CommCat uses information about you, your station, and your access to the Internet to provide a highly personalized operating environment. Your personal information is entered in the Settings windows (File>Settings).

Station

Call, License Class, name, address, longitude/latitude, and email

CW

Function key memories, default code speed settings, and contest options

Modes

Mode list and mode editing functions

Log

Logging options

eQSL

eQSL options

Time

URL for remote time server and time update options

GoList

Options for the GoList QSL Manager service

Callbook

Callbook data source for US and international calls, either from a local CD-ROM or on-line database

Call

Call

Your ham call sign, entered when you installed the program. If it is necessary to use another call sign, such as when operating from a portable location, simply change the call in the Settings window. CommCat always defaults to the original registered call when starting.

Code window (Settings, Code); Global Code Messages (Settings, Code); QSL Designer; Label Designer; Log; Packet window (for initializing your TNC); Spot Announcements.

License Class

Select the appropriate License Class. If not in the US, use Other.

Band Spotter band edges

Address

Name

Your name

QSL and Label Designer

Address 1

First address line (such as apartment, company name)

QSL and Label Designer

Address 2

Second address line (such as post office box, street)

QSL and Label Designer

City

City

QSL and Label Designer

ST

State, Province

QSL and Label Designer

ZIP

ZIP or Postal Code

QSL and Label Designer

County

County

QSL and Label Designer

Country

Country

QSL and Label Designer

Continent

Continent

QSL and Label Designer

Location

Longitude

Longitude of your station (enter as a decimal value, enter negative for west longitude)

Grid square calculation; DX circle map center; QSL Designer; Label Designer

Latitude

Latitude of your station (enter as a decimal value, enter negative for south latitude)

Same as longitude

Compute from ZIP

Computes your US latitude and longitude from your ZIP code and enters the data in the respective fields.

See above

Update Computed

If you change your longitude/latitude, compute the new grid and zones.

Grid Square

Locator grid square. Computed grid square is based on longitude and latitude

QSL and Label Designer, Send MyQSX Spots (CommCat Live only)

My CQ Zone

Your CQ Zone (Computed zone is based on your call)

Send MyQSX Spots (CommCat Live only)

My ITU Zone

Your ITU Zone (Computed zone is based on your call)

Send MyQSX Spots (CommCat Live only)

E-mail

My E-mail Name

The name you wish to appear on e-mail messages sent by CommCat.

e-mail spot notification

Outgoing Mail Host

The host name used to send e-mail from your account. CommCat Live users can enter MyQSX.net to have MyQSX handle outgoing mail.

Same

My e-mail Address

The return address included in your messages.

Same

To

Distribution list for spot announcements sent by CommCat. Use e-mail addresses and separate multiple addresses by semi-colons.

Same

Account User Name

The user name for your email account

Same

Password

The password for your email account

Same

SSL, Port

Put a check in the SSL box if your email provider uses SSL encryption.  Put the port for incoming mail used by your email provider.  Note these facts can be found in the settings for your email program.

Send Test E-mail

Sends a test message from your account to the address in the To box.

Settings

Macros

CW Message Macros (F1 - F10)

Text to be sent in Morse Code when the respective F-key is pressed. Note that F1 can be assigned to a Morse Code macro or to the CommCat Help system. Special characters can be included--see Morse Code Help topic. See the Program Settings, Help window, to change how F1 is used.

Sending Morse Code

Macro Slow Speed

Speed at which macro messages are sent when the Shift Key is used along with the F-key.

Sending Morse Code

Macro Fast Speed

Speed at which messages are sent using a macro or when speed-up character (>) is used in a macro or Shift key is used when sending CW message via a macro.

Sending Morse Code

Side tone

Off

Turns off sound card side tone. If using a WinKeyer you can use its internal side tone.

Sending Morse Code

Sound card

Uses computer's sound board to create side tone.

Sending Morse Code

Spacing

Farnsworth Spacing

Regulates the rate at which characters are sent for code speeds of 18 WPM and less. The Farnsworth rate is held at 18 WPM with increasing time between characters for slower sending.

