Amateur Radio Grid squares

WorkedGrids is a Windows application that displays a map showing the amateur radio grid squares contacted and logged in using a third-party logging program. WorkedGrids uses colors to display information on a per-band basis. Up to four bands can be displayed concurrently.This project was initiated because I could not find a logging program that provided the level of detail and mapping quality that I wanted. The software is directed towards the VHF and above operators who collect grid squares for contesting or award purpose. For that purpose, WorkedGrids also calculates the number of grid square worked for each band. It is designed to supplement a logging program and it replaces the pen and paper technique.

For its input, the program reads the plain-text (ASCII) log files generated by most logging programs. The file is read at a set interval and the worked grid squares on the map are updated in a dynamic way as the contest progresses and the log file is periodically saved.

A world map is implemented so any area of the world can be shown. The maximum map window size is 1440 x 1200 pixels.This provides a fixed-resolution continental viewpoint typical of a VHF grid square chase. Note: The picture to the right shows an example of a 415 x 350 pixels window with just a few QSO's. A zoom-in feature provides a closer look at at a specific area. Support for printing and copying to clipboard is also provided. Examination of the log file with a plain text editor may be necessary depending on the log file format selected. This allows to identify the type of log file format used by your logging software. WorkedGrids supports 4 types of plain text log book file:

• Fixed-width fields text file: This file presents the amateur radio band and grid square information in a constant position (column-like) for each log entry. For example, the band (432, 2m, 144) strings could be position starting in position (column) 1 and the grid squares starting in position 58. One line represents one log entry. Another example is:

1296 VE2ZAZ FN36 .

2m VE0MAT FO44bk .

52 W3CA EN32 .

• Character-delimited text file: This log file has all of its log entry fields separated by a single character, for example a comma (, ) sign. The band and grid square fields for each log entry will always show up in the same spot. For example, the band string may be located in the third field and the grid square in the sixth field. One line represents one log entry. An example is:

1296, 59, VE2ZAZ, FN36.

144, 599, VE0MAT, FO44bk.

52, 559, W3CAZ, EN32.