Databases
The Cluster has several databases which are kept on-line all the time. Periodically, we add new databases or remove old ones, so you may want to check and see which ones are currently on-line. To do this, just type SHOW/COMMANDS and you will get a listing of which ones are currently on-line. The following represents the ones on-line as of publication of this manual. For detailed instructions on the use of these commands, please see the alphabetical listing in the COMMAND REFERENCE section of this manual (Section 3). Typically, each database has two generic types of SHOW commands:
The first usually results in some general information about the selected database, while the second displays information about a particular item in that database. Some databases are read-only databases, while others may be updated by users using the UPDATE command. Basically, the UPDATE command specifies the database to be updated, what key is to be entered or modified, and what text is to be associated with this key. See the UPDATE command in Section 3 for further information.
SHOW/QSL -- an on-line QSL managers directory. This will search the file to see if we have the QSL manager you're looking for. If we have a direct address or a manager listing, the Cluster responds with the information. This is done through the W6GO QSL Manager's Directory (c) which is maintained on-line. We have facility so that you can update this information by typing UPDATE/QSLNEW. All the update information is posted immediately in addition to being sent to several other nodes. Once a month we forward all of the new data to W6GO for update of his master list, and the data is combined with the updates of over 100 other Clusters and sent back to us two weeks later via telephone modem. This represents an extensive collection of over 20,000 QSL routes.
SHOW/NEWS -- an on-line listing of what is going on currently in the DX world. SH/NEWS GUIDE gets you a list of what countries we have current DX info or rumors on. Following that, you may select which country's news you want, by typing SHOW/NEWS ZA (or some other prefix).
SHOW/NADXNEED -- this is a Countries Need list for North Alabama DX Club members. It is accessible in several different ways -- by member callsign, by country prefix, and by NADXC country number.
SHOW/DEALER -- a comprehensive listing containing information on over 700 different ham-related dealers, including addresses, telephone numbers, 800-numbers, FAX numbers, and a brief description of the product line. This list is accessible by dealer name, telephone area code, state, or by product category. This database is particularly helpful when you are looking for some particular product or service -- like rotator repair, keyers, or DX QTHs.
SHOW/CONTEST -- a database containing a listing of contests by month, brief summaries of the contest rules, information on where to send your scores, and how to find contest results.
SHOW/INFO -- a compilation of information that every DXer needs. This is a very diverse database containing information on ARRL Bureaus, DXCC Field Checking, postage rates, frequency allocations for each band, W1AW operating schedule, coax loss table, Q signals, OSCAR frequencies, currency exchange rates and lots more.
SHOW/HAMCALL -- an on-line Callbook database, containing over 700,000 US listings and those of about 110 foreign countries. This listing is updated semi-annually, and is accessible by callsign.
SHOW/ROSTER -- a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers for each member of the North Alabama DX Club for quick reference.