at your console. You can switch off
3898 WWV messages with the <em>unset/wwv</em> command.
3904 <bf>set/wx</bf> Allow WX messages to be seen at your console
3908 Allow WX information to be seen at your console. You can switch off
3909 WX messages with the <em>unset/wx</em> command.
3911 <sect1>show/baddx (1)
3915 <bf>show/baddx</bf>Show all the bad dx calls in the system
3919 Display all the bad dx callsigns in the system, see SET/BADDX
3920 for more information.
3922 <sect1>show/badnode (6)
3926 <bf>show/badnode</bf> Show all the bad nodes in the system
3930 Display all the bad node callsigns in the system, see SET/BADNODE
3931 for more information.
3933 <sect1>show/badspotter (1)
3937 <bf>show/badspotter</bf> Show all the bad spotters in the system
3941 Display all the bad spotter's callsigns in the system, see SET/BADSPOTTER
3942 for more information.
3944 <sect1>show/badword (1)
3948 <bf>show/badword</bf> Show all the bad words in the system
3952 Display all the bad words in the system, see SET/BADWORD
3953 for more information.
3955 <sect1>show/configuration (0)
3959 <bf>show/configuration [<node>]</bf> Show all visible nodes and their users
3963 This command allows you to see all the users that can be seen
3964 and the nodes to which they are connected. With the optional <em>node</em>,
3965 you can specify a particular node to look at.
3967 This command is normally abbreviated to: sh/c
3969 BE WARNED: the list that is returned can be VERY long
3971 <sect1>show/configuration/node (0)
3975 <bf>show/configuration/node</bf> Show all the nodes connected
3979 Show all the nodes connected locally and the nodes they have connected.
3981 <sect1>show/connect (1)
3985 <bf>show/connect</bf> Show all the active connections
3989 This command shows information on all the active connections known to
3990 the node. This command gives slightly more information than WHO.
3992 <sect1>show/date (0)
3996 <bf>show/date [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show
4001 This is very nearly the same as SHOW/TIME, the only difference the format
4002 of the date string if no arguments are given.
4004 If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local
4005 time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes
4006 then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at
4007 the prefixes or callsigns that you specify.
4009 <sect1>show/debug (9)
4013 <bf>show/debug</bf> Show what levels of debug you are logging
4017 The levels can be set with <em>set/debug</em>
4023 <bf>show/dx [options]</bf> interrogate the spot database
4027 If you just type SHOW/DX you will get the last so many spots
4028 (sysop configurable, but usually 10).
4030 In addition you can add any number of these options in very nearly
4031 any order to the basic SHOW/DX command, they are:-
4034 on <band> - eg 160m 20m 2m 23cm 6mm
4035 on <region> - eg hf vhf uhf shf (see SHOW/BANDS)
4037 <number> - the number of spots you want
4038 <from>-<to> - <from> spot no <to> spot no in
4041 <prefix> - for a spotted callsign beginning with <prefix>
4042 *<suffix> - for a spotted callsign ending in <suffix>
4043 *<string>* - for a spotted callsign containing <string>
4045 day <number> - starting <number> days ago
4046 day <from>-<to> - <from> days <to> days ago
4048 info <text> - any spots containing <text> in the info or remarks
4050 by <call> - any spots spotted by <call> (spotter <call>
4053 qsl - this automatically looks for any qsl info on the call
4054 held in the spot database.
4056 iota [<iota>] - If the iota island number is missing it will
4057 look for the string iota and anything which looks like
4058 an iota island number. If you specify then it will look
4061 qra [<locator>] - this will look for the specific locator if
4062 you specify one or else anything that looks like a locator.
4069 SH/DX on 20m info iota
4070 SH/DX 9a on vhf day 30
4077 <sect1>show/dxcc (0)
4081 <bf>show/dxcc <prefix></bf> Interrogate the spot database by country
4085 This command takes the <prefix> (which can be a full or partial
4086 callsign if desired), looks up which internal country number it is
4087 and then displays all the spots as per SH/DX for that country.
