N1MM Logger Use for CMARA Field Day by W1TR

N1MM Logger Use for CMARA Field Day
By Terry G. Glagowski / W1TR
updated 6/9/2010 9:48 PM
•N1MM Overview
•Software Installation
•Hardware / Software Setup
•Database Setup
•Contest Log Setup
•Band Setup
•QSO logging
•Log Consolidation and Submittal
•User Support
•Summary
N1MM Overview
•   Totally FREE ! (no license fee)
•   Runs on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Win7 (32 or 64 bit)
•   Does NOT run on other operating systems (MAC, Linux)
•   Nearly ALL Versions are Compatible with one another (same file format)
•   Supports Almost EVERY Contest
•   Used by nearly ALL big-time contesters (and small timers)
•   Actively Supported, User Groups
•   Stand-Alone Operation (no connection to Radio)
•   Automatic Computer-Aided-Transceiver (CAT) Control
•   CW Keyer with PTT (keyboard window CTRL-K)
•   Voice Keyer with PTT (prerecorded phonetics & messages)
•   Interface to MMTTY, MMVARI, MMSSTV and other software
•   Export to ADIF and Cabrillo Format, Import from ADIF
Software Installation

•   N1MM Web http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php
•   Select “Files”
•   Download and Install “N1MM Base Install” use version 10
Install by clicking on the self-installing .exe file
•   Download and Install “Latest Update” use version 10.6.2
Install by clicking on the self-installing .exe file
•   I have the Base and Latest Update on thumb drive
•   Use the default directories for everything (unless…)
•   You may need to install as ADMIN on Vista or Win7
Vista and Win7 typically use C:N1MM Logger (only ADMIN can access C:Program Files
Win2K and WinXP use C:Program FilesN1MM Logger
Newer N1MM version ALWAYS uses C:N1MM Logger
•   Read the manual!  There is plenty of documentation:
•   N1MM Logger Manual.pdf
•   N1MM Quick Start Guide.pdf
•   N1MM User Guide.pdf
•   N1MM References (crib sheets)
•   Help Files (some are on the Internet, you need a connection)
Hardware / Software Setup (1)

•  Set the Computer Local Time / Zone (Eastern Daylight Time)
The N1MM Logger knows how to do UTC / GMT / Zulu time in the log
Listen to WWV on 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 MHz or CHU on 3.330, 7.850, 14.670 MHz
Extremely Important to DO !!!, Otherwise Log Data Will Be Garbage
•  Config / Configure Ports, Telenet Address, Other
Select NONE for all ports if no CAT control or CW/PTT control
Use of CAT control, CW keying, Digital Voice Keyer is discussed in Extra Topics
•  Config / Change Your Station Data
See following slide for information to enter here
NOTE: This information can be corrected during Log Consolidation and Submittal
Hardware / Software Setup (2) Set Computer Clock
• Click on Desktop Clock (lower right of desktop)
• Set the Date (local time)
• Set the Time (local time)
• Set the Time Zone (eastern daylight time)
• Internet Time Will Not Work (no internet)
Hardware / Software Setup (3) Set Computer Clock


Hardware / Software Setup (4) Select Config
Hardware / Software Setup (5) Select Configure Ports…
Hardware / Software Setup (6) Change Your Station Data
Database Setup (1)

•  Select File / New Database
(Select File / Open Database if .MDB already exists)
•  Set the Filename: “2010 ARRL FD 20m SSB W1BIM.MDB”
Note: use your particular band and mode instead of “20m SSB”
Leave the directory name as the default (N1MM Logger)
•  Click the “Save” button
Database Setup (2)

Database Setup (3)
Contest Log Setup (1)
•   Select File / New Log in Database
(select File / Open Log in Database if it already exists)
•   Select “FD” for Log Type
•   Set Start Date to “2010-06-26”
•   Set Operator Category to “MULTI-MULTI”
•   Set Power Category to “LOW”
•   Set Sent Exchange to “6A WMA” (will be announced Sat at FD Site)
•   Set Other Parameters as Shown
•   Click “OK”
•   Close all windows except Main Window
•   Select Window / Log
•   Select Window / Score Summary
•   See manual for any other items you want to display
Contest Log Setup (2)


