Frequently Asked Questions

Program errors and requests

Q. Where can I download the program?
A. All information for a first or a subsequent install can be found at the installation page

If you have Excel, look in the data menu for the option "Get External Data". You will want to use "New Database Query". The database type to choose is "MS Access Database" and I would recommend leaving "Use the Query Wizard to create/edit queries" checked if you are not a programmer. This will display a list of databases. Navigate to your N1MM directory and choose the one you want. The table you want to look at is DXLOG. Press > to move that to the right hand column. Here is the tricky part. You need to select rows to be included. The column that filters that is ContestNR. You could also use ContestName, but if you have two contests witht the same name, you will have to filter some more. You could also filter with TS (timestamp) using greater than and less than. Choose your Sort by columns in the next window and continue. You will want to choose the option to return the data to Microsoft Excel. You now have the contest data in a spreadsheet.

The other way to get data into a spreadsheet is to  open the contest log in the program, then right click on the log window. Choose "select all", then right click and choose Copy/Generic Print String. The data in the clipboard can be pasted into Excel, and the put into columns using Data/Text to Columns.

73,  Tom Wagner - N1MM

It is also important for users to understand that time is limited, and bugs that interfere with proper operation for many users always come first; bugs that affect relatively few people tend to wait, as do feature requests with similarly limited impact.     73, Pete N4ZR

Q. What to do to get familiar with the program?

• Read the manual!
• At least read the Quick-Start Guide, Quick Tour, Using the program, the Entry Window and the Key Assignments chapters.
• You MUST print out and read the 'Key Assignments' and/or the 'Key Assignments Short List'.
  It is the quickest way to get a good idea of what the program can do. There are things that are not covered in key assignments, but if it is important for heads-down contesting, then there is a keystroke for it.
• Use the program as logging program in DX mode before entering a contest.
• Use the program with the contest set up and make 'dummy' QSOs before entering a contest.
• Use it and look in the manual if things are not clear.
• Still not clear? Get on the reflector and ask. There are many people there who can help.

Q. The program displays an error. What should I do?
A. When the program displays an error or suddenly ends this may be a bug in the program or a problem on your computer. Here are some hints on how to determine if it is a bug and how to report it.

• Try to record what you did when it happened.
• If you do the same thing again does it happen again?
• If so,use a clean N1MM Logger.ini file (copy N1MM logger.ini.init to N1MM Logger.ini). You will reset many of your configuration settings, but this often fixes the problem. It's unlikely that a run-time type of error can be fixed by reinstalling the software.
• If the problem still exists, submit a bug report and give as much information as possible.
  • What operating system are you running?
  • How fast is your computer (processor speed, type of CPU)?
  • How much memory does the computer have?
  • What log are you using (DX, CQWW CW etc.)?
  • What radio are you using?
  • What are the steps to reproduce the problem?
  • Has it worked before (earlier version)?
  • Any information you think is necessary to help resolve the problem. What things are working, what is not.
  • Enter this information to the bug form on the N1MM logger website

Q. The program displays an error. Would removing and installing the program again Help?
A. Copying N1MM Logger.ini.init to N1MM Logger.ini is your best bet. Reinstalling the original software would only help if you installed some other software that overlayed a dll with a dll that caused a problem. Reinstalling might or might not fix the problem in that case. Copying the default N1MM Logger.ini file will remove all your settings. Make a backup copy of N1MM Logger.ini when the program is working fine.

Q. The program gives an error opening the database..
A. Microsoft has a utility to deal with corrupt databases. Before using any utility like this,MAKE A BACKUP COPY OF THE DATABASE. The database name is ham.mdb if you have not created a new one. Here is the link for the utility.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q273956

Use version type 4 when fixing.

Q. Why isn't there an xyz feature?
A. If you haven't at least looked at the key assignments in the help, please don't ask.
A. This is not a general logging program, and requests for features that don't fit with contesting, or add unnecessary bulk, won't be addressed.

Q. Why isn't there a field to enter the QSL manager.
A. This won't be added. You can add it to the comment field in DX mode or add it to the comment field during a contest by using Alt+N (note).
Why? If I tried to add every general logging feature people want, the program would be neither a good contest program, nor a good general logging program. I decided early on that this was to be a contest program with a few general logging features.

Q. It seems like N1MM has favorites. Why do some users get almost all their requests implemented, and others don't?
A. You are right, he does have favorites. Want to be a favorite? Follow these rules:

• Read the help before reporting a bug. I.e. understand what the program is supposed to do.
• Do some work to determine the circumstances that cause the bug. Don't report, "I start the program and it crashes, what's up?" Instead report, "I am running version 4.0.190. My radio is an FT-1000D, and I'm using the DX log. If I try to start with ESM mode, the program gets a runtime error xxx. If I start again everything is fine, but every time I set ESM mode, the runtime error returns." That is a problem that can be fixed. The first description can't.
• Don't ask for general logging features. This is a contest program.
• Don't install the program during CQWW, and then complain about it. This actually happened!
• Reports from the heat of a contest get the most attention. If they are serious bugs during the contest, they'll get fixed if possible. Feature requests that are a result of making a lot of QSOs in a contest get more weight than "wouldn't this be nice".
• Remember that this is a freeware project, and you are encouraged to help.