4089 The options for SHOW/DX also apply to this command.
4094 SH/DXCC W on 20m info iota
4097 <sect1>sh/dxstats (0)
4101 <bf>sh/dxstats</bf> Show the DX Statistics for last 31 days
4105 Show the total DX spots for the last 31 days
4108 <sect1>show/files (0)
4112 <bf>show/files [<filearea> [<string>]]</bf> List
4113 the contents of a filearea
4117 SHOW/FILES on its own will show you a list of the various fileareas
4118 available on the system. To see the contents of a particular file
4122 SH/FILES <filearea>
4125 where <filearea> is the name of the filearea you want to see the
4128 You can also use shell globbing characters like '*' and '?' in a
4129 string to see a selection of files in a filearea eg:-
4132 SH/FILES bulletins arld*
4135 See also TYPE - to see the contents of a file.
4137 <sect1>show/filter (0)
4141 <bf>show/filter</bf> Show the filters you have set
4145 Show the contents of all the filters that are set by you. This command
4146 displays all the filters set - for all the various categories.
4148 <sect1>show/filter (extended for sysops) (5)
4152 <bf>show/filter <callsign></bf> Show the filters set by <callsign>
4156 A sysop can look at any filters that have been set.
4158 <sect1>show/hfstats (0)
4162 <bf>show/hfstats</bf> Show the HF DX Statistics for last 31 days
4166 Show the HF DX spots breakdown by band for the last 31 days
4168 <sect1>show/hftable (0)
4172 <bf>show/hftable</bf> Show the HF DX Spotter Table for your country
4176 Show the HF DX Spotter table for your country for the last 31 days
4178 <sect1>show/hops (8)
4182 <bf>show/hops <node_call> [ann|spots|wcy|wwv|]</bf> Show the hop
4187 This command shows the hop counts set up for a node. You can specify
4188 which category you want to see. If you leave the category out then
4189 all the categories will be listed.
4191 <sect1>show/isolate (1)
4195 <bf>show/isolate</bf> Show a list of isolated nodes
4199 Show which nodes are currently set to be isolated.
4201 <sect1>show/lockout (9)
4205 <bf>show/lockout</bf> Show a list of excluded callsigns
4209 Show a list of callsigns that have been excluded (locked out) of the
4210 cluster locally with the <em>set/lockout</em> command
4216 <bf>show/log [<callsign>]</bf> Show excerpts from the system log
4220 This command outputs a short section of the system log. On its own
4221 it will output a general logfile. With the optional callsign it will
4222 show output from the log associated with that callsign.
4224 <sect1>show/moon (0)
4228 <bf>show/moon [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show moon
4233 Show the Moon rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns,
4234 together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those
4237 If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for
4238 your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA),
4239 together with the current azimuth and elevation.
4241 In addition, it will show the gain or loss dB relative to the nominal
4242 distance of 385,000Km due to the ellipsoidal nature of the orbit.
4244 If all else fails it will show the Moonrise and set times for the node
4245 that you are connected to.
4258 <bf>show/muf <prefix> [<hours>][long]</bf> Show
4259 the likely propagation to <prefix>
4263 This command allow you to estimate the likelihood of you contacting
4264 a station with the prefix you have specified. The output assumes a modest
4265 power of 20dBW and receiver sensitivity of -123dBm (about 0.15muV/10dB SINAD)
4267 The result predicts the most likely operating frequencies and signal
4268 levels for high frequency (shortwave) radio propagation paths on
4269 specified days of the year and hours of the day. It is most useful for
4270 paths between 250 km and 6000 km, but can be used with reduced accuracy
4271 for paths shorter or longer than this.
