Hi All,

I hope that you all doing well, hunkering down and staying safe. I have a couple announcements to share.

Distributed Multiop / Multi Transmiter via VPN with N3FJP Software

As we adapt to life with social distancing, I've been receiving lots of questions on how to use N3FJP Software in a distributed multiop / multi transmitter setup, where a common log file can be updated from multiple operators and locations simultaneously over the Internet, just like you are used to in a Local Area Network (LAN) configuration.

Updating a common log file in real time by multiple stations over the Internet, instead of a LAN, can best be performed by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). My knowledge of VPNs is rudimentary at best, but my son Chris, KB3KCN is knowledgeable and he set one up between our homes. Using the VPN, we are able to simultaneously log to our shared database, with both of us connected in real time with full functionality, just as if we were on a traditional LAN! File share works great, which allows for editing, sorting, deleting, etc., from the server or the clients.

The messaging / band status features work fine over the VPN, when enabled with File Share too, so the TCP option should be fine as well. You just have to enter the IP of the sever, rather than the PC name.

Here are the step by step VPN setup instructions that Chris put together using WireGuard.

Again, the steps above are only for logging to a common database in real time over the Internet. Setting up multi station logging with N3FJP Software on a LAN does not require a VPN.

Hamvention QSO Party

I've also been receiving lots of questions on which of my contest logs would be best to use for the Hamvention QSO Party. After review, the RAC Contest Log will be the best choice, as it is set up for dupe checking for both SSB and CW, with entry fields that can be used for this event. The Hamvention exchange is signal report and first year in attendance (enter 2020 if never attended), so just enter the year in the Prov / Serial field. The scoring is just the number of QSOs, so ignore the score statistics and just report your total QSOs, + (number of contacts with W8BI X 10) to 3830 Scores.

You'll find the complete Hamvention QSO Party rules here.

And the RAC software here.

Everyone, please stay well and enjoy the safe connections we continue to be blessed with through Amateur Radio.

And in response to the questions we always receive when we neglect to include the following in our e-mail announcements...

Package Upgrade Information...

If you have registered one or more individual programs and would like to upgrade to N3FJP's Software Package or N3FJP's Software Package and CD for full use of all our Amateur Radio software, we would be glad to apply the amount that you have registered so far as a credit towards that purchase. Please send us an e-mail directly and we'll let you know your balance.

N3FJP's Software Package includes more than one hundred programs for contesting, net management, general logging and other Amateur Radio related applications. In addition to full use of all these programs, registered package customers are also entitled to receive free passwords for any new software that is added to the package and free upgrades to existing programs. You'll find all the details on the Register Now page at www.n3fjp.com.

Donations are Gratefully Accepted!

And in response to the often asked question for which Kimberly and I are very grateful...

"I know your upgrades are free, but I also realize how much time and effort coding these enhancements and new programs take and that your pricing policy doesn't fully reflect that. Can I send you something to show my appreciation for your continued efforts?"

Yes, thanks so much, your continued support in any amount is very welcome and deeply appreciated! You can use this page:

http://www.n3fjp.com/donations.html

or send your contribution by mail, payable to Affirmatech Inc., to:

G. Scott Davis
118 Glenwood Road
Bel Air, MD 21014-5533

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Thanks!

As always, thanks for your kind words, support, linking to our web site and spreading the word about our software. Kimberly and I really appreciate it!

73, Scott
N3FJP
http://www.n3fjp.com

Serving the Amateur Radio community with contesting and general logging software since 1997.