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KM Rover Logger Hints / FAQs
KM Rover v4.0 and newer support Win8/10 and require a new installation regardless of your OS.
After installing v4.0 or newer, you can get the latest revision at any time.

KM Rover is installed to the same folder as earlier versions of the software - C:\KMRover32 - so all your logs can be accessed as before.

Chrome and Edge browser users might have difficulty downloading software - the mouse pointer doesn't change to a hand pointer.
If so, try a different browser - Firefox or IE for example.
Or - right-click a link and select {Save Link As...} or {Save Target as...}.
Save the Install file to your HD, then run it `As an Administrator`.

If an error occurs when you run the program you get a ...ocx or other file missing or not correctly registered... or run-time error 50003... right-click the KMRover shortcut icon and select "Run as administrator".

Q: Why do I have the wrong date in some of my QSOs ?
A: Win 11 users report that the Win 11 system clock default format is set to YYYY-MM-DD. It must MM-DD-YY for KM Rover. Go here to fix this - or Google it.

Q: Why does the new Windows installer use the c:\KMRover32 folder by default?
A: The JGS DeployMaster software is set to install in the default folder used by KMRover for decades.
1) This prevents browsers from setting the install folder to the User`s desktop, which is a disaster.
2) Shortcuts are created by the installer which eliminates the confusion about `where the software is`.
3) All future KMRover updates are to set the same folder by default.
4) Or - you can select the `Advanced Options Installation` button to install the software and updates to a different folder, but you need to select this folder each time you get an update.

Q: The KMRover icon is in the taskbar but I can`t get it to run, why?
A: This has been fixed recently, but you have to get the logger up on the screen first. Hover the mouse over the taskbar icon, then move the mouse up to the mini-screen that pops up. Right-mouse to display the menu, select Maximize. Then grab KMRover`s blue title bar and move it. Now you can move the window and upper-right X to save its position. With the new revision, if you turn off the PC or restart it with the logger in the minimized location, the minimized settings will not be saved.

Q: What rover callsign format do I use in the setup and in my Cabrillo log?
A: You cannot enter a slash in your callsign in the setup form. The callsign is used to name files written by the logger and K1DS/R.log (in this example) is an illegal Windows filename. Use K1DS-R in the setup screen - the Cabrillo filename will be K1DS-R.log - as it should be. However, keep in mind that you cannot use CW macros that send <yourCall> - enter your portable call into a CW memory as text instead.

If you are logging as a single-op non-rover (which you can do), then just enter K1DS in the setup screen. The Cabrillo will be named K1DS.log - as it should be.

Q: Why can`t I click one of the download links on your web page, even though the cursor turns to the `hand` pointer?
A: IE and FireFox work. I believe the Google Chrome update fixed this.

Q: Why not provide the lookup files in the new version KMRover update file?
A: Some users living outside `Pack Rat county` make their own lookup files. Files included in the update would overwrite them, and I would be in big trouble, HI. That is why the files are available in the separate "Logger datafiles UPDATE..." at the bottom the KMRover section.

Q: KMRover won`t run under Windows 7 or Vista OS. This message may be displayed `The requested operation requires elevation`. Why?
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. Read this and this.

Q: I have Windows 7 OS or a 64-bit OS on my PC and the software won`t run (or install). Why?
A: There are some compatibility issues with 32-bit programs on x64 series OS. Read this and this.

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.

Q: What about other contests that are not supported by the logger?
A: It is easy to just select a similar contest from the supported list, then edit the Cabrillo header as required before submission. If the contest you want to run is a Sprint with 1 point per QSO and 4-digit grids as mults per band, then select a Generic Sprint from the list. If the contest is a Sprint with 1 point per kM based on 6-digit grids, then select a Spring Sprint. After the contest, write the Cabrillo, then edit the header to follow the current rules. The contest sponsor will re-score your log.

Important Hints:
Entering QSOs into the log:
All of my loggers use the <Enter> and <Space> keys to accept QSO data in all fields. You need a way to move from field to field without using the mouse. The <Tab> key is used to move between fields.

