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GenLog Hints / FAQs
Notice: I changed something by mistake while updating the logger, which shifts the contest log sent data over 1 column in some contests (ARRL RTTY, PSK contests, etc). This results in 1 character missing in the Cabrillo log.

Edit your Cabrillo log before submission. After you get the update, you can temporarily add 1 QSO to your log. The difference in the columns will be evident.

To fix your ASCII log: Use the File, Display log/data files menu. Select the Log button and double-click your log file. Use space(s) to align the columns like the temporary one just added. After edit, re-save the log and re-load it into GenLog. Do `DL` to delete the last QSO.

New logger v7.0:
The older GenLog v6.67 is no longer updated. Get the v7.0 logger - this requires a new install, but is installed in the same folder as v6.67 and earlier - so GenLog32 will still run (as a backup), plus your datafiles and logs will still be available. Re-calibrate the CW speed control as necessary, since the speed of the software has changed. Everything else should work as before - the new logger was just re-compiled using the VB5 compiler.

If a shortcut was not created, go to the Properties of your current shortcut and change the executable filename from GenLog32.exe to GenLog325.exe and you are good to go.

Use <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag to create shortcuts - or read this on how to make valid shortcuts.

If having problems with the new install:
1) Read the next question below about downloading to see if this is the problem.
2) The VB installer is old and probably not forward compatible with new OS in every respect.
Try ignoring the sharing errors and select keeping your current files during the install. Then, look to see if GenLog325.exe was installed anyway.
3) Try installing the VB5 run-time files first - before installing GenLog. Download and install Msvbvm50.exe from the Microsoft site at: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q180071/

Q: When I downloaded the GenLog installation file and ran it, another software package was opened for installation - maybe the last program that was installed. Why?
A: When downloading files, try setting the browser option to `download in the browser window` and then Save the file to a known path/folder.

If you are using a browser other than IE, this can happen - this is a browser setup problem. The browser puts download files in a default folder and runs the default {setup.exe} file. Be specific when you download and run installation files - know where you save the file and run it from that path/folder.

Select `Save` at the download prompt and save to c:\temp for example. Then close all programs and do Start, Run, c:\temp\filename - where filename is the file you are running to do the install.

Q: Why doesn`t GenLog open under Vista or Win7 OS ? Instead `The requested operation requires elevation` message is displayed.
A: You may need to right-click the executable and select "Run as Administrator" explicitly. Even though your user account is administrator, by default Windows Vista UAC will not run some programs under the administrator account for security. Read more about UAC.

Q: I have a 64-bit OS on my PC and some software won`t run (or install). Why?
A: There are compatibility issues with installing and running 32-bit programs on x64 series OS. I guess use a 32-bit OS. Google it...

Q: The logger just doesn`t seem to work right. It doesn`t score properly and does not find the lookup datafiles {dxcc_pre.dat, counties.txt, all_coun.dat etc.} Why?
A: 1) If are running the logger from an .exe shortcut that you dragged to the desktop - this may be the problem. The logger uses the application startup folder (where the .exe resides) as the default folder for all lookup files. Your log files are also written there. When you make a shortcut by dragging the .exe to the desktop, the logger uses the desktop folder as the startup folder. No datafiles are found in the desktop folder !
2) Use a valid shortcut to run the logger from the normal c:\genlog32 folder. Create a Start, Programs files shortcut. Or just run it by double-clicking it in Explorer.

Use <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag to create shortcuts - read how to make shortcuts. You can delete the NotePad type datafile icons that appeared on your desktop as the result of your invalid shortcut.

In any case, the shortcut properties should show the Start In: folder as c:\genlog32 - or wherever you installed the software. The files generated by the logger should not show up on your desktop!

Q: The logger doesn`t dupe every callsign - Why?
A: If you do not use <Enter> or <Space> to input callsigns (and all other fields), duping will not be done. If you <Tab> to the next field without <Entering> the call, other problems can show up as well - miscalculated QSO points, mis-tagged multipliers etc.

