up

frontend/src/App.tsx

@@ -242,10 +242,10 @@ export default function App() {
     setLocks((s) => {
       const wasLocked = s[k];
       const next = { ...s, [k]: !wasLocked };
-      // Unlocking → restore automatic behavior. Without this the locked
-      // value would linger forever: a stale Start time would never refresh
-      // even after a new callsign is entered.
       if (wasLocked) {
+        // Unlocking → restore automatic behavior. Without this the locked
+        // value would linger forever: a stale Start time would never refresh
+        // even after a new callsign is entered.
         if (k === 'start') {
           // If a QSO is currently in progress (callsign typed), snap start
           // to now since we missed the auto-start moment. Otherwise clear.
@@ -254,6 +254,12 @@ export default function App() {
           // Drop the frozen end so the field tracks the live UTC clock.
           setQsoEndedAt(null);
         }
+      } else {
+        // Locking (manual / deferred entry) → pre-fill with today's date + the
+        // current UTC time so the fields aren't empty; the operator just adjusts.
+        const now = new Date();
+        if (k === 'start') setQsoStartedAt((d) => d ?? now);
+        else if (k === 'end') setQsoEndedAt((d) => d ?? now);
       }
       return next;
     });
@@ -857,6 +863,24 @@ export default function App() {
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, []);
 
+  // tuneRigCAT sends freq + mode to the rig, sequenced with a short settle
+  // delay so an older transceiver — busy after a band/freq change — doesn't drop
+  // the second command (which forced a second click to apply the mode). The
+  // "mode before frequency" order (à la Log4OM) is an option for rigs that need
+  // the mode set first; default is frequency-then-mode.
+  async function tuneRigCAT(freqHz: number, mode: string) {
+    const modeFirst = localStorage.getItem('opslog.catModeBeforeFreq') === '1';
+    const doFreq = () => SetCATFrequency(freqHz).catch(() => {});
+    const doMode = () => (mode ? SetCATMode(mode).catch(() => {}) : Promise.resolve());
+    const settle = () => new Promise((r) => window.setTimeout(r, 150));
+    if (modeFirst) {
+      await doMode(); await settle(); await doFreq();
+    } else {
+      await doFreq();
+      if (mode) { await settle(); await doMode(); }
+    }
+  }
+
   // applyModeFromSpot updates the mode AND its RST default for a fresh target
   // (clicked spot / rig-driven mode change). Unlike a manual mode tweak, this
   // is a new contact, so we clear the "user edited RST" flag first — otherwise
@@ -889,55 +913,65 @@ export default function App() {
       loadStation();
       loadLists();
       loadCATCfg();
-      // Hydrate CAT state on mount (the backend may already be polling).
-      try { setCatState(await GetCATState()); } catch {}
+    })();
+    // Poll the CAT state at launch until the rig reports a frequency: the
+    // backend connects asynchronously and only PUSHES cat:state on change, so
+    // the first (freq-carrying) event can fire before this listener mounts and
+    // be missed — leaving the display blank until the operator next moves the
+    // VFO. Stops once a freq arrives, CAT is off, or after ~13s.
+    (async () => {
+      for (let i = 0; i < 16; i++) {
+        try {
+          const s = await GetCATState();
+          applyCatState(s);
+          if (!s?.enabled) break;
+          if (s?.connected && s.freq_hz && s.freq_hz > 0) break;
+        } catch { /* not ready yet */ }
+        await new Promise((r) => window.setTimeout(r, 800));
+      }
     })();
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, []);
 
