ChromaPIX Version 1.5 ReadMe File --------------------------------- Jim Barber N7CXI (N7CXI@siliconpixels.com) William Montgomery VE3EC (William.Montgomery@cciw.ca) www.siliconpixels.com Last Changed 28-JAN-01 Welcome to the ChromaPIX Slow Scan TV Workstation Beta release. ChromaPIX is a brand new 'workstation' approach to SSTV. ChromaPIX is a full 32 bit Windows95 or WindowsNT 4 application that couples multiple front panels to a 'virtual' SSTV engine based on state of the art DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology. The DSP engine can process SSTV images at near the theoretical limits of the SSTV signal specifications. The front panel user interfaces provids a sophisticated workshop for image composition and processing. System Highlights ----------------- DSP VM (virtual machine) -Analog signal detection provides superior performance over 'hard-limited' FM detectors by permitting sub-cycle frequency recovery. -Adjustable digital filters allow you to taylor the VM to meet signal environment variations. -DSP VM runs at all times to provide detector spectral display, tuning meter display, and receive autostart based VIS or sync recovery. User Interface -Multiple front panels allow access to the VM. Use one panel to receive or transmit images while loading, compositing, or saving images on other panels. -Most image operations are based on fast drag and drop or 'single click' operations. All controls can be rapidly accessed using powerful tab function panels. -Image processing functions include adjustment of brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and sharpness. Additional median and average filters quickly remove noise from received images. -Paint operations include most common functions as well as advanced drop shadows and realistically rendered image frames. -A full toolbox of special effects controls is also included. -Disk storage of images is handled by a thumbnail tray which provides small preview images of files on your disk as well as instant drag and drop access to your favorite directories. Load time effects make adding borders and drop shadows painless. An integrated slide show allows you to easily display your image collection. System Requirements ------------------- o Pentium 90 or above. o 16 mb RAM o TrueColor video card (16, 24, or 32 bit display) o 16 bit, crystal controlled soundcard, with appropraite driver software o Windows 95, or Windows NT 4.0 (SP3) A Word About Screen Font Settings --------------------------------- It is strongly suggested that you run Windows with your display settings set to use 'small fonts'. If you have trouble reading 'small fonts' a much better solution is to lower the screen resolution. ie instead of 1024 X 768 on a 15" monitor you might try 800 X 600. If you use 'large fonts' windows will scale up all of the screen elements including all controls and image boxes on the screen to accomodate the larger fonts. Unfortunatly 'fixed elements' such as actual bitmaps (SSTV pictures) will not be scaled up as it is important to maintain their original 'pixel' sizes. The effect of this is that you will end up with large forms on your screen and waste precious screen area. By using 'small fonts', controls become more compact and more screen area is available for real work. Bug Reports ----------- If you find a problem with ChromaPIX please document how the problem can be observed and email a report to the addresses above. Please include a full description of your computer system (mem, cpu, speed etc) along with the bug report. Please keep an eye on the web page (www.siliconpixels.com) for any updates - your 'bug' may have been already corrected in an newer release. Registration (All prices in US dollars) ------------ -------------------------- Email registration: $120 Media shipment (CD): $ 10 Replacement/update: $ 15 Registered W95SSTV and Robot Helper users are eligible for a 30% discount when they register ChromaPIX, making the cost to those users $84. Unfortunately, we cannot discount media shipments, if they are requested. ChromaPIX is also available through Silicon Pixels agents and distributors. Please check on our web site at http://www.siliconpixels.com for a list of our current dealers. On-Line Store ------------- Secure On-line product registration is also available through Kagi at: http://order.kagi.com/?QLW Authorized Silicon Pixels Agents and Distributors ------------------------------------------------- USA and worldwide Jim Barber, N7CXI P.O. Box 579 