                README.TXT - E Z SSTV 3.1 - June 1997
                -------------------------------------


Welcome to E Z SSTV 3.1.  

This is a reduced functionality version of Pasokon TV Lite.

The full version can be obtained for U.S. $33 (including
shipping) from Absolute Value Systems.  Address is below.


Since 1992 Pasokon TV (now known as Pasokon TV Classic) has
been the favorite for functionality, performance, and ease
of use.  Now you can enjoy many of the same benefits at a
tiny fraction of the cost with Pasokon TV Lite.  It uses a
very cheap and simple interface (not included) which connects
to a serial port.


Hardware Requirements
---------------------

* CPU: 486DX or higher.
* Memory: 8 megabytes minimum, 16 recommended.
* Color VGA Display: Any color VGA display will work but the
  image quality may be disappointing.  For best results, you
  want one with at least 1 megabyte of video memory and capable
  of at least 32k colors at 800 x 600 resolution.
* Mouse: Almost everything can be done from the keyboard but
  the mouse is often more convenient.
* Disk Space: About 1.5 megabytes for software and about 15
  megabytes for temporary files during operation.
* Simple interface connected to serial port:  You can use the
  same interface as AEA FAX, Franklin Converter, GSH-PC,
  HAM COMM, JVFAX, MSCAN, PC SSTV 5, ProsKan, SSTV Explorer,
  Tigertronics BP-2M, VESTER, etc.  Or you can build your own
  with a few inexpensive, readily available parts.  See
  HARDWARE.TXT for details.  Sample circuits can be found in
  the *.JPG files.


Installation
------------

1. From diskette.

        If you obtained this software on a diskette, simply
        copy all the files to a new directory.  Example:

                CD \
                MKDIR EZSSTV
                CD EZSSTV
                XCOPY A:*.*

        Start the program by typing:

                CD \EZSSTV
                EZSSTV
                        

2. From Internet / ZIP file.

        If you obtained this as a single ZIP file from the
        Internet, CD-ROM, etc.  Unpack the file into a new
        directory.  Example:

                CD \
                MKDIR EZSSTV
                CD EZSSTV
                ( Copy the EZSSTV.ZIP file here. )
                PKUNZIP EZSSTV.ZIP

        Start the program by typing:

                CD \EZSSTV
                EZSSTV

Note: Some of the included .BAT files assume this software is
in a directory called \EZSSTV.  These will have to be modified
if you use a different directory.


Receiving Pictures
------------------

If running Microsoft Windows, exit out of it.

* Windows 3.1: Pick Exit from the Program Manager's File menu.

* Windows 95: Click on the Start button.  Pick Shut Down.  Pick
  Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode.
  (To avoid starting Windows 95 when rebooting computer, press
  function key F8 then pick choice 6.)

Do not attempt to run this from an MS-DOS Prompt window running
under MS Windows.  This application requires complete control
of the computer and won't work properly if Windows is running.

Tune into one of the popular SSTV frequencies: 3.845, 3.857,
7.171, 14.230, 14.133, 21.340, 28.680, or 145.5 MHz.  If using
an SSB transceiver, use the same LSB/USB setting you'd use for
voice.  Many regions have their own unique VHF frequencies.
For an up-to-date list, see:

        http://www.ultranet.com/~sstv/vhf.html

Start receiving by pressing the Enter key or click the Recv
button.  Sit back and enjoy the pictures.


Calibration
-----------

Most other SSTV programs require an aggravating calibration
procedure to avoid slanted pictures.  With Pasokon TV Lite,
it is all automatic.  The first few pictures you receive may
be slanted.  After several images have been received, the
system performs an analysis on the information gathered and
calibrates itself.  Please refrain from transmitting pictures
until this self calibration is complete.


Documentation
-------------

The Help menu contains dozens of topics so you can find the
information you want quickly instead of wading through one
huge text file.  If using a mouse, click on Help on the menu
bar, then click on desired topic.  If using keyboard, press
Alt-H to display Help menu, then type character next to the
desired topic.

All the documentation is in plain ASCII text files named *.TXT
so you can view or print these even when not running the
program.

With its intuitive easy-to-use graphical user interface, many
people never read any documentation beyond the installation
instructions.  However, you are strongly encouraged to read all
the on-line help topics eventually to obtain the maximum
benefit and enjoyment from this product.


