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WorkedGrids /
WorkedFields
Ham
Log Mapping software
Freeware for
Windows
Par/by: Bertrand Zauhar, VE2ZAZ
Page last updated: 03/03/2024
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WorkedGrids
and WorkedFields are Windows
applications that display a map showing the
amateur Maidenhead squares contacted and
logged in using a third-party logging program.
The applications uses colors to display
information on a per-band basis. Up to four
bands can be displayed concurrently. They
also calculate the number of grid square
worked for each band. They are
designed to supplement a logging program and
replace the pen and paper technique. This
project was initiated because I could not find
a logging program that provided the level of
detail and mapping quality that I wanted.
WorkedGrids is
directed towards the VHF and above operators
who collect grid squares for contesting or
award purpose. WorkedFields
targets HF operators who collect field squares
during contests. A
good explanation of Maidenhead field and grid
squares is available here.
For
their input, the programs read the plain-text
(ASCII) log files generated by most logging
programs. The file is read at a set interval
and the worked squares on the map are updated
in a dynamic way as the contest progresses and
the log file is periodically saved.
A
world map is implemented so any area of the
world can be shown. The
maximum map window size is 960 x 800 pixels.This
provides a fixed-resolution continental
viewpoint typical of a VHF grid square chase.
Note: The picture to the right shows an
example of
a 415 x 350 pixels window with just a few
QSO's. A zoom-in feature
provides a closer look at at a specific area.
Support for printing
and copying to clipboard is also provided.
Examination
of the log file with a plain text editor may
be necessary depending on the log file format
selected. This allows to identify the type of
log file format used by your logging software.
WorkedGrids and
WorkedFields support 4 types of plain text log
book file:
- Fixed-width fields text file:
This file presents the amateur radio band
and grid square information in a constant
position (column-like) for each log entry.
For example, the band (432, 2m, 144)
strings could be position starting in
position (column) 1 and the grid squares
starting in position 58. One line
represents one log entry. Another example
is:
1296
VE2ZAZ
FN36 .....
2m
VE0MAT
FO44bk .....
52
W3CA
EN32 .....
- Character-delimited text file:
This log file has all of its log entry
fields separated by a single character,
for example a comma (,) sign. The band
and grid square fields for each log
entry will always show up in the same
spot. For example, the band string may
be located in the third field and the
grid square in the sixth field. One line
represents one log entry. An example is:
1296,59,VE2ZAZ,FN36,
.....
144,599,VE0MAT,FO44bk,
.....
52,559,W3CAZ,EN32, .....
- ADIF
import/export format: This is a
text file format generated by most
logging programs to import/export the
log data. This is usually not the
native file format of the logging
program, but a standard format so that
the data can be easily transferred
from one program to another. A log
entry can be spread over more than one
line. An example is:
<QSO_DATE:8>20080119
<TIME_ON:4>1906
<CALL:6>VE3CVG <BAND:3>146
<MODE:3>USB
<RST_SENT:1>0 <GRIDSQUARE:4>fn25
<EOR>
- Cabrillo
format (VHF contests template): This
is a text file format generated by
several logging programs to
import/export the log data into the
ARRL Logbook Of The World. This is
usually not the native file format
of the logging program. One line
represents one log entry. An example
is (some space characters were
removed to fit in this help page
width):
QSO:
52 PH 2007-08-04 1803
VE2ZAZ
FN25
WA3PTV
FM08
QSO: 222 PH
2007-08-04 1804
VE2ZAZ
FN25
W3SZ
FN20
QSO: 1.2 PH
2007-08-04 1806
VE2ZAZ
FN25
VE3ZX
FN20
All
settings (text file, path, type of log file,
colors, fields, window map window position,
etc) are saved to the hard drive directory
upon program exit. These settings are
restored at program launch.
These programs use a
non-invasive installation; it does not install DLLs in
system folders. All files are installed within
the same directory.
Operating System:
Any 32-bit version of Windows from Windows 95
to Windows Vista. Most likely 64-bit versions
of XP and Vista as well, but untested so far.
Minimum CPU
Hardware: Pentium-Class CPU,
preferably Pentium-II or faster for quicker
map refresh.
Display:
640x480 or higher resolution, 256 colors or
more.
Disk usage:
1MB
Typical RAM
usage: < 10MB, varies as a
function of Map window size.
ATTENTION:
Several users have reported that AVG Antivirus
detects a Trojan issue with the WorkedGrids
install file. This has got to be a false
alarm. Referring to the web, it appears that
the latest virus definition of AVG is causing
pain on more than just my program... See this
link for more
details. Just to be on the
safe side, I also installed it on my work PC
that runs Symmantec Antivirus (Corporate) and
nothing is reported. My Avira Antivir here
does not complain either... I am a former AVG
user but got rid of it a long time ago because
of too many false alarms. Enjoy this clean
program :-)
Current Version
v7 (03/03/2024): This is a
minor release with several minor fixes. This
will be the stable version for a while.
Your
feedback is very welcome! Please
send me feedback and comments
regarding this program via email.
Previous Versions
v6 (15/03/2008): This
is a major release with several feature
additions and fixes:
- Adds a zoom-in feature with
1X (Default), 1.25X, 1.5X and 2X zoom-in
factors,
- Adds support to the Cabrillo
format,
- Adds Band String
Auto-Detection for the ADIF and Cabrillo
formats. This allows setup without having to
examine the log files for these formats.
- Updates the help file with
the added feature coverage,
- Fixes a few minor bugs.
v5 (06/03/2008): This was a release with several
feature additions and fixes:
- Adds map centering to a
specific grid square,
- Adds printing of the Map
window on any installed printer,
- Adds copying of the Map
window to the Windows clipboard,
- Adds a filter that will skip
the periodic map update if the log file is
not modified,
- Replaces individual buttons
with a right-click
pop-up menu,
- Fixes the totals calculation
to include all grid squares regardless of if
they are visible or not in the Map window,
- Updates the help file with
added FAQ section,
- Adds a startup splash
screen.
v4 (01/03/2008): Expands to 5-character strings
for the bands to allow "1.25M" or similar
length band strings. Allows for lowercase
characters in the band strings. Updates the help file.
v3 (28/02/2008): Adds a "Totals" button that
displays the number of grids worked for each
band. Removes a spurious "Label1" text in
the Map window. Updates the help file.
v2 (27/02/2008): Fixes the horizontal scrollbar partly
hidden problem when using the XP theme.
Updates the help file.
v1 (27/02/2008): Initial
Release.
WorkedGrids
v7_Install.exe
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This
software is freeware. But if you
would like to support me for past or
future development, your contribution is
welcome! Just click on the PayPal logo.
Thanks!
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