Download the latest update [NOTE: This software may not run on 64 bit machines]

Download the User Manual

User Configuration:

Configuration by the user is quite simple and only requires the user to input their Latitude and Longitude.  If these numbers are unknown, the configuration page will allow the user to compute their Latitude and Longitude using their Maidenhead Grid Locator if know.  The zip code database I use is based on the data provide by the US Census Department and is current as of the Dec 2009.

Prior to using this program the first time, the program will automatically download the FCC data and theTenTen and VP data.  Form this point forward, the program will create all the necessary datafiles and import the data into and SQlite database.  Unlike the previous Version 4.x which used text files and numerous index files, thsi version relies on a relational database that can be searched using simple SQL statemetns. 
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Information Display:

The graphic shows a screen shot of the User Interface.  The latitude and longitude of the station is determined from the first five numbers of the zip code.  In the event the zipcode is not found, this data will be blank.  The Grid square is based upon the latitude and longitude.  Bearing and distance is calculated on a spherical rhumb line formula which is a lot more accurate than a great circle calculation for these distances.  Distance is displayed in kilometers (KM).   TenTen and VP number will be displayed where appropriate.  Sunrise and Sunset times are calculated based on the latitude and longitude of the station for the given UTC day and displayed in UTC time.  These calculation are accurate to within 2 minutes for latitudes below 60 degrees North/South and 15 minutes above 60 degrees North/South. 

How to use:

Looking up a callsign is quite simple.  Input the callsign in the area provided and click the lookup button or press the return key.  If a callsign is found, the results will be displayed in less than a half second.  TenTen and VP numbers can also be looked up using teh menu entries.  Wild cards (%.* and ?,_) are permissible and will proivide a drop down box of callsign that match the wild card sqeuence.

Data Updates:

 TenTen and VP data will be updated on a monthly basis.  The main 72 Meg FCC file is updated weekly and is posted to the FTP site on Sunday around 0300 EST. 

Mini Callsign Server ( Attention Developers ):

I have included a mini callsign server that functions along a TCP/IP connection on port 8818.  The green LED above the Lookup button will be illuminated anytime the server is functional and listening for a client connection.  By sending a text formatted string to the server on the default port, the server will return with a text string, with all the information that is displayed on the user interface.  Each field is separated by a '|' character.  Developers can establish a simple socket connection on the local host, send the required data string and have callsign data available for their software.  No more need to develop index files and hope the FCC does not change the format AGAIN!.  Please refer to the mini callsign server readme file for more information on this feature.  The server defaults to the enabled setting the first time the program is run.  Clicking the LED will toggle the state of the server.  When the program closes the state of the server will be saved in the configuration file.  The port can be changed by the user to de-conflict with other program that may alreayd be using that port.

This software is free of charge to the ham radio community. I do accept donations to help defray the cost of the web hosting service and continue the development of ham radio type software. If you would like to donate, please click the button above to donate via Pay Pal.

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If you use this program and would like to be notified of updates, send me an email requesting me to add you to the notification group.