A record of SD's Development.

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 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.

Version 13.23 5th June 2007

Seanet Contest:

Added support and templates for both sides.

Asia Pacific Sprint:

Added country file and template to support both sides. Non-AP entrants can work only AP countries. SD displays inappropriate prefixes or countries in red, so you always know when it's OK to call.

GACW WWSA Contest:

Added template, and updated scoring code to support this event. Non-SA to SA QSOs score 5 points - otherwise it's CQWW scoring.

Version 13.22 30th May 2007

CW Field Day:

Added template and code for IRTS scoring - with country multipliers.

There are no multipliers in RSGB NFD. As each QSO is logged, SD now gives a summary of bands worked/wanted for that call instead of the "normal" country/band analysis. This lets you decide if it's worth moving the station to another band.

However, SD still identifies country "mults", as it's useful if you intend to enter the IARU Region 1 section hosted by DARC.

Portugal Day Contest:

Added support and template for the CT side, together with some hard-coded scoring options. Updated the existing template for the DX side.

Rig Control Files *.SD:

Added a record to all .SD files in preparation for the implementation of Frequency Set parameters - they're hard-coded at present.

Country Files:

Updated as per AD1C's latest release.

Version 13.21 18th May 2007

Baltic Contest:

Added support - with template and hard-coded scoring (points per QSO).

MAQP - Mid-Atlantic QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of MAQP.

ARQP - Arkansas QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of ARQP.

Version 13.20 1st May 2007

7QP - DX QSOs:

Corrected the Area 7 template to count DX countries as multipliers. Note - SD counts them all although the maximum allowed is 10.

Version 13.19 24th April 2007

SDCHECK - Cabrillo:

Fixed Cabrillo QSO records for the Florida and Michigan QSO Partys.

NEQP - New England QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of NEQP.

NQP - Nebraska QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of NQP. There is no support for 6m and 2m QSOs - or for data modes.

Version 13.18 23rd April 2007

FQP - Florida QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of FQP.

ARQP - Arkansas QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of ARQP.

CQP - California QSO Party:

Added support - with template and multiplier files for the GA side of CQP.

POINTS Command:

Edits QSO points. Broken since V13.01. Fixed.

Version 13.17 19th April 2007

OQP - Ohio QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of OQP.

Version 13.16 18th April 2007

MIQP - Michigan QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of MIQP.

OKQP - Oklahoma QSO Party:

Added support - with templates and multiplier files for both sides of OKQP.

GQP - Georgia QSO Party:

Added support - with template and multiplier files for the GA side of GQP.

Updated DX-side template to give 2 points for CW QSOs.

NRRL WinterTest:

Added support - with template and multiplier files.

Contests with Zone or Area Multipliers:

Fixed a bug in SD which caused multipliers to be flagged in error after some band edits.

CALIBRATE Command:

Calibrates SD's internal keyer. Updated to accommodate slow PCs.

SDX - ADIF:

Added Callsign used to each QSO record with the ADIF OPERATOR tag.

EU Sprint:

Fixed the editing of names already logged.

Fixed a display error (disappearing serial) when tabbing from the serial field.

General:

Updated file handling code so that files are closed at all times when not being updated - in preparaton for adding MO support to SD and SDI.

Version 13.15 1st March 2007

RSGB Commonwealth Contest:

Updated SDCHECK to define SO or MO, and 12 or 24-Hour entry categories.

Fixed Cabrillo QSO record layout - broken in V13.01.

Multiplier Windows:

Changed the display colour to show Area and Country mults "wanted" in yellow (upper case). Mults not needed remain in grey (lower case). The change makes it easier to visually identify new mults.

STATUS Command:

Updated to show separate comms parameters for each rig.

FOC Marathon:

Corrected occasional display errors for QSOs where the membership number was less than 1000.

Variable RST:

On CW, when you send something other than 599, and use F2 (for example) to repeat the exchange, after logging the QSO, 599 was sent in error. Fixed.

For this to work, the message must include the #T (RST Sent) parameter, and the callsign field must be empty.

RSGB 1.8MHz for non-UK entrants:

When a district code was auto-filled on a callsign match, the QSO was logged immediately after entering the serial - regardless of whether the district was correct. Fixed.

ARRL DX:

Dupes were flagged with "Du e". Fixed.

REF Contest:

Added REF-SECTION: to Cabrillo header records.

Added SD_CONT - "own continent" parameter to SD.INI. This enables correct scoring for REF when using the REFDX.CTY file. There's no longer a need to add your own country record to REFDX.CTY.

CQ160 Contest:

You must now explicitly enter your State or Country abbreviation and your mode when starting a new file. This fixes a problem with Cabrillo QSO records.

CQ WPX Contest:

Broken code caused most QSOs to be flagged as multipliers. Fixed.

Country Files:

Updated as per ADIC's CTY.DAT of 27 February.

Version 13.14 7th February 2007

WinKey:

Added support for speed changes with Page Up and Page Down. This feature works best when WinKey's speed pot is near the mid position.

Added support for instant QRS - with ";"

As before, Ctrl toggles between Keyboard mode and Logging mode. In addition - Enter, Minus or Esc can be used to exit Keyboard mode.

The Prosign keys now follow WinKey's standards.

" is mapped to RR
$ is mapped to SX
' is mapped to WG
( is mapped to KN
) is mapped to KK
+ is mapped to AR
/ is mapped to DN
: is mapped to KN
< is mapped to AR
= is mapped to BT
> is mapped to SK
@ is mapped to AC


The following assignments apply to both SD's internal keyer and to WinKey.

[ is mapped to AR
] is mapped to VA


Post-Contest Logging:

Fixed text (.CSV) option for RSGB AFS.

Fixed Cabrillo for the UBA Contest.

Rig Control:

Added separate Stop Bit parameters for two radios - using STOPBIT1 (for Rig 1) and STOPBIT2 (for Rig 2).

FOC Marathon:

In the Score Summary Window and SDCHECK report, 5-bander counts now include 6-bander counts.

The Country Worked/Wanted window is no longer displayed after each QSO. F4 displays it if required.

NAQP:

Fixed errors in the Cabrillo QSO records, and in the NAQP.MLT multiplier reference file.

Version 13.13 7th January 2007

North American QSO Party (NAQP):

Added support & NAQP.TPL template.

NRAU Baltic Contest:

Added support & NARU.TPL template.

Version 13.12 2nd January 2007

SDV:

Restored "Own Locator" on the logging screen.

Band-change commands did not work. Fixed.

SD:

Added support and templates for SEEAC, the South East European Activity Contest. You heard about it here first!

Added support and template for the ARI Sezioni Contest - thanks IZ2EZU.

Rig Control:

Added support for FT2000.

9A CW Contest:

Corrected the scoring for QSOs with 9A.

Stew Perry Topband Challenge:

Fixed the Cabrillo QSO records.

Fixed a display error in grid squares received, and another when tabbing from the grid square to the callsign field.

SDU - UBA Contest:

Updated scoring and UBA.CTY for the two new European Union countries, LZ & YO.

Version 13.11 30th November 2006

NRRL Fylkestest:

Updated the Cabrillo option in SDCHECK to support this event.

Fixed exchange error when in S&P mode.

Rig Control:

At times, SD and SDX did not display the correct band. Fixed.

Date & Time:

Fixed a bug which caused the clock to stop at midnight.

Version 13.10 24th November 2006

Country Files:

Updated as per ADIC's CTY.DAT of 22 November. Available from www.ei5di.com/sd/cty.zip

CWZERO - Leading zeros:

Fixed leading zeros suppression for the European Sprint (the only event affected).

K2 Rig Control:

Fixed the direct frequency option for K2 and Kenwood (all models).

Delaware QSO Party:

Added template and multiplier files for both sides of this event.

SDV:

Tabbing from the Serial field caused the serial to disappear. Fixed.

Callsign Reference Files:

SD failed to match any callsign in a .LST file when the call was followed by the Tab character. Fixed.

Added feature to autofill District Codes in RSGB contests when the code is held as the last 2 characters in the .LST records.

SDX/SDXCHECK:

ADIF logs now include anything entered in the SDX's Notes field.

NRRL Fylkestest:

Added support for Norwegian keyboards and for the letter � (that's O with a stroke through it) in SD's keyer (both internal and WinKey).

Latvia Independence Day:

Template and multiplier file YL.MLT supplied.

Version 13.09 24th September 2006

SDCHECK for WAE:

Fixed the Claimed Score for Cabrillo logs.

NRRL Flykestest:

Added template and FLYKES.CTY multiplier file.

TOEC WW Grid Contest:

Added template, and multiplier support.

Version 13.08 10th September 2006

Auto-repeat of CQ (F1) messages:

Not working with internal keying in V13.07. Fixed.

SD - Template Selection Fixed:

1. When the number of templates = 92 (one page).
2. For certain PCs with non-standard internal codes for the arrow keys.

ESM - Run and S&P modes:

If you press F1 while in S&P mode, your F1 message is sent, and the mode reverts to Run. This may be quicker than using the grave accent key (the one under Esc) and pressing Enter.

SD Type 4 - without template:

"Mults Count by" defaulted to B (band) when starting a new log. Fixed.

The CW QSO points value was stored incorrectly in one of the control records. It was then displayed incorrectly when reloading the file. Fixed.

