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* * * * * H A M L O G Version 3 B Y V K 2 V N M r. R o b i n G a n d e v i a 3 1 P a r k A v e., R A N D W I C K S Y D N E Y N S W 2 0 3 1 A U S T R A L I A * * * * * C Q f r o m V K 2 V N C Q f r o m V K 2 V N C Q f r o m V K 2 V N I am glad that you are having a look at the demonstration version of Ham Log, and am sure you will enjoy it immensely. The purpose of this demonstration version of Ham Log is so that you may assess all of its fantastic features. Ham Log has been developed over several years (of hard labour!). It is professional software in both application and design. Commercially, I doubt it will ever re-pay the countless hours and costs involved in its development. I wrote it because of my interest in Ham Radio with the knowledge of the benefits a highly sophisticated computer program could give. I gratefully received input from some other amateurs, and am more than happy to receive some more, perhaps from you? Version two has been acclaimed internationally. Now we have version three! - surely the definitive logging program for amateurs, world- wide. I do hope you will choose to order a copy. I am keeping the costs as low as possible. The benefits in the full version and the comprehensive printed manual are immense. Further, you will be informed of the major updates, which will keep you abreast of the latest country and prefix information. You will also receive a significant discount on future upgrades of Ham Log. Special discounts are available to clubs. A discount is also available if more than one copy is ordered. Perhaps you know another amateur who would be interested in Ham Log. I am sure they would appreciate your introducing it to them. Please feel free to give away as many copies of this demonstration version as you wish. One requirement please - include all the files, including this one. The easiest way is to simply give them a copy of your original demonstration disk. An order form is enclosed on disk, in the file HAMORDER.TXT. Prices are correct at time of printing. Should there be any change you will be advised before your order is processed. Orders can be made by fax, mail or phone and will be despatched PROMPTLY by air-mail. Remember to stipulate the floppy disk size AND capacity wanted (5.25" 360k or 1.2m, or 3.5"). Amateurs outside Australia find it easiest to send a fax using a credit card; usually despatched the same day by air-mail. Each registered copy of Ham Log comes with a professionally printed, bound (and published) manual. If ordering more than one copy of Ham Log, please supply the name and address details of the registered user for each copy. Many thanks indeed, and the very best of 73's. Robin Gandevia, VK2VN (@VK2OP.NSW.AUS.OC - enquiries only please) (Sydney, November 1994) This manual is mainly excerpts from the main manual. The manual you receive is over 80 pages, professionally printed and bound (indeed it is published). The manual is large as there is so much to Ham Log, especially with its sophisticated and powerful features. This version has been significantly edited so that you don't have to print anything very large. It includes the basics to use the program, and you will find more information (and explanations) in the help, available throughout the program by pressing F1. If you have a query, please do not hesitate to contact me. TO PRINT THE MANUAL TYPE: "COPY HMMANUAL.TXT PRN" INTRODUCTION TO HAM LOG Ham Log records details of all contacts (QSOs) of an amateur station. The program can also be used by short wave radio listeners to record the signals they hear. Previously, the log was kept manually, and often more time was spent maintaining the log than on air. The computer, now possibly the least expensive major item in the shack, enables amateurs to "computerise" their log. The benefits of computerising any database are the means to reduce repetitive or complex tasks, to access or extract quickly the information, in various formats, and to provide meaningful results. When you make contact with a station, it is helpful to know immediately whether you have worked the station before, if the country has been previously worked (in the current mode), and whether it has been confirmed, by receipt of a QSL card. Should you have communicated with the station before, apart from the advantage of quickly knowing their name and location, you can compare previous reports, noting the band and mode previously used. (You can keep virtually unlimited notes about any station or QSO.) If a foreign station, it is useful to know their local time and even some words in their native tongue. Ham Log provides this information at your fingertips, plus a lot more. You can scroll through your contacts in various orders. Look up the call sign of a station worked, and see all previous contacts with that station. Change the QSO scroll order to Countries, and instantly see all contacts made with that country. Ham Log allows you to set various "defaults". Defaults are values that are applied automatically in repetitive operations. For example, you can set the default frequency as 14 Mhz. All new contacts will have the frequency as 14 Mhz until you change the default. Some of the other defaults that can be set include: QSO mode, reports, to QSL, comments, as well as your Time Zone (allowing all dates and times to be kept in U.T.C.) and preferred date format (DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY). Ham Log lets you instantly check on your station's record with any country. Supply a prefix and the country is shown, with details of whether the country has been worked in each mode, and whether a QSL has been received, again for each mode. Ham Log comes with up to date countries and prefix databases, which include the A.R.R.L. DXCC status (current, deleted, non-DXCC) of all countries. Not only the amateur call sign prefixes, but the prefixes from the current Allocation of International Call Signs, for all countries, are included. Updates are available as changes occur, and users can be advised of upgrade versions of Ham Log. You can add countries and new prefixes if you wish. While computerised logs for amateurs have been available for some time, Ham Log offers many specialised functions, commensurate with the increase in computer technology and programming. These allow you to keep up to six separate logs for various uses such as portable operation, contests, or numerous modes. Logs can be combined or created from another log selectively (using frequency, modes and many other criteria). A log's performance (e.g.: countries worked or confirmed; statistics) with any of the DXCC groups of countries is readily available. Contests are a popular activity of