1 <!doctype linuxdoc system>
5 <!-- Title information -->
7 <title>The DXSpider User Manual v1.51</title>
8 <author>Ian Maude, G0VGS, (g0vgs@gb7mbc.net)</author>
9 <date>June 2004 revision 1</date>
12 A complete reference for users of the DXSpider DXCluster program.
15 <!-- Table of contents -->
18 <!-- Begin the document -->
22 <sect1>What is a DX Cluster?
25 A DX Cluster is a packet node where DX chasers on any band or mode can
26 post rare or interesting stations that they have worked or heard. Of
27 course other people are doing the same thing too, so you can find new
28 DX as well as telling others about the stations you have worked.
29 Clusters tend to be linked to each other so that the amount of people
30 using them is increased, thereby increasing the amount of posted DX.
31 Other information can be found on clusters such as on-line call books,
32 mail etc. You can talk to other stations connected to the cluster
33 network too, in real time, whether at the node you are logged into or
34 on another node connected to the network. You can also use converse
35 mode, where several stations can talk to each other in the same way.
36 Of course, the DX is still posted to you all the while!
38 <sect1>So what is DXSpider?
41 PacketCluster nodes have been around since roughly 1985. The original
42 PacketCluster idea came from Dick Newell, AK1A, and ran under DOS.
43 In about 1992 Dick stopped the development of the PacketCluster
44 software for amateur radio. Many systems are still using this
45 relatively old DOS software today.
47 There are several new compatible cluster programs around now,
48 including DXSpider. DXSpider is a clone of PacketCluster software that runs
49 under several operating systems including Linux and Windows. Linux is fast
50 becoming the choice for amateur radio stations because of it's flexibility,
51 reliability and the lack of the memory limitations of DOS. Linux supports
52 multitasking and is also multiuser. It has support for AX25, ROSE,
53 NetROM and TCPIP built in, making it the ideal choice for amateur
54 radio. It is also totally free!
56 DXSpider was conceived and begun in 1998 by Dirk Koopman, G1TLH as an
57 exercise in perl programming. It has developed rapidly and today is a
58 very powerful cluster program. It was designed to be totally compatible
59 with the AK1A program, although several commands have been extended to
60 improve functionality.
62 This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the commands
63 that DXSpider supports and to help you get the best from the program so
64 you can enjoy working that rare DX! As DXSpider is being improved all the
65 time, commands will be added as time goes by, so make sure you have
66 the most upto date version of this manual. The latest version will
67 always be included with the cluster program so if you are unsure, simply
68 ask your sysop. The manual will also be available on the wesite.
71 <sect>Logins and logouts.
74 You might not think that there is a lot of point of including a
75 section on how to log in and out of DXSpider. However, you would be
76 suprised at the difficulties some people have in simply getting in
77 and out of the cluster!
79 There are several ways a login might be achieved, dependant on how
80 the sysop has DXSpider configured. It is impossible for me to cover all
81 variations but here are the basic ones.
86 Simplicity itself. The usual <bf>CONNECT</bf> command will log you straight
87 into the cluster and you will not have to do anything else.
88 Obviously, you will have to connect to the correct callsign. Some
89 nodes use an SSID with their call so you would have to add that.
101 There are several possibilities here, dependant on how the sysop has
102 configured his system. If you are connecting via netrom then you are
103 most probably connecting from another station. Listing the nodes in
104 that station with the <bf>NODES</bf> command will tell you what callsign
105 or netrom alias to connect to. Then just issue the connect command
106 from there. It is possible that the netrom alias may connect you to
107 a node with an alias for the cluster, such as DXC. Just type this
108 and you will be connected.
115 <sect1>Telnet logins.
118 With telnet connections, the source callsign is not seen by DXSpider, so
119 you will be asked to login with your callsign.
120 To telnet to DXSpider, you would connect to a specific port. There is no
121 standard at the moment for a cluster telnet port but ask the sysop if
130 All the above are possible ways of connecting to a DXSpider cluster. You
131 may have some or all of these available to you. There may be one or
132 two additional ways to connect dependant on the network local to you.
133 However I am sure you get the idea.
138 Logging out can be done by simply issuing the standard <bf>BYE</bf>
141 You could also send a disconnect if you are using AX25, or a <bf>CLOSE</bf>
142 command if you are connected via telnet.
143 If you do not log out gracefully using one of the above commands,
144 you may find you are unable to get a full connect next time. This
145 may also happen if a netrom connection drops. You may get connected,
146 but nothing else will happen because the program thinks you are still
147 connected and will not let you connect twice under the same call.
148 However you could reconnect by adding a number to the end of your call,
150 This can be done by either altering your MYCALL setting in the TNC or
151 by altering your program configuration.
154 <sect>Setting your personal details.
157 Once logged in to the cluster, you should set your details so that
158 anybody who wishes to contact you can find out who and where you are.
159 There are four items to set, your name, qth, location and home node.
160 Setting these details also allows the use of the SHOW/HEADING and
161 SHOW/SUN commands from within the cluster. Unless you set your QTH
162 and location, these commands cannot function.
163 Once you have set your name, DXSpider will greet you with it next time
164 you login. Your QTH setting is where you live and it is a good idea
165 to add your locator to this as the location setting is converted to
166 latitude and longitude once inputted. You can actually set your location
167 in latitude/longitude or as a locator. Setting your home node will
168 tell the program where you wish mail to be sent to you.
174 set/qth Morecambe, Lancashire IO84NB
175 set/location 48 34 n 12 12 e
180 <sect>Getting and posting DX.
183 When all is said and done, this is the main function of a DX cluster.
184 In its simplest form you can just connect to the node and you will
185 start to receive DX spots almost immediately! You can check on
186 recent postings in either a general manner or on a particular band or
187 mode. You can even check DX by callsign or a fragment of a callsign.
188 Of course, once you get the hang of things, it is expected that you
189 start posting some yourself! After all, there would be no clusters
190 if people did not post DX and you get the added thrill of the hunt!
195 As we have already said, it is possible just to connect to the
196 cluster and you will receive spots automatically. However, you may
197 wish to check on spots just posted. Maybe you wish to see if a
198 particular band is open or if a certain callsign is active, perhaps a
199 DXpedition. The command to do this is <bf>SHOW/DX</bf>. Without any
200 other arguments, this command will output the last 10 spots
201 posted. It is possible to look at more than this, for example the
202 last 20 or 50 spots, by adding the number to the command. You can
203 make it even more specific by adding a band in either wavelength or
204 frequency, and/or any additional information such as QSL details.
214 will show the last 10, 5 and 20 spots received by the cluster
225 will show the last 5, 10 or 20 spots on 20 metres only.
227 It is also possible to check for certain callsigns, or fragments of
228 callsigns in the same way.
237 would show the last 5 or 10 dx spots containing the callsign g0vgs.
240 You can check for DX by offset and also by specifying a comment to
251 would show the spots that arrived between 30 and 40 spots ago and any
252 spots with the word <em>iota</em> in the comment field. The case of
253 the comment is not important.
255 Checking DX posted on a certain day is possible too. All you have
256 to do here is to specify how many days ago it was like this ...
264 It is of course possible to specify multiple arguments.
269 show/dx 20 prefix 9a on vhf day 30
272 This would show the last 20 spots posted by or about calls with the prefix
273 9a on vhf 30 days ago.
275 As you can see the <bf>SHOW/DX</bf> command is very flexible, so if you are
276 not sure whether something will work or not, try it and see! More
277 information can be found in the Command Set section.
282 To post DX you use the <bf>DX</bf> command. The syntax is shown below.
287 dx (frequency) (callsign) (remarks)
290 Where frequency is in kilohertz and the callsign is the callsign of
291 the station you have worked or heard, (ie not your own callsign!).
292 The remarks section allows you to add information like the operators
293 name or perhaps a location. Actually DXSpider will allow the frequency
294 and callsign fields to be entered in any order.
299 dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599
302 In fact, all the following will give the same result...
305 dx 14004 pa3ezl OP Aurelio 599
306 dx pa3ezl 14004 OP Aurelio 599
307 dx pa3ezl 14.004 OP Aurelio 599
310 This posting, or callout as it is known, will be forwarded to all
311 other connected stations both at the cluster you are connected to and
312 other active clusters in the network. The callout will also be sent
313 to you as proof of receipt.
315 <sect>Headings and propagation
318 There are three commands in DXSpider to help you get the best DX possible.
319 These are <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf>, <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> and
320 <bf>SHOW/HEADING</bf>. These commands will only work for you if you
321 have entered your personal details. They use your entered location as
322 a reference, so if you have not entered it or have entered it incorrectly
323 they will not return the correct information.
328 The <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> command can be used in three different ways. It
329 can be used to show sunrise and sunset times for your own station, a
330 particular callsign or a prefix.
338 The output from this would look something like this ..
342 Location Rise Set Azim Elev
343 G0VGS Morecambe, Lancashire 07:08Z 17:39Z 205.3 24.1
350 would look like this ...
354 Location Rise Set Azim Elev
355 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.0 18.8
358 You can also specify multiple arguments like this ...
361 sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs
364 and then the output would look like this ...
367 sh/sun gw4veq 5b4ab zs
368 Location Rise Set Azim Elev
369 GW4VEQ Brungwran, Isle of Anglesey IO 07:14Z 17:48Z 204.9 24.9
370 5B Cyprus-5B 04:23Z 15:40Z 244.5 18.3
371 ZS So-Africa-ZS1-ZS 04:31Z 17:28Z 289.9 41.3
372 ZS So-Africa-ZS5-ZS 03:44Z 16:34Z 278.5 32.0
373 ZS So-Africa-ZS6-ZS 03:59Z 16:42Z 277.6 35.0
379 The <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> command works in the same way as the
380 <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> command. This program however, calculates the
381 rise and set times of the moon for a prefix or callsign, together
382 with the current azimuth and elevation of the sun at these
391 The output from this command would look like this ..
395 Location Rise Set Azim Elev RGain dB
396 EA Spain-EA 08:15Z 20:09Z 257.2 9.5 -0.6
399 You can see that the output is similar to the <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf>
400 command, with slightly different fields.
