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GenLog Hints / FAQs
New logger v7.0:
The older GenLog using the VB4 compiler will no longer be 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:
The installer is an old version and probably not forward compatible with XP/Win7 in every respect.
1) Try ignoring the sharing errors and select keeping your current files during the install. Then, look to see if GenLog325.exe was installed anyway.
2) 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. I am using the FireFox browser. Why?
A: When downloading files, try setting the browser option to `download in the browser window` and then select File > Save As and know the path/folder that you are saving it to.

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 know how to run it from that path/folder.

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

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 the many datafiles that GenLog uses. All 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 - Ugh!
2. If you use another application`s macro to run GenLog, the start folder path can be set to the other program`s start folder path. Use Start, Search for files and folders, All or part of a filename - and search for the partial `GenLog`. This will show where the Ini file is being saved (and most likely your log files). And this will explain why GenLog doesn`t not find any of its datafiles - and why the scoring etc is not working.

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 dragged shortcut.

Q: When I enter a QSO, I get a `Run-time error 70 - permission denied` Why?
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 certainly be set to `Read only`.

Hints:
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:
There is an important setup mechanism that all users should understand. Rather than using a config file for each contest, GenLog uses your DXCC prefix, section/province, county, State, contest option number, Zone etc. to setup the logging screen. For example, your state is the key to setting up the State QSO Parties. Some contests have different message sequences that are sent and received based on your QTH. Ex: in the Dutch PACC Contest, sent and received messages and multipliers are different for PA stations than non-PA stations.

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 question on temp/dummy files below. A very important setup key is your DXCC prefix: W, PA, UA, G, LU .... The DXCC prefix for your country can be looked-up in the {dxcc_pre.dat} file.

See the contest hints and simplified rules for the loaded contest - {Help} {About this Contest}.

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 hit 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, and other unknown errors. Using [Tab] to enter data just won`t work correctly !

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 supports WinHelp32 and is not shipped 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 Win32 page. Or - Select the HTML help format from the {Help} menu. My older WinHelp files look nicer and are easier to navigate.

Mode is contests:
Use PH for all voice modes in contests. 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 DIGital QSOs.

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.

UTC offset:
GenLog checks the system clock at program start-up for the UTC hour and changes the UTC offset for you. 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).

If you live in the eastern US, before a contest, go to the WARC website to get the correct UTC offset, then set the pc clock. Other parts of the US, go to the US Naval Observatory website to get the correct UTC offset, then set the pc clock. Click your browser`s `Refresh` button or hit {F5} to update the time.

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.

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

First, you can try {Ctrl} + clicking the link which sometimes will download the file, instead of using the saved file.

Or - In Internet Explorer`s Tools, Internet Options menu - delete all the temporary files. If necessary: Do Start, Search, For files and folders - look for gen325upd.exe (in this case). Select the option to search `Hidden` files and folders. Delete all instances. Then download the new file again.
The temporary download files are normally stored in the c:\windows(or c:\winnt)\Temporary Internet Files folder. Trash all files in this folder.

Also - Using a desktop shortcut that you made by dragging the .exe to the desktop 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, 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 (or under the {View} menu while logging) - before starting to log. 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. The 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 and .LOG 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 the user resize the screens to fill the video display?
A: Sorry, I cannot use the third party VB re-sizing control like my VHFLOG, CabEvaluator and KMRover.
Reason: The input boxes, labels and controls on the logging screen are re-sized and re-positioned for each contest selected. The re-sizing control software only resizes the initial screen - when it is first displayed.
In new PC`s (XP, Win2K etc) you can easily change to 800 x 600 video size. Right-mouse on the desktop, Properties, Settings Tab, change screen resolution size to 800 x 600.

Q: Why not allow the user to add a contest?
A: If I added code to allow users to configure a new contest, it would be very limited in what it did. It would only allow normal exchanges like RST and Serial # and DXCC mults, and the score would not be calculated by GenLog. These input fields can be handled by the General Logging function.

I would never attempt to write code that would take all the variables input by the user and have GenLog input all the fields, calculate the score correctly and write the output file so it conforms to the sponsors directives.

Also, the input fields, QSO points and multipliers are often different from opposite ends of the QSO. This would be difficult to code with user inputs. GenLog works correctly for all contests from both ends of the QSO.

Many contests have complicated multiplier and scoring requirements. For example: In a few contests the multipliers are DXCC countries, plus each call area of W(0-9), VE(0-9), JA(0-9), VK(0-9) and TA(0-9). The first W, VE, JA, VK and TA count as two multipliers, one for the DXCC country and one for the call area, on each band. Currently, GenLog scores these contests correctly.

Other than using the general logging function, you can arrow << >> thru the Contests.hlp file looking for contests that have the same exchange as the contest of interest. After logging - in NOTEPAD - change the ASCII log file header and put the log file in the proper format for log 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.

