W3KM GenLog - Initial Use Instructions

1. After installing the logger, run it from the Start | Programs menu.
° Note: Do not drag GenLog326.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut - the correct
procedure is <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag. Or see #25 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.

If operating portable, use VE-F5LEN (for example) in the setup screen. After writing
the Cabrillo, verify the log. Change the Operator: field if necessary. GenLog changes
the dash (or underscore) to a slash in the rest of the log.

Click `Continue`.

3. To start a new contest or logbook:
Click the green {Contest} label or use the pull-down menu {File} {New Contest} to select a
new contest or general logging activity. Contests are in `groups` in the scrolling window
and are selectable via the `group` buttons. Or use the `search` function to enter a partial
contest name. Then click the {Enter new file} label or use the pull-down menu {File}
{New filename} to enter a filename. Long filenames are OK, but keep them simple so they
fit in the display windows. Using a filename that tells you what the contest is, can be
helpful. ie: w3km_2k4wpxcw w3km_2004paqp etc.

4. Load an existing file from the files list-box by clicking the filename.
° Note: Re-load a log file to reset the menus and contest start values, when necessary.

Since loading another log file changes the contest being run, you can operate in
multiple contests at the same time. See #21 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 log
automatically when you start the logger. When done logging, use the `Log` menu
to write the Cabrillo log for submission.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

To view files while in GenLog, select the {File}{Display log/data files} menu.
You can edit and print files here as well.

8. The `TX exchange` fields are what you transmit during a contest. This data comes
from the set-up form. Sometimes you may be required to change the TX field combo-box
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.

9. 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 (and Cabrillo
file) may be incorrect.

10. 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 #6, 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.

11. After you enter each field, the cursor goes to the next input 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. Help on each contest is available using the
Help pull-down menu. You can always delete the dummy log (with Explorer/My Computer) 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.

12. 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 and sometimes easier done in NotePad.
Add a QSO using copy/paste, then edit the QSO 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.

13. Change bands by entering 16, 20, 15, 144, etc. See the HELP on `band changes`
since there are more ways available. If you entered a QSO on the wrong band by mistake,
make a mental note of the exchange, then <Enter> DL and delete the QSO. Change to
the correct band. Then <Enter> L for `last` callsign and continue logging the QSO.
<Enter> PH CW RY or PS to change modes.

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

14. Use the {Log} menu and write each of the files available. 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 to the logging folder (remove or re-name NotePad.exe).
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.

15. 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.

16. 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. Read about this
in the HELP file. In the system clock setup, you can setup an on-line sychronization
sequence to make sure your clock is always set correctly.

17. 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. For
example: 2009novssph 2009-PAQP.

° Post contest log entry: This is when you would select the `After contest` check-box.
Change bands, change the UTC date just below the `After contest` check-box and <Enter>
your QSOs from left to right, starting with the UTC time. Hitting <Enter> at each input
moves the cursor to the next field. <Tab> is only used to move between fields.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Since some contests use both 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!

21. On a weekend there may be multiple contests scheduled. This in itself can cause
problems if 2 stations working each other are operating in different contests.
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 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 worked 2 State QSO parties and a PSK contest at one sitting and went between
GenLog and MixW without problems.

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 and first move all old log
files (except a general log file) to an `old` folder before starting multiple contest
logging. Back up top.

22. 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.

23. Try CW - select `CW ON` mid-screen and select the CW setup screen using the {CW}
menu. Click the COM port button to access the I/O setup. For most PC`s you will select
the `Other` setup, enter the port number and select USB from the combo-box. Then exit
the setup screen and 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 carried 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 most
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.
Note: To send incremented serial numbers with F1 thru F3, select the corresponding
option button.
[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 information.
F-keys <F4> to <F7> are straight memories.
F-key <F8> or <Ctrl> toggles keyboard transmit - after typing, <Enter> returns to
the receive mode.

USB to serial converters are supported for CW/PTT. Interfaces with the FTDI chips
like the VScom USB to serial adapter work fine. LPT/USB converters will not work.
Use PCI slot or external COM/LPT interfaces (except Win7 and 8).

24. 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. If you turn
on the back-up after entering some QSOs, the initial QSOs are also saved to back-up.

25. Windows program shortcuts:
Note: Do not drag GenLog326.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut - the correct
procedure is <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag.

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 the shortcut 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.

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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 470 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 for scheduling.
SQUARES - Grid square calculator.
VHF LOG - VHF/UHF contest logger.