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jLog Help for jLog V 4.5
jLog has proven to be very stable, but you never know... Adding new functionality
can introduce errors. Save copies of your log file frequently, just
in case...
jLog is written in Java and can therefore run on almost any platform.
Installers have been tested with Linux, Windows (98 - - Windows 7) and Mac
OS ("Classic" Mac and Mac OS X 10.5) and Solaris.
The User Interface is designed to be efficient, nice and easy to learn.
Your comments are invited (mailto:mail@jlog.org).
jLog will run on e.g. an old Pentium 233 MMX-based Windows 95 computer
with as little as 48 Mbytes RAM using an 1024 x 768 screen. Loading a log
file with 2000 entries should take approximately 7 seconds. A small delay
is noticeable when scrolling the screen one line at a time, i.e. the first
or last visible line. It is essential to use the newest JRE available (JRE
1.6* is strongly recommended!). Similarly, an old Mac running Mac OS will
run jLog but may be experienced as somewhat "slow".
A recommended minimum platform is a Pentium 4 800 MHz running
Linux or Windows 98/2000/XP with 128-256 Mbytes of RAM and using a 1024
x 768 screen. A graphics board with a decent 2D-performance is necessary.
The jLog application uses 3 Mbytes of disk space plus space for the database(s).
JRE 1.5.0 for Windows uses 56 Mbytes of disk space. The database file is
typically 150 bytes in average per entry, i.e. 3 Mbytes for 20 000 entries.
Memory usage is 17 - 22 Mbytes (depending on configured jLog max. capacity)
plus 2 kbytes per entry, i.e. approximately 64 Mbytes for 20 000 entries
or 21 Mbytes for 2000 entries.
Installation covers three steps:
- The Java Runtime Environment, JRE (often referred to as the "Java
Virtual Machine" or "Java VM")
- The RXTX communications driver (or Sun's COMM for Solaris)
- The jLog application (with it's configuration data) running under
the control of ("inside") the Java VM
Please visit the jLog Installer page on the Web to find updated installation
instructions for each platform!
Installation of a JRE
JRE 1.6.0_13 (or newer) is strongly recommended and must be downloaded
separately and installed prior to jLog installation. Although JRE 1.2.x
probably can be used, at least JRE 1.3.1 and if available, minimum 1.5 is
strongly recommended. New JREs are mandatory if the logs are large
or the computer "is slow". Classic Macs must use MRJ 2.2.5 (based on Sun's
JRE 1.1.8).
Download the JREs and optionally 'swingall.jar' (for JRE 1.x) from the
jLog download page and follow any instructions on that page.
The actual installation should be self explanatory if default values
are used.
Installation of the jLog application
Run the installer according to instructions on the jLog Download page.
Installation should be self explanatory for most users and default values
should be used unless you know what you are doing.
Installation of Java COMM package
In order to use the built-in Radio interface or Keyer, a Java Communications
API must be downloaded and installed with the Java VM. Please see the Radio
Interface chapter and the Download pages for detailed instructions. Note
that at least the ".jar"-file must be installed by all users to avoid an
error message at startup.
The jLog Uninstaller is found in a subdirectory named 'UninstallerData'
in the jLog installation directory. Simply click on the 'Uninstall jLog'
entry in this directory to completely uninstall all files installed by the
installer program. Files created after initial installation, such as profile
and preferences, are not deleted. The jLog installation directory must therefore
be deleted manually (after having completed the Uninstallation).
When starting jLog for the first time, two warnings will be issued:
- "No Profile found"
- "File not found ("funckeys.txt")"
These warnings can be safely ignored at this stage. After loading is
completed, the jLog Main Window should appear with no entries.
Note that Tool Tips will appear when the mouse pointer is positioned
over most buttons and fields.
An example of the Main Window is shown below using the Java "Metal" Look
and Feel that differs slightly from the "Windows" Look and Feel.
The Status Field is continuously updated when the different rows of the
Main Window are selected. The Previous Field is also updated and is showing
either previous contacts with the same station or the same country
(selectable).
Navigate up/down be means of the Up/Down-keys. Open a selected entry
by pushing the Space Bar.
The Status Field is automatically updated with the Country, CQ Zone,
ITU Zone, Continent and rotor information (direction and distance). The
current DXCC status (Worked/Confirmed) for CW and SSB on the 9 HF bands
is automatically displayed.
A Search Field is available to initiate searches throughout the whole
log for a specific station or country. Wildcard syntaxes like 'SM5*' can
be used to find all previous contacts with the SM5 area.
Select 'Profile' from the 'Tools' menu and fill in information:
| Misc tab |
|
| Backup directory (folder) |
Select a (sub)directory to be used for storing copies
whenever 'Backup' is activated. Remember to clean up from time to
time |
| Date format |
Choose the preferred format |
| Position at newest entry... |
Select to automatically scroll to the end of the
Log |
| |
|
| User tab |
|
| Country |
Select the Country name from the list. It will be
checked against Callsign for consistency and if wrong, an Error
message issued when the OK button is clicked. The ADIF name syntax
is used. |
| Callsign |
Normal callsign syntax, e.g. 'LA3HM' |
| Operator |
Your full name (e.g. for use when submitting Contest
Logs in the Cabrillo format). Syntax: Given Name + Surname. |
| |
|
| Favourites |
|
| Power Low/High values |
Set your defaults for the 'Low' and 'High' quick
select Power buttons |
| Favourite frequencies |
Select three quick select Frequencies |
| Operator field |
Select whether the ADIF Operator field should be
used as Operator or Location (recommended) |
| Oper/Loc #1 Name/Value |
Name of main Location (QTH) (max 5 - 6 characters
recommended) with corresponding Abbreviation (1 - 2 characters recommended)
to be put into the log |
| Oper/Loc #2 Name/Value |
As above for an alternative location (i.e. your
holiday QTH) |
| |
|
| eQSL tab |
|
| User Name |
Enter the eQSL User Name |
| Password |
Enter the eQSL Password |
| Submit new values ... |
Check to submit Real-Time (requires on-line connection
to the Internet (e.g. CATV, ADSL) |
| Allow manual submission... |
Check to enable manual submission by right-clicking
and selection 'Submit (eQSL)'. |
| |
|
Additional attributes are described below (See Tools->Profile).