SD - WAE, Editing QTCs:

Fixed display of Time and Serial when editing QTCs in the QTC window - before logging.

SDX - Missing QSOs:

The last QSO in a session was not always logged. Fixed.

Fixed display errors on the opening screen.

SDICHECK:

Option 2 - Editing QSOs: Removed diagnostic display which caused delays when moving between QSOs.

Version 13.07 2nd August 2006

All Programs - Quick Start or Restart:

All relevant fields, including callsign, are auto-filled from SD.INI or from whatever template file you selected.

In many cases you're taken directly to the "Next Page" question. Press Enter to confirm, or type N to edit any entry on the screen.

The previous Ctrl-Enter restart option is no longer needed.

ESM - Auto-repeat of CQ (F1) message:

The commands R1 to R10 set the time between repeats. The command R toggles auto-repeat.

Esc interrupts Auto-repeat, and Enter re- starts it. This is dependent on ESM being in RUN mode, and the cursor being in the empty callsign field.

IOTA Contest:

Updated SDIOTA.CTY to associate EU133 with additional prefixes.

In SDI, when an IOTA reference was entered before the corresponding callsign, the reference was cleared as the callsign was entered. Fixed.

When entering callsigns of island stations previously logged, the sub-callsign band/ mode multiplier display for that island was wrong. Fixed. This did not affect SDI's scoring or multiplier identification once the QSO was logged.

SDICHECK: Removed 5-second delay (added for testing purposes) when moving from one QSO to another in the Edit option.

IARU HF Championship:

QSOs with Zones 01 to 09 and for IARU HQ stations, logged from any field other than the Zone, did not flag as multipliers. This happened typically where the zone was entered before the callsign. Fixed.

QSO Rate Window:

The figures were inaccurate after repeated re-starts. Fixed. Rate calculations use the first QSO as the reference, and ignore any subsequent time(s) that SD is not running.

WAE CW QTCs:

The mode is now logged correctly.

Country (.CTY) Files:

Updated as per the latest CTY.DAT file from AD1C.

SDX:

With rig control enabled, fixed frequency display on bands below 10 MHz.

Version 13.06 6th July 2006

IARU HF Championship:

When editing the Zone in previously logged QSOs, mults were not tracked properly. Caused by broken code in the changeover to the longer QSO records in V13.01. Fixed.

When editing Zones in earlier QSOs, you could not enter HQ initials. Fixed.

All programs:

When editing previously logged QSOs, and tabbing from the Callsign field, the callsign disappeared from display. Fixed.

WinKey:

Minus no longer stops WinKey (V13.05). It wasn't such a good idea.

Version 13.05 5th July 2006

WinKey1:

The time display froze after any Winkey1 message playback. Fixed by setting a longer response time after interrogating WinKey's status. WinKey2 was not affected.

Minus now stops WinKey - same as Esc.

Version 13.04 3rd July 2006

WinKey:

Fixed broken code that stopped WinKey if the rig control port was set to 0 with the PORTS command.

SD - Serials and Area Codes:

In contests (Type 10) where you log either Area Codes or Serials (but not both), SD now lets you log either type of exchange in the same field - it looks tidier because the data is aligned vertically.

This type of contest includes ARRL 10m, King of Spain, ARI, REF, Ukraine and others.

SDV:

Fixed screen formatting and spurious callsign errors following the STATUS display.

Version 13.03 28th June 2006

WinKeyer USB:

This is WinKey Mk2 (WK2) from K1EL - see www.k1el.com.

WK2 combines the features of an updated WinKey (WK1) together with a free-standing memory keyer that needs no external power supply.

It uses a single USB port to support separate keying and PTT outputs for 2R operation.

SD supports WK2's extra features, including 2R mode.

The SIDETONE command toggles WK2's internal monitor. It is ignored by WK1.

WK2 has a large input buffer, and SD again plays multiple memories. It cannot do this reliably with WK1.

Esc now stops the keyer instantly, regardless of the logging field you're in and any rig control settings.

SD's PTTON and PTTOFF commands, which enable and disable PTT, are ignored by WK2 - PTT is always asserted when keying occurs. This will be corrected by a later WK2 firmware update.

Variable CW Speed parameters: #0 has been fixed. It restores WinKeys speed to "normal". Reminder: You can temporarily increase keyer playback speeds with the parameters #1 to #9 and decrease them with #-1 to #-9. These may be cascaded, and the speed change is cumulative, but it resets to normal when each message begins - or with the #0 parameter.

Templates:

SD will display more than one page (92) of templates. Use Page Up/Down to navigate between pages.

Added templates for both sides of the UBA Winter Contest.

Revised templates supplied for the RSGB 21/28 MHz contest - with support for mixed-mode entries.

Revised template supplied for the RAC Canada Day contest - and scoring corrected for RAC stations.

SDI - IOTA Contest:

Reference files IOTA.REF and SDIOTA.CTY updated with the latest island data.

SDU - UBA Contest:

Fixed broken code which prevented data entry for Belgian provinces.

SD: QSO Rate Window:

Fixed rate calculations when restarting SD.

Summary Score Windows:

The first-line QSO totals no longer include dupes (if any).

Montenegro:

Now a separate DXCC entity, all .CTY country reference files updated.

Version 13.02 4th May 2006

SD - Type 11, no multipliers:

Extended the exchange field from 11 to 14 characters.

Changed the dupe indicator from "D", after the field, to "=" before the field.

Fixed a display error for QSOs already logged in the RSGB Club Championships.

SD - contests with numeric area codes:

Leading zeros are not suppressed when the area code is greater than two characters in length.

Version 13.01 30th April 2006

SD - Extended QSO Record Format:

SD's .ALL file record length has been extended to allow more flexibility with exchanges and to remove the previous limit on area multipliers. This will enable SD to support more contests, including ARRL SS and Field Day.

The QSO record length is now 66 characters - it was 56. SD V13 and later will not support the older files. However, SDCHECK V13 supports both the old and new formats, so you can still generate Cabrillo and ADIF logs from any .ALL file. As such, I'm not planning to offer a conversion program for the old .ALL files.

If you think you might like to use SD on your older 56-character files, it's probably best to rename SD V12 as SDOLD.EXE, before you download V13. You can always get V12 from the vaults at www.ei5di.com/vaults. p> Files generated by SDC, SDI, SDU, SDV and SDX are unchanged. With the exception of SDV, the record length remains at 56 characters.

SD and other HF Loggers - Callsign Display:

The callsign you're using is shown on the Date/Time line. It's useful as a reminder when it's not your normal call.

7QP - 7th Call Area QSO Party:

Templates and multiplier files added for both sides of this event.

CQ WPX:

Prefix mults were counted on each band. Fixed.

IARU HF Championship:

HQ field extended to 5 characters.

RSGB Clubs Championship:

When a log was re-started with SD, an extra bonus point was shown in the Summary Score window. Fixed - thanks G3VQO.

Contests with Country & Area Mults - old Type 10:

Broken code stopped non-area QSOs logging. Fixed.

EU Sprint - CW:

Leading zeros are now included/excluded from the keyer Serial according to your preferences set with the CWZERO command.

SDV:

Fixed area code validation in contests with area code multipliers.

Increased the prefix limit for DXCC.CTY - for contests with country multipliers. This time the new templates are included.

Version 12.16 30th March 2006

SPDX Contest:

This time the new templates are included.

Fixed display of non-SP calls - broken in V12.12. Now they turn red.

Help Files:

Italian version supplied - thanks IZ2EJU. To use it, copy SDHELP.ITA to SDHELP.TXT.

French version supplied, athough it needs to be updated. Sorry I don't know who did the translation. Copy SDHELP.FR to SDHELP.TXT.

I'd be happy to get the Help file in other languages for distribution with SD.

Version 12.15 20th March 2006

ESM - Enter Sends Message:

Fixed a bug which logged spurious dupes when function key messages were used while in ESM mode.

F12 now logs a QSO without sending the ESM message - tested in XP only. Alternatively, press Apostrophe before Enter. In effect, F12 is equivalent to Enter - without the ESM message. It works from any QSO field. As with Enter, the QSO will be logged if all necessary fields are valid.

The Apostrophe character no longer appears in QSO fields.

2-Radio Operation:

Pin 14 on LPT1 is set to high when Radio 2 is active - for compatibility with external devices. Pin 6 was used previously. Off with Apostrophe and go with the paddles.

SP DX Contest:

Added templates for both sides of this event.

Version 12.14 14th March 2006

SD & SDC - Enter Sends Message:

Extended to support both RUN and S&P modes, with simple, clear visual indications of which mode you're in, and what the next Enter will send (if anything).

The Grave Accent key - the one above Tab - toggles ESM between RUN and S&P modes.

The key in this position works on non UK/USA keyboards, regardless of how it's marked.

The Apostophe key toggles ESM On and Off. ESM and RUN/S&P may be toggled at any time, even in mid-QSO.

ESM is set to Off when you choose variable RST Sent - with the RST command.

In contests where you log Area Codes, such as CQWW or ARRL DX (for DX entrants), SD normally autofills the field when it's known from the callsign or where the station has been logged earlier. This can cause difficulties with ESM in S&P mode. You can disable autofill with the AUTOFILL command. It takes effect only in S&P mode, otherwise it's always enabled.