Troubleshooting
---------------

This software has been tested extensively by numerous people
under a wide variety of conditions and is believed to be
reliable.  However, there will be occasional problems with any
complex software.  The most troublesome area is VGA display
adapter (video card) compatibility problems.  In most cases,
Pasokon TV correctly determines the VGA display capabilities
and selects the best display mode available.  Occasionally this
automatic selection does not produce the best possible results.
Symptoms may include:

* Unstable image on monitor -- Most likely the VGA display
  adapter is capable of 800 x 600 resolution but an older
  monitor is not capable of syncronizing to the higher scan
  rate.

* Machine hangs when starting PKTV or strange colors -- There
  have been a few cases - almost always the Trident 8900C -
  where the VGA display adapter lies about its capabilites.
  The program hangs or otherwise produces strange results when
  it tries to use a capability which is not there.

* Lower resolution or fewer colors than expected -- Probably a
  rather old video card before the VESA 1.2 standard.

In case of video display difficulty, read the file VGAINFO.TXT.
A test program, called VGAINFO.EXE, is included to determine
the capabilities of your system and choose the best display
mode.  Additional troubleshooting tips can be found in the file
TROUBLE.TXT.  Please read this, and other appropriate help
files, before calling for assistance.  If the on-line help is
not clear enough, we'd like to know so it can be improved.


For More Information
--------------------

The best place to find the most complete and up to date
information is on the World Wide Web --

        http://www.ultranet.com/~sstv

Here you will find the latest news, free software, product
information, technical specifications, history, operating
tips, frequently asked questions, sample images, a
bibliography, and pointers to all the other SSTV resources
available.


Feedback Please!
----------------

How do you like this program?  What are the good points?  What
don't you like?  What was confusing?  How could the
documentation be improved?  What changes would you like to
see in the next version?

                John Langner WB2OSZ
                Absolute Value Systems
                115 Stedman St.
                Chelmsford, MA 01824-1823
                U.S.A.
                tel:      +1 (508) 250 0611
                e-mail:   JohnL@world.std.com




=======================================================
			FILES
=======================================================

There should be a total of about 78 files.

These are the essential files:

        + README.TXT    - This file. 
        + EZSSTV.EXE    - The main SSTV software.
        + EZSSTV.CFG    - Configuration file.
	+ *.F0N         - Font files for drawing text.
	+ *.ICO         - Icons for user interface.
        + *.BMP         - Icons for file selector.
	+ HELP.CFG      - Contents of Help menu.
	+ *.TXT         - On-line help and other information.

	+ VGAINFO.EXE   - Test program to determine capabilities
                          of a VGA display adapter.  

Sample application for use with Run menu:

	+ FLAG.EXE      - Generates flags for several countries.
	+ FLAG.C        - Source code for FLAG.EXE.  You can 
			  use this as the starting point for 
			  your own applications.

	+ HIRES32.BAT   - For running the HiRes 32 program which is
			  available from Tom Jenkins, N9AMR.

        + NEOPAINT.BAT  - For running the popular Neopaint program
                          available from ????

	+ GIF2TGA.EXE   - This is used to import GIF images 
			  into Pasokon TV.  It serves as a model
			  for invoking conversion programs for 
			  other image file types.
			  See RUN.TXT for explanation.

        + 3DTEXT.BAT    - Example of text generation from a command
                          file.

        + CONTEST.EXE   - Contest Assistant.
        + CONTEST.C     - Source code for those who wish to modify it.


=======================================================
		   CHANGES SINCE VERSION 3
=======================================================


Recent changes are described in the file NEW.TXT.

From the Help menu, pick "What's new ..."



=======================================================
		   KNOWN PROBLEMS
=======================================================


* Canon Bubble Jet Print Driver

	This still might not be right.  


=======================================================
	FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT SSTV
=======================================================

A new SSTV Handbook is now available on the World Wide Web.
The URL is

        http://www.ultranet.com/~sstv/handbook.html


Join the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA).

Weekly nets:
	North America   Sat.    15:00 UTC       14.230 MHz
	Europe          Sat.    13:00 UTC       14.233 MHz
	South Pacific   Sun.    04:00 UTC       14.347 MHz
	South America   Wed.    23:00 UTC       14.230 MHz

Contact:
	Newsletter Editor - W6FVV
	Emerald Isle, Lake Shastina
	Weed, CA 96094

	Membership & Finance - KA4H
	P.O. Box 140336
	Nashville, TN 37214

Visit booth 212 at the Dayton Hamvention (mid May) and come to
the SSTV Forums:

        Friday evening at ???.
	Saturday afternoon at the Hamvention.

=======================================================

