Log-EQF LATEST BETA VERSION: 9.0m ----- FINAL BETA TEST ------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ Thanks to all of you who helped with this beta test of version 9! This was my first beta test using the web site, in addition to the telephone BBS and snail-mail, and I must say it was a totally overwhelming and humbling experience! At times, I received more than 100 e-mails a day with bug reports and suggestions!!! I may not have been too cheerful there for awhile (circa V9.0a, V9.0b) but I do appreciate your help. As a result, Version 9.0 will be the most-tested; most robust release ever. Thank you for helping me reach the tenth anniversary of Log-EQF with most of my sanity intact. 73 de N3EQF. ------------------------------------------------------------------ RULES: ------ 1). You must be a registered user of Log-EQF Version 8.00 or later. 2). This beta test is designed to be tested as an UPGRADE. You must therefore install BETA9 in the same directory as Log-EQF V8. 3). You are responsible for BACKING UP YOUR OLD VERSION!!! Version 9 involves a radical change to many of the file formats used for logs, libraries, and data files. I've been as careful as possible, but this testing period will no doubt uncover errors. 4). Due to the large volume of calls and mail I receive, please use ONLY e-mail to address BETA9 problems. E-mail me directly at n3eqf@usaor.net and use "BETA9 BUG" or something similar in the title of the message. PLEASE specify the exact version you are using. FEATURES: --------- 1). The logbook file format is changed to ASCII, with ISO 8601 date/time formats, larger log fields, and additional log fields. New fields: GRID, IOTA, QSL MANAGER, QSL SENT, QSL RCVD, WPX, TEN-TEN, and COUNTY. Larger fields: NAME, CITY, COUNTRY. Your "old" Log-EQF logbooks will be automatically converted the first time you load them. I have attempted to recover the information in your old TRACK and INFO fields into the appropriate new fields in V9. If you run into a problem with this, please send me your OLD logbook files, including the .LOG, .NOT, and .TRK files. 2). New award tracking for IOTA, County Hunters, Ten-Ten, and VUCC. 3). New prefix library file format, with more room to specify exact callsigns and provide time difference from UTC. 4). Separate menus for AWARDS and ACCESSORIES on Main Menu and Logging screens. 5). DATA TERMINAL now available from MAIN MENU. 6). ROTATOR CONTROL provided for popular serial port rotors. I don't have one, so I need feedback on this feature! Let me know also if other models exist besides the ones I programmed. 7). Improved the LABEL function on the logging screen, so that it can handle not only address labels, but QSL labels, and SWL labels. 8). Interface more closely with the GOLIST QSL Manager program, from John Shelton. John has provided Log-EQF users with a "demo" version of GOLIST, to show what GOLIST can do. Access GOLIST by using on the logging screen. If a callsign was entered, GOLIST will check its database and return the information. If a QSL Manager is found, it will automatically be returned to the Log-EQF QSL MGR field. 9). The SETUP menu has been redesigned. Like functions are grouped together as much as possible. The rig, keyer, antenna switch, and rotator for two complete automated stations are now grouped together and are switched while logging with . 10). The logging screen was redesigned to accomodate the new features and new logbook fields. The current field is always highlighted. The key function now presents all available functions, since there is not room to display all key functions on the screen at the same time. The keys work whether the key is hit or not. If you don't remember the right key, just hit the key or mouse-click on it to see the complete list of keys. 11). There is now the option to keep NOTEPADS separate for each callsign, or the "old" way of having a NOTEPAD for each QSO. Two data files, called CALLNOTE.DAT and CALLNOTE.NOT are used for notepads when the option for personal (per callsign) notepads is selected. NOTEPAD is now selected always by using . 12). The infamous "disk buffer" logic for Windows printers has been separated out now as an option. LPT3 has also been added for printing. The default print mode is to send the text directly to the printer, instead of sending it to a disk file first. The option is selected on the PRINTER SELECTION on Log-EQF's SETUP menu. 13). All printer settings, logbooks, and date formats for the award programs are now taken from the Log-EQF current settings instead of being controlled by the awards menu. You can still override the logbook setting from the awards menu, however. 14). In CONTEST mode, tables for possible MULTIPLIERS can now be created, and a window showing NEEDED MULTIPLIERS is displayed while logging. Multipliers are removed from the display as they are worked. 15). An option to send to your TNC every 10 minutes (actually, it's about 9.6 minutes) to keep cluster or BBS connected. FEATURES STILL IN WORK, OR PLANNED FOR V9: ------------------------------------------ 1). Support for rig interface to Kachina DSP505. 2). Support for FCC database that can be downloaded from the internet. 3). Support for the WRAD CD-ROM. 4). Unlimited HIT LIST for cluster. There's probably more, both installed and planned, but that's all I can remember at the moment [HI]! I hope you enjoy Version 9. It's always uncomfortable to change software, but it should be worth it. 73, Tom N3EQF - n3eqf@usaor.net