EU Sprint:

The Sprint differs from most other contests in that, when you are called by a station, once the QSO is complete you must QSY and leave the frequency to the caller.

When you call another station and have a QSO, you have the frequency for one QSO before you must QSY in turn.

There is a different format for the exchange depending on whether you are the caller, or are called by someone else - this is to help listeners identify which station has the frequency for the next QSO.

The correct exchange is now hard-coded in SD, with the result that you can send all relevant exchanges using only the Enter key. All you have to do is keep ESM (Enter Sends Message) in the correct mode - and to help with this, SD automatically toggles the mode as each QSO is logged. If it's not appropriate for what you're doing, just change it yourself.

In Sprint RUN Mode, Enter works as follows.

Callsign Field:


No callsign - Enter sends CQ - SD's F1 message
Otherwise - Enter sends "HisCall YourCall Serial Name" and goes to the exchange field.

Exchange Field:


Record serial and name as a single field.
Enter sends "R" and logs the QSO.
ESM mode is toggled to S&P.


If you move to a clear frequency and want to call CQ, use Grave Accent to return to RUN mode.

In Sprint S&P Mode, Enter works as follows.

Callsign Field:


Enter sends YourCall - SD's F5 message, and goes to the exchange field.

Exchange Field:


Record serial and name as a single field.
Enter sends "HisCall Serial Name YourCall" logs the QSO, ESM mode is toggled to RUN - ready for someone calling you on this frequency.

If you get into trouble, Esc stops the keyer (or touch a paddle with WinKey), switch ESM Off with Apostrophe and go with the paddles.

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

When calculating the Claimed Score, SDCHECK counted bonus QSOs as multipliers. Fixed.

SDC will not be developed further, although I may add support for this event to SD.

Version 12.13 24th February 2006

Rig Control:

In V12.12 LINKTIME was set to one third the value of POLLTIME - the polling interval.

They are now independently variable.


POLLTIME : 50 - 1000ms
LINKTIME : 20 - 1000ms

The faster your rig's BPS rate, the lower both POLLTIME and LINKTIME can be.

Suggested initial values are POLLTIME=1000, and LINKTIME=500. Then determine the minimum value of LINKTIME that maintains control. Finally, reduce POLLTIME until just before the link stops working.

Fixed a bug in the error handling routine for the BPS1 and BPS2 commands.

Restored the ability to assign the same CW port to two rigs.

UBA Contest - SDU for DX (non-ON) entrants:

Updated UBA.CTY to show all "multiplier" countries as "EU", including the ones that are physically in other continents.

The, when you log any "EU" country, SDU displays an analysis for all possible country multipliers. When you log an ON station, SDU displays an ON prefix multiplier analysis.

F4 shows these at any time, and toggles between them.

STATUS display:

Now shows the correct status of WinKey's AUTOSPACE setting.

Version 12.12 22nd February 2006

Rig Control:

The polling interval for interrogating frequency & mode was fixed at 1 second, or 1000 ms. The POLLTIME command now sets it to any interval from 50 to 1000 ms.

SD waits for a time equivalent to one third of the polling interval for a response from the radio. This is shown as LINKTIME in the status display.

Set your bits/sec, with the BPS command, to the highest rate supported by your rig. Then set POLLTIME to the lowest value at which SD reliably displays the rig's frequency.

With a low value of POLLTIME, SD is much more responsive to band and mode changes, and the frequency display changes smoothly as you tune the rig. POLLTIME may be abbreviated to PT.

For 2R operation, POLLTIME must relate to the "slower" radio - with the lower BPS value.

UBA Contest:

Updated UBA.CTY supplied - thanks ON6LY.

SDU updated to show a band/multiplier analysis under the callsign - as SD already does.

Fixed QSO Rate Meter.

Backups:

The DUMP command now lets you backup your log to any device you choose - you're asked for the device letter. The .ALL (log) file is copied to .ALB, and the .AUD (audit) file is copied to .AUB. If your chosen device is not available, you get an error message. BACKUP is an alternative to DUMP.

Templates:

Added a Contest Name parameter to each file. When you select a template for a new log, the Contest Name is stored in record 2 in the .ALL file and is displayed whenever the .ALL file is reloaded. The maximum length of the name is 34 characters.

PACC Contest:

Added template for PA entrants.

Ontario QSO Party:

Added support, and template and multiplier files, for Ontario entrants (who work everyone), and for entrants outside Ontario (who work Ontario only).

Yuri Gagarin DX Contest:

Added support & template.

SDCHECK:

Fixed the .CSV text export option.

Band/Mode analysis:

SD is unique in giving a band/mode analysis, under the callsign field, as you type callsign characters. At times, when the callsign represented a "dupe", the analysis was wrong. Fixed.

Country Files:

All .CTY country multiplier files updated as per CTY.DAT released on 8th February by AD1C

Version 12.11 2nd February 2006

FOC Marathon:

Added automatic band worked/wanted display under the callsign field.

This appears when you enter the callsign of any station previously logged, and it shows bands needed in white. Bands not needed are black.

The advantage is that you immediately see the status of the station, and can decide whether it's worth moving - all without having to look at any other part of the logging screen.

SD users should not use any FOC.LST file sourced from G4BKI. It does not work with SD.

Winkey:

Fixed function key message playback. Worked OK in callsign field but not in others.

Enter Sends Message was unaffected.

Rig Control:

Added support for Tentec Orion. ORION.SD supplied. Added support for different baud rates for 2R. They are set with BPS1 and BPS2. If BPS2 is not defined, it's set to the same value as BPS1.

Cabrillo:

To better determine the exact Cabrillo format required for a particular contest, SD now stores the template name (selected when a new contest log is opened). It's stored in Control Record 2 of the .ALL file. SDCHECK then knows exactly which contest the .ALL file refers to.

I'm planning to include all relevant Cabrillo parameters, and their corresponding options, in the template files. This way, I will be able to support any present or future Cabrillo parameters without the need for contest-specific hard code.

SDU - UBA Contest:

Fixed an overflow problem, for ON entrants, which prevented callsigns beginning with Y or Z being flagged as mults.

HA DX - and other contests with many Area Multipliers:

I like to see the QSO Rate window at all times, or at least after every QSO logged. Previously, the Area Multiplier window could hide the Rate window. Now, this happens only when you enter a callsign which gives an Area Code as part of the exchange - for example, HA in the HA DX contest.

SDCHECK: Cabrillo log for HA DX fixed.

Version 12.10 19th January 2006

LZ Open Contest:

Added template and full support - including Cabrillo log.

HA DX Contest:

Corrected a formatting error with multiplier QSOs on the logging screen.

Version 12.09 15th January 2006

SD - Templates:

Fixed bug which made it impossible to select some templates - depending on the value for "border" (0 - 3) as selected with the BORDER command.

DARC XMAS Contest - template and .MLT files supplied. Thanks Les G4OGB.

ESM - Enter Sends Message:

This is aready implemented as Auto CW. The term Enter Sends Message is more meaningful, and all references to Auto CW have been changed to ESM. ESM is toggled, as always, with Apostrophe.

When On, and mode is CW, the mode is displayed as ECW.

REF - French Side:

Fixed incorrect scoring by updating the template QREFF.TPL

Version 12.08 3rd January 2006

SDV - Post Contest Mode:

The QSO time did not display when entered. Fixed.

Tidied the routine which asks for the logging date.

SDVCHECK - ADIF Option:

For the second and subsequent QSOs, the previous QSO's locator appeared after Serial Sent in the field. Fixed.

SD:

Added template for the ARI 40/80m contest. Thanks IZ2EJU.

Fixed multiplier count in Score window where mults count separately on both modes.

Version 12.07 4th December 2005

RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest:

For DX entrants, in this and other contests where DX entrants work "home" countries only, you can now log other DX entrants who happen to call - either they don't know the rules or they need you for points in a simultaneous contest.

Previously, SD insisted on a valid (and irrelevant) home country area code for DX QSOs.

The QSOs are counted in QSO totals, but do not score points or count as multipliers. They should be deleted from your Cabrillo log before sumbitting your entry.

LZ DX Contest:

Updated, for LZ entrants, to permit entry of a district code instead of ITU Zone in the opening screen.

The district is integrated with the keyer (F2 exchange).

Fixed Multiplier Summary display when restarting SD.

Fixed broken Zones Worked/Wanted window. The fix was to edit the LZDX.MLT file to place the LZ district codes after the numeric zone entries.

FTdx9000:

Updated the rig control file - the previous one didn't work.

ARI Contest:

Updated ARI.MLT file supplied - with new area codes - thanks IZ2EZU.

OKOM Contest:

For "Home" (OK/OM) entrants, scoring on 40, 80 and 160m was doubled - a legacy of WPX scoring. Fixed.

For OK/OM entrants, SDCHECK now requests the district code for insertion into each Cabrillo QSO record.

SDCHECK:

The text output option (for import into Excel or other applications) now has a CSV extension rather than TXT - to avoid clashes with the TXT audit file created with the AUDIT command.

IRTS 80m Counties Contest EI/GI:

Added IRELAND.MLT and corresponding templates for EI/GI and overseas entrants.

Version 12.06 16th November 2005

ARRL 160m Contest:

Templates added for both sides of this event.

