
Notes on HamComm 2.2:                          Paderborn, June 16th 1993

 - HamComm is a program for ham radio communications.  It supports
   reception and transmission of amateur radio teletype (RTTY) and Morse
   code (CW) signals.  A decoder for SHIP and SYNOP reports from weather
   stations is also included. 

 - HamComm doesn't require an RTTY converter, not even a modem chip. 
   The audio output of the transceiver is connected to the serial port
   of any PC/XT/AT compatible computer thru a very simple and low-cost
   circuit.  Only one IC is needed (Op-Amp LM741 or similar) and a few
   diodes, capacitors and resistors.  For transmission the speaker
   output is connected to the microphone input of the transceiver thru a
   passive r/c filter.  There is also a tone signal available at the COM
   port without any modification to the computer.  Audio frequency
   decoding and serial/parallel conversion are all done by the program. 

 - HamComm will automatically detect the type of video adapter in use. 
   MDA, CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules are supported.  All graphics routines
   are written in assembler for speed.  No attempt has been made to
   avoid screen flicker (snow) on cheap CGAs. 

 - HamComm works to some degree on XT maschines, but the graphics
   displays of the input signal are more fun to watch on an AT-class
   computer.  Nearly all of the functions can also be controlled by
   using a mouse.  A harddisk is recommended but not required.  All
   texts are written in english and the online help system includes the
   schematics for the interface circuit.  There are also predefined
   standard phrases, a QTH distance/direction calculator and a callsign
   decoder.  Currently about 320KB of free ram is required. 

 - HamComm will probably NOT run under any kind of multitasking software
   like Desqview, Windows or OS/2 since it needs direct control of the
   interrupt controller, timer chip and serial I/O hardware. 

 - On startup the program automatically searches for a configuration
   file called "HC.CFG".  The current directory is searched first, then
   all other directories in the current "PATH" environment variable.  A
   sample config file is provided.  Read it carefully and make the
   required adjustments using your favourite text editor. 

 - The converter schematics are included in the online help texts.
   To see them do the following:
    1. Start the program,
    2. Hit ALT-H to start the help subsystem,
    3. Hit the letter 'O' to select topic 'Overview',
    4. Hit the TAB key to select topic 'Converter' and hit return,
    5. Scroll the help text using the cursor-up/cursor-down keys
       and read the text.

 - HamComm is NOT in the public domain. 
   It is Copyright (c) 1990,1991,1992 and 1993 by Wilhelm F. Schroeder.
   All rights reserved.
   You are granted a limited license to use this software for evaluation
   purposes for a period of 30 days.  If you intend to continue using
   this software after the 30 day evaluation period, you must make a
   registration payment of $20 to Wilhelm F.  Schroeder.  See the
   documentation for details. 

 - The author can be reached via the packet radio mailbox system.  Send
   your error reports and comments to "DL5YEC@DB0BQ.DEU.EU".  If you
   have access to e-mail then try "schroeder.pad@sni.de".  If you have
   access to Usenet you can post HamComm related questions to newsgroup
   "rec.radio.amateur.misc". 

Have fun!

73 es 55 de Django DL5YEC
