I use Writelog for contesting and DX4Win to keep my all-time database
for QSLing only. For general QSOs, I would prefer to use DX4Win
directly but so far have used Writelog, transferring Q's from WL to
DX4 after each contest and at end of year for general Qs.
I use DX Doubler for SO2R. It works fine with WL. Since I don't use
DX4Win for general Qs, I haven't tried to make it work with the DXD. I
think it will work, though. I believe the only thing it needs is the
Rig A/B signal that comes off the parallel port. There may also be a
PTT signal off that port, too, but its use is optional.
Getting WL to recognize the parallel port on Win XP is also
challenging. On Win 2000 I used freeware userport which was a breeze.
So far I haven't been able to make it work on XP. Shareware directio
($29) works fine once you realize that you must install it according
to its Writelog-specific application note available on the directio
Web site. I got it working and paid for it. Later, I heard back from
the userport author with a further suggestion to get it to work but
have not yet taken the time to try it.
WL lets you send computer-generated CW through either a serial port or
a parallel port. It also lets you send CW using an external
ASCII-driven keyer. Both the W5XD and K1EL WinKey ASCII-driven keyers
are supported via a serial port. All these choices are done in Setup |
Ports. The W5XD keyer is expensive because it also includes some
switching for SO2R. I think that extra switching is completely
redundant with the DX Doubler so if you already have DXD you don't
need and probably don't want the XD keyer. If you don't yet have an
SO2R switching box, the XD keyer may be a nice way to do it with
minimal external boxes. DXD doesn't include a keyer and, as I explain
below, I need two of them.
The hardest part of using WL (or most any program) for a
fully-integrated SO2R station is serial port management. I'm now using
an IBM T42 laptop for everything. It has zero serial ports, so all
five of mine are simulated through the USB port. (Rig A, Rig B, K1EL
keyer, rotor control and non-ham radio Palm Hotsynch) It works fine
but I had to coerce some of the COMn port numbers using Device Manager
| Port Settings | Advanced. I carry my laptop between two differently
configured stations and its so-called Plug 'n Play logic gets mightily
confused each time. I sometimes have to fiddle with unplugging and
reconnecting the USB connector and rebooting a few times before it
gets accustomed to a new environment and settles down to work
correctly. I usually have to turn off Palm Pilot Hotsynch before
Writelog will behave.
When you send computer-generated CW through a serial or parallel port,
you may experience erratic sending. This is particularly common on
slower computers and when doing lots of I/O such as happens when you
are connected to Internet spotting networks during high-activity
contests. I was completely satisfied with parallel port keying using
an IBM T20 laptop (4 or 5 years old by now) running Win 2000 Pro
except when doing Internet spotting. Then it was unacceptable, so I
added a K1EL WinKey (very inexpensive). That works fine for
ASCII-generated CW with WL. It also has a paddle input so you can send
hand Morse at the same speed as the computer-(ASCII)-generated Morse
and abort a computer-generated message with the paddle. However, WL
does not seem to support enough of the WinKey customization parameters
to get what I consider an acceptable paddle feel. That is, I can set
up the WinKey test program to send beautifully, but with WL the paddle
sending feels awkward. I have discovered a few magic writelog.ini
parameters that make it better but none that unleash the full
potential of WinKey. A simple fix would be to let the user provide a
WinKey initialization string instead of supporting a random selection
of individual parameters, but that has not yet been provided. (Or, if
it has, I've missed any notice thereof on the WL reflector.) Since I
can't tolerate the paddle feel, I use a separate, garden variety keyer
with its output paralleled across the WinKey output. That works fine.
I keep another paddle connected to WinKey for occasional message
aborts when I have a hand closer to the paddles than to the Esc key.
GL & 73,
Rick N6XI
On 8/5/05, Stan Staten <stan.staten@verizon.net> wrote:
> I am trying to figure out how to do SO2R with both Writelog and DX4WIN.
> Therefore I am posting this message on both lists. My goals are to use
> the computer for CW and DVK as well as microphone, headset and a CW
> paddle on either radio. (I already have the microphone integrated with
> a Rigblaster). I have been looking over the documents on the DX-Doubler
> and the W5XD keyer and have corresponded with the DXD folks. While it
> would be nice to have the computer automate the switch between radios,
> it is not a requirement for me as I tend to use the dual VFOs in my MP
> as a dual radio sort of thing. I am still not clear what will work if
> at all with either of these items. I would appreciate responses from
> those who have already gone through this. Right now it might be useful
> to express what I think I know on it and open it up for correction and
> comment.
>
>
>
> 1. The DXD docs say it works with Writelog, but the ham who
> responded to my questions addressed to the link on their web site uses
> CT and does not have personal experience with Writelog.
> 2. The interfacing of the DXD to Writelog seems dependant on use of
> the W5XD keyer which itself is listed as a SO2R box.
> 3. From what I can tell from the W5XD keyer stuff on their web page
> it is a great CW device but doesn't seem to support TX audio.
> 4. Both boxes are around $200 and it seems you need both.
> 5. Not clear what works on DX4WIN as the info I found in the DX4WIN
> documents I have is somewhat general.
>
>
>
> As I said, I am in the mid-confusion stage and would appreciate
> corrections to my (mis-) understanding listed herein.
>
>
>
> 73 Stan, N3HS
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