Ham Radio, and Ham Log allows you to record your contacts in a special Contest Mode. It will even calculate your total score. This mode is also used for DXpeditions. A special generic award function facilitates QSOs to be "tagged" for various awards that you may wish to attain. Writing QSL cards can be laborious. Ham Log will print them for you onto labels, in virtually unlimited formats. You can include messages on your QSL cards. The program will keep track of which QSOs you are still to QSL, and show the date of those that have been sent. QSL managers have their arduous tasks greatly reduced if the station being managed uses Ham Log. Contacts can be quickly verified, marked as QSL both received and sent, before printing the QSL. Of course, a separate log is used to keep the manager's own log quite separate. The station simply sends the QSL manager one disk with one file. A text editor for each QSO enables you to use the keyboard when copying C.W., or to record any other information about the QSO. This can include a terminal program's capture of data sent and received. The text editor's information can be applied to a single QSO, or to every QSO with the same station. Ham Log provides a text editor at the touch of a button. To achieve a complete log, Ham Log records or provides the following information: LOG Database... Field: Notes: CALL SIGN NAME QTH DATE Can be calculated by Ham Log in U.T.C. TIME START Can be calculated by Ham Log in U.T.C. TIME END Can be calculated by Ham Log in U.T.C. MODE Can be pre-set; two per log FREQUENCY Can be pre-set RST - SENT Can be pre-set (can also be incremented by one in Contest Mode) RST - RCVD. Can be pre-set (useful for contests) QSL SENT Can be pre-set QSL SENT DATE Can be automatically applied QSL SENT DIRECT If QSL was sent direct QSL RCVD. If QSL received QSL RCVD. DATE Can be automatically applied QSL RCVD. DIRECT If QSL was received direct COMMENTS One line CUSTOM FIELD Can be searched, sorted and listed on; logs may be combined on its contents. Can have various information automatically applied, or be pre-set. Ideal for awards. TEXT EDITOR Saved as a separate file; length virtually unlimited; can apply to single QSO or all with same station, all logs COUNTRY Determined by Ham Log from Call Sign's prefix QSO NO. Calculated by Ham Log FIRST QSO FOR COUNTRY Determined by Ham Log COUNTRY Database... Field: Notes: COUNTRY NAME CONTINENT Two letter abbreviation. CQ ZONE NO. 40 Zones ITU ZONE NO. 90 Zones TIME ZONE(s) To U.T.C.; determines local time VALID FOR DXCC Yes / No YEAR DELETED FOR DXCC Year deleted for the DXCC awards YEAR OF LAST DXCC UPDATE Last Year when checked for DXCC status WORKED - Mode 1 Calculated by Ham Log WORKED - Mode 2 Calculated by Ham Log QSL RCVD. Mode 1 Calculated by Ham Log QSL RCVD. Mode 2 Calculated by Ham Log BEAM HEADINGS Short and Long Paths DISTANCE Short path in kilometres NOTES One line PREFIXES Up to 20 per country MAIN PREFIX Main Amateur A.R.R.L. prefix(es) used for Current DXCC countries. Determined by Ham Log MULTIPLE PREFIXES Yes / No; Calculated by Ham Log COUNTRY NO. Determined by Ham Log The most important requirement of a database is its output. Ham Log provides extensive listings (hundreds) pertaining to your logs, country and prefix databases, accessed from the List / Print Menu. These lists include: Countries listed alphabetically with either all their prefixes or their main amateur radio prefixes, plus continent and zones. Prefixes (all or just the main amateur radio prefixes) listed alphabetically with their country. Countries worked and countries confirmed. These may be for a specific mode, or a range of dates. Countries not confirmed in both modes of a log, may also be listed. QSOs in standard log format (or full detail formats), in various orders. QSOs with a specific country. QSOs to Send QSL cards to, in various label formats. Country lists may be restricted to any of the DXCC country types (Current, Deleted and Non-DXCC countries). Facilities thereby exist to list any group of countries, worked or confirmed, in any mode or any band, during any period. QSO lists may be confined to a specific range of dates as well as DXCC country type. They may be further qualified by the contents of their Custom Field. All lists may be viewed from the screen, sent to the printer, or "exported" to a DOS file. This enables incorporation of the program's data output into other programs such as a word processor or spreadsheet. Ham Log is menu driven, easy to use and very fast in its execution. Detailed help (using F1) and explanations are available throughout the program. A log of around 300 QSOs (no. 6) is provided with the program to allow you to see many of the program's features in action. Comments and any suggestions as to improvements in the program are most welcome. QUICK START From DOS, change to the floppy drive you have your Ham Log disk in, and type: INSTALL . Ham Log will be installed onto drive C:\HAMLOG. Then start Ham Log by typing: HL. After completing the initial Set-Up screen (press F1 for help), the QSO Log Database screen that allows you to select which of six logs to use. All are blank except no. 6, which is a sample log of around 300 QSOs. Selecting this log enables you to try out some of Ham Log's features. After some initial updating of files, you will come to the Main Menu. INSTALLATION Installing Ham Log is a simple procedure. First, make a back-up copy of your Ham Log disk(s). Always check the HAMREAD.ME file before installing the program. This file will include any late instructions and information on Ham Log. System Requirements . . . IBM or 100% compatible computers using MS-DOS 3.3 or higher (DOS 5 or higher for all functions); a hard disk, 640 k RAM. The CONFIG.SYS file (refer to your DOS manual) must contain the line: FILES=35 (or higher value) The Ham Log files come in a compressed (archived) format that will be expanded automatically by the install program. An installation program is provided that will automate the installation onto Drive C: sub-directory \HAMLOG. This is recommended and should suit most users. From the floppy disk drive, simply type: INSTALL and press Enter. Then, to run the program, you will only need to type: HL at the DOS prompt. Otherwise, create a suitable sub-directory and copy all files from your Ham Log disk into it. You will then need to decompress the archived files. To do this, from that drive and subdirectory type: HL3DEMO <enter> Then, to run the program, you need to type: HAMLOG at the DOS prompt. Once installed, you can delete the HL3DEMO.EXE file. SET-UP . . . The Set-Up Program Defaults routine is run automatically for you to configure Ham Log by setting various defaults, which are saved to