First, use the View->Columns command to remove unnecessary columns. Import
the current set, remove (and sort) as desired and 'Try" it before saving
it as View '1'. Save the current view by issuing the View->Save View->1
command.
Then, in order to adapt jLog to your screen, columns should be resized.
Move the cursor to the Main Window column header and place the cursor between
two rows (a <-> should appear). Hold down the left mouse button and move
the mouse to resize the column. Repeat for all other columns. The STx, SRx,
Mult and Pts columns are only used in Contest mode and should be sized to
a minimum or preferably removed (see above).
The Previous table will be resized to the same values when jLog is
restarted or views are changed.
Note that the 'Auto' mode should be turned off if a radio is not used
to set Frequency and Mode.
jLog requires no additional preparation before use. To enter a QSO simply
select the 'New' command from the 'Entry' menu. Fill in the applicable data
and click the 'OK' button. The entry should now appear in the Main Window.
Repeat the sequence for the next entry. To enter multiple QSO without closing
the Entry window, enter 'Apply' instead of 'OK' to finish each entry.
If you have log data from a previous Log program, data can be imported
using the popular ADIF format if the old program supports this. This is
the recommended way to import data! jLog has been verified to operate correctly
with several other programs.
The default ADIF file extension is '.adi'.
If, and only if, existing data is not available in ADIF format, you should
export data in a text format suitable for a Spreadsheet program like Excel.
Restructure data using one of these programs and export the modified data
in a "comma separated" format, i.e. using Semicolons as a separator as the
preferred separator. The sequence of each line of data must be according
to jLog's built-in format (all on one line!):
Date;Time;Station;Frq;Mode;Pwr;Conf;Sent;Rcvd;End;Name;QTH;Remarks;S;R;DXCC;STX;SRX;Mult;Pts;
ITU;CQ;ContID;Pfx;Cont;Freq;RXpwr;State;Prov;County;QSL_Via;Age;Grid;QslRdt;QslSdt;Sect;Iota;Prop;
Qslmsg;Satmod;Satnm;Tenten;Addr;Notes;Submode;DOK;OBL;JCC;JCG;BandRX;QRP;SWL;Cmpl;QSO#;
Lat;Lon;eqslS;eqslR;eqslS_Dt;eqslR_Dt;lotwS;lotwR;lotwS_Dt;lotwR_Dt;Rig;Az;El;Eq;FI;MB;MSSH;
Bursts;Pings;Op;Stn;Ownr;Sig;SigInf;Key;Config;Email;S_via;R_via;Q;ud1;ud2;Sp4;Sp3;Sp2;Sp1
Use '.jdb' as file extension to easier find the file from jLog. Use the
'Open' command from the 'File' menu to read the file. Note that this is
a risky operation because jLog has not been built to allow manual
generation of its internal format. It is assumed to be correct! Enter data
manually in jLog, save to a file and inspect the file to verify the syntax.
The default filename used by jLog is 'Logbook.jdb'. Use this as the name
for the most frequently used file. jLog can be started with a filename as
the first parameter (Note that this file must have the extension
'.jdb'). If the file 'Logbook.jdb' is not found, jLog will attempt to open
the most recently used file.
The commands Open, Save, Save As, Close,
Recent and Exit are assumed to be self-explanatory. Other
commands are:
Sort
If you import log info from different files with overlapping date/time,
the sort command can be used to align the data. Sorting the log other than
by Date/Time in Ascending order may be used to get an overview or to save
a copy for special purposes.
Backup
This will make a copy of the current file in a predefined directory using
a unique name and never overwriting a previous copy. The directory can be
selected using the Tools->Profile command. If not set, the jLog installation
directory is used. Note that you must manually delete files from time to
time to recover disk space!!!
Replace
Replace all occurrences of a given value throughout the log file for
either Mode, Frequency, RST Sent or RST Received fields.
Export and Import
Export all entries or only a subset of entries, i.e. selected
or queued entries. Queued entries have the 'Q' column checked.
ADIF
The Export and Import commands use the Amateur Data Interchange Format
(ADIF) V 2 to allow interchanging data with other log programs.
JLog support all ADIF 1 tags and almost all ADIF 2 tags:
ADDRESS, AGE, BAND, ARRL_SECT, CALL, CNTY, COMMENT, CONT, CONTEST_ID,
CQZ, DXCC, FREQ, GRIDSQUARE, IOTA, ITUZ, MODE, NAME, NOTES, OPERATOR,
QSLMSG, QSLRDATE, QSL_RCVD, QSLSDATE, QSL_SENT, QSL_VIA, QSO_DATE, QTH,
PFX, PROP_MODE, RST_RCVD, RST_SENT, RX_PWR, SAT_MODE, SAT_NAME, SRX,
STATE, STX, TEN_TEN, TIME_OFF, TIME_ON,
TX_PWR, VE_PROV
Cabrillo
Contest logs should be exported in the Cabrillo V2 format in to a file,
typically named '<callsign>.cbr', e.g. 'LA3HM.cbr'.
Some information can be lost when exporting to a '.cbr'-file so preserve
the original '.jdb'-file also.
HTML
Export log in HTML format to allow opening in any browser for display
and optionally printing. Use File->Setup to select header, columns etc.
XML
An experimental XML Export is available. ADIF Tags and values are used,
but underscores ('_') are converted to hyphens ('-'). Note that this format
will most likely change in the future. The exported file can be displayed
using e.g. Internet Explorer 6.0.
XML + HTML
Export log in XML format and add a HTML-file with the same name. The
HTML-file can be opened in Internet Explorer 6 to display and optionally
Print the Log. Use File->Setup to select header, columns etc.
JDB
Use Import to merge a jLog database file into another database file.
The resulting Log will be automatically sorted as part of the Import.
Setup
Setup configures the XML/HTML output to a Browser. Add a title and select
the columns to be included.
Print
You may print the log using this command after having run File->Setup
to select the active fields.
Visit
http://www.kaibaufeldt.de/english/Produkte/KBTablePrinter/kbtpOnlineHelp/index.html
for more details on KBTablePrinter 'Preview' or 'Parameter' setup screens..