Contest Log Setup (3)


Band Setup (1)
• Set Frequency
Type Frequency in KHz (e.g. 3550) into callsign field
Extremely Important to DO !!!, Otherwise Log Data Will Be Garbage
• Set Mode
Type Mode (e.g. CW, USB, LSB, AM, FM, RTTY, PSK31) into callsign field
Extremely Important to DO !!!, Otherwise Log Data Will Be Garbage
• Very Important to Set These Two Items
Possible to correct other items except  Date/Time, Freq, Mode
Band Setup (2)

Band Setup (3)

QSO Logging (1)
• Enter Callsign, Class, Section
• Dupes will be Indicated
QSO Logging (2)

QSO Logging (3)


Log Consolidation and Submittal
User Support
• N1MM Web
http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php
Home source of information about N1MM, downloads, documentation, etc.
• N1MM Email User Groups
http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Overview#N1MM_Logger_Discussion_Groups
Get notification of bugs and hints & kinks on how to use N1MM
Post questions, comments, and report BUGS to the developers
Summary
•  Free !!  
•  Widely Used and Supported 
•  Works on Microsoft Windows (only) 
•  Supports nearly EVERY contest 
•  Works with most radios, or stand alone 
•  CW automatic keying
•  Digital Voice Keying (uses computer sound card)
•  Digital modes supported: MMTTY, MMVARI
•  Easy to setup
•  Easy to use
•  Remember to setup Date/Time, Frequency, Mode
Extra Topics
• W1TR Go-Kit Diagram
• CAT Control
• CW Keying
• Digital Voice Keying (DVK)
• Audio Files
• Audacity Audio Editor
• Digital Modes (RTTY, PSK, Etc.)
W1TR Go-Kit Diagram


CAT Control
•  USB or RS-232 to CI-V translator to Rig (ICOM)
•  RS-232 directly to Rig (Kenwood)
•  USB to RS-232 converter may be needed
Most USB to RS-232 converters work OK for CAT control (maybe NOT for FSK RTTY)
•  CAT Control Monitors Rig Data (freq, mode)
•  CAT Control Can Control Rig Data (freq, mode)
•  Other items can be Monitored / Controlled 
Mic Gain, CW Speed, RF Gain 
CW Keying

• RS-232 or LPT used
• USB to RS-232 may be needed
• RS-232 DTR for CW Keying
• RS-232 RTS for PTT
• RS-232 TXD for RTTY FSK
• Need RS-232 (± 12 vdc) to TTL (0/+5 vdc)
Level Converter (RigBlaster Provides This)
• PFK Macros Automatically Send CW
• Ctrl-K Keyboard Window
Eliminates Need for Keyer Paddle
Most Operators Keep the Keyer Paddle Anyway, Just In Case !!
Digital Voice Keying
• Use Computer Sound Card
• Computer Mic to Rig Speaker Output
• Computer Speaker Out to Rig Mic Input
• Isolation Transformer for Both
(RigBlaster Provides This)
• All Modulation and Demodulation in Software
Digital Modes Equipment Interconnect
IC-7000 RigBlasterPnP CAT Diagram
IC-7000 RigBlasterPnP CAT  Diagram.vsd Revised 6/22/2010 12:07 AM
Audio Files
• Pre-Recorded Messages (CQ, This Is…, etc)
• Letters and Numbers Phonetics
• N1MM can play back messages
as defined in macro files associated with program function keys (PFKs)
• N1MM can play back internal data items Like callsign of other station, your callsign, signal report, contest exchange, using letters and numbers phonetics
• It is possible to work a phone contest without ever saying a word into the microphone
Audacity Audio Editor
• Audacity Web Site
Digital Modes (RTTY, PSK, Etc.)
• N1MM does NOT do Digital Modes by Itself
• N1MM works with MMTTY for RTTY (FSK)
Use of USB to Serial Device for FSK MAY need EXTFSK driver (software)
• N1MM works with MMVARI for Digital Modes
• N1MM works with MMSSTV for SSTV
• MM HamSoft WEB Site