Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Rejected QSOs and securing proof of QSOs

"QSO? I have no stinking record of your QSO!"


I really go out of my way to insure that people who QSO with me have accurate records of the exchange from my end


And so when I make the effort to keep those records and then see that my QSO confirmations are rejected because the other operator claims no record of the exchange, whose fault is it? I've updated my QRZ page to make it plainly clear to all that the minute I log a QSO, I will request a confirmation if possible.

The other thing I do is to sync up my QRZ log to LoTW. It at least gives me two ways to keep accurate logs. I've realized as of the two latest QSO rejections that I need to save my actual QSOs in PSK31 to text files and then use common string scanning tools to search the QSO records so I have proof if a rejection comes in. I use Ham Radio Deluxe with their PSK31 software "DM780" and it provides a means of storing the QSO and so I'll be doing that from now on. To save the QSO text for a session of working PSK31 (or whatever mode you are in if operating in digital modes like I often do), see below for the circled icon:


The only issue with saving these logs isn't that they are in RTF format  (why not just text? - HRD does some strange things indeed!) but that the default storage location under a hidden directory as shown below:


I was tempted to change the storage location via the storage section under "Options" in DM780, but I decided against it since plenty of other portions of HRD use that location. So I opted to create the directory "SavedQSOs" in place at the default location HRD uses and will save all my QSO sessions under that new folder.

This said, the next trick is to easily get to those QSOs again if needed. To do so, go to the folder "SavedQSOs" you just created and right click and look for "Include in Library" and then select "Create New Library". Once done your folder will easily be reachable by you as noted below:
 

Now the trick is to search for strings in the RTF files. In my own case, RTF files are already automatically indexed in Windows 10, but I wanted to insure that the folder was indexed since it was in the AppData folder to start. When I typed "Indexing Options" at the Cortana search bar (Also reachable from Control Panel), I was treated to the following display:


Note the new Library was automatically included in the included locations and note how the Appdata folders are excluded. In this case, our explicit add of the SavedQSOs overrides the exclude even though that data is under AppData.

Now to find the string "PTT" in the blank example file I saved from DM780:



And you can see the matched file. Opening the file reveals the string match:


So this means you can now search on a call sign for records of a digital QSO exchange to prove your case if you get a disputed digital QSO confirmation.

I hope this helps others and appreciate any comments and observations others may have.

73! -- Jon

Monday, October 3, 2016

Latest news....

I've been working on adding more antennas and got my G5RV up and running after a year of it just sitting there. I never could get it to work and finally I looked at the connections and cleaned the inside of the UHF connector and voila! Many contacts now!

A lot of work is going into adding new capabilities to the station and I have a third antenna being readied for use... It is a restoration project - A Hygain 18-AVT which needs a lot of TLC and rebuilding.

Last year I picked up this antenna from AK6ZZ (now K5AZZ). The image to the left shows the antenna as it was when I picked it up at the QTH for K5AZZ. It is in decent condition, save for problems with the coils which I am rebuilding. I will share more on my web site after I get it completely back in prime condition and install it.

This antenna is going to be my first restoration project of an antenna and I found a great page on how N6JSX managed to get his restored and am following that as a guide for my own restoration. I will be posting video on my Youtube channel when the time is right of the repair process.

Speaking of Youtube, yes, I have a new channel. As of this writing, it is without any videos, but that is soon to change! More later as the process of getting content up there to the channel goes forward.

That is all for now!

73 - Jon

Confirmations for QSOs.

From my QRZ page - My policies on QSO Confirmations (and yes... I'm really nice about all of this!)

Confirmations


Point number one: I make it an absolute priority to confirm your QSO with me ASAP.

As soon as our QSO finishes, I usually make the request on the spot while I'm thinking of it if it is a QRZ member. I'm still figuring out all the other registeries and how to do requests there, but if you are not a QRZ member and want me to confirm, visit my web page and email me through the Contact Form.

I only recently began to do this since I'm new to the scene and I've seen some pretty interesting behaviors so far when I have requested confirmations. Most folks are pretty good about confirmations and then again, some don't see it the same way and are... interesting... to say the least. I am one who will make it a point to value your time with the QSOs we exchange and am fair and easygoing.

Point number two: I understand that records can be inaccurate in minor points and will work with you to correct a mistake either on my part or yours. Welcome to being Human ;>)

Point number three: I *will* tell you why I might reject a QSO confirmation if that ever occurs. I have noted that there are some occurances for records having been rejected without explanation when I request them after a QSO and I will put myself in your shoes if there is such an occurance for a confirmation you request of me.

I just think it's good manners and puts the best foot out to the community when correcting our logs. Also, I'm not the type to hold unrealistic expectations of down to the second times on the QSO. LoTW allows up to 30 minutes discrepency when matching the logs and I'm not going to reject a confirmation that is off by a reasonable amount. I've seen a lot of rejections that don't even carry a comment and that is just plain wrong to do. Put yourself in the other guy or gal's shoes and you'll make a lot of friends for a little extra effort.