Selah, WA 98942 USA Email: n7cxi@siliconpixels.com Web: www.siliconpixels.com Japan Fusanori Koide, JG1VEM 5-4-26, Kyonan-cho, Musashino-City, Tokyo, 180-0023 JAPAN Email: jg1vem@ktx.or.jp United Kingdom Roger Wilkins, G3XFA 50, Brookside, BARNWELL, Peterborough, PE8 5PS UK Email: RTWilkins@compuserve.com Notes ===== Unregistered copies of ChromaPIX are fully functional but will only run for 30 minutes per session. For a 'quick-start' guide please read CPIX101.txt ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ Summary of Keyboard Shortcut Keys ================================= S Standby A Auto Receive R Receive T Transmit Y Re-sync Receive [space] Toggle Mini-Monitor View M Enter Text Message Window + Increase Text Font Size while drawing - Decrease Text Font Size while drawing F Open the FXText Window Z Zoom image display to 640 X 496 (toggles) cntl-c Copy Selection to Clipboard cntl-V Paste Clipboard to Selection cntl-z Undo Last Operation cntl-o Load Image File cntl-s Save Image to File F1 Open CPIX Help ........................................................................................ Repeater Notes: -designed for 'quiet' bands. ie 10 , 6 VHF & UHF -standard access tone detector can be triggered by QRM -check local regulations to see if SSTV repeater operation is legal. Any CPIX station can be put used as a repeater by checking the 'Repeater Enable' checkbox on Options tab 3 (right side) and placing the SSTV engine in 'Auto Receive' mode. To turn off repeater operation uncheck the the 'Repeater Enable' checkbox. Repeater operation (modes) Listen Mode: -any valid SSTV picture will be received and will replace the last image received. The received picture will not be repeated. Query Mode: -if a valid repeater trigger tone is detected (1.5 seconds minimum of 1750 Hz) the repeater will send back a CW 'K'. After a 10 second delay and if no SSTV signal is received during that time the repeater will transmit the last image received in the mode that it was received in. Store and Resend Mode: -if a valid repeater trigger tone is detected (1.5 seconds minimum of 1750 Hz) the repeater will send back a CW 'K'. If within the next 10 seconds a valid SSTV signal is detected, the image will be received by the repeater. After a 10 second delay at the end of the received image, the repeater will resend that image in the mode that it was received. ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ Inernet Backchannel Notes ========================= ( New in version 1.5 ) 17-OCT-00 The Internet Backchannel panel can be used to connect two CPIX workstations over the Internet so that they may exchange pictures and messages. Standard Windows TCP sockets are used to tranfer commands and data. If a machine is behind a proxy server such as WinGate then the system must be set up to pass socket connections, typically through the use of a TCP stack 'shim' such as WinGate Internet Client (WGIC) and Winsock Redirector Protocol (WRP). Remote systems then must connect to the IP address of the proxy server rather than the (Intranet) address of the CPIX workstation. The INetBC control interface is accessed by pressing the [Show] button on the bottom of CPIX tab 3. Normally both stations would start off in the 'Listen' mode (listen for any connections). One station would then enter the IP address of the other station and press the [Connect] button. If the other station is reachable the 'Connected' LED will illuminate. To send short (chat) messages just enter the text in the box beside the [Send Text] button and press the [Send Text] button (or hit ). To send a picture drag an image from any CPIX main window onto the area above the In/Out tray on the INetBC panel, then press the [Send Image] button. At the receiving end the received image icon can then be dragged and dropped on any main CPIX image window to display the image ( CPIX 'load effects' also work when dropping internet transferred images) Note: If your Internet connection is via a dial in line then you must bring the connection up before attempting to connect with the INetBC system. ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................ Revision History: ----------------- 20-DEC-97 -initial (private) beta 0.90.00.00 23-DEC-97 -public beta 0.90.01.00 27-DEC-97 -0.90.02 - fix for invalid OCX-DLL version check under non-US/British versions of Windows 95. '30-JAN-98 -changed 'LargeChange' from 10 to 9 for correct thumbnail scrolling opperation. ' -changed paste menu so that the 'default' paste operation ' now pastes into any selection or full screen. The 'other' paste ' option is now 'live paste' which allows dynamic positioning. ' '6-FEB-98 -version .90.05A ' -DoEvents removed from (grid) scroll and Form.Activate. This should 'fix' ' cascading scrolls of thumbnails ' -Edit menu 'Paste' and 'Live Paste' added to clarify paste actions ' -for History and Autosave to 'keep' an image the last line received ' must have been greater than line 190 ' -Spectral display trace color and style now saved and set properly. ' -Load into header and under header now work when dragging between ' GUIs with no selection is active in either GUI. Selections overide ' these load effects. ' -Load into header and under header now work for clipboard pastes. ' -Paste operations now support clipping and scale to fit load effects. ' -fixed font problem when startup restored font was from the 'Symbol' family. ' -If two different images are saved with the same file name but different ' extention then the thumbnail will be generated on each save. The thumbnail ' will therefore match the last file saved with that name. ' -saving an image using an existing file name will force the current file ' to be deleted before the save. This shouldn't be necessary but might fix ' reported problems with occasional page faults during this operation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 98 Version 0.92.00 Changes -High Resolution modes support added -fixed color swatches problem -increased frame 'max' size -added keyboard shortcuts for VM main controls (S,A,R,T) -fixed autoscaling when using 'Large Fonts' -fixed problem where autosaved images would sometimes be Blank (black) -added support for scrolling Lead control for hi-res support on 640x480 and 800x600 screens. -menu load/save image commands -user selected headers added -selectable 'caller ID' OR callsign tag on image (solid or transparent background) -added big colored LEDs to main modes buttons -copy and paste buttons added -updated zoom and clear buttons -fixed bug that could occure with thumbnail grid when deleted images caused the scroll bar to be hidden. (invalid array index) -fixes to user callsign banner display (for scrolled image) -TX cursor changes (for scrolled image) -fixed save routine for VIS Sensitivity and Sharpness to properly handle empty reg keys vs '0' saved values. -added tone generators for 1200,1500,1750, and 1900 Hz -added drag'n drop from Windows Explorer or ACDSee (or similar browser, Does not support Paint Shop Pro 4) -added pref for startup mode ( RX or Auto-RX ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 98 Version 0.94.00 Changes -Support for 2 byte fonts added (Japan) <== Cool! -AVT 24, 90, and 94 modes added <== Cool! -Post-Rx image slant correction slider added <== Cool! -Visual Rx clock calibrate control added <== Cool! -Sync lock range adjust slider added -Optional file date display with name -Four multi line text messages added to painter -Auto recovery from GDI resources exhausted error. -Post-Rx caller ID by left clicking [?] (file info well) -Caller ID detection improved -Rx LED now blinks when sync locked in 'sync pulse' sstv modes -Bugs fixed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July/August/September 98 Version 0.95.11 Changes -Lower GDI resource usage now permits 4 GUIs under Windows 95 -Autosave button state saved and restored for GUI 0 -Autosave directory now selectable -Autosave shutoff on disk almost full -Mini-Monitor window added o Double click active image to minimize and display mini-monitor. Double click on mini-monitor to restore GUI. o Use space-bar to minimize all GUIs and display mini-monitor, use space-bar again to restore GUIs and hide mini-monitor o Move mini-monitor by dragging and resize it by dragging the border corner. o Green mini-monitor border indicates RX active. o Use keyboard shortcuts to control the VM even when the GUI is minimized as long as mini-monitor has focus. (S=Standby, A=AutoRx, R=Receive, [Space]=min-max GUIs) -Quad Load 'Load Effects' button added. Drag thumbnail or RX thumbnail to image quadrant to load or double click to load into next quadrant. Also works from clipboard pastes and file loads. -Painter Tools now 'stick' if you right click on then. -Test patterns added for Color Bars, Grey Scale, Resolution and Linearity. Color Bars and Grey Scale can work with selection rectangles. -New SSTV preference added to allow for clearing the screen to black whenever a new image starts