Properties
The Properties command provides additional data such as the number of
entries on the log, a DXCC summary of total Confirmed and Worked and the
number of prefixes worked.
Look and Feel
Change from e.g. Windows native to Java Look and
Feel under Windows. Note that Java is the default Look and Feel under Linux/Unix
and may have better performance on a Mac "classic" than the default Mac
Look and Feel. The last used value is used when restarting jLog. This value
is saved in the 'LAF.1' file and can be deleted to start with the system
default value.
Linux users can choose the GTK Look and Feel to get better control
using System Preferences (e.g. Reducing Font size for Applications from
10 to 9 and Changing Themes Controls to Raleigh and Windows Borders to Crux
under Red Hat 9).
Find
Perform a simple search through all fields for a specified text string.
The search starts at the currently selected row. The search stops at rows
containing the specified text. Use Find Next (F3) to continue.
Find Next (F3)
Repeat the previous Find from the currently selected row.
Search
The advances Search is also available as a Button on the Main Window.
Use Search to specify a complex search by combining dates, modes,
etc. Note that when entering a date, 'yyyy' is interpreted as '01.01.yyyy'.
Columns
Use this command to tailor the view of jLog to your needs. Three different
sets can be stored. Set '1' is always selected when jLog is started. When
loading or saving a permanent setting, use the Radiobuttons to select the
set to be updated. You can also load the set currently used.
Push the User Defined button to choose the columns you prefer
to see in the Main Window. You can hide/un-hide these columns like any other
column using View 1, 2 or 3 or View All.
Modes
The Mode menu can be tailored; i.e. to only contain the modes you actually
use. Select or deselect individual modes. Avoid using Submodes (an ADIF
1+ proposed extension that was never approved).
Contest IDs
The Contest ID menu can be tailored; i.e. to only contain the IDs you
actually use. Select or deselect individual IDs.
View 1, 2, 3, All and Save View
The Main Window view is configurable with respect to each column's size,
the sequence columns appear in and which columns that are shown. Rearrange
columns as it suits you and save the current view as one of three predefined
views using the Save View command.
Use one view for normal operation, one for contest operation, etc.
New
This opens the Entry form to allow entry of new QSOs.
Push the Set 'End' button to set the current computer time into the End
Time field.
The State/Province field is only valid for US and Canadian callsigns.
It lists all States or Provinces respectively.
County is only valid for US callsigns and displays all Counties within
the Selected State (above).
Note that fields that are updated automatically are not changeable unless
the "Auto" checkbox is unchecked. Power and Location are also considered
to not need frequent updating (can be set using the Preset command).
Navigate from field to field using the TAB-key (and SHIFT-TAB to go backwards).
The Enter key is used to select OK or APPLY (if this was used to end the
previous entry). The idea is to use a minimum of keystrokes and mouse operations.
New entries are backed up until properly saved to the log file. If jLog
or the computer suddenly crashes, new entries are read from the backup file
the next time jLog is started. The User is asked whether these entries should
be added or not.
Use the Prev/Next buttons to quickly navigate from entry to entry without
closing the Form.
Open
Open the currently selected entry using the Entry form. If 'Edit' mode
is checked, the "Auto" checkbox is automatically unchecked to allow editing.
Modified information is shown in red colour. Consider carefully before saving
it by clicking the OK button. If 'Edit' mode is unchecked, the entry is
opened and changes will be ignored.
QRZ
Online lookup from QRZ.com of the station of the currently selected row.
The information is displayed in a separate window. Use ctrl-F5 to open the
QRZ window from the entry window and ctrl-F6 to transfer relevant values.
FCC (UALR)
Online lookup from University of Arcansas Litte Rock's (UALR) Amateur
Radio Club's FCC Database of the station of the currently selected
row. The information is displayed in a separate window. See
http://www.ualr.edu/~hamradio/
for more info.
QSL MGR
Lookup the station of the currently selected row in the ON6DP QSL Manager
database. The information is displayed in a separate window. Download the
database file (QSL.FUL) from http://www.dd3kf.de/on6dp.htm.
Submit
Submit one or more selected entries to eQSL. Note that you must be connected
to Internet when issuing this command. No specific confirmation will be
issued if the operation is successful. You will observe that that QSL Sent
will be checked and QSL via is set to eQSL. A dialog box is shown in case
errors or warnings are issued by eQSL. Successful submissions are logged
to the file 'save/eqsl-log.txt'.
Do not use this method to submit large amounts of data. ADIF export
should be used in stead.
Add Remark
Use this command to add the same remark to a number of selected
entries.
Goto
Position at the first entry of a specific date in the log.
Preset
Set the default values for Frequency, Mode, Power and Location to be
used in the Entry form (see above). Note that the frequency and mode values
are not used when a radio is connected to supply this information. The Power
and Location values can be set directly or by using the values available
using the buttons. The values are used as default values when creating new
entries.
Use the 'Set Default' button to save the current values as the new start-up
values.
Delete
The last entry entered can be deleted. Note that older entries cannot
be deleted!
Hint: To remove an old entry in the log, set the date to a date newer
than "today's" date. Sort the log and delete the last entry.
Auto
Set 'Auto' (i.e. "Radio present") mode as the default. Band and Mode
are automatically filled in for new entries.
Edit
Check the Edit mode to allow changing existing entries. If unchecked,
entries are opened in read-only mode.
Edit S/R
Values shown in the Main Window cannot be changed directly. An exception
is the QSL Sent/Received Check Boxes. Check the Edit S/R to allow modifying
these values directly from the Main Window.
DXCC
Display the detailed DXCC status. The content is assumed to be self-explanatory.
Show
Show all log entries matching a selected country, e.g. to select the
entry to be used as proof of contact. The result is displayed in the lower
part of the Main Log Window.
OK
Close the DXCC display. Nothing is saved or modified but the displayed
status is lost.
Save As
Save data as shown (e.g. with rearranged columns and sorted content)
to a file, e.g. to be used by an external Spreadsheet program or a Word
processor for further handling.
Sort
Sort the content to get a better view or before saving it to a file by
clicking the appropriate column header.
