[TowerTalk] MIL-HDBK-419

Eric Gustafson n7cl@mmsi.com
Wed, 13 Oct 1999 18:17:02 -0700



Hi Y'all,

I have seen the reflector traffic from folks having trouble
getting the document from the DODSSP site.  And I have had a few
direct requests for info about how to get the handbook.

So I revisited the site a few minutes ago.  It has changed a
number of things since I went through this process only a few
weeks ago.

Apparently they are no longer offering the printed matter or the
CD for free.  I can't blame them.  I wouldn't either.  It is a
big document full of very useful information.

However, they still permit the download of the document in .PDF
format.  This distribution mechanism is still free of charge.
And it does not require any registration number to obtain.
Please note that if your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat
.PDF viewer plug-in installed, you will not be able to download
the information.

Here is what I did just a few minutes ago.

1.  Point browser to: <http://dodssp.daps.mil/>

    This is the Department of Defense Single Stock Point for
    Military Specifications, Standards, and Related Publications
    web site.


2.  Look at the left side of the page.  Click on the link titled
    "ASSIST Quick Search!"  This link requires no registered
    account or password.

3.  In the entry panel titled "Document ID" type (or paste) the
    following:

    MIL-HDBK-419

    Do not fill in any other panels or add anything to this one
    other than what is shown here.


4.  Click on the "search" button.  This will return a panel
    showing exactly one (!) record found.


5.  Click on the leftmost icon in the panel (pages with writing)
    to go to the "revision history" panel.

6.  Under the "Media" heading in the leftmost position in the
    revision history panel, click on the "document image" icon
    (Acrobat .PDF file icon).  This action will fire up your
    Acrobat plug-in and begin the handshaking.


7.  In the browser pulldown menu area select "file" and then
    select "save as".  Then configure the save as dialog window
    to put the file where you want it and name it like you want
    it.  Click "OK".


8.  Go get a cup of coffee.  Step 7 is where the file is acutally
    downloaded to your box in its complete form.


Bear in mind that this is a very large document.  It is a 9.8
megabyte file representing two full books totaling 812 pages.
Unfortunately, even havng a direct fiber connection into the net
as we do here at work, isn't going to make the transfer go very
fast.  I typically get about 60KBPS throughput to my desk (1
firewall and at least 3 heavily loaded ethernet subnets back from
the spigot) for downloads which are limited by our access speed.
>From this site I get 43 KBPS average if I wait until after 0000Z
to start the transfer.  So their site is pretty good when not
busied up.  But even at this speed, it will take almost 4 minutes
to get the file.

Be sure your system is set up so that it doesn't generate page
faults, run out of swap space, fail to find room to store it,
etc. before attempting to download a file this size.

If you have trouble, call their help number:

(215) 697-2179

Be prepared to sit on ignore for a fairly long time.  But
persistence is rewarded - eventually.

I hope this is useful.

I already have this file downloaded and printed out.  I will be
going to Kinko's in the next few days and getting them to print
it double sided and bound so that it lays flat when open.  If
that operation works well, and isn't _hugely_ expensive, I'll
report on the costs back here.  If there is interest, I could
probably be persuaded to get a bunch cranked out and made
available at my cost.  _IF_ this happens, it will be a one time
only event.

73, Eric  N7CL

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