Hi All,

I have several N3FJP Software announcements to share...

Setting up the new Field Day Contest Log 4.0 for Networking...

If you are running Field Day Contest Log 4.0 as a stand alone application, simply install the software and you are good to go. If you are setting up multiple clients in network configuration, updating a common data file, the networking setup of the new version is almost identical to the old, VB6 version. The only difference is the new version allows you to click File > New to create a new file in a shared location, instead of having to use Windows Explorer to copy the .mdb file, as you had to do with the VB6 version. This makes it even easier to get started using the new version!

In short, simply put the LogData.mdb file in a folder location that is accessible with permissions for updating (not just reading) to all clients on your network. From the menu options of each client, click File > Open, navigate to the file and select it. That will do the trick. Once you have done that, enter a test contact from each client. They all should appear within 60 seconds on each client (faster if you click Settings > Refresh Rate and increase the speed).

If you attempt to log a contact and receive "unable to execute SQL Command", your folder permissions are set to read, so you can see the file, but not update. Setting your permissions properly will correct that.

For enabling messaging, band message status, etc., from Field Day Contest log 4.0's menu options click Settings > Network and follow the directions on the form that appears. It is not necessary to enable these features to log in network configuration.

You'll find lots more tips when you click File > Network from the new version, or here, which is more applicable to the old VB6 version:

Above all, do not wait until Field Day to set up your network! Problems solved easily in a relaxed environment can seem insurmountable when the clock is ticking! Take some time now, get your Field Day equipment together, install the software and get everything set up, so when Field Day Saturday arrives, you can just relax and enjoy the contest!

Don't Wait Until Field Day to Find Your Password!

Every year, the number of folks realizing they can't find their passwords has grown, to the point that last year we nearly couldn't keep up with the requests that came flooding in Saturday morning. Hopefully you can find your password, but if you can't, please touch base with us well in advance!

Field Day and Digital Interface!

As you all know, K7RE RTTY will not work with the new, C#.NET versions of my software, but now there is an alternative that will! Ed, W4ELP and Rick, KD8LCD have developed a script to use the C#.NET version of my Field Day software with the DM 780 digital mode program!

I'm not active on the digital modes so I haven't given this a try myself, but I've seen a video of it in action and it appears to work well!

http://kd8lcd.sopmcincy.org/index.php/w4elp-lookup-utility

Any questions or requests for support should be sent to the authors.

N3FJP Manual Group Reactivated!

Royce Bell, KX7Q writes in part...

"The software manual for Amateur Contact Log was completed several years ago and has well-served its purpose in the meantime. But, as many of you realize, there is a need for revision or rewriting of several parts of the manual.

Scott and I have communicated about the matter and he wants to get the manual into a true online form, as you might expect. We can use the current manual as a rough draft for a new, online manual, but there are significant sections of the manual that will need to be completely revised and/or rewritten. Other parts will be completely jettisoned in favor of newer, more accurate information. Still other parts may well just be deleted.

Consequently, I am reactivating the AC Log Manual Group, hoping knowledgeable and experienced Amateur Contact Log users will contribute their collective wisdom to the project.

One point of concern: Everybody loves to join groups, but we need to narrow the group to those who can actually participate in the project. If you are a new user, the manual group will not help you learn the software.

If you know and are an experienced user of Amateur Contact Log, we need your help. Please go to the N3FJP Manual Group -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/n3fjp_manual/ -- and submit a request for approval to that group."
--

Scott back at the keys...

The original manual has been a super resource for users to draw on, so getting it caught back up with the more recent N3FJP Software enhancements and now the C#.NET rewrites will be wonderful!

Kim will be creating the web pages, so you don't need any HTML experience. She just needs the words and content, which is where all experienced N3FJP Software Users can really help.

While the manual group is titled AC Log Manual, we hope to develop on line help pages for both AC Log, as well as pages specific to the contesting software. So, even if your primary interest is the contesting software, we still need your help!

Writing up the help and documentation is a big effort. With your help there, I can continue devoting my time to upgrading and rewriting the software, so the rewrites will be available more quickly for us all to enjoy!

Country Files Not Presently Accessible for Download from Software.

Jim, AD1C, who does a fantastic job maintaining our country files for us, is presently reworking his website. At this time, clicking File > Download Country Files from AD1C will not work. It remains to be seen whether Jim can reestablish the paths currently coded in the software, or if new software version releases will be required. Jim and I will let you know as soon as plans firm up. In the meantime, you can download the country files from Jim's website manually and save them to the location shown when you click File > Show File Locations from AC Log and the new contesting software's menu options.

Jim, AD1C writes...

"Hi Folks,

I'm the process of re-designing the country files web site at: http://www.country-files.com/

I am trying to retain all the original content. However, it may take a few days before most things have been restored. There are probably many broken links right now. It will take many days to re-format all the old release notices, though I plan to do the ones from this year ASAP.

You can subscribe to the above URL to get an RSS feed of the postings. Some people may find this convenient.

None of the contest files (downloads) have moved, all can still be found inside of: http://www.country-files.com/cty/

Some of the others will have to move, unfortunately. If any of the non-contest URLS are built into your software, please let me know ASAP (I've already heard from Scott N3FJP)."

And in response to the questions we always receive when we neglect to include the following in our e-mail announcements...

Package Upgrade Information...

If you have registered one or more individual programs and would like to upgrade to N3FJP's Software Package or N3FJP's Software Package and CD for full use of all our Amateur Radio software, we would be glad to apply the amount that you have registered so far as a credit towards that purchase. Please send us an e-mail directly and we'll let you know your balance.

N3FJP's Software Package includes approximately 50 programs for contesting, net management, general logging and other Amateur Radio related applications. In addition to full use of all these programs, registered package customers are also entitled to receive free passwords for any new software that is added to the package and free upgrades to existing programs. You'll find all the details on the Register Now page at www.n3fjp.com.

Donations are Gratefully Accepted!

And in response to the often asked question for which Kimberly and I are very grateful...

"I know your upgrades are free, but I also realize how much time and effort coding these enhancements and new programs take and that your pricing policy doesn't fully reflect that. Can I send you something to show my appreciation for your continued efforts?"

Yes, thanks so much, your continued support in any amount is very welcome and deeply appreciated! You can use this page:

http://www.n3fjp.com/donations.html

or send your contribution by mail, payable to Affirmatech Inc., to:

G. Scott Davis
118 Glenwood Road
Bel Air, MD 21014-5533

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Thanks!

As always, thanks for your kind words, support, linking to our web site and spreading the word about our software. Kimberly and I really appreciate it!

73, Scott
N3FJP
http://www.n3fjp.com

Serving the Amateur Radio community with contesting and general logging software since 1997.