W3KM GenLog - Initial Use Instructions

1. After installation, run it from the Desktop shortcut or via the Start | Programs menu.
° Note: Do not drag GenLog326.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut. Right-mouse the .exe
and select `Create shortcut`, then drag that shortcut to the desktop. See #26 for more.

° Note: The third party re-sizing control used in my other software does not work properly
to re-size the main screen. This is due to the placement and size of buttons, lables, option
controls and input boxes that are different for each contest. Read the FAQ for more info
on how to make the logging screen larger.

The setup screen, Grid maps, WSJT logging windows and others can be re-sized for overall
video size and text font size, because there are no buttons, labels or options controls
that need to be re-sized. Upper-right X saves the settings.

2. First time running the logger: Fill in the setup form information. Your Call Sign, Name,
State/Prov and DXCC prefix (from the dxcc_pre.dat file) are fields that setup the various
contests from either end of the QSO. The other information is used to setup the TX message
for that contest.

Note: The {City, ST Zip} field is comma delimited to allow parsing your address into several
parts needed for Cabrillo v3.0. If your address is not in the {City, ST Zip} format, click
the [Help] button on that line for more info.

If operating portable, use a dash in place of the slash in your call; ie: VE-F5LEN. 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` to go to the logging screen, which also saves the setup screen data.

3. To start a new contest or logbook:
Click the green [Contest] label or use the File New Contest menus 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 File New filename menus
to enter a filename. Long filenames are OK, but keep them simple so they fit in the displays.
Using a filename that tells you what the contest is, can be helpful. ie: 2016_w3km_wpxcw
2020 IND QP 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. For
example: an input box is out of place or missing, or a menu item not displayed (or enabled).

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 by 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 - or an ADIF file.

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, you can get the WinHlp32.exe file from Microsoft`s WinHlp32 page. My older WinHelp file
looks nicer, but the internet links may not work in newer OS. Or - select the HTML help format
in the Help menu. Or read the on-line help files on my web page.

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.
Or, you can use EditPad as well.

7a) To edit/view files while in GenLog, select the File Display log/data files menu. If you edit
logs, make a BU copy first and maintain the format. Click the log filename to re-load it.

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/portables/rovers can change their sent county in this box.

Always check the sponsors rules before operating in a contest, as the logger`s rules and 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> in the callsign field or at the exchange fields. <Tabbing> over to the next field
will skip these functions. This means multipliers, duping, scoring, native log formatting and
Cabrillo file may be incorrect.

Since v8.24: WSJT-X QSOs can be imported/logged to GenLog`s general logs.

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 the logging program use.

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 menu. You can always
delete a dummy log in My Computer when done.

° Note: You can select QSO Accept(Auto) using that 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.

° Some contests use a special log format, so the [Edit/Change Log] function is not available. See 7a.

° 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 PS etc. to change modes.

° Note: Logging can be done without using the mouse. See the Key strokes/Shortcuts section of the
HELP file. <Esc> clears all QSO inputs.

14. Use the Log menu and write each of the files available. Click the Write more files menu
pull-down 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 you
are using DDMMYY in your PC, then select DDMMYY in GenLog`s setup screen. Default at program install
is MMDDYY.

° Note: Copy NotePad.exe from the Windows folder into the c:\genlog32 folder so the files you write
will open in NotePad automatically.

EDITPAD is the best replacement for NotePad and could be used as the file open editor by copying
EditPad.exe to the logging folder (remove or re-name NotePad.exe to NotePad-1.exe for ex). 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 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
the contest name 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. The free Dimension4
software works great for this, since you need more frequent time updates when using WSJT or other
digital software.

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. Ex: 2018novssph 2018-W3KM-PAQP.

° Post contest log entry: 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
menus are selectable. In WWL (grid square) contests, menus related to grid totals and grid
maps are available. Also in grid contests, there are 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 {GenSort.exe} application.

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 click your general log to work
non-contesting stations.

Yes - the CW keyer setup will follow the loaded log - if you use the Auto Keyer file setup.

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. Go 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 file from the 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> 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 or
sidetone, adjust the weight for best CW keying (usually ~1.0-1.15). Only small changes in the value
are required.

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 use the F1, F2 and F3 messages.
[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 adapters work fine. Others will usually be a problem !

24. If you are interested in WSJT, GenLog can load the WSJT log into General logs.

25. Automatic logfile back-up is available. Select the drive/path in the setup screen or while
logging under the View menu. USB sticks work too. Don`t use the PC`s normal drive. If you turn ON
back-up after entering some QSOs, the initial QSOs will also be saved.

26. Windows program shortcuts:
Note: Do not drag GenLog326.exe to the desktop to make a shortcut. Right-mouse the.exe and select
`Create shortcut`, then drag that shortcut file to the desktop.

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 (or wherever you installed it).
Note: You should install my loggers to the defaut folder. Sure you can change the folder, but you
will need to change the folder each time you get an update. Back up top.

----------------
Applications included with GenLog:
COUNTIES - look-up and display US counties during QSO parties.
FindDXCC - callsign lookup App like PREFIXES, but smaller.
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.
SQUARES - Grid square calculator.

Other applications available from my web site:
Cabrillo Evaluator Scores Cabrillo logs for practically every contest.
KM Rover VHF/UHF contest logger for rovers, w/GPS.
KM Timers Count-down w/COM control and elapsed time.
SKEDULER Multiple alarms for scheduling.
PRNET Net Control software logs any Net.
Print Labels Label printing software.
VHFLOG VHF/UHF contest logger.
And More Apps.