+  // Apply a CAT snapshot to the entry strip (freq/band/mode), unless the user
+  // just typed something (freeze window) or locked a field. Shared by the live
+  // cat:state event and the startup poll below.
+  function applyCatState(s: CATState) {
+    setCatState(s);
+    if (!s?.connected) return;
+    if (Date.now() < catFreezeUntilRef.current) return;
+    const lk = locksRef.current;
+    if (!lk.freq && s.freq_hz && s.freq_hz > 0) {
+      setFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
+    }
+    // RX freq: backend follows ADIF — freq_hz = TX, freq_rx_hz = RX.
+    if (!lk.freq) {
+      if (s.split && s.freq_rx_hz && s.freq_rx_hz > 0) {
+        setRxFreqMhz((s.freq_rx_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
+      } else if (s.freq_hz && s.freq_hz > 0) {
+        setRxFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
+      }
+    }
+    if (!lk.band && s.band) setBand(s.band);
+
+    // Mode resolution priority: digital watering-hole → CAT's DATA → CAT mode.
+    if (!lk.mode) {
+      const inferred = s.freq_hz ? inferDigitalMode(s.freq_hz) : '';
+      let nextMode = '';
+      if (inferred) nextMode = inferred;
+      else if (s.mode === 'DATA') nextMode = digitalDefaultRef.current || 'FT8';
+      else if (s.mode) nextMode = s.mode;
+      if (nextMode) {
+        setMode(nextMode);
+        applyModePreset(nextMode); // flip 599↔59 on mode change (respects edits)
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
   // CAT live updates. Push freq/band/mode into the entry strip when the rig
   // moves, unless the user just typed something (1.5s grace window).
   useEffect(() => {
-    const unsub = EventsOn('cat:state', (s: CATState) => {
-      setCatState(s);
-      if (!s?.connected) return;
-      if (Date.now() < catFreezeUntilRef.current) return;
-      const lk = locksRef.current;
-      if (!lk.freq && s.freq_hz && s.freq_hz > 0) {
-        setFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
-      }
-      // RX freq: backend follows ADIF — freq_hz = TX, freq_rx_hz = RX.
-      // In split we take the rig's real RX freq; otherwise RX mirrors TX
-      // (the user can still override it by hand). The freq lock covers both.
-      if (!lk.freq) {
-        if (s.split && s.freq_rx_hz && s.freq_rx_hz > 0) {
-          setRxFreqMhz((s.freq_rx_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
-        } else if (s.freq_hz && s.freq_hz > 0) {
-          setRxFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
-        }
-      }
-      if (!lk.band && s.band) setBand(s.band);
-
-      // Mode resolution priority:
-      //   1. If freq matches a known digital watering hole, pick the specific
-      //      mode for that hole (FT8 / FT4) — beats whatever CAT reports.
-      //   2. Else if CAT reports DATA (generic), use the user's configured
-      //      default digital mode (FT8 by default).
-      //   3. Else trust CAT (SSB, CW, AM, FM…).
-      if (!lk.mode) {
-        const inferred = s.freq_hz ? inferDigitalMode(s.freq_hz) : '';
-        let nextMode = '';
-        if (inferred) nextMode = inferred;
-        else if (s.mode === 'DATA') nextMode = digitalDefaultRef.current || 'FT8';
-        else if (s.mode) nextMode = s.mode;
-        if (nextMode) {
-          setMode(nextMode);
-          // Flip the RST default (599↔59) when the rig changes mode. Respects a
-          // user-edited RST (applyModePreset early-returns when edited).
-          applyModePreset(nextMode);
-        }
-      }
-    });
+    const unsub = EventsOn('cat:state', (s: CATState) => applyCatState(s));
     return () => { unsub?.(); };
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, []);
@@ -1161,12 +1195,16 @@ export default function App() {
       const freqHz = freqMhz.trim() ? Math.round(parseFloat(freqMhz) * 1_000_000) : undefined;
       const rxFreqHz = rxFreqMhz.trim() ? Math.round(parseFloat(rxFreqMhz) * 1_000_000) : undefined;