Q. The contest I want to participate in is not listed, what to do?
A. The N1MM logger does not have a contest setup program for new contests. So you can't create your own contests. Make a request you want this contest added. There are some possibilities to use a supported contest or general logging (DX) for the contest you want to participate in. Most of the times the multipliers are not correct but the dupes are checked. In some contests you could use an adapted CTY.DAT file (like the PACC contest). If the contest committee wants to have Cabrillo logs the multiplier and score will be calculated by them.

Q. 'Out of memory' message under Win98SE with large RAM
A. Some research on the illustrious 'Out of memory' message under Win98SE with large RAM (512MB) brings you to the Microsoft support site. Have a look at Q253912. This tells you to edit the System.ini and insert the variable MaxFileCache= <size in kB> at the [vcache] section. For 512 MB of RAM a shareware program advised a MaxFileCache from 98304 kB. This solved the problem.

Q. Errors and possible solutions.

Q. CW stutters (using lpt or serial port keying)
Q. Voice keying stutters
A. Mostly this means your pc is to busy handling other stuff during transmit or is underpowered. This could be outside N1MM logger. What to do, some 'tricks'.

• Try not to run other programs not needed for contesting.
• Try filtering spots at your packet cluster node so as to reduce the traffic that must be handled by N1MM logger.
• Set your telnet filters for the minimum number of spots consistent with your needs, particularly including only the current contest's mode and maybe only spots from areas near your own
• Zoom the bandmap in so that it covers only a relatively small frequency range around your current frequency.
• Limit the number of bands you try to cover with the Available Mults and Qs window's spot pane ( for the band that the particular PC is on).

• Create the folder DAO under  c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared
• Copy the file DAO360.DLL into the folder at c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\dao
• Register the DLL by entering the following into the start\run window:   
  • regsvr32 "c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\dao\dao360.dll"

Installation/Upgrading

Q. Should I upgrade each time there is an update announcement? Would it be more prudent to wait a while to avoid surprises?
A. You are welcome to let a new version "stew in the pot" for a while. If you wait a day or two, and there is no uproar on the group, you should be fine. Generally, problems that are introduced are related to the changes made. If the problem is severe, and necessary for an upcoming contest, we will fix it right away. If not, you should just retreat to a prior version.

There are about 10 versions plus the base install on the web site. You should stay within that range. Feel free to keep older versions on your hard drive, but please don't expect support. The biggest problems you will find with returning to old versions (back to say 6.0 or so) is with section files. The program only updates   section/county/   whatever files when a section is changed or added.

Please note that we do not support anything but the newest version. We don't keep old versions of the source files ready to fix a problem for you in 6.x.x. If you want a fix, you must wait until that fix is coded and install that version or a later version. Please don't report a problem with something other than the current version, unless it is to pinpoint at what version a problem started. That information is sometimes, but not always, useful. btw - I don't think any logging programs will support anything but their newest version. They just have fewer of them.

The cycle for changes in the program is centered around major contests. Example: N2AMG just whipped RTTY into shape for CQWW RTTY, and is now in the process of fixing the minor bugs that came out of that. Those of us supporting the rest of the program are working on things likely to be of importance in CQWW SSB & CW and ARRL SS. You will notice the rate of change slow down toward the end of this month, but there may be *more* smaller versions as the last fixes are pushed out. In the last week before the contest, we get very conservative about what changes we will make. A change to a QSO party will be made, but a change to how ESM (enter sends messages) will not be made, because we are certain that the QSO Party code *never* gets executed during CQWW or ARRL SS, but we are far less certain about code that is used for all contests.

We find this approach provides the most rapid rate of development while allowing users to choose their level of risk. If you are conservative, stay back a version or two until you are comfortable with what is being reported on the group. If you like to see the newest things and influence the development, go with latest with the knowledge that you can retreat if the version is not to your liking. In the case of major contests, download the lastest about a week before the contest, and also the last one before the contest. If the latest one has a problem, you have your backup ready.

Q. Should I update every inbetween version or is the latest update enough?
A. There is no need to load each version from the beginning. Updates are progressive which means that the current one incorporate all the fixes from day one. You can easily skip a bunch of versions if desired.

Q. Why doesn't the help work? Why is it out of date?
A. The help changes on a schedule different from the program. You need to download it separately. Like all the other parts of the program, it can be downloaded from the N1MM homepage. The Help is also available in PDF format so it can be printed.

Q. Where to get the latest country file for the program.
A. The country file used by the program is CTY.DAT in the program directory. Information about this file and how to update this file can be found on the Download page.

Q. I installed PORT95NT.EXE/DLPORTIO but still no CW from the parallel/serial ports (NT, Windows 2000 & XP)

A. Is the "CW/Other"' box selected next to the 'Set' button.

Q. I keep getting a "red" error message that says "Error sending CW. Check port selection in the Configuration dialog".
A. Select a CW port in the Configurer. This could be a (virtual) serial port or a parallel port.