Rig Control:

Some rigs would not follow band changes on the rig - even though they displayed the correct frequency at all times. Fixed - thanks to help with my code from M1MAJ.

Control file TT538.SD supplied - thanks G4SFU. It works with the TenTec Jupiter and Argonaut.

Keyboard Mode:

Some keys did not work because of a conflict in the code for the arrow keys in V12.05. Fixed - however, some users may find the arrow keys do not work for selecting templates. I'm still looking for a fix for that.

Version 12.05 26th October 2005

CQWW:

Updated CQWW.CTY, and other.CTY files, as per the latest CTY.DAT file from AD1C. Increased the program limits for country/prefix combinations in .CTY files to 10,000. That should be enough for a while.

Fixed the lower status line country/zone analyis for calls already worked.

SD uses hard-code to determine Russian zones. Apparently the correct zone for UA9S T & W, for CQWW scoring purposes, is 16. You can log this as 17, which most such stations will send, but you're better off leaving it as 16 if you want correct multiplier totals.

QSO and Band timers:

The commands QSOTIME, BANDTIME and BANDMODETIME display separate timers. You can switch from one to the other with the appropriate command, and stop the display by repeating the most recent timer command.

The band and band/mode timers are reset after the first QSO on a particular band and/or mode. Switching band/mode, with no QSO logged, has no effect on them.

FTdx9000:

Updated the rig control file - the previous one didn't work.

Arrow Keys:

On some keyboards, they didn't always work when selecting templates at startup. Fixed.

RSGB, PACC and WAE country (.CTY) files:

Updated to explicitly define all prefixes for the relevant multiplier call areas. For example, in RSGB.CTY, JA K VE VK and ZL call areas count separately as multipliers.

Previously, some of this was coded to save DOS memory, but that's not an issue with Windows.

FOC Marathon:

Added as a standard template.

Restored F9 (list QSOs by call). I had removed it for contests where country multipliers/bonus counted once only, but this was not appropriate for the Marathon.

A reminder that the commands, 1B, 2B ... to 6B display all calls worked on the corresponding number of band - very handy when checking for 5 and 6-banders. These commands work for all SD contests. The AB (any band) command lists calls wokred on any band - together with the number of bands concerned.

Templates:

There are now 71 templates supplied - with more in the pipeline.

SD Startup:

By leaving the contest name blank, SD displays the names of all your contest files. If you have more than 161 of them (1 page), you can see all the others with Page Down & Page Up.

A reminder that Z (Zap) will delete a selected entry (.ALL and other associated files).

Version 12.04 5th October 2005

Templates:

A few cosmetic changes to SD at startup. Added a template for Italian entrants in the ARI Contest.

FTdx9000:

Added a rig control file - and some code to accommodate Yaesu's new command set.

Program Installation:

SD and the other programs are now distributed as self-extracting Windows setup programs. They install, by default, in C:\SD and you get separate desktop startup icons for each program. If you prefer, they may be installed in any other folder.

You can get all the programs in a single setup file - at www.ei5di.com/sd/setup.exe.

Version 12.03 29th September 2005

Reloading SD Files:

The option to include a file name in the command line, or shortcut icon, at startup has been restored.

Template Files:

Total supplied is now 60. The template screen is now the default when you start a new log with SD.

Deleting usused or test logs:

At startup, you can display the names of all SD logs in your folder. "Z", on its own, lets you delete any highlighted file - once you confirm your choice.

This is a handy way of getting rid of test files you don't need, but it should be used with care as it deletes all relevant files with that name, including .ALL .AUD .MMO .TXT etc.

SDCHECK:

Restored exact frequencies in Cabrillo logs - broken in V12.00, and incorrectly reported as fixed in V12.02

Version 12.02 22nd September 2005

Template Files:

Over the years I've tried to keep SD easy to start and configure on-the-fly. However, it's still more difficult that it might be for some contests unless you have access to the specific rules or setup information.

Template files are now supplied for individual contests, and you select the relevant one when starting a new log. The files have a .TPL extension, and are listed in a TEMPLATE.TXT reference file.

The template file parameters are simple. They mirror the questions you're asked when starting SD in the traditional way - and that option is still available. It's easy to set up template file for new contests - corresponding to SD Types 4, 9 amd 10 with serials and area/country multipliers.

After entering a new contest name, you're asked for Contest Type and you can choose from 0 to 12 as before. Alternatively, press Enter (leaving the Contest Type field blank) to see the templates listed in a new window. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and select any highlighted entry with Enter. Esc returns you to the previous window without making a selection.

If you have a template file that is not listed in TEMPLATE.TXT, you can still load it by entering its name (the prefix) in the Contest Type field.

When starting SD, you can see all existing .ALL files in your folder by leaving the Contest Name field blank, and pressing Enter. Again, navigate with the arrow keys to re-load any highlighted file, or Esc to return. Only the first 161 files are shown.

WAE Contest - QTCs:

If you logged a group of QTCs from any station with more than 6 characters in its callsign, only the first 6 were output. Fixed.

SDVCHECK:

Broken code in V12.01 meant that .VHF files could not be read. Fixed.

Cabrillo Logs:

Broken code in V12.00 caused QSO frequencies to be omitted. Fixed.

WinKey:

Keyer weight can be adjusted directly with the WEIGHT command.

Version 12.01 9th September 2005

WAE Contest:

In V12.00 there was a possibility of audit records being written to the QTC file. Fixed.

Version 12.00 8th September 2005

All Programs:

All file handling and naming routines have been restructured to ease maintenance and to improve long-term reliability.

When looking at your .ALL or .VHF files with a text editor, it's not always obvious if the initial 12 control records are the correct length. As a visual check, the last character of each control record is now replaced with ^ where it was a space.

At startup, the programs check the integrity of the control and QSL records. You cannot continue if they're not the correct length. If necessary, you must fix them with a text editor such as Notepad. Do not use word processors as they tend to add invisible characters at the end of the file.

SDCHECK - and other post-contest programs:

Added an option to restore your .ALL (or .VHF) file from the audit (.AUD) file. The original .ALL or .VHF file is copied to .OLD before the restoration begins.

This option lets you continue should your .ALL file be corrupted for any reason. However, it will not run under any circumstances if any of the first 12 control records are the wrong length. If so, you must first repair them with an editor, or set up a dummy contest log and copy the control records from that.

Caution: Although your .ALL file is re-built, your multipliers, dupes and points may not all be correct. If so, all that is affected is your Claimed Score - Cabrillo logs will otherwise be accurate and complete.

SDCHECK:

YO DX Contest. Cabrillo and ADIF options now show YO area codes.

"Checklog" added as an entry category option for RSGB Cabrillo logs.

SDV - Audit facility:

Was broken - now fixed.

Audit File:

Added a dummy record (a copy of the previous entry) to indicate program shutdown, both for completeness and to help with debugging.

File Names:

You can no longer choose the same name for VHF and HF contests - to prevent any corresponding .AUD audit file holding both VHF and HF QSOs.

WinKey:

Esc or Minus halts memory playback. Until now, this could be done only with the paddles.

Rig Control:

Due to broken code in V11.34, the highest BPS rate supported remained at 19200. Now, all standard bit rates up to 115200 are valid.

With rig control enabled, any transient comms error caused the time display to freeze. Fixed.

Version 11.34 10th August 2005

Rig Control - all HF programs:

Added LINKTIME (or LT) command. You may assign values from 50 to 500ms - the default is 250ms. Select the lowest value at which your rig's frequency is reliably displayed. This parameter is held in the initialisation file SD.INI.

The BPS command now supports rates up to 256000 - the previous limit was 9600.

Updated rig control code to help prevent the time display freezing.

2-Radio Operation:


At startup, Rig 1's frequency was not displayed. Fixed.

Comma "," swaps rig frequencies - when used in an empty callsign field. At present, this works only when both rigs are set to the same mode.

Equals "=" sets both rigs to the same frequency (the active rig's frequency). A reminder that backslash "\" toggles between rigs.

SD - WAE Contest:

CW QTCs (in Cabrillo format) were logged as PH (phone). Fixed.

SD Type 11 - RSGB AFS CC etc:

If the first "word" in the exchange is numeric, it is considered to be a serial and given leading zeros if necessary. Previously, this did not happen if there were any non-mumeric characters in the exchange.

SD/SDX:

Fixed F9 display of QSOs on other bands - for mixed-mode contests.

SDCHECK - Type 11 Contests:

Fixed Serial Sent not appearing in the PRINT option.

IOTA Contest:

SDI: Fixed beam headings.

Fixed certain edits with the potential to corrupt the .ALL file.

SDICHECK: Option 6 - ADIF exports. You can choose to include or omit a hyphen in IOTA references.

SDICHECK: Option 2 - Edits. QSOs were updated on screen but not on file. Fixed.

Defining Keyer Memories:

With Shift-F1 etc. Now takes effect only from an empty callsign field. Use Esc to abandon editing. With Esc, the original contents are restored.

WinKey - Memory Playback:

Speed change is now implemented reliably. For example, when F1 is set to #R #R#9#5TEST#-9#-5 it plays your call at "normal" speed, and TEST at an increase of 14 (9+5) wpm. The "#-9#-5" at the end is insurance that the speed will return to normal. This is a temporary measure - it will soon be coded.