Sending Morse Code

Hang

CW Hold "Hang"

Number of seconds CommCat background processes are stopped after a CW character is sent. CW start and character timings are improved when these background processes are stopped. When set to 0, background processing is stopped indefinitely while the Morse window has focus.

Sending Morse Code

Contest Serial

Contest Start

Starting serial number for contest operation. This number increments each time a contact is logged. Enter the number 0 to disable the Contest Counter.

Sending Morse Code

Contest Serial Length

Sets the number of characters to be sent in a serial number. Many contests require that 3 digits be sent for serial numbers below 999. Serial number 9 is sent as 009 when the length is set to 3.

Sending Morse Code

Send 0 as T

Substitutes the letter T for the number 0 in contest serial numbers.

Sending Morse Code

Names

Mode List

List of modes supported by CommCat. This list can be modified as new modes are developed.

Log, Log Report, Export, QSL

Add

Add a new mode to the mode list.

Log, Log Report, Export, QSL

Delete

Delete a mode from the mode list.

Log, Log Report, Export, QSL

Mode Long Name

Descriptive name for the mode

Settings

ADIF Export Name

Mode abbreviation to be included when you export the mode in a log via Amateur Data Interchange Format (ADIF). See http://www.adif.org for the most recent Mode specification for ADIF. This name is also used in the CommCat Log.  If the ADIF name is absent, the Mode List name is used.

Export, Log

Award Name

The mode name used when applying for awards. For example, SSB may be specified as PHONE.

Award reports

Notes

Add any notes you wish to help understand this mode in the future.

Settings

Mode Tracking

Synchronizes VFO B mode with VFO A mode when in split.

Frequency Control

Use Spot Notes for Mode Hints

Specifies that CommCat will use information in spot notes, such as RTTY, to determine the current mode.

Rig control

RTTY Options

For RTTY Rig uses

Mode used for RTTY/PSK by your radio. Use LSB-D1 for late model Icom radios.  Use RTTY for Elecraft K3, sets mode to DATA.

Mode control

RTTY Offset

Audio offset used for AFSK RTTY/PSK. This frequency is subtracted from the true frequency for the Mark tone to set the VFO Main and Split frequencies.

Frequency control

For MMTTY/MMVARI Log Mode

Mode used when you log a contact using MMTTY or MMVARI

Logging

RTTY Source

Select External (for an external program such as MixW), MMTTY for RTTY, or MMVARI for PSK/RTTY.

RTTY preference

MMTTY.exe Path

Path to the MMTTY program.  Not used for MMVARI or External selections.

MMTTY

MMVARI.exe Path

Path to the MMVARI program.  Not used for MMTTY or External selections. By using this path, the settings for CommCat MMVARI and standalone MMVARI are shared.

MMVARI

MMTTY Send Mode

Sets the transmit character mode for MMTTY.  Not used by MMVARI or External.

MMTTY

Focus Call

Focus Call to Log

Determines how the DX Focus Call is used in the two log (Advanced and Quick) windows. This selection determines if the Focus Call is preloaded into the log window call field.

Auto logbook entry

Lookup Options

Look Up Full Name

CommCat will find the full name for the license holder rather than just the first name.

Advanced Log

Sound Dupe Alert

When CommCat determines that a DX Focus Call has already been worked, the selection bar in the Advanced Log is shaded red. When checked, this option additionally sounds an audio alarm. A file named ding.wav, located in the CommCat Audio folder, is used. You may change this file to any other audio file (.wav) of your choosing.

Advanced Log

Attached Sidebar

The Sidebar is locked to the right side of the Advanced Log window when this option is checked. If not checked, the Sidebar is separated from the Advanced Log as a separate window.

Advanced Log Sidebar

Lookup when

Determines when CommCat looks up the current call using the callbook source.  CommCat uses your log as the first source, then the external callbook.

Advanced Log

Lookup when Focus Call Changes

When the DX Focus Call changes, CommCat looks up the call in your log, and then in the external callbook.

All Logs

All Logs Selection

Select the Logs you wish to use when All Logs is selected

Advanced Log, Awards, Export

When QSO Logged

When QSO Logged

Data in the log data entry fields can be kept or deleted when a new contact is logged. Option to convert all fields to upper case.

