For normal operation NKCCluster requires at the very minimum user's:
- Call sign
- Name
- QTH
- DX Cluster node parameters (host name, port and password)
These parameters can be set up using the Configuration Wizard. It starts up automatically for every new installation (or an installation where the above parameters haven't been configured). Configuration Wizard can also be started at any time from "Tools" -> "Configuration Wizard" menu. In just 4 simple steps it will get you set up and connected to your favourite DX cluster node.
Step 1 |
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In this step you'll be prompted for your personal information, as you would like to be known to a DX cluster node you'll be connecting to. Enter your respective information in "Call Sign", "Name" and "QTH" fields. If you already know your QTH locator, enter it in the "QTH Locator" field. If you are unsure about your QTH locator and your device has a built-in GPS receiver, touch the GPS icon (right of the "QTH Locator" field) to start the GPS Locator utility. GPS Locator will retrieve your precise location and calculate your QTH locator. You will then be able to save it to the settings. When done, hit the "back" button to return to the Configuration Wizard. When finished, hit the "Next" button (the arrow pointing right) to get you to the next step. |
Step 2 |
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In this step you will need to provide some parameters for a DX Cluster node you're connecting to, such as its call sign, host name or IP adress and port. The easiest way to do this is by using the "Known nodes" list. This list will have been automatically populated using information from DXcluster.info Web site first time you started your NKCCluster. If your node exists in the list, touch it to select it and press the "Back" key to return to the Configuration Wizard.
If your node doesn't exist in the list, hit the "Back" key to return to the Configuration Wizard and enter identical parameters as that you would usually use when using "telnet" or any other DX Cluster client software:
If the node you're connecting to requires password, enter it in the "Password" field. Leave it empty otherwise. When finished, hit the "Next" button (the arrow pointing right) to get you to the next step. |
Step 3 |
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DX spots, as received from your node, contain only respective callsigns and very limited QTH information. Detailed information on DX stations can be found on any popular callbook site (such as hamqth.com, qrz.com etc.). From the pulldown menu select your preferred site. The site you've selected will be used in convenient callsign lookup links (for both the DX and its spotter) in NKCCluster Spot Details window. If you have a hamqth.com username and password, you can enter them in "XML access username" and "XML access password" fields respectively. NKCCluster will in this case use the callbook site XML API to access the callsign information programatically and will use it for azimuth/distance calculation etc. Using the XML access will also minimise the network traffic required for looking up a station's call sign. When finished, hit the "Next" button (the arrow pointing right) to get you to the next step. |
Step 4 |
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You're almost done! Click the "Next" button (the arrow pointing right) to save your information. Configuration Wizard will close and you'll be presented with the main (spots) NKCCluster window. NKCCluster will try to connect to the node you've configured it with and (if successful) start displaying the received spots. |