a file HAM.INI. All defaults except the data drive can subsequently be changed from the Utilities Menu. If you wish to change the data drive you must delete the file HAM.INI and run Ham Log again. Otherwise, Ham Log loads the saved defaults from the file HAM.INI each time it is run. Press F1 for any help needed. Note: Local Time From U.T.C. . . . Specify the number of hours your local time zone differs from U.T.C. If your time zone is behind U.T.C., then enter a - sign after the number of hours. After the Set-Up Program Defaults, next complete the Set-Up Log Databases. This selects which of the six logs you wish to start using. (New users may wish to select the demonstration log number 6 to try out some of Ham Log's features.) The Edit choice in the menu allows you to give the log a name, call sign, brief description (for your reference) as well as choose which of two modes are to be used in the log. This routine can be run at any time from the Utilities Menu. Once the log is selected, the program will update the countries database and perform some other file maintenance functions. Again, this procedure only occurs the first time you run Ham Log, and may take a minute or so. The information is then stored in the file: LOG.DTA. SOME SPECIAL FEATURES of HAM LOG GENERAL STATION INFORMATION . . . This facility allows you to record (and save) any information that you may want when using Ham Log. The information, available throughout the program, is saved to the file: STNINFO.HL . Equipment settings, nets, schedules or broadcast details are items useful to have at hand. Many other suggestions are given in the facility itself. The General Station Information comes with a large amount of useful data. Some of the items include (varies with different countries): H.F. band plans, H.F. and 50 MHz beacon data, U.S.A. state relative to call sign, WWV propagation schedules, "Q" code, C.W. abbreviations and punctuation (over 100), temperature conversions and even a chart to record your linear or A.T.U. settings. The only limitation is your computer must have 640 k of conventional RAM and the STNINFO.HL file should not exceed 32 k in size. To bring up the General Station Information, press F10 at virtually any time in the program. You can scroll through the information. To edit the information, press Ctrl + W, and press Ctrl + W again to save it. MULTIPLE LOGS . . . Ham Log allows you to maintain six separate logs. At any time they may be combined with each other. Each log may contain up to 99,999 entries. Common uses for several logs are portable or mobile operations, when using a special prefix, during a contest, or for creating a log from another log based on various criteria, perhaps when chasing a special award. A separate log can be used if you operate more than two modes. A log can also be devoted to another station for which you are the QSL Manager. By using separate logs, all the data Ham Log produces can be provided for each log. Information such as the statistics, countries worked and confirmed are all shown for a specific log. QSL labels include the log's own call sign, and may include a brief message. If using a log as your main log, you can combine the contents of the other logs into it, thereby maintaining a comprehensive log. You can also create a new log based on the frequency, mode or Custom Fields of QSOs from another log(s). COUNTRY INFORMATION, STATISTICS . . . One of Ham Log's main aims is to furnish full details concerning the countries worked (and confirmed) in each of your logs. This is ideal for seeking awards such as DXCC. As a station is worked, its country is determined automatically (by prefix). You then have full access to all the information for the country. This includes: Whether it has been worked (and confirmed) in both log modes, its prefixes, beam headings, DXCC status, Continent plus ITU and CQ zones. Even the current local time, and, for over 150 countries, English translations for some common phrases and words used in amateur radio (see below) are provided. Lists can be made of all countries worked or confirmed (each showing details of the first applicable QSOs in each mode), and all countries not confirmed. You can also list all contacts with a specific country. These lists can be confined to a specific range of QSO (or QSL received) dates, or even specific DXCC types of countries. All countries, in order of prefix or country, with DXCC validity shown, may be printed. Ham Log defines countries by their current A.R.R.L. DXCC status. The three types are: countries currently valid for DXCC, deleted for DXCC or Non-DXCC countries. Log and country information is available separately for each type. FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS . . . Translations of common English phrases and words used in QSOs are provided in over 20 languages. Ham Log recognises the appropriate language for over 150 countries, and these translations are available immediately during a QSO. In addition, brief translations for many more languages are supplied. CONTEST MODE . . . Ham Log can be set into a "Contest Mode" for operating in contests. It is also ideal for operators of DXpeditions. This enables rapid addition of QSOs as well as application of both Points and a Multiplier for each QSO. When a contact is made, details (including date, time, band and mode) of any prior contact(s) with that station are shown. Otherwise, the contact is added immediately, with all new QSO default values applied to the QSO. You need only complete the reports, points and multiplier values, as necessary. The last three digits of the "RST Sent" field can be set to increment by one for each new QSO. By setting the first three digits with a default report sent, this important field can look after itself. The log can then be listed with the points and multiplier for each contact shown, with totals given. This list can be in order of Date, Call Sign, Country or Custom Field. The Statistics determine for each one MHz band: - No. of Contacts, in each mode - No. of Countries Worked, in each mode - No. of Countries Confirmed, in each mode. A "CUSTOMISED" FIELD . . . The "Custom Field" allows you to group, sort, search, or list QSOs based on your own needs. Each QSO has a Custom Field that can be used to maintain several different groups of QSOs within a log. Ideal as a generic system for chasing many awards, information can be entered automatically if you wish. This can be pre-set for new QSOs, or a separate menu provides a number of choices for replacing the Custom Field in existing QSOs, based on many criteria. The Custom Field allows sorting QSOs as you wish, and logs can be created or combined based on the contents of Custom Fields. Temporary changes