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The following are some tips that should help smooth the setup for the Field Day Network software:

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- For the messaging features to work properly, the path to the log file from the computer hosting the log should NOT route through the network. The client's path must route through the network and begin with \\ (the \\ tells the software that it is a client and which PC to connect to as the server). For example, the server's path might be: C:\FD\FDLog.mdb and each of the client's paths would be: \\Develop\C\FD\FDLog.mdb (assuming the PC hosting the file was Develop).

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- Because some versions of Windows can be particular about accessing files in the c:\program files directory via the network, it is best to create a separate directory outside of program files on the PC hosting the log file such as c:\FD.

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- Make sure that all PCs and your router or hub are on a UPS (uninterruptible power supply)! If your PC or router?loses power when your generator runs out of gas you are tempting fate!

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- A backup of all your data is written to every PC connected to the log file every 15 minutes.? Even if the PC hosting the log file has a catastrophic failure, you can recover your log from any other PC on the network by clicking File > Combine or Restore from Backup.

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- Don't wait until the Saturday morning of Field Day to install and test out the software on your network! If you haven't already done so, get the PCs together before Field Day, hook them up and make sure that each PC is able to access and update the common data file. Problems solved very easily in a relaxed atmosphere can seem insurmountable when the clock is ticking.

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It seems that we have been receiving more questions this year than ever along the lines of:? I have (list of PCs / List of Operating Systems) that I'm trying to connect by (list of networking hardware) to set up as a LAN for Field Day.? Can you help me set up my LAN?

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I really wish I could, but I'm hardly a LAN expert (my son Chris keeps ours going) and that is not an easy thing to do remotely.? It's not?hard to set up a LAN, but different routers have their own nuances (I hear)?and you really need to be in front of the PC on site to be helpful in a efficient way.? Of course I'm happy to help with my logging software in any way that I can, but I just don't have the expertise and time to extend support to LAN setup / maintenance.? If you don't have someone locally that can assist, there are lots of books and Internet resources to help.? This Wired Home got us going when we first set up our LAN.

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We are really looking forward to Field Day!? We have four, 123 watt solar panels cranking out nearly 500 watts and charging a 200 amp hour battery this year, so we plan to operate from home as 1E?with zero generator noise or refueling interruptions!? If you are interested in more description, pictures and a schematic of our home solar electric?setup, please visit:? ?and then click on the Solar Electric link.? Kimberly and I hope to work you next weekend!?

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WXSpots has been given a whole new look!? The QuickChat message area has been significantly expanded.? The main form has optional displays of either severe weather lists or Internet graphics that can be selected by the user.? You can add links to?any Internet graphics that you like!