Difference between revisions of "Menu Operating"

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(SO2V)
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Used for basic operation with single operator using two radios.<br>
 
Used for basic operation with single operator using two radios.<br>
 
The audio selection options are enabled. Two entry QSO line are visible.
 
The audio selection options are enabled. Two entry QSO line are visible.
 +
 +
You switch focus using [Up], [Down], or [Keypad *].
  
 
* ''Listen to radio 1''
 
* ''Listen to radio 1''
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: Alternates between putting the focused radio in both ears and one radio in each ear. (a.k.a. Stereo).
 
: 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
+
Given the somewhat complex nature of these shortcuts, many redefine other keys (e.g. F-keys) to these.
  
Two QSO entry lines are visible, one for each radio. You can switch focus using [Up], [Down], or [Keypad *].
+
Using these commands requires an SO2R controller such as EZMaster or microHAM MK2R+/MK2R/u2R.
  
  
 
[[File:R1R2.jpg]]
 
[[File:R1R2.jpg]]
 
  
 
===Advanced SO2R===
 
===Advanced SO2R===

Revision as of 13:31, 10 August 2020

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 automatically switches the contest period to the next one when the current active period elapses.

Bandmap

Operating bandmap menu4.png


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][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.

You switch focus using [Up], [Down], or [Keypad *].

  • 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).

Given the somewhat complex nature of these shortcuts, many redefine other keys (e.g. F-keys) to these.

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


R1R2.jpg

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 using either VFO selection or swapping on single receiver radios.

For dual receiver radios, the SO2V mechanic based on using SPLIT is 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.

NB. On many keyboards [AltGr] can be used instead of [Ctrl][Alt].

Although not on the level of SO2R, SO2V can be a quite efficient operating mode.
Some tips for the beginner are listed below.

  • Train in receiving with both receivers enabled.
You will typically have your Run frequency on the main VFO (left ear) and do S&P on the sub VFO (right ear).
  • Remap the Toggle subrecevier key to a more accessible key
When getting used to SO2V you will find yourself frequently switching the subreceiver on and off while focusing the main VFO.
Since keyboard layouts vary greatly, a generic key, [Ctrl][Alt][S] assigned to this function. This is also in
line with its function in SO2R.
A popular key to redefine for this 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 to do this.
  • Use the "rapid CQ" key
In SO2V, [Shift][Ctrl][F1] switches focus to radio 1, shifts to Run, and sends CQ.
Since it is common practice to Run on the main VFO and S&P on the sub VFO, this is a very convenient key.
Many redefine [F1] to mean this key.
  • Use the "Equalize VFO" key
[Ctrl][F4] sets the unselected VFO to the same mode and frequency as the selected VFO.
This is a very convenient way to synchronize the two VFO when switching band or just doing S&P.
  • Make band shifts change both VFO
The option Options|Interface specific options|Change band of both VFO makes
band changes with [Alt][F1]/[Alt][F2] change the band of both
the main and the sub VFO in tandem. This saves a lot of key presses and also reduces the
risk of accidentally transmitting on a band which your PA and antenna is not selected for.
For more information on supported radio models, see the Notes on supported radios section.

For RTTY with FSK, SO2V represents a particular challenge since two instances of MMTTY will need to access the same COM-port.
This can be solved by either using a wire-or connection (as described by W0YK at 2019 Contest University)
or a port-sharing solution like that included with microHAM keyers.

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.

Operating info R1R2.jpg

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.

Operating info R2.jpg

Listen to the focused radio

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][L]

Puts the audio of the focused radio into both ears. Not available in SO1R or SO2V.

Toggle listen to both radios

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][S]

Alternatively puts the audio of the each radio in one ear or the audio of the selected radio in both ears.

Not available in SO1R.

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.

This key is particularly useful in SO2V since it offers a temporary override to the state of Sub receiver permanently on.

In a typical SO2V scenario you have the subreceiver permanently on and Run on the Main VFO and S&P on the Sub VFO.
To be able to better focus on a weak responder on Run you can temporarily disable the subreceiver by pressing [Ctrl][Alt][S].
Then, as soon as you change focus, the sub receiver is re-enabled and then stays enabled.

