README1.TXT  17/02/1997

This disk (ZIPFILE) contains various utility programs to assist the ACARS
enthusiast with the decoding of ACARS messages (Log Files), which have been
Saved with the Lowe Air-master Version 2.00 ACARS or AEA Acars receiving
program.

Contents of the disk (Zip-file).

TEST. LOG	: ACARS Log file
ACARSORT.EXE	: Ver. 1.20 message sorting and decoding program 
README1.TXT    	: This File
IATA.TXT	: IATA en ICAO Airport Identifiers
ACARHELP.HLP	: Windows based Decoding utility Ver. 1.11 
AIRLINES.TXT	: Data file for Acarsort.exe
ACARINTF.PRN	: Schematic diagram interface


ACARSORT .EXE

1.	Version 1.20  sorts the Acars messages on Registration numbers (Call-
	sign) and saves each logged aircraft in a separate file. Aircraft
	registration, PA0DAL, G-DOCE will be saved as -PA0DAL and -G-DOCE.

2.	When the program has finished decoding and saved the Aircraft
	registration files, the user is requested to replace the original.LOG
	file(i.e. 02091700.LOG with a 02091700.ASC file. This .ASC file contains
	all the decoded aircraft sorted by registration number. 
	All empty or duplicate messages are discarded.

3	Message label: B6, this will be decoded as = Provide ADS report (PAR)
	if the message label is unknown to the program, than it will be not be
	decoded and no message will be generated (since the test message QO
	never contains any text, it will therefore not be saved).

4.	Flight id: This will be decoded as the Carrier name and Country of 
	origin. Like KLM = Royal Dutch Airlines - The Netherlands.

5	If the .LOG replacement option is answered with "NO" ,the program's 
	output will be saved in the\acars\log\data messages directory the 
	filename will be the same as the Aircraft's registration number 
	(call sign) such as -PH-DAL, -G-KEES etc., and will be sorted in an 
	ascending manner.

6	If you want to save the messages sorted and decoded by call sign it 
	will be a good idea to build a directory \callsign, and copy the 
	contents of the \data directory to it. Then run Acarsort again and
	build a replacement .ASC log file. 

7	At this time I have made no provisions as to edit the files from within
	the program. So for the time being the user must supply and use his/her
	editor. I find the ASCII editor in the Norton Commander very suitable 
	to edit the messages.


8	Installation of ACARSORT.EXE

	1.) Make a directory c:\acars\log\data
	2.) Put Acarsort.exe and airlines.txt, in the c:\acars\log directory
	3.) To run the program type: Acarsort <filename.log>
	4.) 'Drives' D,E, may also be used. 


AIRLINES.TXT

	This file contains a selection of airlines. The airlines in this plain 
	ASCII text file contain most airlines heard in my location and is by no
	means a complete airline listing. The user may add airlines that are 
	not known by the program, this is accomplished  by simply adding the 
	flight number prefix and the name of the airline and country of origin. 
	To add an airline; 
	Sample: Flight KL123
	Type KL = KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Holland 


ACARHELP.HLP 

	This program is a stand alone Windows based Pop-Up decoding utility for
	decoding the 2, 3, and 4 letter codes, and other acronyms used in Acars
	messages. 

	INSTALLATION  OF ACARHELP.HLP Version 1.11
	To install the Acars decoding utility;
	1. Open the Program Manager Window.
	2. From the File menu select New.
	3. Select Program Group and enter OK.
	4. In the description field type ACARSHELP 1.11 and enter OK.
	5. Repeat steps 2 and 3.
	6. Select program Item and enter the program name(i.e. Acars Help).
	7. Compete the dialog box and you will be able to start the 
	   Acarshelp 1.11 icon as a pop-up help window. 
	

AIRCRAFT.PRN	(not includued in this version)
	This file contains a selection of call-signs, type of aircraft chassis 
	number and operator:


ACARS INTERFACE  Schematic diagram

ACARINTF.PRN

	The ACARINTF.PRN  file can be directly printed (with HP500/XXXprinters)
	with the DOS print command please note that the RC network is only 
	required when the  Lowe Air-master program is used. DO NOT FORGET TO 
	CONNECT PIN 20 of the DB25 to  ground to the Common on the  interface.
	Keep in mind that Acars data is synchronous by nature 2400 BD AFSK,
	1200 and 2400hz 7 bits acii plus parity, therefore it will not decode
	direct trough your comports. 

	I have seen the AEA PK900 ACARS program working fine with the simple 
	HAMCOMM  interface. During program installation answer  "n"  on the
	question if a AEA PK900 is used. 
	