being received. -Rx Clock range increased to 7600-8400 Hz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September/October 98 Version 0.95.12 Changes -Fixed change directory 'double dialog' bug which occured on some systems when clicking the change directory button or when double clicking on a thumbnail tab. -Corrected 'Tool Tips' for new test pattern buttons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October/November 98 Version 0.95.14 Changes -Added Call and Date stamp to bottom of image on TX (Option) -Added 'M' keyboard shortcut that brings up the text entry dialog for rapid text entry. -Added '+' and '-' keyboard shortcuts to change text size while drawing text (live!) Version 0.95.18 Changes -Thumbnail tray will now attempt to restore the scroll position after a file save or delete. -Sync lockin range reduced to +/- 150 Hz to avoid AFC pull due to video leakage into the sync passband. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 98 Version 0.96.00 Changes -DSP kernel replaced with 'GEN-3' version (now samples at 11,025 hz) Provides compatibility with more sound cards, and offers performance enhancements. -Highpass filter option added to support new 'super resolution' feature in 'fast' SSTV modes, such as Scottie 2, Martin 2, Robot 36, etc. (Great for MIR pictures!) -Video For Windows module added (CCAP.EXE) -TWAIN interface improved, and moved to seperate module (CSCAN.EXE) -Minor cosmetic changes (tooltip fixes, etc) Version 0.96.02 Changes -Repeater Tone TX button added -CW ID option added -Minor cosmetic changes Version .96.05 Changes -Added prefs for selecting callsign and time options for TX ID stamp -TX Time/Date are now affected by the UTC/Local time preference setting -Expanded range of RX clock values to handle 10,900 Hz to 11,150 Hz (some low cost sound cards require this much range) Version .96.06 Changes 3-JAN-99 -Added support for 'narrow' BP filter. This is a 199 tap 'super sharp' SSTV bandpass filter that will block 'just about all' out-of-band QRM. It does however require extra CPU power. If the CPU load level exceeds 70% then the system will automatically revert to the 'standard' bandpass filter. Version .96.09 Changes 9-JAN-99 -Added option of not generating thumbnail preview files (.PRE) -Added AVT header decoder status messages. -GUI/VM shutdown improved Version .96.15 Changes 12-JAN-99 (version slid up to match JA web W.J.M.) -default audio filter (first run) changed to 'Bandpass'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 99 Version .96.30 -corrected tool tips for spectral trace colors -nailed down Lead during full duplex TX ops -added repeater tone button to experimental tab -added bottom-left or bottom-right justification of TX stamp text (time/date/call) as some European repeaters also stamp in the lower left. Version .96.31 -Changed DisableModeChange to lock out SSTV mode changes on 'all' GUIs Version .96.33 -added receive cursors -added CW ID to full duplex TX if selected Version .96.34 -changed history buttons to PictureBoxes and corrected drag and drop 'glitches'. History buttons now obey 'quad load' if double clicked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ June 99 Version .97.00 -New VM supports PD & FAX 480 modes Version .97.02 -corrected 'bug' that could bring down CPIX if the form attempted to resize as a result of a mode change during Rx start when the active VM window was minimized and the mini-monitor was displayed. -added code to take us out of Auto-RX mode before displaying modal text dialogs in the painter. (Mode is restored after dialogs exit) Version .97.04 -cleaned up mode change enable-disable logic for full duplex operation -improved lockouts between GUIs for full duplex Tx as well a repeater tone buttons. (should be more 'bomb proof' now. -When in RX the mode change box is no longer disabled. If you change the mode when receiving the VM will be forced to 'Standby' and then back to 'Receive' once the VM has been set up for the now mode. Version .97.07 -added TX slide show of current image tray. Note: If a selection rectangle is active then the images will be scaled to fit before TX starts. Also border and drop shadow load effects will work if selected. -moved 'experimental' tab to the VM controls side. Version .97.08 -fixed left click on image info well during TX crash problem -fixed crash problem when exiting application during transmitting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ July 99 Version .97.09 -added Autosave name