WriteLog Windows (Summary)

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" from the WriteLog menu shows you the following selections below.

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. Note OH3UQ worked on 10-meters, but new station on 15-meters.

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 (STO) the information about a potential contact into the system 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 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.

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 Terminal Window This is used to show the ongoing packet spots if you connect to a packet network from WriteLog. This is just a terminal window, and you can’t do much with it from within WriteLog.

Packet Spots Window The spots filtered for the ham radio contest from the Packet Terminal Window above 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 radio connected to your computer will move the call and radio to the packet spot frequency noted in the window for the call.

CW Display This window shows six channels where WriteLog tries to interpret CW. Six channels go across from the center point.

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.

Rate Window This window shows the rate of contacts you made with a couple options for viewing them. Also, time off in the contest.

Networked Frequencies This window shows each of the stations and what frequency they are on in a multi-op station.

Network Gab This window allows multi-op operators to chat during the contest. Like a Slack channel.

Band Changes You can only change bands so many times in an hour for Multi-2 operators. This window keeps track of your band changes and shows the time remaining before a band change can be made.

Call Queue Window In RTTY, you can right click from the RTTY window and put a call into the Call Queue Window. When multiple stations call, you can then work the next one in queue when done with the current QSO.

Their Name This window will display the name of the person you are working if it is contained in an .ini file (like Friend.ini). There are as many rows in the window as there are radios; in this case two radios.

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.