405 The <bf>SHOW/HEADING</bf> command works in the same way as the
406 <bf>SHOW/SUN</bf> and <bf>SHOW/MOON</bf> commands but outputs beam
407 headings for a specified callsign or prefix. Reciprocal beam headings
416 The output from this command would look like this ..
420 ZL New-Zealand-ZL1-ZL: 7 degs - dist: 11238 mi, 18087 km Reciprocal heading: 355 degs
421 ZL New-Zealand-ZL2-ZL: 9 degs - dist: 11540 mi, 18574 km Reciprocal heading: 353 degs
422 ZL New-Zealand-ZL3-ZL: 19 degs - dist: 11634 mi, 18724 km Reciprocal heading: 345 degs
423 ZL New-Zealand-ZL4-ZL: 34 degs - dist: 11783 mi, 18963 km Reciprocal heading: 332 degs
428 <sect1>Making announcements.
431 Occasionally, you may wish to post something that does not fall into
432 the normal parameters for a DX callout. You may wish to tell
433 everybody connected that 10 FM is open for example, or ask if anyone
434 knows the QSL manager for a certain callsign etc. You can do this
435 using the <bf>ANNOUNCE</bf> command.
440 announce 10 FM is open in IO84NB to europe.
443 That would let everyone know locally that this was the case, however
444 it would not be forwarded to other nodes connected. To send
445 announcements to other connected nodes as well, you would use the
446 <bf>FULL</bf> extension.
451 announce full Anyone seen EA7WA today?
454 Be cautious in your use of announce full. There are many other tools
455 available to get the information you require and the judicious use of
456 this command is frowned upon as it creates a great deal of traffic
459 <sect1>Listing announcements.
462 You can list previous announcements in the standard format with the
463 <bf>SHOW</bf> command. As before you can list just the last 5 or as
470 show/announcements 10
473 <sect>Nodes and users.
476 You can check which nodes are connected in the network, who is
477 logged on locally, who is logged on at all the nodes or even
478 just one node in particular. This is handy if you wish to see whether
479 a friend is connected at the node they use. To see who is connected
480 to the nodes, the <bf>SHOW/CONFIGURATION</bf> command is used.
486 show/configuration/nodes
487 show/configuration (node_call)
488 show/configuration (prefix)
491 The first of our three examples would output something like this,
499 GB7BIG (GD0TEP) GD3UMW
500 GB7BPQ (G0INA) G0RCI G3AKU G3OCA
502 GB7DJK G0FYD G0REK G1TLH G4PEL G4SOZ
503 G4TVR G7SQW K8AZ M0CTQ-1 MM1CXE-10
506 GB7DXC (G0HDB) G0WFK (G1FYC) G3KWK G3LME
507 G3OIL G4BGW G4FUJ (G4PDQ) GW7SMV
509 (GB7DXG) GU6EFB GU7DHI
510 GB7DXK G1NTW G3IBI G3NSM G3XAQ G4CUS
512 GB7DXM G1EUC G3GAF G3LAS G4ZTR G8WXU
516 You will notice that EI5TCR is showing only that it has 7 users and not
517 giving the actual callsigns. This means that this node is on a limited
518 protocol of some kind, probably because of a contest situation where
519 slow radio links can block up and fail if too much information is sent
522 The second example would just show the nodes connected in the
528 GB7BAA GB7BAA GB7BPQ (GB7CDX) GB7DJK GB7DXA
529 GB7DXC GB7DXE (GB7DXG) GB7DXK GB7DXL
530 GB7DXM GB7DXS GB7IPT GB7MRS GB7UJS
531 GB7YDX KL7G N2TLY (ON0DXK)
532 GB7BIG EI5TCR GB7ADX GB7BIG GB7UDX
538 If we insert the node_call pi4tue-8 into the third example, then
539 this would be the output,
543 PI4TUE-8 9A1CMA-6 DF6PW DL4FAY DL4KAK DL4WF-2
544 F5NOD-2 F5PAC IZ0CSR N6CR OH2BLD
545 ON1LVL-13 ON4CBT ON4CJP ON5DXL-14 ON7NQ
546 PA0RCT PA3DYS PA3FDO PA5KW-4 PI4TUE-9
550 As you can see, only the users of the requested node are shown.
552 You can also use a prefix to show only a group of nodes. For example
553 you may only wish to see who is connected to the nodes in the UK. To
554 do this simply use a prefix like this ...
557 show/configuration gb7
560 To show the locally connected users, the <bf>SHOW/USERS</bf> command is
569 The output of this command would look like this,
572 Callsigns connected to GB7MBC
573 G0JHC G0NEI G0VGS G0VGS-2 G0YLM
580 You can send a single comment or start a dedicated talk session to
581 another user by using the <bf>TALK</bf> command.
584 Talk mode is used to send a one line comment or greeting to a
585 specific user connected either at your node or another in the
586 network. You can also enter into a dedicated talk session with
587 another user. Talks will be automatically forwarded to other nodes
588 if the station you are talking to is not connected locally.
589 You can find out who is connected by using the
590 <bf>SHOW/CONFIGURATION</bf> command, (described earlier).
595 talk g0rdi Having a good day Iain?
598 This example would send the line "Having a good day Iain?" to the
599 user g0rdi but would leave you in normal mode.
603 Entering Talkmode, /EX to end, /<cmd> to run a command
607 As you can see, you can still run commands whilst in talk mode.
608 Simply prefix the command with a / like /sh/dx and you will get
610 If the user is connected to another node, you may have to use a
611 slightly extended version of the <bf>TALK</bf> command.
617 To exit talk mode, you issue the command <bf>/ex</bf>.
619 Whilst in talk mode you will still receive DX spots. This means that
620 you can chat to a friend whilst working DX.
625 You can send and receive both personal mail and bulletins with DXSpider
628 <sect1>The "directory" command.
631 To list mail you would use the <bf>DIRECTORY</bf> command. On its
632 own, this command will output the last ten messages received by the
633 node, either to or from yourself or bulletins such as "DX" and "ALL".
634 As with other commands you can display more by specifying a number
635 with the command. You should be aware that Spider will accept
636 these commands by separating with either a slash or a space, so
637 <em>dir new</em> and <em>dir/new</em> work in the same way.
647 Of course most of the time you will only want to list new mail sent
648 to you personally since your last login. However you might also like
649 to check for general mail received by the node. In fact if there is
650 new mail for you, the cluster will tell you when you login. You will
651 also be informed if new mail arrives for you during the time you are
653 Mail is not only sent to callsigns though. Mail can also be sent to
654 subjects like "all" or "local" or "dx" etc. You can treat these
655 bulletins in the same way as personal mail with the directory
665 directory/from <call>
668 The last option will only show mail from a callsign if it was sent to
669 you personally or was sent as a bulletin. There are some additional
670 commands and these can be found in the DXSpider Command Reference section.
675 The output of the <bf>DIRECTORY</bf> command could be something like
680 20735 2 ALL GW7SMV 21-Feb 1204Z REC 9E1S QSL TDY 50Mhz....
681 20823 308 UK G0HDB 22-Feb 2334Z Help - which district code?
682 20824 105 ALL W9AE 23-Feb 0349Z S0NY QSL address?
683 20825 2 UK G0LRJ 23-Feb 0806Z QSL REC LZ2CJ/1.CARD NO-750.
684 20858 2 ALL GW7SMV 24-Feb 0905Z REC S92DX QSL CARD TDY 50Mhz
685 20921 200 ALL GM4FDM 27-Feb 2203Z Trip to VP8
686 20949 375 ALL K0MN 27-Feb 0428Z ST0P cards are gd @ ARRL
687 20950 2 UK G0LRJ 28-Feb 0835Z QSL REC SV9/IZ0CKJ/P EU-187.
688 20987 569 ALL GD0TEP 1-Mar 1733Z Portable contests
689 21076 2 ALL G4AFJ 3-Mar 1743Z kh6nd/kh5 qsl received
690 21184-p 599 GW4HAT G0VGS 4-Mar 1518Z Re: Time
693 The first column is the actual message number. If the message is a
694 personal one to you, you will see a letter 'p' after this number. If
695 the message has been read, there will be a '-' between the message
696 number and the 'p'. This only works for personal messages. The next
697 column shows the file size of the message. The third column shows the
698 address the message was sent to and the next column shows who sent it.
699 The rest is fairly self-explanatory.
701 Reading a message is as simple as typing read, followed by the
702 message number that you wish to read.
710 will read message number 25. However the mail will be displayed in it's
711 entirety unless you specify a page length. You can set your page length
712 to any number you like and when the message reaches that number of lines
713 you will get a prompt giving you options.
725 Sending mail is done in the time honoured way. First you specify
726 a recipient for the message, then you will be prompted for a subject.
727 Once you have done this you will be asked to type your message.
728 Please remember that there is no automatic word wrap, so unless you
729 are using a client that wraps lines automatically, remember to hit
730 return at the end of each line.
736 Enter Subject (30 characters):
738 Enter Message /EX to send or /ABORT to exit
740 Just a quick note to say that I can make Thursday after all. The
741 appointment I had has cancelled so we are go!
746 At this point you can either hit return and enter /ex to send the
747 message or use /abort at any time to abort it. You can now display
748 the message in the normal way. There are several send options and
749 these are listed in the Command Set section. These include sending
750 mail to several recipients and asking for a return receipt.
753 <sect1>Replying to mail.
756 If mail is addressed to you or to a bulletin address, you can use the
757 <bf>REPLY</bf> command to reply to it. Using this command, the
758 subject will be automatically set for you as "Re: subject", whatever
770 To delete a message, you use the <em>delete</em> command.
771 You can only delete messages sent to or received by yourself.
772 Bulletins are dealt with automatically or by the sysop.
774 <sect>Filtering (From version 1.45)
776 <sect1>General filter rules
779 Upto v1.44 it was not possible for the user to set their own filters. From
780 v1.45 though that has all changed. It is now possible to set filters for just
781 about anything you wish. If you have just updated from an older version of
782 DXSpider you will need to update your new filters. You do not need to do
783 anything with your old filters, they will be renamed as you update.
