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    SPLAT!: A Terrestrial RF Path and Terrain Analysis Tool for Unix/Linux
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This version was first ported to Windows by John Magliacane (KD2BD). 
I modified his code to improve the user interface.

The GUI is entirely my effort.

This software is BETA! There may be errors and bugs. 
There is no gaurantee it will do what you want. 
It is released, probably prematurely, in the hope it will be useful.
Some menu items are stubs that don't do anything yet.



INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Run the setup program.

Warning - I know that SPLAT isn't going to like the Windows default "Program Files"
location due to the space in the file name. Once installed, MOVE everything to a new
directory such as "C:\SPLAT" to keep the DOS applications happy. Update any menu shortcuts
to the new location.

Run Splat.exe. It will create sub folders and copy conversion programs. If you already have
the proper SDF files someplace, copy them into the correct folder.

Download the required HGT files at http://dds.cr.usgs.gov/srtm/version2_1/SRTM3/ and unzip them
to the "sdf-sd" folder.

If using HD terrain data, available for the United States only, download these from
http://dds.cr.usgs.gov/srtm/version2_1/SRTM1/ and unzip them into the "sdf-hd" folder.

Convert them to proper .sdf files using the utility on the "Tools" menu. 
You can select multiple files at a time. The SD and HD folders must be processed separately,
using the right tool.

Now you are ready to try SPLAT. Select the type of analysis you want to perform,
and set the options. Unavailable options are hidden. 

All the rules for transmitter and receiver files must be observed according to the SPLAT
documentation. You can edit QTH and LRP files by clicking the appropriate button.

You'll need to find or make city files and boundary files following the instructions in 
SPLAT documentation. 


This Windows GUI is mainly a wrapper to provide SPLAT with the proper command line. A copy
of the command line generated is saved as a text file. Refer to the SPLAT documentation
for further information. If SPLAT itself becomes hung, you'll need to kill it in the task
manager. Remember that an analysis could take hours, using full CPU, but there should be
some activity in the console window to verify proper operation.



There is no warranty or support for this program. It's a work in progress and may be
updated or revised without notice.

It may be freely used and distributed, although
the VB source code is copyright. Comments or suggestions are welcome.


Austin Wright, CBT, CEC
VE3NCQ
December 28, 2009


www.ve3ncq.ca

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Version 1.1.0 is a bugfix with added features.

All previous fixes are retained.

A problem with a missing space on the SPLAT! command line before the -t switch has been corrected.

The ability to save and load configurations has been added.

You can now convert antenna azimuth patterns from 4NEC2 modeling software into a format that SPLAT! can read.

The GUI uses the newest SPLAT! version 1.3.1 executables.

Some sample files and boundary data files have been added.

Simply install this version right over your existing folder.


There is no warranty or support for this program. It's a work in progress and may be
updated or revised without notice.

It may be freely used and distributed, although
the VB source code is copyright. Comments or suggestions are welcome.


Austin Wright, CBT, CEC
VE3NCQ
November 14, 2010


www.ve3ncq.ca