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N3FJP FD Logger

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Bill Stravinsky

N3FJP FD Logger

Wes et al,

Have used FD Logger for a few years now, and always used somebody else's rig.
This year my goal was to get my K3 before FD to use with the program keying
the rig.

FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do this. I thought the config
function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR or RTS directly without interfacing?
Since the pgm recognizes the K3, and the program can be set to use either
for PTT or Keying, what am I missing?

Also, I am confused about the power setting in the pgm (none-dtr-rts). I waited
14 years to get my station back on the air and rcvd my K3 #2995 last week.
I am thrilled beyond belief with the rig and hope I can get this feature working
by FD.

Help! Pse

Bill
K3WJV
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

> FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do this.
> I thought the config function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR
> or RTS directly without interfacing? Since the pgm recognizes
> the K3, and the program can be set to use either for PTT or
> Keying, what am I missing?

FJP's software will not allow CW, PTT and rig control on one
port. To do CW, PTT and Rig control requires three ports with
FJP software.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill Stravinsky
> Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 10:04 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] N3FJP FD Logger
>
>
> Wes et al,
>
> Have used FD Logger for a few years now, and always used
> somebody else's rig. This year my goal was to get my K3
> before FD to use with the program keying the rig.
>
> FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do this.
> I thought the config function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR
> or RTS directly without interfacing? Since the pgm recognizes
> the K3, and the program can be set to use either for PTT or
> Keying, what am I missing?
>
> Also, I am confused about the power setting in the pgm
> (none-dtr-rts). I waited 14 years to get my station back on
> the air and rcvd my K3 #2995 last week. I am thrilled beyond
> belief with the rig and hope I can get this feature working by FD.
>
> Help! Pse
>
> Bill
> K3WJV ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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n7ws

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by Bill Stravinsky

Sorry Bill but I have no experience with the program keying the rig or using it with the K3. I use it as a logging program and do my own keying. My rig was and is until my K3 comes back from Aptos, a TS870. My usual logging program is DXBase but the N3FJP is excellent for FD and does all of the report generation for you. And it costs only $6.00.

Regards,

Wes

--- On Tue, 5/12/09, Bill Stravinsky <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: Bill Stravinsky <[hidden email]>
> Subject: N3FJP FD Logger
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 8:03 AM
> Wes et al,
>
> Have used FD Logger for a few years now, and always used
> somebody else's rig.
> This year my goal was to get my K3 before FD to use with
> the program keying
> the rig.
>
> FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do
> this. I thought the config
> function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR or RTS directly
> without interfacing?
> Since the pgm recognizes the K3, and the program can be set
> to use either
> for PTT or Keying, what am I missing?
>
> Also, I am confused about the power setting in the pgm
> (none-dtr-rts). I waited
> 14 years to get my station back on the air and rcvd my K3
> #2995 last week.
> I am thrilled beyond belief with the rig and hope I can get
> this feature working
> by FD.
>
> Help! Pse
>
> Bill
> K3WJV

Terry Schieler

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by Bill Stravinsky

Bill,

N3FJP's ACLog was pretty much plug and play with my K3 connected via the
K3USB cable. I don't have my rig here at the office to check the settings,
but I'm sure others will respond with the info you need.

You should be good to go for FD.

73,

Terry, W0FM

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Stravinsky [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 9:04 AM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] N3FJP FD Logger

Wes et al,

Have used FD Logger for a few years now, and always used somebody else's
rig.
This year my goal was to get my K3 before FD to use with the program keying
the rig.

FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do this. I thought the
config
function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR or RTS directly without
interfacing?
Since the pgm recognizes the K3, and the program can be set to use either
for PTT or Keying, what am I missing?

Also, I am confused about the power setting in the pgm (none-dtr-rts). I
waited
14 years to get my station back on the air and rcvd my K3 #2995 last week.
I am thrilled beyond belief with the rig and hope I can get this feature
working
by FD.

