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G7RAU - LIVE MUF V7 SOFTWARE
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!! YOU MUST BE A LICENSED HAM TO USE THIS SOFTWARE !!

LIVE MUF VERSION: 8.1.1001.10037 for Windows and Linux
Main installation Package. (Updated 18 Mar 2024 08:21:39)
 SQLite, SQL Server, MySQL and AGW.
MDAC, Microsoft Data Engine needed on some PC's.
Manuals and Info.
Executable Update File. (Updated 18 Mar 2024 08:21:36)
Callsign / Locator update.
Speech Toolkit.
Isoflection Map components in Live MUF Aurora map, Astro View and F layer MUF plots


LIVE_MUFV7.EXE (29080kb. Updated 18 Mar 2024 08:21:39)
Live MUF is a DXC (cluster) telnet client which attempts to resolve propagation modes from spots and also attempts to calculate sporadic e possibilities purely based on incoming data from the cluster. It has great circle mapping (GCM) built in to the app for live mapping of spots. Live MUF also can be used as a world wide converse telnet client, ON4KST telnet client and DXC at the same time. Live MUF also has basic logging capabilities in case you need an emergency logger at any time.
For DXC it has it's own built in telnet server so 1 connection to the internet and all intranet connections via this, as used by some contest stations. 
Please visit the forum on this website for help / tips etc.

Please note that on 1st or 2nd run the callsign database in the app will attempt to synchronise with the G7RAU central database, this could be as big as 2mb of data downloaded over your web connection... if you are running on a slow (not broadband..)/expensive internet connection then please contact me on the way to ignore the central database on this 1st big hit.

Live MUF V7 will probably continue at beta stage, this means that it should be stable but....
Any problems encountered / crashes etc trying to use this software is not my responsibility, you download and run this at your own risk. As Live MUF does not install (self extracting zip) then it will not in itself cause problems!

If after reading the above you still wish to try this then please make sure you have at least Windows XP and you have the Microsoft .net framework 4  installed (available from Microsoft Updates) but I prefer you use windows update to get the latest version as this could be out of date or other things might need to be updated first!) If you require an archived .net 2 version then please email me and I will send you the link.. NOTE: LIVE MUF V7 WILL NOT WORK UNLESS YOU INSTALL .NET FRAMEWORK 4 YOU MUST INSTALL THIS BEFORE INSTALLING LIVE MUF..

The main package is live_mufv7.exe, just D/L and install to wherever you want to run the app.

NOTE....With the demise of Windows XP updates some XP users might get an error when trying to install / run Live MUF. Please download and run https://g7rau.co.uk/soft/downloads/sqlitenet.exe to fix this issue.
The app has help files but they are incomplete in some areas, youwill need to experiment with the settings, hopefully most are common sense.
PLEASE email me with any bug reports / errors and I will try try to sort out / fix them but please remember this is a free app and I cannot promise I can accomodate everybodies needs for the app, there is not enough hours in the day.

If you want to see a Walk through the delevopment then click below on the links
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41

Minimum PC (As tested) P200mmx, 64mb memory
Minimum screen resolution is 800 by 600 256 colours
Recommended: PII or better cpu, >200mb ram and 1024 by 768 resolution Tested on Win98-sr2 and up (sorry, not NT4, see below), recommended on win2000 or later.

Please also read about the data engine and jet update as you might need these on your PC also to get live muf up and running.

If the app won't run or freezes have a look in muf_errors.log in the livemuf install directory or email me the file and I will have a look. Normally the problem is .net framework 4 is not installed..... mdac or jet updates needed (See MDAC)

NOTE: If you already have the program installed and running and you only require an update then scroll down to V7_updates.exe. It is very rare the whole package would need to be reinstalled for an update.
Also If you are running .NET Framework less than 4.0 then Live MUF will error, please go to windows update and get the lastest framework.
The manual is available by pressing F1 when you are in the app or you can read the manual here.

Thanks to Shelby W8WN for a link in North America for Live MUF. Please all users world wide send me suggestions for making the app more usable, I shall endeavour to include these in EXE updates (time / qrl permitting!).

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CALLING ALL HAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have an electronic log and you are willing to contribute to the project then please drop me a mail with what you have. I am interested in sporadic e qso's on 70, 144 and 222MHz. With this data it will increase the accuracy of analysis. Pre-1998 I have very little data so anything is welcome! Thanks in advance.