Q. When ever I set the information for the rig in N1MM, the program slows to a crawl. I have other programs that use rig interface that work great with out any latency.
A. What settings are you using for the serial connection? Is your serial adapter powered off the computer? If so, you need to specify "always on", "always on" for DTR and RTS. Also the radio should be turned on...

Q. Each time I start Logger I get the error message below, any way to get this to stop appearing?

Setup Error
Wave is being muted.
It is being changed to Mic.
A. Under Config|Ports etc.| Tab: Audio, you'll see an option for muting an output. For some reason, this defaults at first startup to muting the wav output when it really should mute the microphone. Change it to mute the microphone and the warning will not reappear.

0. Close Audacity, Winamp, and any other sound recording or playback programs you may have open.
DO NOT OPEN THEM AGAIN DURING THIS PROCESS.

1. There is apparently an interaction between the windows control panel and N1MM logger that I hadn't noticed before. The key is, select the default device with the windows control panel to the one you want windows to use... then don't change it. If you change it windows apparently renumbers the devices so the device index number that n1mm saves isn't valid any more. So if you ever change the windows default playback or recording devices you MUST go back into the n1mm configurer and reselect the cards AND ports if you use specific devices and not the 'default' card option.
 
The same rule also applies to MMTTY setup if you have selected a device other than -1 (default) in the Option/Setup/Misc tab.

2. Start N1MM logger and go into the 'Configurer / Audio' tab. Select '1 zero or single card' in the top list, then 'default' in the first 'select device' list. Save that settings. Close N1MM logger.

3. Plug your microphone directly into the mic input on the sound card, plug your headset directly into the speaker output.

4. Open the windows volume control, on the playback controls that come up first set all the sliders to mid range, and un-mute everything. You may have to go into options/properties to check the box to let you see the microphone and other sound sources.

5. In the volume control select options/properties, check the 'recording' box then make sure 'microphone' is checked in the list of controls. Do ok.
Check the box to 'select' the microphone and set it's slider mid range. On the advanced microphone settings check the 'mic boost' box if you have one.

6. Now, when you talk in your mic you should be able to hear yourself in the headset. If you can't then something is wrong with your hardware or drivers. Recheck volume and mute settings, check that the mic is plugged into the right spot, try a different mic, try different speakers, try playing other wave files using the sounds control panel app to make sure your headphones are working, get your 8 year old kid to help.
DO NOT PASS THIS POINT UNTIL YOU CAN HEAR YOURSELF!

7. Open the windows sound recorder, it is usually found in the accessories/entertainment, DO NOT open audacity, the tools that came with your sound card, or your other favorite tool... some of them play with the mixer settings and we don't want that now that they are set.

8. Press the record button, say a couple words, then press the stop button. Press the play button and you should hear what you just said. If you didn't there is something wrong with your hardware or drivers. Check recording control settings, adjust volume, make sure the mic is selected as the recording source, get that 8 year old back to help again!
DO NOT PASS THIS POINT UNTIL YOU CAN RECORD AND PLAY.

9. Close the windows sound recorder.
DO NOT PASS THIS POINT UNLESS YOU CAN HEAR YOURSELF IN 6 AND 8 ABOVE.
If those don't work then N1MM likely won't work and since n1mm is much more complicated it is harder to troubleshoot.

10. Start n1mm. Put the radio on ssb, make sure the entry window title bar says either USB or LSB. If you don't have a radio connected type in 14000 and then USB.

11. Right click on the f1 button. In the wav file column make sure it says "wav\cq-1.wav"... if not, type that in (without the quotes of course). Press ok to save it.

12. Watch the bottom of the entry window status bar. Press ctrl-shift-f1, status line should say 'recording started in wav\cq-1.wav', if it doesn't then check the error message and see if that helps and NOW you can ask for more help on the reflector or direct to me, but don't change any settings or open another sound program or be prepared to go back through this again to make sure everything is set properly for the defaults.

13. If you got the 'recording started' message say a few words and press ctrl-shift-f1 again. Bottom of status bar should say 'recording saved in wav\cq-1.wav'. If it gives an error message check out that or contact the reflector or me.

14. Press f1. you should hear what you just recorded. If not, check the status bar for an error message and check that one or contact the reflector or me. Now, if all that worked it is up to you to figure out how to get the audio to/from your sound card through whatever adapters, sound blasters, cabling, to the radio... I can't help with that except in very specific cases. But at this point if 11,12,13 worked then you have a working n1mm logger recording and playback system. Find the wav\cq-1.wav file which should be under the n1mm logger installation folder and that is where to put other recordings, and the f1 line in the setup is how the other paths should look to the files. If you are going to do multi-op look up in the manual how to set up the macros to let each operator record their own voices separately.

Strange radio/program behavior (a radio connection problem)

Program features

Q. How can I see if I'm in Running or S&P mode?
A. Look at the background color of the fields in the Entry window. A white background means Running, a light yellow background means S&P. Also the running indicator tells in what mode you are.