786 There are 3 basic commands involved in setting and manipulating filters. These
787 are <em>accept</em>, <em>reject</em> and <em>clear</em>. First we will look
788 generally at filtering. There are a number of things you can filter in the
789 DXSpider system. They all use the same general mechanism.
792 In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which can have
793 up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example ...
800 where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There are
801 filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops) connects. See each
802 different accept or reject command reference for more details.
804 There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter. They are ...
811 There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter.
814 and you can check that your filters have worked by the command ...
821 For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply the same
822 principles to all types of filter.
824 <sect1>Types of filter
827 There are two main types of filter, <em>accept</em> or <em>reject</em>. You
828 can use either to achieve the result you want dependent on your own preference
829 and which is more simple to do. It is pointless writing 8 lines of reject
830 filters when 1 accept filter would do the same thing! Each filter has 10
831 lines (of any length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the
832 action you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept
836 If you specify reject filters, then any lines that arrive that match the filter
837 will be dumped but all else will be accepted. If you use an accept filter,
838 then ONLY the lines in the filter will be accepted and all else will be dumped.
839 For example if you have a single line <em>accept</em> filter ...
842 accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
845 then you will <em>ONLY</em> get VHF spots <em>from</em> or <em>to</em> CQ zones
849 If you set a reject filter like this ...
852 reject/spots on hf/cw
855 Then you will get everything <em>EXCEPT</em> HF CW spots. You could make this
856 single filter even more flexible. For example, if you are interested in IOTA
857 and will work it even on CW even though normally you are not interested in
858 CW, then you could say ...
861 reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota
864 But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:-
867 accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota
870 which achieves exactly the same thing. You should choose one or the other
871 until you are comfortable with the way it works. You can mix them if you
872 wish (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but
873 don't attempt this until you are sure you know what you are doing!
876 You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your own
877 understanding or simply convenience. Here is an example ...
880 reject/spots 1 on hf/cw
881 reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
884 What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots and also rejects any spots on VHF
885 which don't either originate or spot someone in Europe.
888 This is an example where you would use a line number (1 and 2 in this case), if
889 you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits '0'-'9' are available.
890 This make it easier to see just what filters you have set. It also makes it
891 more simple to remove individual filters, during a contest for example.
894 You will notice in the above example that the second line has brackets. Look
895 at the line logically. You can see there are 2 separate sections to it. We
896 are saying reject spots that are VHF or above <em>APART</em> from those in
897 zones 14, 15 and 16 (either spotted there or originated there). If you did
898 not have the brackets to separate the 2 sections, then Spider would read it
899 logically from the front and see a different expression entirely ...
902 (on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16
905 The simple way to remember this is, if you use OR - use brackets. Whilst we are
906 here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is just the same as 'and by_zone'.
908 As mentioned earlier, setting several filters can be more flexible than
909 simply setting one complex one. Doing it in this way means that if you want
910 to alter your filter you can just redefine or remove one or more lines of it or
911 one line. For example ...
914 reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb
917 would redefine our earlier example, or
923 To remove all the filter lines in the spot filter ...
929 <sect1>Filter options
932 You can filter in several different ways. The options are listed in the
933 various helpfiles for accept, reject and filter.
935 <sect1>Advanced filtering
938 Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to experiment.
941 The previous example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU
942 can be written with a mixed filter, for example ...
947 acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
950 Note that the first filter has not been specified with a number. This
951 will automatically be assumed to be number 1. In this case, we have
952 said <em>reject all HF spots in the CW section of the bands but accept
953 all others at HF. Also accept anything in VHF and above spotted in or
954 by operators in the zones 14, 15 and 16</em>. Each filter slot actually
955 has a 'reject' slot and an 'accept' slot. The reject slot is executed
956 BEFORE the accept slot.
959 It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match, the
960 default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for 'accept'.
961 In the example what happens is that the reject is executed first, any non
962 hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets through everything
963 else on HF. The next filter line lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU.
965 <sect1>A Filtering Tutorial
968 There is now an excellent primer/tutorial on filtering written by Jim
969 Samuels, W3BG with an introduction by Dave Hawes N3RD that I strongly
970 suggest you read. You can read it here
971 <htmlurl url="filtering_en.html" name="The DXSpider User Filtering Primer">
973 <sect>Hints, tips and common questions.
976 <bf/Q./These commands seem very long! Can I shorten them?
978 <bf/A./Of course you can and the usual abbreviations work. If you
981 <bf/Q./I am not sure if this command is correct. Can I cause any
984 <bf/A./Do not be afraid to try a command to see if it will work,
985 at the worst you will get an error message. If you require any
986 help on a command, just type help followed by the command you
987 want help on. Look at the "DXSpider Command Reference" section to see
988 what help can be found.
990 <bf/Q./How should I use the announce command?
992 <bf/A./With respect. Use the command by all means, but please
993 only use the "full" extension if absolutely necessary. It can
994 create a LOT of messages passing between clusters.
996 <bf/Q./I like to be working in the shack while logged into the
997 cluster but I can't be looking at the screen all the time. How
998 can I be alerted when anything happens?
1000 <bf/A./Use the <bf>SET/BEEP</bf> command. You can find information
1001 on this in the "DXSpider Command Reference" section.
1003 <bf/Q./I got disconnected from the cluster and now I can't log
1004 back in again. What is wrong?
1006 <bf/A./Probably the cluster thinks you are still logged on and
1007 will not let you reconnect using the same call to prevent loops.
1008 Try logging on again adding an ssid to your callsign as DXSpider
1009 treats G0YLM and G0YLM-1 as different users.
1011 <bf/Q./How do I know if I have got the latest version of this
1014 <bf/A./The latest and greatest will always be on the Website. It will
1015 also be included with every release of DXSpider. As always, if unsure,
1016 ask your sysop what version number is the latest.
1018 <sect>The DXSpider Command Reference
1024 <bf>accept</bf> Set a filter to accept something
1028 Create a filter to accept something
1030 There are 2 types of filter, accept and reject. See HELP FILTERING for more
1032 <sect1>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern>
1036 <bf>accept/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an 'accept' filter line for announce
1040 Create an 'accept this announce' line for a filter.
1042 An accept filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is
1043 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please read this
1044 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1046 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1049 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
1050 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1051 origin <prefixes>
1052 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1053 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
1054 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1055 origin_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,NH
1056 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
1057 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
1058 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1059 by_state <states>
1060 channel <prefixes>
1061 wx 1 filter WX announces
1062 dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros)
1069 acc/ann 2 by_zone 14,15,16
1070 (this could be all on one line: acc/ann dest 6MUK or by_zone 14,15,16)
1080 acc/ann by_state va,nh,ri,nh
1083 You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything eg:
1089 but this probably for advanced users...
1090 <sect1>accept/spots [0-9] <pattern>
1094 <bf>accept/spots [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set an 'accept' filter line for spots
1098 Create an 'accept this spot' line for a filter.
1100 An accept filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is
1101 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please read this
1102 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1104 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1107 freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m
1108 on <range> same as 'freq'
1109 call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9
1110 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
1112 call_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1113 call_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
1114 call_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1115 call_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
1116 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
1117 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
1118 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1119 by_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
1120 origin <prefixes>
1121 channel <prefixes>
1124 'call' means the callsign that has spotted 'by' whoever.
1126 For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in
1127 SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb -
1128 thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 -
1129 this is more efficient than saying simply: freq HF (but don't get
1130 too hung up about that)
1136 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1139 You can use the tag 'all' to accept everything, eg:
1148 acc/spots by_state VA,NH,RI,MA,ME
1151 but this probably for advanced users...
1152 <sect1>accept/wcy [0-9] <pattern>
1156 <bf>accept/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> set an 'accept' WCY filter
1160 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
1161 filter on the following fields:-
1164 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1165 origin <prefixes>
1166 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1167 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
1168 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1169 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
1170 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
1171 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1172 channel <prefixes>
1175 There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and
1176 you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them).
1178 This command is really provided for future use.
1180 See HELP FILTER for information.
1181 <sect1>accept/wwv [0-9] <pattern>
1185 <bf>accept/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> set an 'accept' WWV filter
1189 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
1190 filter on the following fields:-
1193 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1194 origin <prefixes>
1195 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1196 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
1197 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1198 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
1199 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
1200 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1201 channel <prefixes>
1207 accept/wwv by_zone 4
1210 is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts
1211 by stations in the US).
1213 See HELP FILTER for information.
1214 <sect1>announce <text>
1218 <bf>announce <text></bf> Send an announcement to LOCAL users only
1222 <text> is the text of the announcement you wish to broadcast
1223 <sect1>announce full <text>
1227 <bf>announce full <text></bf> Send an announcement cluster wide
1231 This will send your announcement cluster wide
1232 <sect1>apropos <string>
1236 <bf>apropos <string></bf> Search help database for <string>
1240 Search the help database for <string> (it isn't case sensitive), and print
1241 the names of all the commands that may be relevant.
1242 <sect1>blank [<string>] [<nn>]
1246 <bf>blank [<string>] [<nn>]</bf> Print nn (default 1) blank lines (or strings)
1250 In its basic form this command prints one or more blank lines. However if
1251 you pass it a string it will replicate the string for the width of the
1252 screen (default 80) and then print that one or more times, so:
1258 prints two blank lines
1264 prints a row of - characters once.
1270 prints 'abcabcabcabcabcabc....'
1272 This is really only of any use in a script file and you can print a maximum
1278 <bf>bye</bf> Exit from the cluster
1282 This will disconnect you from the cluster
1283 <sect1>chat <group> <text>
1287 <bf>chat <group> <text></bf> Chat or Conference to a group
1291 It is now possible to JOIN a group and have network wide conferencing to that
1292 group. DXSpider does not (and probably will not) implement the AK1A
1293 conference mode as this seems very limiting, is hardly used and doesn't seem
1294 to work too well anyway.