4273 The command uses a routine MINIMUF 3.5 developed by the U.S. Navy and
4274 used to predict the MUF given the predicted flux, day of the year,
4275 hour of the day and geographic coordinates of the transmitter and
4276 receiver. This routine is reasonably accurate for the purposes here,
4277 with a claimed RMS error of 3.8 MHz, but much smaller and less complex
4278 than the programs used by major shortwave broadcasting organizations,
4279 such as the Voice of America.
4281 The command will display some header information detailing its
4282 assumptions, together with the locations, latitude and longitudes and
4283 bearings. It will then show UTC (UT), local time at the other end
4284 (LT), calculate the MUFs, Sun zenith angle at the midpoint of the path
4285 (Zen) and the likely signal strengths. Then for each frequency for which
4286 the system thinks there is a likelihood of a circuit it prints a value.
4288 The value is currently a likely S meter reading based on the conventional
4289 6dB / S point scale. If the value has a '+' appended it means that it is
4290 1/2 an S point stronger. If the value is preceeded by an 'm' it means that
4291 there is likely to be much fading and by an 's' that the signal is likely
4294 By default SHOW/MUF will show the next two hours worth of data. You
4295 can specify anything up to 24 hours worth of data by appending the no of
4296 hours required after the prefix. For example:-
4305 RxSens: -123 dBM SFI: 159 R: 193 Month: 10 Day: 21
4306 Power : 20 dBW Distance: 6283 km Delay: 22.4 ms
4307 Location Lat / Long Azim
4308 East Dereham, Norfolk 52 41 N 0 57 E 47
4309 United-States-W 43 0 N 87 54 W 299
4310 UT LT MUF Zen 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.1 14.0 18.1 21.0 24.9 28.0 50.0
4311 18 23 11.5 -35 mS0+ mS2 S3
4312 19 0 11.2 -41 mS0+ mS2 S3
4315 indicating that you will have weak, fading circuits on top band and
4316 80m but usable signals on 40m (about S3).
4324 will get you the above display, but with the next 24 hours worth of
4332 Gives you an estimate of the long path propagation characterics. It
4333 should be noted that the figures will probably not be very useful, nor
4334 terrible accurate, but it is included for completeness.
4336 <sect1>show/newconfiguration (0)
4340 <bf>show/newconfiguration [<node>]</bf> Show all the nodes and users visible
4344 This command allows you to see all the users that can be seen
4345 and the nodes to which they are connected.
4347 This command produces essentially the same information as
4348 SHOW/CONFIGURATION except that it shows all the duplication of
4349 any routes that might be present It also uses a different format
4350 which may not take up quite as much space if you don't have any
4353 BE WARNED: the list that is returned can be VERY long
4355 <sect1>show/newconfiguration/node (0)
4359 <bf>show/newconfiguration/node</bf> Show all the nodes connected locally
4363 Show all the nodes connected to this node in the new format.
4365 <sect1>show/node (1)
4369 <bf>show/node [<node_call> ...]</bf> Show the type and version
4374 Show the type and version (if connected) of the nodes specified on the
4375 command line. If no callsigns are specified then a sorted list of all
4376 the non-user callsigns known to the system will be displayed.
4378 <sect1>show/prefix (0)
4382 <bf>show/prefix <callsign></bf> Interrogate the prefix database
4386 This command takes the <callsign> (which can be a full or partial
4387 callsign or a prefix), looks up which internal country number
4388 it is and then displays all the relevant prefixes for that country
4389 together with the internal country no, the CQ and ITU regions.
4394 <sect1>show/program (5)
4398 <bf>show/program</bf> Show the locations of all the included program modules
4402 Show the name and location where every program module was load from. This
4403 is useful for checking where you think you have loaded a .pm file from.
4409 <bf>show/qra <locator> [<locator>]</bf> Show the distance
4410 between locators<newline>
4411 <bf>show/qra <lat> <long></bf> Convert latitude and longitude to
4416 This is a multipurpose command that allows you either to calculate the
4417 distance and bearing between two locators or (if only one locator is
4418 given on the command line) the distance and beraing from your station
4419 to the locator. For example:-
4426 The first example will show the distance and bearing to the locator from
4427 yourself, the second example will calculate the distance and bearing from
4428 the first locator to the second. You can use 4 or 6 character locators.
