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WorkedGrids
Ham Log Mapping software
Freeware for
Windows
Par/by: Bertrand
Zauhar, VE2ZAZ |
WorkedGrids is a Windows
application that displays a map showing the amateur radio grid squares
contacted and logged in using a third-party logging program.
WorkedGrids uses colors to display information on a per-band basis. Up
to four bands can be displayed concurrently.
This project was initiated because I could
not find a logging program that provided the level of detail and
mapping quality that I wanted. The software is directed towards the VHF and
above operators who collect grid squares for contesting or award
purpose. For that purpose, WorkedGrids also calculates
the number of grid square worked for each band. It is designed to
supplement a logging program and it
replaces the pen and paper technique.
For its input, the program
reads the plain-text (ASCII) log files generated by most logging
programs. The file is read at a set interval and the worked grid
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 1440 x 1200
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 supports 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.
This program uses a non-invasive installation; it does not
modify the registry nor install DLLs. 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.
(29/04/2010)
ATTENTION: Several users have
reported that the various Norton Antivirus programs detected a Trojan
Horse issue with the WorkedGrids
install file. This is a false positive alert. With the intent of eliminating this annoyance though, I
recreated the installer file with the latest version of Install
Creator. This resolved the Trojan Horse alert. As before, enjoy
this clean program :-)
Current Version
v7 (August 2010): This is a minor
release. This will be the
stable version for a while:
- Now allows to stretch the window size
to a maximum of 1440 x 1200 pixels, a much larger window for newer wide
screens.
- Fixes the file scanning algorithm to
properly pick up grid squares on a .CSV file.
Your
feedback is very welcome! Please send
me feedback and comments
regarding this program via email.
Previous Versions
v6 (15/03/2008): This was 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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