Version 11.33 14th July 2005

IOTA Contest - SDI:

Simplified Data entry - with Enter/Return after every field (as always!).

Any Station Worked Already:


For island stations, SDI gives an automatic band/mode multiplier analysis. For other stations, SDI shows bands/modes worked and wanted.

The QSO is logged from the Serial field. If it's an island station, the previously logged IOTA reference is auto-filled.

Any Station Not Already Worked:

If it could be an island station (with one or more island references in SDIOTA.CTY for that country or call area), the QSO is logged from the IOTA Reference field.

SDI always inserts the continent (EU, NA etc.) in the Reference field. There's no need to delete or remove the continent for a non-island station when no reference is received - just hit Enter as usual.

If it can't possibly be an island station (no island entries in SDIOTA.CTY), for example HB9, the QSO is logged when you enter the Serial.

Band/Mode Multiplier Analysis updated:

The band/mode analysis is colour-coded as follows (to bring SDI into line with SD).

Yellow : Wanted - will be a mult.
White : Wanted - not a mult.
Black : Worked already on that band/mode.

As a visual reference, your current band/mode is indicated by two squares - with similar colour coding.

To check the multiplier status of any island, type its reference in the callsign field. Use Esc to clear the field.

QDUMP Command:

Added to all programs, but intended for anyone using SDI for a multi-op entry. QDUMP copies your .ALL file to a diskette file of the same name in drive A: - so that it may be loaded on the multiplier station's PC.

Output files from the QDUMP, DUMP and FASTDUMP commads now have "normal" file attributes - the archive attribute is not set.

CALIBRATE Command:

No longer keys the rig (with the word PARIS).

SD Type 11 - RSGB CC and Low Power Field Day:

You can now specify 0 points for CW QSOs.

Fixed Claimed-Score in SDCHECK Cabrillo logs.

Low-Power Field Day. Fixed scoring for Type 11, Option F.

Mixed-Mode Contests:

F9 display of QSOs by Call now displays only those QSOs that match the mode in use. This improves the listing when you enter a "dupe" callsign. Previously it might have shown a QSO (on another mode on the current band) that was not a dupe.

Version 11.32 21st June 2005

All Programs:

In V11.31 I added code to automatically centre SD's window on the desktop. The new code works on WinNT, 2000 and XP, but stopped the programs on Win95, 98 and ME. I've removed this feature.

SDVCHECK:

Fixed the Edit function.

Version 11.31 17th June 2005

WAE Contest:

QTC support added for DX entrants (outside EU). Use the QTC command. Automatic keying for CW QTCs has still to be added.

Beam Headings:

Fixed - for all locations.

.LST Callsign Reference Files:

Capacity is now 20,000 entries.

SD Type 11 Serials:

Autofill of leading zeros was broken, in RSGB CC and AFS, when an existing log was reloaded. Fixed.

The same broken code caused Club information to go missing when using SDCHECK to create a Cabrillo log. Fixed.

SD - All Asia Contest:

For DX entrants, any non-Asian prefixes/callsigns you enter appear in red - only Asian QSOs count.

SD - F9 display of QSOs by Callsign:

Fixed formatting error when NO160 command used.

Version 11.30 30th May 2005

Note: This version is numbered 11.30 to put a gap between it and versions 11.22 and 11.21 which should not be used.

SD - Edits:

Broken code in V11.21 and V11.22 caused Serials and/or QSOs to be duplicated or go missing after Callsign edits of previous QSOs. Fixed.

The audit (.AUD) files were not affected - they record all QSOs, Edits and ZAPs (QSOs you delete).

Updated IC756PR3.SD rig control file for the Icom ProIII. Thanks Joe EI7GY.

SDCHECK:

Fixed Cabrillo logs for King of Spain Contest. Answer "N" to "Receive serials from area QSOs".

Fixed Cabrillo logs (header records) for RSGB AFS, CC and RoPoCo.

Version 11.22 6th May 2005

SD Type 11 - Contests with no multipliers:

Added option to assign QSO points separately by mode - to improve support for ARRL Field Day.

SD - Dupe indicator:

When you type a "dupe" callsign, the relevant QSO data is highlighted in a QSO/Band window - rather then beneath the logging line as before.

SD - King of Spain Contest:

Updated for new scoring. New rules mean you can work everyone, not just Spanish stations.

SDI - IOTA Contest:

Summary of Islands by Country and Call Area went missing. Fixed.

Band Analyis updated - for stations already worked.
White (Bright) - IOTA station needed.
White (Dull) - non-IOTA station needed.
Black - station worked on that band/mode.

Setting Keyer Memories.

Fixed data entry (# key).

Version 11.21 16th April 2005

PTT on Voice Keyer:

PTT is enabled and disabled with PTTON and PTTOFF. It works in exactly the same way for both CW and SSB, and uses the same serial or parallel ports. On SSB, when PTT is enabled, you cannot interrupt or abort voice keyer messages.

Use the STATUS command to see the status of PTT and other comms parameters.

When you use apostrophe to toggle AutoSSB On, PTT is enabled. PTT remains enabled even when you toggle AutoSSB Off.

EU Sprint:

When you edit the Name field, on a QSO already logged, all QSOs with that call are updated.

When you type a callsign worked on another band, or which matches an entry in a .LST file, the Name is auto-filled. In these circumstances, Esc clears the callsign (as before) but also prevents the old name overwriting any new name entered with a new callsign.

For information, if you need to clear more than one field at a time, minus is the safest way to do it.

Estonian HF Championship:

The Band/Mode Analysis has been updated to show the status for 40 and 80m only.

Version 11.20 8th April 2005

EU Sprint:

Data entry simplified. For stations not already worked, you can enter Serial and Name in a single field - followed by Enter to log the QSO. For example 5FRED becomes 005 FRED - split between the Serial and Name fields. If you prefer, you may enter them separately as before.

If you've already worked the station on another band, the Name is auto-filled and the QSO is logged once you enter the Serial.

If any station gives you a number instead of an alphabetic name, you must enter Serial and Name separately.

Reminder: If you LOAD an LST callsign database, SD auto-fills the Name field. This assumes that names follow callsigns in the .LST records. If the file name is incorrect, use Esc to clear it - or simply overtype with the correct name.

The Band Analysis has been updated to show the status for 20, 40 and 80m only - to remove clutter.

ARRL 10m Contest:

SD Type 10, where mults count on both modes. Fixed display of multiplier totals by band/mode in the Score Window.

Lock-up at startup:

Fixed a bug associated with the initial CW speed calibration. If it should happen, use the PTTOFF command, then re-start SD.

Version 11.19 5th April 2005

LOAD Command.

Broken in V11.18 - fixed.

Version 11.18 3rd April 2005

Voice Keyer.

Support added for playback of .WAV sound files. They may be created with any Windows audio utility program, and should be named F1.WAV to F8.WAV.

Playback occurs only when your mode is SSB, and the options are similar to SD's CW keyer. With Caps Lock ON, press F1 to play F1.WAV etc. With Num Lock Off, you can use the numeric keypad to play messages.

Suggested message contents, to correspond to SD's CW standards, are:

F1 - your CQ.
F3 - Thanks + your call.

When running, it's convenient to have F1 and F3 play automatically. Apostrophe toggles AutoSSB. You'll know it's On when "SSB", in the status line below the callsign field, is bright. In these circumstances Enter, with no callsign, plays F1. When you have typed the received exchange, Enter plays F3 and logs the QSO.

If you try to play a non-existent or corrupt WAV file, you'll get a Windows beep (error).

To stop playback, play an "empty" WAV file. The file must exist, otherwise you'll hear a beep.

Two-Radio Support:

Equals "=" sends your active rig's frequency to the other rig.

YU DX Contest:

SD updated for the 2005 scoring rules. However, YU prefix multipliers are not tracked.

Version 11.17 24th March 2005

SD - Band Analysis:

For all contests with multipliers, SD gives an automatic colour-coded band/mult analysis under the callsign field - as you type prefixes.

Yellow - needed as a multiplier.
White - neeeded, but not a multiplier.
Black - worked already on that band.
Red - a dupe on the current band and mode.

In mixed-mode contests, where multipliers count on both modes, the stats are shown separately for each mode.

In CQWW, with country and zone multipliers, the colour scheme applies independently to the two characters for each band. For example, if the current callsign (or prefix) would be a country mult, but not a zone mult, on 20m - the 2 will be yellow and the 0 will be white.

This may sound complicated but, visually, it is simple and effective. It lets you quickly decide whether it's worth moving a station to another band to pick up a multiplier (or two).

When multipliers count once only, as in CQ WPX, nothing is shown except when a call has been logged earlier. There can be no "yellows".

When a call is a dupe, the QSO details are shown, highlighted, in a separate window.

SD - NO160 Command:

For multi-band contests, you can use the NO160 command to indicate that QSOs on 160m are not valid. This setting is held in a control record in the .ALL file, and applies each time you re- load the file. The band/mode analyis format changes as appropriate.

A subsequent NO160 restores 160m as a valid band for that event.

Memory Keyer:

Fixed the #N (name) parameter.

Version 11.16 10th March 2005

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

Updated BERU.CTY with HQ stations from last year.

When you log a "new" HQ station, SDC now shows the correct bonus analysis. In V11.15 there was a display error under these circumstances which did not affect scoring.