1296 This system uses the existing ANN system and is compatible with both other
1297 DXSpider nodes and AK1A clusters (they use ANN/<group>).
1299 You can be a member of as many "groups" as you want. To join a group type:-
1302 JOIN FOC (where FOC is the group name)
1305 To leave a group type:-
1311 You can see which groups you are in by typing:-
1317 and you can see whether your mate is in the group, if he connects to the
1318 same node as you, by typing:-
1324 To send a message to a group type:-
1327 CHAT FOC hello everyone
1333 CH #9000 hello I am back
1336 See also JOIN, LEAVE, SHOW/CHAT
1337 <sect1>clear/announce [1|all]
1341 <bf>clear/announce [1|all]</bf> Clear a announce filter line
1345 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a annouce filter or to
1346 remove the whole filter.
1348 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
1349 <sect1>clear/route [1|all]
1353 <bf>clear/route [1|all]</bf> Clear a route filter line
1357 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a route filter or to
1358 remove the whole filter.
1360 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
1361 <sect1>clear/spots [0-9|all]
1365 <bf>clear/spots [0-9|all]</bf> Clear a spot filter line
1369 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a spot filter or to
1370 remove the whole filter.
1372 If you have a filter:-
1376 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1385 you will be left with:-
1388 acc/spot 2 on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1397 the filter will be completely removed.
1398 <sect1>clear/wcy [1|all]
1402 <bf>clear/wcy [1|all]</bf> Clear a WCY filter line
1406 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a WCY filter or to
1407 remove the whole filter.
1409 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
1410 <sect1>clear/wwv [1|all]
1414 <bf>clear/wwv [1|all]</bf> Clear a WWV filter line
1418 This command allows you to clear (remove) a line in a WWV filter or to
1419 remove the whole filter.
1421 see CLEAR/SPOTS for a more detailed explanation.
1426 <bf>dbavail</bf> Show a list of all the Databases in the system
1430 Title says it all really, this command lists all the databases defined
1431 in the system. It is also aliased to SHOW/COMMAND.
1432 <sect1>dbshow <dbname> <key>
1436 <bf>dbshow <dbname> <key></bf> Display an entry, if it exists, in a database
1440 This is the generic user interface to the database to the database system.
1441 It is expected that the sysop will add an entry to the local Aliases file
1442 so that users can use the more familiar AK1A style of enquiry such as:
1448 but if he hasn't and the database really does exist (use DBAVAIL or
1449 SHOW/COMMAND to find out) you can do the same thing with:
1459 <bf>directory</bf> List messages
1463 <sect1>directory <from>-<to>
1467 <bf>directory <from>-<to></bf> List messages <from> message <to> message
1471 List the messages in the messages directory.
1473 If there is a 'p' one space after the message number then it is a
1474 personal message. If there is a '-' between the message number and the
1475 'p' then this indicates that the message has been read.
1477 You can use shell escape characters such as '*' and '?' in the <call>
1480 You can combine some of the various directory commands together eg:-
1487 DIR SUBJECT IOTA 200-250
1490 You can abbreviate all the commands to one letter and use ak1a syntax:-
1497 <sect1>directory <nn>
1501 <bf>directory <nn></bf> List last <nn> messages
1505 <sect1>directory all
1509 <bf>directory all</bf> List all messages
1513 <sect1>directory from <call>
1517 <bf>directory from <call></bf> List all messages from <call>
1521 <sect1>directory new
1525 <bf>directory new</bf> List all new messages
1529 <sect1>directory own
1533 <bf>directory own</bf> List your own messages
1537 <sect1>directory subject <string>
1541 <bf>directory subject <string></bf> List all messages with <string> in subject
1545 <sect1>directory to <call>
1549 <bf>directory to <call></bf> List all messages to <call>
1553 <sect1>dx [by <call>] <freq> <call> <remarks>
1557 <bf>dx [by <call>] <freq> <call> <remarks></bf> Send a DX spot
1561 This is how you send a DX Spot to other users. You can, in fact, now
1562 enter the <freq> and the <call> either way round.
1570 will all give the same result. You can add some remarks to the end
1571 of the command and they will be added to the spot.
1574 DX FR0G 144600 this is a test
1577 You can credit someone else by saying:-
1580 DX by G1TLH FR0G 144.600 he isn't on the cluster
1583 The <freq> is compared against the available bands set up in the
1584 cluster. See SHOW/BANDS for more information.
1585 <sect1>echo <line>
1589 <bf>echo <line></bf> Echo the line to the output
1593 This command is useful in scripts and so forth for printing the
1594 line that you give to the command to the output. You can use this
1595 in user_default scripts and the SAVE command for titling and so forth
1597 The script will interpret certain standard "escape" sequences as follows:-
1600 \t - becomes a TAB character (0x09 in ascii)
1601 \a - becomes a BEEP character (0x07 in ascii)
1602 \n - prints a new line
1605 So the following example:-
1608 echo GB7DJK is a dxcluster
1614 GB7DJK is a dxcluster
1617 on the output. You don't need a \n on the end of the line you want to send.
1619 A more complex example:-
1622 echo GB7DJK\n\tg1tlh\tDirk\n\tg3xvf\tRichard
1639 <bf>filtering...</bf> Filtering things in DXSpider
1643 There are a number of things you can filter in the DXSpider system. They
1644 all use the same general mechanism.
1646 In general terms you can create a 'reject' or an 'accept' filter which
1647 can have up to 10 lines in it. You do this using, for example:-
1654 where ..... are the specific commands for that type of filter. There
1655 are filters for spots, wwv, announce, wcy and (for sysops)
1656 connects. See each different accept or reject command reference for
1659 There is also a command to clear out one or more lines in a filter and
1660 one to show you what you have set. They are:-
1673 There is clear/xxxx command for each type of filter.
1675 For now we are going to use spots for the examples, but you can apply
1676 the principles to all types of filter.
1678 There are two main types of filter 'accept' or 'reject'; which you use
1679 depends entirely on how you look at the world and what is least
1680 writing to achieve what you want. Each filter has 10 lines (of any
1681 length) which are tried in order. If a line matches then the action
1682 you have specified is taken (ie reject means ignore it and accept
1685 The important thing to remember is that if you specify a 'reject'
1686 filter (all the lines in it say 'reject/spots' (for instance)) then if
1687 a spot comes in that doesn't match any of the lines then you will get
1688 it BUT if you specify an 'accept' filter then any spots that don't
1689 match are dumped. For example if I have a one line accept filter:-
1692 accept/spots on vhf and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1695 then automatically you will ONLY get VHF spots from or to CQ zones 14
1696 15 and 16. If you set a reject filter like:
1699 reject/spots on hf/cw
1702 Then you will get everything EXCEPT HF CW spots, If you am interested in IOTA
1703 and will work it even on CW then you could say:-
1706 reject/spots on hf/cw and not info iota
1709 But in that case you might only be interested in iota and say:-
1712 accept/spots not on hf/cw or info iota
1715 which is exactly the same. You should choose one or the other until
1716 you are confortable with the way it works. Yes, you can mix them
1717 (actually you can have an accept AND a reject on the same line) but
1718 don't try this at home until you can analyse the results that you get
1719 without ringing up the sysop for help.
1721 Another useful addition now is filtering by US state
1724 accept/spots by_state VA,NH,RI,ME
1727 You can arrange your filter lines into logical units, either for your
1728 own understanding or simply convenience. I have one set frequently:-
1731 reject/spots 1 on hf/cw
1732 reject/spots 2 on 50000/1400000 not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1735 What this does is to ignore all HF CW spots (being a class B I can't
1736 read any CW and couldn't possibly be interested in HF :-) and also
1737 rejects any spots on VHF which don't either originate or spot someone
1740 This is an exmaple where you would use the line number (1 and 2 in
1741 this case), if you leave the digit out, the system assumes '1'. Digits
1742 '0'-'9' are available.
1744 You can leave the word 'and' out if you want, it is implied. You can
1745 use any number of brackets to make the 'expression' as you want
1746 it. There are things called precedence rules working here which mean
1747 that you will NEED brackets in a situation like line 2 because,
1748 without it, will assume:-
1751 (on 50000/1400000 and by_zone 14,15,16) or call_zone 14,15,16
1754 annoying, but that is the way it is. If you use OR - use
1755 brackets. Whilst we are here CASE is not important. 'And BY_Zone' is
1758 If you want to alter your filter you can just redefine one or more
1759 lines of it or clear out one line. For example:-
1762 reject/spots 1 on hf/ssb
1771 To remove the filter in its entirty:-
1777 There are similar CLEAR commands for the other filters:-
1787 Once you are happy with the results you get, you may like to experiment.
1789 my example that filters hf/cw spots and accepts vhf/uhf spots from EU
1790 can be written with a mixed filter, eg:
1795 acc/spot 2 on 50000/1400000 and (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
1798 each filter slot actually has a 'reject' slot and an 'accept'
1799 slot. The reject slot is executed BEFORE the accept slot.
1801 It was mentioned earlier that after a reject test that doesn't match,
1802 the default for following tests is 'accept', the reverse is true for
1803 'accept'. In the example what happens is that the reject is executed
1804 first, any non hf/cw spot is passed to the accept line, which lets
1805 thru everything else on HF.
1807 The next filter line lets through just VHF/UHF spots from EU.
1812 <bf>help</bf> The HELP Command
1816 HELP is available for a number of commands. The syntax is:-
1822 Where <cmd> is the name of the command you want help on.
1824 All commands can be abbreviated, so SHOW/DX can be abbreviated
1825 to SH/DX, ANNOUNCE can be shortened to AN and so on.
1827 Look at the APROPOS <string> command which will search the help database
1828 for the <string> you specify and give you a list of likely commands
1829 to look at with HELP.
1830 <sect1>join <group>
1834 <bf>join <group></bf> Join a chat or conference group
1838 JOIN allows you to join a network wide conference group. To join a
1839 group (called FOC in this case) type:-
1845 See also CHAT, LEAVE, SHOW/CHAT
1846 <sect1>kill <from msgno>-<to msgno>
1850 <bf>kill <from msgno>-<to msgno></bf> Delete a range of messages
1854 <sect1>kill <msgno> [<msgno..]
1858 <bf>kill <msgno> [<msgno..]</bf> Delete a message from the local system
1862 <sect1>kill <msgno> [<msgno> ...]
1866 <bf>kill <msgno> [<msgno> ...]</bf> Remove or erase a message from the system
1870 You can get rid of any message to or originating from your callsign using
1871 this command. You can remove more than one message at a time.
