Frequently Asked Questions
 

  How do I download and install a program from the website?

  How do I install the program on a computer that is not connected to the Internet using floppies?

  Is there a link on your website where I can download the package all at once?

  Can I transfer the log data file from my "old program" to AC Log?

  How do I get my log that I have kept as an MS Excel worksheet into AC Log?

  How do I transfer my contest contacts to AC Log?

  Do your programs support the ARRL's Log Book of the World?

  In addition to regular contest submission, will I be able to upload my contest contacts to the ARRL's Log Book of the World?

  How do I maintain data on two computers?

  How do I export my log to a floppy?

  I have downloaded the call data from the AC Log page on your website. How do I get the AC Log call data lookup function to work?

  I have purchased your CD with the the call data on it. How do I get AC Log to use the call data lookup function from the CD?

  I have signed into QRZ with my password, but the QRZ Online Callbook feature does not seem to work.

  I use the Buckmaster HamCall CD.  Is there a way I can copy the data to the hard drive and have AC Log access it for faster lookup?

  I use the QRZ CD.  Is there a way I can copy the data to the hard drive and have AC Log access it for faster lookup?

  I want to have a "hard copy" of my contest log. How do I print it?

  I want to keep a copy of my contest file. How do I save it?

  I would like to backup or transfer my AC Log customized settings.  Which files should I copy?

  The AC Log bearing and distance doesn’t seem to work properly for stateside QSOs.

  I've rearranged the column header order and changed some of the widths in AC Log.  How do I make these changes permanent defaults?

  How do I get AC Log to display the date format I want? The sort function is returning an order out of chronological sequence.

  AC Log always inserts CW in the Mode Field even when I try to change it.

  When I purchase your software package, am I entitled to new Amateur Radio programs that are added to the package after my purchase?

  I have purchased a couple of programs from you. How can I upgrade to a software package?

  Are upgrades free to registered users?

   I purchased N3FJP's Software Package and CD some time ago. Since then you have released new versions for a number of programs. Can I get a new CD with full use of your software for less than $49?

  When using your log for Field Day, do we have to purchase separate licenses for each computer we use?

  Would you mind if I put a link on my website to your site, http://www.n3fjp.com/?

  Are you going to write a program for ________?

  Is there an e-mail users group for your software?

  I am having trouble downloading my data from LoTW and marking my records as QSL sent immediately after an upload?

  I am having trouble with LoTW saying "Name Not Found". What do I do?

  I am trying to upgrade to the current version of AC Log and am having trouble transferring my log file. What do I do?

  What emission modes are supported by LoTW?

  I want to format and print a report for * * award submission.  How can I do this?
 

  How do I download and install a program from the website?

I have a list of step by step instructions on my Installation Tips page.  Please click the link for complete details.

  How do I install the program on a computer that is not connected to the Internet using floppy disks?

- Download the installation file to your hard drive by clicking on the download link on my website with your web browser.
- Start Windows Explorer from the Windows Start menu.
- Navigate to the file and RIGHT CLICK on it.
- Select the option to rename the file and change the last 3 characters from .exe to .zip.
- Unzip the file (click here if you need an unzip utility).
- Copy all the files (except the zip file) to your floppies. It should take two floppies unless it is a network version of my software. If it is a network version, it will take 7 floppies.
- Copy the contents of the floppies to a temporary directory on your destination computer.
- Double click setup.exe.

* Note, if you have a CD burner or zip drive it is unnecessary to rename and unzip the file you downloaded from my website.  Just copy it from your hard drive to the CD or zip disk and take it to the destination computer.

  Is there a link on your website where I can download the package all at once?

At this time, when you register the $39 package, there is not a link to download the package all at once.  You can download the programs as needed from the website on their individual pages.  There is no time limit, and you can download as often as you like.

  Can I transfer the log data file from my "old program" to AC Log?

If your old logging program exports its data in standard ADIF format, you can import your log data files to AC Log with no problem. Please try the following:

- Export your data in ADIF Format from your old log.
- Note the location of the .adi file you just created from your old log.
- Open AC Log.
- From the Menu Options click File, Import ADIF Format.
- Navigate to the .adi file location.
- Double click on the .adi file and your log data will appear in the List Box on the main form of Amateur Contact Log.**
**Note:  After you import your ADIF file into AC Log and your log data is out of order, parts are missing, etc., the log you transferred the data from was not using the standard ADIF format.  You can sort your log by clicking File, sort Log on Date.  Many of the missing data fields can be filled by clicking Edit, Fill Fields Determined by Call from the menu options.  If you continue to have trouble, please send us an e-mail with the .adi log file attached, and we will be happy to take a look.

  How do I get my log that I have kept as an MS Excel worksheet into AC Log?

I have prepared a simple Excel spreadsheet that will help you convert the data. Please click here to download a copy of the spreadsheet.

