// CQDX.ru

Bill Myers, K1GQ has released version 3.4 of the contest logging software SkookumLogger for macOS.

SkookumLogger is a full-featured contest logging program suitable for the most demanding contester. It runs on MacOS, supporting single-mode and and mixed-mode events on 13 bands between 160m and 23cm.  SkookumLogger requires a K1EL WinKeyer or a YCCC SO2R Box to send CW.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Apple changed something, since 3.2.5, that sometimes breaks getting SkookumLogger updates from the App Store. The update fails with an Alert about “unable to install, try again later”. One user found that trashing the version in the Application folder, and any other versions found with a Finder search, then restarting the before trying the App Store update again, resolved the problem. Alternatively, you can download this latest release here.

Some SkookumLogger Features

• Any number of QSOs per log
• Two QSO entry boxes supporting interleaved SO1R, SO2V, SO2R/2BSIQ with one keyboard
• Duplicate checking as callsigns are entered
• Exchange Archive (personal call history file) for exchange pre-fill
• Partial callsign matching against log, Exchange Archive, and Super Check Partials (SCP) database
• Integrated download of the SCP and cty.dat databases
• Separate activity table windows (like band maps) for each contest band
• Multiplier checksheets for countries, regions, prefixes, zones, grids, other
• Time Tracker and Rate Tracker panels
• Score window with band breakdown and scoring for most contests
• Bidirectional DX Cluster packet spotting interface, with skimmer and QSX support
• CW call type-ahead and CW keyboard mode
• Context-sensitive, queued message sending for CW, SSB (using radio DVR), FSK/PSK (using radio encoder)
• Great circle maps with terminator and antenna pattern overlays
• SkookumNet networking for multi-operator/multi-transmitter configurations
• Amplifier standby/operate and drive power controls
• Rotator direction display and control
• Elecraft P3SVGA panadapter display with graphical known-activity overlays
• YCCC SO2R Box+ and YCCC SO2R Mini interfaces including their WinKeyer emulations
• YCCC MOAS antenna switch interface
• XK-24 Keypad interface with red/blue backlights
• Cabrillo export for submitting log entries
• ADIF and CSV export for moving contest QSOs to a general-purpose logger
• Automated log submission via Apple Mail and via web browser
• Statistics report for post-contest analysis of your contest log
• CW Practice mode for developing your running skills off the air

Changes in Version 3.4:

New

• Added font and color for identifying a call that “Might be multiplier”. This case arises when call-band-mode isn’t enough information to identify dupes, and when the call is a rover. See the Fonts and Colors topic in the Log Window section of Help. You will need to revisit your font and color choices in Logging preferences.
• Added support for the Medium Speed Test, in the nontest category. This nascent event is described at mst-contest. Thanks W1VKE.
• Disabled Practice mode for contests that aren’t supported for practicing. The supported contests are listed in The Practice Mode topic of the Other Windows section of Help.

Changed

• Toggling Keyboard Mode now toggles the red backlight for the corresponding X-Key keypad key.
• The web site has moved to a far more reliable host, with the domain k1gq.net replacing k1gq.com. Thanks KM3T.
• The “Do not use the SCP database” Logging option had no effect. Now it prevents partials matching against the SCP database without blocking matching against the current log and your Exchange database. The option defaults to off and is turned on for CWops Mini-CWT and 2014/2018 WRTC.

Fixed

• Activity table column ordering and sizes were not being remembered.
• Editing some log table fields when Keyboard Morse mode was on was transmitting CW instead of changing field content. Thanks W6FB.
• Magic Message wasn’t sending anything in contests where the sent exchange had a location field. Thanks KK6MC.
• CQMM was not restricted to CW only.
• The Michigan QSO Party start time was incorrect.
• Exchange guessing wasn’t enabled for Michigan, Ontario and Quebec QSO parties for Outside entrants.
• Correct Mode was broken for some of the “acknowledge and log” CW messages.

The latest version of SkookumLogger is available free of charge for download here or visit the App Store.