       const now = new Date();
-      const end = (locks.end && qsoEndedAt) ? qsoEndedAt : now;
+      const baseStart = qsoStartedAt ?? now;
+      // End: explicit when locked; for a deferred back-entry (start locked) it
+      // defaults to the back-dated start so the QSO doesn't span to today;
+      // otherwise it's now.
+      const end = (locks.end && qsoEndedAt) ? qsoEndedAt : (locks.start ? baseStart : now);
       // Option: log TIME_ON = TIME_OFF (the moment the QSO completes). Useful
       // when you call a station for a long time — otherwise TIME_ON is frozen at
       // when you first entered the call (minutes early) and won't match LoTW.
       const startEqualsEnd = localStorage.getItem('opslog.startEqualsEnd') === '1';
-      const start = (startEqualsEnd && !locks.start) ? end : (qsoStartedAt ?? now);
+      const start = (startEqualsEnd && !locks.start) ? end : baseStart;
       const payload: any = {
         callsign: callsign.trim().toUpperCase(),
         qso_date: start.toISOString(),
@@ -1407,6 +1445,11 @@ export default function App() {
         qsl_via: d.qsl_via || (r.qsl_via ?? ''),
       }));
       if (r.dxcc && r.dxcc > 0) runWorkedBefore(call, r.dxcc);
+      // Begin the recording once the call resolves (a real, ≥3-char callsign,
+      // not 1–2 stray letters). Covers the fast CW workflow (type → Enter to log
+      // via the WinKeyer, no blur). No-op if the recorder is off or already
+      // running; the pre-roll covers the lead-in.
+      QSOAudioBegin().then(setRecording).catch(() => {});
     } catch (e: any) {
       setLookupResult(null);
       setLookupError(String(e?.message ?? e));
@@ -1453,11 +1496,6 @@ export default function App() {
       // start is locked: the user is back-entering a past QSO and set a
       // specific time manually.
       setQsoStartedAt(new Date());
-      // Begin the recording here too: a fast CW workflow (type the call then
-      // hit Enter to log, exchanging with the WinKeyer) never blurs the call
-      // field, so the blur-based start was missed. No-op if the recorder is off
-      // or already running; the pre-roll covers the lead-in.
-      QSOAudioBegin().then(setRecording).catch(() => {});
     } else if (isEmpty && !locks.start) {
       // Callsign wiped → user abandoned this QSO; reset the timer.
       setQsoStartedAt(null);
@@ -1703,6 +1741,26 @@ export default function App() {
       <Combobox value={rstRcvd} options={rstOptions(mode, rstLists)} onChange={(v) => { setRstRcvd(v); rstUserEditedRef.current = true; }} />
     </div>
   );
+  // Deferred-entry date: only shown when the start time is locked (back-entering
+  // a past QSO). Sets the DATE part of qsoStartedAt; the time field keeps the time.
+  const dateBlock = locks.start ? (
+    <div className="flex flex-col w-40">
+      <Label className="mb-1 h-3.5 text-emerald-700">Date</Label>
+      <Input
+        type="date"
+        value={qsoStartedAt ? qsoStartedAt.toISOString().slice(0, 10) : ''}
+        onChange={(e) => {
+          const d = e.target.value; // YYYY-MM-DD
+          if (!d) return;
+          const [y, mo, da] = d.split('-').map(Number);
+          const next = new Date(qsoStartedAt ?? new Date());
+          next.setUTCFullYear(y, mo - 1, da);
+          setQsoStartedAt(next);
+        }}
+        className="font-mono"
+      />
+    </div>
+  ) : null;
   const startBlock = (
     <div className="flex flex-col w-28">
       <Label className="mb-1 h-3.5 flex items-center gap-1 text-emerald-700">Start UTC <LockBtn k="start" title="start time" /></Label>
@@ -1728,7 +1786,12 @@ export default function App() {
       <Input
         readOnly={!locks.end}
         tabIndex={locks.end ? 0 : -1}
-        value={endFocused ? endInputStr : (locks.end ? (qsoEndedAt ? fmtHMSUTC(qsoEndedAt) : '') : (qsoStartedAt ? utcNow.slice(11) : '—'))}
