tabLog

tabLog in use by M0PZT/PtabLog was written so that I had simple electronic logging when /P.  I wanted a quick way to import QSOs into PZTLog via ADIF when I got back to the Shack.

Best performance is with a tablet in landscape mode and using a small Bluetooth/micro-USB QWERTY keyboard – QSO entry via this method is simple, and efficient (just tab through the fields).  I’m currently using a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.

tabLog is designed to be simple to use – nothing fancy, just the basic QSO fields and saving to ADIF.  If you type a callsign (in lowercase), and then tab out of the field (or press elsewhere on the screen) the text automatically converts to uppercase – this is the same for the Locator and WAB fields.

tabLog’s QSO Entry and Log View screens

Features

  • Simple logging for Android-based tablets (and smartphones)
  • Basic QSO fields: Callsign, RST, Name, QTH, Locator, WAB plus Frequency and Mode
  • Auto-fills the Name and QTH fields when entering a Callsign
  • Default 59(9) option for new QSOs
  • Basic Contest Serial Number function – increments with each QSO
  • Voice Keyer (long press on button to set the file) – MP3/WAV – using headphone output and radio with “DigiVox”
  • Operator fields for Callsign, Aerial, Radio, Location
  • UTC Offset – Just enter -1 , +3 or whatever your difference is (eg: UK stations enter -1 during BST)
  • Last QSO remembered between sessions
  • Log View showing today’s QSOs
  • ADIF and CSV files updated as you save a QSO
  • Here’s a single entry from the ADIF file that is exported each time you save a QSO:
    <QSO_DATE:8>20140701 <TIME_ON:4>1541 <TIME_OFF:4>1541 <CALL:5>G9ABC <OPERATOR:5>M0PZT <RST_SENT:2>57 <STX:3>001 <RST_RCVD:2>58 <MODE:3>SSB <FREQ:5>7.125 <GRIDSQUARE:6>JO01AA <WAB:4>TL00 <NAME:3>Bob <QTH:6>A Town <MY_ANT:6>Dipole <MY_RIG:7>FT-857D <MY_CITY:6>London <TX_PWR:3>100 <EOR>

Using It
Just enter the Frequency, then tab through (or touch) the fields to enter the information. When you move away from the Callsign field, it will attempt to find the Name+QTH of that station from an existing QSO. The Callsign, Locator and WAB fields automatically convert to uppercase when you move away from them. The CQ audio player supports MP3/WAV files and is simply tap to start/stop – a long press will allow you to select a file from your memory/SD card.  The Settings screen is self-explanatory – the CSV/ADIF filenames are date-stamped and are saved to your main storage area (probably the internal memory, depending upon how you have it mounted). Remember to set the UTC Offset (UK stations will need to enter -1 during the summer).

If you make a mistake when saving a QSO, there’s no “edit” function – you’ll have to enter the QSO details again and sort out the ADIF/CSV files later!  Don’t worry, it’s happened to me plenty of times.

Once you get home – just connect the tablet to your computer via its USB cable and import the ADIF file from the root of the storage folder into your favourite logging software.  If using PZTLog, it’ll import and fill in any missing fields from your existing logbook/database.


Download and Installation
This software is FREE to use and available “as is” with no guarantee of support. It’s a project for my /P activities and if you find it useful, then that’s great.  The program works fairly well on a smartphone but I strongly suggest a keyboard/case with a tablet.

Download tabLog v1.0b Android APK
Latest release – The latest feature adds <STX> (serial sent) ADIF field, Serial on “today’s QSOs” view plus an update to the Callsign Name+QTHs.

Download tabLog v1.0b ZIP
This contains the Android APK in a ZIP file along with a list of over 10,000 Callsigns which includes Name+QTH fields.  Place CallNames.txt in the root of your main storage and press+hold the “Import Names” button on the Settings screen. This will import a list of Callsigns/Names/QTHs into the database and they will appear when you enter a matching Callsign.  This process takes a few minutes to import, so wait for the message box to say that it’s complete.

Alternatively, you may just want to import UK/EI information so CallNames G and EI.txt is also included offering around 1600 UK/EI station details – this will need to be renamed to CallNames.txt in order to import.  Any QSOs you save after this will be added to the existing database.  “Callnames.txt” can be created from “log viewer” within PZTLog.