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PAGE i Log-EQF is distributed as Shareware. Continued use of this program requires that you become a Registered User. See page v of this manual for registration details. ------------ USER'S GUIDE ------------ ╔═══════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ ╦ ╔═╗ ╔══ ╔══ ╔═╗ ╔══ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ══ ╠═ ║ ║ ╠═ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╦ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╩══ ╚═╝ ╚═╝ ╚══ ╚═╠ ╩ ║ ║ Version 4.01 ╨ ║ ║ Copyright (C) 1989 - 1992 ║ ║ Thomas Dandrea - N3EQF ║ ║ ║ ║ -ALL RIGHTS RESERVED- ║ ║ ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════╝ Tom Dandrea, N3EQF 396 Sautter Drive Coraopolis, PA 15108-9244 USA (412) 457-2584 _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER The following TRADEMARKS apply to the products mentioned in this documentation: Aries-1 and Aries-2......................... Ashton ITC dBASE, DBASE III PLUS, and dBASE IV......... Ashton-Tate, Inc. Microsoft................................... Microsoft Corporation PacketCluster............................... Pavillion Software PAGE ii --------------------------------CONTENTS------------------------------- PAGE NUMBER Definition of Shareware & Disclaimer...................iv Registration and Support & Ombudsman....................v 1. Log-EQF Overview......................................1.0 2. Installation..........................................2.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS........................2.0 INSTALLING Log-EQF.........................2.0 FILES REQUIRED FOR OPERATION...............2.3 3. Program Startup and Customization.....................3.0 CONFIGURATION SETUP........................3.0 LOADING LOGBOOK INFORMATION FROM FILES.....3.3 QUICK STARTUP OF Log-EQF...................3.5 4. Main Menu Commands....................................4.0 VIEW IN DETAIL.............................4.1 QUICK VIEW.................................4.2 PRINT LOGBOOK..............................4.3 QSL LABELS.................................4.4 LOG - AUTOMATIC............................4.5 LOG - MANUAL...............................4.9 EDIT.......................................4.11 LOAD.......................................4.13 SORT.......................................4.14 SEARCH.....................................4.16 NORMAL/CONTEST SELECTION...................4.17 RUN ANOTHER PROGRAM........................4.18 SETUP......................................4.19 EXIT.......................................4.19 5. Contest Operation.....................................5.0 INTRODUCTION...............................5.0 CONFIGURATION SETUP........................5.1 OPERATION DURING THE CONTEST...............5.4 OPERATION AFTER THE CONTEST................5.6 6. Radio Control Commands................................6.0 7. Terminal Node Controller (TNC) Operation..............7.0 8. Maintenance of the DX Prefix Library..................8.0 9. In Case of Trouble....................................9.0 PAGE iii [This page intentionally left blank] DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE PAGE iv ----------------------- Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT ---------------------- Users of Log-EQF must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Log-EQF is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Log-EQF." Log-EQF is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using Log-EQF and continue to use Log-EQF after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $25 to N3EQF. The $25 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. Anyone distributing Log-EQF for any kind of remuneration must first contact N3EQF at the address above for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Log-EQF immediately (However N3EQF must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Log-EQF). You are encouraged to pass a copy of Log-EQF along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the Log-EQF system. REGISTRATION AND SUPPORT POLICY PAGE v ------------------------------- To become a registered user of Log-EQF, you must send a $25 fee to the author at the address below: ┌───────────────────────────────┐ │ Tom Dandrea, N3EQF │ │ 396 Sautter Drive │ │ Coraopolis, PA 15108-9244 │ │ │ │ Phone: (412) 457-2584 │ └───────────────────────────────┘ To register, use the form shown on the following page, or provide the information below in any readible format to N3EQF: - Current version number of Log-EQF you're using. - The type of floppy disk you require (i.e., 360K) - Your amateur callsign. - Complete mailing address. When you become a registered user, you are provided the following: 1. The current version of Log-EQF will be sent upon receipt of payment. The program will be supplied on the floppy type you specify. 2. In addition to the Log-EQF program, you will be provided with two utility programs for importing logbook files from other logging programs into Log-EQF, and for tracking DXCC award progress. 3. You will be automatically notified when major revisions to Log-EQF are released. 4. Technical support is available at the above address and phone number, for a minimum period of 6 months after the registration date. N3EQF makes every attempt to correct any problems reported about the use of the Log-EQF program. I also welcome constructive critism and suggestions for improvement. The current version of Log-EQF rep- resents the collective input received from registered users in the last four years. OMBUDSMAN --------- Tom Dandrea, N3EQF, is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contracting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. REGISTRATION FORM PAGE vi Log-EQF 4.01 Registration and Order Form Your Name: _______________________________Callsign:_____________ Address: _______________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State/Province: ____________ Country: ____________________________ Zip/Postcode: ____________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Make: _________________________ Model: ________________ Video: __MDA __CGA __EGA __MCGA __VGA __Hercules Other:_________ Monitor: __Monochrome __Color __Black-and-White Other___________ DOS Version: ________ Do you have a hard disk? __Yes __No Floppy diskette sizes you use: 5 1/4" __360Kb __1.2Mb 3 1/2" __720Kb __1.44Mb Other (please specify): _____________________________________ Printer Make: _____________________ Model: _____________________ Do you use expanded or extended memory? __Yes __No Do you have a Kenwood radio interfaced with Log-EQF? __Yes __No If yes, which model? _____________________ Do you use a TNC interfaced with Log-EQF? __Yes __No If yes, which make and model?____________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for taking the time to fill out and send in this information. It will help me to provide you with even better software and service in the future. And thanks for supporting the shareware concept. Log-EQF Registration ...............................: $25.00 * For orders outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, please add $3.00 shipping and handling. Total: $_________ Please indicate the disk size you prefer: .... __5 1/4" __3 1/2" Payment must be in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. Pennsylvania residents please add 6% sales tax. Please send the completed form, along with a check or money order to: Tom Dandrea, N3EQF Technical Support: (412) 457-2584 396 Sautter Drive Coraopolis, PA 15108 U.S.A. OVERVIEW PAGE 1.0 1. LOG-EQF OVERVIEW -------------------- The Log-EQF program helps you maintain a complete and accurate station logbook with minimal effort. Log-EQF will function as a full-featured electronic logbook when used alone on a personal computer. If the pro- gram is used on a computer that is connected to a Kenwood transceiver via an RS-232C serial port, many additional automatic logging and con- trol features are enabled. Your TNC is also supported by Log-EQF, with PacketCluster (tm), file upload and download, and a monitor window on the logging screen. Below are some of the features of Log-EQF: - DAILY LOGBOOK (STAND-ALONE) --------------------------- - Easy to use menus for all operations, complete with mouse control. - Full-screen entry of logbook information in any order desired. - Easy edit or deletion of any logbook entry. - Automatic date and time logging with built-in UTC conversion. - Quick reports of DXCC Zone and Continent info from callsign prefix. - Beam Headings displayed from DXCC prefix of callsign. - Abbreviated or complete display of logbook entries. - Ability to search logbook for a pattern in any entry field. - Able to sort logbook files by any field. - Print all or part of logbook, either in abbreviated or detailed form. - Print QSL labels with personalized message line. - Customized screen colors and on-screen display of your callsign. - Run other programs while Log-EQF stays in memory (EMS if installed). - Monitor PACKET or any other TNC operation while logging. - CONTEST MODE ------------ - Fast dupe checking with displayed details. - Optional automatic generation of serial numbers for exchange. - Optional printout of each entry as it's logged (data security). - Generate Dupe sheets. - Print entry logbook w/ auto QSO and multiplier totals (user-defined). - ASCII disk files created for dupe sheets and contest logs. - Partial callsign check. - On-screen QSO rate and lapse time displays. - KENWOOD INTERFACE ----------------- - Automatic display and logging of radio mode and frequency. - Control over radio VFOs and mode from log entry screens. - "Local Memories" - programmable VFO/mode/split memories. - On-screen display of two VFOs and "TRANSMIT". - On-screen display for last station heard on what frequency. INSTALLATION PAGE 2 2. INSTALLATION ---------------- - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ------------------- - IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible. - DOS 2.1 or higher. - 512K memory (The program executable requires about 200K). - Monochrome or color monitor (no graphics adapter required). - 1 floppy drive and/or a hard drive (hard disk drive recommended). - (optional) 1 serial comm port (COM1-COM4) for Kenwood radio I/F. - (optional) 1 serial comm port for Terminal Node Controller (TNC). - 1 parallel printer port and printer recommended. - Mouse (Microsoft compatible), bus mouse if all COM ports are used. If a Kenwood radio is to be interfaced to your computer for use with Log-EQF, it must be connected to the computer's serial port following Kenwood's documentation guidelines. The appropriate Kenwood board/chip set for your radio must also be installed, along with the IF-232C inter- face (if required for your model). Please refer to the appropriate Kenwood manual(s) for specific interface information about your radio. You may also use a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) with Log-EQF. Log-EQF is compatible with any TNC designed to work with standard TTY or ANSI terminal emulation communication software. No attempt is made to control a TNC in host mode. - INSTALLING LOG-EQF SOFTWARE --------------------------- Before proceeding, make a WORKING copy of the Log-EQF floppy. (Refer to your DOS manual for information about copying programs). USE THE WORKING COPY YOU CREATE TO INSTALL LOG-EQF, AND MAINTAIN YOUR ORIGINAL DISK IN A SAFE PLACE! Log-EQF comes in compressed format, so that all the accessory files you might require will fit onto a single 360K floppy. A self-extracting file called INSTALL will unpack all the necessary files onto the disk or directory you specify. The general procedure is the same for all machines, but specifics for each disk configuration appear below: INSTALLATION PAGE 2.1 A. SINGLE-FLOPPY SYSTEMS: NOTE: If you have only a single floppy disk drive, and no access to a second disk, you may have difficulty with the following procedure. Please contact N3EQF if you would like a single-disk, uncompressed version of Log-EQF. 1. If you have access to a PC which has more than one floppy drive, or one with a floppy and a hard drive, it is easiest to run INSTALL on that machine, and then copy the resulting Log-EQF files onto a blank floppy. If that option is not available, you must make use of a RAMDRIVE (memory configured to act like a disk drive) in order for the INSTALL program to run. See your DOS manual for directions on RAMDRIVEs. 2. Follow the directions in part B below for extracting the files from the installation disk using INSTALL. Use the RAMDRIVE as drive B: for this procedure. Once this is accomplished, copy the following files from the RAMDRIVE "B:" onto a DOS-formatted floppy: LOG-EQF.EXE DUPE-EQF.EXE PREFIX.LIB STATES.LIB 3. Format a blank floppy disk for the logbook data files using DOS. If your floppy drive is a 720K, 1.2M or 1.44M density type, you may either format a blank floppy as above, or use the Log-EQF disk to store the logbook data files. 4. Insert the working copy of Log-EQF into the the A: floppy drive, and type "LOG-EQF <Enter>". Proceed to Section 3 of this manual. B. DUAL-FLOPPY SYSTEM: 1. Format two blank disks, using the DOS command "FORMAT A: /S". One file is to be used for the Log-EQF system disk, and the other for storing logbook files. 2. Insert your working copy of Log-EQF in floppy drive A:, and your blank logbook disk in floppy drive B:. Type "INSTALL B:" to begin unpacking the Log-EQF files onto drive B:. (You can install from drive B: onto drive A:, if you prefer). 3. After all files have been unpacked, remove the working copy and insert your new Log-EQF system disk in drive A:. Insert the second (blank) floppy into drive B: for logbook files. Type "Log-EQF" at the DOS prompt, and proceed to Section 3 of this manual. Each time you load logbook data from Log-EQF, enter the file name proceeded by "B:". INSTALLATION PAGE 2.2 C. HARD DISK SYSTEMS (RECOMMENDED) 1. Create a sub-directory on your hard disk for the Log-EQF software, using the DOS "MD" command. This directory will be the one used by Log-EQF to store logbook data files it creates. 2. Insert your Log-EQF Working Copy into a floppy drive. If the disk is in floppy A:, type "A:", if it is in B:, type "B:". To unpack the compressed files into the hard drive subdirectory you created above, type "INSTALL" followed by the subdirectory name, such as "INSTALL C:\EQFPLUS". 3. From the subdirectory above, type "LOG-EQF <Enter>" and proceed to Section 3 of this manual. INSTALLATION PAGE 2.3 - FILES REQUIRED BY LOG-EQF ------------------------- The following is a list of files which are necessary for all functions of Log-EQF to operate, along with their description: * LOG-EQF.EXE Main executable logbook module * LOG-EQF.CFG User-defined configuration parameters (created the first time LOG-EQF is run). LOG-EQF.MEM User-defined radio LOCAL MEMORIES, file #1 DUPE-EQF.EXE Dupe-sheet and contest log generation module * PREFIX.LIB DXCC Prefix Library (Also used for beam headings) * STATES.LIB Beam Heading file for STATE field. LOG-EQF.DOC Documentation File (User's Guide) for Log-EQF If disk space is limited, and you do not require contest operation or the DXCC or file-conversion utilities, you can install only those files marked with an asterisk (*) on your disk. DUPE-EQF.EXE can also be omitted if you will not be working contests with Log-EQF. Logbook file names are defined by the user. The only limitation on file- names are the restrictions imposed by DOS; file names can be no longer than 8 characters. Log-EQF automatically adds the ".LOG" file extension to the end of the logbook name you define. When you enter a logbook name from within Log-EQF, you do not type the ".LOG" extension. To load the sample logbook, for example, you type in only "SAMPLE". CONFIGURATION PAGE 3.0 3. PROGRAM STARTUP AND CUSTOMIZATION ------------------------------------- - CONFIGURATION SETUP ------------------- The first time you run Log-EQF, you will be directed automatically to the Log-EQF configuration setup menu. If you wish to change a previously- defined configuration, you can access the setup menu by selecting it from the Log-EQF Main menu. Log-EQF Configuration Setup Copyright (C) 1992 Thomas J. Dandrea - N3EQF ╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ │ │ Callsign ->N3EQF │ │ This Station's Latitude (N = +)? 40.5 │ │ Longitude (E = +)? -80.1 │ │ │ │ Logbook Name used most often (BLANK = Yearly Rename) ->NEWLOG │ │ │ │ Radio Interface Connected to Computer Serial Port ->2 │ │ Terminal Node Controller (TNC) Connected to Port ->1 │ │ TNC Baud ->1200 Parity ->N Data Bits ->8 Stop Bits ->1 │ │ │ │ Hours to add to clock time for UTC (0 = SAME) ->5 │ │ │ │ First Program for SHELL ->DX-EQF %C │ │ Second Program for SHELL -> │ │ │ │ <F1> = DATE Format ->ddmmmyy <Page Up> = PRINT COLOR: 14 │ │ <F2> = PRINTER TYPE: Standard <Page Dn> = SCREEN COLOR: 15 │ ╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ For each item on the menu, the values to the right of the arrow can be changed. To do that, position the screen cursor to the line desired by using the Up or Down arrow keys. When the cursor is on the desired line, type in the new value and hit <Enter>. In most cases, an erroneous input will be ignored. CALLSIGN is used at the top of most screen displays, printouts, and QSL labels. THIS STATION'S LATITUDE/LONGITUDE is used by the program to calculate beam headings. Enter your station's latitude and longitude in degrees for both items. Log-EQF defaults to a lat/lon in the central United States, until you enter the location of your station. CONFIGURATION PAGE 3.1 LOGBOOK NAME is the name of the logbook file you will want to use for most of your logging. The name you enter here will appear when you run Log-EQF each time, so you don't have to type it in yourself. If you leave this setup item blank, the program will make up a name for you, based on the current year, such as "1990LOG". You can type in a new name at any time, no matter what option you decide on for this item. RADIO INTERFACE PORT is the computer serial port number to be used for the radio interface. Enter a number between 1 and 4, for COM1 through COM4, or a 0 if you are not using the radio interface. If you use both a radio and a TNC with Log-EQF, you must be sure to specify the correct serial port for each device. TNC PORT tells Log-EQF whether you are using a TNC. Enter a 0 if you are not using a TNC, or enter a number between 1 and 4 for the serial port being used for the TNC. The TNC and radio must be on separate ports of course. Below is a summary of the the serial port configuration expected by the Log-EQF I/O routines: Port Name I/O Address Interrupt Request COM1 3F8 IRQ4 COM2 2F8 IRQ3 COM3 3E8 IRQ2 COM4 2E8 IRQ5 If you are unsure of the configuration of your computer's serial ports, try COM1 and COM2 first. Ports 1 and 2 are almost always configured as shown above, while the setup for ports 3 and 4 can vary. TNC BAUD RATE sets the communication rate between your computer and your TNC. Your TNC should be set to match the value you enter here. Typical baud rates are 1200 and 4800. If your TNC is set for AUTO baud rate, it will be necessary for you to go to the full-screen terminal emulation from the AUTOMATIC or MANUAL LOGGING screen using ^T, and then "wake up" the TNC when prompted. Consult the TNC manufacturer's documentation for directions on setting baud rate for your particular model. PARITY, DATA BITS, STOP BITS are set to match the communication parameters required by your TNC. The default values for No parity (N), 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit are used by most TNCs. NOTE: Your TNC should also be set for ECHO ON, so that characters you type will be displayed. HOURS TO ADD FOR UTC controls how the date and time for Log-EQF logbook entries is determined. If the response to the menu item is "0", then the time used for each log entry will be exactly the same as your computer's clock time. If you enter any other number for this menu item, that number will be ADDED (SUBTRACTED, if you enter a negative number), to the computer clock to calculate the date and time used for logging entries. This item enables you to keep your computer clock on local time, and have your logbook times in UTC. CONFIGURATION PAGE 3.2 PROGRAM NAMES for SHELL is used to enter program names which can be accessed from Log-EQF's Main Menu. You can use this feature to access often-used programs through Log-EQF. If the program you want to run cannot be located in the same directory as Log-EQF, you can prepare a small file called a BATCH file to execute it. Your BATCH file (consult your DOS manual for information about creating BATCH files) would perform a DOS "CD" command to change directories to the one where your program resides, and then "CALL" that program. Once you have created your BATCH file, store it in the same directory as Log-EQF, and specify the BATCH file's name on this item on the SETUP menu. You can append the program name you supply for the SHELL with special parameters which are passed to that program from Log-EQF's logging screen. The available parameters are %C, %F, and %T, for Callsign, Frequency, and Track, respectively. If you supply DX-EQF %C for the program name to SHELL to, and you just entered 9X5AA as the callsign on the Log-EQF logging screen, the DX-EQF program module (available free to Registered Users) will check your DXCC status for that country automatically. Another possible use would be to use the %C parameter with the name of a "CALLBOOK" routine, to look up QSL information for the station you just worked. The possiblilities are endless! If you have about 200K of Expanded Memory available on your computer, Log- EQF will attempt to relocate itself into that memory space, so that conventional "DOS" memory is freed for use by other programs. To find if Expanded Memory is in use with Log-EQF, select SHELL to DOS, and check for a message "EMS in use" at the upper right corner of the screen. Consult your DOS manual for configuration of memory drivers such as "EMM386.EXE". DATE FORMAT is accessed using the <F1> key, and can be used to change the format of the date entries in the log. A menu will be displayed which presents the available formats. PRINTER TYPE is either standard or graphics. If your printer is an Epson, or emulates the Epson graphics character set, select "GRAPHICS". If your printer prints strange characters instead of lines from Log-EQF, select "STANDARD". If your system has a color adapter and monitor, you can customize colors which Log-EQF displays for background and characters. Hit the <Page Down> and <Page Up> keys on your keyboard, and the display will will update to show you the current color selection. - When all parameters on the configuration menu screen are set, hit the <Esc> key again to save all the values to a disk file called LOG-EQF.CFG. When the program is started from now on, the configuration file will be accessed automatically, and you do not have to access the configuration setup menu again unless you want to change some parameter. LOADING PAGE 3.3 - LOADING LOGBOOK FILES --------------------- The first step in operation of Log-EQF (once the configuration setup is complete) is to tell the program the name of the logbook file to be used. The following menu is displayed by Log-EQF: ╒═══════════════════════ N3EQF Amateur Radio Logbook ═════════════════════╕ │ Entries In Log = 2091 Last Entry = VP25EI │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ╒═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ │ │ -- LOAD LOGBOOK ENTRIES FROM DISK -- │ │ │ │ Enter an existing or new log name below, or hit <─┘ │ │ to load the file shown. Hit a Function Key listed │ │ below for other features... │ │ │ │ │ │ Enter logbook name: NEWLOG │ │ │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ┌──────────────────────────────────┐ │ <F1> = CONTEST │ │ <F2> = CONFIGURATION │ │ <F3> = SHOW AVAILABLE LOGBOOKS │ │ <F4> = RENAME CUSTOM FIELD │ └──────────────────────────────────┘ ═════════════════════════════════╡ Memory enough for 22701 more QSOs ╞══ Log-EQF will prompt you to "Enter logbook name", display a log file name, and then wait for your response. If the name that is displayed is the logbook you want to use, just hit <Enter>. (This is what is known as a DEFAULT value, meaning if you don't type in new information, the program uses the old information that is displayed on the screen). If this log already exists, the program will read all the entries from that file. If the log name is a new one, you will be asked if you want to create a new log file on the disk. If you want to use a file name other than the default, you may type it in and then hit <Enter>. Note that logbook names cannot be longer than 8 characters (plus ".LOG"). A sample logbook file should be present on your Log-EQF disk. This file may be used to demonstrate the features of Log-EQF, and for experimentation until you become familiar with the program's operation. To load this sample file, type "SAMPLE" at the prompt. LOADING PAGE 3.4 The default file name is determined by information supplied by you from the Configuration Setup menu. If you supplied a logbook file name on the Configuration Setup menu line for "Logbook name most often used", then that name will be used by Log-EQF each time you run the program. If you didn't supply a default name (left the item blank), the first 4 characters of the file name are taken from the last 4 characters of the computer clock's date variable. The last 3 characters are always "LOG". If the current date is 1990, the default file name is "1990LOG". NOTE: If you wish to load data from a disk other than the one running Log-EQF currently, you may proceed the file name with the disk assignment. For example, if Log-EQF is being run from hard drive C, and you wish to load logbook data from floppy drive A, file 1990LOG, then you would enter "A:1990LOG" from the prompt. This will remain the logbook file which is viewed, edited, sorted, searched, or entered into by Log-EQF, until you enter a new name. You may also access another logbook by hitting the <F3> function key. This will display all available logbooks in the current disk directory, and allow you to choose the one to be loaded. You can also view the log files in another directory from this screen. The <F4> function key has a very special purpose. With it, you can customize the logbook to contain a field you name yourself. This field is called "TRACK", unless you call it something else. You could call this field "COUNTY", or "10-10", or any other name to describe something you want to keep track of in your logbook. Whatever name you give it, this field will stay associated with the logbook to be loaded. You can name different fields for different logbooks, depending on your operation. Although you don't necessarily care, the name of this field is stored in a separate disk file, which starts with the same name as the logbook, and ends with ".TRK". QUICK START PAGE 3.5 - QUICK STARTUP OF LOG-EQF ------------------------ A shortcut is available to allow you to start the program and load the logbook file faster. To take advantage of this feature, you need only know in advance what logbook name you are going to be using. Instead of typing "Log-EQF" and hitting <Enter>, follow the program's name with a space, and the name of your logbook file. For example, if you want to do a "quick startup" using the SAMPLE logbook, type: LOG-EQF SAMPLE <Enter> When you use the "quick startup" method, the program will not display the Welcome Screen or pause for you to hit a key to continue. If you are using a Kenwood interface, the radio and interface must be turned on before you start the program. You will also not be prompted to enter the name of logbook file to be loaded. Instead, Log-EQF will auto- matically load the logbook you entered when you started the program. When the logbook loading is complete, the Main Menu will be displayed, and program operation will revert to normal. You may also specify the program to startup in CONTEST mode by supplying " /C" after the log filename from the command line. The following line would cause Log-EQF to present the contest SETUP MENU and then load the file TEST.LOG: LOG-EQF TEST /C <Enter> One additional option forces Log-EQF to use the display options for MONOCHROME computer displays. To do this, add " /M" after the other command line parameters. For example: LOG-EQF TEST /C /M <Enter> MAIN MENU PAGE 4.0 4. MAIN MENU COMMANDS ------------------ After a logbook has been loaded (or created), a menu will be displayed with 14 items for selection. To select an item, use the arrow keys or the mouse to change which item is highlighted. When the desired item is highlighted, hit the <Enter> key to select that item. The Log-EQF Main Menu screen appears below: ╒═══════════════════════ N3EQF Amateur Radio Logbook ═════════════════════╕ │ Entries In Log = 2091 Last Entry = VP25EI │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ┌───────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ VIEW in DETAIL entries in logbook │ LOAD new logbook entries from disk │ │ │ │ │ QUICK VIEW entries in NEWLOG │ SORT logbook file by any field │ │ │ │ │ PRINT logbook record pages │ SEARCH log - Print/File/QSL options │ │ │ │ │ QSL LABELS output to printer │ NORMAL mode - switch for CONTEST │ │ │ │ │ LOG new entries - AUTOMATIC mode │ RUN ANOTHER PROGRAM │ │ │ │ │ LOG new entries - MANUAL mode │ SETUP program configuration │ │ │ │ │ EDIT an entry - based on callsign │ EXIT from program │ └───────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┘ ╔═══════════╗ ║ 22:34:10 ║ ═══════════════════════════════╡ MAIN MENU ╞══════════════════╚═══════════╝ Selection of a menu item will, depending on the type of operation selected, display another menu, prompt you for some further information, or switch the selected item to display some other item. No matter which item is selected, hitting the <Esc> key will again display the Main Menu. The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each item on the Main Menu. VIEW IN DETAIL PAGE 4.1 - VIEW in DETAIL entries in logbook --------------------------------- Selecting this item will display the first screen of entries contained in the current logbook. One screen page in this mode contains 5 QSO's, unless notepad entries are present. The number of QSO's on each screen is automatically adjusted by the program to display notepad entries. The format of this display consists of at least three lines for each QSO, showing the complete details for each entry: CALLSIGN CITY DATE START TIME SENT REPORT QSL NAME STATE FREQ. END TIME RECEIVED RPT MODE POWER QSO # TRACK COUNTRY INFORMATION... As soon as the first screen page of entries is displayed, several options are available, and these options are explained on the bottom line of the screen. If NOTEPAD information exists for a logbook entry, that information will be displayed immediately following the standard three-line entry. Selecting the <F1> function key activates the EDIT option. The program will prompt you to enter a QSO number for the log entry you wish to edit. Selecting the <Esc> key causes the VIEW in DETAIL mode to be stopped, and the Main Menu will be displayed again. The <Page Up> and <Page Down> keys may be used to scroll through the next five entries, or the previous five entries in the log. The <Up Arrow> and <Down Arrow> keys have the same effect, except the log entries scroll forward and backwards one at a time. At any time while scrolling through the log entries, you may select <Esc> to return to the Main Menu. QUICK VIEW PAGE 4.2 - QUICK VIEW entries in logbook ----------------------------- Selecting this item causes display of a page containing abbreviated, one- line entries for the first 23 QSO's in the current logbook. This mode allows you to browse quickly through the log. The format of each entry line is: DATE TIME CALLSIGN FREQ MODE SENT RCVD QTH NAME QSL To advance to the next page of 23 QSO's, just hit a key. To start over again at the first page of 23 QSO's, hit the <Home> key. The <End> key may be used to jump to the end of the logbook. The <Up Arrow>, <Down Arrow>, <Page Up>, and <Page Down> keys may be used to scroll through the log entries in either direction. To return to the Main Menu, hit the <Esc> key. PRINT LOGBOOK PAGE 4.3 - PRINT logbook record pages -------------------------- This menu item allows you to print some or all of the current logbook, using either the same format as is displayed on the screen during the VIEW IN DETAIL option, or the shorter format as used during the QUICK VIEW option. A two-window menu appears, enabling you to either print all the QSO's in the logbook, or to print any series of QSO's. To select an item in the top window, highlight it by using the arrow keys and hit the <Enter> key. ╒════ Logbook Print ══════════════════════════════╕ │ │ │ Print ALL QSOs in the logbook file │ │ │ │ Print QSOs from number [ 1 ] to [ 2091 ] │ │ │ │ Print from dates [10Mar71 ] to [20Nov91 ] │ │ │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ╒════ Selected Format ════════════════════════════╕ │ │ │ SINGLE LINE... hit <F1> for DETAILED │ │ │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ When the "Print QSO's from number [ ] to [ ]" option is selected, enter the first QSO number, hit <Enter>, then enter the last QSO number to be printed. The default numbers for these are the first and last entries in the logbook. You may alter either one of both of these numbers or just hit <Enter> to accept a default value. Another menu item allows you to print entries between any two dates. To switch between the short and long print formats, use the <F1> key until the desired format type is displayed in the bottom menu window. After you have made your selections, hit the <Enter> key. The program will prompt you to prepare the line printer and hit any key to begin printing. The printed page is setup to accommodate standard 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper. If you elect to keep your printed logbook in a 3-ring binder, a few QSO numbers may be lost when the paper is punched, since the numbers appear on the extreme left edge of the page. Most printers will allow you to shift the paper position to the left far enough to allow the logbook pages to be punched without interfering with the printed information. QSL LABELS PAGE 4.4 - QSL LABELS output to printer ---------------------------- Select this item to print QSL labels for all or part of the QSO's in the current logbook. The selections available for this option are the same as for the "PRINT logbook" option described above. ╒═ Label Options ═════════════════════════════════╕ │ label size (inches): │ │ │ │ 5-line standard 3.5 x 15/16 │ │ 5-line graphic 3.5 x 15/16 │ │ 5-line standard 3.5 x 1.5 │ │ 5-line graphic 3.5 x 1.5 │ │ 1-line standard 5 x 7/16 │ │ │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ The "LABEL OPTIONS" menu allows you some controls over the appearance and size of the QSL labels to be printed. There are three basic styles; two with 5-lines of text to be printed, and one which prints the QSL info on a single line. The single line text is printed on a label measuring 5" x 7/16", in the following format: CALLSIGN DAY MONTH YEAR TIME BAND RST MODE This 1-line style will easily fit below the labeled columns on pre-printed QSL cards. The two 5-line styles fit on larger labels, either 3.5 x 15/16" or 3.5 x 1.5". A "graphic" selection is available, which will print solid lines and double-wide callsign fonts if your printer is capable of printing graphics characters. If you select one of the 5-line styles, the program will prompt you to enter text to appear on the bottom line of the QSL label(s) to be printed. A default text line which includes your callsign will be displayed. You may either hit <Enter> to accept the displayed text, or enter new text in its place. The text you enter will be automatically centered on the bottom line of the QSL label(s). This text line is limited to a length of 35 characters. The last option for QSL label printing concerns automatic updating of the QSL status field for each log entry being confirmed. If you select this option when prompted, Log-EQF will mark a "S" in the QSL status field if the field was empty, or it will mark a "X" in the QSL status field if it previously contained a "R". Note that this is the system for tracking QSL status within Log-EQF: S = Sent / R = Received / X = Exchanged QSLs. AUTOMATIC LOGGING PAGE 4.5 - LOG new entries - AUTOMATIC mode -------------------------------- This menu item selects the automatic logbook update function. This mode enables you to enter new entries into the logbook in "realtime", during a QSO. The function is called AUTOMATIC since the Date, Start Time, and End Time for each QSO are taken from the computer clock. If you have the Kenwood radio interface connected, the Frequency and Mode fields are also automatically logged. Below is a view of the Log-EQF AUTOMATIC LOGGING screen: ╒═════════════════════════════════════════════╤════════════════════════════╕ │ CALLSIGN -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ Tue Nov 26 22:35:30 1991 │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ OPERATION: AUTOMATIC ENTRY │ │ REPORT SENT -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ╞═════ N3EQF LOGBOOK KEYS ═══╡ │ REPORT RCVD -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F1> = Save QSO 2092 │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ <F2> = Log Start Time │ │ NAME -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F3> = Edit Log: NEWLOG │ │ CITY -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F4> = Clear Screen │ │ STATE -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F5> = Info on DX Prefix │ │ COUNTRY -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <Esc> = Exit to Menu │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ <Ctl> = Additional Commands│ │ FREQUENCY ->14.049.17░ VFO B ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ╞══════ TS-940S CONTROLS ════╡ │ MODE ->CW ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <PgUp/PgDn> = Tune VFO B │ │ POWER LEVEL ->100 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F6> = VFO A ->14.250.00 │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ <F7> = VFO B ->14.049.17 │ │ TRACK -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F8> = A/B VFO Switch │ │ QSL STATUS -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F9> = Select Radio MODE │ │ INFO -> ░░ │ <F10> = Local Memories │ ╞═════════════════════════════════════════════╧════════════════════════════╡ │ AD8J>KC3TM/V: │ │ DX DE WT8C: 7010.5 YO8CWK 2233Z │ │ AD8J>W3GH/V: │ │ DX DE WT8C: 7010.5 YO8CWK 2233Z │ │ AD8J>KA3JWJ/V: │ │ AD8J>W3GH/V: │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This view of the logging screen shows a Kenwood TS-940 transceiver (box on the middle right) and a TNC (box on bottom) interfaced to the program. A full-screen display shows entry lines for CALLSIGN, REPORT RECEIVED, REPORT SENT, NAME, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY, FREQUENCY, MODE, POWER LEVEL, TRACK, QSL STATUS, and INFO. These fields may be entered in any order, by using the <Up> or <Down> arrow keys to position the cursor on the desired line. Also, the <Enter> key can be used to step through the lines without affecting any information already entered. AUTOMATIC LOGGING PAGE 4.6 The keyboard edit keys may also be used to make corrections to any of the text already entered, so the entire line does not have to be retyped. Position the cursor on the line to be corrected, then move the cursor over the character desired using the <Left> and <Right> arrow keys. To delete a character, position the cursor over the character and depress the <Delete> key. To insert additional information between characters, depress the <Insert> key and type in the additional characters. You may deselect the insert mode by again depressing the <Insert> key, or it will automatically be deselected when you move the cursor to another line. When the <Insert> function is active, the cursor will change from a square to a single line. The <Home> key may be used to position the cursor back to the beginning of a line when you have already moved the cursor to within the line. The <End> key positions the cursor at the end of current text on any line. Five function keys, plus the <Esc>, <Alt>, and <Ctrl> keys, provide control over logbook operations: - <F1> is used to save the logbook entry to the disk file, after all logbook information has been supplied. If a valid callsign has not been entered, no action will be taken. When <F1> is selected, the current log clock time is logged as the QSO END TIME. If <F2> had not been selected previously, then the QSO START TIME will be logged as the current clock time also. A message will be displayed confirming the log entry was saved. - <F2> is used to LOG START TIME of QSO from the computer clock. When the key is depressed, the current time is logged as start time. Each time <F2> is pressed, the current time will be logged again. This overides the QSO start time which is entered automatically everytime a new callsign is entered. - <F3> allows you to update any recent QSO entries in the logbook. This feature can be used during a roundtable QSO to fill in details for any of the stations in the group. - <F4> may be selected to clear all information displayed on the screen. When the key is pressed, the program will prompt you to verify you want to clear the screen. If you respond with anything other than "Y" for yes, the entry in progress will not be cleared. - <F5> may be selected to lookup DXCC information based on the prefix of the callsign currently entered. The DXCC prefix, country name, CQ and ITU zones, continent, and beam heading are displayed in a box below the Log Keys box. Note that beam headings are only valid for DX. AUTOMATIC LOGGING PAGE 4.7 - <Esc> may be used to return to the Main Menu, the same as with the other program screens. You can do this at any time, without losing any of the information currently entered into any of the logbook fields for a new entry. Note that no information in this case will be permanently saved, however, until <F1> is selected to add the entry to the current logbook file. Each time a new callsign is entered into the CALLSIGN field, the logbook is automatically searched to see if that station has been worked before. If it has been, information from your most recent QSO with the station will be entered for you by the program in the NAME, CITY or COUNTRY, and QSL fields. The information may be modified, of course, by using the keyboard edit keys. Also at the top of the page will be a display showing when and on what band and mode you worked last. - <Alt> key may be used to control which of the logbook items you want to fill in, instead of using the <arrow> keys to position the cursor on the screen. When you first press the <Alt> key, one letter of each of the logbook items on the screen will be highlighted. If you again press and hold the <Alt> key, and then press the letter key corresponding to the letter highlighted in the item you desire, the cursor will immediately jump to that item. Entering information into the log from this point is exactly the same as if you had positioned the cursor to the item using the <Enter> or <arrow> keys. If you already know the letter code for the item you want to select, you can press and hold the <Alt> key along with the correct letter to select that item. For example, if the cursor is located at the CALLSIGN item, and you want to enter the signal REPORT RECEIVED, you can press the <Alt> and "R" keys together and the cursor will move to that item immediately. The <Alt> key method of entry described above gives you a faster way to jump from item to item using fewer key strokes. This feature is enabled for both AUTOMATIC and MANUAL log modes, but is not available in CONTEST mode. AUTOMATIC LOGGING PAGE 4.8 The <Ctrl> key allows additional commands to be executed from the logging screen. After the command you select has been executed, the logging screen will be restored, along with any information you entered into a logging field. By holding the <Ctrl> key down while at the same time pressing another key, you can perform the various functions as listed below: <Ctrl-D> will put you into DOS, and leave Log-EQF resident in memory. You can execute any command you like from DOS, and when you are ready to return to Log-EQF, just type "EXIT". The Log-EQF log entry screen will reappear, just as you left it. <Ctrl-R> results in a SHELL (you might think of it as RUN) to whatever program you entered in the first SHELL item on the Configuration Setup Menu. <Ctrl-S> is used to SHELL to the second program entered on the Configuration Setup Menu. <Ctrl-N> is used to enter information into the NOTEPAD for a log entry. The NOTEPAD is located in the window at the bottom of the logging screen. To complete the entry in the NOTEPAD, hit the <Esc> key. <Ctrl-P> is used to access the PacketCluster (tm) screen, which shows the ten most recent DX spots, along with a window to make your own DX announcement over the PacketCluster. The DX announcement window will automatically enter the DX callsign and the current frequency from the logging screen. To make an announcement, just enter a comment and hit <Enter>. You must be currently connected to a PacketCluster node in order to make an announcement, of course. See section 7 of this manual for more information about using PacketCluster with Log-EQF. <Ctrl-T> is used to enter the full-screen TNC terminal emulation. Also, the window at the bottom of the logging screen will monitor activity on your TNC, if you have enabled the TNC option on the SETUP MENU. You may also send or receive files via your TNC by using the <Page Up> and <Page Down> keys, respectively, while the full-screen TNC terminal emulation is in use. <Ctrl-V> can be selected anytime you have entered a callign on the logging screen, and Log-EQF alerts you the station has been logged before. Using <Ctrl-V>, you can see complete log entries for all of your prior QSOs with that station. Log-EQF will display the most recent QSO first, in the window at the bottom of the logging screen. You then have the option of hitting a key to see each earlier QSO (if there are any), or you can hit <Esc> to return to the logging screen. When a Kenwood radio interface is in use, additional function keys provide radio control features, and a help menu for these keys is automatically displayed on the screen. The operation these additional function keys is described in Section 6 of this manual. MANUAL LOGGING PAGE 4.9 - LOG new entries - MANUAL mode ----------------------------- The manual logbook entry page may be used to update a logbook "off-line", after the QSO has already taken place. The manual entry mode can be used to enter information into Log-EQF from previous logbooks. ╒═════════════════════════════════════════════╤════════════════════════════╕ │ CALLSIGN ->W1AW ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ Wed Nov 27 02:59:23 1991 │ │ ────────────────────────────────────────────┤ OPERATION: MANUAL ENTRY │ │ REPORT SENT ->599 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ╞═════ N3EQF LOGBOOK KEYS ═══╡ │ REPORT RCVD ->599 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F1> = Save QSO 2092 │ │ ────────────────────────────────────────────┤ <F2> = Start QSO: 02:57:23│ │ NAME ->John ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F3> = Edit Log: NEWLOG │ │ CITY ->Newington ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F4> = Clear Screen │ │ STATE ->CT ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F5> = Info on DX Prefix │ │ COUNTRY ->USA ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <Esc> = Exit to Menu │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── ╞══════ <Ctrl> Commands ═════╡ │ FREQUENCY ->3.53 ░░ DATE ->27Nov91 ░░░░░ │ ^D = DOS │ │ MODE ->CW ░░░░░░░░░░░ TIME ON ->02:57:23░░ │ ^N = Note Pad │ │ POWER LEVEL ->100 ░░░░ OFF at -> : : ░░ │ ^P = PacketCluster (tm) │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ ^R = DX-EQF %C │ │ TRACK -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ ^S = TYPE DOWNLOAD.TXT │ │ QSL STATUS -> ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ ^T = TNC Control │ │ INFO ->John's home call is W3XYZ in MDC! ░ │ ^V = View Dupes │ ╞══════╡ NOTEPAD Entry... Hit <Esc> when done ╞════════════════════════════╡ │ │ │Many ops were calling W1AW but John took time out to ragchew a little. │ │John was using the computers at the League to send and receive the Morse. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This full-screen entry page is very similar to the AUTOMATIC mode, with the following exceptions: - Additional entry fields are provided for DATE, TIME ON, and TIME OFF. Note that only the numerals need to be entered for date and time, and Log-EQF will insert the ":" in the time and "-" in the date fields. The <F2> function key may still be used, if desired, to put the current UTC clock date and time into the DATE and TIME ON fields. - The <F1> key will save the QSO information as displayed on the page, but will not insert the TIME ON or TIME OFF fields. The date and time information must be entered manually. MANUAL LOGGING PAGE 4.10 - Defaults are provided for the REPORT RECEIVED and REPORT SENT fields for each new QSO entry. If the mode entered is CW or FSK, both fields default to "599". For all other modes the default report is "59". - When the <F4> function key is used to clear the screen, the DATE field will remain at the last values entered. (The POWER, FREQUENCY, and MODE fields will also remain at their last values, just as in the AUTOMATIC entry mode). - The FREQUENCY and MODE fields will not automatically update from the radio when the interface is enabled. Radio control functions are available, as is the TNC Window, if these options were selected from the Configuration Setup Menu. EDIT LOG PAGE 4.11 - EDIT an entry - based on callsign --------------------------------- This function is used to make changes to an existing entry in the logbook. When the EDIT item is selected, the program will prompt you to enter part or all of a callsign to be found in the log. Any number of characters may be entered. If you enter a partial callsign, every log entry containing that character pattern in the callsign field will be displayed. If you enter a complete callsign, every log entry for that callsign will be displayed. If only one callsign match is found in the log, the EDIT screen will be displayed immediately. If more than one callsign match occurs, all matching entries are displayed and you will be prompted to enter the entry number to be edited. A number will also be displayed in brackets ( [ ] ) indicating the last "match" located, as a default value. If you depress the <Enter> key, the default log entry will be edited; if you enter another number, that entry will be edited. Once you have selected the entry, a new screen will be displayed. The top portion of the screen will show the logbook entry in full detail, as it would be if the VIEW IN DETAIL option were selected. The bottom part of the screen will display each field of the entry on a separate line. Each line may be edited for the desired changes. Any time a change is made to any line, the text on the line will be shown highlighted. EDIT Entry # 176 N3EQF Amateur Radio Logbook CALL/NAME QTH DATE/FREQ TIME ON/OFF SENT/RCVD QSL/MODE PWR ========================================================================== KA3GBT Aliquippa 15Feb86 02:00:00 599 X John PA 3.687 02:34:00 599 CW 100 ╒═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ CALLSIGN ->KA3GBT │ │ DATE ->15Feb86 │ │ START TIME ->02:00:00 ╒════════════════════════════╕ │ │ END TIME ->02:34:00 │ <Esc> = RETURN to Menu │ │ │ REPORT RCVD ->599 │ │ │ │ REPORT SENT ->599 │ <F1> = SAVE This Entry │ │ │ NAME ->John │ <F2> = DELETE Entry │ │ │ CITY ->Aliquippa │ <F3> = Next KA3GBT │ │ │ STATE ->PA │ <F4> = Edit ANOTHER CALL │ │ │ COUNTRY -> │ <F5> = NotePad │ │ │ FREQUENCY ->3.687 │ │ │ │ MODE ->CW │ <Page Up> = EDIT # 175 │ │ │ POWER ->100 │ <Page Dn> = EDIT # 177 │ │ │ TRACK -> ╘════════════════════════════╛ │ │ QSL STATUS ->X │ │ INFO -> │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ EDIT LOG PAGE 4.12 When all the desired changes have been made, the edited entry may be saved to the logbook disk file by selecting <F1>. The <F2> key is used to delete an entry from your logbook. When the <F2> DELETE key is selected, you will be prompted to make sure you really want to delete the entry from the log. If you do not answer "Y" for yes, no action will be taken. If you elect to delete an entry using <F2>, the program will "mark" this entry to be deleted, and wait for you to either select other entries to delete or edit, or else exit the EDIT screen by hitting <Esc>. When you exit the EDIT screen, Log-EQF will rebuild the logbook omitting any of the entries you selected for deletion. Since entries are not truly deleted from the log until you hit the <Esc> key, you can still recover an entry marked for deletion by hitting the <F1> SAVE key before leaving the EDIT screen. To return to the Main Menu at any time during the edit session, hit the <Esc> key. The <F3> key may be used to locate the next log entry for the callsign currently displayed. If no other matching entries exist, the program beeps. The <F4> key allows you to select another callsign to edit, without the need to return to the MAIN MENU. The <F5> key displays the NOTEPAD information for the current log entry, if it already exists. You may then add to the existing notes, or create a new NOTEPAD for the log entry. Hit <Esc> when you are ready to leave the NOTEPAD area and save the information. The <Page Up> and <Page Down> keys may be used to leave the currently displayed entry for edit, and instead edit the logbook entry preceding or following it. You may "page through" all the logbook entries in this way, until you find an entry to be edited. After 10 entries have been edited, a backup logbook file will be created for you (if there is enough room on the disk). Backup files are named the same as regular logbook files, except the last three characters after the "." (known as the file extension) are .BAK instead of .LOG. LOAD LOGBOOK PAGE 4.13 - LOAD new logbook entries from disk ---------------------------------- Selecting this menu item will allow you to change the logbook disk file from the current loaded file to another logbook file on the disk, from another disk, or to create a new file. Whatever file name you specify will become the file for which VIEW, EDIT, SEARCH, SORT, or LOG functions operate on. The file which was in use before you selected this menu item will remain on the disk, and will not be acted on in any way until you again specify its name from this item. You may hit <F1> to enter CONTEST mode, or <F2> to enter the CONFIG- URATION SETUP MENU. The <F3> key can be used to display all available log files in the current directory. A prompt will appear at the bottom of this screen so you can enter the logbook filename of your choice. The <F4> key can be used to customize the "TRACK" field for the logbook to be loaded. This field name stays associated with the logbook until you change its name. Hitting the <Esc> key while the LOAD LOGBOOK ENTRIES FROM DISK screen is displayed will return control to the Main Menu, and the logbook file name in use before the item was selected will remain in effect. (See "Loading Logbook Files" in Section 3 of this manual for more info). SORT LOGBOOK PAGE 4.14 - SORT logbook file by any field ------------------------------ This menu item allows you to arrange the currently-loaded logbook file in order based on the field of your choice. A menu page is displayed which lists the fields which may be chosen for a sort: CALLSIGN, DATE/TIME, FREQUENCY, MODE, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY, QSL STATUS, TRACK, or INFO. You may also hit the <Esc> key to leave the Sort Menu and return to the Main Menu. ╒═ Logbook SORT by:═══════════════╕ │ │ │ CALLSIGN │ │ │ │ DATE & TIME │ │ │ │ FREQUENCY │ │ │ │ MODE │ │ │ │ CITY │ │ │ │ STATE │ │ │ │ COUNTRY │ │ │ │ QSL STATUS │ │ │ │ TRACK │ ╘═════════════════════════════════╛ The sort function can be useful in a number of instances. For example, if you are interested in finding all the different countries worked, you can sort the logbook according to the STATE or COUNTRY field. The sorted log can then be printed, and each new country will be easier to spot, since they will appear in alphabetical order. If you enter logbook entries using the MANUAL mode that are earlier QSO's than those already entered, you can sort by DATE/TIME to arrange the logbook in chronological order. SORT LOGBOOK PAGE 4.15 NOTE: The sort program is a very disk-intensive operation. The sort may take considerable time to complete, depending on the size of the log and the speed of the disk drive being used. A running-time display is provided on the screen while the sort is in progress. This sorting method was chosen to accommodate very large log files without requiring massive amounts of memory. When the sort is complete, you will be given the option of permanently saving the sorted logbook. If you choose to save the sorted logbook, it will be maintained in the sorted order the next time you load it from Log- EQF. If you do not permanently save the sorted logbook, Log-EQF will use an index file to display or print logbook entries in the order you chose for the sort. A reminder message will appear at the lower left corner of the MAIN MENU while the temporary sort remains in effect. As soon as you load another logbook, the sort order will be removed, and the original logbook file will remain unchanged. SEARCH LOGBOOK PAGE 4.16 - SEARCH logbook - Print/File/QSL Options --------------------------------------- As the menu item suggests, there are options available for this function. A menu screen is presented for selection of the desired option. The options are as follows: ╒═ SEARCH results output to:══════╕ │ │ │ │ │ Disk File │ │ │ │ Screen │ │ │ │ Printer │ │ │ │ QSL Labels │ │ │ │ │ ╘═════════════════════════════════╛ (1) Disk File - selecting this option causes the results of the search operation to be stored in a disk file. You will be prompted to enter the log name to be used, and prompted again if the name you enter already exists. If the log exists, you can either APPEND (add) the new search entries onto the end of the old file's entries, or REPLACE the old file completely. The file stored using this option is a complete logbook file, and may be loaded at any time by Log-EQF. (2) Screen - this option displays the results of the search on the screen, using the same format as the VIEW IN DETAIL function. (3) Printer - this option dumps the search results to the printer in the standard logbook format. (4) QSL Labels - this option prints QSL labels from the search results, using the usual format. Once the output option is selected, another menu will be displayed, pro- viding selections for which logbook field is to be searched. Any field may be searched, except for the TIME and NAME fields. After you position the highlight bar to the field you wish to search and hit the <Enter> key, you have one option remaining. You can begin the search in the selected field by hitting <Enter> again, or you can choose a SECOND field in addition to the first one and then hit <Enter>. If you choose to search two fields, any entry which matches BOTH patterns you enter for each of them will be sent to the output. SEARCH LOGBOOK PAGE 4.17 Certain guidelines for the search apply: - For all fields except CALLSIGN, MODE, and STATE, the text you enter will be matched as either upper or lower case letters, exactly as entered. You can override this default, and ignore any differences in capitalization for any field by hitting the <F1> key before the search begins. By selecting this "IGNORE upper/lower case" option, you will obtain a match for either "JOHN" or "John" if you search for "JOHN" in the NAME field, for example. - You can search through all logbooks instead of just the logbook that's currently loaded, by selecting <F2> before the search begins. - To search for empty fields (no information entered) hit only the <Enter> key when prompted to "enter the pattern to be searched for". - NORMAL/CONTEST mode select -------------------------- This menu item is used to switch Log-EQF from a "routine QSO" logbook to a contest logbook and back again. When the item is switched to the CONTEST mode, the program automatically calls a subroutine which is used to select the configuration "rules" to be followed during the contest. When the item is selected when already in CONTEST mode, Log-EQF operation returns to the normal mode. Each time the item is toggled back to the contest mode, the contest setup menu will appear again, and the contest configuration can be modified. Operation of Log-EQF in the contest mode is described in Section 5 of this manual. RUN OR SHELL PAGE 4.18 - RUN ANOTHER PROGRAM ------------------- ┌─────────────────────── Select SHELL ─┐ │ │ │ Run: DX-EQF %C │ │ │ │ Run: RIG-EQF │ │ │ │ Name another program to run... │ │ │ │ Go to DOS │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────┘ This item is selected to execute DOS commands, or run another program, without leaving Log-EQF. The file names you specified when the configuration file was established (see Section 3) will be displayed with these items. When you hit <Enter> to select either of the first two "RUN: " menu items, Log-EQF will attempt to execute the program shown. The program specified must either be in the same directory as Log-EQF, or be accessible in the current DOS PATH. The DOS file COMMAND.COM must also be available in the root directory of the current disk for the shell to take place. The third line on the menu allows you to run another program besides those specified on the configuration setup. Simply type the program name and hit <Enter> to run the program. Again, COMMAND.COM and the program you specify must be present on the current disk. The last line on the SHELL menu is provided so you can temporarily return to the DOS environment. Once you are ready to return to Log-EQF from DOS, type "EXIT", and the Log-EQF Main Menu will appear. If your computer has sufficient Expanded Memory installed, along with the appropriate memory driver software, Log-EQF will be automatically place itself in this expanded memory during the shell. The Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) requires that you have a memory driver such as EMM386 installed. (The EMM386 driver simulates Expanded Memory using your computer's extended memory). Consult your DOS manual, or your computer's User Guide, for information about EMS. You can quickly check to see if EMS memory is in use by Log-EQF. Just select the "Go to DOS" SHELL menu item. If sufficient EMS memory is available, you will see a message "(EMS in use)" displayed at the top right side of the screen. If you see this message, you have all but about 25K of conventional (lower 640K) memory available to run other programs while Log-EQF remains resident in EMS. EXIT PAGE 4.19 - SETUP program configuration --------------------------- Selecting this menu item causes the Log-EQF configuration setup menu to appear on the screen. Operation of this setup menu is explained in Section 3 of this manual. - EXIT from program ----------------- This item will cause a message to appear, asking you to confirm that you want to exit Log-EQF, and return to the operating system. If you do not answer "Y" for yes, then no action will occur. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.0 5. CONTEST OPERATION --------------------- - INTRODUCTION ------------ The CONTEST mode of Log-EQF provides a quicker way to enter the log exchanges during a contest than the NORMAL mode. It also provides ways to help you determine your score when the contest is over, and generates a dupe check sheet to prove you have no duplicate contacts. (Since duplicates are spotted by the program automatically during the contest, you shouldn't have any dupes anyway!). Log-EQF's CONTEST mode is also very useful for DXpedition or Special Event operations. In CONTEST mode, Log-EQF displays a QSO/hour rate, presents fewer logging fields (less clutter), and will announce those "insurance contact" QSO attempts for the current band mode. After the event, you can use Log-EQF to print and record the sending of QSL's. Please take time BEFORE the contest to read this section of the User's Guide, to get familiar with Log-EQF's CONTEST mode. The program provides you with several options, which you can choose from the CONTEST SETUP MENU to fit the contest you will be operating. Once you have made your selections (see the following pages), try logging a few "practice" contacts before the contest starts. That way you will have time to change any of the setup parameters without wasting precious time during the event. Try printing the "practice" contest log to be sure it works the way you want it to. Log-EQF is designed so that it can adjust to many different types of contests. It is NOT designed to print out a ready-to-send-in entry form for any specific contests. Instead, Log-EQF is a "general purpose" program that provides scoring assistance and dupe-checking. There are some fine programs out there already setup to handle specific contests, should you decide you need more contest power than Log-EQF provides. The FILE-EQF utility that is available to registered users of Log-EQF can be used to convert logbooks from the popular contest programs CT and NA into Log-EQF logs after the contest. This allows you to combine CT or NA contest logbooks into your daily Log-EQF logbook file(s). One other note about the CONTEST mode concerns the Contest Entry Logbook. For most contests, the Log-EQF printed log is suitable for submission with your official contest entry. Log-EQF also stores a copy of the Contest Entry Logbook on your disk drive, naming the file the same as the logbook, except it will end in ".TXT" instead of ".LOG". This file is stored in pure ASCII format, which means you may edit it using any Word Processor program. If you need more information on the Contest Entry Logbook than Log-EQF automatically provides, this is a way for you to make changes, and then print the final logbook form to submit with your entry. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.1 - CONTEST CONFIGURATION SETUP --------------------------- When you select the CONTEST mode from the Log-EQF Main Menu, another menu appears on the screen, which contains items specific to contest operation. ╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ LOG-EQF CONTEST SETUP MENU N3EQF │ ╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ │ │ Contest NAME ->ARRL 160 METER CONTEST │ │ │ │ Contest LOGBOOK NAME used most often ->ARRL160 │ │ │ │ Number of QSO's PER PAGE on printed results ->50 │ │ POINTS for each CW or FSK QSO ->2 │ │ POINTS for each Phone QSO ->0 │ │ Does each band worked require a SEPARATE DUPE SHEET? Y │ │ │ │ Enter the default REPORT to be SENT for exchange ->WPA │ │ Is there a SERIAL NUMBER sent as part of exchange? N │ │ │ │ Enter the default REPORT to be RCVD for exchange -> │ │ Enter MULTIPLIER FIELD title for RCVD exchange, if any ->SECTION │ │ │ ╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ ╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ Select the configuration parameters listed above │ │ and hit <Esc> key to save them in disk file CONTEST.ID │ ╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ Once the contest setup is completed, you will be returned back to the Main Menu. You may return to the contest setup menu to change any contest parameters by switching to NORMAL mode, then back to CONTEST mode from the Main Menu. This may be done before, during (with caution - it's easy to make mistakes in the heat of battle!), or after the contest. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.2 Below is a description of each parameter available from the contest setup menu: (1) Contest NAME. The title you enter here will be used on the contest logbook and dupe sheet printouts, and will also be automatically entered in the INFO field of each entry in the contest log. (2) Contest LOGBOOK NAME used most often. The name entered here will be used as a default file name, displayed when the Main Menu LOAD item is selected. The file name may have no more than 8 characters, and can- not include a file extension (.LOG extension is automatically added). You can include the entire "path" for your logbook file, which can specify both the disk drive and a disk directory with the file name, if you desire. If the disk directory you specify does not already exist, Log-EQF will ask if you want to create the new directory. (3) Number of QSO'S PER PAGE on printed results. Enter the number here depending on the contest rules. (4) POINTS for each CW or FSK QSO. Enter the points to be earned for each "digital" QSO. This value will be automatically entered on the logbook printout after the contest, for each non-duplicate CW or FSK QSO, and totalled at the end of the log printout. (5) POINTS for each PHONE QSO. Enter the points to be earned for phone QSO's. As above, the score will be calculated for QSO points based on the number provided here. NOTE: If "0" is entered for BOTH the above POINTS items, the logbook will be printed with only "____________" under the QSO POINTS column, to allow for manual scoring, if desired. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.3 (6) Does each band worked require a SEPARATE DUPE SHEET? If a "Y" for yes is entered here, Log-EQF will keep track of the band and mode for each station worked. The same callsign worked on different bands and modes will therefore not be flagged as a duplicate. If a "N" for no is entered, you will be alerted each time you enter a callsign which has already been worked, regardless of the band or mode. Only one logbook file will be created for the entire contest, no matter which option you choose for this item. (7) Enter the default REPORT to be SENT for exchange. The default report will appear on the log entry screen for each QSO, and may be over- typed as needed. (Again, "default" means that the report displayed on the screen will be logged if you don't change it). (8) Is there a SERIAL NUMBER sent as part of exchange? If you enter "Y" for yes, an automatically-incremented number will be appended to the SENT report for each QSO (and displayed on the logbook entry screen). (9) Enter the default REPORT to be RECEIVED for exchange. This default report will appear on the log entry screen for each QSO, and may be over-typed as necessary. (10) Enter MULTIPLIER FIELD title for RECEIVED exchange. If a title is entered here, an additional field will be available on the contest log entry screen. This field may be used to log the part of the received exchange that counts towards multiplier points, which will make scoring easier after the contest. Anytime a contest requires a longer receive report than the RECEIVED field can hold, use this field to accept the information, with a length up to 12 characters. If the MULTIPLIER FIELD is selected, it will be placed on the entry screen just below the CALLSIGN field. The MULTIPLIER field should usually be the one most likely to change with every QSO, while the REPORT RECEIVED field will usually be the same (59 or 599) for every QSO. If possible, limit the MULTIPLIER FIELD to that part of the contest exchange which will be used to calculate the score. For instance, many ARRL contests use the ARRL SECTION for a multiplier, with the total sections worked being multiplied by QSO points for the final score. In this case, the MULTIPLIER FIELD should be called SECTION, and Log-EQF will calculate the total number of unique sections logged. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.4 - OPERATION DURING THE CONTEST ---------------------------- The basic operation of Log-EQF during a contest remains similar to the "normal" mode, except that certain features are streamlined for faster operation, and some new features appear. ╒═════════════════════════════════════════════╤════════════════════════════╕ │ CALLSIGN ->KH6BR ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ Sat Nov 30 20:53:45 1991 │ │ ──────────────────────╒═════════════════╕── │ OPERATION: AUTOMATIC ENTRY │ │ MULTIPLIER -> ░│ LAST STN HEARD: │░░ ╞═════ N3EQF LOGBOOK KEYS ═══╡ │ REPORT RCVD ->25 ░│ JA1NUT │░░ │ <F1> = Save QSO 101 │ │ ──────────────────────│ Freq: 14.070.91 │── │ <F2> = Printer is ON │ │ REPORT SENT -> ░╘═════════════════╛░░ │ <F3> = Edit Log: GNDWVE91 │ │ SERIAL NUMBER ->101 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F4> = Clear Screen │ │ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F5> = Info on DX Prefix │ │ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <Alt> = Check Partial Call │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ <Esc> = Exit to Menu │ │ FREQUENCY ->14.070.91 ░ VFO A ░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ╞══════ TS-940S CONTROLS ════╡ │ MODE ->CW ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <PgUp/PgDn> = Tune VFO A │ │ POWER LEVEL ->100 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F6> = VFO A ->14.070.91 │ │ ─────────────────────────────────────────── │ <F7> = VFO B ->7.297.49 │ │ BAND: 20 Meter CW ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F8> = A/B VFO Switch │ │ SINCE LAST QSO: 0:03:21 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F9> = Select Radio MODE │ │ LAST 10 QSO RATE: 56 /hr ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ <F10> = Local Memories │ ╘═════════════════════════════════════════════╧════════════════════════════╛ (1) Different LOG screen fields. Probably the most important changes are on the LOG-AUTOMATIC and LOG-MANUAL entry screens. No matter what selections you made when you setup the contest configuration, you will see fewer lines for information entry on the screen. The NAME, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY, POWER, and QSL lines do not appear in contest mode. If you elected to use the MULTIPLIER field option when you configured the contest, the title entered from the configuration menu will appear on a separate line just above the REPORT RCVD line. The information you enter here is automatically appended to the REPORT RECEIVED information when the contest logbook is printed. The MULTIPLIER field information is kept separate within the program's logbook data file. (2) Automatic SERIAL NUMBER generation. If you selected the option to create SERIAL NUMBERS for the contest exchange, a 3-digit serial number will appear below the REPORT SENT line. This number will be automatically incremented after each new QSO is logged, and will be appended to the REPORT SENT information. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.5 (3) Realtime PRINT of each QSO. On the screen's LOGBOOK KEYS menu, key <F2> controls the status of the printer during the contest. If you toggle <F2> to get the printer "ON" message, the printer will output the complete exchange every time you log a QSO. This feature is not intended to generate a "presentable" contest logbook, but is provided as a safety feature, in case Murphy decides to strike your computer system in mid-contest! If you have a printer connected, I highly- recommend you use this option. (4) DUPE CHECKING. A dupe-check routine runs each time you enter a call. If a duplicate is found, you will be greeted with an audio "raspberry", and a corresponding message will appear. Note that you always have the option of logging this contact anyway, even if it was found to be in the log already. A duplicate callsign will not be reported as a dupe, as long as that call was not logged on the current band and mode. The current band and mode (either DIGITAL or PHONE) will be displayed on the screen for you, so that you can be sure the log agrees with your current radio mode and frequency. If you are using the Kenwood radio interface, this display will be updated automatically as you change radio parameters. (5) PARTIAL CHECK. This feature allows you to check part of a callsign to see any callsigns in the log which could possibly match. For instance, if you copy only "ABC" as the callsign, hitting the <Alt> key would display any calls ending in "ABC" which were worked already. (6) QSO RATE and LAPSE TIME DISPLAY. A box will be displayed to give you progress information during the contest. A running timer shows how much time has passed since the last QSO was logged. Another display will track the rate (in QSO's per hour) of your last 10 QSO's. This rate display will become active once you log more that 10 contacts. CONTEST OPERATION PAGE 5.6 - OPERATION AFTER THE CONTEST --------------------------- IMPORTANT: Always make a backup copy of your contest data files before attempting to generate dupe sheets or log forms, in case something goes wrong! Anyone who has worked with computers for long will tell you it can and does happen eventually! Several Main Menu items change their title and function when in the contest mode of operation: (1) PRINT contest entry logbook. This is the menu item used to generate the logbook which is to be submitted with your contest entry. This item also generates a disk file in true ASCII format, which contains the same information as is printed. (2) Run and Print DUPE CHECKSHEET. This menu item will create a duplicate checksheet for each band/mode combination in the contest log. If you selected "N" for the CONTEST SETUP MENU item concerning separate dupe sheets for each band, only one dupe sheet will be created. It will flag duplicate contacts based on callsign alone, so if the same station is worked on different bands, it will be marked as a duplicate. You will be given the option to print multiple copies of the DUPE CHECKSHEET, and to create ASCII disk files from this same information. Some of the parameters which affect the contest logbook printout are controlled from the contest configuration menu. You can alter any of these parameters after the contest is over, in order to change the appearance of the printed log. The number of QSO's per page, and the number of points for each type of QSO, will change only the printed logbook, not the contents of the logbook data file itself. (2) Run and print DUPE CHECKSHEET. This operation is controlled completely by Log-EQF. All that is required is that you load the logbook data file for the contest being duped, select the Main Menu item, and wait until prompted to turn on the printer. The printed dupe-sheet is formatted to fit on 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper, and will be automatically numbered and titled, with duplicates marked. The number of valid QSO's (not duplicated) will also be printed at the bottom of the last page. Again, a true ASCII file will be created on the disk. RADIO COMMANDS PAGE 6.0 6. RADIO CONTROL COMMANDS -------------------------- Interfacing a Kenwood computer-compatible radio to your computer intro- duces some very convenient features to the Log-EQF program. Connecting the radio to your computer requires a 5-wire (minimum) cable between one of your computer's serial (COM) ports and the Kenwood radio interface. Some radio models have the interface built in, while others require an external level converter. Please consult your Kenwood manual for the specifics on your radio. If your radio requires an IF-232C Level Translator, you can build one easily, and for much lower cost, than the Kenwood unit. An excellent construction article written by Gary Kalata, KC4ES, appeared in November 1990 QST. The article, and a follow-up in the December 1991 QST "Feedback" column, describes a simple circuit you can build using a hand-full of readily-available components. When a Kenwood radio with IF-232C interface capabilities is attached to your computer's COM port, control and display of certain parameters is available from the MANUAL or AUTOMATIC logging screens. The following keys are available for radio control functions: ╞══════ TS-940S CONTROLS ════╡ │ <PgUp/PgDn> = Tune VFO A │ │ <F6> = VFO A ->14.070.91 │ │ <F7> = VFO B ->7.297.49 │ │ <F8> = A/B VFO Switch │ │ <F9> = Select Radio MODE │ │ <F10> = Local Memories │ ═╧════════════════════════════╛ <Pg Up> These keys may be used to control the radio VFO by slewing <Pg Dn> frequency up when <Pg Up> is pressed, and down when <Pg Dwn> is pressed. The tuning rate begins in 10 Hz increments, then switches to 100 Hz, and finally switches to 1 Khz if the key is held down. Once the key is released for a second, the rate resets to the slow 10 Hz tuning step. <F6> VFO A frequency may be entered directly from the computer keyboard by hitting <F6>. The program will prompt you at the frequency display to enter a new one. A very flexible entry scheme is pro- vided, accepting two different frequency formats. The same format as the radio front panel (no decimal points, and leading zeroes required) may be used, or you may enter a frequency with a decimal point as desired. <F7> VFO B frequency may be entered directly by hitting <F7>, using the same entry format as above. <F8> Depressing this key will switch the radio VFO's between A and B. The current active VFO is displayed next to the current frequency on the screen. RADIO COMMANDS PAGE 6.1 <F9> This key displays a menu which may be used to change the current radio mode of operation. Highlight the desired mode in the item box using the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys and then hit <Enter>. <F10> The <F10> function key causes a new screen menu display for access to the LOCAL MEMORY system. Up to 63 files with 22 memories in each can be created for frequency and mode control, with 25-character comments for each memory. A help menu on the screen lists the available commands. To save the current VFO frequencies, mode, and split from the radio into a LOCAL MEMORY, position the highlight bar to the memory line desired, and hit <F1>. You will be prompted to enter a comment to be stored along with the memory. To recall any memory, and set the radio to that memory's contents, position the highlight bar again and hit <F2>. A third option is to edit an existing memory manually by hitting <F3> and following the prompts. The <F4> key is used to select (or create) the memory files. To return to the log entry menu, hit the <Esc> key. ╒═MEM══FREQUENCY══MODE══VFO════COMMENT═══════════════╕╒═FUNCTION KEYS:═════╕ │ 1 1.825.00 CW B 160-Meter CW ││ │ │ 2 1.995.00 LSB A 160-Meter PHONE ││ <F1> = Save │ │ 3 3.510.00 CW A 80-Meter CW ││ <F2> = Recall │ │ 4 3.850.00 LSB B 75-Meter PHONE ││ <F3> = Edit │ │ 5 7.020.00 CW A 40-Meter CW ││ <F4> = Mem Files │ │ 6 7.235.00 LSB B 40-Meter PHONE ││ < > = Memory No. │ │ 7 10.000.00 AM A WWV Time and Propogation││ <Esc> = Exit │ │ 8 10.120.00 CW B 30-Meter CW ││ │ │ 9 14.050.00 CW B 20-Meter CW │╘════════════════════╛ │ 10 14.250.00 USB A 20-Meter PHONE │┌─NOTE───────────────┐ │ 11 18.072.00 CW B 17-Meter CW ││ │ │ 12 18.188.98 USB A 17-Meter PHONE ││ Memories are local │ │ 13 21.050.00 CW A 15-Meter CW ││ and are not stored │ │ 14 21.300.00 USB B 15-Meter PHONE ││ in your TS-940S. │ │ 15 24.900.00 CW B 12-Meter CW ││ │ │ 16 24.965.00 USB B 12-Meter PHONE │└────────────────────┘ │ 17 28.200.00 CW B 10-Meter CW │╒═CURRENT STATUS:════╕ │ 18 28.450.00 USB B 10-Meter PHONE ││ │ │ 19 29.300.00 FM B 10-Meter FM ││ Freq.: 14.070.91 │ │ 20 29.779.80 FM B 10-Meter FM ││ VFO..: VFO A │ │ 21 1.020.00 AM A KDKA - Lets go Bucs! ││ MODE.: CW │ │ 22 21.092.00 CW A ZK2RW on 15-Meter SPLIT ││ │ ╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛╘════════════════════╛ TNC OPERATION PAGE 7.0 TNC OPERATION WITH Log-EQF -------------------------- Log-EQF operates as a generic communications program, or "dumb terminal", for use with any TNC capable of software control via an RS-232C interface. Log-EQF communicates with your TNC through the COM port you specify from the CONFIGURATION SETUP menu. The baud rate used for communication between the TNC and your computer must also be entered on the CONFIGURATION SETUP menu. If your TNC uses automatic baud rate control, it should be disabled and set to a baud rate which matches the rate you select from Log-EQF. NOTE: Commands vary between models of TNC's, so no attempt to specify TNC commands will be made in this document. Please consult the documentation for your specific TNC to find the applicable commands. Other communications parameters related to TNC operation are Parity, Data Bits, and Stop Bits. Your TNC must be set to match the parameters you set on the Log-EQF SETUP MENU. The defaults are No Parity [N] (this may also be Even [E] or Odd [O] Parity), 8 Data Bits, and 1 Stop Bit. Check your cable between the computer serial port and your TNC, to be sure it contains at least 5 wires. If your cable only uses 3 wires, it will not allow "hardware flow control". Under most circumstances, hardware flow control is not needed, but if you attempt to transmit a file larger than the data buffer in your TNC, part of the file will usually be lost. The most common problem with communication between Log-EQF and TNC's concerns the setting of the ECHO parameter. If you do not see any characters displayed when you attempt to control the TNC, check to be sure the TNC is setup to echo characters sent to it. When you enable the TNC control by specifying a COM port and a baud rate from the Log-EQF CONFIGURATION SETUP menu, TNC control is selected by use of the following keys on the MANUAL and AUTOMATIC logging screens: <F11> Either of these keys may be used to select the full-screen <Ctrl-T> terminal emulation, or TNC CONTROL screen. This is the screen you will use to TRANSMIT data over the TNC, or to monitor received TNC data when not logging a contact. Additional features for TNC control are also accessed from this screen, including file transfer and dumping TNC output to your printer. <F12> Either of these keys presents the PacketCluster (tm) DX Spot <Ctrl-P> screen. When you monitor the PacketCluster, and DX announcements are received, the previous 10 spots will be displayed on this screen. To work a station displayed on the screen, hit the <F1> key. Move the highlight bar to the station you wish to work, and hit <Enter>. Log-EQF will return you to the logging screen, with the DX stations's callsign and the spot frequency automatically entered into the log. If you have a Kenwood radio interfaced, the radio will also be placed on the correct frequency. TNC OPERATION PAGE 7.1 FILE TRANSFERS -------------- When TNC communication is enabled, Log-EQF may be used to transmit (upload) or receive (download) files. This operation is available only on the full-screen TNC CONTROL screen, accessed from the logging screens. Two keys on the TNC CONTROL screen are used to perform file transfers: <Page Up> This key is used to TRANSMIT, or upload, a file to a connected station or BBS. If you are running PACKET, establish the connection before initiating the upload. If the file to be transmitted contains any non-displayable characters (such as in an executable program file) you must also be in TRANSPARENT mode. If your TNC is a multimode unit, you may also use <Page Up> to send information from your disk files over modes like CW or RTTY. You could have basic information about your station, for example, stored in a disk file that can be sent to another station. What ever information you send from a disk file will be sent the same as if you were manually typing it to the TNC. Log-EQF will prompt you for the name of the file to be sent when you first hit <Page Up>. The transmission will begin as soon as the program locates the disk file you specify. You may hit the <Esc> key to end a file transmission, or wait for the end of the file when Log-EQF will return to the normal TNC CONTROL screen operation. Note that Log-EQF uses hardware flow control during file uploads. This means the program monitors the CTS (Clear To Send) signal on the RS-232C port of your computer, to see if your TNC is ready to accept data. You may see the program pause during large file transfers, in order to wait for your TNC's buffer to clear itself of existing data before sending more. This prevents overflow and subsequent loss of data. <Pg Down> This key is used to RECEIVE, or download, the information being received from the TNC into a disk file. Log-EQF will prompt you to enter the name of a disk file. If the file you name already exists, Log-EQF will ask you if you want to overwrite it. Make sure you aren't about to eliminate a disk file you need before answering "Yes" to this prompt! To end the download, hit the <Esc> key. Log-EQF will continue to store information into the file until you do this, or when you run out of room on your disk! TNC OPERATION PAGE 7.2 PACKETCLUSTER ------------- To use PacketCluster (tm) with Log-EQF, just connect to a node on the cluster from the TNC CONTROL screen. When you return to either the MANUAL or AUTOMATIC logging screens, Log-EQF will display PacketCluster activity on the bottom 6 lines of the logging screen. To make a PacketCluster DX announcement, hit <F12> or <Ctrl-P> from the logging screen. You will be presented with the PacketCluster screen, which shows the last 10 DX spots received, and permits you to send a DX spot to other stations on the cluster. If you have already entered a callsign on the logging screen, it will be entered automatically for the DX spot. If you are using a radio interface, the current frequency will also be entered automatically. You need only enter a comment, if desired, and hit the <Enter> key to send the DX announcement. If either the callsign or frequency were not entered, you must supply that information before hitting <Enter>. Other PacketCluster transmissions, not in the DX spot format, must be made from the TNC CONTROL screen. If you do not intend to make any transmissions over the PacketCluster, you do not need to connect to a cluster node. Log-EQF will still monitor DX announcements from other stations, and post the last 10 spots on the PACKETCLUSTER screen. LIBRARIES PAGE 8.0 8. MAINTENANCE OF THE DX PREFIX AND STATE LIBRARIES ---------------------------------------------------- The DX Prefix Library is a disk file called PREFIX.LIB, which is accessed by Log-EQF whenever the <F5> function key is depressed from the Automatic or Manual LOG ENTRY screens. The file contains a list of possible callsign prefixes, with corresponding DXCC prefixes, ITU zones, CQ zones, ITU continents, and Latitude/Longitudes for each. Since the DXCC country list changes fairly often, it will probably be necessary to update the prefix file from time to time. It is extremely important that the format of the library file is not changed if you edit it, or the file cannot be read by Log-EQF. The information in the file must be aligned in the proper column, or an error will occur when the program tries to read entries from the library. If you are a REGISTERED USER of Log-EQF, you can use the utility program called DX-EQF to edit the PREFIX.LIB library file. Activate DX-EQF and access the "<F5> LIBRARY" feature. You may then follow the prompts to add, delete, or modify the entries in the library. DX-EQF will take care of all the details (outlined below) to organize the library file. See Chapter 10 of this document for details on operating DX-EQF. LIBRARIES PAGE 8.1 If you decide to edit the library file without the assistance of the DX-EQF program, you must use an editor which does not add any control characters to the text. The only non-printable character which may reside in the library file is the carriage return, following each line of text. The following rules apply to the file format: 1) Each line in the file must have the following format: Prefix,DXCC Prefix,Name,ITU Zone,CQ Zone,Continent,Latitude,Longitude 2) Longer Prefixes must precede shorter ones which have the same characters. For example, "ZL7" must occur ahead of "ZL", or else ZL7ABC would be incorrectly reported as New Zealand, instead of Chatham Island when the library is searched. 3) If more than one DXCC prefix exists for a single callsign prefix, the DXCC prefix must be preceded by an asterisk ("*"). For example, since both Bouvet and Peter Island are recognized by the "3Y" prefix, the following two lines are present in the file: 3Y *3Y/B Bouvet 67 38 AF -54 3.4 3Y *3Y/P Peter Is. 72 12 AN -69 -90.6 1-----6--------14-------------38------52------66------69------74------ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Prefix Country Name CQ Zone Latitude DXCC ITU Zone Continent Longitude The "ruler" above shows the column number where the file data must begin. As long as you line up the information you add or change with the rest of this file's information, you should have no problem. 4) Please note the sign conventions for Latitude and Longitude. Latitude is positive if it is North, and Longitude is positive if it is East. LIBRARIES PAGE 8.2 A second file called STATES.LIB is searched anytime you hit <F5> and you have already entered something into the STATE log field. If a match is found with the STATE you have entered, the BEAM HEADING display will be updated for the corresponding location. Also, there is an optional field in the STATES.LIB file, which can be used to display whatever you choose whenever this STATE match occurs. You could, for instance, edit the STATES.LIB file to include the ARRL SECTIONS for each state or province. You may edit the STATES.LIB file to customize it, as long as you follow these rules: 1) Each line in the file must have the following format: STATE, Latitude, Longitude, Optional Comment 2) If you do not supply an "Optional Comment", the last character on each line of the file must be a comma (","). 3) Latitudes and Longitudes follow the same format as for the DXPREFIX.LIB file. Latitude is positive if it is North, and Longitude is positive if it is East. Always make a backup file before editing the library files, in case some- thing goes wrong! IN CASE OF TROUBLE PAGE 9.0 9. IN CASE OF TROUBLE ---------------------- Every effort has been made to provide a bug-free program, but as with any software, there may be combinations of events which cause problems. Below are some suggestions for locating the source of problems with Log-EQF should they occur: (1) PROBLEM: Log-EQF "hangs-up" the computer; no error messages are displayed, and no way to recover use of the computer until it is "re-booted". - Check to see if there are any memory-resident ("TSR") programs running at the same time as Log-EQF. One way to verify this is by listing your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, to see if any programs are being activated automatically when your computer is started. Some programs can interfere with other program operation. If there are any programs of this type on your machine, try removing them temporarily and running Log-EQF by itself. It is also possible that the parameters stored in file Log-EQF.CFG are not valid. Try deleting the file from your disk and then run Log-EQF again. The program will create a new configuration file with default values when you start it. (2) PROBLEM: With the Kenwood radio interface installed, a "RADIO I/O ERROR" message is displayed while Log-EQF is running, and no radio control operations function. - Most interface problems are due to cabling faults between the computer and the radio level translator. Check the Kenwood documentation to ensure all 5 wires (not just 3, as in some RS-232 cables) are connected as specified. In some cases, computer serial ports require the DTR, DCD, and DSR signals - or the RTS and CTS signals to be jumpered together for correct operation). - If this error occurs intermittently after the radio interface has been working properly for some time, it means that communication between the computer and radio was interrupted. This can occur for many reasons, but stray RF is a common source of this problem. Pay particular attention to the grounding of your computer cabinet, and consider the use of a shielded RS-232C cable between the Kenwood and computer. The shorter this cable is, the better. IN CASE OF TROUBLE PAGE 9.1 (3) PROBLEM: Log-EQF displays the Main Menu with a message "ERROR CODE xx" at the bottom left corner of the screen. - There are various routines which attempt to recover from most error situations within Log-EQF. If you see the above message, with an error number in place of "xx", then an error occurred which can not be recovered. This can only happen if Log-EQF encountered a situation for which the program does not provide recovery action. - If you find you are getting errors under certain conditions, try to isolate the problem by retracing your steps. If you cannot resolve the problem in this manner, please write or call for technical support using the information at the front of this manual. (4) PROBLEM: A logbook data file cannot be loaded successfully by Log-EQF. - There is always the possibility that your data file has been corrupted, either accidently from an incorrect DOS command, or as a result of a power glitch or some other interruption during a disk save operation. Log-EQF creates a backup file regularly when you perform an edit, sort, or search-with-output-to-the-disk operation. The backup file's name is always "xxx.BAK", where xxx is your logbook file name. To load from a backup file, just type the DOS command "COPY xxx.BAK xxx.LOG", where again xxx is the logbook name, and then start up Log-EQF. - A utility called FILE-EQF is available to registered users of Log-EQF, which provides a routine which attempts to recover damaged logbook files. FILE-EQF also can be used to convert between Log-EQF files and other file formats, including dBASE, ASCII, CT, and NA.