to the Custom Field of groups of QSOs can also be done, with their previous values restored. KEEPING NOTES ON A QSO (OR STATION) . . . A text editor is available for each QSO, which can be saved to disk. It can then be retrieved as specific to a single QSO, or for every time the same station is worked (in any log). Important details of the QSO may be inserted automatically into the text editor. Uses include copying C.W., making notes about a QSO or general notes on conditions, or the station being worked. Another use is for importing files from other programs such as data mode terminal programs. FAST, AUTOMATED ADDITION OF QSOS . . . Ham Log is designed so that QSOs can be added "on the run". As such, it must be a quick, simple procedure to add a QSO, even when not in Contest Mode (when it is VERY fast). The program allows automation such that the only fields still to be completed during a QSO are the name, QTH and reports of the station being worked (comments can be added). Most other information may be either calculated by Ham Log, or pre-set as defaults. TAKING CARE OF QSLS . . . When a QSO is made, you can decide if a QSL is to be sent. Ham Log will keep a record of all QSOs for which QSLs have already been printed. (The date printed can be recorded in each QSO.) Thus, you can print (or list) all QSOs to QSL since it was last done. Otherwise, you can specify a range of dates for QSOs you have decided to QSL. Three standard label formats for QSLs are available for easy printing (examples are shown in Utilities). Two of these formats enable you to include a message on the label. Examples here may include brief details of your equipment, portable operations, QSL manager's name or other relevant information. Details printed include your log's Call Sign, Station Worked, Date and Time (U.T.C.), Frequency, Mode, Report and Please or Thanks (as appropriate) for the QSL. A "Custom Label Format" facility is provided for users with special printing requirements. This allows you to select which fields to include, their order, several lines of additional text, plus other parameters. Coupled with a word processor or specialised printing program, this feature provides for virtually unlimited formats. (This facility can also be used to produce a highly customised list of QSOs, not necessarily just for QSL printing.) While scrolling through the log, a QSL label can be printed for any QSO. A QSL Manager . . . This feature expedites the receipt and sending of QSL cards. THE RADIO LOG (Choice 1 from the Main Menu) The essence of the program is the Radio Log, accessed from the first choice on the Main Menu. Initially, one line of information per QSO is shown. Using the cursor keys (to move the highlight), the log may be scrolled in various orders. By highlighting a QSO and pressing Enter, details of the QSO are shown. The QSO Menu then provides many functions, including information on the QSO's country. The current log's Name, Call Sign and its two modes are shown on the screen. The General Station Information facility is always available. Initially, Ham Log highlights the last QSO (in date order) of the log. The Log Scroll Menu is at the bottom of the screen. (If there are no entries in the log, then certain options are not available.) LOG SCROLL MENU The order of the scrolled log entries is shown at the bottom of the screen. The initial order is Date of QSO, but can be toggled by pressing O for Order. The five orders available are: - Date of QSO - Call Sign - Country - QSO Number - Custom Field When the order is changed, the highlighted QSO is placed at the top of the screen, with subsequent entries shown below in the new order. Suppose, for example, the highlight is on a QSO with W1ABC, and the order is Date of QSO. Pressing O changes the order to Call Sign and all contacts with W1ABC are now grouped together. Press O again, and all QSOs with the U.S.A. are grouped together (irrespective of prefix). The secondary order after that specified is always the date of the QSO. LOCATING QSOS . . . You have several methods of finding a specific QSO. Press L to bring up the Locate Menu giving the following choices: 1. Call Sign 2.Date of QSO 3. Country 4. QSO No. 5. Custom Field ADD A NEW QSO . . . If the call sign contains a slash " / ", then you can choose if Ham Log should determine the country by the normal prefix in the call sign, or by the prefix that follows the slash (preferred). Exceptions are: /P, /PT, /PT#, /M or /# (where # is a single digit), as these are deemed to be portable within the station's home country. Press A for Add, and enter the station's call sign. If you have worked the station before, Ham Log will list all previous contacts (the scroll order is automatically changed to call sign), with the first QSO highlighted at the top of the screen. (See "Add a Copy" under QSO Menu later in this chapter). When the new QSO is added, your pre-set defaults are entered in the appropriate fields. Assuming you have not specified a default date for new QSOs, the current U.T.C. date and time are applied. The QSO is then shown, in either Main or Full details (your preferred format is set in Set-Up QSO and Log Defaults - Utilities). After completing other details of the contact, the QSO Menu appears at the bottom of the screen. See "QSO Menu" later in this chapter for details of the various options. In Contest Mode, you will notice things are a little different, to make the program as fast as possible. PREFIX SEARCH . . . (This menu choice is also available in the QSO Menu and the Country Scroll Menu.) This option lets you quickly find the country (or countries) for any prefix (or call sign). The information shown includes: whether the country has been worked in each mode, confirmed in each mode, if it is valid for DXCC (and the year deleted from DXCC if applicable), plus the short path beam heading. (If you enter a call sign, Ham Log will automatically determine the prefix.) QSO DETAILS (ENTER) . . . Press Enter to view the highlighted QSO in detail. This brings you to the QSO Menu. QSO MENU From this menu you can edit the QSO shown, as well as scroll through the QSOs one at a time. The scroll order (shown at the bottom of the screen), can be toggled (as in the Log Scroll Menu) by pressing O. When you press ESCape to exit, Ham Log returns to the same position in the log with the same scroll order as when you left the Log Scroll Menu. You have two choices of screens to view (and edit) a QSO. The "Main" details displays only the QSO's important fields, with some brief information about the QSO's country. The "Full" details screen includes all information about the QSO, together with many details about the QSO's country. These screens can be toggled by