This program provides a distance and bearing
printout for a number of operating sites in the UK stored in SITES.DAT.
Run SITECALC.EXE making sure SITES.DAT is
in the current working directory. At the first prompt enter either
a locator (6 or 8 digit), NGR or a sitename. The format is
recognised automatically. In the case of a sitename, just enough of the
name needs to be entered to positively identify the site in the database,
but the letters can occur anywhere within the name. If return is pressed
at this point the database can be scrolled through to review the list before
entering a sitename.
Select Magnetic or True bearings (The default
is True) and if Magnetic, enter your own magnetic variation or press return
for an approximate calculated one. This is calculated using the empirically
derived formula :- Mag Var. = .09 * Lat - .5 * Long and seems to
hold good over most of Southern England at least: to around 1 degree accuracy.
If you require a printout for ALL sites
press return at minimum and maximum distances for printout. If only
paths over a certain distance, or under (or both) are wanted then enter
the appropriate figures. If only bearings within a certain sector
are wanted, answer 'Y' at the prompt and enter the two required limits,
clockwise from A to B eg. 350,40 prints those bearings from 350ø
to 40ø including north.
If a printout is required, answer Y/N for
hardcopy and enter the appropriate printer type, then sit back and
watch. The printer types should cover most common devices.
A print to file option is provided at this point and the file may be sorted
into order of either Name, Bearing, Locator or Distance
If hardcopy has NOT been requested then
the screen display will halt after each screenful and can be continued
by pressing the spacebar. As a shortcut when starting the program
the sitename may be entered as part of the command line, eg type
SITECALC G4JNT
The hardcopy option will also allow a file
to be made. This is in the same format as printed copy, but in addition
may be sorted into order of either name, distance bearing, locator or NGR.
The sorting options are presented after the initial calculations have been
completed.
8 digit locators are provided where the
stored location accuracy allows; where location is stored as a 6 digit
locator (many home stations for example) the generated NGR is only give
to 1km accuracy to avoid confusion.
Screenshot of SITECALC from G8YOA QTH:-