Newbie Questions

[EA3GCV]

Hello John,

First of all thank you for using the Windows version. The Swisslog version implements LOTS of improvements although it's very different from the DOS version. I know migrating to a new GUI scares a little bit. But all the DOS version users I know, despite at the beginning they were very opposed to upgrade, now they are aboslutely happy and convenced it was a good change. Now your questions:

1. The main key is having separated logs in the DOS version for every event (contest). In the Windows version you don't need to use different databases. With a single database you can have all QSOs perfectly organized by all your callsigns/QTH (MY QTH), different Working conditions and Events (contest, events etc). First of all you need to create your different My QTH (different callsigns or different QTHs you have), the different Working conditions and Events you have worked (contest). You only need to create the generic contest name. That is, CQWW, ARRL DX, ARRl 10m etc and NOT: CQWW CW 2021, ARRL DX SSB 1997, etc. You can filter by year and mode later in a logbook view. PLEASE it's very important to read carefully the MY QTH chapter in the Swisslog help. Once you have created all your My QTH / Working conditions / Event you can start importing your DOS files. At the end of the process you will be asked to select which My QTH / Working conditions / Event you want to assign these QSOs. It's also very important to know the content of VARIABLE FIELDS, if you use them in the DOS version. Typhical Variable Fields where the VFM for Manager or VFI for IOTA. Remember that variable fields were recognised in the NOTES field. for instance, if you wanted to assign a QSL Manager you needed to write M:EA3GCV. An IOTA I:EU-124 etc. Later during importation, Swisslog will ask you to select the current Swisslog field for these variable fields. Please read also the IMPORT QSO chapter before doing anything. There is a specific section for the DOS import data.

If a QSO is duplicate it won't be imported. During importation process you will see a report of dupes or QSOs which are not imported for some reason. You can later save this report into a file.
2 and 3: You can delete a database by deleting the file in the C:\Swisslog\DB folder. The default database name is SWLOG_V5.MDB. DON'T DELETE the Swlctry.mdb which is the Country table!! But if you have deleted all databases, you won't be able to create a new database because Swislsog needs a database to open. If you have deleted the SWLOG_v5.MDB, reinstall Swisslog to restore the default file. You can rename it of create new ones in the File menu.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have more questions.

Best 73