pressing F6. EDIT . . . Selecting this choice allows you to edit the QSO's fields shown, depending on which screen you have chosen (press F6 to change). In Contest Mode, the Points and Multiplier fields are also available to edit. When using the Main details screen, you can then only edit the Reports, Custom Field, Points, Multiplier and Comments fields. This is to enable easy editing of these Contest Mode related fields. Changing to the Full details screen allows editing of all QSO fields. Press PgDn when you have finished editing the QSO. CHANGE QSO'S COUNTRY (F2) . . . In the unusual event that you need to change the country for a QSO, press F2. All countries are shown, with the current country for the QSO highlighted. Highlight the country you want and press Enter. (See "Selecting a Country" in chapter 3 Tips For Using Ham Log for more information.) FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS (F3) . . . If the country is one of the over 150 countries for which Ham Log has appropriate foreign language translations, these are shown by pressing F3. PRINT QSO . . . This function will print a copy of the QSO in the format selected in Set-Up QSL Print Formats from Utilities. You can set Ham Log to apply automatically the current date in the QSL Sent Date field if you wish (see "QSO and Log Defaults" in Utilities). Please note that to execute this option, press R as in pRint. ADD A COPY OF QSO . . . This option adds a new QSO that contains most of the information in the current QSO. It is useful when you are working a station for the second (or subsequent) time, and saves having to re-enter the Name, QTH, Call Sign and any comments. UPDATE TIME END . . . Pressing U automatically Updates the Time End field with the current U.T.C. time. Use this when you finish a QSO. PREFIX SEARCH . . . (Please refer to the Log Scroll Menu above for information on this option.) QSL . . . Pressing Q toggles the QSL Sent field from Yes to No, or No to Yes (as the case may be), without having to edit the QSO. (Do not confuse this option with the "QSL Manager" in the Log Scroll Menu.) When Yes, the field is intended initially to indicate a QSL is to be sent. Subsequently, when a QSL listing is done from the List / Print Menu (or you print the QSO), the date printed can be entered automatically into the QSL Sent Date field, thereby indicating the QSL has been sent. (This is an option, set in Set-Up QSO & Log Defaults - Utilities). TEXT EDITOR FOR QSO (F4) . . . Press F4 to bring up Ham Log's text editor. This can have many uses; examples include: making notes on the QSO or coping C.W. with the keyboard. Depending on how it is saved, the information can be subsequently retrieved either just at the specific QSO, or at any QSO (in any log) with the same station. The latter method will be useful for stations you work often, and wish to retain some detailed notes or comments. Once invoked, press Ctrl + W to save the contents of the text editor, or ESCape to abort. If you wish to save the text editor to disk so it can be retrieved at another time, then press F5 from the QSO Menu. Ham Log allows the text editor's DOS file to be named by either: QSO and Log Nos. or Call Sign. If named by QSO and Log Nos. then the text editor is only available at its specific QSO. When named by Call Sign, then the information is available at any QSO with that station (in any log). The naming protocol used is set in the Set-Up QSO and Log Defaults - Utilities, and can be changed at any time. The text editor can also be used to import any text file that you may wish to associate with the QSO. Examples may be the capture log file of a QSO in a digital mode (e.g.: AMTOR). The ASCII text file (no larger than 32 k is recommended) must be correctly named (see below). The naming protocols for the Text Editor File are... QSO and Log Nos: "#####_.*.TXT" where ##### is the QSO No. and * is the Log No. (1 - 6). Call Sign: "XXXXXXXX.TXT" where XXXXXXXX is the call sign of the station. NB: Spaces or non-standard characters are removed. "/\#" characters are replaced with "-". SAVE TEXT EDITOR (F5) . . . Press F5 and the contents of the text editor are saved to a DOS file. This provides a permanent record of the contents of the text editor for printing or later retrieval. THE COUNTRY & PREFIX DATABASES (Choice 2 from the Main Menu) The databases for countries and prefixes supplied with the demonstration version, are not up to date. Of course, in the registered version they are up to date. COUNTRY DXCC STATUS TYPES . . . Countries supplied with Ham Log are divided into three types, relating to their DXCC status. These are: CURRENT DXCC - Countries currently available for DXCC credit. DELETED DXCC - Countries that were "current", but have since been deleted. These remain valid for DXCC in so far as they were available for DXCC credit. (They are still used in some DXCC counts.) NON-DXCC - Countries that were never valid for DXCC. Often geographical areas with a special prefix, or maritime mobile for example. Also includes any new countries supplied with Ham Log, that are yet to be confirmed by the A.R.R.L. as Current DXCC countries. In addition, the term: "DXCC VALID" is used to indicate both Current DXCC and Deleted DXCC countries. The operation of the countries area of the program is similar to the Radio Log section. Initially, one line of important information per country is shown. The countries may be scrolled in various orders using the cursor keys. By highlighting a country and pressing Enter, full details of the country and its prefixes are available (see "Country Edit Menu" below). Press F1 for additional assistance. LIST / PRINT MENU (Choice 3 from the Main Menu) All lists can be sent to the screen, printer or a DOS file. For printing, ensure the printer defaults are set correctly (from the Set- Up Program Defaults option in Utilities). You can specify the number of blank lines between records on most lists. If sending the list to a DOS file, you need to supply a file name (the extension .TXT is added automatically). The file is in standard ASCII format, and can be loaded by word processors. All lists (except QSOs with a specific country or QSOs to QSL), can be restricted to countries, or QSOs with countries, of a particular DXCC type. A menu provides these choices: 1. Current DXCC 2. Valid DXCC 3. Deleted DXCC 4. Non-DXCC 5. All All lists (except choices 1 and 4), can be confined to a range of QSO dates. This means that the basis of the list is restricted to QSOs that occurred within the dates specified (inclusive). The lists are based on the current log. If Ham Log is in Contest Mode, then the lists from choices 5 and 8 will include the Points and Multiplier values for each QSO, with totals