  How do I transfer my contest contacts to AC Log?

Steps for transferring your contest data to AC Log:

- From the contest log Menu Options: click File, Export ADIF Format.
- Note the .adi file location.
- Open AC Log.
- From the Menu Options click File, Import ADIF Format.
- Navigate to the .adi file location.
- Double click on the .adi file and your contest data will appear in the List Box on the main form of Amateur Contact Log.

  Do your programs support the ARRL's Log Book of the World?

Yes, the Log Book of the World uses either ADIF or Cabrillo format.  All of my software will export in either one or both of these formats.  In addition, ACLog will upload, download confirmations from LoTW and update your log file automatically,  For more information on LoTW, please click here - http://www.arrl.org/lotw/

  In addition to regular contest submission, will I be able to upload my contest contacts to the ARRL's Log Book of the World?

Yes, the Log Book of the World uses either ADIF or Cabrillo format.  All of my software will export in either one or both of these formats.

  How do I maintain data on two computers?

From the computer with the most recent data click File, Export - ADIF Format. Write the file to a floppy and take the floppy to the computer with the older data. From the "old data" computer click File, Reset Counter, and enter a value of 0. Then click File, Import - ADIF Format and select the file on your floppy.

  How do I export my log to a floppy?

From the Menu Options click File, Export - ADIF Format; navigate to the destination drive and click Save.

  I have downloaded the call data from the AC Log page on your website. How do I get the Amateur Contact Log call data lookup function to work?

- Download the AC Log Ready Call Data ( click here) and unzip the file.
- Open AC Log.
- From the Menu Options click CallBook.
- A form will appear giving instructions on the calldata.
- Click the checkbox for call book lookup at the bottom of the form.
- In the Textbox on the bottom, enter the directory the call data resides (the directory where you put the unzipped file). If you put the call data in the program’s working directory the entry would be: C:\Program Files\ACLog 2.5.
- Click Done.
- After entering a valid U.S. or Canadian callsign, when you tab from the call field to the date field, the name and address will appear in the Comments field.

  I have purchased your CD with the the call data on it. How do I get the Amateur Contact Log to use the call data lookup function from the CD?

- Insert N3FJP's Software CD into your CD ROM drive.
- Open AC Log.
- From the Menu Options click CallBook.
- A form will appear giving instructions.
- Click the checkbox to enable call book lookup at the bottom of the form.
- In the Textbox on the bottom, enter the location of your CD ROM drive and the calldata directory. For example, d:\calldata.
- Click Done.
- After entering a valid U.S. or Canadian callsign, when you tab from the call field to the date field, the name and address will appear in the Comments field.  Accessing data from the CD is usually slower than using your hard drive.

  I have signed into QRZ with my password, but the QRZ Online Callbook feature does not seem to work.

The QRZ Online Callbook option is not included with the free QRZ membership and services.  This is a subscription service offered by QRZ to help support all their hard work and efforts for the amateur community. Please click here for more information - http://online.qrz.com/

  I use the Buckmaster Hamcall CD.  Is there a way I can copy the data to the hard drive and have AC Log access it for faster lookup?

Yes, after you copy your data to the hard drive, from AC Log's menu options click Callbook, Hamcall Buckmaster CD and enter the designation of your hard drive.  Don't type any other characters such as a colon or backslash.  Just enter the letter such as "C" (without the quotes).

  I use the QRZ CD.  Is there a way I can copy the data to the hard drive and have AC Log access it for faster lookup?

Yes, copy the entire folder CALLBK from the QRZ CD to your hard drive.  AC Log will then find the data.  The folder on your hard drive containing the data must be c:\CALLBK.

  I want to have a "hard copy" of my contest log.  How do I print it?

If you want a "hard copy" of your contest log, you can print the Cabrillo, ASCII or data file you created for contest submission by opening the file in a text editor such as Notepad and clicking File, Print.

  I want to keep a copy of my contest file.  How do I save it?

If you want to keep a copy of your log file after the contest, you need to copy it to a new directory and rename the file.  After you exit the contest program and then start it again, you have the option to continue an old contest or start a new one.  If you choose to start a new contest, your old file will be gone.  Most users export their contest contacts to ACLog for a permanent record.

  I would like to backup or transfer my AC Log customized settings.  Which files should I copy?

You will need the following files:

ACCtrlLc.txt
hcolm.txt
hcolmord.txt
hcolors.txt
tabord.txt

  The AC Log bearing and distance doesn’t seem to work properly for stateside QSOs.

The bearing and distance works best for DX. With versions 1.8 and later, I have included the latitude and longitude of the state capitals so, when you enter the state, the calculations should reflect the bearing and distance from your QTH to the state capital. Buckmaster's Hamcall CD does include coordinates for all hams, and AC Log will use these values to calculate bearing and distance if you are using the Hamcall CD for lookup. Also, if you are recording the grid square, the bearing and distance will update based on the value you enter in the grid square field.

