| Q: |
When I start the conversion, the program reads
the ADIF file fine and displays the number of QSO's converted but
when it tries to write the log file, for example test.dbf, I get the
message: "Writing test.dbf, Error writing test.dbf, Log still
open?" |
| A: |
This error message is unfortunately misleading
if it is your first log import and you don't have any logs open indeed.
The answer to the problem is to set up the BDE (Borland Database Engine)
correctly as described on the BDE configuration
page. |
| |
|
| Q: |
BV does not print slashed zeroes ('Ø') but
an "0" instead. |
| A: |
Call signs should be printed with slashed zeroes
('Ø') instead of a usual zero ('0') to better distinguish between
the number 0 (zero) and the character O. Set up the BDE (Borland Database
Engine) correctly as described on the BDE configuration
page. |
| |
|
| Q: |
After upgrading my computer to Windows ME (or 2000), I can't
open my BV log files anymore.
|
| A: |
A: You need to upgrade your BDE (Borland Database
Engine) installation to version 5. See the BV6
download page. |
| |
|
| Q: |
I get repeated error messages 'Error: Print Queue could not
be created!'
|
| A: |
Locate the files BVPQ.DBF and BVPQ.MDX
(if available) in your BV6 program folder with the Windows Explorer
and delete them. Run BV again and the error message should
be gone. |
| |
|
| Q: |
BV does not add any QSOs to the print queue
(I've tried pressing F2 or F3). |
| A: |
The most common reason for this is that all imported
QSOs probably have a QSL sent flag Y (=Yes). BV thinks the
QSOs are already printed and ignores them. To print them nevertheless,
open the Configuration Window (Ctrl-G). Click on the third
tab folder 'Sorting' and uncheck the upper left checkbox titled
Confirm QSOs again. Click on Save Changes and then on
'OK'. BV will now put the QSOs into the print queue, because the QSL
sent flag will be ignored. |
| |
Another reason can be that no Label Layout
is loaded. It is required to have a label layout open. |
| |
|
| Q: |
I want to print directly on QSL cards. How do I do that? |
| A: |
With all the new and cheap Epson and Lexmark ink jet printers,
I recommend to print directly on QSL cards because labels are rather
expensive and you save a lot of work peeling off all the labels
and positioning them on the cards. We have made good experience
even with heavy photo QSLs.
|
| |
To design a label layout for that purpose first
load the sample BV label layout print_on_qsl.bvl which comes
with the BV distribution. Before you do any changes, save it under
a different name (File | Save Layout as...). |
| |
Now go into the Layout Settings of the
label layout. It is important to have the Paper Size set to Custom
Size. Enter the width and length of your QSL, usually 140 x 90mm
or 5.5" x 3.5". The number of columns and rows have to be
set to 1 each because you don't use label sheets. |
| |
Now back to the layout. The layout designer is
the worst part of the program. There will be a strongly improved and
easier-to-use label designer in BV Version 7 which I release soon.
Till then you have to get used to what is there. There are rulers
on top and on the left of the layout which help you to position the
fields so that the QSO information will fit into the appropriate place
or boxes of the card. |
| |
The sample layout is designed for six QSOs per
card. If you want to print less QSOs click on every single field of
not needed QSO rows and hit the delete key. |
| |
As soon as the raw design is ready, go into the printer properties
of your system printer settings. There is always a paper size list
box. Choose Custom Size and afterwards enter the size of
your QSL card. Some printers like my Epson Stylus 660 have a minimum
custom size which is slightly higher than the dimensions of my cards.
So, I use the lowest possible values of the available Epson printer
custom paper size.
|
| |
In my case I had to feed the printer with the
cards headfirst, which means the smaller left side of the cards go
in first. I then had to do another change - set the paper orientation
from portrait to landscape in the printer properties. |
| |
All in all you will need some 30 to 40 minutes
until you have the first good results. |
| |
My Epson can be fed with some 30 to 40 cards at one time. As the
card pile gets lower I noticed some slight deviation in vertical
positioning but that's only a millimeter or so and that's tolerable.
|