	However LOWE and AEA use different interfaces but the output (logfile
	data) is in the same format. As a result my ACARSORT.EXE program can 
	be used to assist in decoding the data generated by both programs.
	At this time I have made no provisions as to decode the data generated
	by the Air-master Ver. 3.00 program.


HELP WANTED

	If you have any ideas of how to decode the contents of the messages.
	Or if you have a decoding algorithm available, which you like to share 
	with me and to have it included in the program, please contact me at 	
	the address below.





DISCLAIMER:

	I shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or 
	incidental damages arising out of the use and or distribution of this
	software.

	Using this software for the reception of some transmissions as well as 
	the reception of these transmissions itself might be illegal. 
	I shall also not be liable for any consequences arising out of such 
	illegal acts, nor shall I be liable for any consequences arising out
	the use of this software.  


COPYRIGHT NOTICES 

	Please note that this software is; neither shareware nor public domain
	software. 

	ACARSORT, ACARHELP and ACARSHELP are  the Copyright property of:
	Bert van Dalen, PA0DAL.
	(c) 1995, 1996, 1997. 
	By Bert van Dalen
	Van Brakellaan 40 
	3843 HB Harderwijk 
	The Netherlands.

	You have the right to use this program for non commercial purposes,
	without further permission. You may copy it and share it as long as
	you do not charge any money for it. Other than the cost for the 
	transfer media not exceeding the equivalent of  HFL 5.00 or its
	equivalent of  USD 3.00.

	Any commercial distribution without the  WRITTEN  PERMISSION of the 
	author is strictly prohibited. If you like this program, please write
	me to give me some feedback. Enclosing an amount of money of your
	choice to support program  development will be highly appreciated.
	Send your letter to the address below, this is no 'must' but again it 
	will be appreciated.

	When copying the program the following files MUST be included and not
	be altered in any way.

	TEST.LOG	: ACARS log file.
	TEST.ASC	: ACARS  decoded log file
	ACARSORT.EXE 	: Ver. 1.20 message sorting and decoding program. 
	README1.TXT	: This file.
	IATA.TXT	: IATA en ICAO Airport Identifiers
	ACARHELP.HLP    : Windows  based decoding utility Ver. 1.11 
	AIRLINES.TXT	: Data file for Acarsort.exe	
	AIRCRAFT.PRN	: Aircraft and call sign directory (not in this version) 
	ACARINTF.PRN	: Interface Schematic diagram.

	To avoid problems with 'lost' files when giving away the program, it is 
	strongly recommended to only give away the original self extracting 
	archive file "ACARHELP.EXE

	The program as well as the .DOC files must not be modified in any way, 
	copyright notes must not be altered in any way or removed.

	Any commercial use of this program as well as a distribution of this 
	program  by shareware dealers is prohibited.
		
	Program versions licensed for commercial use are available at request.
	Please ask for conditions, pricing etc.

	Distribution via mailboxes and computer networks is free as long as the
	files  mentioned above will remain complete and intact. 
	The name "ACARHELP" should be maintained in case the files are packed 
	to an  archive.

	Companies and single persons who want to sell hardware that CO-operates
	or interfaces with this program are allowed to distribute the program 
	together with their hardware, this is; if they get my WRITTEN permission.

	I reserve all rights the distribute, charge fees etc., for example on a 
	per disk base in such cases.

	When giving this software as an add-on to some hardware, it must be
	clearly pointed out by the seller that by receiving the software,(when
	purchasing the hardware) this does not mean that anything has been paid
	for the software.

	Permissions that I gave concerning the distribution of previous ACARSORT
	and ACARSHELP versions do not automatically apply to this version 1.20.
	Please write again to get an explicit permission for the distribution
	of this version. Furthermore, with the availability of this program
	(version, 1.20), I withdraw all permissions for the distribution of
	former versions of ACARSORT and ACARHELP.
	Program users be aware that the acquisition of this program together 
	with some hardware doesn't mean that you have bought  or own the
	software. Even in such a case all copyright notices given above are
	fully valid.

	As you can see from the above notes, you do not have to pay anything
	to get or to use this program. However, if you should like this program
 	and should use it frequently then you should consider to promote the 
	author's eagerness for  further program  development by some kind of 
	acknowledgment.

	Suggestions and criticism are always welcome, but I cannot promise any
	further development of this program. If new program versions should be 
	available, I will try to make these public. If in doubt if there's a 
	new version, just ask......

	For any other questions, you can contact me via phone, but please use
	this option very sparingly, and be aware of the different time zone's.


	Bert van Dalen PA0DAL 
	Van Brakellaan 40
	3843 HB Harderwijk	
	The Netherlands
	phone (+31) 341 418220
	