Advanced Log

Time/Date Entry

Time Entry

In normal operation CommCat enters the time and date for a contact from the system clock. Sometimes it is necessary to override this automatic feature, for example, if you wish to manually add contacts.

Log

Date Format

Select the date style you prefer.

Advanced Log

QSO Start Time when

The start time is entered when you log the contact, or when the call field loses focus.

Preferred Style

Preferred Style

Select Advanced or Quick Log as your preferred log data window. This log format opens when you open a log from File>Open Log, or you click the Logbook button on the main toolbar.

Log

eQSL User

Your eQSL user name, usually your call.

eQSL submissions from the Advanced Log

eQSL Password

Your eQSL password that you assign when you register for eQSL See http://www.eqsl.cc

eQSL submissions from the Advanced Log

Submit eQSL when contact logged

Automatically submit eQSL info.

Default eQSL Comment

Note attached to eQSL submissions.  If the default is blank, CommCat uses any comments you have added to the contact when you logged that call.

Offset

Time Offset (read only)

The computed difference between local time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This number is determined automatically by your operating system.

Beacon service; logging

Use Local Time

Time displayed in your log and bottom status bar uses local time. The log continues to use UTC internally, although local time is displayed.

Logging

Enable GoList

When checked, CommCat looks up DX QSL Managers using the GoList database. See http://www.golist.net.

Advanced Log, QSL Manager lookup

Path to GoList Database

Enter the path to the GoList Database on your system.

Advanced Log, QSL Manager lookup

US

United States Data Source

Specify source of call sign data for calls in the United States. If the source is a CD-ROM, an additional drive selection box appears. QRZ Subscription is a paid subscription service from QRZ, which requires a password. MyQSX is available for CommCat Live users.

Logging, call lookup

International

Outside United States Data Source

Specify source of call sign data for calls outside the United States. If the source is a CD-ROM, an additional drive selection box appears. This option allows you to choose the FCC database for US calls and a commercial database for others. QRZ Subscription is a paid subscription service from QRZ, which requires a password. MyQSX is available for CommCat Live users.

Logging, call lookup

Radio

Manufacturer

Select the manufacturer of the rig you are using

Rig control and data

Model

Select the radio you are using from this list

Rig control and data

Port

Port

Select the serial port used for your radio. If the port has been assigned elsewhere, "used" appears next to the port number. The Collins KWM-380 uses LPT1 by default.  Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) doesn't use a port.

Rig control and data

Advanced

Enter serial communications parameters when necessary (usually the defaults are correct). If the communications parameters are fixed by the manufacturer, the Advanced push button is disabled. If using an Icom rig, set the rig CI-V address here.

Rig control and data

Name

Name

Name of this radio used for log, QSL Cards, Live status panel (if you have a Live subscription), and at the bottom of the CommCat main window in the radio status panel. If left blank, the model is used.

Log, QSL Cards, current radio, Live status

CW

Keyer

Use the CommCat keyer, or select WinKeyer or K2/K3 if available.

CW keying

CW Keying Port

Select the port you wish to use for CW keying. Select "same as" to use the same serial port assigned to the rig. You may also use the K1EL WinKeyer with Radio A by checking the Use WinKeyer option. Specify the serial port you wish to use with the WinKeyer.

CW keying

DTR

When selected, the Data Terminal Ready serial port control line is used for CW keying. Note that some rigs require the use of the DTR line for data communications or level converter power, so it may not be possible to use this line for CW keying.

CW keying

RTS

When selected, the Request To Send control line on the serial port is used for CW keying. Note that some rigs require the use of the RTS line for data communications, so it may not be possible to use this line for CW keying.

CW keying

Test

Closes CW key (CommCat internal keyer only) so you can test the connection between the computer and CW keying input on the radio.

CW keying

CW Pitch

Set the pitch of the CW side tone when the radio does not support the reading of this parameter.

Spectrum Analyzer window

CW Mode Off When Exit

Check this option to cause CommCat to leave the radio in the SSB mode when exiting the program. This option is useful to prevent your computer from inadvertently keying the radio when keying through a serial port.

