Software Release Note:

The current release version of the MORSE software is Ver. 8.0. It is fully compatible with Ver. 6.0 accessory files (LOG.DAT and MORSE.DAT) so if you have been using Ver. 6.0, you should be able to begin operation with the new version without delay. I would suggest that you use the <C>alibrate Option to reset your speed constants when first running the new version.

If you are running the serial port version of the software, any operational differences will be highlighted in red.

First Session

Whenever Morse is run, it starts with a screen display containing the copyright information and terms of use. While this screen is being displayed, the program is doing quite a bit of file manipulation, including preparing a "quick look-up" index for all the calls in the main log file. This opening screen is displayed for a minimum of five seconds, but once you have a very large number of entries in the log file (or if you have a slow computer), it may stay on for a few seconds longer. When these "house-keeping" tasks are complete, the computer will "beep" and display the Main Console. When you run the program for the first time, the display looks like this:

Note that the resolution of the display has been reduced to fit it to this web page, with the result that the text is not as clear as it will be when you run the program. In the case of the serial port version, the version number in the central banner will be 9.0S.

Note the TIME and DATE windows on either side of the title display. These displays are useful for manual logging if the time and date are properly set on your computer clock. I would strongly suggest that you keep your computer set to the GMT/UTC time and date. If you don't do so, times (and possibly dates) will have to be corrected when using the logging functions.

Exiting the Program

If you wish to exit the program at any point, simply use the ARROW keys to move to the QUIT status window and key <ENTER>, at which point you will be returned to your operating system.

Screen Saver Feature

If you leave the program unattended for more than five minutes, the screen will go blank. Pressing any key will restore the console display.

Exploring Features

Before we go and customize the system for you, lets just check out a few of the primary features. Don't hook up the rig at this point, as it is better to just play around for a bit until you are comfortable with the various features. For starters, note that the 15 status windows each have a little indicator to the left, much like a lighted pushbutton switch. The operating status window will show the indicator highlighted in red. When the program boots, it will always come up in the KEYBOARD mode, as indicated above. Use the ARROW keys on your keyboard to move around from one status window to another. Note that as you move to each one, the wide help window below the status windows will show you a summary of how that particular indicator functions. Essentially, the help files are continuously available, should you forget how a particular function works. Since we want to demonstrate how the KEYBOARD functions work, we will start by calibrating the program to your particular computer.

Calibration.

Use the ARROW keys to move to the OPTIONS window and press <ENTER>. From the Options List, key <C> for Calibrate. The computer will then cycle through the transmission of the word PARIS, each time adjusting the speed calibration values based on your computer's clock. It usually takes about four test runs to get the speed error down to under 1%, at which point you will be returned to the KEYBOARD mode.

Sidetone.

Since our first experiments will be done without the rig, we want a computer-generated sidetone to monitor sending. Use the ARROWS to move to the SIDETONE window. Note that SIDETONE indicates OFF. Hit the <ENTER> key and OFF will change to ON. Key it a few more time to see how you can toggle the SIDETONE on and off at will. Leave the SIDETONE ON.

Sidetone Frequency.

If you look to the right of the SIDETONE window, you will see the FREQUENCY window. When you boot MORSE for the first time, the value in this window will be 800 Hz. From the FREQUENCY window you can set the sidetone frequency to whatever you want, or you can leave it as it is.

Speed.

When you first use the Morse program, the transmission speed is set at 14 WPM. If you want to use some other speed, move to the SPEED window, key <ENTER>, type the speed you want, followed by the <ENTER> key.

Key Transmitter.

This function can be used for transmitter tuning, checking SWR, or verifying that you have the proper interface port selected in your setup.

Keying <ENTER> will key the transmitter for three seconds and the window background will be highlighted in bright yellow while the transmitter is keyed. If you need additional key-down time, simply key <ENTER> again. Using any other key will return you to the KEYBOARD mode.

CALL.

As we play with the different features, we want to simulate a real QSO, so move to the CALL window and key <ENTER>. Now type W1DX and <ENTER>. It doesn't matter if you use upper or lower case, as all alphabetical characters are automatically converted to upper case by the program.

Notice that, if you keyed in the call correctly, the computer "beeped"! Take a look between the Help text window and the larger text window at the bottom of the display. You should see:

This information is retained until a new call-sign is keyed in, so you can refer to it at any point in a QSO.

This shows the advantages of the basic logging functions that are built into the Morse program. If the station whose CALL you typed in is in the log data file, the name, and QTH, will be displayed! Of course you don't have to use the logging functions, but, if you do, you won't ever forget the name and QTH that goes with a call!

