To: <<FNAME>>, <<CALLSIGN>>

*** VHF Test Update #025: October 15, 1999 ***

At least one user has tried the version 3.02 beta for a Fall Sprint.  The basic logging was solid but I'm working on fixing some other problems (and oversights) that were identified.

Some e-mails have identified two issues that I'm trying to work through.

First, I had a comment about being able to combine CALLGRID files from different users to create a "mega" CALLGRID.  I offered to write a program to do this but haven't had a response from that individual.  The only possible kink is if the resulting CALLGRID file is bigger than the program can load but we won't know this until it's tried.  If anyone else feels there is a need for this, it shouldn't take long to put something together.  I'd need a couple CALLGRID files to test it with.

Second, I have found that some users are editing the OUT files for adding comments and other information.  I never thought of this before, but it seems a reasonable thing to do at times.  If an OUT file is loaded into some type of Windows-based editor or word processor, be it Word, WordPad, or NotePad, the printed document doesn't look so hot nor does it look so nice right there on the screen.  The OUT file has the printer codes inserted in it to do some basic formatting, such as switching the printer into compressed print for the dupe sheets, for direct send to a printer from a DOS prompt.  These codes, of course, are not compatible with Word or WordPad and the document looks bad.  I am considering making the OUT information an unformatted text format which could be loaded and printed from these word processors or editors.  The only change that would be seen is that for larger efforts the dupe sheets would be a page or two longer because the compressed print is removed.  If there are no objections I will do this.  This change would then make the ALT-Z function unneeded and would be removed.  That might free up enough memory to extend the number of CALLGRID entries that can  be stored in memory.

Feel free to contact me if you have any comments on either of these two items.

The new Web site continues to progress.  I've been thinking of having it hosted by a service with more advanced features than offered by OpNet, while leaving the current one on OpNet.  Stay tuned.

73, Allen, WG3E