Q. When I tune close to a station in the bandmap, the call appears in the frame around the callsign field. Do I have to retype the call to enter it?
A. No. Press the space bar, and if the callsign field is empty, the call from the frame will be placed in the callsign field. You can use the space bar as your normal Tab key.

Q. Is there any way I can avoid having the tab key jump to fields (like RST) that don't normally need to be changed?
A. Yes. Use the space bar. The spacebar will jump from field to field filling in defaults like the callsign from the frame, 59/599, and information from previous contacts with this station. SPACE IS THE PREFERRED TAB CHARACTER.

Q. Why don't the calls of the stations that I have already worked show up in the Check window?
A. They appear in the bottom portion of the Log window (the one with your contacts). Also, once you press the space bar, dupe will appear if the station is a duplicate.

Q. CQ repeat not working on VFO B
A. Make sure repeat (Alt+R) is on for both VFOs Make sure the SO2R CQ options are OFF.

Q: In ESM mode, the cursor jumps to the report field after you press enter, but the station doesn't come back to you...
A. If you don't usually get a station on the first call, go to Config/Function Keys and deselect 'ESM only sends your call once in S&P, then ready to copy received exchange '.

Q: To get any frequency into the log, is no problem. But how can I customize the 'Available Multi's and Q's'' window getting new frequencies in, others out?
A. The program automatically shows HF and WARC bands for general logging. VHF bands if you are on VHF and HF band when on HF. No way to choose.

Q: How can I customize general logging, that a WWL is (optional) included in the input window? How can the Log-Window be modified?
A. It's not possible to change the entry or log fields. The fields are fixed in a contest.

Q: How can I modify, what for bands during general logging will be used? Normally I am QRV from 160m up to 3 cm (10 GHz), all or most bands!?
A. Connect to a radio that has computer control for those bands or type the frequency in the callsign filed and press Enter.

Q: Serial no. exchange starts at IARU VHF Reg.1 with 001, that means two or one leading zero(s) before the No. to exchange. This is up to 099. No. above 999 are simply 1000, 1223 etc. How can I modify N1MM logger, that leading No. were sent (CW-keyer, voice....)? This is usually here in EU with the leading zeros.
A. In the configurer Function Keys tab. No leading 0's just T's.

Q. The serial number given is not as expected. 
A. There are several possibilties that the serial number given is not what is expected after opening a log file again and yiu have changed something in the settings.
Like opening the first time Multi-user on and the second time Multi-user off. Use "Reset Serial Numbers on all Stations" in the multi-user menu to straighten it out.

Q: How can I modify the telnet time out? I want to set it higher/lower...
A. Not currently settable.

Q. I am trying to get the LPT1 port to send CW it works just fine in other Windows and DOS contesting programs.
A. Make sure the LPT1 port address in the configuration menu matches the address listed under "Printer Port" properties in Device Manager.
Go to Control Panel > System > Device Manager > Ports > Printer Port > Properties > Resources.
The first number under Input/Output Range (minus the leading zero) is your port address, i.e. 3BC. Whatever that value is copy it to the LPT1 address box in configuration (the program uses 378 as a default). Also 03BC is a much used address.

Q: Serial/PTT/CW: You can set COMx's pin 4 DTR for PTT or CW, but pin 7 RTS only for PTT. Is there a special reason for that RTS can not be set to CW?
A. Not currently settable. No particular reason. No contest programs have that as a standard.

Q. If a wrong Callsign is entered and later corrected the Exchange stays the same!
Example CQWW: I enter HA1M and press the spacebar, the exchange is automatically filled with (zone) 15. I made a mistake in the call so I correct it in PA1M and press the spacebar again. The cursor jumps to the Exchange field but this does not change to zone 14. The exchange is wrong now. Is this a bug?
A. That's not a bug, that's the way it works. Once an exchange is filled in, the program won't change it. Delete it, and press space. The correct value will be inserted.

Q. What will the program send when the exchange is a number?
A. There are two possibilities. Let's assume the last qso had qso number 133
If the callsign field is filled with a call the next number will be sent. Example: 599 134
If the callsign field is empty the last number will be sent. When there is no callsign why give a new number, most probably the last worked stations asks his received number again. This number will be sent. Example 599 133

Q. While sending CW my keying speed slowed but the display did not change. What is happening?
A. It is possible in CW to send parts of a message faster (mostly in the exchange)than the normal text. This can be done with the characters < (increment CW speed by 2 wpm) and > (decrement CW speed by 2 wpm). When the speed slows down or increases without the display changing than there are probably unmatched < < <   > > > characters in your exchange.

Q. I connect to packet, do a SH/DX/30, but no spots show up in the bandmaps. What's up?
A. A few things can be wrong. First, check to make sure that the spots are not older than the Packet Spot Timeout value in the right click menu. If this is not the cause of the problem, make sure that your system is set to the proper time zone (not GMT!), with the proper daylight savings time option in Windows (not in N1MM logger). Next, make sure the time on the PacketCluster is close to the time on your system. Make sure the dates of your system and the PacketCluster system are the same. Check the time on the title bar of the log window. Note, if you connect to a local, non-Internet connected PacketCluster early in the morning, often there are few, if any, current spots available. This is normal. Finally, right click on the packet window, check the filters.

