WXN.INI
System Configuration File

Overview
Tips
QTH
Clock Functions
Remote Time Synchronization
Counters/Timers
Network
QRZ
Printer
Default Window Types
Logging
Automatic Reboot of Server
CSV Generator
Data Alarm
APRS®
Miscellaneous
Examples

Sysop Index


Overview

The system configuration file, WXN.INI, is a text based file and resides in the program root directory. Only those parameters that are required or defaults that must be overridden need to be in the file.

Types

V = Number (value)
S = String
C = Character
B = Boolean
F = Floating Point Number

Boolean Values

Y = Yes
N = No

Other

* = required user supplied field
+ = required if associated feature enabled
x = assigned by server – can be customized

Parameter Type Default Description
City S * required
County S * required
State S * required
BpqPath S x Path to folder where BPQ resides
AnemometerHeight V 0 Height of anemometer above ground
SetClock B N Synchronize clock with ID-5001
NwsDecoder B N NOAA Encoder installed (Y/N)
DefaultTimeOut V 10 Timeout in minutes for connects
AutoDefault S x Default commands sent on Auto Channel
EnableNet B N Networking on/off
LimitLocal B N Limit forwarding to local data only
PlayChime B Y Play cuckoo at top of hour
PlayEvent B N Play alert if error/event logged
ClockOnUtc B N CPU clock is on UTC
UseQrz B N Use the QRZ CD-ROM database
QrzPath S D: Path to QRZ database or CDROM drive letter
MasterClock B N This server is a master clock
SlaveClock B N Server’s clock will by sync’d with master
MasterCall S + Call (no SSID) of master server
NodeDataTTL V 48 Hours before window closes on old data
DataOld V 60 Time in minutes before data marked out-of-date
XchgHoldTime V 30 Seconds net xchg window open before close
HelpThreshold V 5 Number of bad cmds that forces user help on
PressureInMb B N Display pressure in millibars
DisplayTime V 60 Seconds a display window will remain open
OpenConnects B N Connect list window will open at startup
LogConnects B Y Logs connects to CONNECTS.LOG
SendTrivia B Y Trivia message will be sent to user
PrinterPort V 1 LPT1
PrintJobTimeOut V 5 Timeout in minutes for off-line/error
SmallDefaultWin B Y Default node window will be small
SmallLocalWin B N Default local node window size is small
ShowNetConnects B N Show net connects in connect window
LogEvents B Y Log events to the system log
MaxLogFileSize V 500000 maximum event log size
AutoReboot B N Automatically reboot server
RebootDay V 5 Friday (see detail below)
RebootHour V 4 4 AM
RebootMinute V 51 Auto reboot server: Fri 04:51 AM
CorrectForDst B Y Correct for daylight savings time
MaxHops V 10 Max number of times to forward
ShowMaxHops B N Show hop count in node window
LimitPropagation B N Limit propagation of node to 'MaxHops'
CreateCsv B N Enable CSV Generator
CsvPath S x Path and filename of CSV generated file
CsvFormat S +* field labels for one line in CSV file
EnableDataAlarm B Y Enable data alarm
AlarmWindGust V 50 alarm wind gust threshold
AlarmWindAvg V 40 alarm wind average threshold
AlarmPrecip F 1.00 alarm precip rate threshold
AlarmEmp V 200 alarm EMP hits/5 min threshold
SendAlarmData B N if alarm, force network session/broadcast of data
AlarmNode S * target file(.net) if 'SendAlarmData' enabled
EnableAprs B N Enable APRS® functionality
AprsFromCall S +* same as PORTCALL in BPQCFG.TXT - required
AprsPort V +* same as PORT in BPQCFG.TXT - required
AprsToCall S APRS Change only as discussed below.
AprsDigi S RELAY APRS® digipeater path
AprsText S * Text appended to postion broadcast
AprsTextInterval V 20 minutes between position broadcasts
AprsLatitude F * overrides USGS position for your QTH
AprsLongitude F * overrides USGS position for your QTH
AprsDelayThreshold V 0 experimental - see APRS page for info
ExchangeAprs B N exchange APRS® data over connected network

APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga

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Tips

The following is a more detailed description of each, if required.  To make it easier to use, the parameters are grouped by function.  Parameter names are case in-sensitive.  Parameters must be followed by a space, the equal sign, a space, and then the value.

The miscellaenous group is at the end.

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QTH

City, County and State have no defaults and must be supplied by the user.

Parameter Type Default
City STRING *
County STRING *
State STRING *

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Clock Functions

Enable/disable cuckoo at top of hour. Entry of ‘N’ disables.  This can also be temporarily disabled under the System menu.

