[FieldDay] FD Logging Programs & Networks

[Phil Lefever]

>Just curious what Field Day logging programs other clubs are using and how 
>they are working out.  Also, what information can you share about 
>networking several PC's for logging multiple stations?

Our club has used a number of different software packages for our 3A
+VHF and GOTA effort. We have networked for about 5 years now, wired
at first and now wireless. We now use WriteLog and wouldn't likely
change. Its had it issues in the past but its very capable software.
It networks well and sends CW well and has built in RTTY/PSK31. It
also supports just about any other contest too.

>With FD2005 quickly approaching, our club is discussing whether to 
>continue using paper logs or to set up either individual computers or a 
>computer network.  Any advice and comments will be appreciated.

Forget paper first of all. I can't even imagine that! Of course it
does depend on how many contacts your effort will make, over a few
hundred I can't imagine it!

Prior to our networking we ran all the stations stand alone and
didn't allow QSY onto similar band/modes. One station did all CW,
one SSB on 20m only, one SSB/RTTY on 10-80m (but not 20m). This
totally avoids the worry of dupes from different stations. VHF and
GOTA run their own logs too but they can't dupe anyhow.

On the subject of dupes remember if someone calls you and you have
worked before, just work them again. It takes less time to make the
contact again then to try to convince them that you did work before!
Also they may have entered your call incorrectly before so if the
logs got cross checked you'd lose the contact. Work them again for
efficiency and insurance. With FD rate is everything since there
aren't any mults!

73

Phil

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Phil Lefever, KBØNES
Twin Cities Repeater Club               WØBU 3A MN
Burnsville, Minnesota                   http://www.tcrc.org