WAC/WAS/WAZ/WPX/USCA/IOTA/VUCC
Display status for the Worked All Continents (WAC), Worked All States
(WAS), Worked All Zones (WAZ), Worked all Prefixes (WPX), US Counties Award
(USCA), Islands On The Air (IOTA) and VHF/UHF Century Club (VUCC) awards.
The Save As commands are described above (under DXCC). Sort
by clicking the appropriate column header.
Note that the WAS Report now handles the Primary Administrative Subdivision
of many countries (e.g. CA, CH, BE, DE, DK,
FR, NL, PT).
Mixed/CW/SSB/RTTY/SSTV/DIG/SAT/EME
Select 'Mixed', 'CW' or 'SSB', etc. to change the view for the different
frequencies.
Show
Show all log entries matching a selected state, e.g. to select the entry
to be used as proof of contact. The result is displayed in the lower part
of the Main Log Window.
Use a separate log file when operating during the contest. This file
can later be merged with your ordinary log.
Recalc
Recalculate Multipliers and Points. Note that a contest mode (e.g. SAC,
ARRL, CQWW, etc.) must be selected and Contest Mode turned on before
Recalc is activated. Multipliers and Points are updated in the log and
the resulting numbers are displayed in a popup.
On
Turn On/Off Contest Mode (e.g. auto incrementing the Send sequence number).
Contest modes
Set the specific contest modes:
... description to be added ...
Setup
Set the current value of the Number series manually. This value is automatically
incremented.
Fill in the Contest ID. Use names like SAC, ARRL-DX-CW and CQ-WPX-SSB.
Header
Setup the Cabrillo V2 header to be used when exporting a contest log.
Save the current values to a file named 'cab-hdr.cbr". Load
these values later when exporting a log using File->Export.
Internet DX Spots are handled via Telnet or via the DX Concentrator (DXC)
application. DXC must be installed on the same computer as jLog or on a
computer accessible via a TCP/IP network (e.g. LAN or Internet). See the
jLog Profile for setup.
Log
Open the Spot Log window to overview incoming DX Spot reports.
Visit
Set the frequency of the radio to the frequency of the currently selected
entry in the Spot Log.
Connect
Open a connection to the host for receiving spots from the host chosen
in the 'Spot' tab in the jLog Profile.
Disconnect
Close an open connection..
Clock
Show/Hide the Clock by checking this command.
The Clock always displays UTC format.
Keyer
Show/Hide the Keyer using this command.
mini-Keyer
Show the mini-Keyer.
eQSL Sync
On-line, automatic synchronization with eQSL.cc
to update the status for received cards; i.e. sets the eQSL Received
flag for entries corresponding to the current log.
eQSL Import
Import saved eQSL.cc "Logbook/OutBox" file to
update the status for sent cards; i.e. sets the eQSL Sent flag for
entries corresponding to the current log.
US State/County QRZ Web-lookup
US State/County can be automatically looked up
from QRZ.com via an Internet connection. The result is automatically entered
for all selected entries provided that the callsign is found in the
QRZ.com database.
Note: Select an area by first clicking on the start row (i.e.
select it). Then, scroll to the last row to be selected, press SHIFT and
click on the last row. The whole area should now appear as selected.
You can select/deselect a specific row by holding down CTRL and clicking
the row. Repeat for multiple rows.
Verify
Checks the currently open Log. Currently, the check covers Modes and
Frequencies. Illegal entries are listed in the lower part of the Main Log
Window ("Previous Table")..
QSO Number
The QSO Number value indicates the next QSO Number to be used for new
entries.
Re-number the current log starting with the QSO Number specified (should
normally be set to 1 if the whole log is to be renumbered).
Duplicates
Find duplicate entries and optionally remove them. Please note that only
the fields Date, Time on, Station, Frequency, Mode, Send, Receive, Time
off, Name and QTH are checked.
GeoCalc
Open the Geo Calculator dialog to allow various conversions of Latitude
and Longitude values to/from Gridsquare. Note that various forms are accepted,
e.g.
- DD.DDDDD
- DD MM.MMMM
- DD MM SS.SSS
are all acceptable, but the latter is used when calculating Lat/Lon from
Gridsquare.
QRZ
Open the QRZ dialog allowing lookup for any callsign. An Internet connection
must be available.
QSL Mgr
Open the QSL Manager dialog allowing lookup for any callsign. The Qsl.ful
database must be installed.
Profile
See also the description in the Getting Started Chapter above.
The Profile is unchanged when installing an updated version.
Misc tab
Home folder should be set to the folder where you keep your log
files, etc.
Backup folder should be set to a dedicated folder, preferably
on a different drive. Whenever the Backup button is pushed, a copy of
the current log file is saved (with a '.tmp' extension). Remember to clean
up from time to time.
Backup frequency can be used to make automatic copies of the log
at regular intervals. make sure that you have the free space needed for
may copies of the log. The interval is calculated from the previous automatic
backup or last push of the Backup button.
Date format allows changing between the three formats: yyyy-mm-dd,
dd.mm.yyyy and mm/dd/yyyy. The current log is updated when closing the profile.
Distance unit is used to display the distance part of the Rotor
information.
Position at newest entry after Open will set the initial position
to the last entry in stead of the first entry.
Config tab
You should define at least one configuration and as a minimum
fill in Callsign and Full Name fields. Verify
that the Country is correct and also the CQ and ITU Zones in case they are
not automatically set to an unambiguous value.
Configurations are typically used to reflect alternative QTHs, but can
be used to reflect e.g. Operators or Rigs (in case multiple rigs can be
used for a given frequency or mode).
Favourites tab
Setup values for Power Low/High buttons and the three Favourite
frequency buttons.
Specify the Default signal strength to be used for new entries
when no value is filled in.
The Operator field setup is no longer used. Location is now replaced
by the new Config term (see Config tab above)..
Radio tab
Setup the Radio and Keyer interface. The Keyer shares the COM port
with the Radio. You must check the "Radio present" box even if you use a
keyer only (see Radio Parameters in the Radio
Interface below).
The remaining attributes are used by the Radio. Set the proper baudrate,
manufacturer and model. You may have to experiment with different Refresh
values and enable/disable the auto refresh depending on the radio model.