Don`t forget to log the QSO:
Forgetting to enter a QSO can cause NIL for the other station ! You can set the logger to accept the QSO into the log after you enter the grid. Don`t <Enter> the grid until you hear QSL from the other station. This option is purposely not saved to the Ini file.

2500 QSOs per log:
This logger has a 2500 QSO limit, which should be sufficient.

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

Quick band change:
Enter the new band in the callsign input - first 2 numerals works - 14, 43, 23.

Working the last station(s) in the log:
As you work stations up the bands, use `S` for same call. When working a station and tailgaters up the bands use `L/L1`, `L2`, `L3` and `L4` to recall the last, next to the last, 3rd and 4th callsigns respectively. This is a great time saver, without re-typing callsigns.

To open the HELP file in newer OS:
Microsoft no longer ships WinHelp with newer OS - so my help file may not open from the Help menu.
1. I recommend you get the WinHlp32.exe file Microsoft`s WinHlp32 page. The -x86 file is for 32-bit OS and -x64 is for 64-bit OS. My older WinHelp files look nicer and are easier to navigate. But, possibly internet links in the WinHelp file will not work in newer OS.

2. Or - select the HTML help format from the Help menu. The internet links will work from this help file. On newer OS, this .chm version may not open. This is a Microsoft security issue. Do right-mouse, Properties on the KM_ROVER.chm file and select `unblock`. Unfortunately, you may need to `unblock` the .chm file after downloading an updated version.

3. Or - read the HTML help file here and search for a topic using <Ctrl> + F.

Q: I downloaded the latest KM Rover revision file and extracted the files, but I still have a previous version - Why?
A: The default folder to KM Rover is c:\kmrover32, but you may have installed it elsewhere. So, if you know where you extracted the files and have this version problem - this is why.

Also - Using a desktop shortcut that you made by just dragging the .exe to the desktop can cause this problem. Use <Ctrl> + <Shift> and drag to create shortcuts - read how to make shortcuts.

Q: How do I see/edit the Log, the Cabrillo Log and summary files?
A: You can edit the log file while in KM Rover by clicking the {Edit/Change Log} button. In Explorer (My Computer), log files have the extension .rlg, Cabrillo file have the extension .log and summary files have the .sum extension. Open the file in Explorer. The log files are in space delimited format with columns and must be in the same format after editing/saving the file. Alternately, KM Rover will open files you write if you have either NotePad or EditPad copied to the c:\KMRover32 folder.

Q: When a grid square map is displayed, why is it blank?
A: Grid map datafiles [*.map] must be in the logging folder. Filenames are nthamer.map, eastgrid.map, midgrid.map and westgrid.map. These files are available in the KMRover upgrade file or in this zipped archive. Select by `Type` and extract the file(s) you want to the logger`s folder.

Q: Why doesn`t the `Bands Needed` list fill when I enter a callsign?
A: The `Bands Needed` data comes from the {LOGSORT.dat} lookup file. This file comes with the logger installation file, but you may have deleted/re-named it. You make your own file from your past VHFLOG logs {.lgg} or KMRover logs {.rlg} using the supplied application {LOGSORT.exe}. If you live in the N.E. part of the US, you are welcome to use my datafiles, which are updated periodically from high scoring PackRat logs. Extract the file(s) that you want to the c:\KMRover32 folder. To see the changes, run the logger after getting the update.

Q: Can I re-size the Windows to the full screen video?
A: Yes. Microsoft`s VB doesn`t allow re-sizing Windows, but I use a third-party re-sizing control that allows this. The size/position settings are saved on most screens. I found the third-party ActiveResize control FAQ and modified the main form so all graphics cards should produce the expected screen re-sizing.

However, the third party control may not work in Win98 (or in Linux with the Wine application). Get a new laptop or PC.

Q: I did not have the UTC hour offset set correctly. All the QSOs in my log are off by 1 hour. Is there an easy way to edit the times?
A: Yes. Use the supplied application UTCTime 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).

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. Verify the UTC time and UTC offset each time you run the logger.