Help! Pse

Bill
K3WJV

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David Gilbert

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

I don't believe that is an accurate assessment. I used AC Log for
several years in spite of its many flaws, but finally dumped that
lameware when I bought my K3 because it required more than one port and
RS-232 cable to give me both rig data (frequency, mode, etc) and
keying. It even states in the N3FJP documentation that a separate cable
is required for keying.

I switched to Logger32 for general logging and N1MM for contesting and I
haven't looked back since. There is simply no comparison in performance
and features, one cable to the K3 does all, both are free applications
with lots of support, and both programs can easily be configured just as
spartanly as the N3FJP stuff if you so desire.

73,
Dave AB7E

Terry Schieler wrote:

> Bill,
>
> N3FJP's ACLog was pretty much plug and play with my K3 connected via the
> K3USB cable. I don't have my rig here at the office to check the settings,
> but I'm sure others will respond with the info you need.
>
> You should be good to go for FD.
>
> 73,
>
> Terry, W0FM
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Stravinsky [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 9:04 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] N3FJP FD Logger
>
> Wes et al,
>
> Have used FD Logger for a few years now, and always used somebody else's
> rig.
> This year my goal was to get my K3 before FD to use with the program keying
> the rig.
>
> FJP's info states that an interface is necessary to do this. I thought the
> config
> function PTT-KEY could be set to use DTR or RTS directly without
> interfacing?
> Since the pgm recognizes the K3, and the program can be set to use either
> for PTT or Keying, what am I missing?
>
> Also, I am confused about the power setting in the pgm (none-dtr-rts). I
> waited
> 14 years to get my station back on the air and rcvd my K3 #2995 last week.
> I am thrilled beyond belief with the rig and hope I can get this feature
> working
> by FD.
>
> Help! Pse
>
> Bill
> K3WJV
>
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

On Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:46 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>FJP's software will not allow CW, PTT and rig control on one
>port. To do CW, PTT and Rig control requires three ports with
>FJP software.

To expand on Joe's answer, Writelog and N1MM Logger both DO
support CW, PTT, and rig control on the same serial port. The K3
can be set to take CW and PTT from the serial cable with no
adapter. All you need is a cable with pins 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 wired
straight through, set the logging software to send CW and/or PTT
on serial, and follow the instructions in the K3 manual for
RTS/DTR settings.

Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have
lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they
are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I
started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a
few years ago and like it better.

For improved RFI immunity, see instructions on my website for
building a better serial cable using CAT5. This only matters in
extreme situations, when the antenna is VERY close to the rig.

I've never used FJP's package. Many folks like it as a "starter"
program, but limitations like this one can make it more trouble
than it's worth.

I suggest that you download and install N1MM, study the "Quick
Start Guide (excellent, by N4ZR) then use it for several hours in
one or more contests between now and Field Day. By the time Field
Day comes, you'll be pretty comfortable with it.

73,

Jim K9YC

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ac0h

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

Writelog and N1MM are both more powerful software packages but how much
power do you need for field day? We're not talking about dedicated CQ WW
teams who get together and practice using software for three months
prior. For the most part FJP's FD logger gets used by folks on field day
who "contest" once per year. They have neither the time nor inclination
to learn something like N1MM.

I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during field day.

Jim Brown wrote:

> Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have
> lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they
> are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I
> started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a
> few years ago and like it better.
>
>

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n7ws

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by Bill Stravinsky

Exactly.

> Writelog and N1MM are both more
> powerful software packages but how much
> power do you need for field day? We're not talking about
> dedicated CQ WW
> teams who get together and practice using software for
> three months
> prior. For the most part FJP's FD logger gets used by folks
> on field day
> who "contest" once per year. They have neither the time nor
> inclination
> to learn something like N1MM.
>
> I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during
> field day.

Jim Brown-10

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by ac0h

On Wed, 13 May 2009 13:12:46 -0500, R. Kevin Stover wrote:

>I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during Field
>Day.

Let's define rig control. For contesting, rig control can be as
simple as keeping up with operating frequency and mode and putting
in the log. Contesting with good software can be a lot of fun, and
can contribute to "sucking new operators" into the fun of
contesting. Contesting software can do much more, of course, but
you're right, you're less likely to need those more sophisticated
functions on Field Day.

