[UK-CONTEST] VHF Locator Map utility - anything available ?

[Robert Chipperfield]

Hi Tim,

I can't help with the Minos end of it, but I do have a small bit of code 
that will generate KML from a MySQL database of locators and feed that 
to Google Earth.

At the moment it means running a local web server (it's a PHP script, 
I'm afraid...), as my very brief look at the KML spec didn't show any 
obvious way of getting auto-refresh working unless the content comes via 
HTTP with the associated "Expires:" header set. (If anyone else is aware 
of how to do so, by the way, I'd appreciate a pointer in the right 
direction!).

I have found that Earth is occasionally a bit lazy in redrawing: my KML 
file consists of polygons filled either red or green for the 4-digit 
locator squares, and "point of interest" marks for each station worked. 
However, sometimes some or all of the POIs don't get plotted until it 
refreshes. Again, I've not had chance to look further.

If that sounds helpful, drop me an email off-list and I'll fire it your way.

(Insert usual statements about not being responsible if said code causes 
your computer to burst into flames, and taking no responsibility for 
just how rubbish it is - I knocked it up in about 30 mins pre-contest!)

Cheers,
Rob, M0VFC

On 26/01/2011 13:04, Tim Hugill wrote:
> I wonder if someone can help ... the answer maybe "Yes Thanks, Write Your
> Own Software".
> However, there's no harm in asking !
>
> I'm looking for a PC utility that maps Locator Squares at square-level
> during a live VHF contest.
> I guess it would probably act as an interface between Minos and Google
> Earth, and would display "Worked" and "Not-Worked" squares for easy
> cross-checking.
>
> Is anything freely available that I haven't heard of, or have I got to go
> learn KML ?
>
> Thanks
> Tim
> G4FJK
>
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