Logging
Logs are records of an event, in this case most likely a radio contact or interception.
Logs always contain a timestamp (when the event occurred) and are usually associated with a station, though you can create logs of other events.
Each station and log entry is stored within a category, to ease locating entries and keep things organized.
There is no cap on the number of categories you can create, within the limits imposed by the physical device (disk space and memory constraints).
The Edit button in the upper right of the category display view, when pressed, causes the standard red edit controls to appear next to each category. Tap that, and the Delete button will show.
If the category contains entries, you will be asked whether the program should delete them as well or move them. If you select "Move", they will be placed in the default category (which is created if it does not already exist).
The Edit button in the upper right of the category display view, when pressed, allows you to edit the categories. Tap the name of the category you wish to edit and the editor will appear.
If the category contains entries and you rename it to a name that already exists, the entries within will be moved into the destination category.
Every station or log entry is associated with a category, otherwise there would be no easy way to access it and it could be "lost" in your database.
Hence, any entry that doesn't have a category associated is dropped into the default category. When you install the application, this category is named "Unfiled". You can modify this behavior in the application setup.
If you only want to move a few entries to another category, edit them and set the category manually.
If there are many, or you want to move all the entries in one category to another, you can either delete the category and elect to move them to the default category or you can simply edit the category and rename it with the name of the destination where you want to move the entries to.
The Edit button in the upper right of the entries list view, when pressed, allows you to edit the entries. Tap the name of the entry you wish to edit and the editor will appear.
There's also an Edit button available when you are viewing the details of a given entry. Tapping it will bring up the editor as well.
When viewing the contents of a category, tap the Edit button in the upper right corner. The standard red edit control will appear next to each entry. Tap that and the Delete button will show allowing you to remove the entry.
The date/time for the start and end of the log must be set, though they are prefill to reasonable values when you create the entry.
The category is always set to something, so if you leave it empty it will be set to the default category.
All other fields are optional.
Radios (and other devices), antennas and accessories may be selected using a combined picker, which displays three lists that you may set independently.
The log entry editor only allows you to select existing equipment. If the device is not currently setup, backtrack from the picker to the editor, switch to the Setup tab, setup the equipment in question and go back to the picker to select it.
"Formal traffic" is a message sent on behalf of a third party, often from members of the public who are not amateurs. Formal traffic handling is an essential part of amateur radio emergency communications public service.
Formal traffic entries contain three important parts: a preamble with information about the message, an addressee and the actual message itself.
FreqLoader log entries allow you to specify formal traffic information, including:
- The date/time the message was accepted on
- The message precedence
- Any handling instructions
- The message number or identification
- The call sign of the originating station, if applicable
- The addressee name and location (which includes complete address, telephone number, email)
- Time of Receipt, Time of Dispatch
- The message contents (a check, or word count, is automatically calculated)
There are, as of yet, no specific facilities to export ARRL-type "radiograms" in the standard format but if there is demand for such, we'll definitely get on it quickly (let us know if this is something you are interested in).
The R-S-T system is used to standardize and abbreviate the process of providing signal reports. "R-S-T" stands for Readability, Strength and Tone (cw).
The readability scale goes from 1 (unreadable) to 5 (perfectly readable), while the other two range from 1 to 9.
The report system may be used for phone operation by leaving out the T component, thus a "59" report would be for a perfectly readable, extremely strong signal.
A suffix for the tone is also allowed for by FreqLoader, where you may choose one of:
- X: crystal control stability
- C: chirp on the signal
- K: key clicks
QSL, one of the Q codes used in radio communications, is a confirmation of transmission reception. It may be used a statement ("I confirm receipt of your transmission") or as a question ("do you confirm receipt of my transmission").
Amateur radio operators exchange QSL cards to confirm communications between stations, which normally contain the call sign of both stations, date/time of contact, frequency and mode of transmission, as well as a signal report
FreqLoader log entries can be used to keep track of QSL requests and reception. Tapping the appropriate row will toggle a check for the value.
Half the fun of discovering a something new is sharing it with others.
FreqLoader has a host of sharing facilities built-in,to exchange with friends, groups or anyone nearby. So much so, that an entire section of this FAQ is dedicated to sharing.