of: Points, Multipliers, Points X Multiplier per QSO. PREFIX / COUNTRY LISTS . . . All countries can have up to 20 individual prefixes. (This allows for I.T.U. prefixes). The Current DXCC countries have also a "Main Prefix", which is a field that contains just the common amateur radio prefix(es) used by the country, as used by the A.R.R.L. After choosing which country type to list, you then come to a menu giving you four types of lists. These are: 1. Prefixes - All Prefixes 2. Prefixes - Main Prefixes 3. Countries - All Prefixes 4. Countries - Main Prefixes Choice 1 lists alphabetically every individual prefix, providing the country's name, its Main Prefix and whether or not other prefixes exist for the country. Choice 2 lists alphabetically just the Main Prefix field, with the country name and whether or not it has multiple prefixes. For Current DXCC countries, this is a useful reference to have. Choice 3 lists alphabetically each country, and provides every individual prefix. Choice 4 lists alphabetically each country, and provides the Main Prefix, as well as the Continent, ITU and CQ zones. Again, with Current DXCC countries, this is convenient to have. COUNTRIES WORKED . . . This list shows each country worked, followed by details (in single line log format) of the first QSO in the modes specified. COUNTRIES CONFIRMED . . . This list shows each country confirmed, followed by details (in single line log format) of the first confirmed QSO in the modes specified. It is an ideal list for awards. When listing confirmed countries, you can restrict the list to QSOs where QSLs were received within a range of dates. This is useful when applying for additional DXCC credit. Note: The first confirmed QSO for a country (in each mode) is the earliest QSO you had with the country that is subsequently confirmed. When listing Countries Confirmed, Ham Log only looks at these QSOs. If their QSL Received Date falls within any specified QSL date range, they will then be included in the list. COUNTRIES NOT CONFIRMED . . . The purpose of this list is to provide a list of countries that have not been confirmed in both modes of the log. QSOS - LOG FORMAT . . . This list provides all the important details for each QSO on one line. There are various options enabling you to restrict the list to specific QSOs. Firstly, you can specify to list QSOs only with particular types of countries. Next, you have the opportunity to confine the list to QSOs based on the contents of their Custom Fields. This is one of the main benefits of the Custom Field, as it enables various groups of QSOs within a log to be listed separately. When entering the contents for a "match" of a QSO's Custom Field, you do not have to be specific. You can stipulate that the field must simply: "contain" what you enter (anywhere within the field), begin with what you enter, or be an exact match. An example for using the "Contained In" choice is where a QSO might qualify for use in more than one awards, for example, a W.A.S. award and a CQ Zones award. QSOs for the first award may have "WAS" entered somewhere in their Custom Field, and "CQZ" for the latter. A QSO relevant for both awards can have both entered in its Custom Field. Then, to list all QSOs for the CQ Zone award, you need only specify that "CQZ" be contained in the Custom Field. Please note that the Custom Field is case sensitive, i.e., if you specify "wac", then QSOs with "WAC" will not match. With the single line of information per QSO, you may elect to replace the QSL and QSO No. information with the Custom Field information. If the Contest Mode is invoked, then Ham Log includes the Points and Multiplier values in place of the QSL and QSO No. data (as well as the totals). The order in which the QSOs are listed can be specified. The choices are: Date of QSO, Call Sign, Country, or Custom Field. Finally, you may restrict the list to QSOs falling between a range of dates. QSOS - SPECIFIC COUNTRY . . . This list shows QSOs with one country in the single line log format. The order is Date of QSO, and a range of dates can be specified. QSOS - TO SEND QSL . . . This choice lists contacts where the "QSL Sent" field is Yes. It is used for printing QSL cards or labels. A range of QSO dates can be specified. It will list the QSOs in the format selected in the Set-Up QSL Print Formats from Utilities. If you are using the Custom Label Format, then all lists are sent to a DOS file. As each QSO is listed, its QSL Sent Date field can be updated automatically with the current date. This option is set in the Set-Up QSO and Log Defaults facility in Utilities. When you have completed one of these QSL lists (to the screen, printer or DOS file), Ham Log will remember the last QSO listed. Subsequently, when you run the program and select this option, Ham Log will ask if you would like to list all QSOs to QSL since the last list was done. (This function applies to each of your six logs.) If you choose not to, then you can still specify a range of dates. QSOS - IN DETAIL . . . This list includes either the "Full" or "Main" details of a QSO, depending on which screen format you have chosen from the QSO Menu. Each QSO requires 13 lines. There are various options to allow you to restrict the list to specific QSOs. These are the same as for choice 5: "QSOs - Log Format". Please refer above for information. STATISTICS (Choice 4 from the Main Menu) The main statistics show the following details for each one MHz band: - Total Contacts, in each mode - Total Countries Worked, in each mode - Total Countries Confirmed, in each mode The totals given at the bottom of the report are mainly for contest or award purposes. They do not reflect the totals of countries worked and confirmed for a log. (These statistics are provided in choice 3.) (RE) CALCULATE STATISTICS . . . If the statistics held are out of date, or not for the log wanted, then execute this procedure to recalculate the statistics on the current log. (If you have not previously calculated statistics you must perform this procedure.) LIST / PRINT STATISTICS . . . This choice allows you to view the statistics on the screen, print them, or send them to a DOS file. DXCC CURRENT LOG STATUS . . . This option calculates the current log's record with both Current DXCC and Deleted DXCC countries. It shows the number of countries worked and confirmed for each of the log's two modes. This is an ideal summary for DXCC purposes. Please note that it is calculated every time the option is selected and reflects the current log's status. UTILITIES (Choice 5 from the Main Menu) The Utilities Menu provides a wide range of functions. These include setting various defaults, selecting the log to use, invoking or cancelling the Contest