kr5tham wrote:
When working dig modes I see stations send their grid locator followed by a
single number represented in degrees followed by a number represented in
kilometers. What is this and how was it calculated?
Many digital modes programs will either auto detect an IARU locator
(usually in the format IO93if - which is my locator) as it comes in, or
the operator manually enters it into another part of the program. This
is then used, together with the stations own locator information, to
calculate the distance and bearing from the station being worked.
Many programs then allow this data to be entered and sent as part of the
transmitted message. Often referred to as a macro you can set up an
automatic message with tokens that will call up the details and put them
into the message automatically.
If you want details of the IARU Locator, otherwise known as the
Maidenhead locator system, have a look at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhead_Locator_System
If you tell us which program you use for digital modes someone will be
able to tell you if it will do this for you and, if it is possible, how
to set it up.
Dave (G0DJA)
