TACLog is created by Bo Hansen, OZ1FDJ. TACLog is a contest program, solely devoted to VHF and above, hence its name The Above Contest Log. It incorporates many useful features, some will be presented in detail later in this document. There have been many other contest programs around, but most of them lack one important feature: they are definitely NOT user friendly - or, for that matter, "contest friendly." TACLog is intended to put an end to all this, and to provide the VHF/UHF contester with a USEFUL and RELIABLE logging program.
TACLog differs from the mainstream logging programs. The most important difference is the FREE INPUT FORMAT. Where most other programs "dictate" the order and format of the input data during contesting, TACLog gives you freedom of operation, both on the air and on your computer. TACLog provides excellent "fringe benefits" from logging, such as ultra-fast dupe-checking, fast search & find functions, QSL function ...... plus the ability to configure the program for use in practically every type of contest on VHF/UHF/SHF. It also handles print-outs, summary sheets and logs, all in accordance with Region 1 rules. TACLog is also capable of generating several EDI-files for electronic interchange: REG1TEST, ARRL suggested standard file and RSGB standard.
Just to let you know how easy TACLog is, Uffe, OZ1DOQ managed to log 383 QSOs in four hours, working as single operator using TACLog real-time not losing a single bit of data and all QSOs were valid.
During my work with TACLog many have helped me with development, debugging and expressing wishes - I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Lars for helping me out when my computer knowledge failed, the crew of OZ9EDR, especially Torben, OZ1KRF, and Palle, OZ1RH, for their enthusiasm right from the first pre-release when bugs could be found everywhere, Richard, SM7SCJ for taking the initiative to this user's guide and the marketing, Carl, OZ1IEP for the testing, but most of all S¢ren, OZ1FTU and Uffe, OZ1DOQ for their tremendous amount of work in all phases of the process.
Also a big thank you to, I4YNO, OZ4CHD & DJ3LE, PB0AOL and SP3SUX who have translated the English version into Italian, Danish, German, Dutch and Polish.
When a new version of TACLog is released it is numbered as follows:
X,## Major version release, covers lager changes & features and bug fixes.
#,X# Minor version release, covers smaller changes & features and bug fixes.
#,#X Bug fix release only.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
TACLog will run on any IBM PC/clone with 430 kB (450 kB with Sound Blaster) or more of free memory. If your PC has expanded memory available TACLog uses this. TACLog is a DOS program and requires DOS version 3,0 or later. Graphic cards supported are: CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA and XGA either in colour or monochrome mode, and MDA in monochrome mode only. On some Hercules monitors the program might crash. You can run the program from a floppy or from a hard disk, the latter is preferred due to read/write times. If you use a floppy some features are much to slow for live contesting. A printer is useful, any "neutral" printer will do provided it is capable of writing 64 lines per page or more. You may use TACLog under Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2 for IBM PCs and SoftWindows for the Macintosh. TACLog will have faster disk access if you have a disk cache such as SMARTDRV.EXE installed. Consult your DOS manual for proper installation.
TACLog can run on DOS versions lower than 3,0. If so, TACLOG.EXE must be executed from the TACLog main directory, otherwise TACLog will not run.
WHY NOT TACLog
A good question - if you are fully satisfied with you current way of manual contest logging or have a program that just suits your needs - just stick to your "old" method. However, if you think TACLog is something you might get interested in - join the crowd.
If you do decide to become a TACLog user please register. If you are a regular user of AX.25 - packet radio or E-mail, you will be informed when a new release is available. Please send a mail to your representative (see list at end of document) or to OZ1FDJ @ OZ6BBS.KBH.SJL.DNK.EU or bo.hansen@ntc.nokia.com. You are also welcome to send a comment and a short description of your system. This will help me in case of debugging on special configurations.
TACLog RIGHTS
Many people have asked if TACLog is for free? YES, TACLog is a program you may distribute free of charge - i.e. you may not charge more than the cost of the media carrying a copy of TACLog. Imagine what amateur radio would have been like, if you would have to pay for building equipment described in amateur magazines etc. However, if you like TACLog and would like to encourage me, a donation is appreciated.
PLEASE REGISTER, IT IS FREE OF CHARGE - it is used for my own amusement and to see how many users I have.
Even though TACLog is free of charge you may not alter or patch in the TACLOG.EXE and TACLOG.OVR files or the TACLog name showing up on print-outs etc. Why this? - Well, at the small cost of one diskette, allow me to have a BIG ego.
TACLog, TACMan, TACRec, TACBox and C_W are all trademarks of Bo Hansen, OZ1FDJ.
TACMan is a contest manager program for processing contest log EDI-files.
TACRec is an interfacing program between packet radio and TACMan.
TACBox is a PC to radio interface box enabling PTT and CW keying.
DISCLAIMER
TACLog is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied with respect to the software and documentation, including but not limited to implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose.