Here`s the tip-off -- If you type the callsigns in lower case (which you can do) and they show up in the log as lower case, then you did not use <Enter> or <Space> to input the call. Then, `w3km` does not match `W3KM` in the duping procedure.

Q: Why do I get a `Run-time error 70 - permission denied` error when I enter a QSO ?
A: Is your log file set to `Read Only`? Right-mouse the log file in Explorer and Select Properties and change it. If you burned a CD to copy the software to another PC, the folders and files can be set to `Read only`.

Q: Why does LOTW upload reject my ADIF log ?
A: If mode related: Modes in ADIF and Cabrillo logs may not match the TQSL default modes.

In the TQSL preferences, select the ADIF tab and set the mode names to be mapped to those accepted by LOTW. Now when a file is processed by TQSL, it will automatically map the mode names. [ "This makes it seamless". Tnx WA5TKU ]. Read the LOTW FAQ for more.

Hints:
Never just accept default exchange data that GenLog inserts when logging. Always accept (or re-enter) and QSL only what the station transmits - unless the station sends abbreviated CW - like zone `AT` for zone 10 as an example - which should not be allowed. Who the hell knows what they are sending if you are new to contesting?

Q: Why not have GenLog check the spelling of multiplier exchange text that I enter ?
A: This would require accurate up-to-date datafiles for >300 contests - and why would I do that anyway? When you enter an exchange, you enter what the other station transmits. The logger may suggest exchange text based on the contest and callsign entered - BUT always enter what you receive from the other station (except abbreviated CW as mentioned above).

Contest sponsors do cross-checking of logs, so it is a bad practice to simply accept the logger lookup text. After all, you QSL`d the message - it IS correct in your log - right?

5000 QSO limit.
GenLog is intended for the casual contester, and has a 5000 QSO limit per log. Make a dummy logfile with 5000 QSOs by pasting lines in an existing logfile. Then load it and make sure all functions work correctly. When you load a logfile with more than 5K QSO, the file load stops after the 5K are loaded.

Logging screen setup, QTH specific contests, etc:
Rather than using a config file for each contest, GenLog uses your DXCC prefix, section/province, county, State, contest option number, Zone, power level etc. to setup the logging screen. For example, your state is the key to setting up the State QSO Parties. Most contests have different message sequences and exchanged data that is sent and received based on your QTH.

Before operating in a contest, run a dummy contest first to make sure it is setup properly from your QTH. You can delete the dummy file later in Explorer. See the question on temp/dummy files below. An important setup key is your DXCC prefix: W, PA, G, LU .... The DXCC prefix for your country can be looked-up in the {dxcc_pre.dat} file.

See the contest hints and basic rules for the loaded contest - {Help}{About this Contest}. It goes without saying that you check/follow the sponsor`s current rules.

Entering data into the log:
All of my loggers use the <Enter> and <Space> keys to accept QSO data in all fields. <Tab> is only used to move between fields. Special routines that are called when the <Enter> and <Space> keys are used will not be done when the <Tab> key is used. This can show up as the dupe function not working, miscalculated points, errors in multiplier tags and counts, incorrectly formatted ASCII log and incorectly formatted Cabrillo log, plus other unknown errors. Using <Tab> to enter data just won`t work !

Changing the last QSO in the log:
If you just <Entered> a QSO into the log on the wrong band for example, take note of the exchange, <Enter> `DL` to delete the last QSO. Change to the correct band. <Enter> `L` for last callsign, and continue. `DL` and `L` are commands you will use often.

To open the HELP files in newer OS:
Microsoft no longer ships WinHelp with newer OS - so my help files may not open from the {Help} menu. I recommend you get the WinHlp32.exe file from Microsoft`s WinHlp32 page. Or - Select the HTML help format from the {Help} menu. My older WinHelp files look nicer and are easier to navigate.

