

             #####  #   #    ####   #####  #   #   ###
             #      #   #     #  #  #      ## ##  #   #
             #      #   #  #  #  #  ####   # # #  #   #
             #      # # #     #  #  #      #   #  #   #
             #####   # #     ####   #####  #   #   ###


IMPORTANT NOTE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While CW-DEMO starts immediately, exiting can be another matter. Either
'Esc', 'Q' or 'Alt-X' may be used to exit, however in the case of
unattended use at public demonstrations there is a configurable exit
password which can be set in the CW-DEMO.INI file.  This is to discourage
the public from accidentally or deliberately exiting and fooling around
with the computer when your back is turned.  So if this is the first time
you are running CW-DEMO and especially if you didn't get it directly from
the author, you might like to see if a previous user has set an exit
password.


Introduction
~~~~~~~~~~~~
CW-DEMO is a Morse program which reads a text file, sounding out the
individual characters and displaying them on the screen in large 40 column
mode.  There is also morse output on a serial port which may be used to
drive external lamps, buzzers, etc. (Tip: mount a LED on a model ship or a
picture of a ship.)


Intended Use
~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is specifically intended to be used at public demonstrations of Amateur
Radio as a lure to passers-by to attract them, and also to give a group of
people an exposure to Morse code.  While not aimed at use for individual
Morse practice, it may perhaps be of use where trouble is experienced when
attempting to read conventional sized text.


Requirements
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Display: Must be capable of 40 column mode, which seems to include
         virtually all types except MDA.

Sound:   Uses normal internal beeper, does not require sound card. Best
         results will be obtained with a loud beeper, of course.  Perhaps
         an external speaker might replace the computer's internal speaker
         for greater volume.

Serial port outputs:
          9 pin: pins 4 and 7 are outputs, 5 is earth.
         25 pin: pins 4 and 20 are outputs, 7 is earth.

Skills:  The program is designed to be very simple to use. Probably the
         program can be started up and just left running unattended while
         the hams at the display do other things like operate rigs or talk
         to the public.


Files
~~~~~
CW-DEMO.INI Configures colours and the default speed and frequency, and the
            title and text seen in lower half of the screen. You can also
            specify the password used to exit from CW-DEMO for added
            security when running unattended at public demonstrations.
CW-DEMO.COM The actual program itself.
CW-DEMO.TXT This file.
CW-DEMO.DAT The text file read by CW-DEMO.COM

The CW-DEMO.DAT file may contain whatever you want.  To attract an audience
it seems that the text displayed should attract and hold attention, so a
sample CW-DEMO.DAT file is supplied, derived from a packet radio bulletin
sent by Frank KB7LYM and which should hold the attention of any audience.


Background
~~~~~~~~~~
Our club demonstrated Amateur Radio at an A&P Show some years ago, and it
was observed that when my computer was running my CWIT Morse software, a
small crowd began to gather.  It struck me that minor modifications to CWIT
would produce a 40 column mode which would be more readable by a group, as
well as being more readily readable by people idly wandering by.  ZL1HV's
"A Call To Arms" article on page 9 of the June 1997 issue of Break-In
prompted me to complete the documentation and release CW40 to be available
for others to use, and a further public display in mid-2000 suggested
modifications which have resulted in CW-DEMO being produced.


Comments
~~~~~~~~
Comments are very welcome.  Currently this program is under development and
has been released for general use.  One area that I would like to optimise
is the text in the lower half of the screen, so feel free to offer
suggestions bearing in mind that the intended viewers of the program are
going to be members of the public.


Changes
~~~~~~~
7 April 2001: At Paul ZL3TPA's suggestion, the program now re-reads the
text file when it gets to the end of it, thus making it suitable for
running for long periods unattended. Distributed as CW-DEMO2.ZIP.

23 June 2001: Added password exit and definable limits for speed and
frequency, again a ZL3TPA suggestion. CW-DEMO3.ZIP

13 August 2001: Added serial port output at ZL3TPA's request. CW-DEMO4.ZIP

20 October 2001: Exit password now optional.  Exits on 'Esc', 'Q' or
'Alt-X'.  Faster startup.  CW-DEMO5.ZIP

9 March 2002: Added Farnsworth parameter mainly for use with LEDs on
output.  CW-DEMO6.ZIP

25 October 2003: Changed filenames to conform to Windoze conventions.
CW-DEMO7.ZIP released.

David Fraser, ZL3AI.
25 October 2003.
Packet mail: ZL3AI@ZL3VML.#80.NZL.OC
E-mail: zl3ai@nzart.org.nz

