
TWLOG README

DESCRIPTION:

   This GUI program records basic Ham log information.  It uses Motif, 
so a statically linked version is included for those who don't have
Motif can run the statically linked program.  This program is for
day to day logging, not contesting.  There is no dup checking and 
contest related things like that.  My keyboard is where my logbook
use to be, so why not use the computer to log QSOs!

   The interface can be customized without re-compiling.  A resource
file allows you to modify the menus for the bands, modes, etc.
that you use.

   Most of the log entries can be made with a button press or a single
key stroke.  It records the date, start and end times, call sign,
band, mode, power, and signal reports.  There is also a field
for general notes.

   A second window allows you to search and edit the log file, and a 
third widow provides online help.  The help file can also be view
with any unix command or editor at any time.


USER INTERFACE:

   The main interface has a data entry form and a menu bar.  The data
entry form holds log information for one QSO.  Most data can be entered
with a button press or a key stroke.  The File button on the menu bar
lets you perform operations on the log file, like append the data entry
form to the log, edit, print the log, etc.  A Help button on the menu
bar brings up a window with online help.


INSTALLATION:

   You may need root privileges for some of these steps, depending on
where you want to copy the files. The pathnames below are correct for
my system.  Your's may vary.

To install the STATIC version, start with step 1.
To install the DYNAMIC version, start with step 2.
To compile and install your own runtime version, start with step 3.

1.  To install the STATIC version, copy twlog.static to some directory
in your PATH ($HOME/bin, /usr/local/bin) and rename it twlog.
Skip to step 4.

2.  To install the DYNAMIC version, copy twlog.dynamic to some directory
in your PATH ($HOME/bin, /usr/local/bin) and rename it twlog.
Skip to step 4.

3.  To compile your own version, take a look at the makefile and
modify as needed for your system.  You may have to change LIBDIR if
your libs are someplace else.  Then, execute a make command to build
the executable.  Copy twlog to some directory in your PATH ($HOME/bin,
/usr/local/bin).

4.  This step and the next set up the icons.  If you don't use fvwm,
copy twlog.xbm to /usr/X11R6/include/X11/bitmaps directory -OR-
to some directory where your window manager will find it.

5.  If you use fvwm, this step will give you a multicolor pixmap for an icon.
Copy twlog.xpm to  /usr/X11R6/include/X11/pixmaps.  Edit your .fvwmrc
file, locate the Icon section and add the line -

            Icon "twlog"    twlog.xpm

6.  Next, create a directory to hold your logfiles.  I call it logfiles,
and put it under my home directory.  (mkdir $HOME/logfiles)
Now, copy the helpfile into the new directory. (cp helpfile $HOME/logfiles).

7. Now, edit the file Twlog, and locate the line with:

            twlog.dirpath:    logfiles

Change logfiles to the complete path of the directory you created in step 6.
For me, the line looks like this:

            twlog.dirpath:    /home/ted/logfiles

       NOTE: $HOME won't work here. It must be the complete path,
             WITHOUT any / or spaces at the end of the line.

Save your changes and copy the resource file, Twlog, someplace where X will
find it.  The easiest way to do this is step (a) below, as root.  X will
find resource files in many places and if you are using something like
XAPPLRESDIR, then my guess is you already know what to do - HI.


    (a) copy Twlog to the system app-defaults directory.
            cp Twlog  /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/app-defaults

     -OR-

    (b) cat it to the end of your .Xdefaults file
            cat Twlog >> $HOME/.Xdefaults

     -OR-

    (c) to your resource file/directory (XAPPLRESDIR)

Remember where you copied Twlog!  You will want to edit it again to
customize the main window to your needs.


TESTING:

If all went well, you should be able to run the program.  Enter cd
and Enter to move to your home directory.  Then enter twlog 
to run the program.  If you don't see "command not found" then the
binary must be installed properly.

If you get an error message like this:

           Error in Twlog file - Time Zone Choice must be 0 or 1

then the binary was found but the resource file was not.  Try putting it
in one of the other locations listed in step 7 above and check your X
environment.  The manual page for X will be of assistance.
 
If you see the main window, push the Help button on the menu bar and the Help
button in the pulldown menu.  You should see a window with the helpfile.  If
twlog terminates with an message like:

      getdata - stat failed: No such file or directory
      Filename: /home/ted/logfiles/helpfile

then the edit you make in step 7 didn't take.  Remember where you copied Twlog?
Go there and edit it.  Check the line:  twlog.dirpath:   /home/ted/logfiles.
Make sure there are no spaces or / on the end of the line.  Also, make sure
the path does exist, and that the directory contains the helpfile.

If you are looking at another window with the helpfile inside, then your
twlog.dirpath value you set in step 7 is working.  Read the help file.  It
will tell you how to use the interface with a mouse and with the keyboard
(very fast).  There is also a section called RESOURCE FILE that explains
how to modify the resource file and customize the interface for your bands
and modes.  The helpfile can also be viewed with any unix command or editor.
The resource file itself contains comments as well.

If you are still having problems, send me all the info on the error to the
e-mail address below and I'll be glad to help.

If everything is OK, then still, send me e-mail.  I'd like to hear what
you think of it.  Are there any additional menu function, features needed,
bugs, typos, general comments, I wasted my time, WHATEVER!  I have written
Motif interfaces for many years now and have found them intuitive and easy
to use.

I hope you do too.


PLS QSL TO:       ted@bluestone.com

73,  

Ted - WA0EIR