+        value={endFocused ? endInputStr : (
+          locks.end ? (qsoEndedAt ? fmtHMSUTC(qsoEndedAt) : '')
+          // Deferred entry (start locked): the QSO is back-dated, so the end
+          // follows the start instead of the live clock.
+          : locks.start ? (qsoStartedAt ? fmtHMSUTC(qsoStartedAt) : '')
+          : (qsoStartedAt ? utcNow.slice(11) : '—'))}
         onFocus={() => { setEndInputStr(qsoEndedAt ? fmtHMSUTC(qsoEndedAt) : ''); setEndFocused(true); }}
         onBlur={() => {
           setEndFocused(false);
@@ -1812,18 +1875,7 @@ export default function App() {
       </div>
     </div>
   );
-  const cqBlock = (
-    <div className="flex flex-col w-10"><Label className="mb-1 h-3.5 text-[10px]">CQ</Label>
-      <Input inputMode="numeric" maxLength={2} className="font-mono text-center px-0.5 text-xs h-7" value={details.cqz ?? ''} placeholder="—"
-        onChange={(e) => { const v = e.target.value.replace(/\D/g, ''); updateDetails({ cqz: v === '' ? undefined : parseInt(v, 10) }); }} />
-    </div>
-  );
-  const ituBlock = (
-    <div className="flex flex-col w-10"><Label className="mb-1 h-3.5 text-[10px]">ITU</Label>
-      <Input inputMode="numeric" maxLength={2} className="font-mono text-center px-0.5 text-xs h-7" value={details.ituz ?? ''} placeholder="—"
-        onChange={(e) => { const v = e.target.value.replace(/\D/g, ''); updateDetails({ ituz: v === '' ? undefined : parseInt(v, 10) }); }} />
-    </div>
-  );
+  // CQ/ITU zones moved to the Info (F2) tab (DetailsPanel).
   const freqBlock = (
     <div className="flex flex-col w-32">
       <Label className="mb-1 h-3.5 flex items-center gap-1">{catState.split ? 'TX Freq (MHz)' : 'Freq (MHz)'} <LockBtn k="freq" title="frequency" /></Label>
@@ -2243,14 +2295,14 @@ export default function App() {
         ) : (
           /* Full Log4OM-style columnar layout. */
           <>
-            {/* Row 1: Callsign + RST + CQ/ITU zones, then Start/End at right. */}
+            {/* Row 1: Callsign + RST, then Start/End at right. CQ/ITU zones moved
+                to the Info (F2) tab. */}
             <div className="flex gap-2 items-end">
               {callsignBlock}
               {rstTxBlock}
               {rstRxBlock}
-              {cqBlock}
-              {ituBlock}
               <div className="ml-auto flex gap-2">
+                {dateBlock}
                 {startBlock}
                 {endBlock}
               </div>
@@ -2303,6 +2355,7 @@ export default function App() {
             wbBusy={wbBusy}
             band={band}
             mode={mode}
+            bands={bands}
             tab={detailTab}
             onTab={setDetailTab}
             keyerActive={(wkEnabled && wkStatus.connected) || dvkEnabled}
@@ -2690,8 +2743,7 @@ export default function App() {
                     onSpotClick={(s) => {
                       const m = inferSpotMode(s.comment ?? '', s.freq_hz);
                       if (catState.connected) {
-                        SetCATFrequency(s.freq_hz).catch(() => {});
-                        if (m) SetCATMode(m).catch(() => {});
+                        tuneRigCAT(s.freq_hz, m);
                       } else {
                         setFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
                         if (s.band) setBand(s.band);
@@ -2915,8 +2967,7 @@ export default function App() {
               onSpotClick={(s) => {
                 const m = inferSpotMode(s.comment ?? '', s.freq_hz);
                 if (catState.connected) {
-                  SetCATFrequency(s.freq_hz).catch(() => {});
-                  if (m) SetCATMode(m).catch(() => {});
+                  tuneRigCAT(s.freq_hz, m);
                 } else {
                   setFreqMhz((s.freq_hz / 1_000_000).toFixed(5));
                   if (s.band) setBand(s.band);
@@ -2979,7 +3030,7 @@ export default function App() {
       })()}
 