A to high refresh rate may garble data or block the radio. Icom radios
should not need to use auto refresh. They still get (better) updated.
Spots tab
Setup Telnet DX Spots (or indirect access via DXC or similar). Choose
a predefined Host or specify Address and Port directly. The predefined hosts
are defined in the file 'conf/cluster.dat' in the jLog installation folder.
You can freely edit this file. The syntax is one host per line specifying
<name>, <IP Address>,<Port>
eQSL tab
Allows real time logging at eQSL. Specify the User name and
Password to be used. Successful submissions are logged to the file 'save/eqsl-log.txt'.
Enable real time logging with the Submit new entries automatically
checkbox. When unchecked, entries must be manually submitted using the Entry->Submit
command (and the same User name and Password).
Allow manual submission must be checked to allow manual submission
using the Entry->Submit (eQSL) command (or corresponding pop-up menu command).
Auto-convert QSL-status for entries marked 'eQSL' in 'QSL Sent Via'
field is only applicable when converting a log database file from V
3.x to V4. It allows you to automatically set the new eQSL S/R-fields using
the previous combined S/R-fields and the value 'eQSL' in the 'QSL Sent Via'
field. Verify manually and clear these "Assume..." fields when they are
no longer needed.
The Path to eQSL Import form should normally be ignored.
Version tab
You may introduce a warning when using the Help->Check for Updates command
if you are not permanently connected to the Internet.
You can control the frequency of checking for updates. If you have a
permanent connection to the Internet, frequent checking is recommended to
be quickly warned in case a critical update is released; i.e. at least weekly.
You can issue the "Help->Check for Updates" command any time regardless
of this setting.
Entry tab
Specify how to handle an empty End-time field when closing the
Entry form (dialogue).
When running with Java 1.5 or newer you can force the Entry form to stay
on-top; i.e. not be hidden by any other windows. There is a checkbox at
the bottom of the Entry form that allow you to temporarily disable this
functionalty.
You can configure jLog to automatically fetch relevant info from QRZ.com
and fill it into the Entry form. Note that this requires a permanent, fast
Internet connection and the "Warn before accessing Internet" checkbox must
be unchecked (see 'Version tab' above).
Fonts tab
Change the size of all fonts in jLog relative to their default size by
adjusting the slider. This will be possible with Java 1.4 or newer, except
for Linux with GTK.
Alternatively, replace and/or resize individual groups of fonts.
The Profile (consisting of the files 'profile.1' and 'profile.xml')
can be placed outside their normal location in jLog's 'conf/' folder.
Create the file 'conf/profile.txt' and insert a single line
with the new location path, e.g. '/Users/john/Public/'.
This can be useful for Dual-boot setups, etc.
On jLog
Display the jLog Help file (that should also be available from the Start
Menu).
System Info
Display various System information related to the Java environment. Use
Save As to save it to a file e.g. for sending it to
support@jlog.org when requesting support.
Check for Update
On-line check for new versions. Make sure that you are connected to the
Internet when using this command. The http-protocol is used in read-only
mode so NOTHING is transferred from your computer! Existing
files are renamed and new files added. Note that the main program file 'jlog.jar'
cannot be updated directly. You must close jLog and run Update->jLog after
downloading the update.
About
Displays the jLog and Java Versions and the address
of the jLog Home Page (http://jlog.org/)
and E-mail address (mail@jlog.org) to
be used for Support.
The following keys are used for efficient navigation between the windows
without using the mouse.
'Alt' + 'm' or
'Alt' + 'M' |
Switch focus to the Main Log window |
'Alt' + 'l' or
'Alt' + 'L' |
Switch focus to the Log Entry window (if open) |
'Alt' + 'k' or
'Alt' + 'K' |
Switch to the Keyer if open or otherwise the mini-keyer.
If neither is open, a new entry is opened and the mini-keyer is
started. |
The following keyboard commands are available when a log entry has been
selected in the Main Log or Previous Log windows:
| ' ' |
Open current entry |
| 'e' or 'E' |
Edit current entry |
| 'z' or 'Z' |
Switch between Main and Previous lists |
| 'p' or 'P' |
Switch to Previous list (only available in Main Log) |
| 'm' or 'M' |
Switch to Main list (only available in Previous Log) |
jLog allow for independent tracking of QSLs Sent/Received via
- Bureau/Direct (traditional)
- eQSL
- LoTW
Each of them provide separate columns with checkboxes for sent and received.
Make sure that 'Edit S/R' is enabled (i.e. Entry->Edit S/R toggles this
flag).
QSL Status (S/R) is shown as a checkbox in the main Window. The values
can be updated directly by clicking inside the checkbox provided that you
have enabled this function. The value Entry->Edit S/R enables/disables this
function (also available in the right-click pop-up menu). QSL status can
also be updated in the Entry form.
Sending QSLs
If you use an external program to print QSLs or QSL labels, you may want
to use ADIF Export to transfer all entries, or selected entries only. Use
either multiple row selection or the Queue column. Multiple
rows are selected by means of the Shift and/or Ctrl keys (slightly platform
dependant). The Queue column behaves just like the QSL S/R columns.
The ADIF Export pop-up contains checkboxes to allow only the selected
or the queued entries to be exported.
Receiving QSLs
Use of the simple Search field in the Main Window is recommended to easily
find the entry when updating the log after having received a QSL card.
jLog provides automatic and manual functions for interaction with ARRL's
Logbook of The World (LoTW).
Profile
The LoTW User name and password must be entered into the Profile before
this service can be used. The LoTW User name and password must be entered
into the Profile before this service can be used. You can also choose whether
or not to automatically send new log entries or also block manual
sending of entries. In the latter case, ADIF Export must be used to transfer
entries. The automatic functions obviously requires a permanent connection
to the Internet.
jLog makes use of ARRL's TQSL program to sign entries before submission.
The path to the TQSL program must therefore be set in the Profile. TQSL
makes use of the term location when signing. Make sure that the
location values are known in jLog. These values are presented as
choices when establishing 'config' values in the Profile; i.e. a
given config typically maps to a TQSL location.
