There are significant changes to SD every few weeks. The latest version may be downloaded from http://www.ei5di.com

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Version 15.61 4th May 2012

QSO Rates:
Actual QSO rates, at the time the QSO was logged, are now shown when using the arrow keys as if to edit QSOs. Off times are ignored in the calculations.

You can have fun searching logs to find your best rates for the Last 10 and Last 100 QSOs.

Applies to logs from V15.00 or later.

General-Purpose Templates:
Added three templates (CW, SSB and Mixed) for events where you send a fixed exchange but no serial, and where you're not worried about tracking multipliers.

This applies typically to North American QSO Parties when two or more take place at the same time.

KPC Contest:
Added full support - www.kpctest.ru Thanks RM3P.

Serials Sent:
This modification reduces the possibility of points being lost by inadvertently sending an incorrect serial in CW events.

In contests with serials, SD displays the current serial (the one for your next QSO) on the logging line, regardless of whether you have typed anything in any field of the QSO.

In CW contests, it is sometimes necessary to repeat a Serial Sent after a QSO has been logged. Until now, the test for sending the "previous" serial (the one just logged) was an empty callsign field in the logging line (the next QSO).

This test is not appropriate when you have already entered a Serial Received or, more specifically, have typed any printable character in the Callsign, RST, or any exchange field for the current QSO. In such cases, SD now sends the current serial - even when you have edited or, perhaps, cleared those characters in the meantime.

To fully reset, or wipe a QSO, use Minus or F11 as usual. When repeating an exchange, SD then sends the previous serial.

Thanks GM3SEK.

Holyland Contest:
Restored double points on 40, 80 and 160m.

Fixed missing Area character in Cabrillo logs - thanks G3RSD.

LZ Open:
The exchange sent by the keyer was wrong. Fixed - thanks SM0OY.

Version 15.60 1st April 2012

IOTA Contest:
Updated for 2012 scoring revisions.

Callsign Reference (.LST) Files:
SD automatically loads appropriate .LST files (supplied with SD) as follows.
CW Open and CWOps Mini Tests - CWOPS.LST.
FOC Marathon and FOC QSO Party - FOC.LST.
RDA Contest - RDA.LST.

In all other events SD loads your default .LST file. This is the one you most recently loaded, if any, with the LOAD command, and its name is held in the SD_LOAD record in your SD.INI file.

The CLEAR command clears all callsign reference data already loaded, and the SD_LOAD record. Thanks K4GM.

WinKey:
V15.59 didn't always recognise WinKey at startup. Fixed.

Rig Control:
When enabled, the B40 (and other) band-change commands did not work if the rig had not previously been switched to the corresponding band. Fixed.

POLLTIME and LINKTIME settings: These were set to fixed values, dependent upon your BPS setting, each time SD was started. Now, user-selected values are preserved in SD.INI.

If rig control is not working fully with your rig, here's what you should try - assuming the PORTS command has already been used to define the appropriate COM port for your rig.

1. Set the BPS to the maximum supported by your rig - and ensure your rig is set to the same value (if variable).

2. Set POLLTIME to 1000 and LINKTIME to 800. Use the STATUS command to confirm the settings.

3. Confirm that rig control is working. If not, there is a separate issue. If working, reduce LINKTIME until rig control fails. Then increase LINKTIME by 25% or so, and confirm that rig control is restored - and the frequency displays correctly even when continuously turning the VFO dial.

4. Reduce POLLTIME until rig control fails, then increase it by 25% or so and confirm that rig control is restored. Note that lower values of POLLTIME make rig-contol more responsive, in terms of how quickly the frequency display is updated.

Thanks G4CWH.

Logging EI5DI:
There's not much point in being the author of a contest logger and not using it to your advantage. With this in mind, any time you work me all you need to type is EI - SD expands it to EI5DI. Further, if you hear someone calling with "dit didit" on its own, you'll know it's me. Just enter EI to log the full call.

This is not an April Fool item! It has been an undocumented feature in SD for some time.

Version 15.59 1st March 2012

WAPC - Worked all Provinces of China:
Added direct support for both sides of this new event. SD is unrestricted in WAPC, with no need for any users to register or have an up-to-date key file:

CQIR - Ireland Calling:
This event takes place on St. Patrick's Day, 17th March, to celebrate 80 years of IRTS. SD is unrestricted in CQIR, with no need for any users to register or have an up-to-date key file.

Russian stations in RDXC, which overlaps with CQIR, send a 2-character district code instead of a serial. SD's serial field is truncated to two characters when appropriate.

Unrestricted Contest Options:
In addition to WAPC and CQIR, SD is now unrestricted, and free to everyone, in the following contests - no need to register.
RSGB Commonwealth (BERU)
CW Open
CWops Mini Tests
FOC Marathon
FOC QSO Party
IRTS 80m Counties
INORC Contest

Dupe Checking:
When using rig control in contests with 5 or fewer bands, dupe checking failed after switching the rig to an unused band. Fixed, thanks EI7GY.

WinKey:
At times, after running for a couple of hours, the WPM display from WinKey will freeze - even though the actual speed may be changed as normal. The WKINIT command fixes this problem.

DARC 10m Contest:
Fixed Cabrillo format - thanks DK9TN.

Version 15.58 10th February 2012

RSGB 1.8 Mhz Contests:
I got confused about the two events (February and November) in V15.57.

The February event is CW, SSB or Mixed-mode, and DX entrants work UK only. The November event is CW only, and everyone works everyone with the exception that non-EU entrants work EU only.

Separate templates (UK and DX) are supplied for the February event - they each support both CW and SSB, with no need to specify the entry category in advance of creating your Cabrillo log with SDCHECK.

A single template, for both UK and DX, is supplied for the November event - CW only.

Version 15.57 2nd February 2012

RSGB 1.8 Mhz Contests:
Templates updated. The February event is CW only, and DX entrants work UK only. There are separate templates for UK and DX entrants.

For the November event, everyone works everyone (except that non-EU entrants work EU only). Separate templates are supplied for CW, SSB and Mixed-mode entries. Separate templates for UK and DX are not required.

CQIR - Ireland Calling 2012:
Added support. This contest celebrates the 80th anniversary of IRTS - 17/18 March 2012.

Score Window:
Did not always update immediately when QSOs were logged. Fixed.

IC-9100:
IC9100.SD control file supplied. Thanks PD9FER

CQ Zones - BY, China:
Fixed autofill of correct Zones in CQWW.

Version 15.56 1st December 2011

CQWW:
Edits to a callsign, before logging the QSO and after tabbing from the zone field, caused the first digit of the zone to be deleted. Fixed, thanks GM4SID.

Stew Perry Contest:
Logs could not be reloaded. Fixed, thanks OK1ARO.

Version 15.55 18th November 2011

All Austria 160m Contest:
SDCHECK updated to permit DX (non-OE) entrants to specify "--" when no district code is sent, to comply with the Cabrillo specs for this event.

Version 15.54 9th November 2011

RSGB Club Calls:
Now set up for 160m SSB, and not 80m CW as in V15.53. Thanks G0VQR.

Version 15.53 9th November 2011

RSGB Club Calls:
Added support.

Version 15.52 3rd November 2011

ARRL SS:
Fixed bug in logging 3-character Section codes. This bug also prevented SS logs from being reloaded.

CQWW - Scoring:

NA QSOs from VE were scored incorrectly due to an error (wrong continent) in the VE record in CQWW.CTY. Fixed - thanks VE2BR.

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest - November:

Added tepmpates (UK and non-UK) for new scoring, with support for non-UK stations in Europe to work everyone, not just the UK.

CWops Mini Tests:

Template updated to support all-bands.

Version 15.51 12th September 2011

Rig Control:
Updated for Icom, and tested on an Icom IC-735 at 1200 BPS.

RSGB 2nd 1.8 MHz Contest:

Updated for new rules. 2 points per QSO, with country and district code bonuses for all - except that non-EU may work EU only.

CW Open:

SD generated a spurious 000 serial on occasion. Fixed - thanks K8JP.

Editing QSOs:

The option to edit a QSO directly by entering the QSO number was broken. Fixed, thanks VK4TT.

Version 15.50 19th August 2011

IARU HF Contest - ADIF File:
HQ station abbreviations were truncated to 2 characters. Fixed, thanks 5P0O.

RDA Contest:

Updated RDA.LST file supplied - 26,300 records.

Restored automatic loading of this file at startup in the RDA contest - thanks ES5EP.

SD pre-fills the district code on a callsign match.

Increased the record limit for .LST files from 20,000 to 32,000.

For information - Rig Control:

Problems have been reported by Icom users in all versions since V15.46. For the moment, all I can say is there are no problems with my K3 using Kenwood rig-control parameters - at any supported baud rate.

Version 15.49 12th August 2011

RSGB 80m Sprint:

The .ALL file was corrupted when reloaded in SD, and the Cabrillo file from SDCHECK was formatted incorrectly. Fixed.

The mode was not always the mode selected at startup. Fixed, thanks G4RCG

Version 15.48 3rd August 2011

Rig Control:

With rig control enabled, F11 and F12 change bands - in corresponding directions to the band listings in the Score Window. They work only when all QSO fields are empty (apart from RST).

Otherwise, the features of F11 and F12 are unchanged. F11 deletes (wipes) an unlogged QSO without updating Quick Memory - whereas Minus also updates Quick Memory. F12 silently logs a QSO when ESM is enabled, in contrast to Enter which logs the QSO and plays the ESM message.

The "old" band-change commands, B80, B20 etc. may still be used to switch directly to any band supported in the contest.

Using the DXpedition template, band changes on the rig to WARC bands caused a spurious QSO to be logged with the corresponding command (B30, B17, B12) as the callsign. Fixed - thanks PA0JNH.

Direct Frequency Entry:
Fractions of a kHz are supported, to one or two decimal places. For example, 3510.2, followed by Enter, tunes the rig to 3510.20 kHz. 14234.56 tunes to 14234.56 kHz.

CW Message Playback:

The Alt-F1 to Alt-F8 CW options have been removed - no one seems to use them.

Alt-F1 and Alt-F2 now change bands in the same way as F11 and F12 above. This is intended to help contesters who have been weaned on some other contest loggers, and are new to SD.

INS/OVR Data Entry Mode:

When INS mode was selected, it reverted to OVR mode after each QSO. Fixed - thanks LA8OM.

Version 15.47 27th July 2011

IOTA Contest:

IOTA11.LST (supplied with this version) holds calls and IOTA references for announced DXpeditions in the 2011 IOTA Contest. Use SD's LOAD command to make use of this data.

Thanks: www.ng3k.com/misc/iota2011.html
www.iota-expedition.com/IOTA2011/iota2011.html

On a matching call in IOTA11.LST, the corresponding IOTA reference is pre-filled on the logging line. However, after entering the serial, the pre-filled reference disappeared, and had to be typed. Fixed.

Post-Contest Logging Mode:

QSO frequencies default to the lower band edge, regardless of mode, as with all QSOs logged without rig control. Thanks G4DDX.

Version 15.46 13th July 2011

IOTA Contest:

Non-island stations, in countries with one or more IOTA islands, could be logged with a spurious IOTA Reference. Fixed, thanks LA8OM.

ZAP Command:

When reloading a log, SD did not delete QSOs marked with the /Z suffix. As a result, subsequent ZAP commands failed. Fixed, thanks LA3ZA.

All contests:

SD now defaults to an expanded desktop, with the Check Partial data shown below the logging line. The EXPAND comand toggles this option.

SCP (Super Check Partial) is another default option, using MASTER.DTA which is distributed with SD. This file contains the calls of all contesters who are active in major events. Other reference subsets may be downloaded from supercheckpartial.com. They must be named MASTER.DTA in the SD folder, otherwise SD will not find them.