Mode, correcting any errors in the countries database, sorting and renumbering the log database as well as a file maintenance routine (should any data files become corrupted). SET-UP QSO & LOG DEFAULTS . . . This choice allows you to set certain defaults for new QSOs, as well as various options for the log. These are saved separately for each log, and can be changed at any time. New QSO defaults are applied to QSOs as they are added. They save time and effort by applying the likely value to certain fields of a new QSO. If you have invoked Contest Mode, the Points and Multiplier values can also be set (see below). A default date for new QSOs can be set (except in Contest Mode when U.T.C. is always used). This is useful for adding old QSOs, especially if you are not using Ham Log "on the fly". If no date is specified, the current U.T.C. date and time is automatically applied to new QSOs. Apart from text, the Custom Field can have other information applied to new QSOs. This is of use for various awards and contests. The following information can be applied: ITU Zone (of QSO's Country) CQ Zone (of QSO's Country) Continent (of QSO's Country) Prefix (of Call Sign) Call Sign Frequency To select one of these, type the field's name into the Custom Field. The usefulness of some of these options may not be immediately apparent, especially to those not involved with many awards. Bear in mind that lists, creating or combining logs, searching and scrolling through logs can be done with the Custom Field. Apart from new QSO fields, the following options can be set: - Whether to update the QSL Sent Date field with the current date when... a QSL listing is performed from the List / Print Menu a QSO is printed from the QSO Menu (useful to differentiate QSOs that have had their QSLs printed) - Save a QSO's Text Editor Field by either: QSO and Log Nos., or Call Sign (refer "Text Editor for QSO" in chapter 5 The Radio Log) - The preferred QSO Details Screen (for new QSOs), either Main or Full details SET-UP LOG DATABASES . . . This routine allows you to select which of the six log databases you wish to make current (active). The two modes of operation for each log can be selected. In addition, you can give a specific call sign, name and description to each log. A log's name and modes are shown on most lists, as well as the screens in the Radio Log area of the program. The other important function is to combine or create a new log from an existing log. The Delete option allows you to delete all QSOs in the highlighted log. The log itself is not deleted. Please note that deletion is permanent. Pressing Enter or ESCape automatically selects the highlighted log as the current log. If this is a different log from before (or has had QSOs from another log combined into it), the log index files are updated. This may take a short time if the log is large (depending on computer and hard disk speeds). EDIT LOG'S PARAMETERS . . . Press E to Edit the highlighted log's name, call sign and description, as well as specify the modes of operation. The program allows two modes of transmission for each log. The modes available (listed with their key letter) are: P - PHONE C - C.W. F - F.M. A - PACTOR R - RTTY K - PACKET T - AMTOR I - IMAGE G - G-TOR D - DIGI S - SSTV M - A.M. COMBINE OR CREATE LOGS . . . Press C to Combine the contents of a specified log into the highlighted log. You can specify to combine only QSOs of a particular frequency (band), and / or a particular mode, and / or based on the contents of their Custom Field. This powerful facility allows you to create a new log (by combining to a blank log), based on specific types of QSOs. You can then determine the country record and statistics for this new log. Highlight the log to combine QSOs into. Then press C to Combine and specify the number of the log to combine QSOs from. You are now given the choice to combine all QSOs, or specific QSOs. Specific QSOs gives you the choice of mode, frequency and the Custom Field. If only one mode is common to both logs, then obviously that is the only mode that can be combined. You are still given the opportunity to specify QSOs based on frequency and / or Custom Field. Complete any details if specifying particular QSOs to combine. If you decide to specify QSOs of a particular frequency, you have the choice of specifying that QSOs to combine must have their frequency exactly as specified (an exact match), or begin with what you entered. For example, if you want all 14 MHz QSOs, but have entered in some QSOs 14.1, 14.2 etc. then you would not want the exact match. You have three options if you wish to restrict the QSOs by their Custom Field. You can stipulate that the field must simply: contain what you enter (anywhere within the field), begin with what you enter, or be an exact match. Coupled with the options available for inserting data into this field, this can be a powerful utility. Unfortunately, we have has to restrict the combining of logs in the demonstration version, but you are able to see the powerful functions it provides. SET-UP PROGRAM DEFAULTS . . . This procedure is executed automatically the first time you install Ham Log, to set certain critical defaults. Run it again if you wish to change any of the following: Memory Size - Amount of conventional RAM in your computer Monitor Type - Colour, Monochrome or LCD Printer Port - Serial or Parallel port specification Max. Lines per Page - Maximum number of lines printable on the paper size being used (minimum 20) Continuous Paper - Continuous or Manual feed paper to your printer Date Format - Either MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY Local Time from U.T.C. - Number of hours (+ or -) your time zone is from U.T.C. (e.g.: France is 01:00 +; remember to reset this field should you have daylight saving) SET-UP QSL PRINT FORMAT . . . This procedure lets you set the type of format to use when printing QSOs to QSL from the List / Print Menu, or singly from the QSO Menu. Three types of standard label formats are provided, together with the "Custom Label Format". The "Full Details" format is also available, not intended for label printing. This format is similar to the display currently in use from the QSO Menu (see "QSO Menu" in chapter 5 The Radio Log for more information). Examples of the three standard label formats are given. The Mode is printed as "2x " plus the name of the appropriate mode. The QSL: PSE / TNX is determined by whether or not a QSL has been received for the QSO. On label formats 2 and 3, a brief message can be included on the last line. You can also specify the left margin, and the number of line feeds between the labels (usually one). Labels must be one label across. No form feeds are sent to the printer when printing labels, which are best suited to printers with a tractor feed. The Custom Label Format is designed for specialised QSL cards, providing virtually unlimited control over the format. The QSLs are sent to a DOS file. Normally, the file is brought into a word processor (or other print routine) where a pre-defined format is applied and the cards easily, and quickly printed. By careful design, this facility can be extremely sophisticated. The Custom Label Format allows you to select which fields to be printed (both QSO and up to five text fields), their order, whether to include (QSO) field names, whether to place each field on a new line, as well as allowing a specified "delimiter" character between fields and finally, the number of blank lines between records. The text fields might include your name, address, call sign, station equipment details and so on. The file naming protocols are: "*_QSL.