Q. How do I spot stations?
A. Spotting stations may be done from the Entry window.
The station entered in the callsign field will be spotted. If the callsign field is empty the last qso with its correct frequency will be spotted.

• Alt+P spots stations
• Ctrl+P spots them with a comment.

It is also possible to spot every logged qso automatically. Only stations not already in the bandmap and stations that are worked while in S&P will be spotted. No spotting is done while Running.

Q. Only ON stations show up after a SHow/DX
A. The problem here is that the cluster you are using is not a DX-spider cluster but you told the program it is. Uncheck the "Format for DX Spider Cluster" box in Configurer (Other tab). DX-spider uses SH/DX on 20 to show spots on 20 meters. Non DX-spider clusters will think you send the command SH/DX on which means Show DX from ON (Belgium).

Q. My friend wishes to use the same digital/SSB/cw button legends and contents as me. Is there a quick way of copying my buttons into his profile or do I need to re-type them in?
A. First export you function keys. Select: File, Export, Export Function keys to file, Select:SSB/CW/Digital function keys. Import the exported file into the program on the other computer by doing: File, Import, Import Function keys to file, Select:SSB/CW/Digital function keys.

Q. How to start a repeated CQ?
A. Ctrl+R sets the repeat time (start with 2 or 3 seconds) . Alt+R toggles repeat mode on or off. The status bar from the Entry window should say: CQ Repeat is on (of off). Check the Running indicator (repeated CQ only when running). Press the CQ key (mostly F1).

Q. There is a missing section or abbreviation for a section. Can I add it?
A. Yes but only for a few contests. Check 'Config | Change Exchange Abbreviations'. ARRL sections, VE and PA provinces, USA states and CQWW RTTY abbreviations can be updated here. Most others use section (.sec) files which are only imported once.

Q. When in S&P mode hitting F1 should send CQ and automatically put me in Running mode. But not anymore...
A. CQ has to be in the button caption or the text to send for this to happen. So change your S&P F1 band caption from "F1 {my call}" to "F1 CQ", and change your CW message to your callsign.

Q. Is the score displayed anywhere?
A. Yes, the last pane in the status bar at the bottom of the Entry Window is the score. The middle pane shows QSOs and multipliers.

Q. Is my Sunrise and Sunset shown anywhere?
A. Yes, it is shown in the About window (View, About). The times are shown in GMT. Also local standard time is shown.

Q. I'm sure the shown score is not correct, what to do?
A. Do a rescore (Select 'Rescore current contest' in 'Tools' menu), this is a slow process so do it after the contest or only when you have not to much QSOs. If the score is still off and the log to send is Cabrillo then there is no problem because the score will be calculated by the ARRL, CQ etc. If the log to send is not Cabrillo you have to edit the log file made by the program (you won't like that...)

Q. How do I change (CW/SSB/RTTY etc.) messages without retyping them?
A. Click on the message you want to change. The entire message will be highlighted. If you type now, the message will be deleted, and your typing will take it's place. To insert characters or delete characters from the message, click once again at the position you want to edit. Alternatively, press F2 and the cursor will be placed at the end of the text, at which point you may edit the message. This technique can be used anywhere you are able to edit a grid in the program.

Q. The program says: Can't find Master.dta etc.
A. Are you starting the program in its own directory?
I.e. if you have an icon for it, are you setting the Start in parameter to the directory in which the program is loaded? Master.dta must be in Program start-up directory (usually C:\Program Files\N1MM Logger).

Q. When I start N1MM logger it changes the mode (LSB/USB/CW) on the transceiver.
A. This is contest dependent. When a CW contest is selected (example: CQWW CW) the radio will automatically be placed in CW, the same for Phone contests but then it will be placed in SSB. When a contest is chosen which accepts both SSB and CW (Example: ARRL 10 Meter) the program changes nothing.

Q. How do you delete contest databases you don't want anymore ... i.e. those used for testing purposes.
A. A database is a .mdb file and contains multiple contests.

• Delete that file if you want all your contests to go away (I doubt it). You'll need to leave an empty ham.mdb around somewhere to replace it. Deleting a database can **usually** be undone by retrieving it from the recycle bin.
• A contest can be deleted by picking it in the contest selection dialog and pressing delete. Read the confirmation message and look at the number of rows carefully before deleting. Once a contest is deleted, it cannot be retrieved.

Q. How to print a Summary Sheet?
A. Go to 'View', 'Score Summary' and select 'Print Summary Sheet to File'. A file [callsign].sum will be made. Example: N1MM.sum
This is a normal ASCII text file which can be edited with any text editor before being send to the contest manager.

Q. Why does Ctrl+Page-Up move the frequency UP, while Up-Arrow moves the frequency DOWN? (And vice versa)
A. Because lower frequencies are at the top of the bandmap and higher ones at the bottom.
Ctrl+Up jumps to a spot lower in frequency, but UP the bandmap. Ctrl+Down does the opposite, etc.