Basic KEYBOARD Functions

At this point, the program has enough information to let you experiment with the basic KEYBOARD functions. Let's explore them in order:

• <F2> 3x3 CQ. If you press the <F2> key, the program will transmit a standard 3 x 3 CQ, using the callsign shown in the MYCALL window. Since this should still be WB8DQT, the format of the call is:

Note that in all cases of KEYBOARD operation, the text to be transmitted is posted in the large text window at the bottom of the display. As the text is transmitted, it scrolls off the left side of the display window, so that the window is always showing the text that is waiting for transmission.

• <F1> ABORT. There are numerous occasions where you might want to stop text transmission and you can do so with the <F1> key. Key <F2> to re-transmit the CQ and then, at any point, hit the <F1> key to abort. Notice that transmission stops at the end of the current character, the text window is cleared, and you are waiting in the KEYBOARD mode. If your rig has full break-in capability (QSK), you can use the ABORT function if you are interrupted by the other station. ABORT is also useful if you start to call on a specific frequency and then hear that it is busy.
• <F3> CUSTOM CQ. There are plenty of situations, including contests, DX, special events, or specialized operation, such as QRP, where you might want to use a custom CQ format. If you press <F3> you will see the format I typically use for QRP operation:

• <F4> CALL. This is a function that lets you call another station that you would like to contact. It uses a standard 3 x 3 format, using the call-sign in the CALL window and the call-sign in the MYCALL window. At this point, if you press <F4> you would see:

Note that the Morse program has provisions to transmit two-letter prosigns. Any two letters can be merged to form a prosign by preceding the combination with a reverse back-slash (\) as shown above.

I think you can see that the program can save you a lot of effort in routine operation, but there is still more in the way of convenience.

<F5> COMEBACK. Keying <F5>will start a reply by sending the other stations call and your call. With the data loaded at the moment, this would be:

<F6> OVER. At the end of a transmission, pressing <F6> will send the other stations call, your call, and the prosign KN:

The program also has two general-purpose text memories (MEMORY 1 and MEMORY 2) that can hold text for any purpose.

<F7> MEM 1. Pressing <F7> will transmit the contents of MEMORY 1, which is my case is basic name and location data.

<F8> MEM 2. Pressing <F8> will transmit the contents of MEMORY 2, which is my case is a basic description of my station.

<F10> CALL. Pressing <F10> will take you directly to the window for entering a new callsign. This can save a bit of time in a frantic operating session!

<F11> SPEED. Pressing <F11> will take you directly to the speed window for changing your transmitting speed.

Prosigns. Although the "back-slash" option lets you send any prosign, several standard ones can now be keyed by using shifted characters.

Chaining Functions

One of the powerful features of the Morse program is that these functions can be chained to build more complex functions and transmissions. There is no need to wait for one function the be transmitted, as the program will add each new function at the end of the previous one, building a more complex block of text to send. Let's look, for example, at how to "build" the first exchange in a QSO:

(1) Key <F5> for the first call exchange

(2) Immediately type a signal report: FB OM - UR RST 599 599 -

(3) Immediately key <F7> to add your name and QTH

(4) Immediately type: - SO HW NW OM? -

(5) Immediately key <F6> to add the call exchange at the end

Even with the bit of required typing, this will buy you enough time to make notes in the log and sip your coffee!

Other exchanges within the body of the QSO are just as easy. A typical exchange might go like this:

(1) Key <F5> for the initial calls

(2) Type your text

(3) Key <F6> for the hand-off back to the other station

You can break as often as you like during step #2, but, when you finally think you need to add the calls, just use step #3.

Typing Errors

If you make a mistake typing and catch it early, use the <BACKSPACE> key to back up until the error is erased and then resume typing!

If there is a mistake you see way into a block of text you have typed, wait until the end of the last word prior to the error, type <F1> to abort the rest of the text block, and then pick up typing again.

The <BACKSPACE> key can also be used to edit the prosign at the end of the call exchange generated by key <F6>. This would be appropriate for the final exchange in a QSO (use K instead of the prosign \KN, or to substitute any other appropriate prosign.

GOOD MANNERS

It should be obvious by now that the MORSE program makes sending almost effortless. The one thing you need to watch out for is that you don't use this capability to make excessively long transmissions! It is very easy to get carried away, so take your cue from the station you are working. Some operators really love extended ragchews, but others may be sitting on a mountain ledge trying to keep track of everything in their head!

The best way to get comfortable with the features of the program at this point is just to practice simulated contacts. Once you feel ready to actually put the program into operation, check out the pages below.

Custom Set-up This page will show you how to customize the program for your station as well as how to use the Receive functions.

Logging Functions This will provide a basic tutorial on the many logging functions provided by the program.