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FAQ for FISTS Log Converter

This page provides frequently asked questions for FISTS Log Converter.


How do I log a FISTS member number in my logbook program?

What happens if I, or a FISTS member I have a QSO with, has more than one callsign?

Will FISTS Log Converter work on Linux or Mac?

Do I need to choose specific dates when creating an ADIF file for awards or activities?

Do I really need to install the latest version of FISTS Log Converter?

How do I add or remove columns from the logbook's QSO List?

How do I change the order of the columns in the logbook's QSO List?

How do I add or remove columns from the logbook's "Log new QSOs" window?

How do I change the order of the columns in the logbook's "Log new QSOs" window?

Why do I have a list of QSOs under "RECOMMENDED: Add FISTS member numbers to your log entries for these QSOs"?

Why is the award "Completed On" date in the program different to the date on my award certificate?

Why are QSOs missing from the Prefix Award?

Why is the xyz on-air activity not in the list?


How do I log a FISTS member number in my logbook program?

Logbook programs normally have a field named "Comment", "Notes" or similar that allow you to type in random information about the QSO.  Add the FISTS member number to this field like this with a space between 'FISTS' and the number: FISTS 98765
If you have other information you want to add, separate it from the 'FISTS' and the number by using spaces, e.g. Temp 20C FISTS 98764 lots of QSB 

Some logbook programs (including FISTS Log Converter's own 'internal' logbook) have a specific "FISTS" field that you can use instead.
 
What happens if I, or a FISTS member I have a QSO with, has more than one callsign?

Provided you, or the person you have a QSO with, has notified FISTS CW Club of any additional personal & permanent callsigns, FISTS Log Converter will accept QSOs using any of the callsigns.  (However, the Club does not need to be notified about prefixes or suffixes using a "/" such as /P.)

Note that for Club awards and on-air activities, usally the member number must be unique.  E.g. in an application for a Century award, you cannot claim a member number more than once even if the QSOs are with different callsigns.
 
Will FISTS Log Converter work on Linux or Mac?

FISTS Log Converter will run on Linux by using 'Wine' if these instructions are used.

It may run on an older Mac using Wine if the Mac has an x86 processor, although I am unaware of anybody trying this.  However, be aware that Apple are discontinuing the use of x86 processors.
 
Do I need to choose specific dates when creating an ADIF file for awards or activities?

No - when you are creating an ADIF file from your logbook program to claim awards or enter activities, you do not need to choose a specific date range.  This is because FISTS Log Converter ignores QSOs outside an award's or activity's allowed date range.
 
Do I really need to install the latest version of FISTS Log Converter?

If you want to use the program with a new on-air activity or award that is not supported by your current version of the program, then yes.

Otherwise, no, you don't need to install new versions if you don't want to.
 
How do I add or remove columns from the logbook's QSO List?

Right-click anywhere in the QSO list and choose the menu item "Show or Hide Columns" and tick or un-tick the box for the column.  Alternatively to hide a column, right-click inside the column and choose the menu item "Hide 'xxx' Column" where 'xxx' is the column title.

If you later want to restore the default columns and their order, right-click in the list and choose the menu item "Reset Column Layout".
 
How do I change the order of the columns in the logbook's QSO List?

Click on the column title (e.g. "Comment") and drag it left or right to the position that you want.

If you later want to restore the default columns and their order, right-click in the list and choose the menu item "Reset Column Layout".
 
How do I add or remove columns from the logbook's "Log new QSOs" window?

To add a column, right-click on any one of the existing column titles (e.g. "Comment"), choose the menu item "Show Column" and choose the name of the column.  To had a column, right-click in the column title and choose the menu item "Hide xxx Column" where 'xxx' is the column title.

If you later want to restore the default columns and their order, click the "Reset Layout" button at the bottom right.
 
How do I change the order of the columns in the logbook's "Log new QSOs" window?

Click on the column title (e.g. "Comment") and drag it left or right to the position that you want.

If you later want to restore the default columns and their order, click the "Reset Layout" button at the bottom right.
 
Why do I have a list of QSOs under "RECOMMENDED: Add FISTS member numbers to your log entries for these QSOs"?

For Awards, FISTS Log Converter will figure out current club members' numbers without the need to log them.  However, if they later cease to be a current member (e.g. become Silent Key), they will be removed from the club's member list and FISTS Log Converter will no longer know their member number.  For this reason, it is best to add member numbers to all QSOs so that they will still be credited towards the Awards even after their membership lapses or else your progress towards further awards could go backwards over time.
 
Why is the award "Completed On" date in the program different to the date on my award certificate?

The "Completed On" date is based purely on the qualifying QSOs available to the program in your log, so it represents the day on which sufficient points were achieved rather than when a certificate was issued.

There can be significant discrepancies, e.g. if some of the QSOs you used to earn a certificate took place before you started using electronic logging.
 
Why are QSOs missing from the Prefix Award?

The Prefix Award has a significant difference compared to the other "central" FISTS Awards; it requires both Name and QTH to be exchanged and logged.  If either Name or QTH is missing from a QSO, FISTS Log Converter will silently ignore the QSO.
 
Why is the xyz on-air activity not in the list?

Activities are added by providing them in updated versions of the program, so it may be necessary to install the latest version.  The Activities Calendar web page includes the program version numbers necessary for specific on-air activities.

Also, note that the program includes FISTS Europe on-air activities that involve points / results tables rather than purely social activities.
 

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