
       HISTORY OF IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW FEATURES MADE TO HAM LOG.



CURRENT A.R.R.L. DXCC ENTITY / COUNTRY STATUS:

  The status of the ARRL Entities as of November 1998 is:

     331 Current Entities     *     58 Deleted Entities

If changes are made, they will be detailed here, as well as included in
the latest Ham Log Entity (and Prefix) databases.

The most recent changes are the addition of:

   Austral Islands,  Marquesas Islands  and  Temotu Province

There has been a significant review by the ARRL with regards to the DXCC
program. Many new rules were implemented on 31 March 1998. Included was
the decision to refer to all countries as "entities".



NOTES TO SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO HAM LOG:

  This is a summary of the some of the changes made to Ham Log. Emphasis
  is given to the more recent changes, and only those of significance
  are included. The version number shows the Ham Log version number when
  the changes were incorporated, together with the date of release. The
  file "CHANGES.TXT" gives a more detailed history of changes before
  version 3.
  
  Upgrade users should reset QSO and Log defaults (from Utilities). All
  the new features are well documented in both the manual and the Help
  (available through F1).
  
  All logs of versions prior to v.3 must be converted to the new format.
  Versions 3 and higher will only work with the v.3 (or higher) Entity
  and Prefix databases.



SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR VERSION 4 (January 1999):


  ENTITIES...

    On 31 March, 1998, several major rule changes were made by the ARRL
    concerning DXCC. This included the deletion of all references to
    Countries, which are now known as "Entities". A large amount of work
    was required in version 4 to reflect these ARRL changes. In
    addition, new some new Entities were created, together with some
    more significant changes to prefixes.
    
    
  YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE...
    
    All previous versions of Ham Log were not fully 2000 compliant.
    Fortunately, all years were recorded in four digit format, however,
    several changes were needed to make Ham Log totally Year 2000
    compatible.
    
    
  ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VERSION...
    
    Ham Log now comes with the manual on disk, which you may print if
    desired. There is significantly more help available within the
    program such that the need for reference to a written manual has
    diminished. The printed manual was a significant cost, and as such
    Ham Log's price has been reduced. (A printed manual is available.)
    
    The expanded help provides more details about the superior features
    of Ham Log. Of course, the F1 help remains context specific and
    available throughout the program.
    
    
  BETTER PERFORMANCE - FASTER TO RUN...
    
    The program now runs even faster, with some clever new programming
    techniques. There are also some great improvements at start up for
    registered users. Firstly, the copyright screen at start up is
    bypassed, and the logo screen only remains until the program has
    completed some quick virus checks. Secondly, the Main Menu can now
    be bypassed so that the program goes straight into the Log. Further,
    you can preset the order in which the log's QSOs are scrolled to
    your preferred choice.
    
    So now you can be adding a QSO with one key press in about one or
    two seconds, whereas in previous versions it could take up to 20
    seconds and several keystrokes.
    
    You can exit the program at virtually any time by pressing Shift +
    F10. This is a "rapid" exit facility.
    
    The program uses less of your computer's resources while idle,
    giving greater processor time (and therefore performance) for other
    programs running concurrently under Windows.
    
    
  SOME NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES...
    
    - Adding QSOs is easier. You can now preset any date (not just UTC
      or the current date - useful for adding old QSOs). Version 4 now
      gives you the options of pre-setting the frequency field, and / or
      using the frequency of the last QSO. When you have completed a
      QSO, the program prompts immediately for the call sign for another
      QSO, saving you from having to re-execute the Add QSO menu choice.
    
    - The Text Editor field (effectively an unlimited notes field for a
      QSO) is now easier to use in version 4. No longer do you need to
      use Control keys or remember to save it before another QSO. You
      can even save your notes automatically with the current date,
      which is useful when you use the facility where the text is
      available for all QSOs with a specific station.
    
    - The General Station Information (F10) is now easier to access and
      edit. Like the text editor facility, it is much simpler to save
      the information.
    
    - The Custom Field Menu now allows you to globally replace the
      Custom Field with each QSO's call sign. (Remember that this change
      need only be temporary.) This enables most lists and reports to be
      confined to those QSOs with any specific station.
    
    - Many of the less significant error messages have changed such
      that they no longer require a keystroke to acknowledge and cancel
      them. Additional error checks on data entry have been added.
    
    - There is more sophisticated printer control, with more error
      checking. It is also easier to abort a long print job.
    
    - There are other more minor and general enhancements.
    
    - Help screens can now be scrolled using the cursor keys.
    
    - Some additional error checking and validation of data.
    
    
  PROGRAMMING IMPROVEMENTS...
    
    - Version 4 of Ham Log now comes with a separate program that will
      totally recreate the index files. Previously, in the event of
      severe file corruption, users had to follow a complex procedure
      using their original disks.
    
    - Checks of available RAM and disk space have been deleted as these
      days they are rarely a problem. The program requires DOS 6 or
      above (though DOS 5 seems OK).
    