CW keying

S-Meter

S-Meter

For radios that support the transfer of signal level data to CommCat, the amount of command data can be reduced by unchecking this option.

Tuner window, CommCat Live, and CommCat Mobile

PTT

PTT Control

Select type of desired PTT control (none, via software,  via LPT port, or via the RTS or DTR lines on a serial port).

Transmitter control

PTT Port

Specify LPT port to be used for PTT control.

Transmitter control

RTS/DTR Port

Serial COM port for PTT control.  You can select a free port or a COM port connected to a radio, assuming those lines are not required for the radio.

Transmitter control

PTT Delay

Set time between PTT activation and CW keying.

Transmitter control

Amplifier/Pwr

Amplifier Model

Enter the description of your linear amplifier here.

QSL and Label designer window

Transmitted Power

Transmitter or amplifier power

QSL and Label designer window

Tuning

Enable Dual Receiver

Enables the sub receiver when is split.

Rig Control

Polling

Rig Refresh Factor

Relative rate at which the rig is polled. The rate determines how often the data light flashes on many rigs. If set too low (less than 1) data exchange can become unreliable. You must restart CommCat to have this setting applied.

Rig Control

Modes

Use CW Reverse

Sets the favored CW mode to the opposite sideband.

Antennas

Identify the antennas you will be using. Add the offset from North relative to the rotor North. For example, if a rotor indicates North while the antenna points East, enter 90 in the Offset field. Once you have specified any rotors, identify them by number with their associated antenna.

Log, QSL, Log Report, Rotor Control

Band

Identify the antenna by number for each band you use.

Log, QSL, Log Report, Rotor Control

Rotors

Describe each rotor you use and specify the port parameters (baud rate, etc.). Enter the rotor stop position if other than North. Use the rotor number to complete the Antennas data. If the port shown in the Port list has been assigned elsewhere, "used" appears next to the port number.

Log, QSL, Log Report, Rotor Control

Settings

Settings

Set the two sliders to your Weight and Ratio preferences. You may also connect an external paddle to the WinKeyer and set the mode, hang time, and right or left hand operation.

WinKeyer

Keyer Outputs

Keyer Outputs

Set the pin connections for the WinKeyer serial port. If you wish you can use the side tone option from the WinKeyer with an external audio amplifier.

WinKeyer

Test

Test the WinKeyer

WinKeyer

Device

Enable external control and determine the protocol.

External device control

Port

The parallel port to be used

External device control

Set Relay

Test the output from the parallel port for the specified band.

External device control

Startup

Set the CommCat environment when the program is started.

Help

Customize program help options.

Fonts

Set fonts for primary windows.

Backup

Choose log backup strategies.

External

Parameters for external programs, including MixW and a program that can be configured to any application.

Outside Window

Specify which windows can be moved out of the Main CommCat window.

Voice

Enable/disable CommCat's voice announce capabilities

Environment

Miscellaneous program settings

Spectrum Analyzer

Select audio source for Spectrum Analyzer

Mobile

Set up and test connection to CommCat Mobile

General

Fast Computer System

If your system is faster than 300-400 MHz, checking this option removes several restrictions that are necessary to improve CW timing on slower systems.

Morse Code transmission. If you find that the character timing is not precise when CW is being sent, uncheck this option.

Don't Show Delete Warnings

Overrides CommCat reminders that something important is about to be deleted.

Log

No Rig Timeout

Keeps rig serial port open even though the rig is not communicating.

Rig control

Minimize to Tray

When you minimize CommCat, the program runs in the System Tray rather than the Task Bar. When in the System Tray, CommCat continues to run. CommCat pauses when running in the Task Bar. This option is useful if you want the DX Spot Manager to continue to look for spots even though the program is hidden. Restart CommCat after changing this option.

Minimizing CommCat

Use Kilometers

Use Kilometers rather than miles as the distance measurement

Great Circle Map, Instant Web Page

Internet

Connect to Internet

CommCat attempts to connect to the Internet when this option is selected.

