MiniBook Preferences setup

⚙️ MiniBook Logbook – Preferences Manual (English)

Version: 1.4.9a   |   Author: PD5DJ.nl

🇬🇧 English Manual

The Preferences window in MiniBook contains all configuration options for logbook loading, time offset, Hamlib communication, WSJT-X UDP reception, QRZ lookup and backup folder.

🪪 1. Reload last logbook on startup

Enable this option if you want MiniBook to automatically open your last used logbook when the program starts.
You need to load a logbook first before you can enable this.
Disable it if you prefer to select a logbook manually each time.

🕒 2. UTC Time offset

  • Sets the time difference between your local time and UTC (universal time).
    For example, in the Netherlands this is usually -1 or -2 depending on daylight saving time.
    Used to adjust QSO timestamps correctly.
  • You can Also select Auto UTC time correction, system time + system region is used to determine UTC time.

📡 3. Hamlib Setup

MiniBook can communicate with radios or software through Hamlib rigctld.

  • Enable Radio Control: When checked MiniBook will silently tries to connect to HamlibServer (No manual Connect / Disconnect needed)
  • Port: Select the port Hamlib uses (default 4532).
  • IP address: Usually 127.0.0.1 if Hamlib runs on the same PC.

This enables CAT control and frequency synchronization between MiniBook and your radio.

🔊 4. UDP Receive ADIF QSO Record

Allows MiniBook to receive QSO information directly from for example WSJT-X / FLDIGI or any other program using the UDP protocol.

  • Port: Must match the UDP server port set in WSJT-X (commonly 2333 or 2237).

Ensure both MiniBook and WSJT-X share the same UDP port number.

🌐 5. QRZ Lookup Settings

When Use QRZ Lookup is enabled, MiniBook automatically retrieves station details (name, QTH, country, locator) from QRZ.com.

  • Username: your QRZ.com login name
  • Password: your QRZ XML subscription password or API key

A valid QRZ XML subscription is required for this feature.
Click Show to temporarily display the password.

💾 6. Backup Folder

Defines where MiniBook stores automatic backups of your logbook files.

Click Browse to select a folder.
A backup is created each time you open or save a logbook.

7. Exit Program Behaviour

When “Exit without confirmation” is checked, MiniBook will directly EXIT when Exit button of window is closed.

💡 Buttons

  • Save & Exit: Save all settings and close the window.
  • Cancel: Discard changes and close without saving.

🇬🇧 Summary

Use the Preferences window to customize MiniBook for your workflow:
auto-load the last logbook, set your UTC offset, enable Hamlib communication, receive QSO’s from WSJT-X, and configure automatic QRZ lookups.
Backups keep your log safe and always recoverable.