    - In the rare event of a virus being detected by the program, it
      will provide some details, before aborting.



SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR VERSION 3 (November 1994):

  
  CUSTOM FIELD...

    A new field added to the Log database which can be for a variety of
    uses. Potentially, an immensely powerful tool. An indexed 10
    character field, it can contain various information including
    information from the QSO's Entity.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - It is ideal as a generic system for users chasing a multitude of
      awards. Can be searched on; lists can be based on its contents.
      QSO scroll order can be set to the Custom Field, thus grouping
      QSOs. Logs can be combined (or created) by specific contents of
      the Custom Field.
    
    - Information can be added automatically to the Custom Field (set in
      QSO & Log Defaults) as each QSO is added, or applied to various
      groups of QSOs from the Custom Field Utilities Menu [see below].
    
    - Other fields can be applied automatically to the Custom Field for
      new QSOs...
    
        ITU or CQ ZONES,  CONTINENT,  PREFIX,  CALL SIGN,  FREQUENCY
    
    - From the Custom Field Utilities Menu, groups of QSOs may have
      their Custom Field replaced. The groups can be specified as:
        
        1. Entity is Not Confirmed
        2. QSL Sent, but None Received     [Specify QSL Sent  Dates]
        3. QSL Rcvd. for New Entities      [Specify QSL Rcvd. Dates]
        4. QSL Received Between Dates      [Specify QSL Rcvd. Dates]
        5. Custom Field is Currently "X"   [Specify "X";  QSO Dates]
        6. Replace All Custom Fields       [Specify QSO Dates]
        
        QSO's to replace can also be restricted by Mode. The Custom
        Field's replacements can be...
          1.  Text       2. Number      3. ITU Zone
          4.  CQ Zone    5. Continent   6. DXCC Prefix.
          [7.  Call Sign (version 4)]
        
        If numbering, a choice of QSO orders is available.
        
        Further, the changes made can be temporary, as the Custom
        Fields' old values can be restored from this Menu.
        
        [NB: See version 4 additional changes above.]
  
  
  TWO QSO DETAIL SCREEN FORMATS...
    
    A choice of two screens of information is available when viewing a
    QSO. The "Main" details screen is similar to previous versions of
    Ham Log. The "Full" details version shows all of the newly added
    fields, together with most details of the entity being worked.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - Saves pressing F3 for QSO's entity information (F3 now shows
      directly the foreign language translations for the entity).
    
    - The Main details screen is easier for editing just the main QSO
      fields.
    
    - The Full details screen allows editing of the new fields added to
      the QSO database.
    
    - The two screen formats are toggled by a function key. The screen
      for a new QSO can be set in the Set-Up for QSL and Log Defaults.
    
    - When Ham Log is in Contest Mode, only the critical contest fields
      are edited when using the Main details screen, allowing quick
      editing of points and multipliers at any time (not just when
      adding a QSO).
    
    - When printing a list of QSOs in detail (choice 8 in the List Print
      Menu), the format used is that currently chosen.
  
  
  NEW QSO DATABASE FIELDS...
    
    Each QSO now has the following additional information:
    
    - Date QSL was Sent  (can be inserted automatically by the program)
    
    - Date QSL Received  (can be inserted automatically by the program);
      QSOs can be listed based on this date - useful for listing new
      entities confirmed during a period; e.g. since last DXCC credit
      application was made.
    
    - QSL Received Direct  (Y/N)  (in addition to the QSL Sent Direct
      field)
    
    - Custom Field  (10 chr.; indexed, so can be listed and searched on;
      logs can be combined based on the contents of this field; can have
      other data applied automatically with new QSOs, OR, groups of QSOs
      (chosen by various criteria) can have their Custom Field replaced
      with relevant data. Ideal for marking QSOs valid for a variety of
      awards. Upper / Lower case sensitive. [See additional
      information.]
  
  
  TEXT EDITOR FIELD...
    
    When being saved to disk, the text editor may now be named simply by
    the Call Sign of the station worked. Limitations on the size of the
    file due to memory constraints have been reduced.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - The text editor field was changed in version 2.5 so that it could
      be saved to disk and retrieved, for each QSO. The name of the file
      was based on the QSO and Log numbers. Naming the file by call sign
      means that the information can be retrieved automatically for ANY
      QSO with the same station, in ANY of the six logs.
    
    - Eliminates any problems associated with renumbering a log's QSOs.
    
    - Using both naming methods means it is possible to have two text
      editor fields for a QSO.
    
    - Naming format is set in QSO and Log Defaults [see below].
  
  
  ADDITIONAL LOG MODES...
      
      G-TOR,    DIGI    SSTV    A.M.
  
  
  ENTITIES DATABASE...
    