Sending QSLs
QSLs are sent to LoTW in several ways
- by bulk transfer using ADIF Export of all or part of the log
- using multiple row selection or the Queue column to
select entries to be sent directly from jLog
- automatically when new entries are created (requires a permanent
Internet connection and access to the TQSL program)
Receiving QSLs
Use the Tools->LoTW Sync command to update the eQSL Received
status column.
Updating QSL status
To update the LoTW S/R status columns for previously sent entries, use
the Tools->LoTW Sync command. Make sure that the log file corresponds
to the LoTW log! Note that this may take a while to complete if the number
of QSOs is large. Also note that this will not create new entries at either
side. Please observe any irregularities by inspecting the log file 'import.txt'.
jLog provides automatic and manual functions for interaction with eQSL.
Profile
The eQSL User name and password must be entered into the Profile before
this service can be used. You can also choose whether or not to automatically
send new log entries (using the eQSL "Real-time interface") or also block
manual sending of entries. In the latter case, ADIF Export must be
used to transfer entries. The automatic functions obviously requires a permanent
connection to the Internet.
Sending QSLs
QSLs are sent to eQSL in several ways
- by bulk transfer using ADIF Export of all or part of the log
- using multiple row selection or the Queue column to
select entries to be sent directly from jLog
- automatically when new entries are created (requires a permanent
Internet connection)
Receiving QSLs
Use the Tools->eQSL Sync (Inbox) command to update the eQSL
Received status column.
Updating QSL status
To update the eQSL Received status column, use the Tools->eQSL
Sync (Inbox) command. Make sure that the log file corresponds to the
eQSL log! Note that this may take a while to complete if the number of QSOs
is large. Also note that this will not create new entries at either side.
Please observe any irregularities by inspecting the log file 'import.txt'.
To update the eQSL Sent status column, use the Tools->eQSL
Import (Outbox) command. Prior to this, visit the eQSL Outbox tab and
click on the 'Download Log in ADIF format ' link, save to a local
file (to be imported in jLog).
The built-in keyer can be used when a radio set is connected to the computer.
Two Keyer interfaces are available; the standard Keyer and a mini-Keyer
(visible only when adding new entries). Switch to a keyer from Log input
using ALT+'k' and back again using ALT+'l'.
Send user defined text using Function Keys F5 to F12 or type in text
using the keyboard. All characters represented by the Morse code can be
transmitted. In addition, unused characters are used to represent special
sequences as follows:
| + |
KN |
| & |
AR |
| % |
AS |
| < |
KA |
| > |
SK |
| _ |
EEEEEEEE |
The following keys are used to indicate that specific values should be
inserted:
| * |
Your own callsign is inserted (as defined in the Profile) |
| @ |
The other station's callsign (from an open new entry only) is
inserted |
| $ |
The 'Sent RS(T)' (from an open new entry only) is inserted |
| # |
The 'Send Serial Number' (from an open new entry in contest
mode only) is inserted |
These characters can be used both in F5 - F12 character strings and typed
in from the keyboard.
Keys F2 - F4 are used as follows (may change in the future):
| F2 |
FLUSH transmission buffer (i.e. cancel all transmission) |
| F3 |
Increase Speed (same as PageUp) |
| F4 |
Decrease Speed (same as Page Down) |
The Keyer uses the Radio interface port selected in the Profile. The
RTS pin (7) is used for keyer output. Ground is pin 5.
A Radio interface module is included with jLog to allow automatic logging
of frequency and mode. When a radio is properly connected, the current frequency
and mode is displayed in the lower right corner. Click in this field to
update the frequency or turn on Auto update in the Profile. Note that older
radios may not be suited for automatic update. ICOM radios will always update
automatically.
If you do not need the radio interface, turn off the 'Radio present'
tab in the Profile.
Setting up communication
Please visit the jLog Web site (installer page) for updated, platform
specific instructions.
Physical connection
Please refer to the equipment manual. The following guidelines are valid
for my own Icom IC-765:
Using a standard 9-pin D-type female connector for the PC, the Radio
need only be connected to pin 2 (TX), 3 (RX) and 5 (GND).
However, pins 1 (DCD), 4 (DTR), 6 and 9 must be interconnected at the
computer end. Pins 7 (RTS) and 8 (CTS) must be interconnected if a Keyer
is not used. If a Keyer is used, pin 8 must be connected to pin 4 (with
1, 6 and 9) and pin 7 used as output to the Keyer as shown below:
See http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/civ.html
for a suitable ICOM - PC signal converter. Similar solutions may be needed
for older Kenwood and Yaesu models.
Radio parameters
The radio parameters can be configured using the Tools->Profile menu.
Please report back positive and negative experiences.
Set values using recommendations in the computer and radio manuals.
To interface a Keyer without using the Radio (CAT) interface:
- Set Radio present
- Select the appropriate Port
- Set baudrate to any non-zero value; e.g. 1200
- Trace Off
- Manufacturer = Other
- Do not set Model ("blank")
- Auto refresh Off (Rate > 0%; e.g. 10%)
The downloadable version of jLog allows a maximum of 200 entries, mainly
for evaluation purposes. Register jLog and receive a Registration Code that
opens up more capacity free of charge(!) to registered amateurs (i.e. with
a valid Callsign). The penalty of ordering too high capacity is the corresponding
memory requirement. So unless you have a very powerful computer with lots
of RAM, you should start with a reasonable value and re-register later if
you need to increase the capacity. Remember that when more than one log
file is used, the capacity must match the size of the largest file.
The following information is required:
- Your Callsign (must be verifiable using e.g. QRZ.com, Buckmaster,
QSL.net or similar)
- Your full Name (as you like to see it appear, e.g. 'Michael
J. Fox')
- E-mail address (Telefax and/or Postal address, if an E-mail address
is not normally available)
- Your Web-site address (optional)
- Platform used (Windows XP/2000/NT/98 II, Linux RH/Suse, Mac OS 9/OS
X or other)
- Capacity required per log file, e.g. 3500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 15000,
25000, optionally 40000, 65000, 90000 or more (optional values require
an additional entry in the 'jLog.lax' file)
- Radio equipment (brand, model), e.g. ICOM IC-765 and Yaesu FT-100
Note that Callsign and Name will appear on the Main screen (top right).
