Menu Operating

Period autoswitch

Some contest rules specify that operating must be split into more than one period, periods are defined by a length of time.
In the relevant contest configuration file, it is possible to define the length and number of time periods.
When this option is activated, DXLog.net automatically switches the contest period to the next one when the current active period elapses.

Bandmap

The Bandmap window contains a graphical representation of a band segment, including spots.
The bandmap window is opened using Windows|Radio 1 and Windows|Radio 2.

With spots showing in the bandmap (either manually added in unassisted operation or via a
DX cluster spot feed) the below options are used to handle them.

• Add with SPACEBAR

By default, spots are added to the bandmap by entering the callsign and pressing [Ctrl][Ctrl][Enter].

Depending on the settings in the bandmap's properties panel, the callsign may be cleared or not by this operation.

When Add with Spacebar is enabled, a manual spot is created when the Spacebar is pressed. The call is not cleared.

• QSY opposite radio instead of 2nd VFO

When checked, pressing [Ctrl][Alt][Up] and [Ctrl][Alt][Down] will

move through the bandmap using the opposite radio main VFO (instead of active radio second VFO).

• Grab the spot on or near frequency

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Space]

Grab the spot that is highlighted or nearest to the current frequency.

• Grab first valid upper spot

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Up]

Select and grab the first spot above your current location on the bandmap.

Only grabs multipliers if Display options|Multipliers only in list view & grabbing is checked.

• Grab first valid upper spot to 2nd VFO

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][Up]

Grab the first valid spot above your 2nd VFO's current location on its bandmap onto your 2nd VFO.

• Grab first valid upper multiplier spot

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Shift][Up]

Select and grab the first multiplier spot above your current location on the bandmap.

• Grab first valid lower spot

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Down]

Select and grab the first spot below your current location on the bandmap.

Only grabs multipliers if Display options|Multipliers only in list view & grabbing is checked.

• Grab first valid lower spot to 2nd VFO

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][Down]

Grab the first valid spot below your 2nd VFO's current location on its bandmap onto your 2nd VFO.

• Grab first valid lower multiplier spot

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Shift][Down]

Select and grab the first multiplier spot below your current location on the bandmap.

Technique

Sets the operating mode of DXLog.

The choice controls the availability and function of a large number of features.

SO1R/Multi op

Used for single operator with one radio or part of a multi-station setup.
The audio selection options are disabled. Only one entry QSO line is visible.

SO2R

Used for basic operation with single operator using two radios.
The audio selection options are enabled. Two entry QSO line are visible.

• Listen to radio 1

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][A]

Puts the audio of radio 1 in both ears.

• Listen to radio 2

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][T]

Puts the audio of radio 1 in both ears.

• Listen to focused radio

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][L]

Puts the audio of the currently focused radio in both ears.

• Toggle listen to both radios

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][S]

Alternates between putting the focused radio in both ears and one radio in each ear. (a.k.a. Stereo).

Using these commands requires an SO2R controller such as EZMaster or microHAM MK2R+/MK2R/u2R

Two QSO entry lines are visible, one for each radio. You can switch focus using [Up], [Down], or [Keypad *].

Advanced SO2R

Used for advanced operation with single operator using two radios.
The audio selection options are enabled. Two entry QSO line are visible.

Using the audio selection commands requires an SO2R controller such as EZMaster or microHAM MK2R+/MK2R/u2R

A set of special control strings called Scenario are available.
A scenario is a set of command sequences, one for each function key, that
controls the operating flow, audio paths, transmit and receive focus etc.
The scenarios can be edited using Operting|Edit SO2R scenarios.
Scenarios will work in all operating modes; CW, SSB, and Digital.

One simple example of strings is shown below.

File:Scenario.jpg

SO2V

This operating mode allows you to use the radio's two VFO almost as if having 2 separate radios.

Depending on their CAT command repertoire this is implemented on single receiver radios using either VFO selection or swapping.

For dual receiver radios, the SO2V mechanics based on using SPLIT are strongly recommended.

In this case the option Options|Interface specific options|Use SPLIT command in SO2V mode must be enabled.

On supported models, VFO knob focus and sub receiver on/off will follow DXLog's focus.

In SO2V with SPLIT, two of the audio control menu entries above plus one additional shortcut key are available for sub receiver control.

[Ctrl][Alt][S] toggles the sub receiver on and off when radio 1 is focused.

[Ctrl][Alt][D] toggles the sub receiver to be permanently on or switch on and off with focus.

Since the [Ctrl][Alt][S] key will be frequently used, it is recommended to map this to a more accessible key.
Because of the massive number of local keyboard layouts, this is left to the user.
A popular key is the one directly to the left of "1". This is ` on English language keyboards and § on most European ones.
Use Tools|Redefine keyboard keys.

For more information on supported radio models, see the Notes on supported radios section.

Listen to radio 1

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][A]

Puts the audio of radio 1 in both year. Not available in SO1R mode.