Q: The logging screen flickers every second when the UTC time label is updated. What can I do?
A: Use the Option menu and select HH:MM instead.

Q: Can I use KM Rover in the Multi-Op category?
A: KM Rover 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.

Use the Log Save file to diskette menu to save the currently being used log file to a diskette. Use the Log Merge 2 log files menu to merge a second file (from different bands) with the log file currently being used. Read more in the HELP file.

Q: Why not have an interface between the station and KM Rover to automatically change bands?
A: Done! Many stations have multiple radios and many use transverters with or without transverter switchboxes. Stations may have separate radios for FM or single band stand-alone radios that don`t get switched.

I decided to provide computer control in the direction that would get the widest usage, from the computer to the station. A BCD band decoder is connected to the LPT port of the computer, that `switches in` the transverter of choice. When you change bands in KMRover, the decoder`s output will also change. This type of switching is used by HF contesters to automatically switch antennas when changing bands. KMRover will control all bands with the appropriate decoder/switchbox. Note: Damage can occur if you hot-switch your equipment without proper sequencing. Read this about hot-switching (#4).

Computer control in the opposite direction requires CAT radio control and consideration of all station configuration possibilities.

I tested the band switching function with the original Top Ten Devices band decoder. For another more flexible BCD decoder/interface that you can build, see N3FTI`s LPT interface.

Win7 and Win8 band switching is supported using a CanaKit UK1104 USB I/O Controller.

Q: Why can`t I get the band switching decoder to work?
A: 1) Verify that LPT pin 18 is used for ground.
2) Apply +5V to the BCD inputs to see if the decoder works.
3) Turn on the encoder in the logger under the Options menu.
4) If using USB control, verify that the UK1104 controller is listed in Device Manager and you have the right COM port selected.

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, Microsoft Explorer (My Computer). Deleted files are put in the Recycle Bin and can be `Restored`.

Q: What is a Cabrillo file and when is it used?
A: The ARRL requires computer generated LOGs to be submitted electronically in Cabrillo format instead of on paper. KM Rover writes the Cabrillo LOG file and uses {urCall-R.log} as the filename - if you use call-R in the setup screen. The header must be checked and possibly edited before you submit your log.
File write error? You cannot enter a slash in your callsign in the setup form. See the rover callsign format question at the top of this page.

Q: Can I use long log filenames in the logger?
A: Yes - but keep them simple so the text fits in the existing display fields. Using names that tell you what the contest is is helpful {2018janvhfss.rlg}.

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.
[file.RLG] is the normal logging file. Each QSO saved immediately after entering it.
[file.BAK] is the manually saved BU file. It only has the QSOs up to this point however.
[file.RL1] is the logging file saved before editing in KM Rover. It only has the QSOs up to this point however.
The auto-saved file [file.rlg] is written to the back-up drive you selected in the set-up screen (or in the Log 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 KM Rover. Know how to use the back-up files and procedures before a contest.

Q: Why is the CW irratic and garbled.
A: 1) Other applications and firewalls can cause timing problems. I disconnect from the Internet and turn off other programs when necessary.
2) 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.
3) RF can get into the PC and keyboard via the connecting cables, which will trash the CW keying.
4) Some USB to serial adapters do not work. Known to work properly are interfaces with FTDI chips like the VScom serial adapters.

The VB MSComm control is used for USB CW/PTT. For now, the third party DLPORTIO driver is required only when using legacy real COM ports in the upper `Real COM ports` section (which you can do in the lower `USB and other COM ports` setup). If you need the DLPORTIO driver software [port95nt.exe], get it here.

For newer PCs, use the lower `USB and other COM ports` setup. This can be for USB interfaces, USB to COM serial adapters or real COM ports. Select USB from the combo-box and enter the COM port number. Select the RTS/DTR reversal switch as necessary.

COM port DB-9 connections:
CW - DB9-7
PTT - DB9-4
Common/Grnd - DB9-5
CW/PTT connections are software reversible in the COM port setup.

Questions, comments or problems: w3km at verizon dot net