Under no circumstances shall the author be liable for any damages whatsoever neither from proper usage nor improper usage, including special, incidental, consequential, indirect or other similar damages arising out of the use or inability to use this product, even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
INSTALLING TACLog
IMPORTANT: TACLog will not run from the root directory - on neither hard disk nor floppy.
If you have received TACLog as an unpacked version do the following:
Install TACLog files from the diskette using the !INSTALL.BAT utility, e.g. A:\>!INSTALL C:\TACLOG
All files including sub-directories will now be copied to C:\TACLOG
If you have received a packed version, TACL###.ZIP, do the following:
Create a temporary directory where you want to unzip TACLog, e.g. MD C:\TEMP
Copy TACL###.ZIP to the temporary directory
Using the ZIP archive program unzip TACL###.ZIP, e.g. C:\TEMP>PKUNZIP TACL###.ZIP
Execute the !INSTALL.BAT utility, e.g. C:\TEMP>!INSTALL C:\TACLOG
All files including sub-directories will now be copied to C:\TACLOG
Run TACLOG.EXE. After reading the welcome screen, you will be in the main menu. Now carefully read the help screen for this menu. It is invoked by pressing F1. You can use the F1 - HELP key anywhere in the program to get help on a specific topic/function relative to where in the program you press F1. A fiendly advise is to start from the top in all menus.
Select 5, Change set-up
It allows you to configure TACLog to your specific needs. There are five different set-up types: custom, hardware, band settings, test defaults and summary defaults. All set-up features are stored in pure ASCII-files and can easily be edited with a standard ASCII editor if preferred.
Select 1, Change custom settings
Go through each line using the cursor keys until you have the configuration you want. These settings affect the way TACLog behaves in general. When done position the scroll bar in "<-OK" and press ENTER. Press "Y" and your custom settings are now saved in the C:\TACLOG\TACLOG.INI file.
Note that you can configure for more than one band in the "Bands where active" setting. See also "TACLog Bandletters" later in this document.
Select 2, Change hardware settings
Like the custom settings go through each line using the cursor keys until you have the configuration you want. These settings are used to control the way TACLog uses the computer hardware.
Select 3, Change band settings
The band settings are relatively harmless parameters. They can be used to narrow down bad WWLs, give warning when exceeding a certain distance, set centre of missing WWLs map and set Prefix WWL.
Select 4, Change test defaults
The test defaults used are either general or band-dependent set-up according to your selection under custom settings. If you have answered NO to use band-dependent, you will edit the general defaults, otherwise you will be prompted for which band you wish to edit. You can only edit the bands you have enabled under custom settings. Press a letter to select the band you wish to configure, e.g. enter correct bonus for each new WWL worked in the Nordic Activity Contest. The file name for a band-dependent test defaults file at 144 MHz is:
C:\TACLOG\TL_C_144\TACLOG_C.DEF
Select 5, Change summary defaults
The summary sheet defaults contain information about participant, responsible operator, multi operator calls and station description for the different bands. These parameters will be used as default values for the summary sheet when generating a .LOG in the LOG, DUPE AND NOT MENU 1 (MAIN MENU 4,1,1). When generating a log file under post contest processing, you can then accept the default values or easily change them if required.
The file name for a summary sheet defaults file at 144 MHz is:
C:\TACLOG\TL_C_144\TACLOG_C.SSI
When done, you have completed the entire set-up. All information that you have entered, will be saved to disk.
UPDATING TACLog
If you have received TACLog as an unpacked version do the following:
Install TACLog files from the diskette using the !UPDATE.BAT utility, e.g. A:\>!UPDATE C:\TACLOG
The relevant files will now be copied to C:\TACLOG
If you have received a packed version, TACL###.ZIP, do the following:
Create a temporary directory where you want to unzip TACLog, e.g. MD C:\TEMP
Copy TACL###.ZIP to the temporary directory
Using the ZIP archive program unzip TACL###ZIP, e.g. C:\TEMP>PKUNZIP TACL###.ZIP
Execute the !UPDATE.BAT utility, e.g. C:\TEMP>!UPDATE C:\TACLOG
The relevant files will now be copied to C:\TACLOG
When done the updating is complete.
Do yourself a favour, update at least ones a year.
TACLog WIZARD
To help setting-up the right parameters in the custom, hardware, band and test parameter menus TACLog has a build in Wizard, that will help you out. If you absolutely do not have any idea how to set these parameters, press F1 instead of ENTER at the <-OK prompt in these menus.
In custom, hardware and band set-ups the Wizard sets the parameters to the ones most frequently used. This way, TACLog can be used quickly also by contesters with little or no previous TACLog experience. Later, when you get more familiar with TACLog you can play with more advanced configurations.
In test parameter set-up, the Wizard shows you a list of test names from which you can select the one you want. After this you only have to insert callsign and WWL.
Even if the Wizard helps you in setting up the parameters, you can always fine tune afterwards. This can also be necessary if contest rules have changed or that I have received incomplete rules etc.
