[Nodxa] HOw to use "telnet" access to dxclusters

[Glenn Williams]

Hi,

I am somewhat nervous about sending out this email.  Some people hate 
long emails.  If you don't want instructions on how to use the "Internet 
Cluster"  go ahead and delete this email now and accept my apologies for 
sending this email.

For anyone who doesn't want to tangle into a lot of details, you can go 
to the Internet in a browser, and search for "dxsummit.fi".   DXSUMMIT 
is another way to view cluster information and you won't need telnet at 
all to use DXSUMMIT.  So you can delete this email if you are not 
interested in using  the Command Prompt window command "telnet".

The reason for this somewhat delayed (for editing!) email is because on 
a recent NODXA net there was a discussion on how to receive live  DX 
status by using TELNET  (pronounced TELL NET) to access the "Internet 
Cluster" in a Command Prompt window..  It is not generally obvious how 
to set up Telnet as a permanent Windows feature. That's what this is 
about.  Telnet is NOT used with a browser!!!

   Otherwise, here we go...

----------

To install Telnet for Windows 7 or Vista:

     Click *Start*, and then click *Control Panel*.
     From the Control Panel window, click *Programs And Features*.

     Click *Turn Windows features on or off*.

         In the sub-window that opens, go down the list and click a 
check mark by "*Telnet Client*".

         Do not mess with other check boxes!!!

         Click OK,

     Click OK and then close out those windows.  Go to "Ready?" below to 
see how to use the Internet Cluster services.

----------

To Install Telnet on Windows 10:

(These instructions assume all versions of WIndow 10 work the same.)

*RIGHT CLICK* the Windows 10 Start  symbol, NOT Left Click.

         In the panel that opens, go up to the top line and *LEFT* CLICK 
"*Apps and feature**s*"
         On the *right hand panel* slide down to the bottom and *LEFT* 
CLICK "*Programs and Features*"
         On the *upper left* in small print click "*Turn Windows 
features on or off*" (near the shield icon)

         In the sub-window that opens, go down the list and click a 
check mark by "*Telnet Client*".

         Do not mess with other check boxes!!!

         Click OK,

     Click OK and then close out those windows.  Go to "Ready?" below to 
see how to use the Internet Cluster services.

===========

READY?

  The "*telnet*" command should now be available in a COMMAND PROMPT 
window (find Command Prompt with START->Programs->Accessories ).

The first time you use telnet try it out by typing in the Command Prompt 
window "telnet /?" and you should get a list of telnet options.  IF you 
do not have telnet enabled, you will get an error message instead.

When you have telnet available you can connect to most any active 
cluster in this list:

   < https://www.dxcluster.info/telnet/index.php >

It lists most of the worldwide clusters available, though some addresses 
may be going to the dead letter box.  Good examples of how to connect to 
one of them in the U.S. are these examples:

telnet w3lpl.net

telnet k8az.no-ip.com

telnet k3lr.no-ip.com

telnet n8dxe.dxengineering.com

You will be prompted to enter your call sign, and perhaps some QTH 
information so that later on you can ask the cluster for DX beam 
headings. (Really!)

The command "HELP"  will get you started.

After that there are differences in the way different versions of 
cluster software work in any of the URLs above. I prefer to use version 
AR-Cluster 4.4.26 which is running on w3lpl.net and 
n8dxe.dxengineering.com .

When you are in a cluster try typing the command "HELP"  to get started 
on what to type for commands.

The command  "*show dx*" is a good one to try out, to see how to get a 
list of the most recent spots.

If you don't type anything, the cluster should show you live spots as 
they happen.  Wait a few minutes to see how that goes.

There are commands to filter by band or other criteria.  I am currently 
using w3lpl.net to show only 160m spots, using filters.

Merciful End. !!     At this point  I can't keep going with this email.

=========

--73, Glenn, AF8C






-- 
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus