W3KM GenLog - Initial Use

            Step-by-step hints to evaluate GenLog

1. After installing the logger, run it from the Start | Programs menu.

° Note: Do not drag GenLog325.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut - the correct
procedure is <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag. Or see #24 below.

2. First time: For right now, enter your Call Sign into the setup field
and your DXCC prefix. Your zone and other info, used to setup GenLog for
various contests, can be added now or later. Continue.

3. Load an existing file from the files list-box by clicking the filename. Since
loading another log file changes the contest being run, you can operate in multiple
contests at the same time. See #20 below.

° Note: A second more descriptive list of log files is displayed when clicking
the yellow {Contest name} label.

° In the `Log` menu, you can select the option that loads the last contest Ini
automatically when you start the logger.

4. Click the various green labels on the right and see their functions.

5. Select the HELP menu. The first help selection is basic help for all of GenLog.
Use the `Index` to search for a particular topic. The `About this Contest` selection
is basic rules and hints to use GenLog in the loaded contest. This alone can be most
helpful, especially for different input techniques like in the ARRL Nov SS for example.
If my WinHelp file does not open, get the WinHlp32.exe file from Microsoft`s Win32
page. Or - Select the HTML help format in the {Help} menu.

6. Try the other pull-down menus. Write some files.
Note: If you copy (not move) NOTEPAD.exe from the Windows folder into the
c:\genlog32 folder, the files you write will open in NOTEPAD automatically.

7. The `TX exchange` fields are what you transmit during a contest.
The data in these fields comes from the set-up form. Sometimes you may be required
to change the displayed TX field to the correct value - or type in a new value. 
In State QSO parties, mobiles/portable/rovers can change their sent county in the
combo-box.

Always check the sponsors rules before operating in a contest, as the logger`s
contest rules or HELP file may not be up-to-date.

8. Add a QSO. Click the call field or <TAB> to the call field to start.
<Enter> a call sign.

° Note: Using the <Tab> key to input logging data just won`t work !
You must either hit <Enter> or the <Space> bar to accept the data typed in.
<Tab> is only used to move between fields. GenLog handles some very complicated
multiplier and scoring requirements only when data is <Entered> at the callsign
field or at the exchange fields. <Tabbing> over to the next field will skip these
functions. This means multipliers, duping, scoring and log formatting may be
incorrect.

9. Depending on the contest, type in the next part of the QSO exchange. Some
contests make use of multiple inputs in one field. See the ARRL Nov SS screen.
As mentioned in #5, the `About this Contest` menu will display the help for the
loaded contest - which is a rules summary, plus hints on how to use the logger.

10. After you enter each field, the cursor goes to the next until all fields
are filled. Hitting <Enter> or <Space> again will accept the QSO into the log.

° Note: Depending on the contest and where you live, a particular exchange field
may not be used - just hit <Enter> to bypass the input. GenLog uses the blank field
to format the log or to calculate the QSO points. Learn how the logger works for
the intended contest - before the contest. Help on each contest is available using
the Help pull-down menu. You can always delete the dummy log (with Explorer) when done.

° Note: You can select QSO Accept(Auto) using the pull down menu. This skips the extra
keystroke by accepting the QSO into the log automatically after entering the last field.
Hit <Enter> on the last field only after hearing `QSL` from the station being worked.

11. Enter another QSO. After entering this one, <Enter> DL into the call input
to delete the last QSO. This is a command you want to remember since you will use
it often. It is much easier to delete the last QSO right away if you accepted it
by mistake, rather than editing it in the edit form.

Adding QSOs in the edit form has limitations anyway, and sometimes easier done in
NOTEPAD. Add a QSO using copy/paste and edit and re-save the file. Re-load the file
to see the added QSO and the re-calculated score.

° Note: Like in the main logging form, only <Enter> or <Space> is used to input
or edit fields in the editor.

° Note: Duping, mult counting and re-tagging mults in the editor screen is limited. 
Basic edit can be done - some contests will re-format and re-tag the #mults column -
but do not expect the editor to handle all functions and reformat the QSO line in
all contests. Make sure the QSO is correct before you QSL and before you `enter it`
into the log.

12. Change bands by entering 16, 20, 15, 144, etc. See the HELP file on 
`band changes` since there are more ways available. If you entered a QSO on
the wrong band by mistake, <Enter> DL and delete the QSO. Change to the
correct band. Then <Enter> L for `last` callsign. The last callsign is inserted
and you can continue logging the QSO. <Enter> PH or CW to change modes.

° Note: Logging is done without using the mouse. See the `Keystrokes`
section of the HELP file. <Esc> clears all QSO inputs.

13. Use the {Log} menu and write each of the files available. Cabrillo, ADIF, summary
etc. Use the `Write more files menu` for more file write commands.

° Note: The date format in GenLog must be the same as your PC system`s date format, 
otherwise your log submission will be in the wrong format and may be rejected 
by the log submission server. If using DDMMYY in your PC, then select DDMMYY 
in GenLog`s setup screen. Default at GenLog installation is MMDDYY.

° Note: If you copy (not move) NOTEPAD.exe from the Windows folder into the
c:\genlog32 folder, the files you write will open in NOTEPAD automatically.

EDITPAD is the best replacement for NOTEPAD and could be used as the file
open application by copying EditPad.exe to the logging folder (remove NOTEPAD).
EditPad shows row and column cursor placement values which is very handy 
when editing the files generated by GenLog, which are space delimited, not tab
delimited.

14. Different color schemes are provided. Try them using the {View} menu.
Some users operating in long contests prefer to turn off the bright colors
to reduce eye strain. I`m just a casual contester and prefer the bright
colorful display, with functions being verified by the changing colors.

15. Start a new contest. Use the {File} menu or click the green `Contest`
label next to your call sign up top. Select a contest by using either the
contest group buttons - or use `Search`. Double clicking works here.

° Note: The UTC offset should be automatic, but if you don`t have the correct
UTC offset set before starting a new contest, you can change the UTC hours in
a log (post contest!) using the included application GEN_TIME.exe. Check and
edit the dates near midnight after the UTC hour changes.

Changing the UTC offset during the contest can be done too. Exit the logger. Save
the existing log to back-up - just in case. Then change the existing QSO hours using
Gen_Time - and edit any dates near midnight as necessary. Re-run the logger and change
the UTC offset to the correct value. Continue and load your log. Verify that the log
has the correct times - then continue.

In XP`s system clock setup, you can setup an on-line clock sychronization sequence
to make sure your clock is always set correctly.

16. Enter a filename using the {File} menu or click the blue `Enter new file`
label to the left of the files box. Long filenames are OK, but keep them simple so
they fit in the display windows. Hint: use a name that tells you what the contest
is. i.e. 2009novssph  2009-PAQP.

17. Enter QSOs and try the green labeled functions on the right. Depending on the
contest, different pull-down menus are selectable. In WWL (grid square) contests,
menus related to grid totals and grid maps are available. Also in grid contests,
there will be distance and heading displays from the entered 6-digit grids.

18. Use the {View} menu to turn on the partial search function and select a
data file to search. Enter a few characters in the callsign field. Matches
found in the log or search datafile are displayed. You make your own master
datafile(s) using the included application GenSort.exe.

19. Since some contests use US states & RAC provinces and DXCC country prefixes
as multipliers, DXCC prefixes that are the same abbreviation as states or RAC
provinces are followed by ! in the [dxcc_pre.dat] file. ex: HI! LA! ON!

20. On a weekend there may be multiple contests scheduled. This in itself can cause
problems when 2 stations working each other are operating in different contests. I
guess `cross checking` and `unique` will find these errors in log checking. Hopefully
stations calling CQ will identify the contest they are operating in.

In GenLog you can operate in multiple contests at the same time. Start a contest log
file by making at least one QSO. When ready, start another contest log file - making
at least one QSO. From then on, you can just click the log file of interest and log
QSOs. You can also use your general log to work non-contesting stations.

No - the CW keyer setup does not change with the loaded log. If the exchange is the
same (State QSO Parties in particular - 599 State), then just load the contest of
interest and use a generic QSO_Party.kyr keyer file that sends 599 and your State.
Of course this does not work if one of the QSO Parties is your own state (599 County
abbreviation). I have played around in 4 different contests on one weekend. Some CW
and some SSB to reduce the number of keyer file changes.

Hints:
It is helpful if you first move all old log files (except the general log file) to
an `old` folder before starting multiple contest logging. You need to create a log
by entering at least 1 QSO, so you can click the log file later.

Some contests require a separate log for each band, with serial numbers starting at
001 on each band. Make a new log file for each band used, and make at least 1 QSO.
Then just click the log filename in the files list-box to change bands. It is helpful
to name the log file with the band as part of the filename. Back up top.

21. Try the `DVK` - select `DVK ON` mid-screen and select the DVK setup from the {DVK}
menu. Try playing a sample wave file by double-clicking an F-key message file on the
right. To set a wave file to an F-key message, click an F-key on the right side, then
select a wave file from the files list at the left. 

If you have the `RIGblaster` interface, you can try the DVK on the air. The DVK
has an over-ride function - select `RIGblaster` mode in the DVK setup screen (even
if not using a RIGblaster unit). <Esc> <Space> <Enter> (and mic click and footswitch
- if using the appropriate RIGblaster) all cancel the wave file being played.
Hitting the same or different F-key will also cancel the current wave file when it
plays the new selection. The original non-over-ride wave file player is still
available, but you need a PTT over-ride switch in your setup.

22. Try CW - select `CW ON` and select the CW setup screen using the {CW} menu. Hit
`Calibrate` to calibrate the speed to your pc`s processor speed. If you create a new
CW setup using `Save As`, the calibration data will be carrier over to the new keyer
file. 

Set the weight: Switch your rig into a dummy load and while listening to your rig`s
CW monitor/sidetone, adjust the weight for best CW keying (usually ~1.0-1.15).
Only small changes in the value are required. No side-tone is provided since all radios
have this feature.

F-keys <F1> to <F3> can be used with keywords to send fields from the logger.
<CALL> sends the working station`s call.
[SN] sends the QSO serial number (and suffix - Nov SS for example 123A).
[SN-] sends the Nov SS serial number as: number, space, precedence 123 A.
[L0SN] sends serial in leading zero format - 1 as 001.
[LTSN] sends serial in `T` leading zero format - 1 as TT1.
The <TX> keyword in used in the LZ Open Contest - see CW HELP for more.
F-keys <F4> to <F7> are straight memories.
F-key <F8> or <Ctrl> are keyboard transmit - <Enter> returns to receive mode.

Want to use the USB port for CW/PTT ? Tell me if a COM/USB converter works.
LPT/USB converters will not work. Use a PCI slot COM or LPT port interface card.

23. Automatic logfile back-up is available. Select the drive/path in the setup
screen or while logging under the {View} menu. USB flash-drives work too. Backup
can also be selected and turned ON/OFF in the {View} menu. If you turn on the
back-up after entering some QSOs, the initial QSOs are also saved to back-up.

24. Windows program shortcuts:
Note: Do not drag GenLog325.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut - the correct
procedure is <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag. 

Or - go to the Properties of an existing shortcut and change the executable filename
from GenLog32.exe to GenLog325.exe, as the foldername is the same as before.

Or - make one by right-mouse clicking an empty spot on the desktop. Select New,
Shortcut. Browse to the GenLog32 folder and find the executable file. Click it,
click OK. Re-name it if you wish.

If you drag the .exe to the desktop, GenLog will use the Desktop folder as the
startup folder - and the logger will not work - cuz none of the supporting datafiles
are in the Desktop folder. All files are in the c:\genlog32 folder. Back up top.

----------------
Applications included with GenLog:
COUNTIES - look-up and display US counties during QSO parties.
GENSORT - make your own partial calls master datafiles.
GEN_TIME - change the UTC hours in your log, if you logged using the wrong offset.
PREFIXES - callsign look-up and display of country/continent/zone info.

Other applications available from my web site:
Cabrillo Evaluator - Scores Cabrillo logs for more than 335 contests.
Excel Import - imports ASCII log and text files and outputs to Excel.
Extract CBR - Outlook attachments extractor software.
KM Rover - VHF/UHF contest logger for rovers, w/GPS.
SKEDULER - multiple alarms (40 +) for scheduling, w/count-down timer.
SQUARES - Grid square calculator, w/6-digit database.
VHF LOG - VHF/UHF contest logger.

Make shortcuts for the applications you want to run - explained in #24.

Questions and comments to:  w3km at verizon dot net