Web spots, announcements, e-mail, call sign lookup, weather lookup, time check

Ignore Internet Errors

Do not disconnect CommCat from the Internet when errors are detected

All Internet activity

Enable CommCat Live

Enable CommCat Live feeds when you have a CommCat Live or QSXer account

CommCat Live/QSXer

Force QSXer

If you have a CommCat Live account, this option causes CommCat to run in the QSXer mode where only the MyQSX Activity Map is updated.

CommCat Live/QSXer

Restore

Restore Previous Windows

The size and position of open windows are retained by COMMSOFT and used the next time the program is started

Program start

Restore Last DX Call

The focus call sign when the program was last closed is restored on start up.

Program start

Diagnostics

Test Mode

Provides additional troubleshooting information if problems are encountered. CommCat-to-radio control information is logged in a file named rclog.txt located in the My Documents\COMMSOFT\CommCat\Logs folder. Diagnostic logging for the main CommCat program can be found in cclog.txt in the Logs folder.

Entire program

Log Rig Control

Creates a log of control commands sent by CommCat to your radio. The resulting file is named rclog.txt, located in the My Documents\COMMSOFT\CommCat\Logs folder. (This is the same log created with Test Mode, above, but no other logs are created.)

Rig control

Frequency Format

Frequency Format

Select the frequency display format you prefer.

Entire program

Display Tool tips

Displays Tool tips help when mouse pointer hovers over a toolbar push button or other control

Entire program

Use F1 for Help, not CW Message 1

Windows convention is to open Help when you press the F1 function key. CommCat allows you to reassign this key to CW message 1 or Voice Macro 1 when in a voice mode.

Entire program (Voice Macros are a feature of CommCat Live)

Log

Set the font and size for this window

Advanced Log window

Morse Code

Set the font and size for this window

Morse Code window

Packet Cluster

Set the font and size for this window

Packet Cluster window

DX Spot Manager

Set the font and size for this window

DX Spot Manager window

Internet/Telnet Cluster

Set the font and size for this window

Telnet/Internet Cluster windows

Periodic

Periodic

Specify when you want CommCat to back up your log. If you wish to ignore this backup do not check any options.

Logging, Timed

Backup after change

Is a backup needed? (Also applies to Program Exit backup.)

Logging, Timed

Interactive (full database backup with status and prompts)

Interactive backup asks if you want to proceed, then shows status as the backup continues.  Backup includes all CommCat databases.

CommCat databases backup

Silent (log only, no status or prompts)

No prompts or status windows are shown.  This option backs up the logbook and no other databases.

CommCat log backup

Program Exit

Enabled

CommCat will back up log when program closes

Program Exit

Interactive (full database backup with status and prompts)

Interactive backup asks if you want to proceed, then shows status as the backup continues.  Backup includes all CommCat databases.

CommCat databases backup

Silent (log only, no status or prompts)

No prompts or status windows are shown.  This option backs up the logbook and no other databases.

CommCat log backup

Destination

Destination

Path for Back up file. Set separate paths for Periodic and Program Exit backups.

Logging, Program exit

MixW

Enabled

When MixW is installed, use this option to turn the control of MixW by CommCat on or off. When enabled, a MixW button is provided on the Tools toolbar. See Accessories Help for more information about MixW.

MixW control

CAT Auto

CommCat and MixW use the same serial port to control your radio. This option provides automatic port switching when MixW is started from CommCat. CommCat releases the serial port when MixW opens, and regains control when MixW is closed.

MixW control

Always on Top

The MixW window is always on top when MixW is open and this option is set. Note that this condition can hide other open windows which would normally be visible.

MixW control

Path

The complete path to MixW3.exe. (The installed path is normally C:\Program Files\MixW\MixW3.exe or C:\Program Files (x64)\MixW\MixW3.exe in 64-bit systems.)

MixW control

Program (1, 2, 3)

Program Enabled

When an external program is installed with CommCat, use this option to turn access to that program on or off. When this option is checked, a Windows button is provided on the Navigation toolbar. See Accessories Help for more information about external programs.

External program control

Stop CAT

When the program starts, CommCat releases the CAT port so no radio control occurs.  (You must reselect the radio in CommCat to restart CAT.)

Test

Launches the external program

External program control

Tool tip

Short description of the external program that appears as a tool tip when you move the mouse pointer over the program button.

