Overview
Introduction
CQ/X is a GPS-enabled logging program developed for use
by mobile operators in state and regional QSO parties. It can,
of course, also be used by fixed station operators both inside and
outside of the state or region but the features
that differentiate it from other contest logging programs are
those that benefit the mobile operator. These
advantages are best described by considering the three phases of QSO party operation:
- Pre-contest Planning
- Contest Operation
- Post-contest Reporting
Pre-contest Planning
During the pre-contest planning phase the operator performs the
following steps using CQ/X and a mapping program such as Microsoft
Streets & Trips:
- CQ/X presents an outline map of the state and a list of
counties from which a preliminary sequence of counties can be easily
selected. As each county is selected the list presented for the
possible next counties are only those counties that are adjacent to the
most recently selected county.
- Once a preliminary sequence of counties has been specified a sequence of polygon models of the selected counties
is exported for importing into the mapping
program
- A detailed road-by-road route development is prepared in
the mapping program.
- Once the route is developed a text file sequential list of
county line crossing points is developed in the mapping
program.
- The list of county line crossing points is then imported
into CQ/X and once validated by CQ/X will form the
basis of calculations of the distance and time to the next county once
the trip is underway.
- Following validation CQ/X provides a means
of connecting and uploading this information to the County Hunter websites
- Also following validation CQ/X provides a means of using the county line
crossing file to
create a KML file for Google Maps. Placing this file on a
webserver allows distribution of the route on the internet using
Google Maps. See the Route Plans page for an example.
Contest Operation
Once it is time to begin the contest and CQ/X is receiving data
from the GPS the program provides the following GPS-enabled
functions updated on a default ten second period:
- Automatic detection of the current county
- Modifying all of the messages that are county dependent
- Calculation of the distance and time to the next county line
- Calculation of the distance to any waypoints that the user has defined
- Calculation of the accumulated time in each county
- Calculation of progress against any goal of a specified
number of QSOs in each county and a recommendation on whether to speed
up, slow down, or stop in order to reach the goal.
- Logging of the latitude and longitude at which each QSO was
completed. This is useful in preparing any GPS-enabled QSLs. See the QSL Gallery for examples.
- Pass through of GPS data to a mapping program for real-time tracking of location
Post-contest Reporting
Following completion of the contest the program provides a means of performing the following activities
- Preparing statistical results including time in each county
- Ten-minute hourly rate at each county crossing
- Connection to 3830 for posting results
- Preparation of logs in either Cabrillo or ADIF format
- Preparation of summary sheets in those contests requiring them
- Preparation of GPS-enabled QSLs when requested.
Other Features
CQ/X also includes a number of other capabilities that are not dependent on the use of a GPS. These include:
- Ability to configure all function keys and their
combinations with Alt, Ctrl, and Shift keys to minimize use
of the mouse
- Ability to emulate many of the keys used by the logging program NA
- Ability to enter QSO information in any order in a single field
- Ability to sequence through the QSO using only the Enter key
- Ability to define your own help information and link it into the
help menu including information on speed trap areas, reservation emails
for Saturday evening lodging, etc
- Ability to efficiently operate on county lines
Some of the above features are described in more detail and with selected screen shots on the Features page. All of the features are described in detail in the on-line help file which can be accessed both from the CQXClient.pdf link on the Documentation page and from the Help menu once the program is downloaded and installed.
Copyright: C.W. Sanders, NO5W
Last Updated: 3-September-2007