These values must be entered exactly as they are entered in the Profile.
These values will be used when e.g. creating Contest Log Headers in the
Cabrillo format.
Send this information to register@jlog.org
and receive a Registration Code similar to this '3-119-5829-3190' in return.
Use Help->Register to enter the received code.
When restarting jLog, observe that the 'Unregistered copy' is replaced
by 'Registered to: <name> (<callsign>)'. The Help->About command can be
used to verify that the desired capacity is available. If values do not
match, jLog will continue as an unregistered version, i.e. with a 200-entry
capacity. A common error is that the name in the Profile does not match
exactly the name supplied with the registration request.
Q: Registration fails. jLog is still 'unregistered'...
A: Make sure that Callsign and Name in the 'Profile' is entered exactly
as specified in you registration e-mail. This should solve your problem.
Q: I get lots of 'Check Config' warnings when I run Verify...
A: Please fill in at least one entry in the Profile under the 'Config'
tab, including a Config Abb. Go to the Main window and mark all (Ctrl-A)
or a subset of the entries, right-click and choose 'Set Configuration'.
Choose the relevant abbreviated Configuration name.
jLog V 4.5
jLog V 4.5 is a major update that introduces important new features and
updated ADIF 2 support
Errors corrected and minor adjustments
- Removed 'Input error -1'-message when reading log file V 4.4.2
- Adjusted to changed QRZ.com format V 4.4.3
- Adjusted to changed QRZ.com format V 4.4.4
- Layout adjustments for Java 1.6 and Windows 7 NEW V 4.5 beta
- Improved Yaesu and specifically FT-1000 (X) handling (less
overhead) NEW V 4.5 beta
- Adjusted to changed FCC-format NEW V 4.5 beta
- Corr. Status after removal of QSL R or deleted entry NEW V
4.5 beta
- Corr'd. User Defined Column error NEW V 4.5 beta
- Corr'd. Profile character encoding NEW V 4.5 beta
- Remember selected row in Spot log NEW V 4.5 RC
- Layout adjustments for Java 1.6 Nimbus Look & Feel NEW V 4.5
RC2
- Auto-align jLog windows when they are "close" NEW V 4.5
Enhancements
- Recognize LoTW ADIF file and offer to convert to LoTW S/R
QSL columns V 4.4.1
- Choose to convert QSL S/R to either eQSL S/R or LoTW S/R on
ADIF Import V 4.4.1
- Separate eQSL Login for each config V 4.4.2
- Refresh Country status & Properties when switching between
P, E or L as sources V 4.4.2
- Ignore "CLOSE" as callsign V 4.4.2
- Mandatory User folder ??? NEW V 4.5 beta
- New Modes and Bands NEW V 4.5 beta
- New Propagation Mode values NEW V 4.5 beta
- New country (St Bethelemy) NEW V 4.5 beta
- Auto Lookup & Fill-in from QRZ NEW V 4.5 beta
- Preparations for Java 1.7 NEW V 4.5 beta
- Optional filename in Title Bar NEW V 4.5 beta
- ADIF Contest IDs (use Tools->Verify to check) NEW V 4.5 beta
- Award status "Save As"-button NEW V 4.5 beta
- Native look for "File Open"/"File Save AS" dialogs for Mac
OS X NEW V 4.5 beta
- New radios FT-950 and FT-2000 NEW V 4.5 beta
- Allow jLog to use different station callsigns for each configuration
NEW V 4.5 beta
- Remember screen positions and divider position during and
between sessions NEW V 4.5 beta
- Default config for new users NEW V 4.5 beta
- Export only selected rows in HTML-export NEW V 4.5 beta
- ADIF2 2.23 adjustments (some rare fields are still not supported)
NEW V 4.5 beta
- Export config with entries and auto-build config when importing
NEW V 4.5 beta
- Added "web", "stx_string", "srx_string" fields NEW V 4.5 RC
- Country names changed acc. to ADIF 2.2.3 NEW V 4.5 RC
- New IOTA.1-entries (Thanks to KH6CW) NEW V 4.5 RC
- New Profile option: Open Spot Log at startup NEW V 4.5
- DX Cluster Spots Graphical display NEW V 4.5
jLog V 4.4
jLog V 4.5 is a major update that introduces important new features and
updated ADIF 2 support
Errors corrected
- Improved DX Cluster login NEW V 4.1
- Improved RXTX interface handling NEW V 4.3
- Minor corrections to ARRL Section names NEW V 4.3
- Improved robustness on the RXTX interface NEW V 4.3.2
- Kenwood CAT improvements NEW 4.3.3
- Additional CAT improvements, new installer NEW V 4.4
- Disallow empty Frequency or Mode, force Either Auto Refresh or Auto
Update mode NEW V 4.4
Enhancements
- Updated jLog-help.htm with the description of how to relocate
the Profile NEW V4.0.1
- Added Duplicate checking/removal NEW V 4.1
- Auto lookup from QRZ for new entries NEW V 4.2
- Added many Contest ID tags NEW V 4.3
- Display modem signal status in Profile (Radio tab) NEW V 4.3
- Cumulative Update NEW V 4.4
jLog V 4.0
jLog V 4.0 is a major update that introduces important new features and
ADIF 2 support
Errors corrected
- Add blank between date and time for Cabrillo output and allow 1.8
MHz
- Corrected QRZ lookup error
- Added missing init of Lat/Lon if Profile positions are not filled
in
- Corrected manual entry of 5 MHz values
- Correction to avoid confusion with all numeric suffixes (e.g. /127)
- Corrected display of QSL Status in Previous table
- Corrected ITU & CQ dropdowns in Profile
- Corrected count for Verify: Check Country
- Corrected frequency column sorting
- Some improvements of previous call lookup (still more to be done)
- Corrected auto setting of empty End-time
- Corrected Verify & ADIF Export of QSL S and QSL R values
to avoid loss of these values
- Added robustness against illegal frequency values
- Status field and DXCC Report selectable from Paper, eQSL or LoTW
columns
- Suggest country in Verify Check Country warning
- Fixed Mac OS X Table Header error
- Save QSL Received Date value when updating from LoTW
- Avoid repeated checks for Updates when set to 'manual'
- Postal code is now active in Profile
- Improve init of myCQ and myITU Profile values
- Cosmetic improvements to FCC output + Profile (Mac OS X)
- Corrected DX Cluster port 23 entry
- Corr. saving of eQSL Auto and Manual flags in Profile and set eQSL
Sent date
- Corr. search after modification of an existing entry's callsign
- Mac OS 9 ("Classic") updates
- Net-improvements
- ADIF Import improvements
- Changed call for time to run with Mac OS X 10.3.9 and Apple's recent
Java Updates
- Corrected Internet warning
- Improved 'jLog Update'
- Improved recovery of lost entries
- Proper handling of IOTA for IH9 and IG9 (African Italy)
- Improved auto-refresh from radio for new entry dialogue
- Improved DX Cluster login V 4.1
- Made 'OLIVIA' mode an Upper Case value V 4.2
- Minor corrections to ARRL Section names V 4.3
- Improved robustness on the RXTX interface V 4.3.2
Enhancements
- Adjusted file format allowing many new ADIF
2-fields and a few proprietary fields to be introduced:
- New ADIF2-fields, e.g. Rig, Latitude,
Longitude, Operator, Station, Owner, SIG, SIG Info, various SAT-related
fields (e.g. Bursts, Pings)
- New proprietary fields, e.g. two User
defined fields, E-mail-field, QRP-field, QSO# column
- Queue column
- Separate tracking of QSL Status for eQSL
and LoTW (in addition to previous Bureau/Direct)
- 10 User defined columns in the Main table
view (e.g. State, County and most relevant fields as columns).