If you prefer not to use SCP, toggle it with the SCP command.

Rig Control:

In mixed-mode events, band changes on the rig occasionally caused a spurious mode or sideband change on the new band. Fixed, thanks EI7GY.

The RS (Reverse Sideband) command in 15.45 has been replaced by the X (eXchange) command - it's faster. SD now tracks the most recently selected sideband on each band, independently for both CW and SSB, whether switched on the rig itself or from SD with the X command. Note that not all rigs support alternate sidebands on CW.

As you return to each band, SD reverts to the previously used sideband and mode. When a band has not been used previously in the current session, the frequency defaults to near the lower band edge.

When you enter frequencies directly, the rig is switched to the appropriate sideband on SSB. For CW frequencies, the sideband is set to your preference, normal or reverse, as set by the CWREVERSE command.

IARU HF Championship:

Although 3-digit zones can not be logged directly, this could happen when editing earlier QSOs. In these circumstances, SD would not reload the log. Fixed, thanks TF8GX.

Version 15.45 4th July 2011

Rig Control - CW:

Updated SD's behaviour when changing mode to CW, with rig control enabled. Thanks EI7GY.

When you change mode, from SSB to CW, on the rig, the CW sideband remains at whatever it was set to previously on the band concerned.

When you use SD to change mode to CW (with the C command), the CW sideband is set to your preferred option in SD.INI - as defined by the CWREVERSE command when last used.

The RS command (Reverse Sideband) has been introduced to instantly change CW sideband - this is often faster than doing it on the rig itself.

Why should anyone worry about reverse sideband on CW? There are two reasons. The first is to reduce QRM (it doesn't always work), and the second is for consistency - depending on whether you're tuning up or down the band.

Rig Control:

When enabled, and your rig is tuned to any band not permitted in the contest concerned, SD requests you to switch bands on the rig.

Allowable bands are defined by the MAXBAND and MINBAND, or SINGLEBAND parameters in each template. These parameters are not required for any contest using all 6 HF bands.

DXpedition and Special Event Option:

This is the only option for logging on the WARC non-contest bands, and on 6 metres. With recent versions of SD, when switching to these bands, the cursor would not stay in the callsign field until minus was pressed. Fixed, thanks PA0JNH.

Version 15.44 1st July 2011

Check Partial - EXPAND Command:

This command expands SD's desktop and window beyond the former limit of 25 rows and 80 columns.

The main purpose is to enable Check Partial (and SCP) calls to be placed below the callsign field on the logging line because it helps to have this information close by.

SD checks callsign for dupes as they are typed. However, when no check partial display is visible, you know the call will not be dupe - perhaps after only two or three characters have been typed

If this has never been an issue for you, there may be no reason to use EXPAND. Note that you may have to maximise the window to see it in full.

You can move the cursor to the Check Partial calls with Down Arrow, and then navigate with the arrow keys. Enter retrieves a highlighted call. Note that "dupe" calls are not highlighted, and can not be retrieved.

When there is a single, non-dupe, callsign listed, either arrow key (Up or Down) will instantly retrieve it - ready for logging. This is often faster than typing the remainder of the call.

Reminder: Comma toggles the partial list between "anywhere" and "prefix only". Full Stop (period) changes the list to "suffix only". Please try this for yourself - most users don't know about it.

If the expanded desktop window does not fit on your display, use the information on SD's opening screen to adjust your font and window size as appropriate - experiment with Lucida Console font sizes.

Full-screen operation is not supported, and the BORDER command is discontinued.

IOTA Contest:

Improved the display of island references as calls and prefixes are typed. For example, G, on its own, instantly shows all possible IOTA references for England, together with their multiplier status on the current band and mode. Add M to see the equivalent for Scotland. This feature was standard in SDI, but had not been fully implemented when IOTA support was added to SD.

To check the multiplier status for a specific island reference on the current band and mode, type the reference in the callsign field - redundant zeros are not required. For example, type EU1. If it's a multiplier, "M" appears above, and your multiplier status for EU001 (Dodecanese) on all bands, and both modes, appears below. No other contest logger does this. Add 2 to see your status for Shetlands EU012, and add 3 for Scottish Coastal Islands EU123.

Multiplier slots are highlighted. Use Esc or Minus to clear the IOTA reference and multiplier analysis.

CVA DX Contest (Brasil):

Added support for both sides.

US Counties QSO Party:

Added support. http://marac.org/contests.htm

California QSO Party CQP:

Removed RST from the logging screen, and from Cabrillo QSO records. Thanks AD6E.

Rig Control - Changing Mode:

Mode changes on the rig did not change SD's mode. Fixed, thanks EI7GY.

All Asian Contest:

Age was treated as a serial, and logged and displayed with a leading zero. Fixed.

Age is prefilled when callsigns, worked earlier, are typed.

Key Files - Opening Earlier Logs:

At times, SD V15.43 reported a problem and started in DEMO mode. Fixed - thanks LY2N.

Band Edits:

They worked on-screen, but QSOs were not updated - due to broken code since V15.00 when the QSO record format was changed. Fixed, thanks WB3BSA.

Following band edits, QSO frequencies are set to the lower band edges - even when rig control is enabled.

Version 15.43 9th June 2011

CW Open Contest:

Added support. This is a new event from the CW Operators Club, and it takes place on 20/21 August - www.cwops.org/cwopen.html

LOAD the CWOPS.LST file, maintained by K8JP and distributed with SD, or combine it with any other .LST file you use to display names on a callsign match.

CQMM DX Contest:

SDCHECK updated to place 0 (zero) in column 81 of each QSO record - the CQMM robot rejects QSO records otherwise.

#N (Name) Keyer Parameter:

Restored - thanks WA9AQN.

Key Files:

Broken code caused SD to start in DEMO mode after the expiry date (for updates) of the key file, even though that version of SD had been installed, and was running, before the expiry date. Fixed, thanks EI7GY.

SDCHECK:

Cabrillo - restored the summary of zone and county multipliers by band and mode. Note, this summary is exclusive to SD, and is not required by contest organisers.

Fixed the Claimed Score field in Cabrillo logs.

For some contests with country multipliers, SDCHECK reported errors in the .CTY file. Fixed.

MQP - Maritime QSO Party:

Fixed the scoring - thanks VE3ZZ.

Version 15.42 18th May 2011

All Contests:

The fix for frequencies in V15.41 was not complete. In cetain cases QSOs could be recorded on the wrong band, and band edits on previous QSOs (to change band with F1 or F2) would not be written to the log, even though everything appeared normal on-screen.

Version 15.41 15th May 2011

All Contests:

Due to broken code in V15.40, some frequencies were not included in QSO records when rig control was enabled, but the rig was not physically connected.

Version 15.40 13th May 2011

All Contests:

SD's .ALL files now record QSO frequencies (receive frequency, which may differ from your transmit frequency) to one hundreth of a kHz - or 10 Hz. Without rig control, the logged frequency is the lower band edge, for example 14000.00.

Both SD and SDCHECK automatically convert earlier V15 files as they are loaded. Cabrillo logs are unchanged - the frequency is recorded in kHz only.

Older .ALL files, from V14 and earlier, are no longer supported.

CQMM DX Contest:

DXCC countries were counted as mults on each band rather than once only. Fixed.

FOC QSO Party:

Fixed auto-fill of Name and Number on matching calls. When you edit the pre- filled data, the edited exchange is retained when worked on another band.

Version 15.39 11th April 2011

CQMM DX Contest:

Added full support, with all QSOs scored correctly, and multipliers identified - South American prefixes by band, and DXCC countries (once only regardless of band).

A South American QSOs may count as both a prefix and a country multiplier.

SDCHECK updated to generate the Cabrillo log to the required V3.0 standard.

DXpedition & Special Events:

Improved the real-time 10-band analysis of worked/wanted by mode and country as prefixes are typed and, for matching calls, the list of previous QSOs by band. Thanks PA0JNH.

In addition, for matching calls, QSO totals are shown to the right of the callsign field.

Version 15.38 4th April 2011

RSGB RoPoCo - SSB:

RST Sent defaulted to 599. Fixed.

Cabrillo log - Restored RoPoCo Sent in QSO records.

Version 15.37 3rd April 2011

SPDX Contest:

SO2R, a valid Polish call, clashed with SD's SO2R command (for enabling 2-rig control). The SO2R command has been changed to 2R. Thanks EI7GY & DL9ZWG.

Version 15.36 2nd April 2011

RSGB RoPoCo:

Separate template files supplied for CW and SSB events.

Fixed the display of RST for SSB - shown as 599 for the first QSO.

Version 15.35 1st April 2011

International Naval Contest:

Fixed the scoring. Thanks I7ALE.

Commonwealth Contest:

Fixed the Bonus analysis in SDCHECK. Thanks VP8NO.

Updated all CTY files:

Version 15.34 1st March 2011

RSGB Commonwealth Contest:

Broken code meant that bonus QSOs were not tracked correctly - fixed.

Check Partial:

Now shows all callsigns containing the partial call, regardless of position within the call. Previously, only matches on prefix were shown.

Check Partial by suffix, using full stop, is still available, but is effectively redundant.

In ARRL DX, check partial did not work for calls beginning with a valid state or province abbreviation, such as AB or NY. Fixed - thanks GM4SID.

Logs not loading:

Logs for events with no 160m, such as UBA and BERU, would not load when the most recent band used in a previous contest was 160m. Fixed.

WIA (John Moyle) Field Day:

Added templates for the CW, and the Phone/Mixed sections.

REF Contest:

The TK prefix (Corsica) was missing from the REF.MLT file. Thanks WB3BSA.

AUTOFILL COMMAND:

With S&P mode in ESM, and with the cursor in the exchange field, your own call is sent only when the field is empty. The AUTOFILL command prevented SD from pre-filling the exchange field.

This command has been broken for some time and is now discontinued. Use F5 to send your own call, in S&P mode, when the exchange field is not empty.

Version 15.33 18th February 2011

RSGB Commonwealth Contest:

Broken code meant that bonus QSOs were not tracked correctly - fixed.

Country Multipliers:

As you type prefixes, SD shows the multiplier status of all countries, for the current band, in the corresponding continent. F4 and F5 let you see the same analyis for other bands and continents. This was broken in V15.31, and is now fixed.

One obscure effect, which seems to be related, is that your QSO total, in the score window, may not update for a few seconds after a QSO has been logged - even though band and score totals do update immediately.

SSA Manadstest:

Updated the template file to permit operation on both 40m and 80m. Thanks SM1TDE.

DEMO Command:

This is not related to contest logging in any way, but I needed a simple way of turning text into CW for demonstration purposes - where a volunteer types a question, and I answer it after listening to the code.

The DEMO command brings up a screen inviting the user to type some text, followed by Enter. The corresponding code is then generated by WinKey - WinKey is required for this feature to work.

A second Enter clears the field, ready for another piece of text. If nothing is typed, Enter returns SD to the logging screen.

Version 15.32 9th February 2011

FOC Marathon:

On lookup by membership number, you get an immediate worked/wanted band analysis below the number, and Dupe appears above the number if the call would be a dupe.

In either case, just by typing the membership number, you see which bands are needed with that member. Enter substitutes the callsign for the number.

This works also for FOCQP and CWops. It will be extended to all events using membership numbers.

Band/Mult Summary:

Corrected some display errors for mixed-mode events.

Vermont QSO Party:

Added templates and reference files for both sides.

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest:

Updated templates and improved the Score window, especially for mixed mode.

Missing Template:

Fixed the spurious "Missing Template" error message when restarting an empty contest log. It was caused by abandoning a log before getting to the logging screen.

CQ160m Contest:

Restored the LOCATION: tag for Cabrillo logs.