GETTING STARTED - OPERATION
Do your set-up (see INSTALLING TACLog). Run TACLog, and kindly read the information screen. When in main menu, choose "Start contest from scratch". You will be prompted for which band (if you have enabled more than one band in the custom set-up), for test defaults to change (if enabled in custom), and local date and time. The date and time must be set to track with your local time. TACLog takes into account the difference between local time and UTC, set in custom set-up parameter Time Zone. Make sure that the time is correct since you cannot enter QSOs ahead of the current date and time.
Real-time - Insert time automatically
Real-time means just what it says, the QSO time is triggered by typing a SIGNAL REPORT and the ENTER key. This way, it is possible to "monitor" a distant station with a pile-up, typing the call and WWL and then just having to enter the reports to make the QSO complete for the log. The first QSO automatically starts the log file at the proper date. All further input will be strictly CALLs, RSTs and - if chosen - QSO no., WWL and Optional Exchange. The computer keeps track of time.
Non-real-time - Insert time manually
If you just worked a contest using pen & paper, this would be your choice. Just remember to enter the contest date. Format is YYYYMMDD. This is done only at the first QSO input, or later if you worked into the next day. Time input format is HH.MM - there has to be a full stop to separate HH and MM. If QSOs are within the same hour you only need to enter .MM. Just make sure that you type the time before you enter a SIGNAL REPORT.
TACLog is fully capable of seamless switching between real-time and non-real-time operation. Upon your late arrival at the club station, you can always type in the first 10 QSOs (that your partner had to log on paper, hi) together with the right times, and then continue in real-time mode. This is a major feature for late sleepers, traffic jam victims etc. Of course it works the other way round, too. Let's say you have a computer power failure. Operation until then was real-time. Just continue in non-real-time, fill in the gaps, and continue in real-time.
Before seeing the contest screen, you are prompted for a comment line. The comment line is shown in the file browser when selecting files. You can type e.g. "144 MHz Activity Contest, February 1994", or just press ENTER to leave it blank.
The contest screen is divided into three main parts: upper, middle and lower part. The upper part is used for totals, the middle part for keeping track of WWLs, Optional Exchanges, DXCCs, last QSOs and Match and the lower part is the INPUT window. Below it, there is also a command summary for the function keys F1-10. Now browse the F1 help screens, and then return to the contest screen.
Type your first QSO into the input line. If in non-real-time, do remember the date (YYYYMMDD) and time (HH.MM).
Remember the F1 help screen, it tells you anything you might need about entering QSO data.
IMPORTANT: Let's say you work DL7AKA. Maybe his call is listed in the .C_W file. If DL7AKA is there, TACLog will look up a suggested WWL and write it to screen (reverse video)! To accept this suggested locator, just press Alt+X. The reverse video disappears, and you are prompted "All data correct? (Y/N)". Press Y and go on. (You may ALWAYS enter another locator to override the suggested one, by the way).
Now enter five or more QSOs, just to get used to the free input format. After entering the first 10 QSOs, you are ready to fool around a bit with the F-keys. Try F4, F8 and Shift+F8, read the help screens provided, and return to contest screen. Try to search for *7THS/7 (imagine you heard just parts of the call) to see if something like it has been worked already. Search J?3* to get what stations you worked with a JO3* locator. Remember, to exit from help and features, just press ESC.
Now you are about ready to have a go at "the real thing".
One more thing before you go: The input fields are in fact two lines of fields. Example: Input DL7AKA 53S ENTER. Then he disappears, no RST, no WWL. If you enter another callsign instead of DL7AKA, and perhaps a new report (a stronger caller, perhaps), the old information is shown below the new data, just to keep track of where you were. This is one way to clear a half-finished QSO, the other is pressing the F3 key to "clean the table" in the input line and fields.
Try it out. You'll find it easy to work with TACLog. If you make a mess, the most you will loose is one QSO. TACLog saves to disk so often that you need not worry.
Operating rules
If you think it is difficult to remember it all - just remember the following three rules:
A sent RST must have an "S" at the end of the report, e.g. 52S, 599S, 55AS
A received RST must have an "R" at the end if T-tone is included, e.g. 519R, 59AR
A received Optional Exchange must have a "." at the end, e.g. A., 14., SLD.
That is all you need to know. The rest is visible on the screen, and with context dependent help windows.
DXCC MAINTENANCE
TACLog is capable of identifying countries. TACLog uses the file TACLOG.DXC in the main directory. If the file is not present TACLog cannot run. This file is a converted file which is output from a DOS program called DXC.EXE. This program takes a *.CTY file as input. The *.CTY file is also used in CT by K1EA. If you want to update TACLOG.DXC manually then edit a *.CTY file and convert it to TACLog format.