       {editingQSO && (
-        <QSOEditModal qso={editingQSO} onSave={onModalSave} onDelete={onModalDelete} onClose={() => setEditingQSO(null)} countries={countries} />
+        <QSOEditModal qso={editingQSO} onSave={onModalSave} onDelete={onModalDelete} onClose={() => setEditingQSO(null)} countries={countries} bands={bands} modes={modes} />
       )}
 
       <SendSpotModal

frontend/src/components/BandMap.tsx

@@ -299,6 +299,20 @@ export function BandMap({ band, spots, spotStatus, currentFreqHz, onSpotClick, o
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, [band, containerH, currentFreqHz, range, lo, hi]);
 
+  // Re-centre on the rig frequency whenever the zoom level changes — zooming
+  // would otherwise drift away from where you're operating. Skips the initial
+  // mount (the band-centre effect above handles that).
+  const firstZoomRef = useRef(true);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (firstZoomRef.current) { firstZoomRef.current = false; return; }
+    const el = scrollerRef.current;
+    if (!el || !range || containerH <= 0) return;
+    const kHz = currentFreqHz && currentFreqHz / 1000 >= lo && currentFreqHz / 1000 <= hi
+      ? currentFreqHz / 1000 : (lo + hi) / 2;
+    el.scrollTop = Math.max(0, freqToY(kHz) - containerH / 2);
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, [zoomIdx]);
+
   useEffect(() => {
     const el = scrollerRef.current;
     if (!el) return;

frontend/src/components/BandSlotGrid.tsx

@@ -11,10 +11,21 @@ interface Props {
   busy: boolean;
   currentBand: string;
   currentMode: string;
+  bands?: string[]; // operator's configured bands; falls back to DEFAULT_BANDS
 }
 
-// 13-column band layout — no 4m, no SHF (per user preference).
-const BANDS: { tag: string; label: string }[] = [
+// Compact column label for a band tag: keep the classic V/U for 2m/70cm,
+// strip the trailing "m" for meter bands (160m→160), and shorten cm bands
+// (13cm→13c) so the column stays narrow.
+function bandColLabel(tag: string): string {
+  if (tag === '2m') return 'V';
+  if (tag === '70cm') return 'U';
+  if (tag.endsWith('cm')) return tag.replace('cm', 'c');
+  return tag.replace(/m$/, '');
+}
+
+// Default 13-column band layout, used when the operator hasn't configured bands.
+const DEFAULT_BANDS: { tag: string; label: string }[] = [
   { tag: '160m', label: '160' },
   { tag: '80m',  label: '80'  },
   { tag: '60m',  label: '60'  },
@@ -67,7 +78,13 @@ function cellTitle(band: string, cls: string, status: string, current: boolean):
   return `${band} ${cls}: ${desc}${current ? ' — current entry' : ''}`;
 }
 
-export function BandSlotGrid({ wb, busy, currentBand, currentMode }: Props) {
+export function BandSlotGrid({ wb, busy, currentBand, currentMode, bands }: Props) {
+  // Columns from the operator's configured bands (so the matrix shows only the
+  // bands they actually use), falling back to the built-in default set.
+  const cols = useMemo(
+    () => (bands && bands.length ? bands.map((tag) => ({ tag, label: bandColLabel(tag) })) : DEFAULT_BANDS),
+    [bands],
+  );
   const dxcc = wb?.dxcc ?? 0;
   const dxccName = wb?.dxcc_name ?? '';
   const dxccCount = wb?.dxcc_count ?? 0;
@@ -136,7 +153,7 @@ export function BandSlotGrid({ wb, busy, currentBand, currentMode }: Props) {
         <thead>
           <tr>
             <th className="w-[26px]" />
-            {BANDS.map((b) => (
+            {cols.map((b) => (
               <th
                 key={b.tag}
                 className={cn(
@@ -162,7 +179,7 @@ export function BandSlotGrid({ wb, busy, currentBand, currentMode }: Props) {
                 >
                   {cls}
                 </th>
-                {BANDS.map((b) => {
+                {cols.map((b) => {
                   const st = statusMap.get(`${b.tag}|${cls}`) ?? '';
                   const isCurrent = b.tag === currentBand && classCurrent;
                   return (

frontend/src/components/DetailsPanel.tsx

@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ interface Props {
   wbBusy?: boolean;
   band: string;
   mode: string;
+  bands?: string[]; // configured bands for the worked-before matrix columns
   imageUrl?: string;
   onOpenImage?: () => void;
   // Optional controlled active tab (so the app can switch it via keyboard).
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ function Field({ label, span = 1, children }: { label: string; span?: 1 | 2 | 3
   );
 }
 