4430 It is also possible to convert a latitude and longitude to a locator by
4431 using this command with a latitude and longitude as an argument, for
4435 SH/QRA 52 41 N 0 58 E
4442 <bf>show/qrz <callsign></bf> Show any callbook details on a callsign
4446 This command queries the QRZ callbook server on the internet
4447 and returns any information available for that callsign. This service
4448 is provided for users of this software by http://www.qrz.com
4450 <sect1>show/registered (9)
4454 <bf>show/registered [<prefix>[</bf> Show the registered users
4457 <sect1>show/route (0)
4461 <bf>show/route <callsign></bf> Show the route to <callsign>
4465 This command allows you to see to which node the callsigns specified are
4466 connected. It is a sort of inverse sh/config.
4472 <sect1>show/satellite (0)
4476 <bf>show/satellite <name> [<hours> <interval>]</bf>
4477 Show satellite tracking data
4481 Show the tracking data from your location to the satellite of your choice
4482 from now on for the next few hours.
4484 If you use this command without a satellite name it will display a list
4485 of all the satellites known currently to the system.
4487 If you give a name then you can obtain tracking data of all the passes
4488 that start and finish 5 degrees below the horizon. As default it will
4489 give information for the next three hours for every five minute period.
4491 You can alter the number of hours and the step size, within certain
4494 Each pass in a period is separated with a row of '-----' characters
4500 SH/SAT FENGYUN1 12 2
4507 <bf>show/sun [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show
4508 sun rise and set times
4512 Show the sun rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns,
4513 together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those
4516 If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for
4517 your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA),
4518 together with the current azimuth and elevation.
4520 If all else fails it will show the sunrise and set times for the node
4521 that you are connected to.
4527 SH/SUN G1TLH K9CW ZS
4530 <sect1>show/time (0)
4534 <bf>show/time [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show
4539 If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local
4540 time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes
4541 then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at
4542 the prefixes or callsigns that you specify.
4544 <sect1>show/vhfstats (0)
4548 <bf>show/vhfstats</bf> Show the VHF DX Statistics for last 31 days
4552 Show the VHF DX spots breakdown by band for the last 31 days
4554 <sect1>show/vhftable (0)
4558 <bf>show/vhftable</bf> Show the VHF DX Spotter Table for your country
4562 Show the VHF DX Spotter table for your country for the last 31 days
4568 <bf>show/wcy</bf> Show the last 10 WCY broadcasts<newline>
4569 <bf>show/wcy <n></bf> Show the last <n> WCY broadcasts
4573 Display the most recent WCY information that has been received by the system
4579 <bf>show/wwv</bf> Show the last 10 WWV broadcasts<newline>
4580 <bf>show/wwv <n></bf> Show the last <n> WWV broadcasts
4584 Display the most recent WWV information that has been received by the system
4591 <bf>shutdown</bf> Shutdown the cluster
4595 Shutdown the cluster and disconnect all the users. If you have Spider
4596 set to respawn in /etc/inittab it will of course restart.
4602 <bf>spoof <callsign> <command></bf> Run commands as another user
4606 This is a very simple yet powerful command for the sysop. It allows you to
4607 issue commands as if you were a different user. This is very useful for the
4608 kind of things that users seem to always get wrong.. like home_node for
4615 <bf>stat/db <dbname></bf> Show the status of a database
4619 Show the internal status of a database descriptor.
4621 Depending on your privilege level you will see more or less information.
4622 This command is unlikely to be of much use to anyone other than a sysop.
4624 <sect1>stat/channel (5)
4628 <bf>stat/channel <callsign></bf> Show the status of a channel on the cluster
4632 Show the internal status of the channel object either for the channel that
4633 you are on or else for the callsign that you asked for.
