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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.