Syntax for DXC.EXE, e.g. using the IARU.CTY file:
DXC.EXE IARU.CTY
If you want to check your updating you can do this by running the TACLog utility program called SHOWDXCC.EXE. It loads the TACLOG.DXC file and lets you type in callsigns and returns the DXCC and rawcall.
When running TACLog in contest mode and TACLog cannot identify a country a flashing "?" is shown in the callsign column. If you continue the DXCC will be recorded as "?", after the contest you may investigate which country the callsign actually belongs to. If the callsign is in a new country you will see an early warning, flashing "!", the same goes for a new Optional Exchange or a new WWL.
TACLog BANDLETTERS
TACLog uses letters to identify one band from the other in an unambiguous way. The letters are represented as shown below:
A - 50 MHz H - 2,3 GHz
B - 70 MHz I - 3,4 GHz
C - 144 MHz J - 5,7 GHz
D - 220 MHz K - 10 GHz
E - 432 MHz L - 24 GHz
F - 902 MHz M - 47 GHz
G - 1,3 GHz N - 76 GHz
TACLog FILES AND DIRECTORIES
TACLog has six types of directories: main-, band-, data-, INFO, MAPS and USERS directory. Each serves a particular purpose.
MAIN DIRECTORY
!INSTALL.BAT Installation batch utility program.
!UPDATE.BAT Update batch utility program.
CTWDSK.DRV Sound Blaster driver file.
README Readme file.
README.1ST Read me first file. Read this file (if it exists) first for important information prior to executing TACLOG.EXE the first time.
TACLOG.C_W General .C_W file, optional - depends on custom setting.
TACLOG.DEF General defaults file, optional - depends on custom setting.
TACLOG.DXC DXCC file, must be present.
TACLOG.EXE Executable program file, must be present.
TACLOG.ICO Windows icon.
TACLOG.INI Initialising file.
TACLOG.MBF Multiband support file.
TACLOG.OVR Overlay file, must be present.
TACLOG.WIZ Wizard file.
TL_???.DOC ??? language user's guide, not distributed by OZ1FDJ - see representatives.
TL_???.HLP ??? language texts, not distributed by OZ1FDJ - see representatives.
TL_ENG.DOC English User's Guide.
TL_ENG.HLP English texts.
WHAT'S.NEW File with information of what is new in this release.
*.BGI Borland Graphical Interface files, used in graphics mode only.
The name of the TACLog main-directory is free of choice.
BAND DIRECTORIES
There is one band-directory per band containing the following:
TACLOG_?.BND Band parameter file for ? band.
TACLOG_?.C_W .C_W file for ? band, optional - depends on custom setting.
TACLOG_?.DEF Test defaults file for ? band, optional - depends on custom setting.
TACLOG_?.SSI Summary sheet information file for ? band.
Where ? is the letter representing the band, see above. The name of a band-directory is TL_?_fff, where fff is the "frequency". The band-directories are located as sub-directories of the main-directory.
DATA DIRECTORIES
Each contest has its own data-directory with data for a particular contest only. The data-directories are located as sub-directories of the band-directory. The name of the directory is taken from the date of the first QSO in the contest. Files contained are:
TLyymmdd.DAT Data file.
TLyymmdd.DUP Duplicate QSO file.
TLyymmdd.EDI Electronic data interchange file.
TLyymmdd.LOG Log file ready to print.
TLyymmdd.NOT Note ASCII file used to store notes taken during the contest.
TLyymmdd.RPT Report file.
TLyymmdd.SSI Summary sheet file.
TLyymmdd.STA Statistics file.
TLyymmdd.QSL QSL label file.
Actually there is one more file, ?_yymmdd.BAK. This is the name for the back-up file saved to floppy. Back-up files can be restored in the FILE MANIPULATION MENU 1 (MAIN MENU 4,6,1).
INFO DIRECTORY
The INFO directory is located as sub-directory to the main directory. Files contained are:
TACLOG_#.INF Information files, where # is ranging from 0 to 9.
See also "Information files" below.
MAPS DIRECTORY
The MAPS directory is located as sub-directory to the main directory. Files contained are:
TACLOG.COR Map coordinates file.
TLlocator.PM# Polar map files where locator is a WWL and # is ranging from 0 to 8.
USERS DIRECTORY
The USERS directory is located as sub-directory to the main directory. Files contained are:
user.USR User advanced parameters file where user is callsign/name, maximum six characters.
user_#.WAV Voice message files where user is operators callsign/name, maximum six characters, and # is ranging from 1 to 4.
Naturally the files are only present if they are either copied or generated.
DIRECTORY STRUCTURE
Assuming that TACLog is installed in C:\TACLOG and 50 MHz, 144 MHz and 432 MHz bands are enabled, the directory structure is as follows:
C:\---TACLOG-+-INFO
|
+-MAPS
|
+-TL_A_50--+-TLyymmdd
| +-TLyymmdd
|
+-TL_C_144-+-TLyymmdd
| +-TLyymmdd
| +-TLyymmdd
|
+-TL_E_432-+-TLyymmdd
| +-TLyymmdd
|
+-USERS
Do not worry if you cannot remember the directory structure, TACLog will control the directory navigation automatically.