Parameter Type Default
PlayChime BOOLEAN Y

Computer clock is on UTC.  Used for time correction in program.  Set to ‘Y’ if computer clock is on UTC.

Parameter Type Default
ClockOnUtc BOOLEAN N

If the weather station used is the ID-5001, this entry can be added and set to ‘Y’.  This will enable synchronizing the computer’s internal clock from the ID-5001 clock.  Typically, this provides a more accurate time base for the system.

Parameter Type Default
SetClock BOOLEAN N

The default for this option is to correct for daylight savings time when appropriate.  Note that if your system clock is on UTC, the setting should remain set to 'Y' regardless.

Parameter Type Default
CorrectForDst BOOLEAN Y

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Remote Time Synchronization

This server is a master clock.  Use this server as a time source to synchronize other servers that are flagged as slaves.  Allows synchronizing clocks at remote nodes.  Set to ‘Y’ to enable.

Parameter Type Default
MasterClock BOOLEAN N

Server’s clock will by synchronized with a designated master.  Clock will be set if there is more than five minutes difference between the clocks of the two machines.   Set to ‘Y’ to enable.  Requires setting the ‘MasterCall’ parameter.

Parameter Type Default
SlaveClock BOOLEAN N

Callsign of connecting server that is the master clock.  Do not use SSID or function will fail.  Only needs to be set if ‘SlaveClock’ parameter is set to ‘Y’.

Parameter Type Default
MasterCall STRING must be set by user if SlaveClock = Y

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Counters/Timers

Timeout in minutes for connects can be changed by using this parameter and setting a different value.  Forces a disconnect after no activity for time specified.

Parameter Type Default
DefaultTimeOut NUMBER 10

Number of seconds a window remains open.  This applies to all archive data windows, the Status and About window.  Does not apply to Node Data windows or the Connect List window.

Parameter Type Default
DisplayTime NUMBER 60

Hours before node window closes on old data.  If set to zero, window never closes.

Parameter Type Default
NodeDataTTL NUMBER 12

Number of minutes before data is considered old. Exceeding this value causes DTG in large window to turn red. If the small window is used, a red ‘!’ will appear next to the entry at the top of the window.  The default value should work in most cases.  Increase this value if you are networked and receiving nodes indirectly through an adjacent node.

Parameter Type Default
DataOld NUMBER 60

Number of seconds a net exchange window will stay open before closing.  Allows the sysop a period of time to view the status of the exchange.

Parameter Type Default
XchgHoldTime NUMBER 30

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Network - for a complete discussion, see the pages on Networking.

Enable/disable networking using the connected mode.  Must be present and set to ‘Y’ if the server will be networked with other servers.  Networking requires script files in .\NET directory to function.

Parameter Type Default
EnableNet BOOLEAN N

If set to 'y', limits outgoing network connections to sending only local data and then disconnecting. Does not affect incoming connections. Conserves channel bandwidth if the server is an endpoint in the network and there is no need for timely updates.

Parameter Type Default
LimitLocal BOOLEAN N

When turned on, will limit the propagation of nodes through this server. That is, when MaxHops is decremented and reaches zero, the node will not be forwarded.

Parameter Type Default
LimitPropagation BOOLEAN N

If LimitPropagation is set to 'y', this node's data will forward through the number of nodes specified in this parameter.  As the data is forwarded, each node in the chain will decrement the count.  When the count reaches zero, the node will no longer be propagated.

Parameter Type Default
MaxHops NUMBER 10

When this parameter is enabled, the current node count will be displayed in the large data windows to the right of the AFOS identifier in the upper LH quadrant.

Parameter Type Default
ShowMaxHops BOOLEAN N

If this parameter is enabled, APRS® nodes will be sent over a connected network exchange. Note that when disabled, the setting will override the protocol version specified in a network script.

Parameter Type Default
ExchangeAprs BOOLEAN N

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QRZ

Enable/disable the QRZ CD-ROM database feature.  If enabled (‘Y’), new users will automatically have their user profile filled from data in the QRZ CD-ROM and the geographic database. If running APRS®, this (or an entry in APRSQTH.INI) is needed to resolve the location of an APRS® station.

Parameter Type Default
UseQrz BOOLEAN N

Either a drive letter or complete path to the QRZ database must be supplied. If only entering a drive, a single letter will do. This differs from previous releases in that the path can be specified. Due to the spin-up time of many so-called "high-speed" CDROMs, this option was added to permit loading the callbook data and index files onto a hard drive. If the complete path is used, it must point to the directory where the database and index files are stored. The files needed are in the "\callbk" directory on the CDROM. The "GIF" directory within "\callbk" is not needed. At this time, the only files required are "callbkc.idx" and "callbkc.dat". The second file is pointed to by the first (index) file, so if things don't work, just copy all the "idx" and "dat" files. If using the CDROM, only the drive letter needs to be entered.

