IPS - History of ASAPS Versions

Listed below are the main versions of ASAPS that have been released to the public since 1988 along with information on the major changes made in those versions.

Version Release Date New/Revised Features 5.4 April 2010 Compatibility with 64-bit Windows 7 operating system. Backwards compatibility with 32-bit Windows operating systems. VBX grid component used in the T-index and Antenna dialogues in versions up to ASAPS 5.3 has been replaced by a custom spread sheet. The ASAPS 5 User Guide has been converted from Windows Help format (.hlp) to HTML Help format (.chm) so that it can be viewed with Windows Vista and Windows 7. 5 2003 ASAPS V5 is a 32-bit application, making it suitable for use on a wider range of Microsoft Operating Systems. A geographical map of the world for use in generating predictions - terminals, circuits and areas of interest can now be selected quickly and easily via "point and click". When running either Field Strength (Point to Point) or Area predictions: The option of using an alternative, more complex, Polarisation Coupling Loss algorithm that includes the specification of the actual polarisations of the antennas. The ability to select Prediction Confidence Levels for Signal-to-Noise Ratio predictions, eg lower decile, median or upper decile values, or anything in between. Frequency Set Selection or Test, allowing you to predict the optimum frequency set for the HF circuits you operate, or to assess the suitability of your current frequency sets for those circuits. Surface wave range contour maps for Area predictions. An on-line Tutorial that guides the user through the key features of the program, and how to interpret the output formats. A monthly reminder for the update of ionospheric T indices, with the ability to do this automatically via the web. An option to customise the colour palette for easier interpretation of Area Prediction plots. The ability to view multiple Area Predictions (0 - 3UT, 4 - 7UT, etc) on a single screen. Colour plots of BUF Modes for Area Predictions. Frequency sets may be entered in either MHz or KHz. The ability to delete individual circuits from a prediction file or to delete the complete prediction file, together with all other output files that are linked to the deleted file. The ability to specify the top margin when printing GRAFEX or Field Strength predictions. Installation software available exclusively via CD format 4 1998 Point to area predictions 3-D antenna gain patterns Printed tutorial 3.2 1996 Delete predictions added Noise values and other data outputs Batch file mode Text to clipboard Unwanted global change fixed 3.1 1996 Floating point error fixed when doing a prediction Best Usable Frequency (BUF) reports Include mils in reports when selected 3.0 1996 All DOS functions now presented in a Windows environment All reports now printable 2.4 1995 Last release of DOS ASAPS - Version 2.4 1.0 1988 Initial release of DOS ASAPS