W3KM PRNet - Initial Use

          Step-by-step to learn the software


    ** DO NOT edit NETCONT.ROL or other files without first making a back-up copy **

              ** If controlling more than one net, read #6 below. **

1. After installing PRNet, run it from the Start | Programs menu.
Note: Testing/learning the software populates the NETCONT.ROL uniques file. When finished
testing, before running a real net, delete the NETCONT.ROL file (and log files you created).

° Note: Do not drag PRNet.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut.
Right-mouse the .exe and select `Create shortcut`, then drag it to the desktop. Or make one by
right-mouse clicking an empty spot on the desktop. Select New, Shortcut. Browse to the PRNetW
folder and find the executable file. Click it, then click OK. Re-name the shortcut if you wish.

Making shortcuts as described above will prevent the `Start In folder` from being set to
the desktop - which will not work !

2. First time, enter your personal information at the prompts. Your 6-digit is used to
calculate the heading to another 4/6-digit found in the {vhf4k.adi} look-up file. Modify
this file for your local area or create your own. The format is specific.

3. Other look-up comes from a CLUB file {RATSNEST.dat}. Create your own for your club. The
last lookup file is {ck2list.dat} which is a local operator name list. Again, modify mine
or make your own - and the formats are specific.

4. Basically the program sequence follows a standard net flow. There are 3 modes in the
software: check-ins, acknowledgments and comments.

° Check-ins: You log them and make edits as needed. If you enter the wrong callsign, it is
easier to delete it (DL) and re-enter - otherwise that check-in line would require editing of
the pre-filled data. Ask stations for name, QTH etc and edit before the end of the net.

To edit a check-in line, single click it, then do right-mouse and select the edit type. 
For example, Insert grid and heading.

Information on stations that previously checked-in to this net include the initial check-in
date and the last check-in date.

Enter `DL` to delete the last entry. Or - enter `D#` to delete that check-in line number.
Editing is done by selecting a check-in line, then do right-mouse click and select an edit
option.

° Acknowledge: You go down the list of check-ins and mark the log with <Ack> by hitting the
<Space bar> (if that option is selected). The other way to mark <Ack> is to enter the check-in
line number. While hardly ever used - but available - is the clear function. Enter `C#` to clear
<Ack> on that check-in line. The <Ack> mode is automatically selected when you enter a callsign.

° Comments: After net announcements and more check-ins, you switch from the <Ack> mode to
the <Comments> mode by either entering `C` or by clicking the radio button. Then you go
down the list amd mark the log with <Com> by hitting the <Space bar> (if that option is
selected). The other way to mark <Com> is to enter the check-in line number. The
clear function is the same as above, enter `C#` to clear <Com> on that check-in line.

5. The check-in information you enter/edit goes into the NETCONT.ROL file for next time.
The current date is also updated, so you can see when that station checked-in last.

6. Running multiple nets requires a folder and setup for each net. First, make the "band folders"
you need and copy the files from the default folder to the "band folders". Do not copy the "band"
specific files - PRNet_Control.ini, NETCONT.ROL or the *.FLE check-in files. These are created when
you start a net. Select your Options for the "new band".

Make a shortcut to PRNet.exe for each folder. Do not drag PRNet.exe to the desktop to create a
shortcut - this will not work correctly. Go to the folder and right-mouse click PRNet.exe and
select `Create shortcut`. Drag the shortcut to the desktop. Edit the shortcut name to indicate the band.

7. Use the {Write text file} menu to output the net summary file for copy/paste into an e-mail.
Use the {Options} menu to select the distance type you want; Miles, kM or Neither. If using Neither,
you can select the no bearings option as well. The 2 write selections are different spaced outputs.

144 MHz Check-ins for 08-15-16
Miles:   KB1JEY MICHAEL AMBLER, PA FN20jd  191° 17 mi
kM:      KB1JEY MICHAEL AMBLER, PA FN20jd  191° 28 kM
Neither: KB1JEY MICHAEL AMBLER, PA FN20jd  191°
No bearings: KB1JEY MICHAEL AMBLER, PA FN20jd