INFORMATION FILES
TACLog has the possibility of calling up to 10 different ASCII files while running a contest by pressing Alt+I and selecting a number from 0 to 9. The files can be used to keep static information which is nice to have at hand, e.g. things to remember, multi operator time schedule, beacon list... The only limitations are that only the first 100 lines of the file are shown and the line length is limited to 65 characters. The files are named TACLOG_#.INF and are located in the TACLOG\INFO directory.
To be able to access the files you must set-up a "label description" in the SET-UP MENU 7 (MAIN MENU 5,7), e.g. label 0 > "Contest rules for Region 1 test." The maximum length of the description is 30 characters.
CALL AND WWL LOOK-UP FILE
TACLog is able to look-up a World Wide Locator based upon the callsign, if it is known by TACLog when you start a contest. To enable this feature you must set the "Look-up possible WWL in .C_W file" in the custom set-up. For an explanation of TACLog files and directories see above.
TACLog can handle up to 2147483647 (2^31 - 1) calls and WWLs. Each element takes up 38 bytes on your hard disk. If you have all possible elements, it results in a maximum .C_W file of 76 GB. On the other hand, if you ever work so many stations, you are entitled to call yourself a big gun - and big guns need big hard disks.
TACLog may store two WWLs per callsign in the .C_W file. When a call is found TACLog displays both WWLs if they exists, else only the first one is displayed. The two WWLs are called WWL1 and WWL2. You can accept WWL1 by pressing Alt+X, or you can swap WWL1 and WWL2 by pressing Alt+V. This key combination is also used for swapping WWLs entered properly, see also SPECIAL KEYS. In the .C_W file a date related to WWL1 is also stored.
To add new callsigns and WWLs simply use CALLS AND WWLS MENU 1 (MAIN MENU 4,5,1). Select the data file you want to add. TACLog will do the rest. TACLog replaces the second WWL (WWL2) with the primary WWL (WWL1) and inserts the new WWL as primary WWL. The date is also replaced, with the date of the QSO data file. If the new WWL is similar to WWL1 TACLog only updates the date, i.e. the .C_W file cannot contain two identical WWLs for the same callsign.
The call and WWL look-up feature uses the computer hard disk as resource. It is vital that you use a hard disk if you have enabled the look-up feature. It is not recommended to run TACLog from a floppy disk using this feature. TACLog has been tested on a 4,77 MHz PC with a 80 ms hard disk which performs satisfactory (full dupe-check, DXCC identification, and look-up for rawcall lasts less than 300 ms searching about 2800 elements). However, a faster hard disk will do better. Another thing that can improve the speed is setting up a disk cache such as Microsoft SMARTDRV.EXE and to defragment your hard disk regularly, e.g. Microsoft DEFRAG.EXE. You can also disable rawcall look-up if you have a slow system or have many elements in your .C_W file. The delay on my PC, 486DX2-66 VLB with 2 MB cache and 12 ms IDE hard disk, is not worth mentioning.
If you want to merge, sort or manipulate files which do not come from TACLog into a .C_W file, you can use the TACLog utility program C_W.EXE. This program operates as a DOS command line program, and is a tool for DOS-jockeys only! It converts a TACLog .C_W file to a plain ASCII text file and vice versa. Regarding the file formats type C_W.EXE at the DOS prompt without any command.
CW KEYING AND PTT
TACLog has a CW and PTT keying facility. To use the CW keying you must set-up at which parallel or serial port you have your interface circuitry, see "Interfaces" below. The messages can be altered in the contest screen (Alt+F5-F10). Playing a message is done by activating Ctrl+F5-F10 in the contest screen. A 250 ms guard delay, is inserted between PTT on and message keying begins and stops. TACLog also has a push to talk, PTT, key on the PC keyboard. The PTT is toggled on the TAB key. You must enable the feature in the custom parameters.
TACLog has some special CW commands words which all begins with a dollar sign "$". The commands are:
$MC Own call.
$MR RST received from calling station, confirmation use.
$MN Own QSO number, if used.
$MO Own optional exchange code, if used.
$MW Own WWL, if used.
$C Call of calling station.
$R RST to calling station.
$N QSO number received from calling station, if used, confirmation use.
$O Optional exchange received from calling station, if used, confirmation use.
$W WWL received from calling station, if used, confirmation use.
$##(#) Set CW speed, in LPM 20 - 200. Only in beginning of message.
$# Set auto repeat pause, 1 - 9. Only at end of message.
A CW message can not be auto repeated more than 25 times. This is to prevent "continuos" transmitting if the operator falls a sleep.
VOICE MESSAGES
TACLog can play voice messages either on an external circuit (voice keyer) or on an internal Sound Blaster card. Before using TACLog to play messages the environment must be set-up according to your system. This is done in the hardware settings SET-UP MENU 2 (MAIN MENU 5,2) voice message mode. If no voice messages are used the mode should be set to zero (0). Messages can be played in the contest window by pressing Ctrl+F1-F4. To cancel a message while playing or looping press ESC.
Sound Blaster - internal, mode 1
If you have a Sound Blaster card installed you may use this mode. The normal Sound Blaster installation settings are used, and is not affected by TACLog at all.
If you experience problems with this mode check that you can use your Sound Blaster in other applications under DOS. Also check that the environment variable BLASTER is present in your DOS environment; type SET at the DOS prompt, then look for something like "BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T3." If this is not found TACLog can not play voice messages on the Sound Blaster card.
PTT of the TX is activated 250 ms before the message is played and decked 250 ms after message stops. It is possible to change the auto repeat/loop delay times for the voice messages by pressing Alt+F1-F4. Messages cannot be repeated more than 25 times in one go, "dead operator stop."
The Sound Blaster voice messages must be stored in files in the TACLOG\USERS directory as user_#.WAV, where "user" is call of operator/user and # is a number from 1 to 4. New messages can be recorded and edited using the WaveStudio application that comes with the Sound Blaster card. Record messages as 8 bit and at a low sampling rate, 11 kHz, since the radio is not a Hi-Fi channel anyway. When done save the file to TACLOG\USERS\user_#.WAV.
Consult your Sound Blaster manual where to find the audio output.
Voice keyer - external, mode 2
In this mode TACLog assumes that an external interface is connected to parallel port. The external interface must have all required controls of the radio, such as PTT. When pressing Ctrl+F5-F10 and ESC a 100 ms pulse made on the appropriate pin, see "Interfaces" below.
INTERFACES
TACLog can make use of two kind of external interface circuitry, either connected to the serial port or the parallel port. The serial interface is capable of keying the key line and push to talk (PTT). The parallel interface can key and PTT, but, also key external voice messages (voice keyer).
----------------------
| None | COM | LPT |
-------------------------------------------
| Printer port | 0 |*****| # |
-------------------------------------------
| Interface port | 0 | # | # |
-------------------------------------------
| Interface mode | 0 | 1 | 2 |
-------------------------------------------
Where # is port number.
Serial
The interface uses Data Terminal Ready (DTR) for keying the message, and uses Request To Send (RTS) to key the PTT. The circuitry consists of a dual optocoupler, providing 100% galvanic isolation between PC and radio. Between the RS232-pin and the opto-diode a 4,7 kOhm resistor is inserted. The collector of the optocoupler is the first transistor in a darlington coupling and the combined collectors are the PTT line. Apply capacitors, there is RF in the air - you know!
PC Radio
DTR <--[4k7]--+
(RTS) | --+--> PTT
-- |/ | C (Key)
\/ | |/
-- |\-|
| |\ E
PC GND <---------+ |
= Radio ground
You can also buy an assembled interface, TACBox, directly from OZ1FTU or me, price 150 DKK, cable, connectors and postage included, no delay - boxes already build. Remember to add 20 DKK if you send other currency than Danish Kroner. Please state connector type, 9/25 pin, of the connector soldered to the cable. A copy of the latest release of TACLog is also included. The TACBox is designed also for meteor scatter keying, has been tested at 2000 LPM.
Parallel
If the printer port and interface port are set to the same port, then you must switch externally between the two devices. TACLog performs no checking.
Pin Name Function
1 Strobe Keying and PTT emitter
2 D0 Abort message
3 D1 Message 1 trigger
4 D2 Message 2 trigger
5 D3 Message 3 trigger
6 D4 Message 4 trigger
16 Init. PTT line
17 Select Key line
18 Ground Message and abort ground
Below is a recommended connection schematic providing 100% galvanic isolation. If you choose to neglect the galvanic isolation the resistors should be increased to 10 kOhm.
D1 <--[4k7]--+
(2/3/4/0) | ----> Message 1
-- |/ C (2/3/4/Abort message)
\/ |
-- |\ E
| |
Ground <---------+ = Voice keyer ground
Select <--[4k7]--+
(Initialize) | ----> Key line
-- |/ C (PTT line)
\/ |
-- |\ E
| |
Strobe <---------+ = Radio ground
There are many different kind of voice keyers available, both commercial and schematics (ARRL handbook).
ADVANCED PARAMETERS
Several advanced parameters, that cannot be accessed through the TACLog environment are available. To change then you must edit the TACLOG.INI file. When inserting them be careful because some of them interact. Do not set the advanced parameters before you are quite familiar with TACLog. Below you can see the parameters and their default setting.
[Advanced]
!
! Prompt user for confirmation before accepting QSO data.
AskAllOK=Yes
!
! An alternative disk where .C_W files can be found in root.
! E.g. TACLOG.C_W is copied to a RAM disk via .BAT file:
!
! Copy TACLOG\TACLOG.C_W D:\
! TACLOG
! Del D:\TACLOG.C_W
!
! In post contest TACLog always uses the current drive!
!
AuxDisk=current drive
!
! Insert a wildcard asterisk "*" in front of the argument in
! C_W search automatically.
C_WFindAsterisk=No
!
! Press enter on empty line when all QSO is OK.
EnterDone=No
!
! Press ESC to return from list after editing a QSO.
EscEditScroll=No
!
! Start searching immediately after hitting F8/Shift+8.
ImmediateFind=No
!
! Initial CW speed.
InitialSpeed=80
!
! Stop playing CW message if $-command information is missing.
MissingInfoStop=No
!
! Sent RST identifier, 42S, 57S and 599S, if =Yes.
! If =No then no S, e.g. 42, 57 and 599.
! Caution disabling (=No) this parameter, will reduce the
! flexibility of TACLog considerably.
! Do not use in contest until becoming familiar with
! restrictions! Go for routine not single events.
RSTSentS=Yes
!
! CW side tone.
SideTone=Yes
!
! CW side tone frequency.
SideToneFreq=800
!
! Aggressive match search even in other middle window.
SmartMatch=No
!
! Use the space bar as enter key also.
SpaceEnter=No
!
! Time check/adjust before starting a contest
TimeCheck=Yes
!
! PTT keying delay when going "OFF."
TXDelayOff=250
!
! PTT keying delay when going "ON."
TXDelayOn=250
When calling the TACLog Wizard in the custom settings all advanced parameters are set to default.
The CW sidetone can also be switched on/off in the contest screen by typing either TONEON/TONEOFF.
USER SELECTABLE ENVIRONMENT
It is possible to change the user for the Sound Blaster files (user_#.WAV), by pressing Shift+F3. This way a multi operator station can play voice messages in the same voice as the real operator.
When pressing Shift+F3 user dependent advanced parameters can also be changed. TACLog loads the user parameters from a file in the TACLOG\USERS directory named user.USR, where "user" is the call/name of the operator. These files must be made in DOS and is only recommended for very experienced operators. Only the following advanced parameters can be used in the user.USR files:
[Advanced]
AskAllOK=Yes
C_WFindAsterisk=No
EnterDone=No
EscEditScroll=No
ImmediateFind=No
MissingInfoStop=No
RSTSentS=No
SideTone=Yes
SideToneFreq=800
SmartMatch=No
SpaceEnter=No
For an explanation of the advanced parameters refer to the above section "ADVANCED PARAMETERS."
POLAR MAPS
TACLog shows a polar (beam) map below the polar plot. As the radius of the map changes so will the map, if found. The map-set must first be generated relative to the used WWL. Therefore use the SET-UP MENU 5 (MAIN MENU 5,6) to generate relevant map-set. You may have as many relative map-sets as you please, or your disk has room for. The TACLOG.COR file contains all generic map information. It might be changed from time to time to reflect the real world.
Calculation time on different PCs (be patient):
Pentium 90 5 min
486DX3-75 6 min
486DX2-66 8 min
386SX-16 71 min
286-12 78 min
XT 4,77 MHz 8 hours
If the maps are not found, for the right WWL, the polar plot will still be shown but no map beneath.
NOTE: The maps made by TACLog do not necessarily reflect the programmer's political standpoint. I take no responsibility for the way countries and borders drawn. If you have any corrections you are more than welcome to send me the corrections, so I can change them in the TACLOG.COR file.
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE
The Electronic Data Interchange or EDI in TACLog is a special type of file that can be sent to the contest manager using various types of media, e.g. packet radio, diskette or telephone modem. The EDI-file is a standard way of setting up the information in the file defined by the format. TACLog supports the REG1TEST, ARRL Suggested Standard File and RSGB. By using EDI it is possible to use any contest program and generate the standard file, i.e. you do not have to use a particular program. You may use any program supporting the requested format.
In TACLog you can generate an EDI-file in EDI FILES MENU (MAIN MENU 4,2). By selecting this feature TACLog asks you for the data filename and the information used in a normal summary sheet, just like generating a log. After running through the summary information the EDI-file is written to your disk. Then you must send the file to the contest manager. If you use packet radio, send the file, see "TACLog Files and directories", as a personal mail to the contest manager. How to operate the terminal program and BBS depends upon the software used locally, not upon TACLog. Therefore consult your terminal program and BBS manual for further information. Some contest managers accepts entries on floppy disk if the files are named in a specified way. If so, rename the TLyymmdd.EDI file to this naming standard accordingly.
If you use PAX packet terminal program and your BBS used FBB software do the following: connect to the BBS, write SP CONTEST_MANAGER_CALL @ MANAGER_BBS (e.g. OZ1EYN @ OZ9BUL) press ENTER, type subject and press ENTER, press F3, write path\EDI-filename (e.g. C:\TACLOG\TL_C_144\TL931102\TL931102.EDI) press ENTER, write /EX press ENTER. When done you have submitted your EDI-file/log to the contest manager.