External program control

External Program Path

The complete path to the external program, including the program name, extension, and any parameters you wish to use. For example, "C:\Windows\Notepad.exe qsonotes" starts Notepad with a text file named qsonotes.

External program control

DX Atlas

Enabled

When DX Atlas is installed with CommCat, use this option to provide access to DX Atlas from CommCat. See Accessories Help for more information about DX Atlas.

DX Atlas

Path

The complete path to DX Atlas, including the program name, extension, and any parameters you wish to use. For example, "C:\Program Files\Afreet\DX Atlas\DXAtlas.exe".

DX Atlas

Ham Cap Always On Top

Ham Cap is another useful program provided by the author of DX Atlas.  It provides a display of propagation conditions at the frequency being used by a spot.

Ham Cap

Outside Window

Select the windows you want to be able to move outside the Main CommCat window. This option is useful for dual monitor systems, or when you want to use one of the CommCat windows (such as the DX Spot Manager) with another program.

Selected windows

Windows

Select the windows you would like to have announced by CommCat Voice.

Selected windows

Time

Use CommCat Voice to announce the UTC or local time, on the hour or on the half hour

Program

Radio/Antenna

Announce the rig status (current frequency, mode, and split frequency), the bearing sent to the rotor, and the bearing returned from the rotor.

Rig and antenna information

Program Greeting

CommCat welcome when the program starts. Leave blank to disable the greeting.

Program start

Instant Web Page

Refresh the Instant Web Page when the DX Focus Call changes and add a Google map showing the location of the station.

Show Google map option. Remove check to not display the map.  This can speed up performance.

Show Bio and Images option.  Remove check to not show the biography and images to speed up performance.

Show weather option.  Remove check to improve performance.

Show Banner option. Remove the check to hide the window banner to reduce the amount of space required for the Instant Web Page.

Instant Web Page

Main Window Background

Display a bmp image of your choice on the CommCat Main window. Check the Display Image option to display an image specified in the path box. Show it in actual size or scale it to fit the window size. If shown in actual size you can drag it to a preferred position in the main window.

Main Window

Skin

Choose from a variety of skins to apply to the CommCat windows.

Entire Program

Audio Source

Specify the sound card source you wish to use for the Spectrum Analyzer.

Spectrum Analyzer

Stereo Audio

Option for radios that have separate audio connections for Rx A and Rx B.

Spectrum Analyzer

Mobile Enabled

Allow CommCat Mobile to connect to CommCat for remote control.

CommCat Mobile

Password Protect remote control

Prevent others from controlling your radio.  (They must also know your public IP and the port number you are using to do so.) Important note: Do NOT check this option if you are using the CommCat Demo and wish to connect to your iPhone.

CommCat Mobile

Auto Connect

Option to automatically update the Local IP, Network IP and Port settings on your iPhone when you start CommCat Mobile. Important note: Do NOT check this option if you are using the CommCat Demo and wish to connect to your iPhone.

CommCat Mobile

Send Alert when disconnected

CommCat sends a Push Notification to CommCat Mobile when it disconnects.  This is especially useful if you are using the Apple Watch to control CommCat.

CommCat Mobile

Port

The port you wish to use on the CommCat computer for a remote connection.

CommCat Mobile

Internet IP

The public IP for your Internet connection (found by CommCat)

CommCat Mobile

LAN IP

The IP for the CommCat computer (found by CommCat)

CommCat Mobile

Test Port Forwarding

Click to test the connection to the MyQSX.net server.  Errors are usually due to improper Port Forwarding settings in your router.

CommCat Mobile

S-Meter

Calibrate the S-meter on your mobile device using this window.

CommCat Mobile

DX Spot Manager

DX Spot Manager layout and timing options

Circle Map

Circle Map spot options

My Spots

Destinations for spots you create

MyQSX

Spots from MyQSX (CommCat Live only)

DX Summit

Internet URL's and control information

Telnet

URL's and details for Telnet connections

Packet Cluster

Packet Cluster settings

DX Notify Popup

Settings for the DX Popup

List

Max Hours to Retain Spots

Specify number of hours before a spot is deleted from the spot database

DX Spot Manager

Minimum Spots Retained

Leave this number of spots in the spot database no matter how long they've been there

DX Spot Manager

Update Interval

Interval in minutes between automatic Internet Cluster updates

DX Spot Manager

AutoTune

Tune the radio to the spot frequency when a DX spot is selected. Normally the radio is tuned after you double-click the spot

DX Spot Manager

Use Update Interval for Telnet

Holds Telnet spots for the Update Interval to reduce DX Spot Manager rapid changes

DX Spot Manager.