- Log Printing with Preview introduced using
the KBTablePrinter library
- "US WAS"-type Report now also available for
AR, AU, CA, CH, CL, BE, DE, DK, ES, FR, MX, NL, NZ, PL, PT, PY,
RO, SE, UY (and more to come...)
- Auto sync eQSL.cc to update the status for
received cards
- US State/County lookup from QRZ on the Web
- GeoCalc to calculate Lat/Lon <=> Gridsquare
- Allow multiple Configurations (various Rigs,
Locations, etc)
- Insert entry command added
- Ignore CQ and /QRP for ADIF export
- Remember last Export Path used
- ADIF import improvements
- Improved I/O-error reporting
- New User Defined columns available ("Via",
"S_Via" and "R_ Via")
- Added modes: FSK441, JT65, Olivia
- LoTW Sync & Entry Upload
- eQSL.cc ADIF 'Outbox status' Import from file
- Automatic check for Updates
- APRS & TEST as "callsigns" similar to "CQ"
- Convert modes for printing (CW->A1A, SSB->A3J, etc) to comply with
e.g. UK regulations
- Remote Profile location introduced
- Verify will check syntax for DOK, JCC, JCG, OBL and Submode
- Renamed Yugoslavia to Serbia and Montenegro
- Added "WAS" AT, BG, BR, CZ, FI, IT, ITs (Sardinia), HU, JP, KR,
NO, PH, SK (definition files to be available with full update)
- Added SSID
- Check for Update improved
- Introduced 'NO-DXCC' in the Country selection dialog
- Make Entry dialog stay on top (requires Java 5)
- Introduced Font size adjustment and Font substitution (not for Mac
OS 9 or other Java 1.1.x or Linux w/GTK)
- The new RXTX version 'RXTX-2.1-7' introduced for CAT improvements
- Windows version changed to use RXTX in stead of Java Communications
API
- Added Montenegro (YU6) and Swains Island (KH8S) as new countries
- Updated 'jLog-help' with the description of how to relocate the
Profile
- Tools->Duplicates implements checking for and removal of duplicate
entries V 4.1
- Allow QSO Number renumbering for selected number of entries V
4.2
- Automatic lookup at QRZ.com and entry of values in the ENtry form
for new messages (enable in Profile, Entry tab) V 4.2
- Added many Contest ID tags V 4.3
- Display modem signal status in Profile (Radio tab) V 4.3
Limitations and known errors
- Configurations are not exported with every entry (as specified by
ADIF 2)
- The Help window may display Internet pages improperly. Use an external
browser if you experience problems.
- Pre Java 1.4: On the first attempt to set the Country after opening
the Profile, the currently selected country is not displayed. Close
and select once more to see the correct value.
jLog V 3.0
jLog V 3.0 is a major update that introduces a new radio control module
with new Java I/O-modules.
Errors corrected
- Allow use of special characters in QSLMSG (e.g. '&') when submitting
to eQSL
- Changed path for eQSL Real Time import form. Note that their password
checking has also changed (it is now case sensitive)!
- Corrected QRZ lookup handling for Classic Mac (and other JRE 1.1.8)
- Allow more than 250 countries in DXCC Report
- Corrected reports for entries with unassigned country
- Some cosmetic improvements
- Corrected Name and QTH fill-in from previous contacts with the same
station
Enhancements
- Successful eQSL submissions are logged in the file 'save/eqsl-log.txt'
- New Radio module intending to support most modern radios (Kenwood,
Yaesu, Ten-Tec, etc.)
- Faster open of Entry window
- Count rows (i.e. worked/confirmed status) in the DXCC Report (similar
to other reports)
- Support for GTK Look and Feel under Linux when using Sun's Java
1.4.2_02 or newer
- Improved Verify command
- Do not update Mode from the radio if e.g. PKT, PSK31 or similar
- Cleaned up the jLog install folder. New 'conf' subfolder store program
('.jar') and configuration files and 'save' subfolder used to save logs
and old versions after update over Internet
- Added IRLP ("IRL") value for Propagation Mode
- Ignore CQ and trailing /QRP for eQSL export
- eQSL submissions are logged ('save/eqsl-log.txt')
- Context menu for Mac OS X using CTRL-Click, About and Preferences
OS X system menus
- Single key (ctrl-F6) for transfer of QRZ-info to an open Log window
Limitations and known errors
- jLog must be restarted after changing Look & Feel under Mac OS X
Java 1.3
- The Help window may display Internet pages improperly. Use an external
browser if you experience problems.
- Pre Java 1.4: On the first attempt to set the Country after opening
the Profile, the currently selected country is not displayed. Close
and select once more to see the correct value.
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