Practicing for a CW Contest Using N1MM+ and Morse Runner

Doug Reece, AK4AO

VWS CW Forum

9 October, 2015

1

Overview

• Goal: Practice both CW and N1MM+ skills in a simulated contest environment

• N1MM+ is the logging software used by VWS for contests – Efficiently captures the information required by the contest – Produces the log files needed for contest entry and QSLing – Checks for duplicates even when there are multiple transmitting

stations – Many more contest-oriented features

• Morse Runner provides the CW audio • A script for AutoHotkey connects N1MM+ and Morse

Runner to complete the simulated environment

2

Installation

• You must install three software packages

– N1MM+ • http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Full+Install

– Morse Runner • http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/

– AutoHotkey • http://www.autohotkey.com/

3

N1MM+ Setup

• N1MM+ must be configured for the supported simulation

– Your station call sign

– CQ WPX CW Contest

– “Run” (calling CQ), not “S&P” (search and pounce, or answering CQ) mode

– ESM (Enter Sends Message) option

• Detailed setup instructions in later slides

4

AutoHotkey Setup

• The required AutoHotkey script is now included in the N1MM+ installation package.

• Note: The script used for the older N1MM will not work. • The script is named

– “MorseRunner-N1MMLPlus.ahk”

• The default installation location is – C:\Users\<user>\Documents\N1MM Logger+\SupportFiles

• Once AutoHotKey is installed you can start the script by double clicking it. You might want to create a shortcut to it on your desktop.

• You should see a green icon with the letter “H” in the lower right portion of your screen when the script is active.

5

Morse Runner Options

6

Activity = Average number of stations that will answer your CQ.

Starting Morse Runner

• Select Run -> Pile Up

7

Operating

• Keys in N1MM+ ESM mode – Enter: Sends the message on the highlighted function key(s) – Tab: Tabs to the next field (Less often used) – Space Bar: Smart tab to the next likely field (More often used)

• Normal operation – Click on call sign field if cursor is not already there – Enter to send CQ – Record call sign – Enter to send exchange – Space Bar to Serial Number field – Record the received serial number – Enter to log the contact

8

N1MM CONFIGURATION DETAILS

9

Install N1MM and start the program. The following slides explain the steps needed to get it ready.

1. Create a Database

• The screen below will appear when you start N1MM for the first time. Select the option shown and click OK.

10

2. Dismiss this Dialog

11

3. Name Your Database

• Recommendation: Use your call sign as the database name. Enter it and press “Save”.

12

4. Enter Your Station Information

• Enter at least your call sign and press OK

13

5. Update N1MM+

• If this dialog box appears, press OK

14

6. Create a New Log in Your Database

• Select File -> New Log in Database…

15

7. Select CQWPXCW Contest

• Select Log Type of CQWPXCW and press OK. The other fields don’t matter.

16

8. Select ESM Option

• Select Config -> Enter Sends Message

17

9. Select “Run” Mode

• Click the Run button

18