Selector

Select Latest Incoming Spot

When checked, the DX Spot Manager selection bar always shows the most recent spot after new spots arrive. When not checked, the DX Spot Manager always returns to the Focus DX Call.

DX Spot Manager

Selector Arrow/Solid/Outline

Determines the selector bar style for the DX Spot Manager spot list. Select Outline to see the color of the spot. Add an arrow to the left side of the selected spot.

DX Spot Manager

Grid Options

Horizontal Lines

Choose the style you wish to separate spots from each other

DX Spot Manager

Hide Underlines

Removes underlines from DX and Spotter calls that indicate link to the Instant Web Page. (See Call Lookup, below.)

DX Spot Manager

Foreground, Background colors

Set the default background and foreground colors for the spot grid

DX Spot Manager

Info Panel Options

Show Sunrise/Sunset

Adds calculated sunrise and sunset for the DX station in the info panel. Important Note: this option requires Internet lookup for each spot so it will slow processing

DX Spot Manager

Call Lookup

Single-click Call Lookup

Single-click a DX or Spotter call to display the Instant Web Page for that call. (See Grid Options, above, for adding/removing the underlines under each call when this option is enabled.)

DX Spot Manager

Look up Spot State and Country

If you are chasing states or counties for an award, this option looks up US calls in the callbook to determine these details.

DX Spot Manager

Look up Bearings in Callbook

If you are using a rotor, bearing precision is important.  The Callbook look up provides greater accuracy, but slower performance/

DC Spot Manager status panel and Advanced Log

Great Circle Map Maximum Spots Shown

Maximum number of spots shown on the Great Circle Map

Great Circle Map

Show Gray line

Show the gray line (sunrise/sunset) on the Great Circle Map

Great Circle Map

Logged Contacts

Add (Logged Contacts) to My Spot Table

When a contact is logged, the call, frequency and note (see below) are added as a local spot to the Spot Manager. The worked station then appears on the Spectrum Analyzer.

DX Spot Manager

Logged Contacts Note

Text to include in note field for local log spots

DX Spot Manager

Destination

Send Spot Destination: Spot Manager

When announcing a new spot (Ctrl-S), add it to the DX Spot Manager List

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: DX Summit

When adding a new spot (Ctrl-S), post it to the Internet cluster (Important note: if your Packet Cluster also forwards spots to the Internet Cluster, do not specify Packet Cluster as well as Internet Cluster.)

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: Telnet

Post to the enabled Telnet connection.

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: Packet

When adding a new spot (Ctrl-S), post it to the Packet cluster. See note above.

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: MyQSX

Upload spot to MyQSX spotting system. Spots sent to MyQSX are not forwarded to other spotting systems.

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: E-mail

When adding a new spot (Ctrl-S), send it to the e-mail distribution list. (Note: If you have set up a distribution rule in the DX Spot Manager window that would also send this spot via e-mail, the rule is ignored by CommCat so multiple e-mail messages are not sent.)

DX Spot Manager

Send Spot Destination: Pager

When adding a new spot (Ctrl-S), send it to your pager. (Note: If you have set up a distribution rule in the DX Spot Manager window that would also send this spot to your pager, the rule is ignored by CommCat so only one page message is sent.)