What happened to V15.31?

Released, but not announced, on 5th February with some of the above features - V15.32 improves or fixes them.

Version 15.30 28th January 2011

UBA Contest:

Updated UBA.CTY file - fixes scoring errors with certain non-European Union countries in the continent of Europe. Thanks LA6KOA.

Fixed data entry for ON stations already worked - the province was pre-filled in the serial position.

NOTE: SD does not track or score Belgian prefix multipliers at present. The Dupe Sheet (by band) option in SDCHECK makes it easy to count these prefixes, and revise your claimed score.

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest:

Separate templates are supplied for CW, SSB and Mixed operation in both the UK and Overseas sections (6 templates in total).

If you're not sure, in advance, about which section to enter, select the Mixed option.

The Mixed option tracks CW and SSB bonuses independently. As you type prefixes, SD instantly displays the bonus status (both modes) and, for UK stations worked earlier, the district code bonus status on the other mode. For example, type D to see your bonus status for Germany - no other key is needed.

REF Contest:

New template supplied for the DX side.

Earlier V15 versions of SD should not be used in this event

Template Parameters:

SINGLEBAND, MINBAND, and MAXBAND parameters added. These improve all relevant windows and analyses by band.

The TOPBAND parameter is now obsolete.

NOTE: Many templates have been updated. Results may be unpredictable if they are used with earlier versions of SD.

Band/Mult Summary:

As callsign characters are typed, a mult summary for that prefix (country mults) or callsign (country or district mults) is shown under the callsign.

This is not a new feature but it has been simplified and improved, especially for single-band mixed-mode events - including the RSGB 1.8 MHz contest.

You instantly see which band/mode slots are needed, for mults or otherwise.

The bands needed as mults are shown in blue. Band/Mode slots already worked are shown in black. The current band/mode slot (also black) has a contrasting background.

In addition, a QSO count (including the current QSO) is shown for any station worked on other bands - so that you can say or send "Thanks for X QSOs" - without having to count the bands shown underneath in black. Press F9 to see full details of earlier QSOs.

Voice Keyer:

When playing .WAV voice messages, automatic assert and release of PTT can be useful.

If a COM port has been assigned for SD's internal CW keyer (regardless of whether it is used for CW), it may be used for PTT for both CW and SSB.

If WinKey is in use, a separate COM port is required to control PTT. Use the SSBPORT parameter in SD.INI for this purpose. You must edit SD.INI directly - there is no integrated option in SD.

This feature has not been tested.

Version 15.29 14th January 2011

RSGB AFS Contest:

At times, the RST logged did not correspond to the mode selected at startup. Fixed. Thanks M0GJH.

Template Files:

Added the SINGLEBAND parameter. It is used to suppress the band/county multiplier and band/call analyses which are not relevant in single-band events - including RSGB AFS.

Version 15.28 14th January 2011

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest:

Templates and code updated to support mixed- mode.

Note: You select your entry mode when creating your Cabrillo log, and not when starting the new log with SD. This way, you can change your mind about your entry category during the contest

NAQP:

Fixed errors in editing, reloading, and in Cabrillo.

Initial Mode:

At startup, the mode defaulted to last mode used (as stored in SD.INI), and not to the rig's mode - if different. Fixed.

Version 15.27 9th December 2010

AGB Party:

Addded template and support. Exchange is serial & membership number, or Serial only for non-members.

Serial & membership number may be entered as a single field when A is typed between the two numbers. For example, 23A48 (followed by Enter) is logged as 023 A48 in the respective fields.

Country multipliers are not tracked. This is unlikely to be a problem in a single- band 80m contest.

Use the SETDUPE command, at the beginning of each 15-minute period to reset dupe checking. Do not reset multiplier checking.

SDCHECK creates a log in Cabrillo format. Note that Cabrillo makes no provision for recording multipliers or points at individual QSO level - regardless of what may be required by contest rules.

WW PMC:

Corrected the opening screen for new logs. You are asked for your Zone or PMC Code.

Version 15.26 7th December 2010

AUDIT to .TXT File:

Toggled by the AUDIT command. This is an separate (from the .AUD file) additional, simplified text audit file which includes callsign reference data from any associated .LST file. It is useful as a record of club members worked.

This option was broken in V15.00. Fixed. Thanks G4BJM.

General Purpose Templates:

There are now two sets of general-purpose templates, for use in most contests with no multipliers - and for which a dedicated template has not been supplied.

The first set is for events where you exchange serials only (apart from RST).


No Mults - CW
No Mults - SSB
No Mults - Mixed

SD still tracks countries by band/mode, as appropriate, because it's often useful to know, but ignores country totals for scoring purposes.

The second set is for events where you exchange at least two data elements, one of which may be a serial - for example, Serial & Name, or Serial & Membership No.


General - CW
General - SSB
General - Mixed

The data elements must be separated by Space. If the first element is numeric, SD assumes it is a serial and inserts leading zeros, as appropriate, when the QSO is logged. Countries are not tracked.

If you're not sure which template to use for a specific event, try as many as you need, and observe what happens. You can change QSO points by editing the relevant template (.TPL) file at any time - even after the contest. Template file names are held in TEMPLATE.TXT. Please experiment, and let me know if you develop new templates.

SDV:

SDV is free and is suitable for the vast majority of RSGB VHF contests.

From 2011, Large Square multipliers count only for QSOs with UK stations.

SDV V14.31 has been updated accordingly. In general, SDV is not supported - whether in terms of bug fixes or enhancements, and that's why it is free.

Version 15.25 6th December 2010

ARRL 10m Contest:

Fixed multiplier totals, by mode, in the Score Window.

Removed redundant "State or Province" question in the SDCHECK Cabrillo option.

In the Cabrillo log, Mexican abbreviations showed two characters, not three. Fixed.

ARRL 160m Contest:

LOCATION: tag added to the Cabrillo header records.

Version 15.24 1st December 2010

CQWW Cabrillo Files:

The LOCATION: (Zone) tag has been added to the header records. Thanks NF5Y.

Key File - SD.KEY:

Any key file issues, when starting SD, are now reported in plain English. A reminder that key files do not expire but, after 12 months, they go out-of-date in terms of their ability to activate new versions.

Lost or damaged key files are not replaced. You should backup and print your file so that it may be restored or recreated when needed.

Version 15.23 18th November 2010

CQWW - Russian & Chinese Zones:

Updated to show the correct CQ and ITU Zones for Russian and Chinese callsigns.

Rig Control:

Fixed direct frequency input for Yaesu FT950, FT2000, FT5000 and FT9000 range - and this time it has been tested on an FT2000.

A reminder that, after a frequency change, you can return to your original frequency by pressing F10 twice.

ESM in S&P Mode:

For dupe callsigns, nothing should be sent following Enter - and the same applies to an empty exchange field. Thanks NF5Y.

ARRL SS:

Dupes could not be logged. Fixed, thanks NF5Y.

Version 15.22 28th October 2010

Rig Control:

Broken code in V15.20 meant that rig control was not enabled automatically at startup. Fixed - thanks PA0JNH.

Version 15.21 27th October 2010

LOAD Command:

The automatic LOAD, at startup, was broken. Fixed.

CQWW Zones (USA):

Zone exceptions are hard-coded by callsign.

Version 15.20 22nd October 2010

PORTS Command:

Simplified - there is no longer any reference to a second radio unless an SO2R command (it's new) is used. A corresponding SO2R parameter in held in the SD.INI file.

Template Parameters:

Added the REPLACE_RST template parameter, for events (with no RST) in which a district code, or anything else, is entered before a serial. In effect, the district code replaces RST.

Added the DUPETIME parameter - indicating the number of minutes after which contacts with the same station/band/mode will not be flagged as dupes. Used in the LZ Open and Dnieper Cup contests.

SDCHECK:

In contests with country multipliers, the Multiplier Summary and the Print option did not display the default prefixes for each multiplier. Fixed, thanks 5P0O.

Logging Callsigns:

Esc now clears any multplier indicators or the word "Dupe", as appropriate, when used to clear a callsign. Thanks 5P0O.

Zone/District Mult Window:

After a band change, the multiplier window was not updated. Fixed - thanks EA5ARC.

WAG Contest:

When reloading a log, multipliers were not tracked. Fixed.

ILQP and other QSO Parties:

Callsigns with the /R or /M prefix are not dupe-checked. This facilitates stations operating from county boundaries, or from more than one county. In these circumstances, SD does not flag "genuine" dupes - those with the same call/mode/county.

Dnieper Cup:

Addd support - it is similar to the LZ Open in that stations may be worked again after 30 minutes. SD displays a separate countdown timer for each station, and highlights those that have become available to work within the last 10 minutes.

Version 15.19 25th September 2010

ARRL SS:

Broken code caused reloads to fail. Fixed. Thanks NF5Y.

MCC Maritime QSO Party:

Added support, with templates and multiplier files, for both sides (Maritime and Others).

SYLRA Contest:

Added support, but not for RTTY.

NRRL Fylkestest:

County multiplier file updated. Thanks F/LA6GF.

Version 15.18 7th September 2010

RSGB CC:

When starting a new log, the mode defaulted to CW and could not be changed to SSB. Fixed - thanks M0JWB.

DXpedition Mode:

Earlier QSOs were not listed on a callsign match. Fixed - thanks PA0JNH.

WinKey:

Broken code made it impossible to enable WinKey (using the WINKEY command) without first deleting the SD.INI file. Fixed.

TRCDX Contest:

Added support - with multiplier and template files, and hard-coded scoring. Tracking of TRC DXCC multiplier QSOs is not supported. Thanks LZ1YE.

Version 15.17 3rd September 2010

YODX Contest:

When using SD's keying, whether internal or WinKey, the Serial Sent was incorrect.

Caused by the omission of the SENDSERIAL: Y parameter in the corresponding template. Thanks GM4SID.

SDCHECK - DXpedition Mode:

ADIF records showed incorrect frequencies for 20m QSOs. Fixed - thanks GM4ZUK.

WW PMC Contest:

Updated for latest rules and exchange.

Version 15.16 9th August 2010

WAE Contest:

Fixed QTC tracking and logging for non-EU logs. Thanks VK4TT.

Maryland-DC QSO Party:

Added support for both sides of this event.

SDCHECK - IOTA:

In the Cabrillo file, restored the analysis of QSOs and mults by band and mode. Thanks EI7GY.

Fixed the "Multiplier Summary" and "Print File" options - IOTA references were not shown in full. Thanks OZ4ZT.

Version 15.15 22nd July 2010

IOTA Contest:

Tidying up a few loose ends before the contest.

When you're operating from an island, your own IOTA Reference is shown underneath the serial on the logging line (in case you forget).

It is now cleared any time the band/mode mult analysis appears.

When you type an IOTA Reference in the callsign field, you get a corresponding band/mode analysis - with slots needed in blue. This was broken in V15.14.

Version 15.14 21st July 2010

IOTA Contest:

Fixed multiplier scoring, and the display of mults by band and mode beneath the callsign.

Fixed autofill of IOTA References on a callsign match with .LST file records.

IOTA.LST, an up-to-date DXpedition call reference list, is included. It may be combined with your usual LST file, using NotePad, or loaded separately with the LOAD command.

A reminder that you may change mode with the C(W) and S(SB) commands. Without rig control, you can change band with B80, B40 etc. or 80M, 40M etc. commands. The former combined comands, such as 20C (change to 20m CW) have been removed - this applies to all contest options.

SCAG Sprint:

On a matching callsign, the full .LST data, Number and Name, is placed in the exchange field.

Don't forget to LOAD the SCAG.LST file included (Thanks SM3CER). SD asks you which LST file you want to load - type SCAG, not SCAG.LST.

