1. Introduction to N1MM Logger
Confessions of A Former DOS Addict
By Pete Smith, N4ZR

2. Background Started in computer logging with C-64
Went to CT with version 6
Went to TR Log 8 years ago (Version 4)
First tried N1MM Logger in November 2003
Now entirely committed to using N1MM

3. Why?
Advantages of Windows environment for logging programs is too important to ignore
Display flexibility
Smooth multi-tasking
Easy networking (LAN or Internet)
Compatibility with evolving machines and operating systems (e.g., Windows XP)

4. Here’s a typical screen from TRLog
Display Flexibility
Here’s a typical screen from TRLog
I apologize for the fuzziness – this is from the TR Log web site. But as you can pretty well see, the screen size, arrangement and font size are all pretty well set in advance, and there are real limitiations to what you can get on the screen at one time.
It’s true that all the information, pretty much, is there, and considering the limitations of DOS, TR does a dandy job of supporting 2-radio operation

5. And in N1MM Logger Both bandmaps on screen constantly
Windows can be resized, and replaced, instantly
Windows can be overlapped and called forward with a mouse-click
Once set up as you want, mouse really not necessary, but handy

6. For Example
Here I’ve decided to have both bandmaps, both radio windows, an Info window that gives me rate information, a Multiplier window so that I can check which zones I have on which bands (or countries, at a mouse-click), a Check window where my super check partial results are displayed, and an Available window which will tell me at a glance whether I need the current country and/or zone on another band.

7. What’s Different About N1MM
Run/S&P modes
Enter Sends Messages (ESM) mode
A better bandmap
All contests stored in a common database
Very quick, responsive support
Extreme customization possible
And it’s freeware
I’m going to assume that I don’t need to talk any more about the advantages of Windows from a display standpoint, and that many of you use either a windows contest program or a Windows general logger.
Instead, let’s talk about what What N1MM does that sets it apart

8. Run/S&P Modes N1MM uses modes, like TR Log
Advantages: separate stored messages and separate sequences of messages – we’ll get to that in a minute -- for use on CW or SSB
Disadvantage: Being in the wrong mode means the wrong message will be sent
Alt-U or a mouseclick switches modes

9. ESM …S&P I’ve entered a call in S&P mode.
Note the highlight is on F4. That means that every time I hit the [Enter] key the program will send the CW or .wav voice message that is associated with the F4 key.

10. OK. He’s answered me and I’ve copied his sent exchange
OK! He’s answered me and I’ve copied his sent exchange. The program autofilled the zone but I typed over anyway. The display tells me (in red) that this is a double mult, and the highlight on F2 tells me that the NEXT time I hit [Enter] the program will send the exchange, log the QSO and return to the first state again.

11. ESM …Running
Suppose you’re running. The screen starts here. F1 is highlighted, meaning that each time you hit {Enter} your CQ is sent.

12. Enter a callsign and the program dupes as it’s entered – red for a new QSO and country mult, back for a new station, and grey (plus warnings in a couple of places if it is a dupe). The blue in the check window means it’s a station already worked in this contest
If it’s not a dupe, hitting [Enter] will send his call and your exchange.
Note that there’s some other information about the station in the Check wimdow. That’s because the program can read the extended TRMASTER.DTA file format used by TR Log, which may contain name, section, state, check, etc.

13. Now I’ve sent him my exchange and copied his
Now I’ve sent him my exchange and copied his. The program knows this, and indicates that the next [Enter] will send my “TU” message and log the QSO.
So you can see where the user interface is a lot like TR’s, but requires even fewer keystrokes and makes fewer demands on the operator.

14. A Better Bandmap
OK, I’ve found HC8N, but he’s a dupe. In some other programs you’d have to specifically wipe his call from the entry window before you could enter another. Here, all you do is tune away, and two things happen.

15. The entry window is blanked, and HC8N’s callsign, color coded to indicate a dupe, is entered on the bandmap. This happens with every S&P call you make, whether you work the station or not. Dupes go in grey, unworked stations in blue, and multis in red.

16. OK, here’s that XU7 again, but the packet pileup is just too fierce, so you figure I’ll go elsewhere and get him later. I tune away and voila!

17. The entry screen is clean, but his call, colorcoded, has been entered on the bandmap

18. I’ve tuned back on his frequency again
I’ve tuned back on his frequency again. The program remembers, and grabs his callsign to put in the “call-frame”, or what I call the on-deck circle. Hit [Enter], it drops your call in, his call moves into the entry window, and you make the QSO. Tune on past, and the next call from the bandmap shows up in the call-frame.

19. Zooming the Bandmap
Now things can get a little crowded on the bandmap when the band is wide open, and particularly if you are populating it with packet spots as well as your own QSOs and stations heard but not worked.
No problem, just zoom the bandmap for more elbow room.

20. Zooming the Bandmap
Or zoom it out to see the whole band and catch any mults you’ve missed.

21. A Common Database All contests are stored in a common Access database.
Switching between contests is almost as simple as just choosing another one from a menu
Records are accessible to any Access tools you have, and may be easily exported to other formats.

22. Very Quick, Responsive Support
N1MM monitors activity during major contests and users’ testing beforehand
Bug fixes quickly implemented; rarely are other things broken when a bug is fixed
Lots of open discussion about potential enhancements on N1MM mailing list

23. Extreme Customization Possible
Because all the windows are true Windows, all can be resized and moved around the screen. This gives great flexibility.
Some users even run two monitors and put some windows on one, and others on the other.

24. What Don’t I Like
Handling of multiplier lists for different contests is awkward; manual customization may be required to avoid problems, particularly where VE mults involved.
Canned CW or voice message lists must be manually stored and recalled for each contest.
I suppose it could be argued that it doesn’t really hurt any contester to spend a few minutes before a contest re-familiarizing with the rules…..

25. Gripes (cont’d.)
SO2R support not quite as good (yet) as TR Log – less automatic
Good CW and SO2R may require an outboard keyer (fortunately “Winkey” is cheap)
No integrated paddle keying – but Winkey does it almost as well as TR Log, including interruption of canned CW messages
Writelog external keyers cost $ – Winkey is $30 in kit form

26. Gripes (cont’d.)
Needs more stored CW messages, for fills in contests with complex exchanges.
Some Multi-op features – synchronization across network, for example – less mature than Writelog.
Built-in contest recording not very effective
I use RecAll Pro running in the background – does not affect the CW

27. Computer Requirements
For phone, or if Winkey used, a 266 MHz Pentium with 128 MB of RAM will probably be adequate.
Windows XP may require more RAM
With my Athlon and 256 MB, there is no problem running internal CW and SO2R in the most challenging configuration.
Frankly, hams’ emphasis on the cheapest possible computers seems a little silly now, when even the worst dog can be upgraded to a spec like mine for <$150. Dell won’t even sell you a machine as slow as mine, and their prices start at $499.

28. Where to Get It Download (freeware) from http://www.n1mm.com
Info on Winkey from
Now let’s set it up and anyone who wants can do a live demo.