1872 <sect1>kill from <regex>
1876 <bf>kill from <regex></bf> Delete messages FROM a callsign or pattern
1880 <sect1>kill to <regex>
1884 <bf>kill to <regex></bf> Delete messages TO a callsign or pattern
1888 <sect1>leave <group>
1892 <bf>leave <group></bf> Leave a chat or conference group
1896 LEAVE allows you to leave a network wide conference group. To leave a
1897 group (called FOC in this case) type:-
1903 See also CHAT, JOIN, SHOW/CHAT
1908 <bf>links</bf> Show which nodes is physically connected
1912 This is a quick listing that shows which links are connected and
1913 some information about them. See WHO for a list of all connections.
1918 <bf>read</bf> Read the next unread personal message addressed to you
1922 <sect1>read <msgno>
1926 <bf>read <msgno></bf> Read the specified message
1930 You can read any messages that are sent as 'non-personal' and also any
1931 message either sent by or sent to your callsign.
1936 <bf>reject</bf> Set a filter to reject something
1940 Create a filter to reject something
1942 There are 2 types of filter, accept and reject. See HELP FILTERING for more
1944 <sect1>reject/announce [0-9] <pattern>
1948 <bf>reject/announce [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a 'reject' filter line for announce
1952 Create an 'reject this announce' line for a filter.
1954 A reject filter line means that if the announce matches this filter it is
1955 passed onto the user. See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please read this
1956 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
1958 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
1961 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
1962 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
1963 origin <prefixes>
1964 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
1965 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
1966 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1967 origin_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
1968 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
1969 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
1970 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
1971 by_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
1972 channel <prefixes>
1973 wx 1 filter WX announces
1974 dest <prefixes> eg: 6MUK,WDX (distros)
1980 rej/ann by_zone 14,15,16 and not by G,M,2
1983 You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg:
1989 but this probably for advanced users...
1990 <sect1>reject/spots [0-9] <pattern>
1994 <bf>reject/spots [0-9] <pattern></bf> Set a 'reject' filter line for spots
1998 Create a 'reject this spot' line for a filter.
2000 A reject filter line means that if the spot matches this filter it is
2001 dumped (not passed on). See HELP FILTERING for more info. Please read this
2002 to understand how filters work - it will save a lot of grief later on.
2004 You can use any of the following things in this line:-
2007 freq <range> eg: 0/30000 or hf or hf/cw or 6m,4m,2m
2008 on <range> same as 'freq'
2009 call <prefixes> eg: G,PA,HB9
2010 info <string> eg: iota or qsl
2012 call_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2013 call_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
2014 call_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2015 call_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
2016 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
2017 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
2018 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2019 by_state <states> eg: VA,NH,RI,ME
2020 origin <prefixes>
2021 channel <prefixes>
2024 'call' means the callsign that has spotted 'by' whoever.
2026 For frequencies, you can use any of the band names defined in
2027 SHOW/BANDS and you can use a subband name like: cw, rtty, data, ssb -
2028 thus: hf/ssb. You can also just have a simple range like: 0/30000 -
2029 this is more efficient than saying simply: on HF (but don't get
2030 too hung up about that)
2036 rej/spot 2 on vhf and not (by_zone 14,15,16 or call_zone 14,15,16)
2039 You can use the tag 'all' to reject everything eg:
2045 but this probably for advanced users...
2046 <sect1>reject/wcy [0-9] <pattern>
2050 <bf>reject/wcy [0-9] <pattern></bf> set a 'reject' WCY filter
2054 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
2055 filter on the following fields:-
2058 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
2059 origin <prefixes>
2060 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2061 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
2062 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2063 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
2064 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
2065 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2066 channel <prefixes>
2069 There are no examples because WCY Broadcasts only come from one place and
2070 you either want them or not (see UNSET/WCY if you don't want them).
2072 This command is really provided for future use.
2074 See HELP FILTER for information.
2075 <sect1>reject/wwv [0-9] <pattern>
2079 <bf>reject/wwv [0-9] <pattern></bf> set a 'reject' WWV filter
2083 It is unlikely that you will want to do this, but if you do then you can
2084 filter on the following fields:-
2087 by <prefixes> eg: G,M,2
2088 origin <prefixes>
2089 origin_dxcc <prefixes or numbers> eg: 61,62 (from eg: sh/pre G)
2090 origin_itu <prefixes or numbers> or: G,GM,GW
2091 origin_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2092 by_dxcc <prefixes or numbers>
2093 by_itu <prefixes or numbers>
2094 by_zone <prefixes or numbers>
2095 channel <prefixes>
2101 reject/wwv by_zone 14,15,16
2104 is probably the only useful thing to do (which will only show WWV broadcasts
2105 by stations in the US).
2107 See HELP FILTER for information.
2112 <bf>reply</bf> Reply (privately) to the last message that you have read
2116 <sect1>reply <msgno>
2120 <bf>reply <msgno></bf> Reply (privately) to the specified message
2124 <sect1>reply b <msgno>
2128 <bf>reply b <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message
2132 <sect1>reply noprivate <msgno>
2136 <bf>reply noprivate <msgno></bf> Reply as a Bulletin to the specified message
2140 <sect1>reply rr <msgno>
2144 <bf>reply rr <msgno></bf> Reply to the specified message with read receipt
2148 You can reply to a message and the subject will automatically have
2149 "Re:" inserted in front of it, if it isn't already present.
2151 You can also use all the extra qualifiers such as RR, PRIVATE,
2152 NOPRIVATE, B that you can use with the SEND command (see SEND
2153 for further details)
2154 <sect1>send <call> [<call> ...]
2158 <bf>send <call> [<call> ...]</bf> Send a message to one or more callsigns
2162 <sect1>send copy <msgno> <call>
2166 <bf>send copy <msgno> <call></bf> Send a copy of a message to someone
2170 <sect1>send noprivate <call>
2174 <bf>send noprivate <call></bf> Send a message to all stations
2178 All the SEND commands will create a message which will be sent either to
2179 an individual callsign or to one of the 'bulletin' addresses.
2181 SEND <call> on its own acts as though you had typed SEND PRIVATE, that is
2182 it will mark the message as personal and send it to the cluster node that
2183 that callsign is connected to. If the <call> you have specified is in fact
2184 a known bulletin category on your node (eg: ALL) then the message should
2185 automatically become a bulletin.
2187 You can have more than one callsign in all of the SEND commands.
2189 You can have multiple qualifiers so that you can have for example:-
2192 SEND RR COPY 123 PRIVATE G1TLH G0RDI
2195 which should send a copy of message 123 to G1TLH and G0RDI and you will
2196 receive a read receipt when they have read the message.
2198 SB is an alias for SEND NOPRIVATE (or send a bulletin in BBS speak)
2199 SP is an alias for SEND PRIVATE
2201 The system will ask you for a subject. Conventionally this should be
2202 no longer than 29 characters for compatibility. Most modern cluster
2203 software should accept more.
2205 You will now be prompted to start entering your text.
2207 You finish the message by entering '/EX' on a new line. For instance:
2216 If you have started a message and you don't want to keep it then you
2217 can abandon the message with '/ABORT' on a new line, like:-
2222 oh I just can't be bothered with this
2226 If you abort the message it will NOT be sent.
2228 When you are entering the text of your message, most normal output (such
2229 as DX announcements and so on are suppressed and stored for latter display
2230 (upto 20 such lines are stored, as new ones come along, so the oldest
2233 Also, you can enter normal commands commands (and get the output
2234 immediately) whilst in the middle of a message. You do this by typing
2235 the command preceeded by a '/' character on a new line, so:-
2238 /dx g1tlh 144010 strong signal
2241 Will issue a dx annoucement to the rest of the cluster.
2243 Also, you can add the output of a command to your message by preceeding
2244 the command with '//', thus :-
2250 This will show YOU the output from SH/VHFTABLE and also store it in the
2253 You can carry on with the message until you are ready to send it.
2254 <sect1>send private <call>
2258 <bf>send private <call></bf> Send a personal message
2262 <sect1>send rr <call>
2266 <bf>send rr <call></bf> Send a message and ask for a read receipt
2270 <sect1>set/address <your address>
2274 <bf>set/address <your address></bf> Record your postal address
2282 <bf>set/announce</bf> Allow announce messages to come out on your terminal
2290 <bf>set/anntalk</bf> Allow talk like announce messages on your terminal
2298 <bf>set/beep</bf> Add a beep to DX and other messages on your terminal
2306 <bf>set/dx</bf> Allow DX messages to come out on your terminal
2314 <bf>set/dxcq</bf> Show CQ Zones on the end of DX announcements
2322 <bf>set/dxgrid</bf> Allow QRA Grid Squares on the end of DX announcements
2330 <bf>set/dxitu</bf> Show ITU Zones on the end of DX announcements
2338 <bf>set/echo</bf> Make the cluster echo your input
2342 <sect1>set/email <email> ...
2346 <bf>set/email <email> ...</bf> Set email address(es) and forward your personals
2354 <bf>set/here</bf> Tell the system you are present at your terminal
2358 <sect1>set/homenode <node>
2362 <bf>set/homenode <node> </bf> Set your normal cluster callsign
2366 Tell the cluster system where you normally connect to. Any Messages sent
2367 to you will normally find their way there should you not be connected.
2373 <sect1>set/language <lang>
2377 <bf>set/language <lang></bf> Set the language you want to use
2381 You can select the language that you want the cluster to use. Currently
2382 the languages available are en (English), de (German), es (Spanish),
2383 Czech (cz), French (fr), Portuguese (pt), Italian (it) and nl (Dutch).
2384 <sect1>set/location <lat & long>
2388 <bf>set/location <lat & long></bf> Set your latitude and longitude
2392 <sect1>set/logininfo
2396 <bf>set/logininfo</bf> Inform when a station logs in/out locally
2400 <sect1>set/name <your name>
2404 <bf>set/name <your name></bf> Set your name
2408 Tell the system what your name is eg:-
2413 <sect1>set/page <lines per page>
2417 <bf>set/page <lines per page></bf> Set the lines per page
2421 Tell the system how many lines you wish on a page when the number of line
2422 of output from a command is more than this. The default is 20. Setting it
2423 explicitly to 0 will disable paging.