options. You can now select the autosave name generation method in the Preferences dialog. The original autosave name scheme is supported as well as a long date + time format, a date + index format, and a user defined name ('prefix') + index format. The index number start value can also be directly set to between 0 and 9999. Version .97.10 -added startup code to display a dialog to allow the user to specify if cpix was running on a NEC PC9821 machine. If it is then bitmap animations (wipes) are disabled due to a conflict with the NEC video driver. The dialog is only displayed once. Version .97.12 -added pref for having the SSTV mode on all GUIs change when the mode on any GUI changed due to user selection or received image. The 'default' condition is to not have the GUIs track SSTV mode changes. The mode on other GUIs will not change if they are actively receiving, transmitting, or FDX TXing. Note: 'Lock RX Mode' (checkbox) still works to override any receive generated changes. Version .97.13 -corrected autosave 'bug' that could cause errors under NT when saving to a disk with lots of free space. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ August 99 Version .97.14 -corrected bug where first 'manual RX' would bring the program down with an 'invalid SSTV mode' error. Version .97.18 -Repeater functions added Version .97.19 -OCX updated Version .97.20 -minor tone tx handler changes Version .97.21 -added load/save image file type filter index persistance. Version .97.22 -added FAX480 header detector messages for new OCX -corrected minor printing problem - (blank page being added) Version .97.23 -fixed image cropping bug that could occure after a full duplex tx. -added support for resizing the CPIX GUIs if the user changes the Window's desktop size. Any CPIX operation will be halted before resizing. If there was an 'Active VM' GUI before resizing then that GUI will be 're-activated' but left in 'Standby' mode. Note: You can still bring down the machine if you try something stupid like a drag - drop operation during the resizing operation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Release 1.0 ( Aug 1999 ) Version 1.0 fc1 -fixed 'hourglass cursor' problem when pressing TX button. -fixed minor sync-seperator bugs Version 1.0 fc1 Build 005 -accessory panels now disabled in TX -"Soft" shadow function fixed -repeater tone detect modified for better compatibility with other systems, but less "sensitive" overall. -fixed 'RX mode lock' state-machine problems. Version 1.0 fc1 Build 006 -corrected image sync problem that could show up on slower PCs Version 1.0 fc1 build 007 -SP Logo Changed Version 1.0 fc1 build 008 -corrected problem where aborting text placement by right clicking would create a false 'selection rectangle' which would affect image loads. Version 1.0 fc1 build 009 -increased slide show delay adjust to 60 minutes (3600 sec) max -improved accuracy of slide show delay time. -improved internal timer accuracy - now based on system clock seconds -repeater tone tx lengthened to 2200 ms -added checkbox to enable/disable repeater 'query' operation ( send access tone with no SSTV to cause repeater to send back last image received ) Version 1.0 fc1 build 010 -added ID beacon function to repeater operation. ID can be set to load and send an image every 15,30 or 60 minutes. Time is based on actual clock time minutes rather than elapsed time since CPIX startup. The beacon will not fire if you are transmitting, receiving, or part way through a repeater operation. -TX slide show is no longer operational when the repeater mode is active -maximum slide show delay reduced to 300 seconds. Version 1.0 fc1 build 011 -minor change to repeater rx logic to allow for incomming image restarting. Version 1.0 fc1 build 013 -file tab control now disabled during TX slide show. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEB 2000 Version 1.0 -added error trap for full disk in save menu handler (for floppies) Version 1.0.005 -minor change to VM to fix sync jump problem when switching UIs during RX ==================================================================================== May 2000 CPIX Version 1.5 Version 1.5.0 -moved to Lead 11.5 OCX -mods to slide show wipes structure and definitions (new for 11.5) -autosave now only gens preview images if enabled in prefs. Version 1.5.001 (7-AUG-00) -Added FXText fancy text painter. -updated to LEAD12 OCX -increased range of image color saturation control Version 1.5.003 (1-SEP-00) -cleaned up control