[Ham-Mac] Can't we all just get along... the Marathon marathon..

[Walter O'Brien/W2WJO]

Ah the Marathon debate continues.. I've never seen a copy of this 
"legendary" software, being a new-ish ham, but the simple fact is, it's 
not available, and according to The Mac Shack, the author is retired. 
So, Marathon is moot for now at least. I'm sticking my nose into this 
with the assumption that we all know what a great packing MacLoggerDX 
is for all the logging functions.

Is MacLoggerDX "great contest software"? Well, that will remain very 
subjective, but I have used it for contests where I  was getting my 
feet wet, and casual contesting, and it's very easy, very quick, and 
completely usable and reliable. I'm not quite a big gun, high pressure 
contester yet, but I'm working on it. ;-)

I will say that for a really high pressure contest with specific 
exchanges and quick moving, for "instant" checking zones needed, or 
states needed, or rule following for contests, MacLoggerDX isn't meant 
for that. I tried just about ALL the Windows contest software via 
Virtual PC and a Windows laptop, and settled on N3FJP's contest 
software for the contesting using Virtual PC on a Mac. Works 
flawlessly, and has specific modules for each contest's requirements, 
so you don't need to "think", just QSO and move on.

BUT... when the contest is over, I import all the info via ADIF into 
MacLoggerDX for "massaging" notes, checking addresses and QSL routes, 
awards info, sending and tracking awards and qsls... both programs have 
ADIF import and export, and MacLoggerDX's website has a link to a 
Cabrillo converter for contests that require that... there's no way 
other packages hold a candle to MLDX for daily logging and tracking 
functions, or ease of use, or for that matter "elegance" of use.

So for every day and overall "master" logging, archiving and tracking 
awards and qsl's and such, it's MacLoggerDX. For the contest it's 
N3FJP's Contest packages in tandem with MacLoggerDX! It's not really a 
compromise, it's a great combination of software both best at their 
specific purposes.

73, Walter O'Brien W2WJO
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