Start with one log file. Copy it and re-name it to a new file, which will be file1 and will contain all the QSOs for the contest. Using NOTEPAD, copy the QSOs from file2, file3, etc. and paste them at the end of file1. File1 needs the original 2 line contest header. The header is not copied from the other files. Note: Be careful when doing {Save As} because Windows may save your ASCII text file as {filename.log.txt}, then GenLog can`t find it in the logging folder.

When adding the QSOs to the end of file1, maintain the columar format, with one QSO per line. At the end of file1, there should be no blank lines. When the cursor is positioned at column1 on the line after the last QSO, there should be nothing to the right or below the cursor. Delete any spaces or blank lines after the cursor. File1 can be loaded into GenLog and a Cabrillo file written for log submission. Edit the Cabrillo file header as needed to follow the Multi-Op category criteria for that contest.

Q: Is there a VHF/UHF version of GenLog?
A: Yes, use VHFLOG to log in ARRL VHF/UHF/microwave contests and Sprints. Use KM Rover to log these VHF/UHF contests as a rover, w/GPS.

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, EDITPAD or WORDPAD (for examples), it will open. If not, then select one of the above applications 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: While in MyComputer/MS Explorer, to open the HELP files, Cabrillo or ASCII data files in your logging folder, you need to uncheck the `Hide file extensions` checkbox in Explorer (My Computer) - {Tools} {Folder options} {View} menus. This will allow you to see the filename and the extension, since many files can start with the same filename but have different extensions depending on the file type. Examples are: {urCall.log} {urCall.sum} {urCall.mlt} and {urCall.txt}.

Q: Why don`t you 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. Many GenLog functions use this file as do some support applications and I don`t want to re-write software that I developed years ago. It doesn`t have all the extra callsigns that the CT files have, but is much easier to keep updated. However, I did add the {DXCC_Exceptions.dat} file that allows lookup for stations not operating from their `home` DXCC country. If you work an exception station that is not in the file - add it. 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 (My Computer}. In Explorer, View | Folder options | View tab, uncheck `Hide file extensions` so you can view the .LOG file extensions. To finish the options setup, click [Apply] and [OK]. Go through the folder tree and find the GENLOG folder. In this folder find the files you want to delete and delete them. 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 in NOTEPAD or EDITPAD for example, 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, you can - but keep them simple so the text fits in the existing display fields. Using names that tell you what the contest is {2004cqww_cw.log} {scarolina_qp.log} is most 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...`, then - in that contest, the Cabrillo output may not be supported. Re-load the log file to reset the menu to double-check.

See my Cabrillo Evaluator that loads and scores Cabrillo log files.

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? Do not 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 it if necessary post contest. 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 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 NOTEPAD or other editor. For example: find 30/07/04 and replace with 07/30/04. After you select the correct date formats in the PC and in GenLog and re-load the LOG, the Cabrillo file you write now will be correct.

Hint:
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 he sends his 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.

Check 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.

Hint:
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 pull-down 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.

Q: Why not have GenLog check the spelling of multiplier exchange text that I enter ?
A: When you enter an exchange, you must enter what the other station transmits - GenLog cannot check or change the spelling of log data! The logger may suggest exchange text based on the contest and the callsign you enter - BUT as always, enter what you receive from the other station.

More and more contest sponsors do cross-checking of logs, so it is a bad practice to simply accept the logger lookup text. This is why GenLog does not change what you enter - the logger has no way of knowing what the transmitted exchange is! Plus, I cannot always update the rules or lookup files - and that is why GenLog doesn`t tell you the exchange is spelled wrong - it doesn`t know! After all, you QSL`d the message - it IS correct in your log - right?

Q: Why not have an automatic partial callsign search?
A: Done! v5.34 and higher have this 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 input field. If you don`t want to use this feature, turn it OFF.

CW - PTT - DVK:

Q: When keying CW, the PC`s CPU usage runs as high as 100% - and sometimes the CW speed is slow and irratic. Why?
A: I don`t know why - but, more RAM may help. 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 dual core 1.8GHz HP PC with 2GB RAM, the usage is 50% (maybe the dual processors are responsible for this).
Anyway, I just 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 after installing the I/O driver software?
A: DLPORTIO.sys should be in the windows\system32\drivers folder. If not, your anti-virus software may think it is a dangerous file and remove it at `port95nt.exe` installation. Save the I/O driver .exe using this link. Go off-line and turn off your anti-virus software. Run the I/O driver .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) When the mouse is moved during CW, the CW timing can be irratic while Windows completes the mouse move function.
3) Other applications and firewalls can cause the same problems. I disconnect from the Internet and turn off other programs when necessary.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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 multifunction devices - only printer class devices.
2) I know from users that the internal add-on PCI COM and LPT port interfaces do work - and are supported by 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.

As always, please ask me if you have any questions about my loggers.
Thanks, Dave, W3KM. w3km at verizon dot net