RUNNING V7 ON .NET FRAMEWORK 1.1, 2.0 OR NT4
If you need Live MUF V7 running on the .net framework 1.1 and / or NT4 then email me for the link. Please note that THIS WILL NOT BE updated anymore as I have migrated V7 to comply with future versions of the framework but is the final 1.1 framework stablish release version (22 December 2005) which is missing many of the new features in V7 and also has memory issues with the way it uses resources.. soooo, only use this if you cannot install .net framework 2 because you have NT4... Please note that already some of the updates fail in this app and pretty soon I shall be blocking incoming from this version unless you explicitly contact me and tell me why I shouldn't...
If you require an old version (last build 2018) that runs on .net 2.0 then please email me.

RUNNING V7 ON LINUX
I have managed to get Live MUF running on Linux now at home on my Debian 6/7 and various flavours of Ubuntu / Linux Mint machine under various desktops.
Latest breakthrough is getting Live MUF running on a HardKernel Odroid-XU4 machine which opens up all sorts of possibilities, maybe it will run on a PI2 as well?
Although it is not perfect there is very little now that does not work and it is good enough to use in anger in my view but I am sure you will find the odd bug in it.
I have tested this using MySql and sqLite databases. It is very fast data processing on MySQL, at least 120 spots per second!
If you plan to use Live MUF as a data collector using the RBN and multiple sources then I recommend to run Live MUF with MySQL as sqlite is not as quick under heavy loads.

Ok, a basic guide (See a bit more detail in the help file live_muf_on_linux here or find it in the help folder in the Live MUF root path):
Make sure you have mono installed on your linux distro (at least 3.8.10).
You will need
mono-runtime
mono-gac
mono-4.0.gac
mono-vbnc
libgdiplus
Mono-Complete package seems to do the job for all the components.

Make sure you have SQLite3 / MySQL / 7z installed on your distro (Live MUF uses the 7za in the updater, make sure you have this, this is normally part of p7zip-full)

Download and extract live_mufV7.exe to where you want to run Live MUF in your home drive (make sure you have full rights where you run it from!). The files will open with your archive manager as these are just 7z archives.

download the Linux dlls here and overwrite the files in your Live MUF folder (MySql.Data.dll System.Data.SQLite.dll etc, the exe file again will open with your archive manager as this is just a 7z archive).

6. From a terminal window browse to the live MUF folder and run Live MUF as "mono Live_MUF.exe" or ./ Live_MUF.exe (./ can cause it to open in Wine if you have it installed which will make it crash)

Live MUF should work as normal from here apart from:
When it 1st loads make sure you tick "Running in Linux" in the user details
Use the menu file/exit to close the app otherwise your opened windows are not retained (HIDE the title bar, I do and it saves the tears!)..
In buffers / fonts change the font to courier 10 or similar.
Updating the app now works but you will need to exit Live MUF yourself to trigger the update, sorry.. Remember to keep the files MySql.Data.dll System.Data.SQLite.dll you downloaded as these are specific to Linux

Let me know if you get Live MUF running on your Linux Distro (include OS when you email me) and let me know any bugs.


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SQLite
By default Live MUF uses a SQLite to store all the data from the cluster including MUF data. (MS Access only works in forced 32 bit so this only has legacy support now. If you want really fast data access then consider MySQL/SQL SERVER options below.
If you are are already running Live MUF with MS Access database and wish to use SQLite then you can download the SQLite databases here. and download SQLite .net connector here (You should not need this unless you run itanium processor).
SQLite .net connector was written by Robert Simpson, look at his web site.
It takes a little longer to set up but the advantage is that it is much faster. Please read the Live MUF read me in the zip file.
the home page for SQLite is here and the home page for the ODBC driver homepage is here
On a similar note Live MUF also will run in SQL server and MySQL, please feel free to contact me for details on how to do this.

SQL Server
Live MUF will run also under all MS SQL Server versions as far as I am aware.
Click here to download SQL Server (2000/5/8) set up script and DXCALLSIGN script. Any problems drop me a mail.

MySQL
If you want to install for MySQL unassisted then here the structure for MySQL here is the script (also contains the full call/loc data for MySQL (periodically dated)). MySql Version requires the .net connector so click here to download. (mySQL .net connector 6.1.2)
Make sure you run all the updates in the app (general options/MUF updates) as you will not have any spot filter info etc.
If you want this to be as up to date as possible then do not link Live MUF V7 to mySQL until you have finished the call/loc import (on 1st time pull live muf checks the last year of Call/Locs against the central db).
If you want to force a full 99 week update in the app to make sure your call/loc db is fully up to date then go to the Web Updates form and select 99 week update in the dropdown. 

Or.. you can contact me for a more up to date call/loc script if you want.