The audio status is visible in the Operating info and Rate windows
and on the entry lines if Options|Log|Show RX status color is enabled.

Listen to radio 2

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][T]

Puts the audio of radio 2 in both ears.

Not available in SO1R mode.

The audio status is visible in the Operating info and Rate windows
and on the entry lines if Options|Log|Show RX status color is enabled.

Listen to the focused radio

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][L]

Puts the audio of the focused radio into both ears. Not available in SO1R mode.

Toggle listen to both radios

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][S]

Puts the audio of the each radio in one ear.

Not available in SO1R mode.

The audio status is visible in the Operating info and Rate windows
and on the entry lines if Options|Log|Show RX status color is enabled.

Sub receiver permanently on

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][D]

Only available in SO2V with Options|Interface specific options|Use SPLIT command in SO2V mode enabled.

When enabled, the sub receiver is constantly on. When disabled, the sub receiver is only on when logical radio 2 is selected.

Edit SO2R Scenarios

Scenarios are available only if you select technique as SO2R ADVANCED
This feature can only play using a SO2R machine like MICROHAM MK2R or EZMASTER

The goal for a scenario is to have interactive automatic behave between the 2 radios.
You can control TX focus (which radio can TX) and RX focus (which radio you want to listen to).
The behave of each line is composed using a sequence of variables (called macro)
Let's see an example:

File:Scenario2.jpg

Scenario in picture is called "ALTERNATE CQ", it calls alternatively CQ on both radios.
When you press F1 on R1 (primary radio):
Log cursor swaps to R2 call-field line (command $FOCUS2)
Any possible audio choice activated by keyboard is deleted (command $RESET)
RX focus (audio) is switched to R2 on both ears (command $R2R2)
Starts to send message saved on F1 memory i.e. CQ CONTEST (command $F1)
RX focus (audio) is changed to R1 left ear and R2 right ear (command $R1R2)
When F1 memory is completely sent it swaps again log cursor on R1 and starts TX F1 to R2 (command $ALTERNATECQ)

If you have a caller and you start typing the callsign in log, after the CQ on opposite radio is sent,
DXLog recognize a filed is fill-in so it stops from cq-ing and give TX focus to the radio with callsing.
At this moment you can work the station by using "insert" key.

There are some preset scenarios available but you can modify any of them or set your own just using the available macro commands.

The macros available for programming scenarios are:

   $GRNR sends gr/num of the received QTC
   $SERIAL sends QSO #
   $LOGGEDCALL send what's typed in callsign field
   $TR1 and $TR2 primary radio or secondary radio tx
   $GRABSPOT, which grabs spot on the current frequency
   $ZONE sends zone nr set in contest configuration
   $R1R1, $R1R2, $R2R1, $R2R2 which can be entered in the predefined CW messages to set the headphone
   $INSERT and $PLUS send messages behind ins or +
   $RESET cancels any manual change made in the audio control
   $ALTERNATECQ (or $ACQ) swaps primary and secondary radios and send CQ on the secondary radio
   $CQ same as $ALTERNATECQ but does not swap radios
   $MSG1...$MSG12: additional CW messages (see Alt + C)
   $SPACEBAR works like hitting spacebar-key (move cursor to exchange field)
   $TAB work like hitting tab-key (move cursor to next field)
   $GUESSZONE filling exchange field(s) if possible, but cursor remains in the same edit field
   $GUESSEXCH (or $GUESSEXCHANGE) mimics a space bar hit (filling exchange field(s))
   $CR works like hitting enter-key (log QSO)
   $MYCALL sends callsign set in contest configuration
   $REPEAT Reset the automatic repeat mode interval
   $CORRECT send a call correction, if any
   $F1...$F6 send the message associated with F1 ... F6 function key
   $LATCH sets latch mode
   $QSOB4 send QSOB4 message if the current QSO is a dupe
   $CHECK: send license year (ARRL SS only)
   $CORRECT: sends a call correction, if any (see correction)
   $CURRENT (or $CURRENTCALL): Sends the callsign of the current QSO despite the presence of a $CR later in the message.
   The $CR (carriage return) is always executed on message keypress. It is also useful in ESM (Enter Sends Message) mode in lieu of $LOGGEDCALL.
   $FREQnn: Where nn is a band (e.g. $FREQ160, $FREQ80 etc.). Useful in a multi-op as a canned message "PSE QSY $FREQ15".
   Sends the frequency of the primary radio of the first networked station found on this band with the following priority : R, R+, M, and M+.
   $FREQP: contains the frequency of the primary radio (useful for passing mults)
   $FREQS: contains the frequency of the secondary radio (useful for passing mults)
   $INSERT: sends message in the [Ins] key
   $ISLAND: sends IOTA Reference (i.e. EU001, AF001, ...) (IOTA Contest)
   $LOGGED (or $LOGGEDCALL): sends what is typed in the callsign field of the current QSO, or if blank, the previous QSO
   $MSG1...$MSG12: sends additional CW messages (see Modify additional messages)
   $MYCALL: sends callsign set in contest configuration
   $MYNAME: sends operator name, set in contest configuration
   $NEXT (or $NEXTCALL): sends the callsign of the next QSO line when a $CR is included in the message.
   $NEXTSERIAL: sends next QSO serial number (current QSO serial number plus 1)
   $PLUS: sends message in the [+] key
   $PREV (or $PREVCALL): sends the callsign on the previous QSO line.
   $PREVSERIAL: sends previous QSO serial number (current QSO serial number minus 1)
   $QSOB4: sends the QSOB4 message and cancels the remainder of the current message, if the current QSO is a dupe, otherwise     sends nothing 
   $RST: sends report from RST Sent field (normally 5NN)
   $SERIAL: sends current QSO Serial Number, or previous serial number if the line with the cursor is blank.
   $STATE: sends State/Province set in contest configuration (Exchange)
   $YEAR: sends year nr set in contest configuration (i.e. EUHFC, AA)
   $ZONE: sends zone nr set in contest configuration
   &xy: sends a Morse prosign where xy represents the two characters forming the prosign, e.g. &AS, &AR, &BK, &BT, &CL, &KN, &SK, etc.
   +: increase speed by 4 wpm
   -: decrease speed by 4 wpm
   ^: the halfspace character with 1/2 dot duration
   ~: (tilde) at then end of a variable means "no space" will be inserted, e.g. $NEXT~? sends the next callsign followed by a question mark, with no space in between 
   $CR: works like hitting [Enter] (log QSO)
   $GRABPARTNER: grabs the first callsign from the Partner window and inserts it in the callsign field.
   $GRABSPOT grabs spot on the current frequency
   $GUESSEXCH (or $GUESSEXCHANGE): mimics a space bar hit, filling the exchange field(s) if possible, but the cursor remains in the same edit field.
   $REPEAT: restarts the automatic repeating CQ sequence (if enabled), after pausing for the specified interval. 
   Most useful at the end of the [Plus] key message to avoid having to press [F1] to start CQing again.
   $RSTEXCHSENT: Resets the "exchangeSent" flag of the active QSO (useful only for ESM scripts)
   $SETEXCHSENT: Sets the "exchangeSent" flag of the active QSO (useful only for ESM scripts)
   $SPACEBAR: works like hitting spacebar-key (move cursor to the next most-used field)
   $TAB: works like hitting [Tab] (move cursor to next field)
   $ALTERNATECQ (or $ACQ): swaps primary and secondary radios and send CQ on the secondary radio
   $CQ: same as $ALTERNATECQ but does not swap radios
   $LATCH: sets latch mode
   $SPACEBAR    - same as $SPACE (press spacebar in currently active field)
   $CHECKCALL   - move focus to callsign and press spacebar
   $GUESSEXCH   - try to guess exchange, focus stays in currently active field
   $LOGQSO      - silently save QSO (useful in ESM + S&P mode)
   $CTRLPLUS    - same sa $LOGQSO 
   $FOCUSCALL   - move entry focus to Callsign field
   $FOCUSRCVD   - move entry focus to Rcvd field
   $FOCUSREC1   - move entry focus to RecInfo field
   $FOCUSREC2   - move entry focus to RecInfo2 field
   $FOCUSREC3   - move entry focus to RecInfo3 field
   $FOCUS1      - change Focused radio to Radio 1
   $FOCUS2      - change Focused radio to Radio 2
   $SWAPFOCUS   - change Focused radio to opposite Radio
   $GRABPARTNER - grab next call from partner window into callsign field in current entry line
   $MK2R=cmd: send a specific MK2R command to the microHAM MK2R SO2R box.

All strings can be edited "on-the-fly" pressing Shift+Fx keys but the feature needs to be enabled with Tools|Message editors.

All commands assume your are using an external SO2R controller hardware such as EZMaster or microHAM MK2R+/MK2R/U2R

SO2R scenario selection

There are some available scenarios in DXL but you still can make new ones and save them using a specific name.
You can select a tab in scenario editor window and play with it
When you are operating you may need to change scenario according to operative situations.
You can go to menu Operating|SO2R scenario selection and choose one scenario from the pop-up window.

File:Scenario selection.jpg

You can also use shortcuts to select the desired scenario using [Ctrl][Alt][##] where ## is the number of the desired scenario.

There is also a custom Form DLL for mouse selection of scenario. It can be downloaded here: http://dxlog.net/sw/files/utilities/DXLogScenarioPanel.dll

The currently chosen scenario is always visible in the Operating info window.

CAPS lock binds to secondary radio

Activating CAPS lock will direct keyboard input to the secondary radio. Turning off CAPS lock will return input to the primary radio.

Shift binds to opposite radio

Pressing (and holding) the LEFT SHIFT key (when using an SO2R technique) will direct keyboard
input to the opposite radio log line. Note that releasing the LEFT SHIFT key will return input
to the other radio. This allows for quick editing of data on opposite radio without moving the active focus.