Mode in contests:
Use PH for all voice modes in contests (unless specified otherwise in the rules). Why? The Cabrillo log is fielded for 2 characters only and all voice contacts must be identified using one mode so duping can be accomplished. Also, since the Cabrillo uses a 2 character mode, contest sponsors use RY for PSK, RTTY and other non-CW digital QSOs for the same reason.

Don`t forget to change bands (and mode) in the logger when you change radio bands. I usually make a note of band change times so I can check this post contest. Making a note can also remind you to change bands in the logger.

Scoring:
Displaying the total summary and score can be done at any time, so you can see the results of each band during a contest. Use the menus: Log | Write More Files Menu | Write summary [urCall.sum]. GenLog writes an ASCII file, then opens the file in NotePad or EditPad. Either NotePad or EditPad must reside in your logging folder. For contest sponsors requiring a summary, this file can be edited to contain your entry class, power levels or QTH before E-mailing it along with your ASCII log file [urCall.log].

In contests with Bonus points, click the [Mult/Bonus] button to enter bonus points, bonus mults, etc. Then re-load the log file to update the score. A log file can be re-loaded at anytime. This can be used as a reset, if something isn`t quite right when you initially start a contest. Make a few contacts, then re-load the file.

Using GenLog`s default exchanges / mults / files:
GenLog uses several data files to display default exchanges like ITU or CQ zones, DXCC countries, etc. No one knows what zone a station may be located in until that station sends the message (in particular US stations). It is up to you to <Enter> the correct exchange information. When you QSL a message, it is understood that you received the correct info. Same with the signal report. The default is 59(9). If you were sent 559 (God forbid), then you need to change the report to 559, not just hit <Enter>.

Since many contest sponsors use the Cabrillo format file for log submissions, using GenLog`s default QSO points is a non-issue. The contest sponsor uses the Cabrillo to calculate the points per QSO and your score. The points values do not appear in the Cabrillo file. So - if points are wrong due to rules changes or calculation error, this does not affect your log submission.

Read your Cabrillo (or ASCII LOG file) before E-mailing it to the sponsor. Make sure it is correct. View/edit the file in NotePad or EditPad etc.

UTC offset:
My loggers have an auto UTC offset function that looks at the PC`s system clock. In the system clock setup, sychronize your PC`s clock to the correct time automatically by setting the Internet Time setup to `time-a.nist.gov` in the combo-box.

GenLog checks the system clock at program start-up for the UTC hour and changes the UTC offset for you. Verify the offset each time you run the logger.

If necessary, use the supplied application `Gen Time` post contest to adjust the log by X hours, either plus or minus. Sorry only the hour can be changed (and NOT THE DATES around UTC midnight - requires manual edit in NotePad).

Q: I downloaded the latest GenLog revision file and extracted the files, but why do I still have an earlier version?
A: The default folder to GenLog is c:\genlog32, but you may have installed it elsewhere. So, if you know where you extracted the update and you still have this version problem - this is why.

The new OS`s save temporary Internet download files/web pages so they can be re-used for faster screen displays. Unfortunately this process often re-uses the older GenLog update file as well. Go to the c:\windows(or c:\winnt)\Temporary Internet Files folder and delete the files - which sometimes works. You probably need to do `Show hidden files and folders` in Explorer`s Tools, Folder Options, View menu first.

A solution that works: Get the CCleaner - a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes the temporary junk files saved by browsers.

Also - using an invalid desktop shortcut can certainly cause this problem. Make a proper shortcut.

Q: When a grid square map is displayed, why is it empty?
A: Grid map datafiles are used for US, EU, SA, SA2, Alaska-BC, Eastern-Canada and Central America maps - these files must be in the logging folder. Filenames are nthamer.map, europe.map, sthamer.map, sthamer2.map, alaska_bc.map, canada.map and centamer.map respectively. All files used by GenLog are available - get this zipped data file and extract the files you want.