DX Spot Manager

Preferences

Enable MyQSX Spots

Use MyQSX.net as a source of DX spots

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

MyQSX Auto Update

CommCat asks for new spots periodically, as set in DX Spot Manager List, above

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

Filter

Spotter must be from

Any continent or selected continent

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

All/CommCat Live spots

Get all spots, or only those originating from CommCat Live users

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

Preferences

Enable DX Summit Spots

Use DX Summit as a source of DX spots

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

DX Summit Auto Update

CommCat asks for new spots periodically, as set in DX Spot Manager List, above

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

URLs

Custom Spots

50 HF: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=2

HF/CW: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=500

HF/Phone: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=501

50 VHF: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=3

VHF/CW: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=502

VHF/Phone: http://www.dxsummit.fi/DxSpots.aspx?count=50&range=503

Most Wanted: http://www.dxsummit.fi/MostWantedSpots.aspx

25 Plain Test (fastest download): http://www.dxsummit.fi/dx25.aspx

DX Spot Manager, Band Spotter, Great Circle Map

Announcements

Announcements from DX Summit: http://www.dxsummit.fi/Announcements.aspx

Tools, Web

Name

"Friendly" name of the Telnet Site. Four Telnet sites are provided by CommCat. You can change any or all to sites of your choice.

Telnet Window

URL

Actual URL to access Telnet server

Telnet Window

Echo

Echos local text when sent to cluster

Telnet window

Port

Telnet port of remote server, usually Port 23.

Telnet Window

SSID

ID, usually your call.

Many Telnet connections require an SSID.

Call Prompt

The prompt used by the Telnet site to ask for your call, normally, "Please enter your call:" or "login:." This prompt is used for automatic logon.  When this phrase is encountered, CommCat replies with your call.

Connecting to a Telnet site.

PWD Prompt

The prompt used by the Telnet site to ask for your password, normally, "password::" This prompt is used for automatic logon.  When this phrase is encountered, CommCat replies with your password.

Connecting to a Telnet site.

PWD

Password required for this site

Connecting to a Telnet site. Leave empty is a password is not necessary.

KeepAlive

When checked, CommCat attempts to keep the Telnet connection active even though data is not being processed. If not checked, most Telnet sites will disconnect due to inactivity.

Connecting to a Telnet site.

AutoConnect

Connect to last-used Telnet site when Telnet window opened.

Telnet window

Never Disconnect

Do not send Ctrl-Q (Quit) to Telnet site when Telnet window closed.

Telnet window

Send SH/MYDX/50 at start

Once CommCat connects to the Telnet site, this command can be sent automatically to fill the spot list with the most recent 50 spots.

Telnet and DX Spot Manager windows.

Style (Classic, Color)

Classic style uses blue background and black text.  Color style uses text of various colors with a white background. Incoming spots: red. Local text: blue. Other text: black.

Telnet window

Model

Model

Select the TNC model you are using.

Packet window; DX Spot window

Port

Port

Select the Port through which your TNC is connected

TNC control and data

Advanced

Change the default communications parameters for the selected TNC

TNC control and data

Commands

Packet Node

Call sign of the Packet Cluster node you wish to use. This call is only required if you wish to connect to the node--CommCat does not require that you be connected to monitor spots

Packet window; DX Spot window

Connect Command

Command used to connect to the Packet Node

Packet node communications

Disconnect Command

Command used to disconnect from the Packet node

Packet node communications

Get DX Command

Retrieve a list of the most recently reported DX spots from the Packet node. You must be connected to the Packet for this to function

Packet window; DX Spot window

Show Users Command

Display a list of stations currently connected to the Packet node

Packet window

Get WWV

Command to get latest WWV reports

Packet window

Notes

Place to include notes about the Packet node, such as frequency or location.

Settings

Command Mode

Command Mode Ctrl-C/Escape

Select the character required to force your TNC to the command mode.

Packet window

Force Cmd when disconnect

Check this option to force the TNC to go to the command mode when the Disconnect button is pressed

Packet window

Notes

Notes (Logged Contacts)

Note added to the local spot. You can use this note to filter how the spot will be treated (color, for example) by any rules you have defined.

DX Spot Manager

DX Notify Popup

Style

Select the style of the popup window

DX Spot Manager

Transparency

Select how much of the background behind the popup shows through

DX Spot Manager

Timeout

Set the timeout for the popup from approximately 3 to 50 seconds

DX Spot Manager

Fade In/Out

Does popup fade in and out, or simply turn on and off.

DX Spot Manager

Test DX Popup

See how the popup will look

DX Spot Manager