Logging QSOs from WinWarbler to DXKeeper

WinWarbler can log QSOs as ADIF records in a text file, referred to as the Minilog. However, most users prefer to log QSOs in real time to DXKeeper, DXLab's full-functioned logging application that records and manages QSOs, tracks progress towards DXing objectives, prints QSL cards and QSL labels, and and synchronizes with eQSL.cc, LoTW, and Club Log. Thus this article provides basic configuration and operation instructions for using WinWarbler with DXKeeper and DXView both running, and with Commander controlling your transceiver. A comprehensive description of WinWarbler's logging capabilities is provided in its reference documentation.

As in all DXLab applications, allowing the mouse cursor to hover over a checkbox, selector, or textbox will produce a small popup explanation describing its purpose.

Configuration

1. configure WinWarbler for use with the modes -- CW, Phone, PSK, or RTTY -- you're employing

2. in the General panel on the General tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

   1. specify the station callsign you'll be using over-the-air in QSOs

   2. specify your operator callsign, and owner callsign; these are often the same as your station callsign

3. in the QSO Info panel on the Log tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

   1. check the automatic lookup box

   2. check the set QSO start when RST Rcvd box

   3. check the refuse to log if invalid callsign box

   4. check the refuse to log if missing DXCC box

4. in the Default Settings panel on the Log tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

   1. set the Path selector to 'S' (meaning "short path")

   2. set the Item focus after callsign entry panel to RST Sent item

5. In SpotCollector, double-clicking a Spot Database Entry whose mode is PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, or RTTY will convey the entry's callsign, frequency, mode, and grid square to WinWarbler for logging. If you want SpotCollector to similarly convey information to WinWarbler when you double-click a Spot Database Entry whose mode is CW, SSB, AM, or FM, check that mode's box in the Service column in the Actions with Digital Mode Application connection panel on the General tab of SpotCollector's Configuration window.

Operation

The QSO Info panel on WinWarbler's Main window can be expanded so that you can log most of the items that DXKeeper is capable of recording. In it's minimal configuration, only basic items are accessible:

Each time you click the double-headed arrow button highlighted in red in the above screen shot, WinWarbler will expand the QSO Info panel to display a new row of boxes. When the QSO Info panel has been fully expanded, the double-headed arrow button will be replaced with a contract button:

Clicking the red-highlighted contract button above will shrink the QSO Info panel to its minimal configuration.

Logging a QSO

To log a QSO in WinWarbler,

1. type the callsign into the QSO Info panel's Call box and then strike the Enter or Tab key

   • QSO Info panel boxes will be populated with information from previously logged QSOs, from the Callbooks selected in DXKeeper, from the databases accessible to DXView, and from default settings on the tabs of WinWarbler's Configuration window.

Getting Started with CW, Phone, PSK, and RTTY Operation

Getting Started with DXLab