Q: How can I back-up my LOG files during a contest?
A: There is no reason why you should ever lose contest LOG data. You can have several files available that contain your QSOs.

The auto-saved file [filename.LOG] is written to the drive/path you selected in the set-up screen before starting to log - or in the {View} menu while logging. If a glitch erases or corrupts your normal LOG file, you should have no problem using the back-up file or re-naming a file and reloading it into GenLog.

[filename.LOG] is the normal logging file. Each QSO saved immediately after entering it.
[filename.BAK] is the manually saved BU file, rename to [filename.log] to re-load.
[filename.BU1] is the logging file saved before editing in GenLog. This file only has the QSOs up to that point however! Re-name to re-load.
[urCall.LOG] is a manually saved file, either in standard ASCII or in the Cabrillo format.
An ADIF file can be saved at any time also. These files are saved to your logging folder.

If you associate the .bu1 .bak .adi .log and .cbr extensions with NotePad, you can easily view or edit them. Back-up files with .bak and .bu1 extensions can be deleted from the logging folder after you are finished with that contest.

Q: Why can`t I re-size the screens to fill the video display?
A: Sorry, I cannot use the third party re-sizing control like my other software. The log inputs, output windows and controls are re-sized and re-positioned for each contest selected - the third party VB re-sizing control does not work properly.

However, you can run the logger in the full-screen mode by changing the properties of the executable. In MyComputer, find GenLog325.exe in the c:\genlog32 folder. Right-mouse click on GenLog325.exe and select Properties and the Compatibility Tab. Select `Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution`. Apply. When you run the logger, it changes the screen resolution to 640 X 480. This is `BIG` compared to the other resolutions. When you exit the logger, the video resolution returns to normal.

If this option is not available on your OS, then use the standard video resolution change option. Right-mouse click on the desktop and select Properties. Go to the Settings tab and select 800 X 600.

Q: Why not allow the user to add a contest?
A: If I did add a `new contest setup`, it would be limited to a few fields (RST, Serial#, DXCC mults) which is already part of the General Logging function. I can add new contests if there is interest.

Or - you can use the << >> arrows and look thru the list of contests in the help file for a `similar` contest. The score will be calcuated by the sponsor anyway from the Cabrillo log. Change the Cabrillo header before submission.

Q: Can I use GenLog in the Multi-Op category?
A: GenLog does not have networking capability, but you can merge several log files (from other PCs) post contest and submit a Multi-Op Cabrillo log to the contest sponsor. Read the `Multi-op` section in the Help file to make one log file and edit it for submission.

Q: Why doesn`t GenLog receive and transmit RTTY or PSK?
A: I do not have the time (or know-how) to add the digital engines to the logger. There are software packages out there that support RTTY/PSK - with built-in loggers. I use MixW. Others are N1MM logger and WriteLog.

Q: Is there a VHF/UHF version of GenLog?
A: Yes. Use VHFLOG to log in ARRL VHF/UHF/microwave contests and Sprints.

Q: Is there a VHF/UHF rover version of your logger?
A: Use KM Rover to log these contests as a rover, w/GPS.

Q: Do you have log scoring software for contest sponsors?
A: See my Cabrillo Evaluator that loads and scores Cabrillo log files in auto batch mode.

Q: Will GenLog run in Linux?
A: Yes. Jim WD5IYT, reports that GenLog runs perfectly in Linux using the Wine application.

Q: How can I enter an HF frequency instead of the band in meters?
A: I would have to re-write the logger to add this field in contest logs. But - if you use the SWL log option, you can enter any frequency text, plus the op`s name, qth, grid or whatever.

Q: How do I view / edit the Log and summary files?
A: For most contests, you can edit the log by clicking the {Edit/Change Log} button. In Explorer {My Computer}, log files have the extension .log and summary files have the .sum extension. Double-click the file in Explorer. If the file extension is associated with NotePad (or other editor), it will open. If not, select an editor application from the [Open with] dialog box. The log files are in space delimited format with columns and must be in the same format after editing/saving the file. Alternately, GenLog will open [urCall.log] and [urCall.sum] when you write these files if you have either NotePad.exe or EditPad.exe copied to your GenLog folder.

