Winlog32 - Amateur Radio Logging Software - © G0CUZ
Frequently Asked Questions.
Welcome to the FAQ section of the site. Please check here first when you have a problem or seem to be stuck.
Commonly know problems are listed here with their remedies, it is also worth checking the relative online help section.
Why do I get a an error when I run the installer or try to update the program?
This may be caused by an incorrect installation procedure, Winlog32 may already be running.
Close the existing version of Winlog32 running on your machine.
Your anti-virus program or windows secuity may halt the installation, skip any warnings.
I'm up and running - what now?
New users often don't realise that when entering QSO data, the keyboard ENTER key must be used after each data field has been added, the Enter key fires all log functions.
How can I import my existing Log into Winlog32?
If your previous log program supported the ADIF format, you can import the ADIF file into Winlog32 quite easily.
Older log programs may not support ADIF, but there are conversion utilities available that may help with conversion.
Remember that not all ADIF fields will be supported between the different programs.
To perform an import, go to File>Import on Winlog's menu bar.
If you want DXCC report data, you will need to run the 'Log Check Robot'(menu/Tools) through your log when importing from other logging softeware.
Why is there no log to load in the flashing red 'Load' window?
Providing that you have already made a log database and a Log, you need to select the file from the adjacent 'Change/Select Database' button.
A DXCC entity is missing or status has changed in the DXCC database, how can I correct it?
Download the latest version of Winlog32.
How can I arrive at a satisfactory QSL label format?
Some trial and error, set your label size first, and make sure your layout fits on the page with no overlap. The text on each label can be positioned with a double click 'n drag, and text boxes auto re-size when extra text is entered. Some overlapping of text boxes is permitted if space is limited. You should produce a test print using plain paper prior to printing labels. Once the labels have printed OK, you should then update the database.
Why am I encountering odd problems in Winlog32?
Although this is rare now, Winlog32 may encounter problems trying to adjust to the regional settings on some computers. You should check your regional settings under Control Panel. Winlog32 is not comfortable with a Date format like DD.MM.YY. Some problems may also occur with decimal settings using a comma as a separator. Problems may occur where there is any external input using decimal numbers. e.g. Frequency etc. These problems will not occur with a regular date or decimal format. However virtually all known problems are now fixed.
If you feel the problem may be related to the above then change your Windows - Regional Setting to English US or English U.K. to see if the problem is resolved.
Can I use the backup facility to backup to a network drive?
Yes, you must have the network path 'shared' with the requisite file permissions, you can enter the back-up path in menu/Options/TAB Backup.
Should I use a single Log or a multiple set Log Database?
It depends on your requirement, consider that a single Log can be searched and sorted, this is recommended if you only need one log. However a log Database can hold several Logs, but there is NO cross-searching of these logs but they will share the same DXCC/IOTA/WAZ scores. Each separate log databases will be completey independant for DXCC/IOTA/WAZ scores etc.
Why are most of the databases separate from the Log?
QSO's can be added to the ancillary databases independent of the Log. This may be useful if you do not want to write up all of your previous paper logs, but do want to add all DXCC, WAZ etc. It also improves the speed and accessibility of the data.
This was a critical factor when back-up facilities were limited to floppy drives!
Can I print or export only a certain section of a log?
Yes, there are several possibilities. Sorting the log by another field may provide the data in the order required. If not, perform a general search for the data required, and export or print the search result. Using SQL it is possible to search for a range of dates from the log, a suitable SQL query would look like "Select * from LOG where dates between #01/01/1999# and #12/31/1999#". This will return all QSO's from year 1999, and this can be further extended by adding "and Band > 30" onto the SQL. This would return only VHF QSO's from 1999.
N.B. LOG in the above query must be replaced by you log name if it is different.
N.B. In SQL it is usually necessary to represent dates like MM/DD/YY as in above example.
N.B. The dropdown lists in the search window show all field names that are recognised by the search.
How many QSOs can a single Log database hold?
In theory the only limitation in log size, is the size of the hard drive that your Log database is stored upon, or should that be 'free space' available, very large logs may show a degredation in performance on slow systems particularly without adequate memory.
Tested to 12 million QSO in single log
Are there any problems with later Windows operatings systems e.g. Vista W7/8/10?
It is important NOT to install Winlog32 into the \Program Files\ folder, due to security issues these operating systems employ.
I recommend that you make a folder on your C: drive like C:\Ham\ and put all ham related software including Winlog32 in there.
On 64bit operating systems, Winlog32 will run in 32bit mode.
There should be no other probelems.