[Ham-Mac] Contest software-OS X?

[Brian Short]

On Wednesday, August 27, 2003, at 10:59 AM, Mike Carter wrote:
> I'm developing JagWire, a contesting package for Mac OS X that 
> features, among other things, distributed network contesting. Lately, 
> while developing the design, I've been trying different windows 
> contest programs to get a feel for what's out there. Not being a 
> well-seasoned contester, I could sure use some insight from fellow 
> contesting Hams on what would make this a definitive work.
>
> I haven't finished the web page yet, but a general dscription of what 
> I'm trying to achieve will be posted at jagwire.aviate.org.
>
> If anyone has any input, please email me at mikec@aviate.org.

Well, that is great, Mike.  I have held little hope that it would ever 
be practical
to use the Mac for contesting.

I have been contesting for about 10 years and had a bit of success, but
not world class.

I use TRLog and it does a great job.  It was made to work CW easily and
at high rate.  QSO's in CW are completed by only pressing ENTER and
entering the callsign/exchange.  That is ALL, pressing ENTER and typing
the callsign and any required exchange information.

I have seen my calculated rate go well over 100 QSOs/hour for stretches.
In those times, the fewer distractions the better, at least for me.

The current hot thing is using and controlling 2 radios simultaneously.
Sounds simple, but requires multiple connections to accommodate CW
key line, PTT, audio, radio control, etc.

In my case, I am currently operating from a location with no AC power,
so keeping 1 radio and a 12v laptop going is a chore, so 2 radio is not
even imaginable in the near future.

For me, the simple basics of sending CW, and easily entering logging
information in realtime is tantamount.

Obviously in the Mac environment there are opportunities for infinite
contest and post-contest bells and whistles.


--
See my web page: http://www.k7on.com