2008-11-02

KST2Me

KST2Me

KST2Me is a telnet based client that is tailored to the ON4KST Chats. Instead of the normal raw telnet look and feel KST2Me provides a web based appearance while maintaining the bit lean connection and telnet speed.

Harry, LZ1BB, has verified that KST2Me runs on Linux too.

Yoann, F4DRU, is using KST2Me on an Eee PC (4G), with Linux (eeeXubuntu 7.10 release 3) and Wine (0.9.46).

Installation

Download KST2Me.zip.

Unzip the downloaded archive into a directory of your own choice.

Contact Bo, OZ2M, to get a program registration key - it is free and is used for my own amusement only. Make sure you include your callsign in the mail. Once received unzip and save the registration key file in the same directory as the KST2Me.exe file.

Run KST2Me.exe to start the application and fill-in the set-up information and QRG ranges and start chatting.

When you want to update just download a new zip-package and replace the KST2Me.exe file.

Functionality

Use the help available from the menu.

The field in front of the chat message input is a preamble string, i.e. callsign, of the other station you are chatting with. A preample, with your call, sent by another station will show the message on pink background.

In all of the subpanels clicking and right clicking, calls, messages, locators etc., provides additional features. To clear a label simply click it.

If you intend on using KST2Me from a mobile/wireless connection that you pay for check out Uffe's, PA5DD, GPRS tips. Even though it is about GPRS you can also use the tips on e.g. WLAN/Wifi or 3G networks.

You can run multiple sessions of KST2Me either from different directories or using a command line parameter e.g. KST2Me.exe 2.

Users Group

You can find a users' group at Yahoo! Groups here: groups.yahoo.com/group/kst2me

FAQ

Q: Sometimes the number of past messages or DX-cluster spots do not correspond to the number(s) set.
A: If the past messages or DX-cluster spots are to old they are not sent at log on because they are not stored on the chat server.

Q: Sometimes a message looks a bit odd if the message is more than one line.
A: The reason is the behaviour of the software component used. I am working on fixing this. However, it is purely a cosmetic issue.

Q: Not all spots on 70 MHz are shown when "Check 70 MHz spots" is enabled.
A: When the "Check 70 MHz spots" is enabled then at least one of the stations, i.e. DX or Spotter, have to have TX permit otherwise the spot is rejected. To circumvent this either edit the Valid70MHzDXCCs.txt manually or send spots where the DX call begins with a Q, e.g. QOIRT or QIRT ;-)

Q: How can I change the scrolling direction?
A: This is not possible. The user interface is made the way it is to provide the best ergonomics.

Q: KST2Me says my key is about to expire. What do I do?
A: Just contact Bo, OZ2M, again and ask for a renewal of your key.

Troubleshooting

Installation and setup

Q: When I double click the KST2Me_YourRawCall.key file Windows will not accept it.
A: All you have to do to "install" the KST2Me_RawCall.key file is to place it in the same directory as the KST2Me.exe file.

Q: KST2Me says "invalid program key."
A
: Either you do not have a KST2Me_RawCall.key file, the key file is not located in the same directory as the KST2Me.exe program file or your RawCall in the set-up does not match the key file.

Connecting

Q: KST2Me cannot connect to the chat.
A: KST2Me has to pass the firewall so please check your firewall settings.

Q: KST2Me is included in my boot sequence and auto connects to the chat but is then disconnected.
A: If you have problems with connecting directly after your PC has been booted and have KST2Me included in your Startup folder and have auto connect enabled then increase the "Connect to chat delay when KST2Me starts" in the setup. Most likely the problem is caused by the firewall starting after KST2Me is started and connected and then the firewall shuts down the connection when it starts.

Q: KST2Me says my "password is incorrect" but I am sure it is not.
A: The "password is incorrect" response is sent from the chat server, KST2Me just displays it. Please try to log in via e.g. the web to the chat with the exact same password as a way to verify the password.

Connected

Q: No DX-cluster spots are shown.
A: Please select the QRG range(s) you wish to see in the Tools | Setup QRG Ranges.

Windows Vista

Q: Changing the sound sound levels do not have any impact.
A: To be honest I haven't got a clue. This is a general issue in Windows Vista. I hope/think a solution will be available later.


Bo, OZ2M, www.rudius.net/oz2m