Version 15.13 20th July 2010

Mode:

In contests which permit either mode, the "Mode Now ?" question at startup has been removed, and your mode defaults to the last mode used - held in the SD_CWSSB parameter in SD.INI. If your log has previous QSOs, the mode is set to the same as the last QSO logged.

If rig control is enabled, the mode will follow the rig's setting in contests which permit mixed mode operation. Use the C(W) or S(SB) commands to change the rig's mode.

If the contest is single mode, SD will remain in this mode regardless of the rig's mode. Note that, in contests which permit both CW and SSB, you define your entry category when you create your Cabrillo log, and not when you start the contest.

IARU HF Contest:

Broken code caused some society abbreviations for HQ stations to be replaced with the default zone number for that country. Fixed, thanks OZ4RT.

.AUD Audit File:

All edits were written to the audit file with a QSO reference of 7, and not the QSO edited. Fixed.

Keyboard Mode and Sidetone:

While in keyboard mode, WinKey's internal sidetone was disabled. Fixed. Thanks GM4WZG.

SDCHECK:

Fixed the option to restore the .ALL file from the audit (.AUD) file.

Version 15.12 7th July 2010

IARU HF Championship:

Reference files IARU.LST and IARU.REF are supplied. When IARU.LST is loaded with the LOAD command (or the contents included with whatever .LST file you normally use), HQ station initials are pre-filled in the exchange (Zone) field.

Note: If an HQ station sends initials that SD has not pre-filled, type a single letter (any letter, followed by Enter) in the Zone field to log the correct initials. This option works even without IARU.LST.

SDCHECK:

Added an option, for the IARU Contest, to extract only GR2HQ QSOs to a Cabrillo log.

Version 15.11 4th July 2010

Dupe Checking:

Duplicate calls of the format VE1ABC/W2 were not flagged as dupes. Fixed. Thanks VE3ZZ.

Note that, in QSO Parties, mobiles and rovers (/M or /R) are ignored for dupe checking purposes, although the Check Partial window shows when they have alrady been worked - they appear in lower case.

COM Ports:

The PORTS command now lets you assign a single COM port for both keying and rig control. The SHARE command is no longer needed.

When a single COM port is shared in this way, any level converters used for rig control must have their own power supply - no power is available from the COM port. WinKey COM ports cannot be shared.

Rig Control:

With rig-control enabled, the TESTRIG (or TR) command lets you send any control sequence to your rig. I use this for testing, but you might like to experiment.

Enter sends the characters to the rig - use repeated Enters if necessary. To return to logging, use Esc to clear the field, followed by Enter.

Version 15.10 18th June 2010

CW Operators Club:

Added full support for the CWops monthly contests - select the "CWops Mini-CWT" template.

Use the LOAD command to load the CWOPS.LST callsign reference file - included in SD's setup files. SD displays Name and Number on a matching callsign. Enter a Membership Number to see the corresponding Name and Callsign - then Down Arrow to rearrange the fields, ready for logging.

Multipliers are unique callsigns.

Version 15.09 11th June 2010

Portugal Day Contest:

Updated templates, multiplier reference file, and source code to support new rules and scoring - in particular, each district code multiplier counts 5 times.

WinKey:

The WPM speed display froze after a few hours - although speed control was not affected. Fixed.

Fixed some spurious WinKey error messages, which were accompanied by erratic keying.

Fixed the routine (Shift-F1 etc.) to update keyer memories - the cursor remains in the empty callsign field, with no spurious keying on completion of editing.

Fixed the operation of the Previous Serial (#P) keyer memory parameter.

Check Partial Window:

Again, after some hours of operation, the Check Partial display failed, and the band/multiplier & bands-worked analysis (under the callsign) was incorrect. Fixed.

Version 15.08 2nd June 2010

Rig Control - Change Mode:

With rig control enabled, the C and S commands now change your rig's mode directly, but only in contests which permit mixed mode.

In this context, the CWREVERSE command toggles your rig's preferred CW "sideband" where Normal indicates that the CW pitch increases, away from zero beat, as you tune up the band, and Reverse indicates that the CW pitch decreases, towards zero beat as you increase frequency. Your preferred setting (0-Normal, 1-Reverse) is held in the SD_CWREV parameter in SD.INI.

NOTE: Some rigs do not support "reverse" CW sideband. Check the CW Value 1 and 2 entries in your .SD rig-control file.

Band Change after Edit:

After editing an earlier QSO, the current band switched to that of the edited QSO. Fixed.

Version 15.07 27th May 2010

DXpeditions and Special Events:

SD supports CW and SSB operation on all 10 bands from 160-6m. Select the "DXpedition Logger" or "Special Events" templates - they are identical. SDX is discontinued.

Countries are tracked by band and mode.

The corresponding SDCHECK export options are Cabrillo, ADIF and Text. Any data received is included, but there is no record of data sent, other than RST. Cabrillo logs include QSO sequence numbers.

In due course, I will add import options for other SD logs to enable maintanance of a basic station log (with DXCC checking by band and mode) in a single SD-compatible file.

Dupe Checking in State QSO Parties:

Broken code meant that some stations, not signing /M or /R, were not always flagged as dupes in advance. Fixed. Thanks WA9AQN.

NOTE: In these events, no dupe checking is done on /M and /R callsigns. If they are logged, and ARE dupes (logged with the same county code as before), SD will not flag them as dupes.

Version 15.06 10th May 2010

Digital Voice Recorder:

The DVR command enables direct playback of your rig's audio "messages". This applies to rigs with a DVR, and with the facility to playback messages under external control.

The DVR command toggles between playback of SD's internal pre-recorded WAV files, if any, in your SD folder, and pre-recorded voice messages from your rig's DVR.

This feature depends on having rig control enabled - in the usual way with the PORTS comand. SD sends commands to play the appropriate recordings, as defined in the parameters in the .SD control file for your rig. To date, it is implemented and tested only for the Elecraft K3.

To understand how to implement this feature for other rigs, follow the example of the parameters in K3.SD, SD's control file for the Elecraft K3.

If you are successful with your rig, please send me a copy of your updated .SD file.

With mode set to SSB, and Caps Lock Off, F1 to F8 plays the corresponding audio file from your rig. In ESM (Enter Sends Message) mode, here is what happens -

ESM - RUN Mode


Enter, in an empty callsign field, plays M1, your CQ recording.

Enter, when the QSO is logged, plays M3, your "Thanks" recording.

ESM - S&P Mode

Enter, while the exchange field is empty, plays M2, your "Own Callsign" recording.

NOTE: ESM is toggled with ' (apostrophe), and RUN/S&P is toggled with ` (the key under Esc). Esc stops external message playback.

UBA Contest:

SD now directly supports both sides of the UBA Contest. SDU is discontinued, and is no longer supported.

Scoring is hard-coded in SD - the values in the template files are ignored.

Limitation: On the DX (non-ON) side, SD tracks European Union country, and Belgian province mults, but not Belgian prefix mults. I will add prefix tracking before the next UBA contest in January 2011.

Version 15.05 7th May 2010

Commonwealth Contest:

SD now directly supports the RSGB Commonwealth contest. SDC is discontinued, and is no longer supported.

As callsigns are typed, the country/band analysis below the callsign reflects the bonus status at all times (blue=bonus), and the top RHS window shows the status, for the current band, for all Commonwealth areas in the corresponding continent, making it easy to spot wanted bonuses.

Serial and HQ may be logged as a single field. For example, 24HQ, followed by Enter, is logged as 024 HQ.

Edits of previous QSOs which flag or unflag HQ stations do not always score correctly - in terms of updating other QSOs which may themselves need to be flagged or unflagged as bonus QSOs. However, all QSOs are rescored correctly when SD is restarted.

TIMES Template Parameter:

The TIMES parameter mindicates the number of times each multiplier or bonus (country or district) counts. The default is 1.

In the template file for the Commonwealth Contest, TIMES is set to three - the first three QSOs with each Commonwealth area count as bonuses.

Version 15.04 1st May 2010

IOTA Contest:

SD now directly supports the IOTA contest, including all custom features (and more) from SDI. SDI is discontinued, and is no longer supported.

Here are some of SD's IOTA features.

As you type callsigns, SD identifies the country or call area and displays all coresponding IOTA references - those available as multipliers on the current band and mode are highlighted.

SD identifies the continent, as calls are typed, and pre-fills the abbreviation in the IOTA Reference field. Hit Enter to log a blank reference (no need to delete the continent), or simply add the reference number. Leading zeros are not required. For example, add 4 to a pre-filled "EU" to log EU004.

When editing IOTA references, leading zeros (if any) are dropped and the cursor is positioned after the continent. SD adds the zeros, as necessary, after edits.

When entering a callsign which can only, or is very likely to, belong to a specific IOTA reference, the reference is pre-filled. You may overtype the numeric part, or use Esc to delete the field, as appropriate, before logging the QSO with Enter. This feature is controlled by storing the first IOTA reference, in SDIOTA.CTY, in lower case.

When entering island callsigns worked previously, or any callsign associated with a specific IOTA reference, the mult status, by band and mode, is displayed under the callsign. You can instantly decide whether it's worth asking for a QSO on another band or mode.

When you enter any call worked earlier, you see a display of band/mode slots worked and needed. Those already worked (including the current band & mode) are shown in black - so you can say, for example, "Thanks for 4 QSOs". When it is the callsign of an island station, multiplier bands/modes are highlighted.

To see the band/mode multiplier status for a specific IOTA reference, type it in the callsign field. For example, type EU5 to see the information for EU005. Add 1 to see the information for EU051. Use Esc to clear the field, ready for callsign entry.

Key File:

It was not possible to run SD two or more times simultaneously because the key file was locked by the first program to access it. Fixed - thanks VK4TT.

SCAG Sprint:

Added template & scoring support. Thanks SM1TDE.

Marking QSOs for Deletion:

The /Z and /ZAP callsign suffixes didn't always work. Fixed.

Cosmetic:

Fixed some cosmetic display errors related to multiplier windows overlapping.

Version 15.03 22nd April 2010

SCOREMULTS Template Parameter:

This parameter applies to contests where serials (only) are exchanged and mults do not apply. The only valid value is "N".

SD tracks countries worked, but does not count them as multipliers in the Score.

This applies to RSGB 80m CC and AFS, and to simliar events. Serial Sent was missing from corresponding Cabrillo logs - this has been fixed.

Another benefit is that the new templates facilitate variable scoring, in contests with no mults, by own country, own continent and other continents - by band and mode.

The following templates have been changed. They are not compatible with earlier versions of SD.

QBALTIC : Baltic Contest : Updated
QGEN : General - No Mults : Deleted
QGENCW : No Mults - CW : Added
QGENSSB : No Mults - SSB : Added
QGENMIX : No Mults - Mixed : Added
QREMDAY : WIA Remembrance Day : Updated
QRSGCC : RSGB CC : Updated
QRSGAFS : RSGB AFS : Updated
QRSGLPFD : RSGB LP Field Day : Updated

Version 15.02 16th April 2010

Editing QSOs:

Edits of RST or serials in earlier QSOs caused the QSOs to be corrupted in the .ALL file. Fixed. The .AUD file was not affected.

JIDX Contest for DX entrants:

When logging a call worked earlier, the band/mult analysis was not shown, and the mult indicator, if appropriate, did not appear above the callsign. Fixed - thanks VK4TT. This bug was not new to V15.

Version 15.01 8th April 2010

Keyer & Serials:

The keyer, whether internal or WinKey, did not send "own serial". Fixed. Thanks GM4SID.

Version 15.00 6th April 2010

New Simplified Format for SD's .ALL files:

All relevant fields in SD's QSO records are now held in "plain English", with spaces between fields, just as you would expect to see them in a printed log.