Q. I added notes to some QSOs but how to find them again?
A. Go to 'View | Notes' and all QSOs with a note are shown. The notes can be updated by updating the comment field when editing a contact. Finding a callsign in the log can be done using Ctrl+F and Ctrl+G. Right clicking on the QSO in the top part of the log window will give a menu, select 'Edit Contact' (or Ctrl+T).

Q. How can I change the default mode to CW, on band maps, etc. I only use CW and would like to have that mode as default instead of having to go to the band maps to change from USB or LSB.
A. If you are in a CW contest, you don't need to do anything. If you are using the DX "contest", set the mode in the contest selection dialog to CW.

Q. I am going to run mobile (rover) in a qso party, how do I configure the program?
A. Changing counties is not supported.  Sorry.

Digital Modes

Q. The callsign to grab already scrolled of the screen (RX window), how to grab it now?

A. You can pause the RX screen by clicking on the green strip on the side which will pause the input and scroll back to where you need to and click on the callsign. To turn input to the window back on click in the pane again and everything that was to be printed to the window will now enter the window.

Q. In Digital contests the window "Available multipliers and QSOs' does not show any multipliers or QSOs
Q. In Digital contests below the "Multiplier List box" no callsigns are shown.
A. The Digital sub bands are not defined ('Config | Change Sub bands | Digital Sub Bands'). If they are not defined then nothing will show-up..

Q. A message "lost sound" briefly appears in the MMTTY waterfall.
A. Try to bring up the sound card buffers under Misc settings in the MMTTY setup or the combination of MMTTY and N1MM Logger may be too much for your processor.

Q. The MMTTY RTTY Engine panel is always on top of the other windows.
A. This can be changed in the configuration dialog (Config | Configure Ports, Telnet Address, Other | Digital Modes). There is also the ability to choose between Full-size (Normal) window and Small window (without control panel).

Q. Strange things are happening on my 'slow' computer.
A. Example: Occasionally, the RTTY receiver screen would flicker during reception. Reason: MMTTY requires a minimum of a 133 MHz processor that combined with the main logger which Tom sets as a minimum needed as a 500-800 MHz Pentium II/III computer with 128 MB memory and you could get strange things happening.

Q. When opening the Digital Interface Window I get a Run Time error 7 - Out of memory
A. For MMTTY to work you need the file XMMT.ocx in the program directory, if not it will show this error.... The NewExe contains the file XMMT.ocx needed for MMTTY version 1.64 or higher and should be in the N1MM Logger directory after an update.

Q. Digital Interface file not found error
A. If you are experiencing a file not found error when trying to load the digital interface please look and see that you have the following files in these locations

• Regsvr32.exe - This should be in the directory where your system files are kept. Mostly 'Windows/System' or 'Windows/'System32'.
• PSKCore.dll - This needs to be in the N1MM logger program directory.
• XMMT.ocx - This needs to be in the N1MM logger program directory.
• MMTTY.exe - This file needs to be in the directory where MMTTY has been installed.
• MMTTY.ini - This file needs to be in the directory where MMTTY has been installed. If not found, MMTTY will create it.
• Userpara.ini - This file needs to be in the directory where MMTTY has been installed. If not found, MMTTY will create it.

Q. I am able to transmit PSK or RTTY with MMTTY but I do not see any received signals displayed on the waterfall or any other screen.
A. Review your hookup. For starters, plug a jumper from your transceiver's "line out" to your soundcard microphone input...no interface required. If that works, then you have a problem interfacing. If it doesn't work it looks like a more fundamental problem, like the microphone input on the soundcard is not working. As a last resort, make sure you can receive PSK with another program.

Maybe just the microphone input is deselected. Check the following in Windows:
Open Control Panel, Open Multimedia, Click on Recording and make sure the microphone is selected and the slider not at the bottom..

Q. The frequency readout does not match the incoming spots in the bandmap on my transceiver
A. When using a transceiver with no dedicated digital mode for RTTY and the likes, you have to use the transceiver in LSB mode and soundcard RTTY. The problem is that the frequency readout does not match the incoming spots in the bandmap, and nor will the frequency be correct when spotting stations to the DX-cluster. The solution is to use a fixed mark frequency (ie. no or very limited AFC), and then subtract that frequency from the frequency readout by using the transceiver offset setting in the bandmap.

1. Set up for RTTY using LSB mode
2. Set mark frequency to 2000Hz (or the frequency of your choice)
3. Right-click in the bandmap
4. • Set Transceiver offset to -2
5. Now the spot frequencies will match.

Q. It appears that CRLF's are displayed as a block character rather than going to the next line.
A. There is a replacement richtext file on the website ('Download | Other files') that might correct seeing the block characters that represent a linefeed. This is why there are 2 macros: {ENTER} and {ENTERLF}. Some Windows versions would not properly show a linefeed. If something scrolls off the screen because of the use of many linefeeds it is easy to click on the Pause strip and scroll back to see what was missed. One more click brings you back to where you were..