AGW Packet engine
Live MUF will link to the AGW packet engine in 'RX' mode. Please read the help guide in Live MUF for details on this. AGW is software from SV2AGW, click here for his home site.


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MDAC DATA ENGINE
The default now in Live MUF is SQLite so you can ignore all this unless you run the legacy Access database (anyone still using MS Access??) and do not have win2k/XP/Office2000+. You will need the MDAC package so the program can communicate with the database. If you receive error message boxes when the program starts and then the program errors and bombs out then you DO need the MDAC!
Click here (MDAC 2.5 ~7.8mb upload 31th July 2002 02:45utc) to download mdac.zip
Note: Mdac v2.8 (at least) is available for download on Microsoft's site, this version is 2.5 but you might find the program runs better on this version 2.8. 2.8 minimum is recommended for .net applications.... v2.8 is an update for win2k and XP (they use 2.7 which has some bugs, especially when using ADO and IIS). Note: XP service pack 2 will have 2.8 already.
To be sure have a look on the .net framework requirements page.
Win 98 / 2000 users: you might need to update the MS jet components as the version supplied with the OS is no good, this is available on Microsoft's site or you can d/l the two jet install parts (inside a zip file as of 19 Jan 04) from here (3mb).
It is also worth looking in windows\system (system32 folder in 2k/XP) folder to check for a file called msjeto~1.dll, this should be called msjetoledb40.dll and livemuf cannot run if this file is not correctly named so rename if necessary (not my error but microsofts hi).
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LIVE MUF MANUAL AND INFO
The program requires you to login to dxc via telnet so you need an internet connection.
There are many telnet gateways to DX clusters. Email me if you really cannot find any telnet gateways!?).
The system does contain a few CLX for you but you might want to configure many to have a good choice :)
The application actually downloads the list from my central db so if you go through the list and update it then let me know and all users will benefit from a reliable telnet list.

Here are the help files that come with the program, this should be enough we hope to get you up and running or help you decide whether live MUF is for you.
Download the help guide zip file to your PC (~210kb)

Thanks to Nick RN3KK for a basic help guide in Russian.

Here are a few links for telnet clx links:
http://www.dxcluster.info/telnet.shtml Tnx to Jim-AD1C for telnet file, live MUF connections are all from this.
http://hamgallery.com/clusters/
http://ve9dx.weblink.nbtel.net/telnet/sites.html
Live MUF now uses the WPXLOC.dat file for DXCC and mapping. Many thanks to Jim-AD1C who supplies and maintans this file. For more information go to: http://www.country-files.com/

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V7_UPDATES.EXE (9093kb. Updated 18 Mar 2024 08:21:36)
If you only need the up to date exe / sysfiles then click here (EXE upload: see below in new features/bugfixes) to download the zipped exe file.  Place this in your installed livemuf (where live_muf.exe lives) and run it, this should overwrite relevent files with the new ones. Please read the help and the history, I get fed up of sending emails saying RTFM :-)
Note: If you currently run Live MUF V7 you will need to make sure you have installed .net framework 4 (go to windows updates etc) befor running this update. Live MUF will now NOT RUN on .net 1, 1.1 or 2.0. The reason is there are too many unfixable bugs in the old framework versions.

If you have not updated Live MUF for a while (TUT TUT!) then you will need to change a value so it can pull fresh data and allow you to run updates.
Go to top menu Windows / Windows Menu / Available Windows / General options / User Details and change the value Update path from the old demon site to https://www.g7rau.co.uk/ (remember to include the https:// and the forward slash on the end!) and then click the update button. After you have done this I would advise you to update everything (Go to top menu Windows / Windows Menu / Available Windows / General options / MUF Updates) in the updates including the call / Loc database in full as there may have been many changes..

Please click here for a list of new features/bugfixes/HISTORY in the main Live MUF executable

Note: all new features are or will be documented in the manual(s) or history (available in the app).
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CALL/LOC DB UPDATE (14492kb. Updated 18 Mar 2024 08:21:41)
Click here to download call_loc.exe (CALLSIGN DATABASE), un zip (run the exe) the file and put it in your live muf folder to replace the call / loc database
This is the SQLite version as used now in V7, for the full callsign / locator MS Access database file used in Live MUF V2, V3, V4, V6 and early V7 versions click here.
Note: Within the app you have the option to update the call/loc db for 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 26 or 52 weeks, that method is 110% preferred over this full download! and anyway... every time you open the app the last 7 days of new calls / locs are updated. Sooo, ONLY download this as a last resort or to update your call db as you have not used the app in a long time! . Also.. If you think your call / loc is wrong then of course do a full download. What gets me is people who do a full download every single day and this is too much for my server / DSL when many are doing this.
If you want to force a full 99 week update in the app to make sure your call/loc db is fully up to date then 
run a 99 week update in MUF Updates.

