WARNING! Backup your data often! BACKUP your log directory at the end of EVERY session! All that you need to backup and store in a safe place is the log database directory located in the ~/.config/cqrlog/database folder, or you can enable the autobackup function in Preferences. This autobackup function creates an ADIF file with a backup of your log. /td>

You will find contest selection from NewQSO/Window dropdown menu.

When contest window is open NewQSO has contest exchange fields visible. You may have to stretch NewQSO window horizontally to see them.
You do not normally need NewQSO window during contest. Only need for NewQSO is in case you have to edit an already worked qso.
Select qso normally via QSO list and press edit QSO button and you are able to edit qso, also the contest message part of it.

NewQSO is not meant to be used during contest qso feeds. All new qsos are entered via contest window.

RECOMMENDATION: Make new log for each contest, consider not to allow qrz/hamqth search, it may slow down qso feed. Note: This is NOT a contest logging add-on!!! It is a contest-notepad. It is meant to be a tool for "Sunday contesters working in Tourist Class". Do not expect wonders!

Contest window is just a "child form" for NewQSO to make qso logging faster when working in contests. With Tru and Msg is Loc setting it is useful also in VHF, UHF, SHF Tropo, Es etc. openings for fast qso logging. Perhaps also in some other operations like WWFF activations.

Contest window has a simple dupe check that turns typed duplicate callsign bold red printed. If you save a duplicate qso it is marked as "Dupe" in "Comment to qso" field.
To get this working properly you must either create a new log for every contest or set dupe start date (I.E. contest starting day) with button "from YYYY-MM-DD"

HOTKEYS work like with New QSO window.

• 2x ESC clears all fileds
• Note: 1x ESC returns cursor back to Call-field (if cursor is in some of the other fields like RSTr) and places cursor at the end of callsign for possible repairs.
  It also halts CW memory output if it is just running.
• F1..F10 send CW macros etc.
• TAB-key moves cursor between fields. (may also be SPACE key, if set)

Contest window has following fields and checkboxes:

• Tab in order when checked overrides all other Tab settings (below) and Tab Order is Call-RSTs-NRs-MSGs-RSTr-NRr-MSGr-SaveQSO-ClearAll
• Call when you leave this field callsign is moved to NewQSO. Callsign turns BOLD RED if it is duplicate.
• SPACE is TAB when checked space bar acts like TAB-key moving to next field. Note:This prevents typing space (perhaps needed in MSG fields).
• Dupe check Default checked.
• from YY-MM-DD Button to set duplicate check start date (I.E. contest start date). Must be set if you have all qsos in same log.
  If every contest has it's own log can be as default (1900-01-01). Button is not visible if Ignore dupes is set.
• NoMode4Dupe Means that same callsign can be worked again on same band if mode is different.
• Ignore dupes Do not check duplicate qsos at all.


• RST s copied from NewQSO, so should correspond used mode. Can be changed.
  Note: defaults to 599 (as NewQSO) If mode is not CW it will change after cursor leaves callsign column. So do not worry when working non-cw contest!
• Tru means you like to exchange true reports. Makes Tab order to stop at RST (s & r) fields. Useful in some high band contests, Es and tropo openings.


• NR s serial number to send.
  Note: you can type only numbers to NR s field.
• Inc if checked it will auto increment serial number. You may change this number at any time. Increment goes on from typed number.


• MSG s sometimes you may need an additional message with number, or just a message with no number. On high band contests you may type your locator here.
• Qsp if checked makes TAB order stop at MSG s. Content of MSG s is taken from last logged MSG r. Cursor is placed at the end of message for possible edit. For contests where you have circulating message: At 1st qso you set your own word to send, after that you send previously received word as your next own message.


• RST r copied from NewQSO, so should correspond used mode. Can be changed.


• NR r serial number you receive.
  Note: you can type only numbers to NR r field.
• No if no serial number then setting this changes tab order so that it jumps directly to MSG r.


• MSG r message you receive
• MSG is Grid If 'MSG is ...' is checked then message will be logged in SRX_String AND ALSO to selected NewQSO column.
  
  By default Msg is Grid. It can be changed with right mouse click on the text. If checked then input will turn red if character count is odd. Maximum of 6 characters locator can be entered.
  If MSG is Grid but the entered locator is not valid it will NOT be copied to NewQSO/Grid column and stays only in Srx_String.
  
  In case of MSG is State and callsign is detected by prefix to be a Germany callsign srx_string is copied to DarcDOC column, orherwise to State column.
  In case of MSG is Comment and dupe checking is allowed, and dupe found, Comment to QSO contains first "Dupe " and then the copied message.


• Save QSO Save QSO button at NewQSO, increments NR and clears all fields.
  Note: pressing ENTER at any time after Call field is filled does the same.
• Clear QSO Clear all QSO information.
  Note: Pressing 2x ESC key does the same.


• Clear all Clear all fields. Usefull when starting a new contest to remove saved settings.

Typical contest qso goes like this:
Type callsign->press TAB->type contest rxnumber->press TAB->type contest message->press ENTER. Or hit ENTER after rxnumber if no additional message is exchanged.

Remember that pressing ENTER key at any field saves qso with existing values. How ever there must be callsign of least three characters long. Sent/Received number and message are not needed.
There is no need to use the mouse. Keep your hands on keyboard (and possible on CW key / PTT (if not foot pedal in use)). It is faster.

Contest numbers and messages are saved in log into their own columns. Use preferences/Visible columns to show them in Qso list.

CW macros can be used for sending contest meessages. Look them from help section CW Operation

ADIF exports fields to right tags.

<RST_SENT:3>599<STX:3>001
<RST_RCVD:3>599<SRX:3>002
<RST_SENT:3>599<STX:3>003<STX_STRING:2>SA
<RST_RCVD:3>599<SRX:3>003<SRX_STRING:2>dd
<RST_SENT:3>599<STX:3>002<STX_STRING:2>SA
<RST_RCVD:3>599<SRX:3>003<SRX_STRING:2>kb
<RST_SENT:3>599<STX:3>001<STX_STRING:2>SA
<RST_RCVD:3>599<SRX:3>002<SRX_STRING:2>SB

HTML export will look like this:

Most contests expect Cabrillo log format. Cqrlog has a limited support of Cabrillo exports. Mostly enough for a Sunday contester.
In case you want to use external Cabrillo program you have to make ADIF export of qsos and then use another program.

I found nice adif2cabrillo program for Linux from http://users.telenet.be/on4qz/ that supports ADIF importing.