The new QSO format is similar to Cabrillo, but without the duplication of any fixed elements in the sent exchange - apart from "Serial Sent" when relevant.

Unlike Cabrillo, QSO points are shown, together with indicators for dupes, and for country, and district or zone multipliers.

The file formats for SDC, SDI, SDU and SDX are unchanged. These programs were last updated in V14.24, and will not be updated again.

Automatic Rescoring:

When loading existing logs, SD rescores and dupe-checks all QSOs. All previous scoring information in the log is ignored. "Old" format SD logs, created by V13 or later, are copied to .OLD backup files and then converted to the new format. If you choose, you may rename a .OLD file to .ALL and continue to use it with older versions of SD and SDCHECK.

ZAP Command Updated:

The ZAP command works as before to delete the previous QSO, and update scores immediately. In addition, you can flag any earlier QSO for deletion by appending /ZAP, or just /Z, to the callsign. When the file is reloaded, those QSOs will disappear. Flagging QSOs for deletion does not update your score until SD is restarted.

POINTS Command:

The POINTS command, for manually altering the score for individual QSOs, is redundant and has been removed.

Serials:

The SENDSERIAL template parameter has been added. It indicates contests that require you to send a serial. In these contests, SD supports logs with missing or duplicated serials. You can delete or add QSOs in the .ALL file with any text editor, and SD will load and score the remaining ones.

The SETSERIAL (or SERIAL) command lets you reset Serial Sent at any time - for only for contests with the SENDSERIAL parameter in the corresponding template.

Edited QSOs:

"Before" and "After" information is written to the audit file - making it easier to identify exactly what was changed.

RSGB RoPoCo:

When a QSO was ZAPped, the previously received postcode was not reset. Fixed. Thanks MM0ROV.

WAG Contest:

Fixed display of incorrect DOKs while logging.

SCP Window:

With SCP enabled, and Up Arrow used to go to the window, the logging screen display was corrupted when using other keys in the SCP window. Fixed - thanks G0DVJ.

Keyboard Mode - CW:

You can toggle instantly between logging mode and keyboard mode using any Ctrl key.

When using WinKey with PTT enabled (use SD's STATUS command to check - and the PTTON command if necessary) PTT is now activated continuously while in keyboard mode.

ARRL SS:

F5 memory playback, while logging the exchange, made the cursor jump to the callsign field. Fixed - thanks VE7JKZ.

OKOM Contest:

SD froze when a callsign was being logged, and the cursor remained in the callsign field for more than 5 seconds - this bug was related to the QSO Rate window which is updated every 5 seconds. Fixed - thanks G4OGB.

Check Partial & Super Check Partial (SCP):

The default option for Check Partial shows matching calls with the same prefix. Full Stop (Period) showns calls with matching suffixes.

With SCP, the default option shows calls that match the typed characters, regardless of their position in the call. Comma toggles the display to matching prefixes, and Full Stop (Period) shows matching suffixes.

SD now reverts to the default prefix option when QSOs are logged, or wiped with Minus. Otherwise, with suffix checking, you may not be aware of potential dupes until the full call is typed.

ESM - Enter Sends Message:

ESM is intended to be used only when your RST Sent is always 599 (toggled with the RST command). Otherwise, SD prints an error message, and ESM remains disabled.

Band/Mult Status:

One of SD's strengths is the instantaneous display of multiplier status, by band, as callsign characters are typed. It indicates whether there are mults to be picked up by moving the station to other bands - the ones shown in bright blue.

Bands already worked, for that specific callsign, are displayed in black - giving an instant count of QSOs with that station (including the current band).

Band not worked (for that station) are shown in white, as are bands that are not mults for the corresponding county, or zone, when applicable.

The display has been simplified in that a "dupe" band is shown in black - the same as any other band worked. Of course, when a call becomes a dupe as it is being entered, it turns red.

Again, on a callsign match, the current band is always shown in black, even if the QSO would be a multiplier. However, the multiplier status continues to be shown above the callsign. The net result is that you always know whether the call being typed is a dupe or a mult, and the number of bands worked.

In the FOC Marathon, when working a station on the fourth or fifth band, the remaining bands are highlighted to indicate the need to get the extra band bonuses.

WinKey - Esc stops playback:

This did not work consistently. Fixed - thanks G4DDX.

POLLTIME and LINKTIME:

When rig-control BPS was greater than 19200, POLLTIME and LINKTIME were reset to 1000 and 500 each time SD started. Fixed. Thanks W0RSB.

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

Rwanda, 9X, added to BERU.CTY. Thanks G3VQO.

ARRL DX Contest:

States are pre-filled as stations are worked again. When the callsign of a station previously logged was a sub-set of the current callsign, the "wrong" state was inserted. Fixed - thanks GM3POI.

CW Auto-Start:

Set with the CWSTART command - to specify the callsign character after which the exchange will be sent in ESM RUN mode. This did not work consistently. Fixed - thanks GM3POI.

RSGB 160m - for UK entrants:

Cabrillo logs from SDCHECK did not include data, other than serials, logged from non-UK stations. For example, province codes given and logged from PA stations in PACC were shown as 000. Fixed.

ARRL 10m Contest:

ARRL10.MLT updated. Mults now include Mexican provinces in addition to W/VE states and provinces.

Registration:

SD is no longer free. You have as long as you need to test it and satisfy yourself that it works as you require before you register. The registration fee is 25 euros. This helps to guarantee the continued support and development of SD. Payment may be made by PayPal at ei5di.com - the only option. You do not need to have a PayPal account, most valid credit and debit cards may be used.

When you register, you get a key file, by email, for a single callsign of your choice. SD operates as normal when used with that callsign - allowing for country identifier changes. With no key file, or if used with an unrelated call, SD runs in DEMO mode, and logging is significantly delayed after 30 QSOs. A corresponding delay is included in all SDCHECK options in DEMO mode.

The key file, SD.KEY, gives access to new versions of SD for twelve months. Any copy of SD downloaded within this time will continue to work indefinitely, without restriction, when used with the registered callsign in the presence of the key file.

The key file is a standard ASCII text file with 57 numeric digits. You should print and secure this file, so that you can recreate it when necessary. If you edit the key file, it will not work.

If you prefer not to register, you may continue to use any version of SD you already have. The last "free" release was V14.30.

Version 14.30 28th January 2010

ARRL DX:

Delaware (DE) not recognised due to broken code. Fixed - Thanks G3RAU.

Version 14.29 12th August 2009

WIA Remembrance Day Contest:

The two-hour rule implemented in V14.28 did not consider mode when checking for dupes. Fixed. Thanks VK7GN.

Note: For the purpose of dupe-checking over the previous two hours, duplicate QSOs already logged on the current band and mode are disregarded when comparing times.

Version 14.28 11th August 2009

WAE:

Fixed the editing feature in the QTC entry window for EU entrants. Thanks DL5YM.

Restored the analysis of countries worked/ wanted as prefixes are typed. Thanks EA8CN.

Fixed the display of QTCs available, as callsigns are typed, for DX entrants. Note: the count does not yet exclude a QTC reported back to the same station - that will be fixed in V14.29. Thanks 5B4AIZ.

WIA Remembrance Day Contest:

Implemented the 2-hour rule - stations can be worked again on the same band and mode if more than 2 hours has elapsed since the last QSO.

When a call is entered that has been worked less than 2 hours ago, the remaining time is shown. Thanks VK2NU.

Version 14.27 6th August 2009

IARU HF Championship:

When the first QSO logged in a specific zone was a HQ station, the next "normal" QSO for that zone was not flagged as a mult. Fixed. Thanks OZ1KKH.

SDCHECK: The Cabrillo option repeated the mode question and entered it twice in the CATEGORY record - for example CWCW instead of CW. Fixed.

Band Map:

It's not here yet! However, the Quick Memory Window (F10) is starting to look like it might be a Band Map one day.

Keyer Memories and WinKey:

In any memory containing the #C parameter, typically F2 representing the exchange, any speed change parameters before #C caused keying delays. This has been fixed, but callsign type-ahead is not uniform (in speed) in these circumstances. For the moment, speed-change paremeters are not recommended before the #C parameter. Thanks OM6KW.

Repeat Feature on CQ Calls:

The user-selected time between CQ calls has been extended to 15 seconds - the previous maximum was 10 seconds. The command is Rxx where xx is a number from 1 to 15. Thanks MM0YEC.

BWQP:

Fixed score on reloading with SD.

Contests With No Mults:

Added a new template "General - No Mults" for any contest with no mults.

SD.MAP - Keyboard Mapping File:

This is used to "map" any key to another, and is intended mainly for non-US/UK keyboards. Added a facility to map keys by their ASCII values - this is more precise than using individual characters, because ASCII values are application-independent. Use the SHOW command to determine the ASCII value of the two keys you want to map (or swap) and then include them in SD.MAP. For example: 64 47.

CW Field Day:

Broken code, related to the addition of the "own continent" field in SD.INI for V13.15, caused scoring errors in some logs for RSGB NFD. Fixed. Added the display of countries worked/wanted for the current band as callsign prefixes are typed (by continent corresponding to the callsign).

Cabrillo Logs:

Added the template used, when opening the .ALL file, to the X-VERSION Cabrillo header record. This eliminates any uncertainty about which template was selected when starting a contest.

RST:

The facility to indicate aurora (59A) in HF contests has been removed. Similarly with 59K (key clicks) and 59C (chirp).

Icom IC-7200:

Added rig-control file IC7200.SD.

Version 14.26 15th April 2009

EU Sprint - CW:

With rig-control and ESM enabled, SD toggles automatically to RUN mode after a QSO in S&P mode. However, the frequency was incorrectly displayed in red - no QSY is needed in these circumstances. Fixed. Thanks GM3POI.

Restored the QSOs by Callsign window, and fixed the corresponding band summary for matching calls shown beneath the callsign on the logging line.

Holyland Contest:

SDCHECK: Fixed the ADIF and Text export options for 4X entrants. Thanks 4Z4TL.

ES Open Championship:

Fixed multiplier tracking for ES entrants. Own- area QSOs do not count as mults.

New York QSO Party:

Added support, and multiplier and template files.

Version 14.25 9th April 2009

SCP - Super Check Partial:

Fixed. It is now toggled with Equals "=". This works any time the cursor is in the callsign field.

The SCP command is retained, but only as an alternative to Equals when operating in SO2R mode (where = equalises the frequency on both rigs).

SD - Real-time Displays:

In contests with country and/or district mults, SD shows a worked/wanted analysis, by band, directly under the callsign.

Until now, it displayed a similar (redundant) analysis in a window on the top right of the screen.

Now, as prefixes are typed, this window shows a worked/wanted analysis for all countries in the corresponding continent - for the current band and mode.

If the prefix corresponds to a country which gives district or area codes, SD shows the corresponding worked/wanted analysis window.

The bottom line is that all relevant multiplier data is shown, in real time, as prefixes are entered. Some day, all contest loggers will do this. To see how it works, try a test file for RDXC (the Russian DX Contest) or the RSGB 160m contest for UK entrants.

Thanks EA8CN.

Manchester Mineira Contest - MMAA (PY):

Added support and template. For 2009 this contest is restricted to entrants in SA and NA. From 2010 it will be worldwide. Thanks PY1VHF.

URE Anniversary Contest:

Added support and template. Fixed generic bug in scoring multipliers related to the NON-AREA- MULTS parameter in template files.

CW Keyer Memories:

When editing, the #- parameter is used to reduce playback speed, but Minus abandoned the entry. Fixed. Thanks G0PSE.

Version 14.24 12th March 2009

SCP - Super Check Partial: (SD Only)

SCP is toggled with the SCP command. By default, it displays callsigns with matching characters to the ones you've just typed, regardless of their position within the MASTER.DTA callsigns, the SCP database. You can download up-to-date copies of this file from www.k5zd.com/scp.