-export function DetailsPanel({ callsign: _cs, prefix, operatorGrid, remoteGrid, details, onChange, wb, wbBusy, band, mode, tab, onTab, keyerActive }: Props) {
+export function DetailsPanel({ callsign: _cs, prefix, operatorGrid, remoteGrid, details, onChange, wb, wbBusy, band, mode, bands, tab, onTab, keyerActive }: Props) {
   const [internalOpen, setInternalOpen] = useState<TabName>('stats');
   const open = tab ?? internalOpen; // controlled when `tab` is provided
   // Bearing/distance from operator's home grid to the remote station.
@@ -181,7 +182,7 @@ export function DetailsPanel({ callsign: _cs, prefix, operatorGrid, remoteGrid,
       <div className="overflow-y-auto min-h-0">
       {open === 'stats' && (
         <div className="px-3 py-2.5">
-          <BandSlotGrid wb={wb} busy={!!wbBusy} currentBand={band} currentMode={mode} />
+          <BandSlotGrid wb={wb} busy={!!wbBusy} currentBand={band} currentMode={mode} bands={bands} />
         </div>
       )}
 
@@ -196,9 +197,16 @@ export function DetailsPanel({ callsign: _cs, prefix, operatorGrid, remoteGrid,
           <Field label="Prefix">
             <Input className="font-mono uppercase" value={prefix} readOnly tabIndex={-1} />
           </Field>
-          {/* DXCC #, CQ zone, ITU zone, Continent and Azimuth SP live in the
-              main entry strip — visible without opening F2. F2 keeps the
-              less-needed long-path bearing and both distances. */}
+          <Field label="CQ zone">
+            <Input inputMode="numeric" maxLength={2} className="font-mono" value={details.cqz ?? ''} placeholder="—"
+              onChange={(e) => { const v = e.target.value.replace(/\D/g, ''); onChange({ cqz: v === '' ? undefined : parseInt(v, 10) }); }} />
+          </Field>
+          <Field label="ITU zone">
+            <Input inputMode="numeric" maxLength={2} className="font-mono" value={details.ituz ?? ''} placeholder="—"
+              onChange={(e) => { const v = e.target.value.replace(/\D/g, ''); onChange({ ituz: v === '' ? undefined : parseInt(v, 10) }); }} />
+          </Field>
+          {/* DXCC #, Continent and Azimuth SP live in the main entry strip /
+              bandeau. F2 keeps CQ/ITU zones, the long-path bearing and distances. */}
           <Field label="Azimuth LP">
             <Input
               readOnly

frontend/src/components/QSOEditModal.tsx

@@ -86,6 +86,8 @@ interface Props {
   onDelete: (id: number) => void;
   onClose: () => void;
   countries?: string[];
+  bands?: string[];
+  modes?: string[];
 }
 
 function toLocalISO(d: any): string {
@@ -131,7 +133,20 @@ function QslSelect({ value, onChange }: { value?: string; onChange: (v: string)
   );
 }
 