QSL SERVICES
TACLog offers printing and maintenance of QSL cards and labels in the QSL SERVICES MENU (MAIN MENU 4,7). Before going to print labels you must select QSL label type in the custom set-up. You can select between three different types. Type 1 is 88,9 mm * 23,8 mm. Type 2 is 88,9 mm * 35,7 mm (Zweckform 3611; Conrad 97 15 88-66; 97 16 18-66; 97 16 42-66; 97 16 77-66; 97 13 75-66; 97 14 05-66; 97 16 93-66; 97 18 12-66; 97 16 26-66; 97 15 61-66; 97 15 96-66; 97 16 50-66. Type 3 is 105 mm * 35,7 mm (Jac Tab 10731).
When aligning the labels in your printer, you can make use of the test label.
SPECIAL KEYS
In the TACLog contest screen the following keys are assigned as special keys:
F1 Activates help menu.
F2 Save QSO data to floppy disk named ?_yymmdd.BAK.
F3 Clear input line and current QSO data.
F4 Show worked QSO data.
F5 Switches between QSOs, DXCCs, WWLs, Optional exchanges or Match.
F6 Edit the data of an already worked QSO.
F7 Insert new QSO data, non-QSO-number mode only.
F8 Find menu, used to search in worked QSO data.
F9 Exit temporarily to a DOS shell.
F10 End contest logging.
Alt+F1-F10 Alter voice message loop delays or CW messages.
Alt+B Band menu, same as Shift+F10.
Alt+C Swap callsign with last entered callsign.
Alt+D Show DXCCs, same as F5.
Alt+E Edit select, same as F6.
Alt+F Find menu, same as F5.
Alt+I Information files menu.
Alt+L Show missing WWLs map, same as Shift+F2,D.
Alt+N Make note, same as Shift+F1.
Alt+O Show worked Optional exchanges, same as F5.
Alt+P Show polar plot, same as Shift+F2,I.
Alt+Q Show worked QSOs, same as F5.
Alt+T Key PTT and key line for tuning TX.
Alt+V Swap WWL with last entered WWL or suggested WWL2.
Alt+W Show worked WWLs, same as F5.
Alt+X Accept suggested WWL1 (WWL2 if swapped).
Ctrl+F1-F5 Play voice message 1 to 4.
Ctrl+F5-F10 Play CW message 1 to 6 if CW is enabled.
Ctrl+A-N Quick band swap, if in multiband mode.
Shift+F1 Make note to TLyymmdd.NOT file.
Shift+F2 Show statistic information menu.
Shift+F3 Change user/operator.
Shift+F4 Show worked QSO data sorted by raw-callsigns.
Shift+F5 Print all worked QSO data, status counters etc. at selected LPT port.
Shift+F6 Edit menu with scroll bar select in QSOs window.
Shift+F7 Delete an already worked QSO, non-QSO-number only.
Shift+F8 Find menu, used to search in C_W file.
Shift+F9 Show system status (memory and disk availability).
Shift+F10 Menu for multiband toggle.
Arrow up ( Edit menu select with scroll bar, same as F6.
Arrow down ( Repeat last message.
Tab key Toggles PTT on serial port, if enabled.
TACLog REPRESENTATIVES
Below is a list of TACLog representatives where you may always find the latest copy of TACLog. They will be of assistance with copying if you send a self addressed and stamped envelope (IRC), SASE, and a formatted disk, minimum 720 kB. Do NOT expect anything to happen if you do not include SASE or at least a self addressed envelope (SAE) plus sufficient return postage.
If you did not get your copy from one of the representatives, please send a note that you got a copy elsewhere. This is used for my own amusement only, not to claim anything but the number of TACLog users. Please do so - else I might begin asking for user identification and password.
Please note that translated TACLog documents and files may only be obtained from the translators - not OZ1FDJ!
Benelux, PB0AOL (Dutch translations)
Edwin Groener, Groningensingel 577, NL-6835 EW Arnhem. PB0AOL @ PI8DAZ. E-mail: edwin@rfb.nn.nl or Fido: 2:280.314/2.
Richard Jacob, Brönnestad 163, S-231 99 Klagstorp. Phone: (+46) 0410 - 26664, BBS service upon request. SM7SCJ @ SK7OA.
If you did not find your country write OZ1FDJ, see Denmark. More representatives wanted - how to become a TACLog representative? You should be familiar with DOS and a regular TACLog user and preferably QRV on packet radio, E-mail and/or have a telephone modem. Being a representative brings nothing but the satisfaction and perhaps some goodwill amongst radio amateurs.
TACLog telephone download - HAM BBS and DUBUS BBS
Karsten Jyhne, OZ6QI, has 24-hour phone service and first time access (+45) 86 93 03 06.
