Notes for MixW Users

Please install the MixW DLL for CQ WW RTTY, available here. Instructions for configuration of MixW and how to create a proper Cabrillo file are here.

If you DO NOT use the DLL above, then you must perform the following instructions:

(Thanks to Rich, VE3KI (ex-VE3IAY) for providing these notes. Any errors are the responsibility of the editor, W0YK)

In order to create a proper Cabrillo format log, MixW must be properly configured before stations are worked and logged. Otherwise, extensive text editing will be required to transform the Cabrillo file that MixW produces after the contest. Here are the steps for using MixW in CQ WW RTTY and creating a correct Cabrillo 2.0 format file:

1. Set up for the contest using MixW's "View -> Contest mode" or "Logging -> Contest mode" menu item. Create a new contest setup using the "Add new" button. Be sure to fill in the correct UTC start and end dates and times for this year's running of the contest in the Contest settings dialog. UNcheck the "AutoInc" check box.
2. To customize the log display, it is suggested that you use the "View -> Log bar -> Custom 1" (or Custom 2) menu item to set up a log display that includes RST_rcvd, Exch_rcvd and Domain fields so you can easily enter the exchange information in the correct fields. Log the received exchange for each contact into the following three fields:
   • RST_recvd
   • Exch_recvd (CQ Zone)
   • Domain (US state or VE province)
     • This is NOT the QTH field in MixW
     • This field is NOT set-up in MixW and the user must customize the log display to include it.
     • Users of MixW version 2.19 or later may leave this field blank for non-US/VE QSOs. Users of MixW version 2.18 or earlier MUST enter the letters DX in this field for every non-US/VE QSO.
3. To repeat, the three exchange elements (RST, Zone, US state/VE province) must each be in their own specific field in the log display. Putting two or more of them into one field, e.g., Zone and Section into the Exch_recvd field, even if separated by a space, will result in only the first Zone being put into the Cabrillo file. The Section will be lost.
4. After the contest, invoke the Cabrillo export function in MixW to create your Cabrillo file for submission as described above in Electronic Logs.
5. Select the "CQ/RJ WW RTTY" Cabrillo format.
6. DO NOT put anything in the box labeled CATEGORY OVERLAY. This box MUST be blank for this contest.
7. After pressing OK to exit the Cabrillo setup dialog, the program will prompt for a filename for the Cabrillo file. Following this it will prompt you for your "state abbreviation". US/VE entrants MUST enter their two-letter state or province abbreviation; all others MUST enter the two letters 'DX' as their "state abbreviation".
8. Open up the Cabrillo file in a text editor (Notepad, Wordpad, MS Word, etc.) and verify that it conforms to the Cabrillo specification above in Editing the Cabrillo File, particularly the QSO data format. Both the sent and received exchange must have three elements: RST, Zone and US state/VE province (or 'DX'). Note that some of the Cabrillo header lines are different between version 2.0 created by MixW and version 3.0 shown above. This is OK because after emailing your log (see next step 9.), the server will convert those lines to version 3.0 which you will see in the reply email.
9. After submitting your Cabrillo file to rtty@cqww.com, you will receive a reply email message saying that your log format is OK, or listing the specific problems that you must correct and then re-submit to rtty@cqww.com.

Ask for help with an email to questions@cqwwrtty.com.