Yahoo Discussion Groups

Q. If you think you get to much e-mail.
A. Do you want to reduce or eliminate the number of e-mail's you are receiving about this program? Do the following: Go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/N1MMLogger then select "Edit my membership". It is on the right, near the top. Then choose from the four choices:

• Individual e-mail's - Send individual e-mail messages.
• Daily digest - Send many e-mail's in one message.
• Only special announcements - Only send me important update e-mail's from the group moderator.
• No e-mail - Don't send me e-mail. The messages can still be read on the Yahoo groups website. If this option is chosen e-mail can still be send when a really serious bug develops (like one that loses your log data). So far, I have never had to, but I think it is important to have that capability.

Make sure to save changes.
DO NOT SUSPEND YOUR YAHOO ID. I will get bounce messages about your id, and remove it.
Another way of handling many e-mail's is to use a filter to organize e-mail's into folders in your mail reader. Different readers will support this in different ways.

Q. Are you no longer receiving e-mail's from the group?
A. The reason may be that you e-mail has been "bouncing".
Yahoo keeps track of how many e-mail's are returned/rejected from the e-mail address used. Yahoo is very strict in this, if too many are returned, you show up on a bounce list and no longer e-mail's will be send. Yahoo will try a few times to send an e-mail to inform that you have 'bounced'. Once you have corrected the problem with your e-mail address, you can reset your options to individual e-mail's or daily digest as you prefer (see "Edit My Membership", "Message Delivery"). Note that if you are bouncing from other groups within Yahoo, those bounces count towards putting you on the N1MMLogger "bounce" list. This can not be changed. Now that membership is no longer required to download, we delete all the bouncing id's from membership. You may rejoin at any time, but you'll need to correct the problem that caused you to bounce, or it will happen again.

Q. I have problems downloading files (from Yahoo).
A. There are many possibilities, below some frequent problems

• Do you have enough room on your hard disk? Having more than 10 MB free would be nice
• Already tried to download with the 'Save as' function. Right click on the file to download and select 'Save as' or equivalent.
• When using Netscape disable/remove Netscape Smart Download
• If this not works but you are using a 'download manager', disable it and try again.
• ...

Other

Q. I have lost radio communications, how to start it again.
A. You can restart the communication, by right-clicking in a bandmap, and choose "Reset Radios".

Q. Importing an ADIF file (not generated by N1MM logger) does not import the serial numbers

• Does the ADIF file you used have the correct serial numbers in the file?
• Does it use STX and SRX?
  • N1MM logger uses:
    • <SRX:1>3   for the received serial number (example nr = 3)
    • <STX:1>8  for the sent serial number (example nr = 8)
  • Maybe the file to import has to be edited.. when other than SRX and STX are used or when they are missing in the ADIF file to import. A search and replace could solve this problem.

Q. Delays with CW messages, would Winkey help?
A. The Winkey keyer will reduce your processor usage while sending CW to the same that it is while not sending CW.  I.e. Winkey requires 0 CPU resource. (Not really zero, but so little you won't be able to see it.) If your system works adequately on SSB, then Winkey will solve your problems during CW.  If it does not perform adequately during SSB operation, then Winkey will bring it to that SSB performance.

Q. The program gives "Radio not working"
A. This means that the program has received a frequency of zero or an invalid mode from the radio. This could be caused by RFI interrupting the serial port or potentially by bad config options. If you do not have a power supply for your radio interface, you should usually specify "always on" "always on" for DTR and RTS. If you have specified "handshake" in this case, you can get erratic results.

Q. The program won't accept the exchange send by the station.
A. This could be a bug or an operator error. The workaround is that you log the contact with whatever the program wants, then go edit it (Ctrl+Y) to make it what it should be. A faster way is it to log the QSO using Alt+Ctrl+Enter. A note has to be made and the qso with any exchange being logged. Fix the exchange after the contest.

Q. The rig keys correctly with a direct paddle or keyer but not using the parallel circuit
A. Of course the circuit should be working (does it work with other programs?).
Assuming the radio is attached to LPT1. Go to 'Control Panel | System | Device Manager | Ports | LPT1 | Resources and check the input/output range'.

Normally LPT1 is 378, LPT2 is 278 and LPT3 is 3BC. Note the address and update the address in N1MM logger the configurer 'Configurer | Hardware tab | Other' from LPT1,2,3)

Q. How do I know if the port driver DLPORTIO (installed by PORT95NT.EXE) is properly loaded?
A. Check 'Control Panel | System | Hardware | Device Manager | View | Show hidden devices | non-Plug&Play drivers'.

Q. How to test BCD on the LPT port?
A. Take a Digital Volt Meter and measure the voltage on the BCD info pins with respect to ground. Look at what band you're on, measure voltages (0V for logic 0 and 5V for logic 1), compare with the table in the interfacing section of the N1MM website.

Q. How does N1MM logger know the time difference between PC and UTC?
A. The program uses the Windows time settings. Basically you tell Windows the current time, and your time zone (including summer time / daylight saving), and from these two Windows can always calculate the UTC time.