Version 11.15 9th March 2005

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

When logging an HQ station for the first time, SDC went into edit mode after the QSO was logged - and required two Enters to return to logging. Fixed.

Secondly, for bonus purposes, SDC counted this HQ station as a "home" country, which reduced the number of bonuses it would count for that country. Fixed.

You should be aware that SDC may not accurately track bonuses where you edit a previously logged non-HQ QSO to be an HQ QSO. However, that callsign will then be recognised as an HQ station on subsequent QSOs.

In V11.14, a colour-coded band analyis was added for stations already worked. This has been extended for all calls to show the bands, if any, on which it will be a bonus. The data is printed under the callsign - so that you have all the information you need in one place.

If you've logged the station before, the data is shown on a coloured background, otherwise there is no coloured background.

The benefit is that you just have to type a prefix to see its bonus status.

SD - Band Change Commands:

In single-mode events, band change commands like 10S, 20S etc. did nothing. Fixed.

Version 11.14 3rd March 2005

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

When you type a call that has been worked already, the band display, below the callsign, shows your status for this station on all 5 bands.

It's colour-coded as follows:

Grey - already worked on that other band.
Red - a dupe on the current band.
White - required on that other band.

If the band is the current band, the
QSO will be a bonus if B is displayed
above the call.

Yellow - will be a bonus on that other band.

The yellow bands stand out - you can't miss them.

The point is that this station will be a bonus on those bands, and you can immediately plan to move him.

ARRL DX Contest for both W/VE and DX:

The band display (6 bands) is now colour-coded as described for SDC.

Version 11.13 24th February 2005

SDU - UBA Contest:

Fixed dupe warning with ON stations - callsign did not change to red.

Fixed untidy display of stations worked on other bands.

ARRL DX Contest:

For W/VE entrants (Type 0), W/VE calls change to red, score 0 points and do not count as mults.

For non-W/VE (Type 1) the ADIF option in SDCHECK now distinguishes between American States and Canadian Provinces.

Band Mapping:

Added to SDX - using parallel port pins 2, 7, 8 and 9 - same standard as other contest loggers.

SD - Callsign Repeat:

The " character will repeat the callsign from the previous QSO. It's useful when you change bands to work the same station. It's a substitute for the older Q command (which still works), but you don't have to press Enter.

Note: This is not an option if you have FORCENUM enabled - see the notes for V11.11.

SO2R:

Improved visual indication of which radio is active. Pin 6 on the parallel port is ON when radio 2 is active.

AUTOCW:

Band changes disabled AutoCW when the AutoCW range (see 11.07) was anything other than zero. Fixed.

When AutoCW is enabled, and the status line (showing ACW) is hidden by .LST file data, the letter "A" is shown at the end of the data.

WinKey:

If you had selected a mode other than Iambic B, Winkey reverted to Iambic B after playing any memory which included a # parameter. Fixed.

Added some WinKey control parameters to SD.INI. These control the Dot/Dash ratio, Farnsworth threshold, and iambic switchpoint. They can be ignored unless you want to experiment - in which case you should read the WinKey manual to see what they do (www.k1el.com).

STATUS Command:

Updated to show all relevant WinKey parameters.

Rig Control:

FT897.SD added - Thanks ZL2ARN.

Version 11.12 23rd February 2005

SDU and SDC - UBA and Commonwealth Contests:

Fixed keyer serial numbers - #S parameter.

Version 11.11 11th January 2005

Call/Band Analysis:

On all HF programs, you can get a list of calls worked on 1 to 6 bands, or on any band. Use the commands 1BAND - 6BAND and ANYBAND. These may be abbreviated to 1B, 2B, 3B etc. and AB.

SHOW Command:

With some keyboards, SD does not "see" characters exactly as typed. The SHOW command now displays all relevant parameters for each keystroke in the Score window, and may be used as the basis for creating or updating an SD.MAP file - to convert (map) one character to another.

This diagnostic feature is toggled with SHOW. It's always disabled when you start SD.

Top-Row Number Keys:

On some PCs and/or operating systems, SD does not always display the 2 and 3 keys. I don't know why, but the problem can be corrected with appropriate entries in the SD.MAP file - see the SHOW command above.

The FORCENUM command is another option. It forces SD to output numbers regardless of the status of other keys such as Shift and Caps Lock. The FORCENUM parameter is stored in SD.INI and, if set to 1, takes effect every time you run SD. When set, a second FORCENUM disables this feature.

Version 11.10 5th January 2005

SD - PORTS Command:

After using the PORTS command, the screen was not cleared before returning to the logging screen. Caused by broken code in V11.09. Fixed.

Version 11.09 2nd January 2005

FOC Marathon:

SD, Type 9, supports all Marathon scoring and bonus options. Select FOC as the .CTY file. Note: You don't need a physical FOC.CTY file - this option uses DXCC.CTY.

Added tracking of Continent bonus. Added 4BAND, 5BAND and 6BAND commands to display corresponding calls - these may be abbreviated to 4B, 5B, 6B.

The 4-band and 5-band displays show the band(s) needed for each call.

The score window shows FOC QSOs y band, others (non- FOC and dupes), totals for 4-band, 5-band, countries and continents, and G4FOC QSOs.

The coresponding Cabrillo log from SDCHECK has been updated to show all relevant Marathon check-sheet data. In effect, it replaces the manual check-sheet.

Stew Perry Championship:

SD scored each QSO, but did not store the points in the QSO records. Fixed.

Version 11.08 9th December 2004

Internal Keyer:

Fixed broken code in V11.07 - CW was very fast in all programs and the CALIBRATE command did not work.

Version 11.07 8th December 2004

SD - Contests with QSOs limited to certain countries.

When you enter an inappropriate callsign, its colour changes to red. This applies to SD Type 1 (ARRL DX) and Type 4 (area multipliers) where only stations in certain countries count, and others do not. The colour change happens only when the callsign includes a number, as letters alone may represent the suffix of a valid call.

This is controlled by the $ lines or parameters in the corresponding area multiplier (.MLT) files, where each $ parameter is followed by a country prefix - which must match the standard prefix in DXCC.CTY. If there is no $ line in the .MLT file, SD cannot check for inappropriate calls.

If you do log an inappropriate call, it gets zero points and will not count as a multiplier.

NOTE: There is no corresponding check on edits of previous QSOs.

All .MLT files have been updated as appropriate.

INS/OVR Data Entry Modes:

SD offers two data entry modes, Overwrite (OVR) and Insert (INS) - as shown under the callsign field.

In OVR mode, if you've entered a callsign suffix and need to insert the prefix, position the cursor at the start of the callsign field and press the space bar a few times before typing the prefix.

The AUTOINSERT command, or AI for short, provides a third data entry option. It applies only if you're in OVR mode, and has no effect in INS mode.

With Auto Insert On, as indicated by a highlighted V in "OVR", the data entry mode temporarily changes to "INS" when you move the cursor to the start of the callsign. It stays that way until you type any non-callsign character. While this is happening, "INS" changes colour to indicate that it is temporary.

Auto Insert applies only to the callsign field on the logging line.

ACWRANGE Command:

AutoCW (ACW) is useful when logging in run mode. It is normally toggled with ' (apostrophe).

If you change frequency to start searching rather than running, the ACWRANGE command may be used to disable ACW after a given frequency change.

You can specify a number from 1 to 10, equivalent to a frequency shift of 100 Hz to 1 kHz. Specify zero to return ACW to manual control.

Memos and Skeds:

Tidied up the display - following new entries to the list.

WinKey - short space:

Support added for the Winkey V9 short-space character - equivalent to one half dot. It's represented by ^ in SD's F-Key memories. These may be "stacked" to help make your callsign more readable. This works only with WinKey V9 and later.

STATUS Command:

The display has been updated.

Calibrate CW Speed:

Calibration is done automatically every time SD starts, by comparing the actual and expected times for a single dash. The CALIBRATE/CAL command is still available if required.

WinKey does not require calibration. SD ignores the CALIBRATE command when WinKey is enabled.

UKRAINE.MLT:

Updated with oblasts in Ukrainian spelling.

ARRL 10m Contest:

Updated to include Hawaii and Alaska in the USA section.

The band defaults to 10m when ARRL10.MLT is chosen.

Version 11.06 6th November 2004

SDC - Commonwealth Contest:

SDC is now a Windows program.

QSOs are logged when you enter the received serial, assuming you've already entered the callsign. To log HQ stations, add HQ to the serial - in the same field.

AutoCW:

The F2 message (exchange) would not play with AutoCW enabled. Fixed.

Version 11.05 21st October 2004

CQWW - SD.

SD now consistenty identifies the correct zone, both CQ and ITU, for any valid Russian callsign. In CQWW, you can check the multiplier status of any zone by entering it in the Callsign field.

For example, type 1 to see the status of Zone 1, add 4 to see the status of Zone 14. Use Esc to clear the callsign field.

SDV - Callsign Reference Files (.LST):

The record length has been restored to 50 characters. It was reduced to 20 in the initial conversion to Windows.

A reminder that, on a callsign match, SDV extracts any locator (it can be anywhere in the reference data) and places it in the Locator field on the logging line.

Super Check Partial (SCP):

Due to recent broken code it worked only for the first QSO logged. Fixed.