If you prefer to see SCP calls by prefix only, press comma - this display is often more relevant and less cluttered. To return to the default (full) SCP display, press comma again. In effect, comma toggles the SCP display between "Full" and "By Prefix". Thanks to G3UEG for the suggestion.

To see SCP calls by Suffix only, press full stop (period). With this option, and with auto insert enabled (toggled with the AI command), the cursor moves to the start of the callsign ready for characters to be inserted. Otherwise, the cursor does not move. For information, I use the OVR (Overwrite) mode with auto insert enabled. That way, anything I type replaces what's underneath (no need to separately delete unwanted characters), with the exception that, when the cursor is positioned at the start of the callsign field, the mode is temporarily changed to INS (Insert) - as you might expect!

As always, with SCP disabled, comma and full stop display calls, by prefix or by suffix, from QSOs already logged. Again, with SCP disabled, equals "=" enables SCP temporarily. Once you log a QSO, it reverts to disabled.

A reminder that you can retrieve any non-dupe callsign in the Check Partial window, with or without SCP, by using the Up Arrow key. When there is only one callsign in the window, Up Arrow immediately moves it to the logging line. This can save a lot of time, especially with longer callsigns. Another SD exclusive.

Broken code in SD V14.23 (integrating SCP with dupe and mult checking) caused problems in logging the exchange in the UBA Spring contest and many other contests. Fixed, thanks EI7GY.

WIA Remembrance Day HF Contest:

Added support, including all scoring options, with the exception of 10m FM.

ARRL DX Contest:

SD: Fixed validation of NWT province. Thanks G3RAU.

SDCHECK: Fixed the Claimed Score calculation for W/VE entrants. Thanks VE7JKZ.

SDU - UBA Contest for DX Entrants:

Updated the Countries Multiplier window to show all European Union countries needed/worked. Previously, they were separated by continent - and they're not all in Europe.

SD.INI File:

Added parameters to record the versions of SD, SDC etc. most recently used. This helps for debugging purposes.

Version 14.23 19th February 2009

SCP - Super Check Partial:

SD Only: SCP calls are integrated with dupe and mult checking. Potential dupes are shown in lower case. Calls that would be mults, if worked, are in upper case and highlighted.

PACC for DX Entrants:

Fixed Cabrillo QSO records.

Version 14.22 12th February 2009

WinKey:

Esc now reliably stops WinKey. Previously, it did not always work during callsign type-ahead, where callsign characters are added after playback starts.

SDV:

The option to edit previous QSOs was broken. It affected all the loggers except SD. Fixed. Thanks G6UBM.

FOC Marathon:

SDCHECK - Corrected the Categories. Thanks EA8CN.

Version 14.21 6th February 2009

Ten-Ten QSO Parties:

Added support - and new template file.

Version 14.20 2nd February 2009

Black Sea Cup International (BSCC):

Added support - and new template file. NOTE: SD scores QSOs but does not track multipliers.

Version 14.19 29th January 2009

VK Shires Contest:

Added support for both sides of this event, see www.vkshires.info, and template and multiplier files. It takes place on the weekend before the second Monday in June.

Version 14.18 27th January 2009

SDCHECK:

Fixed CQ160, REF and UBA Cabrillo options.

Partial Call Checking - by Suffix:

When you type a partial call, followed by Full Stop, the partial call window shows all calls ending with the same characters.

The cursor now moves to the start of the callsign field, and what happens next depends on your data entry mode.

If it is "Insert" (INS), any additional callsign characters are inserted before the cursor.

If it is "Overwrite" (OVR), additional callsign characters replace the existing ones, and that's probably not what you want. However, as standard with OVR mode, you can use the Space Bar to move the existing callsign characters to the right - before typing new characters.

With Auto Insert data entry mode (OVR with the "V" highlighted), the mode is temporarily switched to Insert so that additional callsign characters are inserted before the cursor. Once you use any cursor-control character, or leave the callsign field, the mode reverts to Overwrite (OVR). This is easier to test than to describe!

With Auto Insert, whenever (and however) the cursor is moved to the start of the callsign field, the mode switches temporarily to Insert. I recommend this mode - it's what I use at all times. Use the AI command to toggle your data entry mode between OVR and Auto Insert.

For information - I'm working on integrating Super Check Partial (SCP) calls so that potential dupes and mults will be displayed in a consistent way.

HADX Contest:

HA entrants give a district code, and all others give a serial. SD pre-fills the district code when a matching callsign is entered on another band. If, in these circumstances, the HA callsign was deleted using either the Delete or Esc keys, and another non-HA call logged, the HA district code was logged along with the serial. In turn, this caused an error in the corresponding Cabrillo QSO record from SDCHECK. This error applied to all similar contests. Fixed.

Rig Control:

When selecting a port for rig control, only 1 digit could be entered for the port number. Fixed - thanks GM4ZUK.

WWPMC Contest:

Fixed the scoring. This contest takes place on the first full weekend of February.

Version 14.17 9th January 2009

IRTS Counties Contest:

All EI/GI counties are shown in full, with the county code highlighted. Thanks GM3POI.

WinKey - Callsign Type-ahead:

Increased the time allowed for WinKey's response to 350 ms before treating it as a error. It had been reduced in V14.16.

Version 14.16 1st January 2009

WinKey - Callsign Type-ahead:

Previously, if WinKey did not echo one or more typed-ahead characters, they were lost from the callsign, and were not logged. The main problem was that keying and data entry were delayed due to WinKey error messages being displayed.

Now, the only effect is that the "missing" characters are not included in the initial F2 exchange message. When the QSO is logged, the full "corrected" call is sent as part of the F3 TU message - and is logged in full.

Contests with Country Mults:

When QSOs are logged, the Score window appears immediately. Previously, the window showing countries worked/wanted by continent for that band was shown first. It's not wrong - just too complicated. Thanks EA8CN.

SETDUPE Command:

This resets dupe and multiplier checking. However, any edits of earlier QSOs upset both dupe and mult tracking. Fixed. Thanks LA6GF.

Stew Perry Contest:

For distance calculation purposes, SD now prompts you for your grid square. Previously, it took the default for your country (from DXCC.CTY).

Your grid square is entered as 6 characters, although only the first 4 are used, and it is stored in SD.INI.

SDCHECK - ARRL SS:

Fixed the ADIF option - Serial and State. Thanks VE1JS.

Version 14.15 2nd December 2008

DARC XMAS Test:

Added partial support, with template and multiplier files. SD does not track prefix mults, and the Cabrillo claimed score does not include them. This has no significance for the Cabrillo QSO records generated by SDCHECK - they are correctly formatted.

SSA Manadstest:

Added support, and template & multiplier files.

SDX - DXpeditions & Special Events:

Added ZAP option.

Fixed a disappearing QSO syndrome. Some QSOs were not written to the log file - although they were always present in the audit file.

SDCHECK - Cabrillo:

Restored the use of Up Arrow to review earlier responses to Cabrillo headers.

SD - Post Contest Mode:

The code for date entry was broken in V14.14. Fixed.

Version 14.14 20th November 2008

NRRL Telefonitest:

Added support, with template and multiplier files.

Version 14.13 14th November 2008

ARRL SS:

Added support.

JT DX Contest:

Added support - thanks to G4OGB for template and multiplier files.

Version 14.12 22nd October 2008

Country Multiplier Files:

Updated from the latest CTY.DAT supplied by AD1C.

CQ 160m Contest:

Updated for new scoring and exchange. SD pre-fills the CQ Zone for all non-W/VE QSOs, and tracks state and country mults.

SDVCHECK:

ADIF file. Updated header records.
.COV file. Fixed formatting error in score summary.

PA QSO Party:

Fixed error in the template file for DX entrants. Thanks G3ZRJ.

PMC WW Contest:

Added support - with new template and multiplier files. It's scheduled for the first weekend in February.

Ohio State Parks on the Air:

Added support, with template and multiplier files supplied by KC8BLL.

Version 14.11 8th October 2008

RSGB & EU Sprints:

After each QSO you must QSY at least 2 kHz. The frequency offset is now shown rather than the fixed frequency of the previous QSO. This way it's easier to tell how far you still have to QSY.

LZ Open:

Updated dupe-checking routine to permit "dupe" QSOs after 29 minutes, rather than 30.

When a dupe callsign is typed, the remaining time, before it will no longer be a dupe, is shown in place of the word "Dupe".

The "Countdown Timer" window now highlights calls that may be worked again, after 29 minutes. They are shown for 10 minutes, and are dimmed if worked within this time.

Thanks LZ1GL.

Version 14.10 24th September 2008

RSGB 80m Sprint:

Added MODE, CLUB, and OPERATORS to the Cabrillo header records.

EU Sprint and RSGB 80m Sprint:

Minor change to the colours of the frequency display - with rig-control and ESM enabled.

Red - you must QSY at least 2 kHz.

Normal, followed by red #. This applies only to the RSGB Sprints - it indicates you must QSY at least 3 kHz before calling CQ.

Normal - you may call other stations or call CQ.

With ESM disabled, or in SSB events, SD does not know the mode (RUN or S&P) of the QSO you've just logged, and will show the frequency in red. If the frequency is yours (you have just logged a QSO where you called the other station), minus toggles colour between red and normal - but only when the callsign field is blank.

CW from Printer Ports

COM Port settings for LPT1, LPT22 etc were lost when SD was restarted. Fixed. Thanks G4OGB.

Rig Control - Omni VII:

OMNIVII.SD aded - Thanks G4RQI.

District Codes - not multipliers:

In contests with district code multipliers (Type 4) it can be useful to distinguish between codes that count as mults and those that don't. Thanks KC8BLL.

The template parameter NON-AREA-MULTS (already used in Type 10 contests) controls this. If "N", district codes not already in the .MLT file are logged, but will not be mults. If "Y", you have the option of adding new district codes - they will all count as mults.

With this parameter missing, the default is "Y".

Voice Keyer:

When playing, PTT is enabled - this is independent of the PTT setting (with PTTON or PTTOFF). A port must first be allocated for CW (yes CW) using the PORTS command.

For serial ports, RTS is used for PTT. For parallel ports it is Pin 16.

Version 14.09 13th August 2008

RSGB 80m Sprint:

When you have logged a QSO where you called CQ or QRZ, or where another station called you, you must QSY at least 2 kHz before your next QSO, and at least 5 kHz if you wish to call CQ.

Following a QSO where you called the other station, you can stay on the frequency for one further QSO.

With rig-control and ESM enabled, SD colour-codes the frequency display to let you know your status at all times.

When the frequency is shown in red, you must keep moving. When it is in the "normal" colour, you may call other stations (QSY over 2 kHz). When the normal colour is followed by #, you can call CQ (QSY over 5 kHz).

An abbreviated version of the frequency of your previous QSO is shown for reference.

Version 14.08 12th August 2008

King of Spain Contest:

Fixed the scoring. Thanks G0FYX.

Updated the Cabrillo option in SDCHECK - it no longer asks the question "Log Serial Rcvd". The "correct" answer is "N" and it's now hard- coded. Thanks G4RCG.

SDI - IOTA Contest - Callsign Edits:

Callsign edits, before logging a QSO, did not take effect when the callsign length was unchanged. There was no problem when characters were added or deleted. Fixed. This applied also to SDU, SDC and SDX. Thanks G4WJS & G3KZR.

Edits on previously logged QSOs did not take effect until another QSO was logged. Fixed. Thanks G3PJT.

IOTA references corresponding to callsigns which had been deleted were sometimes carried over to the next QSO. Fixed. Thanks G4BJM.

SDIOTA.CTY: Added Shetlands as a separate call area. Thanks MM0XAU.

