[WriteLog] Making WL work better for ARRL Sweepstakes - v2

[Randy Thompson, K5ZD]

I have had a number of good questions regarding this post. Have updated the
instructions below to include more explanation.

--

WriteLog does not default to the best settings for use in the ARRL
Sweepstakes (my opinion).

The steps below will make your SS CW or Phone effort much more enjoyable.

1. Create a new log and choose ARRL Sweepstakes.

2. From the menu, select Contest - Exchange Format Setup.  Say No when the
first dialog comes up (you do not want to reinitialize All fields).

3. For each of the logging fields (NR, P, CALL, CK, SECT) make sure there is
a check in the box for Tab Only.  (I also make sure they all have a check
for No Space character.)

[This will prevent the cursor from automatically going to the next field
when one is full (e.g., enter 4 digit serial number).  I want the cursor to
always move the same - with the space bar or tab key.]

Make sure the M, ML, C, and COUNTRY fields do not have a check for Prompt.
This will prevent them from showing up in the logging window. [Your version
of WL may not show these.  That is good.]

Note: You will need to click on the Save button for each logging field that
you modify.

4. Click OK to close the dialog.

5. Go to Contest - Parameter Setup and enter your exchange information.
This will make sure your Cabrillo file has the right stuff.  Please try to
make sure this is correct when you get ready to send in your log.  It is
very annoying to the log checker when you get it wrong.

6. If you want to use Super Check Partial, go to
http://www.datomonline.com/suppfiles.htm and get MASTERSS.ZIP.  Unzip into a
directory.  In WriteLog, go to Setup - Super Check Partial and browse to the
file you just unzipped.  Make sure the radio button for Match only
consecutive characters is selected.  Click OK.

Remember to do Setup - Save Configuration to save these settings!

7. For SS CW, go to Setup - CW/SSB/RTTY Messages.  I use the following:

F2:  % B K5ZD 73 WMA
F3:  TU K5ZD
F4:  K5ZD
F5:  %C
F6:  K^5^Z^D
F7:  ?
F8:  CQ SS CQ SS K5ZD K5ZD SS
F9:
F10: %C % B K5ZD 73 WMA
F11: CQ SS K5ZD K5ZD SS

Shifted keys
F2:  NR?
F3:  PREC?
F4:  CALL?
F5:  CK?
F6:  SEC?

The CW messages are stored in the WL log file, so you will need to do File -
Save to save them.

[Note: The F2 message has a space between the % and the B.  The % sends the
serial number.  B is my precedence.  WriteLog has a %B command but it is not
being used in this case.]

This all assumes WriteLog is in CT compatibility mode.

You are ready for some fun!

Randy, K5ZD

PS - Please look for me in SS CW.  I am on a quest to be the first New
England station in more than 25 years to make the High Power Top Ten.  Best
I have done so far is #12.  Need 50 more QSOs to make it.