How to download FT8 QSO diplomas with UltimateAAC - a beginner's guide

V in the previous article, I summarized my practical observations from operating digimodes FT8, I recommend reading it. Based on positive feedback and several requests, I decided to compile a detailed guide on how to implement the process of obtaining diplomas for connections by operating FT8 through the UltimateAAC program.

• the primary basis for success is to have an up-to-date version of the UltimateAAC program installed on your computer. Installation is free. Available here: https://en.freedownloadmanager.org/Windows-PC/Ultimate-AAC-FREE.html
• after clicking on the link, it is necessary to click on Download now and then follow the instructions of the installation wizard

Introduction to UltimateAAC

After starting the program, a welcome screen will appear with icons representing individual diploma clubs. Every time we start the program, we always click on one of the icons to continue. To be able to get diplomas, first of all, you need to register your membership in individual clubs. In the main view (Figure 1) in the upper bar, you need to click on the icon with two characters User data (user data).

Subsequently, a table will be displayed (Figure 2), where you need to enter your personal data such as: call sign, first and last name and email address.

In the next step, you need to click on the tab Numbers, which is right next to the Userdata option. Here you will see a list of all clubs with a click to register. The purpose of registration is to get your membership number for each club. In each of the options, you need to click on the Join option and follow the instructions. After clicking on Join as a rule, the clubs' website will be displayed. In some places it is enough to send a membership request by email to the given address, in other places it is necessary to fill out the registration form according to the instructions of the individual clubs. Registration notification will be delivered to your email. This is how it looks after registration and allocation of numbers (Figure 3).

The next important step in the administration section is to fill in the tab Logbook a zadať prístupovú adresu k logu so spojeniami vo formáte .ADIF, on the basis of which diplomas will be generated (Figure 4). In case you use the program WSJT-X, ten generuje log automaticky. Cestu k logu si stačí namapovať z úložiska v počítači. Týmto krokom program zaznamená súbor so spojeniami, čo je základom úspechu pre získavanie diplomov. Ďalšie záložky sú vyplnené automaticky. Údaje nezabudneme uložiť kliknutím On možnosť Save bottom right.

Application for diplomas

Ak máme všetky kroky povinnej registrácie za sebou, môžeme prejsť k samotnej žiadosti o diplomy. Program síce pozná cestu k logu so spojeniami, avšak netreba zabúdať On to, že ak nám pribudnú nové spojenia do logu, vždy je potrebné log v programe aktualizovať. A to veľmi jednoducho. V ľavom hornom rohu stačí kliknúť On ikonku modrej knižky Open standard Logbook (Obrázok 5).

On Figure 5 at the same time, we see what it looks like if we are already entitled to a diploma. In this particular case, we are processing EPC club diplomas. Here we see the Europe tab highlighted in green, which means that we managed to get some diploma for the Europe category. It is necessary to click on the tab and request the diploma.

As we can see on Figure 6, diplomas are divided into several categories. In order to know which diploma we are entitled to, we just need to follow the instructions green color. If the tab is green, we have received a diploma. However, we always click on the main category and request the diploma in the next subcategory.

After clicking on the green tab, in this case GRIDEA we will see a list of connections that count towards our diploma and the information for which we obtained the diploma. Next, just click on the option Apply (Figure 7), which will register the request for diplomas. In this way, we click through all the green tabs in the program and do not forget to click through the options for all clubs separately. The bookmarks for individual clubs can be accessed via the 10th icon in the upper bar (Toggle between).

After clicking on the Apply option, we will see two tables that we will confirm.

Done. Diplomas are required. If the diplomas are ready for download, automatic information about the download will be sent to the email we provided during registration.

Note: the program requires regular updating, without which it is not possible to apply for diplomas. The update always takes place automatically via a pop-up window when the program is started again (Figure 10). In this case, just click on the option Download and follow the instructions of the installation wizard.

Downloading diplomas

Each member club issues its diplomas after a different period of time, according to experience within 1-3 days after application. We can download diplomas in 2 ways.

1st method – recommended, easier, through the EPC club website: https://www.epc-mc.eu/index.php?lang=cs (Figure 11). Diplomas for all member clubs can be downloaded on this page. Just log in with the registration data that will be sent to your email when you apply for membership (login name: call sign + password)

After logging in to the EPC member center, go to the option on the left menu Certificates (Figure 12). We will see a list of diplomas for each club separately. We click on each line one by one and check which diplomas we have ready for download. We will choose an option Choose a diploma in the tab new diplomas – here we will see the diplomas of various categories that we have obtained. Next, select the format of the diploma – .pdf or .jpg (I recommend .jpg), we click on the option Send and we save the diploma on the computer. Diplomas that we have already downloaded will remain saved in the bookmark old diplomas).

2nd method – (for information), more complex, directly through the UltimateAAC program by clicking on the yellow icon in the upper bar – Download Awards (Figure 13). In this case, it is necessary to click on the option for each member club separately, fill in your call sign and Download ID, which is a numerical code assigned for each diploma, which will come as an automatic notification to the email entered during registration.

Thanks to the activity on FT8, I have already gained more than 500 nice diplomas. I wish you much success, joy of connections and precious diplomas.

Andrea / OM1ADA
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