SCP may be toggled with the SCP command, or enabled for the current QSO only with the equals (=) key.

Check Partial:

All SD loggers, by default, list callsigns (already logged) needed on the current band and mode as you enter prefixes.

You probably know that you can retrieve any such callsign from the Check Partial window by using the Arrow keys to select the wanted call and then pressing enter.

Now, if there is a single wanted "check partial" call corresponding to the prefix in the callsign field, it is retrieved immediately you press Up Arrow.

SDU - UBA Contest:

UBA.CTY updated, to include the new European Union countries.

SD - Russian DX Contest:

RUSSIA.MLT updated to reflect the latest changes, and SDCHECK updated to give a correctly formatted Cabrillo log in this contest.

Version 11.04 13th October 2004

WAG - Worked All Germany Contest.

Now fully supported by SD, for both German (Type 9) and DX (Type 4) entrants. SDCHECK updated to give the correct Cabrillo format log in both cases.

Earlier vesions of SD do not support DX entrants in WAG.

Version 11.03 4th October 2004

WAE - SD Type 9.

When receiving QTCs, each can now be entered in a single field. There's no need to separate the fields, SD does it on Enter.

For example


    1102DL1AB21 becomes 1103 DL1AB 021
    029A1H1     becomes 1102 9A1H  001

SDCHECK:

Cabrillo: For Type 4, 9 and 10 contests you can individually include or exclude Serial Sent and any other fixed data such as Area Code. In addition, for Type 4 and 10 you can include or exclude Serial Received. SDCHECK gives correctly formatted Cabrillo QSO records for all options.

SSB Field Day. Cabrillo Log - restored multiplier band totals.

Fixed multiplier display - Option 4 (PRT)

Fixed country multiplier summary - Option 3.

SD - Minus (Wipe QSO).

Broken code in SD only meant that Minus, in the Callsign field, was ignored. Fixed.

SDX - Rig Control:

Fixed QSY when frequency entered in Callsign field.

Added port sharing for CW and rig control - omitted in error in V11.02

Q Command:

Repeats previous callsign - disapeared in V11.02. Fixed.

AutoCW:

Was disabled after playing F5 to F8 memories. Now it remains in the same state unless toggled with apostrophe or A(UTOCW).

Update Memories:

Broken code in V11.02 meant that Shift-F1 to F8 would not accept the # character. Fixed.

Version 11.02 9 September 2004

WAE - Worked All Europe:

QTCs are now logged directly in their recommended Cabrillo format. SDQTC is no longer needed to re- format the QTCs and has been discontinued.

AutoStart - CW:

With AutoCW enabled, the CWSTART (or START) command lets you select which callsign character position will automatically start the F2 exchange message. For example, with CWSTART=4, the F2 message starts as soon as you type the 4th callsign character. Any extra callsign characters will be picked up so long as you keep ahead of the keyer. There's no need to press Enter, and no harm if you do.

With AutoStart enabled, the ACW "mode" indicator changes to XCW, where X represents your starting position. If the callsign has fewer characters than X, you'll have to press Enter, as usual, to play the F2 message. The minimum value for X is 3, and I'd recommend setting it to 5 at first. With lower values, you have to be careful not to start the keyer before you've heard the full call.

If the keyer takes off before you're ready, use Esc or minus to stop it. The Apostrophe key can be used to toggle Auto CW and Auto Start. To disable Auto Start without affecting AutoCW, set CWSTART to 0.

Serial Ports:

The SHARECOM command enables a single serial port for both rig control and keying, except when using WinKey. Use the PORTS command to assign specific ports. If WinKey is enabled, you must disable it with the WINKEY command.

When a port is shared, it will not supply power on DTR or RTS for external level converters.

Ctrl - CW Keyboard Mode:

For Win2000 and XP, Ctrl, on its own, toggles CW Keyboard Mode (just like the old DOS programs). With other versions of Windows, your only option is Alt-K.

A quick tap of the Ctrl key is all that's needed. Otherwise SD may stay in logging mode.

SD - Multipliers:

Added option to track multipliers, in mixed-mode events, that count once on each mode - regardless of band (for example - the OHIO QSO Party).

This applies to the three general-purpose options with multipliers:

Type 4 - Area multipliers
Type 9 - Country multipliers
Type 10 - Country and area multipliers

Added OHIO.MLT - for the Ohip QSO Party


CQP.MLT - for the California QSO Party.

File Names:

The programs now remove spaces in file names when you start a new contest log. In the same way, SDCHECK will no longer open .ALL files with spaces in the name - you should rename them if necessary.

Version 11.01 26 August 2004

ZAP and QTC Commands:

Reinstated in SD. They went missing when I combined the data input routines for SD and SDX.

Field Day (CW and SSB):

Scoring options for HB9 added - to the existing RSGB, DARC and UBA options.

Auto CW:

Can be toggled, in any logging field, with the apostrophe ' character. This is convenient if you need to change Auto CW in a hurry - you don't have to return to the callsign field to enter the A command.

When using SD's internal keyer, apostrophe will not work during message playback.

A reminder that Auto CW is intended only for the F1 to F4 messages (while running or calling CQ). When you use the F5 to F8 messages for searching and pouncing, Auto CW will be disabled. You can re-enable it with apostrophe.

Auto CW is On when you see ACW, rather than CW, as the mode.

SD - Area Multiplier Limits:

The maximum number of different areas in a given .MLT file is 214 - for the purposes of multiplier tracking. If you exceed this limit, SD will log the new area codes, but will not identify them as multipliers. Previously, they could not be logged.

In general, the effect of "multiplier overflow" will simply be a lower claimed score. This will usually not matter as Cabrillo format logs do not have any indication of multipliers claimed, and they are all re-scored by the organisers.

WAE - Logging QTCs:

Updated to make logging and editing easier, and to give you a second chance to edit the callsign (of the station sending QTCs) and the QTC sequence number.

Version 11.00 19 August 2004

Data Input Routine:

Updated to suppress redundant screen output when logging. This was never an issue under DOS, but it's a different story under Windows. In turn, typed characters appear immediately and SD's keying is improved - with little or no speed variation. (Tested on 330 MHz Win98 and 1.8 GHz WinXP PCs).

Reminder: Try the PRIORITY command if data entry seems slow or keying is erratic. One setting is likely to be better than the other. In general, WinXP seems to prefer priority 0, and previous versions of Windows prefer priority 1.

If, nevertheless, your keying is still erratic, there's always WinKey.

On Win2000 and WinXP, the ^ character (indicating the status of Caps Lock) appears, or disappears, immediately as Caps Lock is toggled. With older versions of Windows, although the change takes place immediately, it is not visible until your next keystroke.

WAE Contest - QTCs:

Fixed some cosmetic errors on the initial QTC screen - logging and scoring were not affected. Note: QTCs are supported for EU entrants only.

Added "QRV" (CW o/p) once you reach the QTC logging screen, and "R" as each CW QTC is logged.

SD - Area multipliers:

Support added for 4-character area codes in Types 4 and 10 contests. For Type 10 contests with 4-character codes, your exact operating frequency is not logged when using rig control.

Added RDA.MLT for the RDA (Russian District Award) Contest - thanks G4OGB. The file includes setup information.

WinKey:

PTT now fully implemented - can be switched with PTTON and PTTOFF.

Very occasionally, WinKey needs to be reset by interrupting the power. In these circumstances the WKINIT command will restore your parameters.

WKCOMP Command - adds a fixed amount to the length of all dots and dashes. Value is 0 (the (default) to 250 ms. This is intended for QSK operation on rigs that shorten each character. If you're not operating QSK, leave it at zero.

WKEXTN Command - adds a fixed amount to the first character. It's for use when your rig's internal PTT/VOX clips the first element of a "message". Value is 0 (the default) to 250 ms. If you use WinKey's internal PTT (with PTTON), and an appropriate lead time (PTTLEAD), you may not need an extension - the only way to know for certain is to listen to your rig's output on another radio.

Implemented message playback speed change with the #1 -#9 parameters. For the moment, Winkey will take only one such parameter, whereas SD's internal keyer lets you stack them.

SD - IARU HF Championship:

In mixed-mode entries, HQ stations were counted as multipliers on both modes. Fixed.

SDICHECK:

Fixed the .PRT option.

SDCHECK:

Added the SH (SHOW) option to display the characteristics of each keystroke as seen by SDCHECK - this is a useful diagnostic tool if you find you can't input certain characters, of they turn out to be different from what you typed. Once you find what the progam "sees" for a particular character, you can add an entry in SD.MAP to do any necessary conversion. SH is the equivalent, in SDCHECK, of SHOW in SD.

Configuration files:

SDCONFIG.TXT has been renamed to SD.INI, and it's done when you run this version of SD. SDVCONFG.TXT has been renamed to SDV.INI - again, it's done automatically by SDV.

BORDER Command:

The option to set your border to 0 is now limited to Win2000 and later systems. In turn, full-screen mode may no longer be an option on earlier systems such as Win98 or WinME.

Version 10.25. 23 July 2004

IOTA Contest - SDICHECK.

When creating a Cabrillo log, SDICHECK did not print the first 12 QSO records, although they were included in the claimed score and in the band/mode analysis. Fixed.

All programs - slow data entry.