Parameter Type Default
QrzPath STRING D:

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Printer

Sets the printer port that will be used by the server’s print thread. 1=LPT1, 2=LPT2, 3=LPT3.

Parameter Type Default
PrinterPort NUMBER 1

Timeout in minutes for off-line or other error condition.  If the condition is not resolved by the end of the timeout period, the print job will abort.

Parameter Type Default
PrintJobTimeOut NUMBER 5

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Default Window Types

The default window style for nodes is small (key data only).  If there are many nodes, the screen can be difficult to navigate.  Changing the option will allow displaying full data for a network node.  This is the same data screen that is shown for the local node.  The window size can still be toggled with CTL-F4 or clicking on the button in the ULH corner of the window.

Parameter Type Default
SmallDefaultWin BOOLEAN Y

The default window style for the local node is large (all data). This option changes the default local node window to small where only a minimum of data is displayed. The window size can still be toggled with CTL-F4 or clicking on the button in the ULH corner of the window.

Parameter Type Default
SmallLocalWin BOOLEAN N

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Logging

If set to ‘Y’, the Connect List window will open at startup.  Otherwise, it must be manually opened through the appropriate menu command.

Parameter Type Default
OpenConnects BOOLEAN N

Connects are logged to the file CONNECTS.LOG when the connection closes.  To disable, create the entry and set to ‘N’.

Parameter Type Default
LogConnects BOOLEAN Y

Show net connects in connect window.  Nodes that connect and exchange data with the host will be posted to this window on disconnect.  Set option to ‘Y’ to enable.  Otherwise, only auto and command channel users will be posted.

Parameter Type Default
ShowNetConnects BOOLEAN N

Log events to the system log, <system.log>.  Set to ‘N’ to disable.

Parameter Type Default
LogEvents BOOLEAN Y

Maximum event log size in KB.  Controls size of both the permanent <system.log> and temporary <temp.log>.  When that size is reached, no further log entries will be made.

Parameter Type Default
MaxLogFileSize NUMBER 500000

Enable/disable sounding an audible alert if an event/error occurs. Entry of ‘Y’ enables.

Parameter Type Default
PlayEvent BOOLEAN N

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Automatic Reboot of Server

Automatically reboot server.  Used for machines in remote locations to insure a working system.  Some memory, over time, tends to become corrupted.  Rebooting once a week seems to solve this problem.  All files and connections are closed before rebooting.  Anyone connected to the server is disconnected prior to the reboot.   The day, hour and minute can be set by the parameters ‘RebootDay’, ‘RebootHour’, and ‘RebootMinute’.  The default is Friday at 4:51 AM local time.  Will not work with Windows 95.

Parameter Type Default
AutoReboot BOOLEAN N

Reboot day.  Default is Friday.  Other days are: Sunday=0, Monday=1, Tuesday=2, Wednesday=3, Thursday=4, Friday=5, Saturday=6

Parameter Type Default
RebootDay NUMBER 5

Reboot hour.  Default is 4 AM.  Valid hours are 00 through 23. PM times require adding 12 to the hour.   For example, 5PM is 5 + 12 = 17.

Parameter Type Default
RebootHour NUMBER 4

Reboot minute.  Default is 51.  Valid minutes are 00 through 59.

Parameter Type Default
RebootMinute NUMBER 51

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CSV Generator - for complete information, see the section on the CSV Generator

Enable the CSV Generator.

Parameter Type Default
CreateCsv BOOLEAN N

This parameter only needs to be changed if you want a different name and/or use a different path for the server generated file.

Parameter Type Default
CsvPath String x

This parameter holds the token labels for the fields that will be written to the CSV file.  The format supports multiple entries of this parameter to allow multiple lines in the CSV file.

Parameter Type Default
CsvFormat STRING *

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Data Alarm - for a complete discussion, see the Data Alarm page.

By default, data alarms are enabled.  To disable, put this entry in the INI file and set it equal to 'N'.

Parameter Type Default
EnableDataAlarm BOOLEAN Y

Sets the wind gust threshold that kicks the data alarm into the active mode.

Parameter Type Default
AlarmWindGust NUMBER 50

Sets the wind average threshold that kicks the data alarm into the active mode.

Parameter Type Default
AlarmWindAvg NUMBER 40

Sets the hourly precipitation rate that kicks the data alarm into the active mode.   Note this applies to instantaneous as well as hourly rates.

Parameter Type Default
AlarmPrecip FLOAT 1.00

Sets the five minute EMP hit count that activates the data alarm.

Parameter Type Default
AlarmEmp NUMBER 200

If you wish to send local data to another node or force an APRS® broadcast when the event occurs, this parameter must be set to 'Y'.