###" where * is the Log No. (1 - 6) and the extension ### is a number starting with 001 for the first list. This format is used when printing QSLs from the List / Print Menu. "#####_*.QSL" where ##### is the QSO No. and * is the Log No. (1 - 6). This format is used when printing a QSL individually from either the Log Scroll Menu or the QSO Menu. INVOKE / CANCEL CONTEST MODE . . . This choice toggles Ham Log's Contest Mode on or off. The Contest Mode is designed for speed and ease of use when operating in a contest. It is also ideal for operators of DXpeditions. Having set up the fields in Set-Up QSO & Log Defaults, a new QSO can be added with one key press after entering the call sign of the station worked. The Contest Mode can be invoked or cancelled at any time. When in operation, it is clearly indicated on various screens. In Contest Mode, you are given the choice to have the last three digits of RST Sent incremented by one for each QSO added. This is often needed in the report given to the station being worked. CUSTOM FIELD UTILITIES . . . This selection brings up the Custom Field Utilities Menu, where you can replace the Custom Field of various types of QSOs, with several options. The Custom Field can be used for scrolling, listing, searching and combining logs. The options in this menu give the ability to do all of these functions, on fields or other information that could otherwise not be done. After selecting the QSOs to replace, you are given several choices as to what to replace the Custom Fields with. The changes can be temporary, with the Custom Fields restored to their previous value. The number of QSOs replaced is shown at the end. The first six menu items provide various options for selecting which group of QSOs you want to replace their Custom Fields. Having selected the QSOs to replace, a menu appears giving you the choices of what to replace the Custom field with. Choice 1 allows you to enter any text you want. Choice 2 numbers the Custom Fields sequentially - the first QSO is given the number 00001. The remaining choices replace the Custom Field with information from the country of each QSO. Except when replacing with the DXCC Prefix, text is inserted into the Custom Field to enable you to search, list or identify its contents more easily. The choices are: Country Field: Replaced With: ITU Zone "ITU:" + ITU Zone CQ Zone "CQ:" + CQ Zone Continent "CONT:" + Continent DXCC Prefix Main (A.R.R.L.) Prefix Choice 7 of the Custom Field Utilities Menu restores all Custom Fields to their previous values, prior to the last replacements. This allows replacements to be temporary. SORT & REPAIR DATABASES . . . This procedure performs two main functions. Firstly, it sorts the QSOs into the correct time order of each day, in the event that the QSOs were not added sequentially. The other function corrects problems that may occur should the data files become corrupted. All index files are updated. RENUMBER LOG QSO NUMBERS . . . This procedure renumbers the log's QSO numbers sequentially, giving the first QSO in date order the number one. (Ham Log does not permit duplicate QSO numbers.) QSO numbering will be out of sequence if you do not add contacts in date order, or QSOs are deleted. The other reason for QSO numbers being out of order is if logs are combined. TROUBLE SHOOTING OPEN FILE ERROR RE-TRY (Y/N)? - Check the file is on the data drive (in the correct directory) specified in Set-Up Program Defaults. To change the data drive, exit the program, delete the file HAM.INI and re-run the program. - Ensure the directory you were in when you executed the program is the directory that contains all the data files. - Run CHKDSK on the disk and correct errors (use the /F parameter to correct errors; use SCANDISK for DOS6; refer DOS manual). - Ensure your CONFIG.SYS file contains the line specified in the Installation chapter (FILES=35). Increase this number, especially if your are running under multitasking environments such as DESQView or Windows. - Ensure you have at least 512 k of free base RAM, and using DOS 3.3 or higher. - Sometimes, index files become corrupted. These have the extension .XG1. or .SG1. Copy these over from your original main back-up. Then run both Sort & Repair Damaged Data Files and Renumber Log QSO Numbers from Utilities. If this still does not correct the problem please contact the programmer or your supplier. OUT OF MEMORY - The computer has run out free RAM, probably loading part of the program's text information. You must free up more RAM for the program (remove TSRs etc.). If the problem occurs when loading General Station Information, or a QSO's text editor field, then edit the file with a text editor and reduce its size (significantly). Neither should be greater than 52 k in size. - Use DOS 5 or higher and load as many TSRs and device drivers into "high" RAM as possible. Please refer to your DOS manual. PRINTER NOT ON-LINE - Ensure the correct printer port is specified in the Set-Up Program Defaults. - Check the Continuous / Manual Feed is set correctly. - Ensure the printer is ready, paper inserted, and the on-line button activated. PRINTER NOT READY RE-TRY (Y/N)? - Check paper feed, printer cables and any print spool buffer (if being used). Once corrected, press Y. Any other key exits the program. - Check as per "Printer Not On-Line". INCORRECT FIRST QSO WITH A COUNTRY - May occur under extraordinary circumstances. Execute the Renumber Log QSO Numbers option from Utilities. INCORRECT DATE / TIME APPLIED TO QSOs - Check that the correct difference in time between your local time and U.T.C. is specified in Set-Up Program Defaults. Ensure the + or - value is correct (- is used if west of Greenwich). - Remember that the current U.T.C. date may be plus or minus one day from your local time zone.