4635 Only the fields that are defined (in perl term) will be displayed.
4641 <bf>stat/msg <msgno></bf> Show the status of a message
4645 This command shows the internal status of a message and includes information
4646 such as to whom it has been forwarded, its size, origin etc etc.
4649 If no message number is given then the status of the message system is
4652 <sect1>stat/route_node (5)
4656 <bf>stat/route_node <callsign></bf> Show the data in a Route::Node object
4659 <sect1>stat/route_user (5)
4663 <bf>stat/route_user <callsign></bf> Show the data in a Route::User object
4666 <sect1>stat/user (5)
4670 <bf>stat/user <callsign></bf> Show the full status of a user
4674 Shows the full contents of a user record including all the secret flags
4677 Only the fields that are defined (in perl term) will be displayed.
4683 <bf>sysop</bf> Regain your privileges if you login remotely
4687 The system automatically reduces your privilege level to that of a
4688 normal user if you login in remotely. This command allows you to
4689 regain your normal privilege level. It uses the normal system: five
4690 numbers are returned that are indexes into the character array that is
4691 your assigned password (see SET/PASSWORD). The indexes start from
4694 You are expected to return a string which contains the characters
4695 required in the correct order. You may intersperse those characters
4696 with others to obscure your reply for any watchers. For example (and
4697 these values are for explanation :-):
4700 password = 012345678901234567890123456789
4708 aa2bbbb0ccc5ddd7xxx3n
4713 They will all match. If there is no password you will still be offered
4714 numbers but nothing will happen when you input a string. Any match is
4721 <bf>talk <callsign></bf> Enter talk mode with <callsign><newline>
4722 <bf>talk <callsign> <text></bf> Send a text message to <callsign><newline>
4723 <bf>talk <callsign> > <node_call> [<text>]</bf>
4724 Send a text message to <callsign> via <node_call>
4728 Send a short message to any other station that is visible on the cluster
4729 system. You can send it to anyone you can see with a SHOW/CONFIGURATION
4730 command, they don't have to be connected locally.
4732 The second form of TALK is used when other cluster nodes are connected
4733 with restricted information. This usually means that they don't send
4734 the user information usually associated with logging on and off the cluster.
4736 If you know that G3JNB is likely to be present on GB7TLH, but you can only
4737 see GB7TLH in the SH/C list but with no users, then you would use the
4738 second form of the talk message.
4740 If you want to have a ragchew with someone you can leave the text message
4741 out and the system will go into 'Talk' mode. What this means is that a
4742 short message is sent to the recipient telling them that you are in a 'Talking'
4743 frame of mind and then you just type - everything you send will go to the
4744 station that you asked for.
4746 All the usual announcements, spots and so on will still come out on your
4749 If you want to do something (such as send a spot) you precede the normal
4750 command with a '/' character, eg:-
4753 /DX 14001 G1TLH What's a B class licensee doing on 20m CW?
4757 To leave talk mode type:
4767 <bf>type <filearea>/<name></bf> Look at a file in one of the fileareas
4771 Type out the contents of a file in a filearea. So, for example, in
4772 filearea 'bulletins' you want to look at file 'arld051' you would
4776 TYPE bulletins/arld051
4779 See also SHOW/FILES to see what fileareas are available and a
4786 <bf>who</bf> Show who is physically connected locally
4790 This is a quick listing that shows which callsigns are connected and
4791 what sort of connection they have
4797 <bf>wx <text></bf> Send a weather message to local users<newline>
4798 <bf>wx full <text> </bf> Send a weather message to all cluster users
4802 Weather messages can sometimes be useful if you are experiencing an extreme
4803 that may indicate enhanced conditions
4805 <sect1>wx (enhanced for sysops) (5)
4809 <bf>wx sysop <text></bf> Send a weather message to other clusters only
4813 Send a weather message only to other cluster nodes and not to general users.
projects / spider.git / blob