Parameter Type Default
SendAlarmData BOOLEAN N

If the previous parameter is set to 'y' and you wish to send data to a designated node, this parameter must contain the file name (less the .NET extension) of the network script to use for the forwarding operation. Note that in this mode, only the current dataset is sent from this node. No other data exchanges take place. For example, if 'AlarmNode=EVVWXN', the server will forward the current dataset to the node given in EVVWXN.NET.

Parameter Type Default
AlarmNode STRING *

Also see 'ExchangeAprs' under network.

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APRS®

The first three parameters are required for minimum functionality. The last two parameters may be required in some situations.

Enables the APRS® functions on the server.   Set to ‘Y’ to enable.  Requires setting  ‘AprsFromCall' and 'AprsPort’ parameters that follow. If 'AprsFromCall' or 'AprsPort' are not set appropriately, the parameter will be set at startup to 'n' regardless of the actual setting.

Parameter Type Default
EnableAprs BOOLEAN N

The callsign that other APRS® stations will see when the server transmits a weather packet. Must be the same as PORTCALL in the PORT definition section in the BPQ configuration file. Failing to set this parameter has the effect of setting 'EnableAprs=n'. Must be set.

Parameter Type Default
AprsFromCall STRING *

The port number that was defined for APRS® in the PORT definition section in the BPQ configuration file. Must be configured to an active port. The default value of zero has the effect of setting 'EnableAprs=n'.

Parameter Type Default
AprsPort NUMBER 0

The current default setting is "APRS". When future releases of other APRS® software reflect the addition of my code to the list, using "VERSION" (all caps) will reflect the version of this software you are running. Changing this to anything else may result on your station not showing up on other APRS® systems. In other words, do not change unless there is a very good reason to do so.

Parameter Type Default
AprsToCall STRING APRS

The default setting is 'RELAY'.  This may need to be changed to fit your local situation. If more than one digipeater is specified, separate entries with commas. Can be temporarily changed in the Network menu while the program is running.

Parameter Type Default
AprsDigi STRING RELAY

This text is appended to a packet containing position information that is broadcasted periodically at an interval set by 'AprsTextInterval'. See the APRS® page for detailed information on it's use. Can be temporarily changed in the Network menu while the program is running.

Parameter Type Default
AprsText STRING *

Interval in minutes between broadcasts of the 'AprsText'. The default of 20 minutes should be adequate in most cases. Can be temporarily changed in the Network menu while the program is running. Values other than 15, 20, or 30 may produce erratic results.

Parameter Type Default
AprsTextInterval NUMBER 20

Used to control which delay algorithm is used in transmitting position and extended data packets. Value of zero disables feature. See section on APRS® for more information.

Parameter Type Default
AprsDelayThreshold NUMBER 0

Sets the latitutude and longitude as broadcasted by APRS®. Must be set as a pair and true floating point decimal numbers entered. See section on APRS® for example.

Parameter Type Default
AprsLatitude FLOAT USGS coordinates for node QTH
AprsLongitude FLOAT USGS coordinates for node QTH

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Miscellaneous

Path to the directory where BPQCFG.BIN resides.  The server will search for and insert the path to the first instance of this file it finds.  If you have multiple folders with BPQ in them, then it will be necessary to override the automatic setting by making this entry.

Parameter Type Default
BpqPath STRING automatically assigned by startup code

Height in feet above ground for the anemometer assembly.  This number is important to the National Weather Service if you data is used and evaluated by them in times of weather emergencies. If the value of zero (default) is used, it will not be displayed in the large data window.  The field is optional, but should be set.

Parameter Type Default
AnemometerHeight MUMBER 0

If the NOAA watch/warning detector is installed, this switch must be set to ‘Y’.  Note that if it is set to ‘Y’ and no decoder is attached to the serial port, the system may become unstable.

Parameter Type Default
NwsDecoder BOOLEAN N

Default commands sent on Auto Channel can be set with this parameter.  Enter the commands as you would on the command line when connected to the command channel.

Parameter Type Default
AutoDefault STRING tc th tl wc wt pc

Number of bad commands before user help is turned on.  Help is on by default, but the user can turn it off using the UH command.  If the number of bad commands in a session exceeds this number, help will be turned back on regardless of the profile setting.

Parameter Type Default
HelpThreshold NUMBER 5

Causes barometric pressure for this server to be displayed in millibars on the console only.  User connects will be displayed in inches regardless of this setting.

Parameter Type Default
PressureInMb BOOLEAN N

Trivia message will be sent to user.  To disable, create the entry and set to ‘N’.

Parameter Type Default
SendTrivia BOOLEAN Y

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Examples:

City = Evansville
MasterClock = Y
DisplayTime = 120

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