2429 The setting is stored in your user profile.
2434 <bf>set/password</bf> Set your own password
2438 This command only works for a 'telnet' user (currently). It will
2439 only work if you have a password already set. This initial password
2440 can only be set by the sysop.
2442 When you execute this command it will ask you for your old password,
2443 then ask you to type in your new password twice (to make sure you
2444 get it right). You may or may not see the data echoed on the screen
2445 as you type, depending on the type of telnet client you have.
2446 <sect1>set/prompt <string>
2450 <bf>set/prompt <string></bf> Set your prompt to <string>
2454 <sect1>set/qra <locator>
2458 <bf>set/qra <locator></bf> Set your QRA Grid locator
2462 Tell the system what your QRA (or Maidenhead) locator is. If you have not
2463 done a SET/LOCATION then your latitude and longitude will be set roughly
2464 correctly (assuming your locator is correct ;-). For example:-
2469 <sect1>set/qth <your qth>
2473 <bf>set/qth <your qth></bf> Set your QTH
2477 Tell the system where you are. For example:-
2479 SET/QTH East Dereham, Norfolk
2486 <bf>set/startup</bf> Create your own startup script
2490 Create a startup script of DXSpider commands which will be executed
2491 everytime that you login into this node. You can only input the whole
2492 script afresh, it is not possible to 'edit' it. Inputting a new script is
2493 just like typing in a message using SEND. To finish inputting type: /EX
2494 on a newline, to abandon the script type: /ABORT.
2496 You may find the (curiously named) command BLANK useful to break
2497 up the output. If you simply want a blank line, it is easier to
2498 input one or more spaces and press the <return> key.
2500 See UNSET/STARTUP to remove a script.
2505 <bf>set/talk</bf> Allow TALK messages to come out on your terminal
2513 <bf>set/usstate</bf> Allow US State info on the end of DX announcements
2521 <bf>set/wcy</bf> Allow WCY messages to come out on your terminal
2529 <bf>set/wwv</bf> Allow WWV messages to come out on your terminal
2537 <bf>set/wx</bf> Allow WX messages to come out on your terminal
2541 <sect1>show/chat [<group>] [<lines>]
2545 <bf>show/chat [<group>] [<lines>]</bf> Show any chat or conferencing
2549 This command allows you to see any chat or conferencing that has
2550 occurred whilst you were away. SHOW/CHAT on its own will show data for
2551 all groups. If you use a group name then it will show only chat for
2553 <sect1>show/configuration [<node>]
2557 <bf>show/configuration [<node>]</bf> Show all the nodes and users visible
2561 This command allows you to see all the users that can be seen
2562 and the nodes to which they are connected.
2564 This command is normally abbreviated to: sh/c
2566 Normally, the list returned will be just for the nodes from your
2567 country (because the list otherwise will be very long).
2573 will produce a complete list of all nodes.
2575 BE WARNED: the list that is returned can be VERY long
2577 It is possible to supply a node or part of a prefix and you will get
2578 a list of the users for that node or list of nodes starting with
2589 <sect1>show/configuration/node
2593 <bf>show/configuration/node</bf> Show all the nodes connected locally
2597 Show all the nodes connected to this node.
2598 <sect1>show/contest <year and month>
2602 <bf>show/contest <year and month></bf> Show all the contests for a month
2606 Show all known contests which are maintained at http://www.sk3bg.se/contest/
2607 for a particular month or year. The format is reasonably flexible.
2615 <sect1>show/date [<prefix>|<callsign>]
2619 <bf>show/date [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show the local time
2623 This is very nearly the same as SHOW/TIME, the only difference the format
2624 of the date string if no arguments are given.
2626 If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local
2627 time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes
2628 then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at
2629 the prefixes or callsigns that you specify.
2630 <sect1>show/db0sdx <callsign>
2634 <bf>show/db0sdx <callsign></bf> Show QSL infomation from DB0SDX database
2638 This command queries the DB0SDX QSL server on the internet
2639 and returns any information available for that callsign. This service
2640 is provided for users of this software by http://www.qslinfo.de.
2642 See also SHOW/QRZ, SHOW/WM7D.
2647 <bf>show/dx</bf> Interrogate the spot database
2651 If you just type SHOW/DX you will get the last so many spots
2652 (sysop configurable, but usually 10).
2654 In addition you can add any number of these commands in very nearly
2655 any order to the basic SHOW/DX command, they are:-
2658 on <band> - eg 160m 20m 2m 23cm 6mm
2659 on <region> - eg hf vhf uhf shf (see SHOW/BANDS)
2660 on <from>/<to> - eg 1000/4000 14000-30000 (in Khz)
2661 <from>-<to>
2665 <number> - the number of spots you want
2666 <from>-<to> - <from> spot no <to> spot no in the selected list
2667 <from>/<to>
2671 <prefix> - for a spotted callsign beginning with <prefix>
2672 *<suffix> - for a spotted callsign ending in <suffix>
2673 *<string>* - for a spotted callsign containing <string>
2677 day <number> - starting <number> days ago
2678 day <from>-<to> - <from> days <to> days ago
2679 <from>/<to>
2683 info <text> - any spots containing <text> in the info or remarks
2687 by <call> - any spots spotted by <call> (spotter <call> is the
2692 qsl - this automatically looks for any qsl info on the call
2693 held in the spot database.
2697 iota [<iota>] - If the iota island number is missing it will look for
2698 the string iota and anything which looks like an iota
2699 island number. If you specify then it will look for
2704 qra [<locator>] - this will look for the specific locator if you specify
2705 one or else anything that looks like a locator.
2709 dxcc - treat the prefix as a 'country' and look for spots
2710 from that country regardless of actual prefix.
2715 You can also use this with the 'by' keyword so
2720 real or rt - Format the output the same as for real time spots. The
2721 formats are deliberately different (so you can tell
2722 one sort from the other). This is useful for some
2723 logging programs that can't cope with normal sh/dx
2724 output. An alias of SHOW/FDX is available.
2728 filter - Filter the spots, before output, with the user's
2729 spot filter. An alias of SHOW/MYDX is available.
2733 zone <zones> - look for spots in the cq zone (or zones) specified.
2734 zones are numbers separated by commas.
2738 by_zone <zones> - look for spots spotted by people in the cq zone
2743 itu <itus> - look for spots in the itu zone (or zones) specified
2744 itu zones are numbers separated by commas.
2748 by_itu <itus> - look for spots spotted by people in the itu zone
2753 state <list> - look for spots in the US state (or states) specified
2754 The list is two letter state codes separated by commas.
2758 by_state <list> - look for spots spotted by people in the US state
2768 SH/DX on 20m info iota
2769 SH/DX 9a on vhf day 30
2775 SH/DX dxcc oq2 by w dxcc
2779 SH/DX by_state in,oh
2782 <sect1>show/dxcc <prefix>
2786 <bf>show/dxcc <prefix></bf> Interrogate the spot database by country
2790 This command takes the <prefix> (which can be a full or partial
2791 callsign if desired), looks up which internal country number it is
2792 and then displays all the spots as per SH/DX for that country.
2794 This is now an alias for 'SHOW/DX DXCC'
2796 The options for SHOW/DX also apply to this command.
2801 SH/DXCC W on 20m iota
2804 This can be done with the SHOW/DX command like this:-
2808 SH/DX dxcc w on 20m iota
2811 This is an alias for: SH/DX dxcc
2812 <sect1>show/dxqsl <callsign>
2816 <bf>show/dxqsl <callsign></bf> Show any QSL info gathered from spots
2820 The node collects information from the comment fields in spots (things
2821 like 'VIA EA7WA' or 'QSL-G1TLH') and stores these in a database.
2823 This command allows you to interrogate that database and if the callsign
2824 is found will display the manager(s) that people have spotted. This
2825 information is NOT reliable, but it is normally reasonably accurate if
2826 it is spotted enough times.
2834 You can check the raw input spots yourself with:-
2840 This gives you more background information.
2841 <sect1>show/dxstats [days] [date]
2845 <bf>show/dxstats [days] [date]</bf> Show the DX Statistics
2849 Show the total DX spots for the last <days> no of days (default is 31),
2850 starting from a <date> (default: today).
2855 <bf>show/fdx</bf> Show the DX data in realtime format.
2859 Normally SHOW/DX outputs spot data in a different format to the
2860 realtime data. This is a deliberate policy (so you can tell the
2861 difference between the two). Some logging programs cannot handle
2862 this so SHOW/FDX outputs historical data in real time format.
2864 This is an alias for: SHOW/DX real
2865 <sect1>show/files [<filearea> [<string>]]
2869 <bf>show/files [<filearea> [<string>]]</bf> List the contents of a filearea
2873 SHOW/FILES on its own will show you a list of the various fileareas
2874 available on the system. To see the contents of a particular file
2877 SH/FILES <filearea>
2879 where <filearea> is the name of the filearea you want to see the
2882 You can also use shell globbing characters like '*' and '?' in a
2883 string to see a selection of files in a filearea eg:-
2885 SH/FILES bulletins arld*
2888 See also TYPE - to see the contents of a file.
2893 <bf>show/filter</bf> Show the contents of all the filters you have set
2897 Show the contents of all the filters that are set. This command displays
2898 all the filters set - for all the various categories.
2899 <sect1>show/hfstats [days] [date]
2903 <bf>show/hfstats [days] [date]</bf> Show the HF DX Statistics
2907 Show the HF DX spots breakdown by band for the last <days> no of days
2908 (default is 31), starting from a <date> (default: today).
2909 <sect1>show/hftable [days] [date] [prefix ...]
2913 <bf>show/hftable [days] [date] [prefix ...]</bf> Show the HF DX Spotter Table
2917 Show the HF DX Spotter table for the list of prefixes for the last
2918 <days> no of days (default is 31), starting from a <date> (default: today).