Note: To view/open HELP files, Cabrillo or ASCII data files in your logging folder in Explorer, you need to uncheck the `Hide file extensions` checkbox - Tools, Folder options, View menu. Then you can see the filename and extension, since many files can start with the same name but are different file types. Ex: {urCall.log} {urCall.sum} {urCall.mlt} and {urCall.txt}.

Q: Why not use the cty files that CT and other loggers use?
A: I use my {dxcc_pre.dat} DXCC lookup file that I developed when writing my first logger in DOS in the 80`s - before CT? Many GenLog functions and support applications use this file and I don`t want to re-write software that I developed years ago. It is much easier for me to keep updated and I added the {DXCC_Exceptions.dat} file that allows lookup for stations not operating from their `home` DXCC country. If you work an exception station not in the file - add it yourself. Each entry has the same format as the {dxcc_pre.dat} file.

Q: How can I delete the temporary/dummy log files that I don`t want?
A: As with any applications software, file maintenance is best done in the file manager, Explorer {MyComputer}. Use Tools, Folder options, View tab, and uncheck `Hide file extensions` so you can view the .LOG file extensions. To finish, click [Apply] and [OK]. Go through the folder tree and find the GENLOG32 folder and delete the files you don`t want. You can also delete the log files with .bu1 .bu2 and .bak extensions when you are finished with them. Remember, deleted files are put in the Recycle Bin. If you want them back, open the Recycle Bin, click the files you want restored and do `Undo Delete` or `Restore`.

Q: When I edited my log file and tried to re-load it, I got an error: [ Input past the end ] [ No such band ] or other. Why?
A: When editing your log file, be careful not to disturb the columnar format of the data file. The file is Space delimited, not Tab delimited. This means you must use spaces when editing the file, not tabs. Also be sure that there are no empty lines after the last QSO.

Note: If there are blank QSO lines at the bottom of the log file, you can delete them by <Entering> DL at the callsign input prompt. When viewing the file in an editor, there will be a carriage return after every line, so when you place the cursor at the end of the file (and do page down a few times), the editor`s cursor should flash at column 1 on the line just below the last QSO line, with nothing below. Also note that when you edit a log file within GenLog, a backup file [filename.BU1] is saved before you do any editing. Only the QSOs up to that point are in this file however!

Q: Can I use long log filenames ?
A: Yes, but keep them simple so the text fits in the existing display fields. Using names that tell you what the contest is {2009cqww_cw.log} {2009paqp.log} is helpful.

Q: What is a Cabrillo file and when is it used?
A: Most contest sponsors require that computer generated LOGs to be submitted electronically instead of on paper. The Cabrillo file format contains both a summary and the log file. GenLog writes the Cabrillo file for selected contests and uses { urCall.log } as the filename. If the pull-down menu does not say `Write Cabrillo...`, the Cabrillo output may not be supported in that contest. Re-load the log file to reset the menu to double-check.

The Cabrillo file must be checked and possibly edited before you E-mail it. Check the rules for submissions for the contest in question. Unlike other electronic LOG files, the Cabrillo file does not contain QSO points, nor indication of when mults were worked. In CQ-DX for example, the LOG file does not contain the country multipliers. Using this file, the log checkers figure out the points/QSO, add up the country multipliers and cross check logs for accuracy, I assume using software written for just that purpose.

File write error? You cannot use a slash in your callsign in the setup form. The logger uses the callsign to name files. The file { VE/F5LEN.log } is an illegal filename in Windows. Change your call in the log post contest if necessary. Substitute - or _ for the slash when writing files, ve-f5len.log for this example. Use the find & replace function of NotePad to change F5LEN in the Cabrillo file to VE/F5LEN in the sent callsign column, post contest. Use the appropriate number of spaces in the `Find` field and the corresponding number of characters in the `Replace` field so the columns widths remain unchanged.