For better ergonomics it is customary to map this somewhat awkward key to the key to the left of [1].
On English keyboards, this is normally [`] and on European keyboards, this is [§].


Operating info R1.jpg

Sub receiver permanently on

Shortcut: [Ctrl][Alt][D]

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

Please see supported radios for more information.

When enabled, the sub receiver is constantly on. When disabled, the sub receiver is only on when logical radio 2 (i.e. the Sub VFO) is focused.

Edit SO2R Scenarios

Scenarios are available for SO2R Advanced and requires an external SO2R controler such as microHAM MK2R+/MK2R/u2R or EZMaster.

The purpose of a scenario is to automate the interaction between the two radios.
A number of parameters can be controlled such as receive and transmit focus, audio routing etc.


File:Scenario2.jpg


The Scenario in the picture above is called "Alternate CQ" and alternatively calls 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 the field is populated and stops CQ-ing and gives TX focus to the radio with callsign.
At this moment you can work the station by pressing Insert.

There are a number of predefined scenarios. They can be modified or you can design your own using the below listed macros.

The macros available for programming scenarios are:

SO2R Advanced Macros
$ALTERNATECQ or $ACQ Swaps radios and send CQ
$CHECK Send licensed year (ARRL SS only).
$CHECKCALL Moves focus to callsign and presses spacebar.
$CORRECT Sends a call correction, if there one.
$CQ Same as $ALTERNATECQ but does not swap radios.
$CR Works like hitting [Enter] (log QSO).
$CTRLPLUS Same as $LOGQSO
$CURRENT or $CURRENTCALL Sends the callsign of the current QSO despite the presence of a $CR later in the message.
The $CR is always executed on message keypress. It is also useful in ESM in lieu of $LOGGEDCALL.
$F1...$F6 Send the message associated with F1...F6 function keys.
$FOCUS1 Change focus to radio 1.
$FOCUS2 Change focus to radio 2.
$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.
$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).
$GRABPARTNER Grabs the first callsign from the Partner window and inserts it in the callsign field.
$GRABSPOT Grabs spot on or close to the current frequency.
$GRNR Sends group/number of the received QTC.
$GUESSEXCH or $GUESSEXCHANGE Try to guess exchange, focus stays in current field.
$GUESSZONE Try to guess zone, focus stays in current field.
$INSERT Sends message for the [Ins] key.
$ISLAND Sends IOTA Reference (i.e. EU001, AF001, ...) (IOTA Contest).
$LATCH Sets latch mode.
$LOGGED or $LOGGEDCALL Sends what is typed in the callsign field of the current QSO, or if blank, the previous QSO.
$LOGQSO Silently log QSO (useful in ESM + S&P mode).
$MK2R=cmd Send a specific MK2R command to the microHAM SO2R controller.
$MSG1...$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 for 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.
$R1R1, $R1R2, $R2R1, and $R2R2 Sets the headphone audio routing.
$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.
$RESET Resets any manual changes to audio control.
$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.
$SPACEBAR or $SPACE Works like hitting [Space], moves cursor to the next main entry field.
$STATE Sends State/Province set in contest configuration (Exchange).
$SWAPFOCUS Swaps radio focus.
$TAB Works like hitting [Tab] (move cursor to next field).
$TR1 Transmit on radio 1.
$TR2 Transmit on radio 2.
$YEAR Sends year 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.
- Decrease speed by 4 wpm.
^ Hat - 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.
+ Increase speed by 4 wpm.

All strings can be edited "on-the-fly" pressing [Shift][Fx] if enabled with Tools|Message editors.

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.


Scenario selection3.png


You can also use shortcuts to select the desired scenario using [Ctrl][Alt][#] with # being 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/sw/files/utilities/DXLogScenarioPanel.dll

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


Operating info.jpg

Caps Lock focus radio 2

Activating [Caps Lock] will switch focus to radio 2. Turning off [Caps Lock] will return focus to radio 1.

Left Shift focus opposite radio

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