2920 If there are no prefixes then it will show the table for your country.
2922 Remember that some countries have more than one "DXCC country" in them
2923 (eg G :-), to show them (assuming you are not in G already which is
2924 specially treated in the code) you must list all the relevant prefixes
2927 sh/hftable g gm gd gi gj gw gu
2930 Note that the prefixes are converted into country codes so you don't have
2931 to list all possible prefixes for each country.
2933 If you want more or less days than the default simply include the
2934 number you require:-
2940 If you want to start at a different day, simply add the date in some
2944 sh/hftable 2 25nov02
2945 sh/hftable 2 25-nov-02
2947 sh/hftable 2 25/11/02
2950 This will show the stats for your DXCC for that CQWW contest weekend.
2952 You can specify either prefixes or full callsigns (so you can see how you
2953 did against all your mates). You can also say 'all' which will then print
2954 the worldwide statistics.
2960 <sect1>show/moon [ndays] [<prefix>|<callsign>]
2964 <bf>show/moon [ndays] [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show Moon rise and set times
2968 Show the Moon rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns,
2969 together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those
2972 If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for
2973 your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA),
2974 together with the current azimuth and elevation.
2976 In addition, it will show the illuminated fraction of the moons disk.
2978 If all else fails it will show the Moonrise and set times for the node
2979 that you are connected to.
2988 You can also use this command to see into the past or the future, so
2989 if you want to see yesterday's times then do:-
2995 or in three days time:-
3001 Upto 366 days can be checked both in the past and in the future.
3003 Please note that the rise and set times are given as the UT times of rise and
3004 set on the requested UT day.
3005 <sect1>show/muf <prefix> [<hours>][long]
3009 <bf>show/muf <prefix> [<hours>][long]</bf> Show the likely propagation to a prefix
3013 This command allow you to estimate the likelihood of you contacting
3014 a station with the prefix you have specified. The output assumes a modest
3015 power of 20dBW and receiver sensitivity of -123dBm (about 0.15muV/10dB SINAD)
3017 The result predicts the most likely operating frequencies and signal
3018 levels for high frequency (shortwave) radio propagation paths on
3019 specified days of the year and hours of the day. It is most useful for
3020 paths between 250 km and 6000 km, but can be used with reduced accuracy
3021 for paths shorter or longer than this.
3023 The command uses a routine MINIMUF 3.5 developed by the U.S. Navy and
3024 used to predict the MUF given the predicted flux, day of the year,
3025 hour of the day and geographic coordinates of the transmitter and
3026 receiver. This routine is reasonably accurate for the purposes here,
3027 with a claimed RMS error of 3.8 MHz, but much smaller and less complex
3028 than the programs used by major shortwave broadcasting organizations,
3029 such as the Voice of America.
3031 The command will display some header information detailing its
3032 assumptions, together with the locations, latitude and longitudes and
3033 bearings. It will then show UTC (UT), local time at the other end
3034 (LT), calculate the MUFs, Sun zenith angle at the midpoint of the path
3035 (Zen) and the likely signal strengths. Then for each frequency for which
3036 the system thinks there is a likelihood of a circuit it prints a value.
3038 The value is currently a likely S meter reading based on the conventional
3039 6dB / S point scale. If the value has a '+' appended it means that it is
3040 1/2 an S point stronger. If the value is preceeded by an 'm' it means that
3041 there is likely to be much fading and by an 's' that the signal is likely
3044 By default SHOW/MUF will show the next two hours worth of data. You
3045 can specify anything up to 24 hours worth of data by appending the no of
3046 hours required after the prefix. For example:-
3055 RxSens: -123 dBM SFI: 159 R: 193 Month: 10 Day: 21
3056 Power : 20 dBW Distance: 6283 km Delay: 22.4 ms
3057 Location Lat / Long Azim
3058 East Dereham, Norfolk 52 41 N 0 57 E 47
3059 United-States-W 43 0 N 87 54 W 299
3060 UT LT MUF Zen 1.8 3.5 7.0 10.1 14.0 18.1 21.0 24.9 28.0 50.0
3061 18 23 11.5 -35 mS0+ mS2 S3
3062 19 0 11.2 -41 mS0+ mS2 S3
3065 indicating that you will have weak, fading circuits on top band and
3066 80m but usable signals on 40m (about S3).
3074 will get you the above display, but with the next 24 hours worth of
3082 Gives you an estimate of the long path propagation characterics. It
3083 should be noted that the figures will probably not be very useful, nor
3084 terrible accurate, but it is included for completeness.
3089 <bf>show/mydx</bf> Show the DX data filtered with your spot filter.
3093 SHOW/DX potentially shows all the spots available in the system. Using
3094 SHOW/MYDX will, instead, filter the availble spots using any spot filter
3095 that you have set, first.
3097 This command, together with ACCEPT/SPOT or REJECT/SPOT, will allow
3098 you to customise the spots that you receive.
3100 So if you have said: ACC/SPOT on hf
3102 Doing a SHOW/MYDX will now only, ever, show HF spots. All the other
3103 options on SH/DX can still be used.
3104 <sect1>show/newconfiguration [<node>]
3108 <bf>show/newconfiguration [<node>]</bf> Show all the nodes and users visible
3112 This command allows you to see all the users that can be seen
3113 and the nodes to which they are connected.
3115 This command produces essentially the same information as
3116 SHOW/CONFIGURATION except that it shows all the duplication of
3117 any routes that might be present It also uses a different format
3118 which may not take up quite as much space if you don't have any
3121 BE WARNED: the list that is returned can be VERY long
3122 <sect1>show/newconfiguration/node
3126 <bf>show/newconfiguration/node</bf> Show all the nodes connected locally
3130 Show all the nodes connected to this node in the new format.
3131 <sect1>show/prefix <callsign>
3135 <bf>show/prefix <callsign></bf> Interrogate the prefix database
3139 This command takes the <callsign> (which can be a full or partial
3140 callsign or a prefix), looks up which internal country number
3141 it is and then displays all the relevant prefixes for that country
3142 together with the internal country no, the CQ and ITU regions.
3145 <sect1>show/qra <lat> <long>
3149 <bf>show/qra <lat> <long></bf> Convert lat/long to a QRA Grid locator
3153 This is a multipurpose command that allows you either to calculate the
3154 distance and bearing between two locators or (if only one locator is
3155 given on the command line) the distance and beraing from your station
3156 to the locator. For example:-
3163 The first example will show the distance and bearing to the locator from
3164 yourself, the second example will calculate the distance and bearing from
3165 the first locator to the second. You can use 4 or 6 character locators.
3167 It is also possible to convert a latitude and longitude to a locator by
3168 using this command with a latitude and longitude as an argument, for
3172 SH/QRA 52 41 N 0 58 E
3175 <sect1>show/qra <locator> [<locator>]
3179 <bf>show/qra <locator> [<locator>]</bf> Show distance between QRA Grid locators
3183 <sect1>show/qrz <callsign>
3187 <bf>show/qrz <callsign></bf> Show any callbook details on a callsign
3191 This command queries the QRZ callbook server on the internet
3192 and returns any information available for that callsign. This service
3193 is provided for users of this software by http://www.qrz.com
3195 See also SHOW/WM7D for an alternative.
3196 <sect1>show/route <callsign> ...
3200 <bf>show/route <callsign> ...</bf> Show the route to the callsign
3204 This command allows you to see to which node the callsigns specified are
3205 connected. It is a sort of inverse sh/config.
3211 <sect1>show/satellite <name> [<hours> <interval>]
3215 <bf>show/satellite <name> [<hours> <interval>]</bf> Show tracking data
3219 Show the tracking data from your location to the satellite of your choice
3220 from now on for the next few hours.
3222 If you use this command without a satellite name it will display a list
3223 of all the satellites known currently to the system.
3225 If you give a name then you can obtain tracking data of all the passes
3226 that start and finish 5 degrees below the horizon. As default it will
3227 give information for the next three hours for every five minute period.
3229 You can alter the number of hours and the step size, within certain
3232 Each pass in a period is separated with a row of '-----' characters
3238 SH/SAT FENGYUN1 12 2
3245 <bf>show/startup</bf> View your own startup script
3249 View the contents of a startup script created with SET/STARTUP.
3250 <sect1>show/station [<callsign> ..]
3254 <bf>show/station [<callsign> ..]</bf> Show information about a callsign
3258 Show the information known about a callsign and whether (and where)
3259 that callsign is connected to the cluster.
3265 If no callsign is given then show the information for yourself.
3266 <sect1>show/sun [ndays] [<prefix>|<callsign>]
3270 <bf>show/sun [ndays] [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show sun rise and set times
3274 Show the sun rise and set times for a (list of) prefixes or callsigns,
3275 together with the azimuth and elevation of the sun currently at those
3278 If you don't specify any prefixes or callsigns, it will show the times for
3279 your QTH (assuming you have set it with either SET/LOCATION or SET/QRA),
3280 together with the current azimuth and elevation.
3282 If all else fails it will show the sunrise and set times for the node
3283 that you are connected to.
3289 SH/SUN G1TLH K9CW ZS
3292 You can also use this command to see into the past or the future, so
3293 if you want to see yesterday's times then do:-
3299 or in three days time:-
3305 Upto 366 days can be checked both in the past and in the future.
3307 Please note that the rise and set times are given as the UT times of rise
3308 and set on the requested UT day.
3309 <sect1>show/time [<prefix>|<callsign>]
3313 <bf>show/time [<prefix>|<callsign>]</bf> Show the local time
3317 If no prefixes or callsigns are given then this command returns the local
3318 time and UTC as the computer has it right now. If you give some prefixes
3319 then it will show UTC and UTC + the local offset (not including DST) at
3320 the prefixes or callsigns that you specify.
3321 <sect1>show/usdb [call ..]
3325 <bf>show/usdb [call ..]</bf> Show information held on the FCC Call database
3329 Show the City and State of a Callsign held on the FCC database if
3330 his is being run on this system, eg:-
3336 <sect1>show/vhfstats [days] [date]
3340 <bf>show/vhfstats [days] [date]</bf> Show the VHF DX Statistics
3344 Show the VHF DX spots breakdown by band for the last
3345 <days> no of days (default is 31), starting from a date (default: today).
3346 <sect1>show/vhftable [days] [date] [prefix ...]