SDICHECK: Edits done using the Edit option updated on screen but did not always update on file. Fixed. Thanks EI7GY.

EU HF Championship:

Some EU calls were not scored. Fixed by updating the list of EU prefixes in EUHFC.MLT.

RSGB 80m Sprint:

SDCHECK updated to add Section, LOW or QRP, when creating the Cabrillo log.

SDV - District Multipliers:

Broken code meant that only the RSGB.MLV district code file could be selected. Fixed.

WAE:

Restored the CW message "R" when logging QTCs with WinKey. Thanks DL5YM.

Fixed delays in logging CW QTCs when no keyer port was enabled. Thanks G3ZRJ.

Broken code meant that only the RSGB.MLV district code file could be selected. Fixed.

CW Keying:

Removed the ESM (Enter Sends Message) parameter from SD.INI. ESM can be toggled easily with apostrophe ('), or with the ESM command. If no CW port has been enabled, apostrophe and ESM are ignored.

WinKey: At startup, with no CW port enabled, WinKey will be disabled, and must be enabled with the WINKEY command, if relevant, once a port has been enabled with the PORTS command. The STATUS command shows relevant settings.

PORTS Command: The range of serial (COM) ports directly supported is now 1 - 24. Use 51-54 for LPT1 - LPT4. If you are currently using ports 9-12 for parallel port keying, you must update these now.

Version 14.07 25th June 2008

ESM - Toggling modes:

Shift-Enter, in the Callsign field, is a quick way to toggle between RUN and S&P modes, and immediately send the message corresponding to the new mode.

As before, the Grave Accent key (below Esc) toggles the mode without sending any message.

Elecraft K3:

Added K3.SD rig-control file.

Score Window:

Broken code in V14.05 caused an error in QSO totals by band when reloading a file. Fixed. Thanks EI7CC.

SDI - IOTA Contest:

The QD or QDUMP commands copy the .ALL file to any device other than C: - used for tracking mults on a non-networked PC. Thanks EI7GY.

Bill Windle QSO Party:

The feature to swap membership number and call (type number followed by Down Arrow) did not work consistently. Fixed. Thanks GM4SID.

Version 14.06 28th May 2008

Bill Windle QSO Party:

Added support, and full integration with the FOC callsign/membership-number reference file FOC.LST.

Version 14.05 27th May 2008

INORC Contest:

Added support. Note that log consistency is not enforced after editing callsigns or membership numbers on previous QSOs - but the score & mults are correct when the file is reloaded. Thanks I7ALE.

Added callsign/membership .LST lookup - similar to the existing FOC Marathon features.

With a suitable .LST file, SD displays the membership number on a callsign match, or the callsign when a membership number is typed. In the latter case, Down Arrow will then swap the membership number and callsign - ready for logging.

Italian Manual:

SDITALIA.DOC supplied - translated by I7ALE.

ESM with AutoStart:

With AutoStart enabled, any attempt to return to edit the callsign caused problems. Fixed. Thanks I7ALE.

CW in Keyboard Mode:

With parallel port keying, PTT was not switched immediately - it was delayed for the PTTLEAD time. Fixed.

When switching to keyboard mode, with serial port keying, PTT worked correctly but there was an initial key down - not cleared until the first keyboard character was sent. Fixed. Thanks I4FTU & W4ATK.

Audible Dupe Warnings:

Toggled with the BEEP command. The setting is held in SD.INI. Thanks VE7JKZ. If you prefer a different sound, substitute your own .WAV file for the supplied DUPE.WAV.

Country (CTY) Prefix & Multiplier files:

Updated - up to and including all published corrections by AD1C to 23rd May.

Version 14.04 14th May 2008

King Of Spain Contest:

Corrected the scoring - for both EA and DX entrants. Thanks EA8MQ.

Updated the template file to select CQWW.CTY, rather than DXCC.CTY, as the country multiplier file.

Version 14.03 30th April 2008

Indiana QSO Party:

Added template and multiplier reference files for both sides of INQP.

Rig Control:

After using the PORTS command, SD could freeze following certain comms port errors. Fixed. Thanks EI4HH.

GQP:

Updated GQP.MLT and GQPDX.MLT.

MIQP:

Updated MICHIGAN.MLT and MIQP.MLT. Thanks WI8A.

FQP:

Updated FLORIDA.MLT and FQP.MLT. Thanks W4PM.

Version 14.02 18th April 2008

SETDUPE:

In V13.31, the SETDUPE command was extended to reset multiplier checking, in addition to dupe checking. You now have the the option to reset mult checking separately - it doesn't apply in the Estonan Open. Thanks ES6TX.

LZ Open:

The 30-minute timer, for dupe checking and countdown window, now works regardless of the PC's time zone or settings.

The logging area now shows the full exchange, both sent and received. RSTs are suppressed. Thanks LZ1GL.

Rig Control:

With 2 rigs enabled, broken code meant that the default LINKTIME and POLLTIME parameters matched the fastest rig. Now they match the slowest. Thanks G4BJM.

When you change the default values, using the LINKTIME and POLLTIME parameters, the new values are again stored in SD.INI and apply each time you start SD.

Rig Control in Mixed-mode contests:

With rig control enabled, and ESM in S&P mode, changing the mode on the rig from CW to SSB, and back again, caused SD to lock up. Fixed. This applied to SPDX and to other mixed-mode events. Thanks EI7GY.

SDX - Dxpeditions & Special Events:

Restored the OPERATOR command to record operator changes. The op's callsign and starting QSO number are held in a .OPR file, and are included in ADIF QSO records generated by SDXCHECK.

RoPoCo Contest:

When you use ZAP to delete all QSOs all QSOs already logged, you are prompted to re-enter your initial postcode. Thanks GM3POI.

If you used Esc to clear a callsign that would be a dupe, the postcode or area code logged earlier for that callsign was pre-filled for the callsign entered next. Fixed. Thanks GM3POI.

Version 14.01 4th April 2008

ESM - RUN & S&P modes:

With ESM enabled, and in S&P mode, playing F1, the CQ message, changes the mode to RUN, and resets the initial frequency for RUNRANGE, if used. Thanks N4AF.

RoPoCo Contest:

When repeating the exchange for a QSO already logged, SD now correctly sends the post code received from the previous QSO. This applies while the callsign field on the logging line is empty. Thanks G6CSY.

SDX - DXpeditions and Special Events:

Cabrillo option added to SDXCHECK.

LZ Open:

Fixed scoring error. Thanks ON5WL.

Note: The received exchange must be logged with a space in the middle - as, for example, 010 034.

Post-Contest Logging:

Post-Contest Logging: In this mode, the QSO time entered was over- written (on screen only) by the current time. Fixed.

SD:

Fixed some display issues at startup. Thanks IZ2EZU.

RDXC:

In RDXC, and other similar events where "home" stations send only a district code, SD got confused if, while logging, you entered a DX call and then changed it to a home call before logging the QSO. As a result, the district codes were logged in the wrong part of the QSO record and SDCHECK did not "see" them. Fixed. Thanks YU2DRA.

Rig Control Parameters:

Restored the POLLTIME and LINKTIME commands. For the moment, any values defined apply only to the current session.

Increased the automatic POLLTIME and LINKTIME values at startup - following reports of loss of synchronisation with the previous values.

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

Logging could not continue when a dupe callsign was entered - due to recent broken code. Fixed.

The rescore option failed when logging a dupe. Fixed.

When restarting SDC, dupes were not counted. Fixed.

Version 14.00 21st March 2008

SD - Editing previous QSOs:

Fixed bug which prevented some edits from updating the log - although they were OK on the screen and in the Audit (.AUD) file. Thanks G4OGB.

Startup:

At startup, SD pre-fills the name of the most recent log accessed. If it's not what you want, Esc clears it, and Enter (with an empty Contest Name field) lists all your contest logs.

Rig Control Parameters:

POLLTIME and LINKTIME are now set internally according to the BPS selected for rig control.

WinKey:

With speed controlled by keyboard, the speed change keys did not work when sending the other station's callsign. Fixed.

Fixed intermittent delays in starting messgage playback when rig control is enabled.

WinKey sometimes changed speed for no good reason. Caused by broken code when resetting WinKey's speed to "normal" after message playback. Fixed. Thanks G3KZR.

Version 13.41 14th March 2008

WinKey:

Fixed a bug that could stop SD at startup or when the WINKEY command was used for the first time.

Winkey is now polled independently of POLLTIME and LINKTIME - the rig-control timer parameters.

Switching ESM Mode:

When in RUN mode, it can be convenient for SD to switch to S&P mode after any significant frequency change. Use the RUNRANGE command, or just RUN, to set the frequency range before switching.

Version 13.40 12th March 2008

SDC - Comonwealth Contest:

When tabbing from the Serial field to the HQ field, the serial disappeared, although it was logged OK. Fixed.

Added a RESCORE option. This is required because, at present, SDC does not always flag a bonus when a "normal" QSO is subsequently edited to "HQ".

There are no data integrity issues, and no issues with scoring non-HQ QSOs - it's just a matter of flagging and counting bonuses for HQ QSOs. In effect, RESCORE re-inputs all QSO data and eliminates any editing issues.

Use this option before preparing your Cabrillo log to ensure your Claimed Score is correct.

To do a re-score, start SDC and, when asked for the name of the Contest File, enter RESCORE. You're then asked for the name of the file to be re-scored, and everything is automatic after that.

Your original file is renamed .OLD, and the new re-scored file is .ALL - for further use with SDC or SDCHECK.

Re-scoring works only for .ALL files created by SDC. Depending on priorities, I may add input options for SDC's audit (.AUD) files and Cabrillo logs - and perhaps add it to the other HF loggers.

WinKey Speed Changes:

With WinKey enabled, the WKSPEED command lets you choose between speed changes from the keyboard (K) or WinKey's speed pot (P) - the default. SPEED and POT are alternatives to WKSPEED. You can check your settings with the STATUS command.

Temporary speed changes within messages are now reliable and consistent. Use #1 to #9 to increase speed - from the current WPM value. They may be chained - for example #9#9 gives a temporary 18 WPM increase. To reduce speed, use #-1 to #-9.

To reset speed to the default value, use #0. SD adds this to the end of all messages - you don't need to do this yourself, and it's no harm if you do.

Restrictions:
When speed is controlled by WinKey's pot -


* Instant QRS, using semi-colon, is disabled.
* When playing a message with temporary speed changes or with the #C callsign parameter, and you change speed with the pot, the WPM display is not updated until the message ends.

When speed is controlled by the keyboard -


The maximum speed possible is the sum of WinKey's MINWPM and WPMRANGE settings. STATUS shows the relevant values.

With internal keying (WINKEY disabled), the speed change and "instant QRS" features work only when no message is playing.

If this sounds a bit complicated, you're right. It's not so simple to control WinKey while supporting all possible speed options. The "best" option is probably WinKey - with the speed pot.

ESM - Enter Sends Message:

With ESM enabled in RUN mode, and the exchange started before completing the callsign, any additional callsign edits (by returning to the callsign field before logging) were picked up by the keyer but were not logged. Fixed. Thanks G4RCG.

Keyer:

When you log a QSO, and then edit the callsign already logged, the #C (callsign) keyer parameter now plays the edited callsign - when the callsign field on the logging line is empty. Thanks YU2DRA.

Alabama QSO Party:

Updated the multiplier files - county codes are now 4 letters.

Changed the template for Alabama entrants. QSOs with other Alabama stations may count as state mults but not as county mults.

GQP - Georgia QSO Party:

New rules - updated GQP.MLT, the multiplier file for Georgia entrants.