Fixed. It was caused by some PC/Windows combinations not being happy with programs run at higher priority than normal. Some require it, and some reject it.

The PRIORITY command toggles between two priority levels - the values are 0 or 1. If you think the keyboard response is slow, try PRIORITY to see what difference it makes. If necessary, do it again to return to your original setting.

Once you're happy with the setting, there's nothing more to do. The priority parameter is stored in SDCONFIG.TXT.

Rig Control:

Added DTR On to rig control ports - to help with powering home-brew controllers. Power is also available from RTS.

Version 10.24. 18 July 2004

SDI - IOTA Contest.

If you load a callsign reference list which includes IOTA references and then enter a matching callsign, SDI extracts the IOTA reference and places it in the logging line.

I've included a file, DXPED04.LST, of announced IOTA DXpeditions for 2004. It can be loaded with the LOAD command, or you can append it to your usual reference list.

Version 10.23. 14 July 2004

WinKey - All programs:

Support for callsign type-ahead added (with the #C parameter - usually in the F2 message). You can add or delete callsign characters, so long as you stay ahead of the keyer.

Use Esc or Minus, or touch either paddle, to stop WinKey message playback.

You can use the following commands to configure WinKey - your preferences are stored in the configuration file SDCONFIG.TXT.

MINWPM

- WinKey's minimum WPM, with the speed control at minimum.

WPMRANGE

- The difference, in WPM, between the minimum speed and the maximum speed. For example, if your minimum is 15 and the range is 25, the maximum will be 40 wpm. This gives you fine control over WinKey's speed pot.

POTRANGE

- Depending on how your speed pot is wired, this should be set to 127 or 255. Don't worry if you pick the wrong value - all that happens is that your maximum speed will not be what you intended.

PTTLEAD

- Replaces PTTDELAY - sets the lead PTT delay in milliseconds. Note - this is effective only in 10ms increments. If you select 29, the lead delay will be 20ms.

SWAP

- Reverse the paddles.

IAMBICA

- Set Iambic A mode.

IAMBICB

- Set Iambic B mode - the default.

ULTIMATIC

- Set Ultimatic mode.

BUG

- Toggles Bug Key/Iambic B mode

AUTOSPACE

- Toggles Autospace mode.

The TUNE (or T) command works in WinKey. To stop tuning, press any key or touch either paddle. Use Esc to clear the TUNE characters from the logging line when you're finished.

When using WinKey, your CW speed is controlled by WinKey's speed pot. SD shows WinKey's speed in the normal position under the logging line. WinKey lets you change speed while sending a message - very handy when replying to high-speed callers.

For what it's worth, I think WinKey is wonderful. It eliminates any possibility of corrupt or untidy CW due to Windows doing its own thing, and it gives full integration with external paddles. You can interrupt a message by touching a paddle, and then continue manually at the same speed using either the paddles or the keyboard. At 3B9C, we used WinKey for all 77,610 CW QSOs - and that's when I decided to fully support it.

WinKey was developed by G3WGV and K1EL. You can get more information from http://www.k1el.com, or try a search on Google for WinKey and keyer.

SDI - All earlier Windows versions 10.15 - 10.22.

There was a bug which could crash SDI when you edited IOTA references on QSOs already logged. There was also a danger of corrupting the log. Fixed. Older DOS versions are not affected.

SD - IARU HF.

When calculating QSO points, SD used the default zone for your callsign, even if you entered a different zone on the opening screen. Fixed. This fix applies also to Type 2 - CQWW.

SDX: Check Partial:

The program froze if you tried to retrieve an entry (with Up Arrow). Fixed.

Keyer Messages - known bug:

When storing or editing keyer messages (Shift-F1 etc), the programs don't let you enter the # character at present. Until this is fixed, the alternative is to use an editor (Notepad) on SDCONFIG.TXT - the keyer messages are at the start of the file.

Version 10.22. 3 July 2004

Parallel Port Keying:

Broken code in V10.21 - I got my PTT and keying "wires" crossed. Fixed.

PTT - Revised commands:

PTTDELAY

Any value from 0 to 999 (ms).

PTTON
Enables PTT (for both serial and parallel ports.

PTTOFF
Disables PTT.

All settings are stored in SDCONFIG.TXT.

The additional PTTON and PTTOFF commands give you the option of having a PTT cable physically connected at all times.

When PTT is Off, the PTTDELAY setting is ignored.

If, with PTT off, the first character (dot or dash) in memory playback is extended, set PTTON and set PTTDELAY to the minimum value that fixes the problem. This is noticeable on some PCs (typically portables).

WinKey:

Now starts reliably when you start any of the programs, or when you use the WinKey command to toggle from internal keying to WinKey.

Version 10.21. 2 July 2004

SD, SDV, SDI, SDX and SDR:

Broken code in V10.20 meant that when the programs asked you to "Press any key to continue", they would not continue under any circumstances - fixed.

Version 10.20. 1 July 2004

Keyer:

Keyboard mode (Alt-K) fixed - you can type ahead without losing characters.

Callsign type-ahead (any function-key message with #C). Support added for the backspace (delete) key. You can add and delete callsign characters so long as you stay ahead of the keyer. This is not yet implemented in WinKey.

WinKey is now powered from the DTR line - no external power is required.

SDV: VHF Contests.

When changing mode from CW to SSB or FM, your RST Sent was incorrectly shown (on the logging line only) as 599 - Fixed.

When creating a new log, you can choose whether or not it's OK to work a station on the same band, but on different modes. If you answer "N", second QSOs are dupes - regardless of mode.

Version 10.19. 27 June 2004

Keyer and Rig Control Ports:

COM1 to COM8 now supported, to accommodate USB to Serial converters. If you previously used LPT1 or LPT2 for CW, you must use the PORTS command to select 9 (for LPT1) and 10 (for LPT2).

Sidetone:

CW sidetone has been restored to the Windows programs - SD, SDI, SDV and SDX. It's handy for checking memory playback when not connected to a radio.

A CW port must be, or have been, enabled before sidetone can be heard. The SIDETONE command toggles audio o/p and the keying o/p - it's one or the other, but not both, at any one time.

SDI - IOTA Contest:

Error in CW F2 memory playback (the exchange) fixed.

Fixed SDICHECK - post contest log and analysis. Got broken somewhere in the conversion to Windows.

SDR - Rescore Cabrillo and SD Logs.

SDR accepts a Cabrillo .LOG file or an SD .ALL file as input. This version, 10.19, is robust. Earlier versions should be deleted.

SDR rescores each QSO and identifies dupes and multipliers, and is intended only for contests with multipliers and/or with variable points per QSO.

Although SDR is a general-purpose utility, and will rescore most contests supported by SD, Cabrillo logs must conform to the appropriate QSO template at www.kkn.net/~trey/cabrillo/qso-template.html, or, for RSGB contests with district codes, to the second template at www.contesting.co.uk/hfcc/formats/templates.shtml

SDR creates NAME.NEW using SD's record format, where NAME is the name of your .LOG or .ALL input file, and gives an immediate analysis of QSO, points and multiplier totals by band.

File handling/renaming then occurs as follows.

1. Cabrillo .LOG input file - NAME.LOG

If NAME.ALL does not exist, NAME.NEW is renamed as NAME.ALL - which can then be loaded or analysed further with SD and SDCHECK.

If NAME.ALL exists: Copy NAME.ALL to NAME.OLD Delete NAME.ALL Rename NAME.NEW as NAME.ALL

2. SD .ALL input file.
Copy NAME.ALL to NAME.OLD Delete NAME.ALL Rename NAME.NEW as NAME.ALL

Errors or exceptions, if any, are appended to the corresponding records in the newly-created .ALL file, and can be inspected with a text editor. They do not affect the ability of SD or SDCHECK to load this .ALL file.

When using a text editor to examine a .ALL file, please take care not to change the length of any record. If you do, you will not be able to load the file with SD or SDCHECK. If you get into trouble, you will still have your original .LOG file or .OLD file as backup.

SDV - VHF Contests:

Post-contest logging option, with the OFFLINE command, was broken in V10.18. Fixed.

Version 10.18. 26 May 2004

SDV - VHF Contests:

Now released as a Windows text-mode program. V10.17 was the last DOS release of SDV.

SD, SDI, SDV, SDX - Windows programs:

Previouly screen updating was a bit "clunky". On some PCs you could see data being written to various windows. Now the data in individual windows appears instantly - it looks more like the behaviour we all took for granted under DOS.

The SHOW command is a diagnostic tool which displays the characteristics of each keyboard key as seen by SD (or the other programs).

SD - Type 7, CW Field Day.

Adding scoring option for HB9 rules.

All programs:

If you had logged 10 or more QSOs and then scrolled through the log (with up-arrow) to log any of the first 9 QSOs, a spurious 0 appeared after the "Editing QSO" number. Fixed.

Version 10.17. 28 April 2004

SD, SDI, SDX.

Fixed QSO Rate analysis.

Added LPT2 keyer option.

Version 10.16. 22 April 2004

European Union Contest.

European Union Contest. A once-off contest, organised by the UBA, to celebrate the enlargement of the European Union from 15 to 25 member states on 1st May 2004.

SD updated and EURO.CTY file supplied.

Version 10.15. 18 April 2004

Windows & DOS.

I have completed the conversion of SDI (IOTA) and SDX (Spec