6.1 KiB
Log Synchronisation
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KST4Contest automatically marks worked stations in the chat user list. Two basic methods are available:
Method 1: Universal File Based Callsign Interpreter (Simplelogfile)
KST4Contest reads a log file and searches for callsign patterns using a regular expression. Binary log files are also supported – unreadable binary content is simply ignored.
Advantage: Works with almost any logging program that writes a file. Disadvantage: No band information available – stations are only marked as "worked", not on which band.
Enter the path to the log file in the Preferences. The file is only read, never modified (read-only).
Tip
: The Simplelogfile function can also be used to mark stations that are definitely unreachable (e.g. personal notes). This will be replaced in a later version by a better tagging system.
Method 2: Network Listener (UDP Broadcast) – Recommended
When saving a QSO, the logging software sends a UDP packet to the broadcast address of the home network. KST4Contest receives this packet and marks the station including band information in its internal SQLite database.
Important
: KST4Contest must be running in parallel with the logging software. QSOs logged while KST4Contest is not running will not be captured – except with QARTest (which can send the complete log).
Default UDP port: 12060 (matches the default of most logging programs)
Supported Logging Software
UCXLog (DL7UCX)
UCXLog sends QSO UDP packets and transceiver frequency packets.
Settings in UCXLog:
- Enable UDP broadcast
- Enter the IP address of the KST4Contest computer (for local operation:
127.0.0.1) - Port: 12060 (default)
Note the green-highlighted fields in the UCXLog settings: IP and port must be filled in.
Note for multi-setup (2 computers, 2 radios, one KST4Contest instance): Both logging programs must send QSO packets to the IP of the KST4Contest computer. In this case, at least one IP is not 127.0.0.1.
QARTest (IK3QAR)
Special feature: QARTest can send the complete log to KST4Contest (button "Invia log completo" in the QARTest settings). This means QSOs logged before KST4Contest was started are also captured.
Settings in QARTest:
- Configure UDP broadcast and IP/port as with UCXLog
- Use "Invia log completo" for a full log upload
(„Buona funzionalità caro IK3QAR!" – DO5AMF)
N1MM+
Settings in N1MM+:
In N1MM+ under Config → Configure Ports, Mode Control, Winkey, etc. → Broadcast Data:
- Enable
Radio Info(for TRX sync / QRG) - Enable
Contact Info(for QSO sync) - IP:
127.0.0.1(or IP of the KST4Contest computer) - Port: 12060
For the built-in DX cluster server: configure N1MM+ as a DX cluster client (server: 127.0.0.1, port as set in KST4Contest).
DXLog.net
Settings in DXLog.net:
- Enable UDP broadcast
- Enter the IP of the KST4Contest computer (green-highlighted fields)
- Port: 12060
Win-Test
Win-Test is supported with a dedicated UDP network listener that understands the native Win-Test network protocol.
Advantages of Win-Test Integration:
- Automatic QSO synchronization to mark worked stations.
- Sked Handover (ADDSKED): Using the "Create sked" button in the station info panel not only creates a sked in KST4Contest but also sends it directly via UDP to the Win-Test network as an ADDSKED packet.
- You can choose between "AUTO", "SSB", or "CW" sked modes.
Required Settings in KST4Contest:
UDP-Port for Win-Test listener(Default: 9871).- Enable
Receive Win-Test network based UDP log messages. - Enable
Win-Test sked transmission (push via ADDSKED to Win-Test network). KST station name in Win-Test network (src of SKED packets): Defines the station name KST4Contest uses in the WT network (e.g., "KST").Win-Test station name filter: If a name is entered here (e.g., "STN1"), only QSOs from that specific Win-Test instance will be processed. Leave empty to accept all.Win-Test network broadcast address: Is usually detected automatically and is required to send sked packets to the network.
Settings in Win-Test:
- The network in Win-Test must be active.
- Win-Test must be configured to send/receive its broadcasts on the corresponding port (default 9871).
TRX Frequency Synchronisation
In addition to QSO synchronisation, UCXLog and other programs also transmit the current transceiver frequency via UDP. KST4Contest processes this information and makes it available as the MYQRG variable.
Result: Your own QRG never needs to be typed manually in the chat – clicking the MYQRG button or using the variable in the beacon is sufficient.
Note for multi-setup: With two logging programs on two computers, only one should send frequency packets. KST4Contest cannot distinguish between sources and processes all incoming packets.
Multi-Setup: 2 Radios, 2 Computers
For DM5M-style setups (2 radios, 2 computers, one KST4Contest instance or two separate):
Option A – One shared KST4Contest instance:
- Both logging programs send QSO packets to the IP of the KST4Contest computer
- Only one logging program sends frequency packets (recommended: the VHF logging program)
Option B – Two separate KST4Contest instances (recommended):
- Each logging program communicates with its own KST4Contest instance via
127.0.0.1 - Two separate chat logins
- Better separation and fewer conflicts
Internal Database
KST4Contest stores worked information in an internal SQLite database. This is independent of the logging program's database and is only populated via the UDP broadcast.
Before each new contest: reset the database! → Configuration – Worked Station Database Settings