[Elecraft] Alas, it is time for contest logging software

[Paul Erickson]

Rod N0RC wrote:

> Folks,
> 
> I'm in the process of transcribing my ARCI QSO party log and
> calculating my score. I don't want to have to do this ever again,
> painfully slow. So it's time to get some good software and learn how
> to use it. Here are my requirements/wants:
> 
> 
> HIGH WANTS
> 
> 1) Rig control for Icom 746pro and Elecraft K2
> 
> 
> 
> MUST HAVES
> 
> 1) Easy of use, I only do a few contests a year. So I want something
> easy and very intuitive for a CASUAL user.
> 
> 2) Windows 2000 based. It's what I have to use, it's what I want to
> use. Don't start a MS/UNIX bashing thread. With 20+ years in the
> computer industry I know all the arguments, and weary of all the
> griping/whining.
> 
> 3) Automatic contest scoring for things like the ARCI contests, ARS
> Sprints, NJ QRP HB Sprints. When the contest is over I want to press a
> button and have my log, score sheet, summary....whatever; prepared,
> double checked and emailed in a matter of milliseconds.
> 
> 
> 
> SOFTWARE UNDER CONSIDERATION SO FAR:
> 
> YPLOG
> 
> Can it do the scoring I want?
> Can it control a K2?
> 
> 
> WRITE LOG
> 
> Ditto can it do the Scoring?
> 
> 
> N1MM Logger
> 
> Again Scoring issues.
> 
> 
> 
> MAY CONSIDER
> 
> Palm based loggers. All I've found so far have some issues with
> awkward data entry/edit issues, and AFAIK none have scoring.
> 
> 
> 
> WILL NOT CONSIDER
> 
> 1) DOS based programs! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! ;-) Anybody sending
> ideas for DOS based programs will have your email send to the Recycle
> Bin. (/dev/null for you UNIX geeks).


Hi Ron, too bad you are limiting yourself this way. This is the
equivalent of saying that morse code should be eliminated because
of the availability of digital modes;-) So far, for contesting,
the windows based programs have problems either sending cw, or
with user interfaces designed for poor keyboarders, which may help
those with mediocre keyboard skills, but slows down those who
handle a keyboard well. Also, adding another input device (i.e. a
mouse) for cw contesting is a regressive step.


> Comments, suggestions, ideas....?


Should you find a time when you are willing to expand your horizons ;-)
I will be happy to recommend the best cw contesting program there is.
Until that time, I guess it will have to remain a mystery.

> 
> 73, Rod N0RC
> Ft Collins, CO
> 


-- 
cheers, Paul - VA7NT (ex VE7CQK) - email: paule@sfu.ca

"Those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad..."