Set up and Operation

To display the "Defaults Screen" click the Defaults drop-down menu from the main screen. Use this screen to:

Assign the path number of radials default database type (FM or TV) and the default database paths.

The default value for the your printout will use.

Assign the path default database type (FM or TV) and the default database paths.

The default value for the number of radials your printout will use.

Assign the path to the FM and TV database files. The check marks in the "FCC Databases Available" box indicate the database that CONTOUR has found under the path you have assigned.

(Note: The V-Soft Communications FM and TV databases have two formats. The standard format is where there is a file for each state. For example, IAFM.FM (Iowa FM.) There is also a continuous format with the file name FM.FMR. If CONTOUR sees the FM.FMR or TV.TVR database files it will open the .FMR files when from the "Acquire" screen the “State” check box is not selected. If the “State” box is selected the program will open the individual state files. If one of the .TVR databases are used, searches can be global across the entire database.)

The terrain database radial buttons will select from the four available terrain databases. For very old terrain database files, select "Shell to Database" and assign the directory (only) where the user's terrain elevation database is located. You must use the correct paths or CONTOUR will not know where to go for your data. Note that we no longer recommend using shelled terrain data. You should be using "Direct Access." "Direct access" does not use the shelling process, it operates very smoothly and is the recommended method. All supplied V-Soft Communication's terrain database now use "direct access" databases.

Under "Direct Access", set the paths to the terrain databases you are using. Note, for direct access, the "Test" button will test whether the program sees the terrain data properly. It should read "OK" if the setup has been done correctly.

The path to the reference station's stored parameter file. (This is the file that stores the coordinates, ERP and antenna height of the current study, so it can be easily accessed by other V-Soft Communications programs. All V-Soft programs should use the same reference file location.)

The entry listed "Word Processor Name" requires a complete path and file name for the word processor. You may use Window's built-in WordPad or NotePad as the local word processor. Other word processors will also work for this purpose.

Type in a company name in the "Master Title" text box and it will be used on all printouts.

You may customize your printouts by checking the boxes on the "setup" screen that represent a column type. This will turn on or off the following columns: "Ave. Elev", "HAAT"," Pwr dBk", "Pwr kW" , "Percent Field" or" Use Tilt. "

The Std Format check mark produces a printed output identical to the original V-Soft Communication's CONTOUR DOS program's "Average Elevation" printout. This results in a centered page of up to two signal levels. When the "Std Format " mode is activated the default columns for the program become "Azimuth", "Average Elevation", "Power in dBk", and "Contour Distance." The standard format cannot be used when "Use Tilt" is checked.

The "Save" button writes your default values to a disk file. The next time you run CONTOUR these values will be loaded. This button also updates the reference parameter file explained above.

Remember that on-line help is available at any time simply by hitting the F1 key.