YACL - Yet Another Contest Logger - Version 1.0.2.0 is now available for download.
The concept is as a replacement for VKCL, which was developed by Mike VK3AVV but who is now a SK.
The same download link applies at all times as any earlier setup files are replaced as an update version is released :
https://www.vk4adc.com/web/images/UserFi.../Setup.exe
Typically, a user would select Save-link-as from the browser right-click menu then select where it would be saved to. eg Downloads.
The default installation folder from running Setup.exe is C:\YACL but another folder can be selected if desired.
It is not necessary to uninstall a previous version as the new distribution files are copied over any existing files of the same name.
There will still be some bugs in it but it should be ready for use in the Winter VHF/UHF Field Day on 26th June 2022.
{ If you strike a bug, please document it (screen shot images preferred) so that they can be traced and fixed ! }
It features 2-rig support via OmniRig 1.2 (when installed on the PC) with fallback to manual band and mode selection, distance to points scoring that is within a few points of those totals generated by VKCL 4.15, has timing checks active to warn that you are trying to work again on the same band too soon (and tells you why there has been a warning).
The microwave transverter support has been updated from the release 1.0.1.0 and the configuration file is now stored in the same folder as the actual contest log file so that you can use different configurations in different contests. See the Transverter Setup forum post in the YACL Support Forum about setup.
Cabrillo V3.0 format log files can be generated, along with ADIF and even a CSV file of the log data.
The One-Click upload option has NOT been implemented in this release as more information is required prior.
One major difference between VKCL and YACL is that contest setup is actually external in the form of a PDC file, anfd generally based on the N1MM++ logger arrangement.
At this stage only the VHF/UHF FD has been set up. Editing the text PDC file allows flexibility in changes to points, timing etc., without requiring actual application code changes
The general layout of VKCL was re-created in YACL to make it easier for users to transition. Functionally it is similar but it is vastly different in its internal workings.
V1.0.2.0 is NOT a multi-user version.
*** Users are requested to check for a later version within the few days prior to the Winter FD. ***
Use the About menu option under Help, or under Latest Download located under Maintenance to easily download and install a newer version (WWW required).
Any new version will likely be seen as 1.0.2.1, 1.0.2.2,... etc.
There is a support forum at https://vk4adc.com/YACLSupport/index.php that allows users to contribute bug reports, general comments etc. That forum is also the primary location for YACL advice - a help option - as there is no actual help function included in/with YACL. Browse the forum to see current topics.
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It is expected that there won't be any bug-fixes over the next two weeks as I will be taking a needed break from coding.
The last 5 weeks (since I started YACL) have been high-pressure and resulted in many hours writing over 10,000 (yes, over 10K !) lines of code, and the subsequent code testing.
Bug reports and general comments about YACL via this forum during that same period would be appreciated if you have the opportunity to play with the application, or respond via direct emails if you have my email address.
However I do want to have it ready for the Winter Field day on 26th June, all things permitting..
There is still a lot of development to be done, like incorporating support for other contests and adding bells and whistles.
Doug VK4ADC
(Yet another reason for volunteer Moderators required for the AHRDF Forum ! )