If you've never used good contest software, you may have no idea
what it can do. The software can call CQ for you, on either CW,
SSB, or RTTY, and even give out your exchange. It can check for
dupes (so that you don't waste your time and theirs working them
five times, as so often happens on Field Day). Ah -- having the
computer call CQ is for pansies, you say. Well, if your computer
can't call CQ for you, you can never take a drink of coffee or feed
your face! And maybe while it's calling CQ, you can listen on
another RX to see if it's time for a band change, or chat with
another operator, or with a newbie that you're mentoring.

Since my first Field Day, more than 50 years ago, it's been my
favorite contest. To many of us, it may have been our introduction
to ham radio. And to many avid contesters, it was our introduction
to contesting.

73,

Jim Brown K9YC

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David Gilbert

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by ac0h

For one thing, if you're jumping back and forth between CW and SSB it's
nice to have the computer log the mode appropriately ... it's pretty
easy for any operator to forget to change the mode manually each and
every time. Rig control does it for you. And with regard that, the
N3FJP software doesn't properly pick up digital modes anyway ... if you
switch the rig to RTTY or PSK you have to manually type in the new mode
when you make the change. It isn't even available as a drop-down selection.

Also, the original requester wanted to key the K3 from the N3FJP FD
logger using various message macros. That's certainly possible, but if
I remember correctly (I could be wrong) there is no full-time display to
show which function keys hold which messages. You'd need a paper crib
sheet to educate each new operator. With N1MM, the macros can be sent
from the function keys, but they are also accessible as on-screen mouse
buttons that display text to help you remember which one to click on.

One of the coolest benefits of rig control with a competent program like
N1MM, however, is the band map capability. Even without packet feeds,
the bandmap can show you stations displayed by frequency ... the ones
you've already worked are shown in gray text and the ones you had
previously flagged to try later show up in color. Clicking on a
callsign automatically resets the rig to that frequency. That's a neat
feature for the average Field Day operator that is don't mostly
search-and-pounce.

Besides, the various operators don't need to know how to set up N1MM.
Once it is installed, and without the bells and whistles turned on, in
my opinion it is as simple to use as N3FJP with less chance for human error.

Dave AB7E

R. Kevin Stover wrote:

> Writelog and N1MM are both more powerful software packages but how much
> power do you need for field day? We're not talking about dedicated CQ WW
> teams who get together and practice using software for three months
> prior. For the most part FJP's FD logger gets used by folks on field day
> who "contest" once per year. They have neither the time nor inclination
> to learn something like N1MM.
>
> I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during field day.
>
>
> Jim Brown wrote:
>
>
>> Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have
>> lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they
>> are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I
>> started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a
>> few years ago and like it better.
>>
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>

David Gilbert

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

Stupid type ... it should have read:

That's a neat feature for the average Field Day operator that is DOING mostly
search-and-pounce.

Dave AB7E

David Gilbert wrote:

> For one thing, if you're jumping back and forth between CW and SSB it's
> nice to have the computer log the mode appropriately ... it's pretty
> easy for any operator to forget to change the mode manually each and
> every time. Rig control does it for you. And with regard that, the
> N3FJP software doesn't properly pick up digital modes anyway ... if you
> switch the rig to RTTY or PSK you have to manually type in the new mode
> when you make the change. It isn't even available as a drop-down selection.
>
> Also, the original requester wanted to key the K3 from the N3FJP FD
> logger using various message macros. That's certainly possible, but if
> I remember correctly (I could be wrong) there is no full-time display to
> show which function keys hold which messages. You'd need a paper crib
> sheet to educate each new operator. With N1MM, the macros can be sent
> from the function keys, but they are also accessible as on-screen mouse
> buttons that display text to help you remember which one to click on.
>
> One of the coolest benefits of rig control with a competent program like
> N1MM, however, is the band map capability. Even without packet feeds,
> the bandmap can show you stations displayed by frequency ... the ones
> you've already worked are shown in gray text and the ones you had
> previously flagged to try later show up in color. Clicking on a
> callsign automatically resets the rig to that frequency. That's a neat
> feature for the average Field Day operator that is don't mostly
> search-and-pounce.
>
> Besides, the various operators don't need to know how to set up N1MM.
> Once it is installed, and without the bells and whistles turned on, in
> my opinion it is as simple to use as N3FJP with less chance for human error.
>
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
>
> R. Kevin Stover wrote:
>
>> Writelog and N1MM are both more powerful software packages but how much
>> power do you need for field day? We're not talking about dedicated CQ WW
>> teams who get together and practice using software for three months
>> prior. For the most part FJP's FD logger gets used by folks on field day
>> who "contest" once per year. They have neither the time nor inclination
>> to learn something like N1MM.
>>
>> I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during field day.
>>
>>
>> Jim Brown wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have
>>> lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they
>>> are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I
>>> started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a
>>> few years ago and like it better.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>

Julius Fazekas n2wn

Re: N3FJP FD Logger

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

It's also much easier to add RTTY to the mix. I ran CW, RTTY and SSB with N1MM in ARI, 7QP and NEQP a couple weekends back.

My next step is to be able to d the same with my laptop.

Heck, add the new 2M module and you can do almost everything from one rig for FD...

Now we need Eric to release that new internal K3 24 hour battery ;o)

I think if you're serious about contesting, and "competing" on FD, a logging program is the only way to go, even QRP. There's nothing wrong with going minimalist either, paper and pencil and spinning knobs is fun too. It depends on what your goal is...

I like N1MM, but others swear by the software they use. Try N1MM, it's free. If you don't like it, there are other options, free and for a reasonable (in software terms) price.

73,
Julius

David Gilbert wrote

For one thing, if you're jumping back and forth between CW and SSB it's
nice to have the computer log the mode appropriately ... it's pretty
easy for any operator to forget to change the mode manually each and
every time. Rig control does it for you. And with regard that, the
N3FJP software doesn't properly pick up digital modes anyway ... if you
switch the rig to RTTY or PSK you have to manually type in the new mode
when you make the change. It isn't even available as a drop-down selection.

Also, the original requester wanted to key the K3 from the N3FJP FD
logger using various message macros. That's certainly possible, but if
I remember correctly (I could be wrong) there is no full-time display to
show which function keys hold which messages. You'd need a paper crib
sheet to educate each new operator. With N1MM, the macros can be sent
from the function keys, but they are also accessible as on-screen mouse
buttons that display text to help you remember which one to click on.

One of the coolest benefits of rig control with a competent program like
N1MM, however, is the band map capability. Even without packet feeds,
the bandmap can show you stations displayed by frequency ... the ones
you've already worked are shown in gray text and the ones you had
previously flagged to try later show up in color. Clicking on a
callsign automatically resets the rig to that frequency. That's a neat
feature for the average Field Day operator that is don't mostly
search-and-pounce.

Besides, the various operators don't need to know how to set up N1MM.
Once it is installed, and without the bells and whistles turned on, in
my opinion it is as simple to use as N3FJP with less chance for human error.

Dave AB7E

R. Kevin Stover wrote:
> Writelog and N1MM are both more powerful software packages but how much
> power do you need for field day? We're not talking about dedicated CQ WW
> teams who get together and practice using software for three months
> prior. For the most part FJP's FD logger gets used by folks on field day
> who "contest" once per year. They have neither the time nor inclination
> to learn something like N1MM.
>
> I'm wondering why anybody would "need" rig control during field day.
>
>
> Jim Brown wrote:
>
>
>> Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have
>> lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they
>> are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I
>> started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a
>> few years ago and like it better.
>>
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
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Julius Fazekas
N2WN

Tennessee Contest Group
http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html

Tennessee QSO Party
http://www.tnqp.org/

Elecraft K2 #4455
Elecraft K3/100 #366
Elecraft K3/100