Synopsis:

FIELDLOG is a program to handle logging for the ARRL sponsored Field Day
(the fourth full weekend in June).  The program (probably) has little or
no application outside of Field Day use.


Quick examination:
  Almost nobody likes to read manuals (and I speak from experience)!
  So rather than condemning you to such an arduous task, the following
  is a quick sequence of steps to exercise the program.  THEN you can
  read the manual and learn how to configure and use the program.


Setup
  Copy the files FIELDLOG.CFG and FIELDLOG.EXE to a diskette in the A:
  drive which has additional unused space for a log (a generous
  allocation of 50,000 free bytes for files should be plenty for
  playing).


Invocation
  DOS users just execute the program from A: with a command of
       A:\FIELDLOG

  Windows (95/98) users can locate and execute the program through
  the "My Computer" icon.  For convenience, when the program runs,
  expand the window to full screen.

  At the prompt for a Field Day site entry catagory code, enter "1A".

  At the prompt for the operator ID, enter your callsign.

  The next screen is the logging screen (configured for monochrome
  monitors as a lowest common denominator) where all entries are made.

The Logging Screen
  In use, the operator (or an assistant doing the logging) will make
  entries in only three fields, CALL, CODE, and LOCATION.

  The first entry, CALL, has a reverse video field.  Type in a call,
  such as KC8NDL, and press the TAB key (to tab to the next field).
  When you press the TAB key, the reverse video field moves to the
  next entry point (CODE) and the window outlined below the entry
  point shows the ARRL sections and codes for the eighth call
  district.

  Assume that you contact KC8NDL and he says he is "1B, Michigan".
  Enter the "1B" in the CODE field (which currently has the reverse
  video) and press the TAB key.

  The reverse video field moves to LOCATION.  From the window, you can
  see that "Michigan" is abbreviated "MI".  Enter "MI" in the LOCATION
  field and press the ENTER key.  You have just logged a contact.

  Next, you make contact with "KB8OAX" who is "7A, Michigan".  In your
  excitement, you press the ENTER key after the CALL.  You are beeped
  as only the TAB will advance you to the next field.

  Trying to rush onward, you fat-finger the keyboard and try to enter
  "7Z" as the code.  "Z" is not a part of a valid code and you are
  beeped again.  You can not tab to LOCATION until you enter a correct
  code.

  For location, you enter "Michigan", hit the ENTER key and you are
  finally ready for the next entry.  The location field has to have
  something (it can not be empty), but is otherwise not checked.

  Hours later, a new operator takes over.  They enter "operator" in the
  call sign field, press the ENTER key, and they are prompted at the
  bottom of the screen to identify themselves.  They enter their call,
  name, or other string of characters, press ENTER, and are ready to
  start logging.

  The first call the new operator hears is KC8NDL.  They type the
  call, press the TAB key, and see "DUPLICATE" flashing after the
  call.  KC8NDL has already been worked--he is a "dup".  Pressing the
  ESC key clears the all fields (including the flashing "DUPLICATE"
  message) and FIELDLOG is ready for the next call.

  However, the next call is from the generator crew who warn they are
  shutting down the generator for re-fueling.  Typing "exit" in the
  CALL field and pressing the ENTER key exits FIELDLOG.  (If the
  generator goes down without warning, only the log entry currently on
  the screen is lost.) The computer can then be shutdown until
  refueling is completed.  When power is restored, the operator must
  re-enter the site entry catagory code ("1A") and the ID of the
  operator.


Other Features
  The first three screen lines are the station call for the Field Day
  site, the site entry catagory, and the band/frequency for the
  transmitter.  These provide the operator with vital information for
  contacts and to stay legal.

  A continuously updated clock (using the computer's clock) shows the
  time and date to the right of the CALL field.  (FIELDLOG
  automatically logs the time/date with the other contact info.)

  Just below the CALL field is a count of the number of logged
  entries.  (Incomplete entries and "dups" are not logged.)

  At the bottom of the screen (below the window), is a list of the
  controlling keys (three) and commands (two) used by FIELDLOG.


If this program looks like something you would like to further
explore, RTFM.  (Computer-speak for "Read The Fine Manual" or
something like that.  ;-)
