Window Function

This section relates to the WriteLog information you want to see during your ham radio contesting. Adding information is done through the “Windows” selection on the tool bar.

For a complete explanation of how to use the window and set it up for ham radio contesting, see the WriteLog Windows pages and select the specific one you are interested in. This section explains what the window does and assumes you are a first time user learning how to set it up.

Selecting “Windows” shows you the following selections:

The check mark by the name of the window means that it is open somewhere on your desktop. The Edit QSO Tool opens automatically when you double-click on a log entry. All others, except the QSO Entry Window (where you log contacts) are optional. I’ll give you a picture of each and brief explanation of the purpose behind the window for you. Please note that each of these can be opened and closed at any time; the purpose here is to get most of the windows you use saved into your configuration.

QSO Entry Screen

This is where you enter your contacts during the ham radio contest.

Band Summary

This, obviously, gives you your real-time score and its look varies with the ham radio contest module you select.

Check Call

The Check Call Window also serves the purpose of telling you if you need the multiplier on other bands.

Super Check Partial

The purpose of this window is to show the contester other call signs for the contest based upon a partial entry in the QSO Entry Window and whether the call is a dupe (the red OH3QA), good to work (the green OH3UQ call sign) or not yet worked in the contest (those in black).

Search and Pounce Memories

The purpose of the window is to store the information about a potential contact into the system (the STOre buttons on the left side labeled “1”) and then come back later and click on the Recall (RCL) button on the right to bring the contact right back into the QSO Entry window and move your ham radio to the correct frequency for the contact. Think of it as “I’ll work this person later when the pile-up goes down” and you store and recall the station.

Rates

This window tells you how fast you are working stations in the contest as well as a running total of time on and off in the contest.

Beam Headings

Even if you don’t have a tower and beam to turn, this is a good window because it provides the Sunrise and Sunset information for the station.

Packet Window

This is used to show the ongoing packet spots if you connect to a packet network. This section does not address how to set this service up in WriteLog.

Packet Spots

The spots filtered for the ham radio contest from the Packet Window show up here. This shows the operator if the spots are a new multiplier or a new station. Double clicking on any of these spots with a ham radio connected to your computer will move the radio to the packet spot frequency noted in the window for the call.

CW Display

This one shows six channels where WriteLog tries to interpret CW. Note the third line down showing K0FX calling CQ in the WAE CW Contest.

Skeds

If you make schedules with other stations, WriteLog provides this window to store and remind you of the schedules you have made.

RTTY

When you open the RTTY window, you get two for the price of one. One is the printout for RTTY (on the left) and the other is the tuning window for RTTY (and PSK). If you don’t Digitally contest, you won’t need these.

Band Map

The Band Map will show calls by frequency placed there either from a Packet Spot or from the entry by the operator. The Band Map follows you as you tune the radio during contests.

Remember, you are not tied to selecting windows here – they can be opened and closed at any time. But, most first-time users like to know what WriteLog offers and what they do, so this should help.