Version 13.39 22nd February 2008

WinKey Speed Changes:

Users have reported ongoing problems with speed changes on WinKey using both SD's keyboard speed-change characters and WinKey's speed-control pot. After going round in circles on this one, I have decided that, for the moment, the only reliable way I can control WinKey's speed is with the pot.

The speed-change keys are ignored when WinKey is enabled.

Version 13.38 18th February 2008

BCC QSO Party:

Added support for the Bavarian Contest Club QSO Party. Any non-dupe QSO with a BCC member (sends BCC instead of a serial) counts as a mult. QSOs with DA0BCC count as 10 mults on both CW and SSB.

Mult counts may not be correct if you edit or zap QSOs. However, they will be correct any time you start SD. SDCHECK shows the correct Claimed Score in your Cabrillo log.

Version 13.37 13th February 2008

LZ Open:

In the LZ Open, it's OK to work "dupes" if they're more than 30 minutes old. The Check Partial window now ignores any older QSOs. If, having typed two or more prefix characters, the window is clear, you know the call will not be a dupe.

Previously, you had to type the full call for the purpose of dupe checking.

A new window displays a countdown of the time until stations previously worked can be worked again. Any call you hear that's not already in this window cannot be a dupe - unless you've logged more than 40 QSOs in the last half hour. It also serves as a reminder to chase calls as their remaining time drops to zero. Thanks G3LET.

FOC Marathon:

On typing a membership number, SD now immediately flags a potential dupe - there is no need to press Enter to first transfer the callsign to the logging line.

Restored the dupe warning after entering a member's number - when both the callsign and the number were 4 characters long. Thanks G4BJM.

WinKey Speed Change:

Broken code in V13.36 meant that speed changes from WinKey's pot were sometimes ignored. Fixed. Thanks IZ2EZU. Note that, in general, speed changes are supported only from the Callsign field.

In Keyboard CW mode, toggled with Ctrl, speed changes with the Up and Down arrow keys are now supported, but not with WinKey's pot.

SD polls WinKey, in a similar way to polling the rig, to get WinKey's status and pot position. WinKey and SD are more responsive to speed changes when POLLTIME and LINKTIME are minimised.

If you're not using rig contol, set POLLTIME to 50 and LINKTIME to 20. With rig control, use the fastest BPS supported by your rig, and set POLLTIME and LINKTIME to the lowest values that maintain control.

Country .CTY Prefix & Multiplier files:

Updated - up to and including all published corrections by AD1C to 12th February.

PACC - Cabrillo:

Simplified the Cabrillo option in SDCHECK for both sides.

Version 13.36 24th January 2008

WinKey:

When using any version of WinKey, or other devices such as microHAM with WinKey chips, the Up and Down Arrow keys now give precise CW speed changes.

You can restore control to the WinKey pot by turning it. Depending on the position of the pot, there may be an initial abrupt change in speed. This is not a bug - it's caused by the speed being a function of the position of the pot together with the preset values for Minumum Speed and for Speed Range. Use the MINWPM and WPMRANGE commands to change these values, if preferred.

If you get into trouble, the WKINIT (or INIT) command will return control to the WinKey hardware.

This has been tested on WK2 with a direct USB feed, and on WK1 using a microHAM USB/RS232 converter and the latest microHAM router software.

Version 13.35 18th January 2008

PGA Contest - SP:

Added support, and template and multiplier files.

Version 13.34 11th January 2008

DARC-10m:

Added support and template for the DARC 10 metre contest.

Version 13.33 6th January 2008

Icons:

Individual desktop startup icons are supplied for all logging and post-contest programs. During installation (while running the setup programs), you should select the "Create a desktop icon" option.

Dupes:

Multiplier Files: When you enter a "dupe" call, the zone or area code from the earlier QSO is pre-filled. Until now, it had been suppressed. Use minus or F11 to clear the current QSO if you don't log it. Thanks GU4YOX.

Logging Area Codes:

SD pre-fills area codes or zones of stations logged earlier. If you overtype with a different area code, all QSOs with that station are updated to maintain consistency. As with edits, all QSOs, regardless of call, are flagged or unflagged as mults as appropriate.

Previously, you had to log the QSO with the old "incorrect" area code and then edit it.

This feature applies equally to IOTA island references in SDI, Belgian provinces in SDU, and district codes in SDV.

Croatian CW Contest:

Fixed scoring for 9A entrants. Thanks 9A6C.

SD - SETDUPE Command:

When used, a record is written to the audit file. This may help in tracking SETDUPE errors.

SDU - UBA Contest:

Fixed display of ON prefix mults and EU country mults. Thanks 9A6C.

UBA Winter Contest - DX Side:

Updated the template file. ON stations do not send serials, and QSOs are now permitted with everyone. Thanks YL2TD and ON6LY.

Country .CTY Prefix & Multiplier files:

Updated - up to and including all published corrections by AD1C to 24th December.

SDVCHECK:

The Text Export option now saves to files with a "CSV" suffix. Thanks G4OGB.

ILQP - Illinois QSO Party:

Added templates and multilpier files for both sides.

SD's Manual:

The manual is no longer included in the individual setup files. It may be downloaded from www.ei5di.com/sd/sd.pdf.

Version 13.32 30th November 2007

Non-English characters:

Fxed bug in V13.31 - any code page selected with the CODEPAGE command is now permanent, until changed again.

Multiplier Files:

Multiplier Files: ITALY.MLT updated - thanks IT9BLB.
ARRL160.MLT updated.

Washington State Salmon Run:

Added templates and new .MLT files for both sides.

Version 13.31 23rd November 2007

Resetting Dupes and Multipliers:

Some domestic contests, notably in LA, VK and ZL, are split into two or more operating sessions, with each session counting towards the final score. You can work the same stations in each period without the later QSOs being flagged as dupes.

The SETDUPE command was introduced for V9.15 in June 1998. It reset dupe checking and the Check Partial dispay.

SETDUPE now resets multiplier and dupe checking, and all corresponding display boxes. Once you use this command, you must not edit QSOs from previous sessions. If you do, there is no guarantee that SD will track dupes and mults correctly.

Display of non-English characters:

The character set displayed by SD, in common with other Windows programs that run in console mode, may not always correspond to what you type.

The CODEPAGE command lets you select alternative character sets - known as code pages. Code page 850 is the default option for SD and is recommended for most European and US keyboards. The code page value is stored in SD's configuration file SD.INI. Code page selections are ignored when they are not supported by your PC.

CODEPAGE works with WinXP. It may not work with earlier versions of Windows.

Regardless of the code page selected, some non- English characters will not display correctly when SD runs with a raster typeface.

To change the typeface, click the SD.EXE icon at the top left of SD's window, select Properties, then Font. Select the Lucida Console TrueType font, and choose an appropriate typeface size such that SD's window is as large as possible on your screen.

Country .CTY Prefix & Multiplier files:

Updated - up to and including all published corrections by AD1C to 19th November.

NORWAY.MLT updated. Thanks LA6GF.

LZ DX Contest:

Fixed the Cabrillo option in SDCHECK.

OKOM Contest:

DX side - fixed a formatting error in display of earlier QSOs - they no longer overwrite part of the multiplier window.

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest:

The Serial Received was blanked, but not lost, when tabbing to the District Code field. Fixed.

Fixed a bug which prevented a UK station being logged as a dupe.

Version 13.30 8th November 2007

Country Files:

Updated according to latest CTY.DAT from AD1C.

Ukraine DX Contest:

Fixed bug caused when an area code was entered before the callsign (for Ukrainian calls). This applied to any contest (Type 10) with area and country mults where the "home" country gives an area code but no serial. Thanks G4OGB.

PAQP - Pennsylvania QSO Party:

Added support & templates for both sides. Note: SD scores all CW QSOs at 2 points.

SDV - VHF Contests:

Fixed the FM command, to change mode to FM. Thanks VK7BEN.

TOEC:

Updated the template to correct a scoring error.

CAQP - California QSO Party:

Corrected two county abbreviations. Removed RST from Cabrillo QSO records. Thanks W4PM.

Oceania Contest - and others with prefix multipliers:

Fixed a bug which incorrectly flagged some QSOs as mults. Thanks ZL2AWH.

PACC:

Updated PACC.CTY supplied. Thanks PF5X.

EU Sprint & RSGB 80m Sprint:

Cabrillo logs now allow for 4 digits in Serial Received. Thanks G4OGB.

Version 13.29 1st September 2007

CQIR - Ireland Calling 29/30 September:

Updated SDCHECK to simplify the Cabrillo log option.

RDA (Russian District Award) Contest:

On a callsign match, for DX entrants, the district code was shown in the wrong position on the logging line. Fixed.

Version 13.28 16th August 2007

Keymens Club of Japan (KCJ) DX Contest:

Added support and templates for both sides.

New Jersey QSO Party:

Added support & templates for both sides.

Version 13.27 15th August 2007

Holyland Contest:

Added support and templates for both sides.

EU HF Championship:

SDCHECK suggested an incorrect contest name. Fixed.

WAE QTCs:

After restarts, the Score window counted QTCs twice, the quota returned to 0 for non-EU entrants, and the quota ignored previous QTCs with/from that station. Fixed.

QTC totals are now shown by band.

After sending QTCs, the CW repeat of the QTC Reference has been removed.

After receiving QTCs, the QTC reference is confirmed on CW.

Cabrillo Log. Updated to include QTC totals by band. The QTC records are now appended to the QSO records in the .LOG file, so that only the .LOG file is needed for your entry.

Version 13.26 7th August 2007

RDA (Russian District Award) Contest:

Added templates and code to give full support for the DX side of this event. The Russian side is supported too, but country mults are each counted once only.

RDA.MLT is the new multiplier reference file containing several hundred of the more common district codes. Other district codes are added automatically to RDA.MLT as they are logged - with full multiplier tracking.

RDA.LST is a callsign reference file with some 17000 Russian callsigns extracted from previous RDA logs, and is loaded at startup. SD then auto-fills the 4-character district code on a callsign match.

NAQP:

A state could not be entered in the absence of a callsign. Fixed.

Fixed potential errors when editing states on previously logged QSOs.

SDCHECK:


Fixed Cabrillo log - to include operator name and state/province/country.

Added name and state to ADIF export.

All Programs:

With BORDER set to 0, the screen display was corrupted following any error message - for example, a callsign with no numeric digit. Fixed.

SD and SDCHECK: Commas are now accepted in Address and Soapbox fields.

IARU HF Championship:

Broken code in V13.25 caused delays and the display of diagnostic messages. Fixed.

SDI - IOTA Contest:

Fixed island reference errors in SDIOTA.CTY. Thanks 9M6DXX.

SD.PDF - Manual:

Updated the PORTS command section - CW and rig control. The latest manual is included in all SD setup programs - there's no need to download it separately.

.CTY Country Multiplier Files:

Updated as per CTY.DAT - released by AD1C on 3rd August.

Version 13.25 25th July 2007

Internal CW Keyer:

Fixed PTT for message playback from serial ports - WinKey was not affected.

Fixed PTT for Keyboard Mode from parallel ports.

IARU HF Chanpionship:

HQ Auto-fill did not work when INS was selected for data entry. Fixed.

Updated IARU.REF. Some on-air HQ initials differed from the "official" initials.

Version 13.24 11th July 2007

IARU HF Championship:

Added IARU.REF, a reference file for HQ Society initials. It is used to auto-fill the exchange from HQ stations when you type any alphabetic character in the Zone field. One character is enough.

For example, if you receive RSGB from GB7HQ, enter "R", or any other letter, to log "RSGB".

Valid non-numeric "Zones" - AC, R1, R2 and R3, are not affected.

The FORCEHQ command toggles this feature. The default is ON.

SD - Venezuela Independence Day Contest:

Fixed a scoring error for YV entrants.

Thanks to EI8BP for help in getting started.

SD is written in PowerBASIC


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