lockouts during RX (for live text entry) -converted codebase to VB6 SP4 -added InterNet Backchannel functions (transfer images and messages user to user) -added functionality to enter text messages during Rx and also auto plot message and send when image is received. ( Contest operation ). Nov 2000 Version 1.5.103 (12-NOV-00) -stopped refresh flash in mini-monitor -changed local IP display in INet Backchannel to allow 'copy' to clipboard. Version 1.5.105 (16-NOV-00) -FontFx Changes o Preview window is now 50% of image scale (correct aspect ratio) o Priview shows current image as background. o Corrected crash problem with zero length text strings o Added rotation angle display. Note: you can use the left and right cursor arrow keys to move in 1 degree increments if the slider has focus. o Text to plot is 'pre-selected' for easy change when the form is displayed. o The FXText form is now more compact. -INetBC disables send image and send text buttons if not connected. Version 1.5.106 (17-NOV-00) -added cancel error handler for 'Print Setup' menu -added IMEStatus support for double byte characters in FXText and INetBC text boxes -corrected problem where [Text...] could be activated during transmit operations. Version 1.5.107 (18-NOV-00) -INetBC message (chat) textbox is now a 10K FIFO -INetBC incoming messages appear on a new line preceded by -> -INetBC outbound text messages appear on a new line -INetBC will now send text message. -INetBC Send Text message box now receives 'focus' on connection Version 1.5.108 (20-NOV-00) -extended debug message interface added to help track down INetBC image send bug. Version 1.5.109 (21-NOV-00) -modified INetBC image transfer protocol to correct intermittent timing problem. Image data flow now is queded until the far end acks with a "FR 0" (file received 0%) status command. NOTE: Because the Image Send protocol has changed Image sends must be between stations running 1.5.109 or newer. Version 1.5.110 (25-NOV-00) -corrected resizing bug that could occure when the screen resolution is changed while CPIX is running. -added SHOW_DEBUG_MESSAGES constant and SystemDebugMessage() routine for displaying debug messages in a separate window at runtime. -ToolTips cleanup -added network address enumerator to list all active interfaces in computer. ( INet Backchannel control ) Version 1.5.111 (30-NOV-00) -minimize controls added back Version 1.5.112 (07-DEC-00) -CPIX API changes Version 1.5.113 (10-DEC-00) -added 'Y' keyboard shortcut for receive re-sync button. Version 1.5.114 (11-DEC-00) -fixed 'copy' bug in local IP address display. -In FXText, Fill Type, Gradient Style and Text Effect are now saved. -added error handler to detect if TCP/IP is not installed (for INetBC) Version 1.5FC1 (20-DEC-00) -FC1 of release version -'Copy' should now work for Local Address in INetBC panel. (highlite and use cntl-c) Version 1.5FC2 (21-DEC-00) -fixed problem with 'FX Buttons' being locked out after a receive if they were pressed during receive. Version 1.5FC3 (23-DEC-00) -corrected text message alignment for left-center-right alignment selections when using the [Stanp & TX] and [Stamp] message functions. -the last local network number selected in the INetBC local IP display is now maintained if possible. -added a keyboard shortcut for FXText paint function key='F'. -if open, the INetBC window is brought to the front whenever a new message or picture is received. Version 1.5FC4 (23-DEC-00) -improved code to properly close down INetBC connection if the IP link is lost. Version 1.5 Release (actual version 1.5.5) Version 1.5.6 (30-DEC-00) -FXText font common dialog now pre-stuffed from FXFont globals -Added support for Italic and Bold font attributes in FXText -Fixed bug where FXtext shortcut key would display sample text line on main image window as FXText panel was being displayed. (only shows up on some machines) Version 1.5.7 (09-JAN-01) -Fixed minor bug where selection rectangle would not be properly anchored as a result of either a text message or FXText sring 'abort' with the right mouse button and the mouse moving. Version 1.5.8 (14-JAN-01) -Added 'reset to 0' button on FXText rotation panel. Version 1.5.9 (28-JAN-01) -corrected 'clipping' problem with italic fonts -corrected problem that could cause machine lockups when rotating FXText by clicking on either side of the angle slider knob to step up or down by 10 degrees. Version 1.5.10 (2-FEB-01) -added error trap for sound mixer request -added new CCAP (multi-device)