Q: My Cabrillo file output has the wrong date format. What caused this?
A: If your PC system date format is set to DDMMYY, you must select the same format in GenLog`s setup screen, otherwise the month and day in your Cabrillo file will be reversed and could be rejected by the sponsor`s server. Unfortunately, you cannot just change GenLog`s format and expect the Cabrillo file to be correct, since your contest LOG file was written in the previous date format.

You can fix your current GenLog format LOG file by using the `Find & Replace` function in your editor. For example: find 30/07/04 and replace with 07/30/04. After you select the correct date formats in the PC`s time setup - and in GenLog - and re-load the LOG, the Cabrillo file you write now will be correct.

Q: Is there an automatic partial callsign search in GenLog?
A: Yes, this is a selectable function. You make your own master datafiles using GenSort.exe and select the file to be used during logging. After 2 or more characters are entered into the callsign field, the matching calls from the current log and the master datafile are displayed. You may click a callsign in either output window to insert that call into the callsign field. I use the left window to see dupes when I type in a call.

CW - PTT - DVK:
Q: When keying CW, the PC`s CPU usage runs as high as 100% - and why is the CW speed sometimes slow and irratic?
A: I don`t know why - try more RAM - or read below. The DLPORTIO.dll seems to use lots of CPU time. On a my 2.4GHz Dell with 256MB RAM - CW keying uses just over 90% of processor time. On a dual core 1.8GHz HP PC with 2GB RAM, the usage is 50% or less (probably the dual processors).
A user writes: "I added 1GB RAM to my Dell 2400 (1GB DRR-333 PC2700 $29.99) and although the CPU usage in Task Manager does not show anything different, the irratic and slow CW problem went away. Some other applications now seem to run better also".

COM port wiring connections:
I wrote my first logger with CW keying in 1983. It used RTS for CW and DTR for PTT. You may select the option that swaps these lines for CW and PTT (required for RIGblaster interfaces).

Q: Why do I get the `DLPORTIO.sys not loaded` or similar error when I use CW even after I installed the I/O driver software?
A: The required files should be on your pc when you installed the driver software. If not, your anti-virus software may think they are dangerous files and remove them at the driver software installation. Save the I/O driver install file Port95NT.exe at this link. Go off-line and turn off your anti-virus software. Run Port95NT.exe and re-install the I/O driver software. Re-boot before going back on-line.

Q: Why is the CW irratic and garbled?
A: 1) Read about PC processor usage above.
2) Other applications and firewalls can cause the same problems. I disconnect from the Internet and turn off other programs when necessary.
3) Do you have the keying weight set near 1.00 - it does not need to be set too far from 1.00 to work correctly. I use 1.10.
4) RF can get into the PC and keyboard via the connecting cables, which will trash the CW keying. Turn the power output all the way down and try CW keying to prove this. If you cannot reduce the power output, connect your CW/PTT interface to a code practice oscillator.
5) You are using a CW/PTT interface connected to the COM port - right? You cannot just connect the COM port pins to the CW key jack and PTT line! See CW interfaces in the HELP file.

USB:
1) LPT CW via USB will not work - USB does not support parallel multi-function devices - only `printer class` devices.
2) I know from users that the internal add-on PCI COM and LPT cards do work in GenLog.
3) I don`t know if serial port CW keying via the USB port works. Let me know if a Serial to USB converter works for you.

COM port pin-out:
DB9 COM1 connections are:
CW - Pin 7
PTT - Pin 4
Ground/Common - Pin 5

DB25 COM2 connections are:
CW - Pin 4
PTT - Pin 20
Ground/Common - Pin 7

DB25 LPT1 connection:
CW - Pin 17 and ground, LPT1-18.

Questions, comments or problems: w3km at verizon dot net