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SPEECH TOOLKIT (~9000kb)
Click here to download speech.zip, un zip the file and run the reader set then the text to speech setupto install the speech engine.
In Live MUF / DX Alarms there is an option to speak spots. When enabled this will speak the DX being spotted and the frequency of the spot. This is not available to Win98 users by default, download the above link (this is English, for other languages see Microsofts site ) and run the reader setup (you do not need to activate the reader!) and then setup the text to speech file. For Win-ME, 2k, XP (and so on) users you should already have the files needed to make this work, try it and see. The file link is above here for installing the tts engine.  If you prefer to download it yourself from Microsoft then click here .   
On another note.. in the app you can cusatomise the alarm sounds (wave files) from the standard set. Click here for the sounds that I use in V7, these are recorded by me so if you want to hear me shout CLUSTER CHAT then these are for you :0). You will need to unzip these into your sounds folder in Live MUF.  
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Isoflection Map components in Live MUF Aurora map
The isoflections look at the optimum angles of reflection (-6 to +6 as default, adjustable to +-20 in map settings).
Dr Geoff Grayer wrote the maths for this in ~1969 so I am glad it is now incorporated into Live MUF.
Isoflectional, isoflection and isoflect are words created by Geoff to explain the optimal lines of reflection in aurora and field aligned modes of propagation.
"Author: Dr. G.H. Grayer G3NAQ. Translated into .net by Dave Edwards. This program is made available freely to the scientific and radio amateur communities. No charge may be made for copies. The author(s) retain their original copyright. Users do so on the understanding that there is no guarantee, nor any support provided."
Base calculations, coefficients and source for geomagnetism IGRF model in Live MUF are from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S.A) - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/. These were translated into C++ by Keith Naylor G4FUF and .net Dave Edwards G7RAU. Further reading: RSGB VHF/UHF DX book and Radio Auroras By Charlie Newton, G2FKZ.

Live MUF Astro View and Sky Map
Astro View and Sky Map are tools for looking at astronomical objects R.A., declination, azimuth and elevation.
These are available "flat style" with full data in a grid or circular using Live MUF GCM.
"Astro Author: Keith Naylor G4FUF. Translated into .net by Dave Edwards. Sky map by Dave Edwards. This program is made available freely to the scientific and radio amateur communities. No charge may be made for copies. The author(s) retain their original copyright. Users do so on the understanding that there is no guarantee, nor any support provided."

F layer MUF based on solar flux
Live MUF has a very basic tool that enables you to look at predicted F layer conditions based on the smoothed sunspot numbers (data from 1961 to 2019, data from NASA) or on actual solar flux index from your WWV and WCY spots in the Live MUF database. The calculations are not to be relied upon but are there as a rough guide if you cannot access the internet and the breadth of tools and reports on actual F layer MUF detail based on iono-sounder data. This is available as a point to point analysis or mapped using Live MUFs GC maps.
MINIMUF85 EINMUF(85) Published 1990 by ECAC Including ION/PATH-LOSS functions by Dirk Koopman and other calculations by Dave Edwards
Copyright (c) 2011 Dave Edwards G7RAU
Copyright (c) 1999 Dirk Koopman G1TLH
Copyright (c) David L. Mills 1994-1998
Copyright (c) Mark Daehler 1990


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PS the best way to work es is ALWAYS to be qrv.....

PPS. For the maths purists... In the calculations I hold my hands up that there is a built in accuracy limitation where only 6 character locators are used but given that not many of us use 8 character locators and many are not even sure exactly what the last 2 letters of their locator are i believe that this is a fair compromise.


(Special thanks to G4FUF, G3NAQ, EA6VQ, G0AEV, G0GJV, VE3NEA and SM3GSJ for their help with the maths and associated applications, to Philip Gladstone - PSK reporter FT8 data and to MWLIST for supplying the medium wave BC data links and to FMLIST for supplying the 88-108 BC data links and to Jim AD1C who supplies and maintains the DXCC and telnet connection files, also thanks to all the input / ideas from many hams who have played an active role in this project over the years.)
This has/is involved many many hours of development and we would like Bug reports or real concerns/ideas etc to my email, also if you have/are using this can you drop a mail so we can see how many users and whether it is worth continuing development. If you don't like the idea of an auto-muf-calc then just remember we have done all of this sacrificing our time when we could have been making money and you don't have to download... 73 de Dave