GOLog is a contest logger for Palm OS® and was written with the QRP field contester in mind. GOLog is small (about 48K) and simple and should run on any handheld computer running Palm OS version 3.0 or newer. GOLog performs the standard contest logging functions, including duping, and can be set up for any contest.
GOLog includes a conduit for Windows-based PCs so that your logs can be transferred from your handheld computer to your PC in text form. Unfortunately, no support exists for Mac, Linux, or other platforms.
GOLog is also capable of sending contest CW exchanges with the addition of the Serial CW Sender. The Serial CW Sender is a PIC16F84 microcontroller circuit that plugs into the handheld's HotSync® port on one side, and your CW rig's key jack on the other, and allows GOLog to handle contest CW keying. Instructions for constructing the Serial CW Sender are included in the user's guide for GOLog, and the source and hex code for the PIC chip can be downloaded from this page.
Use of the Serial CW Sender requires a serial HotSync cable for your handheld. USB cables will not work.
The Serial CW Sender must be modified slightly to work with Handspring™ Visor™ handhelds, by connecting pin 8 of its DB9M connector to +5V through a 270-ohm resistor. This provides power to the Visor serial cable, enabling the TTL-to-RS232 level conversion circuitry. You must use GOLog version 1.2.3 or newer if you want to use the Serial CW Sender with your Visor.
Serial HotSync cables for Palm™ handhelds will work fine with the Serial CW Sender.
GOLog is free software and may be freely distributed for noncommercial purposes. Please read the license agreement before downloading and using the software.
The current version of GOLog is 1.6.1. You can read GOLog's history file.
setup.exe -- GOLog setup program for Windows-based PCs (1.5 MB)
golog.zip -- golog.prc handheld software only (no conduit software) (20KB)
gologug.zip -- The GOLog Users
Guide (a zipped .pdf file) (540KB) (included in setup.exe)
The GOLog Users Guide includes information on how to
build the Serial CW Sender.
scw120.zip -- The source and hex code for the PIC16F84 in the Serial CW Sender
I spent considerable time and resources developing this project, and I continue to spend a fair amount of time answering emails and providing support. This I do without any monetary compensation, since I'm giving the software away for free. If you've found this project to have enhanced your ham radio activities, please consider tossing a few bucks my way in appreciation. Just click the "Make a Donation" button below to donate using Paypal or a credit card.
Last page update: 1 July 2007
Copyright © 2007 by David Ek, NK0E. Palm is a trademark of Palm, Inc. Palm OS and HotSync are registered trademarks of Palm, Inc.