Q. How to setup the time on the computer.
A. There are two options

• Run your computer in local time with the correct daylight time choice selected (recommended). The GMT Time will change correctly in the middle of the contest.
• Run your computer with the time zone set to Monrovia (GMT time). There is a bug in some versions of Windows that makes the London time work incorrectly

Q. I have used the wrong type of contest, what to do?
Q. Is there a quick way of converting the log or do I have to copy all the contacts by hand.

1. No not really but it can be done. This example is for converting from DX to CQWW SSB.
2. Back up your database. Omit this step at your peril.
3. Export the log using ADIF.
4. Edit the ADIF log until it has all of the columns you want. Use your editor and global change and replace to fix the types.
5. I'm sure your zones are probably in the wrong column, you'll need to change the type. To find the type, create a sample log for CQWW and export that (ADIF format). Make the CQWW SSB exported ADIF log look like the DX exported ADIF log.
6. Change all contest IDs in the entire ADIF file. For example, change from  <CONTEST_ID:2>DX  into  <CONTEST_ID:7>CQWWSSB.
   Note: for the CQWW contests, Logger is looking for the ID CQWWSSB or CQWWCW, not CQWW as produced by some ADIF conversion programs. (See the sample log you made in the step above).
   
7. Start a new CQWW SSB contest in ANOTHER database (mdb file).
   • The start date in the New contest dialog does not matter.
8. Import the modified ADIF file into the new contest.
9. If the score is wrong, rescore.

Q. How to import my contest log into my general logging program
A. My general logging program is interacting nicely with N1MMLogger by means of the ADIF output/input! That's what ADIF was designed for, in the first place (amateur data INTERCHANGE format). You can edit the ADIF in a simple ASCII-editor to change field names and do an auto-search-and-replace if needed. Works great to import a few hundred QSOs after a contest and still keep track of DXCC, WAS, WAZ etc... as well as print QSL cards.
Use in N1MM logger in the file menu Export / Export ADIF to file... Use the ADIF import function in the general logging program.

Q. How to import a single contest out of the database to another database (could be on another computer)
A. A database is an .mdb file. A database can hold any number of contests (including DX logs). If you want to copy a contest from one database to another, you must first recreate the contest in the new database.

1. Export the log (Export ADIF to file...).
2. Copy the ADIF file to a disk
3. Recreate an empty contest from the same type (example: CQWWSSB) on the new computer.
4. Import the ADIF file (Import ADIF from file...)

Q. I use ADIF but is does not import in my logbook program
A. When transferring data from N1MM logger to a logbook program the best choice would be the ADIF. Export from N1MM logger which will create a file with an extension of adi. Example: on5zo.adi. use the import function from your logbook program to import the records. A ADIF file is just a big text file which can be opened with a text editor like Notepad. Many series of lines will be shown with one qso (record) per line. Each field like call, name, band. etc is transferred with a descriptor, a length, and a data value. Example, if you work Frank, ON5ZO on 160 meters, the line corresponding record with the qso will show the following    <call:5>ON5ZO <band:4>160M   and more. The <call: means the data name is the callsign, the 5> means the value is 5 characters long and ON5ZO is the data. There is a standard for each field and if they don't match between the exporting and importing program, that data will not be transferred. Example: when the exporting program uses "grid" but the importing logbook program wants "gridsquare" this field won't be imported. Sometimes the exporting program uses ARRL_sect when it should be state for the importing program. A possibility to import these information is changing all ARRL_sect fields with state. This is called a global replace. Look for these differences when importing.

Q. My computer lost a lot of time during the contest.
A. During a 48 hours contest we lost about 10 minutes. Windows is known to do this during heavy usage of the computer. This is both a question and a warning. Check your time. I don't think 10 minutes will concern the log checkers, but it's just smart to watch it.

There are tools for resyncing your time with Internet time standards. Nice ones used by N1MM logger users are Dimension 4 and About Time. Check the Links chapter.

Q. Dimension 4 and AboutTime give an error under Windows XP ('error binding socket address')
A. Under Windows XP Dimension 4 and About Time have a conflict with the internal timesync program which is included in Windows XP. Dimension 4 and About Time can be set up to update much ofter than the internal timesync from Windows XP.

Below how to get Dimension 4 and About Time working under Windows XP. Disable the internal Windows timesync, this action can be reversed..

• In Control Panel go to: Date and Time/Internet Time.
  • Check that "Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server" is not checked
• In Control Panel go to: Admin Tools and select Services
  • Select in Services: Windows Time
  • Right click for properties.
    • Disable the Set Startup Type
    • Stop the Service Status

Q. The internal Windows XP timesync function only updates once every day. How to let it update more often?
A. To change the interval, a change has to be made in the registry. If you are not comfortable with that use Dimension 4 or any other program.

• Start Regedit
• go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services \W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient
• Select "SpecialPollInterval" and select to show Decimal values (not Hex).
• The value shown is the value in seconds
  • Default value: 604800 (one week)
  • Update every day = 86400 (seconds)
  • Update every hour = 3600 (seconds)