Computer Logging with DXKeeper

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Computer Logging with DXKeeper
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Why Computer Logging?

• So BRARA can keep an accurate log for N4BRF
• So BRARA can QSL for FREE with LOTW
• When a computer is interfaced with a radio, the
  computer will automatically enter frequency,
  mode, time. Just enter the call. Logging becomes
  fast and accurate. The shack will eventually have
  this capability.
• When the computer interfaced with the radio is
  internet capable, name, address, grid, state, QSL
  and other info can be automatically added to the
  contact info

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Why DXKeeper as Logging Program?

• Many logging programs can conveniently do
  computer logging. Not many can conveniently
  select contacts from a log and create an ADIF
  with a few clicks.
• DXKeeper is one module of DXLab, a FREE suite of
  interacting DXing modules. DXKeeper can be very
  simple. Or it can be used with the other DX Lab
  modules to implement a very powerful DXing tool.
• DxLab is extremely well documented. If you can
  follow written instructions, you can have success
  with it. DXLab has a Yahoo group that is very
  active. The author of the software is very active
  on this group.
• It doesnt matter what logging program you decide
  to use. What is needed is an ADIF file of your
  N4BRF contacts, however you make it.

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4 Steps to an emailed ADIF

• Log your contacts into computer software
• Select the contacts you want to be in your ADIF.
• You dont want to ADIF someone elses contacts
• You dont want to ADIF contacts youve already
  emailed
• Make your ADIF
• Email your ADIF to llibsch_at_bellsouth.net

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Step 1 Log your contacts into computer software
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Using DXKeeper from the N4BRF Shack

• If Using the club laptop at the shack, click the
  DXLab Launcher icon on the desktop.
• You'll see this

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• Click the dot above "dxk" and the DXKeeper logger
  will open.

This is the dialog box where you enter your
contact info, much like when you log on paper
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Let's do a Sample Contact Entry.

• Press the button "New" to enter data for a new
  contact.

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Type in the call in the box that says "Call." All
letters are converted to caps by the program
.
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Click the arrow in the "mode" box. Choose the
correct mode, or if the software has made the
right choice you're set. The program will enter
some additional info. Check that the additional
info is correct

• Always click mode first after entering call or
  program will not enter defaults

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Data Entry Notes

• The program uses the last mode and frequency that
  were entered. If you have changed operating mode
  or frequency, you will need to correct them.
  Just select the text in the box by scrolling over
  it, then type the correction.
• The program will enter the date and time that you
  click the mode arrow. If you log 'em as you work
  'em, that's a big time saver. If you copy to
  computer from paper log after you've worked 'em,
  just correct the time.
• The program may or may not enter Name and QTH.
  These need not be entered to log the contact. The
  ending time also is not require to log a contact.
• You must have data in the call, mode, frequency,
  begin time, tx band and DXCC boxes in order for
  the program to accept the log button command to
  log the contact. The DXCC entry is the country
  prefix. Usually, but not always, the software
  will enter these for you.

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• If you forget a data item, the software will
  remind you. The data box label will flash.

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• When the contact data is entered, click the log
  button to log it.

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• The contact will appear in the log below the
  dialog box.

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Add, Delete, or Correct a Contact

• You can delete a contact after you have entered
  some data, but before you log it, by pushing the
  delete button.
• To add another contact, click the "New" button.
• To delete a contact after it has been logged,
  select it by clicking in the box to the left of
  its call in the log. Then press the "Delete"
  button.
• To correct or add any info to a contact, select
  the call, make the addition or correction, and
  press the save button.

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Step 2 Select the contacts you want to be in your
ADIF.
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• To make an ADIF file, first select the calls you
  have worked. You can do this by using a selection
  filter.
• The filter data entry box and filter buttons are
  at the bottom of the page you have been using for
  data entry and below the log.
• If yours are the only contacts on the computer
  they are already selected.
• If yours are the only contacts made since 0000
  Feb 3, 2013 use the Since filter to select
  them. you have made them, i.e. you worked 3 calls
  on 2/13/2013 and no one else has worked any that
  day,
• type the date, in this case 2/13/2013 into the
  filter box.
• If necessary, clear the filter by clicking the X
  to the right of the box, and delete anything in
  the box.
• Click the Since button. Only those calls made
  since that date will now show in the log page.
  That's good, because these are the calls you want
  to turn into and ADIF file.

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• If someone else has logged contacts on the same
  day as yours use the advanced filter. Access the
  advanced filter from the Adv button.

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• Use the UTC Filter with the radio button in the
  "after and before" choice to isolate the times
  for your contacts. Click filter. Only your
  contacts will now appear on the log page.

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Step 3 Make ADIF
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Now make the ADIF

• . Click the "Export QSOs tab at the top of the
  dialog box on the right. You get this question.
  Say NO so that you keep your contact selection.

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• Put the dot in the choice "Export Standard ADIF."

• In the box to the right of "Insert in ADIF
  header," Enter the date followed by your call as
  YYYYMMDDURCALL

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• Click the Start button and name the file as you
  did above YYYYMMDDURCALL

• Click save and you see this

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• Push "Start" at bottom left and you get a choice
  of where to put the file. I'll put it on the
  desktop for easy finding

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• Click the "Log" tab at the top left to return to
  the log.

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• To exit DXKeeper do not use the X in the right
  upper corner. Rather, click on the open Launcher
  window at the bottom of the screen to reopen the
  Launcher.

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• and see the Launcher as below

Click terminate
Click yes to close both DXLauncher and DXKeeper
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Step 4 Email ADIF

• Please email ADIF to llibsch_at_bellsouth.net