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This page contains answers to common questions handled by EQF Software's support, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions. [PAGE LAST UPDATED: February 2006]
FAQ Table of Contents
Table Of Contents
- Can I use my logbook from another logging program with Win-EQF?
- What TNC's and data controllers will work with Win-EQF?
- What rigs will work with Win-EQF, and what good will it do?
- How do I send CW from Win-EQF?
- How do I make the Win-EQF window larger?
- Why is Win-EQF CONTEST scoring not correct for some contests?
- How do I submit QSOs for Logbook of the World using Win-EQF?
Can I use my logbook from another logging program with Win-EQF?
In almost every case, the answer is yes. In Win-EQF, the Import/Export utility is available right from the FILE pulldown menu. This utility allows you to take a logbook file from another program, and convert it into the format required by Win-EQF. Many logbook programs are listed on the menu of File-EQF for direct conversion, including CT, NA, Hyperlog, Logic 3, HamRad, and KAGOLD. Also provided is a dBase file import and export, a common format recognized by many programs such as Microsoft Access.
For many other logging programs, Win-EQF's ASCII text import capability can be used. The ASCII text menu allows you to setup for the format of the information to be converted; the column numbers where the callsign, RST, name, QTH, and other fields are located and how many characters are in each. The ASCII import feature of File-EQF has been used to convert logs from WJ2O, WF1B, Easy DX, TR, AcuTerm, MicoHam, Super Duper, and others. Any logbook program that can generate a text file report of your log will support this method.
N3EQF will be happy to assist you with stubborn log conversion problems. Also, N3EQF is supporting the initiative to develop the Amateur Data Interchange Format, or "ADIF", so that logbooks can be exchanged between logging applications easier in the future. Win-EQF also generates the Cabrillo contest logbook format.
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What TNC's and data controllers will work with Win-EQF?
Win-EQF works with any TNC that can be controlled using the COMMAND mode of operation. This is sometimes called "terminal" operation, because the computer software mimics the action of a terminal program. Practically all TNC's support this method of operation, including AEA, Kantronics, and MFJ.
Some programs use the "HOST MODE" of operation with TNC's. If you use other TNC software, be sure that software is set to return the TNC to COMMAND mode after it exits. A common parameter controlling this behavior is called "HOST MODE ON EXIT", which should be set to off or false for proper TNC operation with Win-EQF.
You can configure Win-EQF to recognize your TNC on any COM port and at any baud rate. (Win-EQF, since it is a Windows program, does not care about the IRQ).
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What rigs will work with Win-EQF, and what good will it do?
Any computer-ready rig that interfaces with the computer's COM port will work with Win-EQF. The setup menu allows you to set the communications parameters to match your rig, on any COM port and using any IRQ. Win-EQF's rig interface will work fine with all USB adapaters. A unique configuration file "Dot Rig" method of specifying rig commands guarantees that Win-EQF will not be obsolete when new rig models are introduced. A text editor can be used to modify or create new files for new rigs when they hit the market, without requiring modifications to Win-EQF.
Win-EQF provides automatic update of the frequency and mode display on your computer logging screen as the rig VFO is tuned. Even band plan information can be automatically displayed from the rig's current frequency. You can type frequency or mode into your log and the rig will respond. And, with a TNC in use on the PacketCluster(tm), Win-EQF can set your rig to the frequency for the latest DX spot.
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How do I send CW from Win-EQF?
Win-EQF has a built-in CW memory keyer, with 8 memories, a CW keyboard, and can send QSO information from the logging screen. In order to use the keyer, only a simple interface is required, which uses a single transistor and resistor. Plans for the interface are included with the program. This is the same interface used by popular contest programs like CT and NA. Win-EQF can use either a COM or LPT port for the CW interface. Win-EQF also support the USB MicroHam CW keyer interface, and the K1EL WinKey keyer. Both are highly recommended. NOTE: Both WinKey and MicroHam keyers will work with USB ports, but Win-EQF's built-in keyer will only work with native COM ports (no USB adapters).
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How do I make the Win-EQF window larger?
The size of the Win-EQF window changes depending on what screen font is used...
In Windows NT/2000/XP, the Win-EQF properties can be set by changing the settings on the shortcut to Win-EQF. Right-click on the Win-EQF or Win-EQF CONTEST shortcut, then select the "Properties" menu, and select the "Font" tab. Towards the center of the Font dialog window, there will be a place to select the font to use, and whether to use a "bold font". Typically there will be just a couple of fonts to pick from - hopefully at least two so you have some choices! Pick a font, then from the "size" selection box, click on various sizes while observing the "window preview" display just left of it. The window preview shows the size of the Win-EQF window in comparison to the desktop size. Pick a font size that gives you a large enough Win-EQF window, but not too large or scroll bars will appear on the window frame. Win-EQF will not work properly if the window size is so large that scroll bars appear. Once you've made your selections, click on "Apply" and "OK" buttons, and start Win-EQF.
In Windows 95/98/ME, go into MY COMPUTER, and open folder \Windows\System. Look for a file called CONAGENT.EXE. If there is a CONAGENT shortcut, right-click on it and select PROPERTIES. If there is only CONAGENT.EXE, right-click on it and select PROPERTIES. On the "Font" tab, select "Font size" to "Auto". For the "Availability types", select "both type fonts". (Later, if you aren't happy with the results, try switching this to "Bitmap only"). Once you've set this, click on "Apply" and "OK" buttons. Now, run Win-EQF. Drag the Win-EQF window so that the upper-left corner is at the top-left of the desktop. Then, move the mouse cursor over to the lower-right corner of the Win-EQF window, until you see a double-edge arrow cursor. Click the left mouse button and hold it, then drag the window edge toward the lower-right corner of the desktop. The font in Win-EQF should change as the size of the window increases.
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Why is Win-EQF CONTEST multiplier scoring not correct for some contests?
For contest scoring, Win-EQF (since it is more general-purpose oriented than for contest use) does have some shortcomings. The good news is that for most contests that accept Cabrillo entries, the scoring is handled by the contest sponsor by reading the Cabrillo file electronically and calculating the score using their rules. As long as the complete exchange appears in the Cabrillo log, your score will end up correct when ARRL (for example) reads the file. The score you indicate in the Win-EQF Cabrillo file usually isn't used for anything, but you may calculate it manually and enter the score there if you like.
I do have plans to improve the contest scoring capability in future updates to Win-EQF.
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How do I submit QSOs for Logbook of the World using Win-EQF?
1. Use the SEARCH
2. Select the "SEARCH FIELDS FOR PATTERN" menu item and hit the ENTER key or double-click the mouse.
3. On the menu for "SEARCH results output to:", select item 6 for "ADIF File".
4. On the "Search for" menu, select the desired search criteria. For most cases, you would select CALLSIGN for the only search criteria, and search for an asterisk (*) in callsign. This finds all callsigns in the logbook, and if you chose a date or QSO number limit earlier, only callsigns for QSOs within that range would be found.
5. When the search is finished, Win-EQF will display the ADIF file in your text editor in Windows automatically. The ADIF file is called SEARCH_RESULTS.ADI. You may rename it as desired before submitting the file to LOTW.
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