    The entities database maintains records of all six logs at once. The
    updating process is automatic as required. More information is
    available when viewing an entity, including the QSO numbers of first
    worked and confirmed QSOs, in each mode.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - The relatively slow process of updating each time one changes logs
      is eliminated.
    
    - When receiving the updates of the latest versions of the Entity
      and Prefix databases, updating with your logs will be automatic.
  
  
  COMBINING LOGS...
    
    Made even more powerful by the ability to combine or create logs
    based on the contents of the Custom Field.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - In addition to the previous criteria of Mode and / or Frequency,
      the contents of the Custom Field can also be stipulated. You can
      specify that, for a QSO to be combined, the Custom Field must:
        
        1. Be an Exact Match (with what you specified)
        2. Begin With (what you specified)
        3. A QSO's Custom Field must CONTAIN what you specified
           (can be anywhere within the Custom Field)
  
  
  QSO and LOG DEFAULTS...
    
    The defaults for new QSOs and general log defaults have been
    enhanced, partly due to the addition of the new log fields. These
    defaults are stored separately for each of the six logs.
    
    [NB: See version 4 additional changes above.]
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    The following defaults can be preset:
      
      1. Apply current UTC Date and Time (to New QSO)
      2. Mode,  Frequency,  RST Sent and Received,  Comments  (of New
          QSO)
      3. Custom Field - choice of:
          Text  -  ITU Zone  -  CQ Zone  -  Continent  -  Prefix
          Call Sign  -  Frequency
      4. Update QSL Sent Date when a QSO is printed from the QSO Menu
      5. Update QSL Sent Date when a QSL listing is done from the List
          Print Menu
      6. Name saved Text Editor fields by QSO & Log Nos., or Call Sign
      7. Default QSO details screen - "Full" or "Main"
      8. Apply the QSO Start Time to the QSO End Time.
      9. Automatically update a New QSO's End Time (if blank, when you
          exit the QSO Menu)
  
  
  CONTEST MODE...
    
    The Contest Mode has been fine tuned to allow for easier editing of
    QSOs, perhaps after the Contest is over.
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - When the Contest Mode is invoked, and just the QSO Main Details
      screen is in use, then the only fields available to edit are:
    
        Points,  Multiplier,  Reports,  Custom Field  and  Comments.
      
      This allows for fast and easy subsequent editing of QSOs. If the
      "Full" details screen is in use (which can be toggled by F6), then
      all fields can be edited.
    
    - The Contest Mode is now toggled on and off from choice 5 of the
      Utilities Menu.
  
    LIST PRINT MENU...
    
    The choices of lists available are now virtually unlimited. This is
    due primarily to the powerful new feature of being able to base
    lists on the contents of QSOs' Custom Fields. (Note that the Custom
    Field can contain information specific to the Entity of the QSO. Or,
    it may contain values based on various other criteria - see
    information on the Custom Field above.)
    
    Reasons / Notes:
    
    - Listing QSOs in choices 5 and 8 can now be restricted by the
      contents of their Custom Fields. You can specify that, for a QSO
      to be listed, the Custom Field must:
    
        1. Be an Exact Match (with what you specified)
        2. Begin With (what you specified)
        3. A QSO's Custom Field must simply CONTAIN what you specified
            can be anywhere within the Custom Field)
            
      The printed heading indicates any Custom Field restrictions.
    
    - When listing QSOs from choices 5 or 8, the order listed can be:
    
        Date of QSO,  Call Sign,  Entity,  or  Custom Field.
      
      (The printed heading indicates the order chosen)
    
    - When listing QSOs in single line format (choice 5), you have the
      choice of replacing the QSL and QSO No. information with the
      Custom Field information.
    
    - Listing first QSOs of Confirmed Entities (choice 3), can now be
      restricted to QSOs where the QSL was received between a range of
      dates.
    
    - When listing QSOs to be sent QSLs, each QSO's "Date QSL Sent" can
      be updated with the current date. Thus, with QSOs you wish to send
      a QSL, you can now differentiate between those which have actually
      been sent and those still to send. (A dummy "current" date can be
      used by temporarily changing the computer's system date.)
    
    - All lists indicate the date format in use (MDY/DMY)
    
    - Choice 8: "QSOs - Full Details" prints the QSOs in whatever format
      currently is in use to view QSOs on the screen - i.e. "Full" or
      "Main" details.
  
  
  GENERAL / PROGRAMMING...
    
    - Reduced possible memory problems of importing large text files
      into Text Editor and General Station Information facilities.
    
    - General Station Information is further enhanced.
    
    - More effective colours used.
    
    - A new demonstration log has been provided, mainly to demonstrate
      some of the many uses of the Custom Field.
    
    - Additional virus check functions have been added to the program.
    
    - Ham Log now only runs from an hard disk.
    
    - Logs from all versions prior to 3.00 are converted to the new
      version 3 format automatically (with upgrades). New version 3
      format Entity and Prefix databases are provided with upgrades.
    
    - Many other more minor changes have been made.

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