  I've rearranged the list column heading order and changed some of the widths in AC Log.  How do I make these changes permanent defaults?

Once you have your column order and widths the way you like, double click anywhere on the white listing display area.  A message box will appear confirming that your column defaults have been updated.  With version 2.4 and later, you can also click Settings, Save Current Column Width and Order.

  How do I get AC Log to display the date format I want? The sort function is returning an order out of chronological sequence.

For best results, you should have the date format for AC Log and the date format for your operating system set as close as possible. To change your AC Log Date Format click Settings, UTC QTH & Date options. To set your operating system format click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Regional Settings, Date. That will help AC Log and the operating system understand each other.

  AC Log always inserts CW in the Mode Field even when I try to change it.

When you have the rig interface operating, the Mode Field will automatically fill depending on the portion of the band you are on with CW or SSB. To be able to input your preference, you need to disable the rig interface.

  When I purchase one of the software packages, am I entitled to any new Amateur Radio programs that are added to the package after my purchase?

Yes, any new Amateur Radio programs will be freely available to those that have registered our software package. We usually send an e-mail announcement with information about a new program. If you have registered the package and would like to use the new software, just send us an e-mail, and we'll forward an updated password list.

  I have purchased a couple of programs from you.  How can I upgrade to a software package?

  Are upgrades free to registered users?

Yes, so far all upgrades have been free to registered users. We have no plans to change the policy at this time.

  I purchased N3FJP's Software Package and CD some time ago.  Since then you have released new versions for a number of programs.  Can I get a new CD with full use of your software for less than $49?

Yes, upgrades are free to registered users.  You have already purchased the package so all you need is a new CD.  You can purchase a new CD for only $13 (including shipping). Please visit our Register Now! page to use the PayPal button for the CD only order.

  When using your log for Field Day, do we have to purchase separate licenses for each computer we use?

You may use and install the Field Day Contest Log and the Field Day Network Log on multiple computers at one Field Day site with one registration. Please keep the password confidential for club use only.

  Would you mind if I put a link on my website to your site, http://www.n3fjp.com/?

We would very much appreciate it!  Most of our customers find us by hearing about our software from other satisfied customers.

  Are you going to write a program for _________?

We have LOTS of potential projects on the list as well as ideas for upgrades on the existing programs. Please e-mail us, and let us know what programs are of interest to you. Knowing the level of interest for potential projects is a big help in prioritizing our work.

  Is there an e-mail users group for your software?

Yes, please click here to learn more.

  I am having trouble downloading my data from LoTW and marking my records as QSL sent immediately after an upload?

  I am having trouble with LoTW saying "Name Not Found". What do I do?

It sounds like the problem may be that your station location is not identified properly on AC Log's LoTW form. To view your station locations in the TQSL software:

- Start the TQSL software.
- Click Station, Edit Locations.
- Click on the location and see the name that is listed at the bottom of the form under selected station location.
- That is the location that you want to enter into AC Log.

  I am trying to upgrade to the current version of AC Log and am having trouble transferring my log file. What do I do?

I'm sorry that you have run into trouble transferring your log file.  Let's try this:

- Start the new version of AC Log, but this time answer NO to the upgrade question.  Go ahead and manually enter your password.
- Open the old version of AC Log.
- From the menu options of the old version click File > Export - ADIF Format > Whole Log.
- Close the old version.
- From the new version of AC Log click File > Import - ADIF Format.
- Navigate to the ADIF file that you exported from the previous version and select it.

  What emission modes are supported by LoTW?

From: https://p1k.arrl.org/lotw/faq#modes

LoTW supports the emission modes allowed by the ADIF specification with the exception of "ASCI" (ASCII is a character set, not an emission mode). The modes currently allowed by LoTW are:

Mode:

CW
PHONE
IMAGE
DATA
AM
FM
SSB
ATV
FAX
SSTV
AMTOR
CLOVER
FSK31
GTOR
HELL
HFSK
MFSK16
MFSK8
MINIRTTY
MT63
PACKET
PACTOR
PSK125
PSK31
PSK63
Q15
RTTY
THROB

Note that the TQSL program can map the modes in an ADIF log file that aren't valid to modes that are valid via the File menu Preferences command (use the ADIF Modes tab).

  I want to format and print a report for * * award submission.  How can I do this?

Using any spreadsheet program, you can easily format and print reports for award submission. To do this:

- Open AC Log.
- Select the records you wish to use for the award by highlighting them in the List Box.
- From the menu options click Edit > Copy Current List to the Clipboard or Edit > Copy Selected Records to the Clipboard depending on how you selected your records for the award.
- Open a spreadsheet program and click Edit > Paste from the menu options.

You can now format and print the data in any way you like using the spreadsheet program.