Practicing for a CW Contest Using N1MM+ and Morse...
Transcript of Practicing for a CW Contest Using N1MM+ and Morse...
Practicing for a CW Contest Using N1MM+ and Morse Runner
Doug Reece, AK4AO
VWS CW Forum
9 October, 2015
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Overview
• Goal: Practice both CW and N1MM+ skills in a simulated contest environment
• N1MM+ is the logging software used by VWS for contests – Efficiently captures the information required by the contest – Produces the log files needed for contest entry and QSLing – Checks for duplicates even when there are multiple transmitting
stations – Many more contest-oriented features
• Morse Runner provides the CW audio • A script for AutoHotkey connects N1MM+ and Morse
Runner to complete the simulated environment
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Installation
• You must install three software packages
– N1MM+ • http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Full+Install
– Morse Runner • http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/
– AutoHotkey • http://www.autohotkey.com/
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N1MM+ Setup
• N1MM+ must be configured for the supported simulation
– Your station call sign
– CQ WPX CW Contest
– “Run” (calling CQ), not “S&P” (search and pounce, or answering CQ) mode
– ESM (Enter Sends Message) option
• Detailed setup instructions in later slides
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AutoHotkey Setup
• The required AutoHotkey script is now included in the N1MM+ installation package.
• Note: The script used for the older N1MM will not work. • The script is named
– “MorseRunner-N1MMLPlus.ahk”
• The default installation location is – C:\Users\<user>\Documents\N1MM Logger+\SupportFiles
• Once AutoHotKey is installed you can start the script by double clicking it. You might want to create a shortcut to it on your desktop.
• You should see a green icon with the letter “H” in the lower right portion of your screen when the script is active.
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Morse Runner Options
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Activity = Average number of stations that will answer your CQ.
Starting Morse Runner
• Select Run -> Pile Up
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Operating
• Keys in N1MM+ ESM mode – Enter: Sends the message on the highlighted function key(s) – Tab: Tabs to the next field (Less often used) – Space Bar: Smart tab to the next likely field (More often used)
• Normal operation – Click on call sign field if cursor is not already there – Enter to send CQ – Record call sign – Enter to send exchange – Space Bar to Serial Number field – Record the received serial number – Enter to log the contact
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N1MM CONFIGURATION DETAILS
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Install N1MM and start the program. The following slides explain the steps needed to get it ready.
1. Create a Database
• The screen below will appear when you start N1MM for the first time. Select the option shown and click OK.
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2. Dismiss this Dialog
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3. Name Your Database
• Recommendation: Use your call sign as the database name. Enter it and press “Save”.
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4. Enter Your Station Information
• Enter at least your call sign and press OK
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5. Update N1MM+
• If this dialog box appears, press OK
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6. Create a New Log in Your Database
• Select File -> New Log in Database…
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7. Select CQWPXCW Contest
• Select Log Type of CQWPXCW and press OK. The other fields don’t matter.
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8. Select ESM Option
• Select Config -> Enter Sends Message
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9. Select “Run” Mode
• Click the Run button
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