3350 <bf>show/vhftable [days] [date] [prefix ...]</bf> Show the VHF DX Spotter Table
3354 Show the VHF DX Spotter table for the list of prefixes for the last
3355 <days> no of days (default is 31), starting from a date (default: today).
3357 If there are no prefixes then it will show the table for your country.
3359 Remember that some countries have more than one "DXCC country" in them
3360 (eg G :-), to show them (assuming you are not in G already which is
3361 specially treated in the code) you must list all the relevant prefixes
3364 sh/vhftable g gm gd gi gj gw gu
3367 Note that the prefixes are converted into country codes so you don't have
3368 to list all possible prefixes for each country.
3370 If you want more or less days than the default simply include the
3371 number you require:-
3377 If you want to start at a different day, simply add the date in some
3381 sh/vhftable 2 25nov02
3382 sh/vhftable 2 25-nov-02
3383 sh/vhftable 2 021125
3384 sh/vhftable 2 25/11/02
3387 This will show the stats for your DXCC for that CQWW contest weekend.
3389 You can specify either prefixes or full callsigns (so you can see how you
3390 did against all your mates). You can also say 'all' which will then print
3391 the worldwide statistics.
3401 <bf>show/wcy</bf> Show last 10 WCY broadcasts
3405 <sect1>show/wcy <n>
3409 <bf>show/wcy <n></bf> Show last <n> WCY broadcasts
3413 Display the most recent WCY information that has been received by the system
3415 <sect1>show/wm7d <callsign>
3419 <bf>show/wm7d <callsign></bf> Show callbook details on a US callsigns
3423 This command queries the WM7D callbook server on the internet
3424 and returns any information available for that US callsign. This service
3425 is provided for users of this software by http://www.wm7d.net.
3432 <bf>show/wwv</bf> Show last 10 WWV broadcasts
3436 <sect1>show/wwv <n>
3440 <bf>show/wwv <n></bf> Show last <n> WWV broadcasts
3444 Display the most recent WWV information that has been received by the system
3449 <bf>sysop</bf> Regain your privileges if you login remotely
3453 The system automatically reduces your privilege level to that of a
3454 normal user if you login in remotely. This command allows you to
3455 regain your normal privilege level. It uses the normal system: five
3456 numbers are returned that are indexes into the character array that is
3457 your assigned password (see SET/PASSWORD). The indexes start from
3460 You are expected to return a string which contains the characters
3461 required in the correct order. You may intersperse those characters
3462 with others to obscure your reply for any watchers. For example (and
3463 these values are for explanation :-):
3466 password = 012345678901234567890123456789
3472 aa2bbbb0ccc5ddd7xxx3n
3477 They will all match. If there is no password you will still be offered
3478 numbers but nothing will happen when you input a string. Any match is
3480 <sect1>talk <call> > <node> [<text>]
3484 <bf>talk <call> > <node> [<text>]</bf> Send a text message to another station via a node
3488 Send a short message to any other station that is visible on the cluster
3489 system. You can send it to anyone you can see with a SHOW/CONFIGURATION
3490 command, they don't have to be connected locally.
3492 The second form of TALK is used when other cluster nodes are connected
3493 with restricted information. This usually means that they don't send
3494 the user information usually associated with logging on and off the cluster.
3496 If you know that G3JNB is likely to be present on GB7TLH, but you can only
3497 see GB7TLH in the SH/C list but with no users, then you would use the
3498 second form of the talk message.
3500 If you want to have a ragchew with someone you can leave the text message
3501 out and the system will go into 'Talk' mode. What this means is that a
3502 short message is sent to the recipient telling them that you are in a
3503 'Talking' frame of mind and then you just type - everything you send will
3504 go to the station that you asked for.
3506 All the usual announcements, spots and so on will still come out on your
3509 If you want to do something (such as send a spot) you preceed the normal
3510 command with a '/' character, eg:-
3513 /DX 14001 G1TLH What's a B class licensee doing on 20m CW?
3517 To leave talk mode type:
3523 If you are in 'Talk' mode, there is an extention to the '/' command which
3524 allows you to send the output to all the people you are talking to. You do
3525 with the '//' command. For example:-
3531 will send the hftable as you have it to all the people you are currently
3533 <sect1>talk <call> [<text>]
3537 <bf>talk <call> [<text>]</bf> Send a text message to another station
3541 <sect1>type <filearea>/<name>
3545 <bf>type <filearea>/<name></bf> Look at the contents of a file in one of the fileareas
3549 Type out the contents of a file in a filearea. So, for example, in
3550 filearea 'bulletins' you want to look at file 'arld051' you would
3553 TYPE bulletins/arld051
3556 See also SHOW/FILES to see what fileareas are available and a
3558 <sect1>unset/announce
3562 <bf>unset/announce</bf> Stop announce messages coming out on your terminal
3566 <sect1>unset/anntalk
3570 <bf>unset/anntalk</bf> Stop talk like announce messages on your terminal
3574 The announce system on legacy cluster nodes is used as a talk
3575 substitute because the network is so poorly connected. If you:
3581 you will suppress several of these announces, you may miss the odd
3582 useful one as well, but you would probably miss them anyway in the
3583 welter of useless ones.
3589 allows you to see them again. This is the default.
3594 <bf>unset/beep</bf> Stop beeps for DX and other messages on your terminal
3602 <bf>unset/dx</bf> Stop DX messages coming out on your terminal
3610 <bf>unset/dxcq</bf> Stop CQ Zones on the end of DX announcements
3614 Display both the Spotter's and the Spotted's CQ Zone on the end
3615 of a DX announcement (there is just enough room). Some user programs
3616 cannot cope with this. The Spotter's CQ is on the RHS of the
3617 time, the Spotted's CQ is on the LHS.
3619 Conflicts with: SET/DXGRID, SET/DXITU, SHOW/USSTATE
3621 Do a STAT/USER to see which flags you have set if you are confused.
3626 <bf>unset/dxgrid</bf> Stop QRA Grid Squares on the end of DX announcements
3630 A standard feature which is enabled in version 1.43 and above is
3631 that if the spotter's grid square is known it is output on the end
3632 of a DX announcement (there is just enough room). Some user programs
3633 cannot cope with this. You can use this command to reset (or set)
3636 Conflicts with: SET/DXCQ, SET/DXITU
3638 Do a STAT/USER to see which flags you have set if you are confused.
3643 <bf>unset/dxitu</bf> Stop ITU Zones on the end of DX announcements
3647 Display both the Spotter's and the Spotted's ITU Zone on the end
3648 of a DX announcement (there is just enough room). Some user programs
3649 cannot cope with this. The Spotter's ITU is on the RHS of the
3650 time, the Spotted's ITU is on the LHS.
3652 Conflicts with: SET/DXGRID, SET/DXCQ, SHOW/USSTATE
3654 Do a STAT/USER to see which flags you have set if you are confused.
3659 <bf>unset/echo</bf> Stop the cluster echoing your input
3663 If you are connected via a telnet session, different implimentations
3664 of telnet handle echo differently depending on whether you are
3665 connected via port 23 or some other port. You can use this command
3666 to change the setting appropriately.
3668 The setting is stored in your user profile.
3670 YOU DO NOT NEED TO USE THIS COMMAND IF YOU ARE CONNECTED VIA AX25.
3675 <bf>unset/email</bf> Stop personal msgs being forwarded by email
3679 If any personal messages come in for your callsign then you can use
3680 these commands to control whether they are forwarded onto your email
3681 address. To enable the forwarding do something like:-
3684 SET/EMAIL mike.tubby@somewhere.com
3687 You can have more than one email address (each one separated by a space).
3688 Emails are forwarded to all the email addresses you specify.
3690 You can disable forwarding by:-
3700 <bf>unset/here</bf> Tell the system you are absent from your terminal
3704 <sect1>unset/logininfo
3708 <bf>unset/logininfo</bf> No longer inform when a station logs in/out locally
3712 <sect1>unset/privilege
3716 <bf>unset/privilege</bf> Remove any privilege for this session
3720 You can use this command to 'protect' this session from unauthorised
3721 use. If you want to get your normal privilege back you will need to
3722 either logout and login again (if you are on a console) or use the
3728 <bf>unset/prompt</bf> Set your prompt back to default
3732 This command will set your user prompt to the string that you
3733 say. The point of this command to enable a user to interface to programs
3734 that are looking for a specific prompt (or else you just want a different
3741 There are some substitutions that can be added to the prompt:
3744 %C - callsign [which will have ( and ) around it if not here]
3747 %M - cluster 'mycall'
3750 The standard prompt is defined as:
3753 SET/PROMPT %C de %M %D %T dxspider >
3756 UNSET/PROMPT will undo the SET/PROMPT command and set your prompt back to
3758 <sect1>unset/startup
3762 <bf>unset/startup</bf> Remove your own startup script
3766 You can remove your startup script with UNSET/STARTUP.
3771 <bf>unset/talk</bf> Stop TALK messages coming out on your terminal
3775 <sect1>unset/usstate
3779 <bf>unset/usstate</bf> Stop US State info on the end of DX announcements
3783 If the spotter's or spotted's US State is known it is output on the
3784 end of a DX announcement (there is just enough room).
3786 A spotter's state will appear on the RHS of the time (like
3787 SET/DXGRID) and the spotted's State will appear on the LHS of the
3788 time field. Any information found will override any locator
3789 information from SET/DXGRID.
3791 Some user programs cannot cope with this. You can use this command
3792 to reset (or set) this feature.
3794 Conflicts with: SET/DXCQ, SET/DXITU
3796 Do a STAT/USER to see which flags you have set if you are confused.
3801 <bf>unset/wcy</bf> Stop WCY messages coming out on your terminal
3809 <bf>unset/wwv</bf> Stop WWV messages coming out on your terminal
3817 <bf>unset/wx</bf> Stop WX messages coming out on your terminal
3825 <bf>who</bf> Show who is physically connected
3829 This is a quick listing that shows which callsigns are connected and
3830 what sort of connection they have
3831 <sect1>wx <text>
3835 <bf>wx <text></bf> Send a weather message to local users
3839 <sect1>wx full <text>
3843 <bf>wx full <text></bf> Send a weather message to all cluster users
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