-export function QSOEditModal({ qso, onSave, onDelete, onClose, countries = [] }: Props) {
+export function QSOEditModal({ qso, onSave, onDelete, onClose, countries = [], bands, modes }: Props) {
+  // Use the operator's configured band/mode lists (incl. custom ones like 13cm);
+  // fall back to the built-in sets. Always include the QSO's own band/mode so an
+  // imported/legacy value is never silently dropped from the dropdown.
+  const bandList = useMemo(() => {
+    const base = (bands && bands.length ? bands : BANDS).slice();
+    if (qso.band && !base.includes(qso.band)) base.unshift(qso.band);
+    return base;
+  }, [bands, qso.band]);
+  const modeList = useMemo(() => {
+    const base = (modes && modes.length ? modes : MODES).slice();
+    if (qso.mode && !base.includes(qso.mode)) base.unshift(qso.mode);
+    return base;
+  }, [modes, qso.mode]);
   const [draft, setDraft] = useState<QSO>(() => JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(qso)));
   // Frequencies are edited as kHz + Hz (Log4OM style) and recombined on save.
   const splitHz = (hz?: number) => hz
@@ -366,21 +381,21 @@ export function QSOEditModal({ qso, onSave, onDelete, onClose, countries = [] }:
                     <Label className="w-20 shrink-0">Band</Label>
                     <Select value={draft.band || ''} onValueChange={(v) => set('band', v)}>
                       <SelectTrigger className="h-8 flex-1"><SelectValue /></SelectTrigger>
-                      <SelectContent>{BANDS.map((b) => <SelectItem key={b} value={b}>{b}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
+                      <SelectContent>{bandList.map((b) => <SelectItem key={b} value={b}>{b}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
                     </Select>
                   </div>
                   <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
                     <Label className="w-20 shrink-0">RX Band</Label>
                     <Select value={draft.band_rx || '_'} onValueChange={(v) => set('band_rx', v === '_' ? '' : v)}>
                       <SelectTrigger className="h-8 flex-1"><SelectValue /></SelectTrigger>
-                      <SelectContent><SelectItem value="_">—</SelectItem>{BANDS.map((b) => <SelectItem key={b} value={b}>{b}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
+                      <SelectContent><SelectItem value="_">—</SelectItem>{bandList.map((b) => <SelectItem key={b} value={b}>{b}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
                     </Select>
                   </div>
                   <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
                     <Label className="w-20 shrink-0">Mode</Label>
                     <Select value={draft.mode || ''} onValueChange={(v) => set('mode', v)}>
                       <SelectTrigger className="h-8 flex-1"><SelectValue /></SelectTrigger>
-                      <SelectContent>{MODES.map((m) => <SelectItem key={m} value={m}>{m}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
+                      <SelectContent>{modeList.map((m) => <SelectItem key={m} value={m}>{m}</SelectItem>)}</SelectContent>
                     </Select>
                   </div>
                   <div className="flex items-center gap-2">

frontend/src/components/SettingsModal.tsx

@@ -426,6 +426,7 @@ export function SettingsModal({ onClose, onSaved, initialSection }: Props) {
   const [autofocusWB, setAutofocusWB] = useState(() => localStorage.getItem('opslog.autofocusWB') !== '0');
   const [showBeamMap, setShowBeamMap] = useState(() => localStorage.getItem('opslog.showBeamOnMap') !== '0');
   const [startEqEnd, setStartEqEnd] = useState(() => localStorage.getItem('opslog.startEqualsEnd') === '1');
+  const [catModeBeforeFreq, setCatModeBeforeFreq] = useState(() => localStorage.getItem('opslog.catModeBeforeFreq') === '1');
 
   // E-mail / SMTP (send QSO recordings).
   type EmailCfg = {
@@ -2939,6 +2940,20 @@ export function SettingsModal({ onClose, onSaved, initialSection }: Props) {
             </span>
           </label>
 
+          <label className="flex items-start gap-2 text-sm cursor-pointer">
+            <Checkbox
+              checked={catModeBeforeFreq}
+              onCheckedChange={(c) => { const v = !!c; setCatModeBeforeFreq(v); writeUiPref('opslog.catModeBeforeFreq', v ? '1' : '0'); }}
+              className="mt-0.5"
+            />
+            <span>
+              Set CAT mode before frequency (older rigs)
+              <span className="block text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
+                When clicking a spot, send the mode to the rig first, then the frequency. Some older transceivers drop the mode command if it arrives right after a band change, needing a second click. Both commands are also spaced out slightly to let the rig settle.
+              </span>
+            </span>
+          </label>
+
           <div className="border-t border-border/60 pt-4 space-y-2">
             <h4 className="text-sm font-semibold text-foreground">ClubLog exceptions (DXpedition overrides)</h4>
             <label className="flex items-start gap-2 text-sm cursor-pointer">

frontend/src/lib/uiPref.ts

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ const PORTABLE_KEYS = [
   'opslog.showRotor',     // rotor compass shown next to the keyers
   'opslog.showBeamOnMap', // antenna beam lobe drawn on the Main map
   'opslog.startEqualsEnd',// log TIME_ON = TIME_OFF (QSO time = completion time)
+  'opslog.catModeBeforeFreq', // send CAT mode before frequency (older rigs)
 ];
 
 // syncPortablePrefs reconciles the DB with the local cache at startup: