[Ham-Mac] 1st draft at consensus of top 5 MLC feature list priorities

[Jonathan G0DVJ]

Hi all,
(Recipients already on the MLC list have already seen a version of this 
mail so can disregard it second time!!)

A while back, after I initially posted a mail to this list "dreaming" 
about an OSX native application for contest logging, and some initial 
debate here on this list, Don Agro set up a specific list to discuss 
the detail more deeply, and to take it off this general list.  At that 
time, I promised to report back here when the initial stage was 
complete ... hence this mail.


We have had some good debates over the last couple of months - about a 
lot of detail and some philosophy regarding a potential 
MacLoggerContest (MLC) program which would in Don's words aim to be "an 
insanely great contest logger"!    We have also had time to deliberate 
and think through what we believe is important and realistic.   The aim 
has been to draw a number of opinions together to try and achieve some 
consensus.  Just to remind you why getting a consensus was important 
... a quote from a direct email (with permission) from Don ...

On Feb 2, 2005, at 3:28 pm, Don Agro wrote:
> I would really appreciate seeing your original email posted back to 
> the Ham-Mac list re-written in order of priority - If 20 people on the 
> Ham-Mac list can agree on the top 5 priorities I will jump into the 
> fray with MacLoggerContest. The reason I am asking for that level of 
> detail is not just to get a consensus amongst the enthusiasts, but to 
> make sure I get a firm grip on what it would take to make an insanely  
> great contesting program.

We are not rushing into this - it takes time to gain consensus;  it 
means we all have to evaluate what we can live with as opposed to what 
we can't, and I think we have to take the size of the task into account 
and look at this as a starter top 5 rather than an end-game.

Having looked at the original feature list from my mail that originally 
set this discussion off, and trying to take into account the 
discussions that have been had since then on the MLC list, I offer a 
draft top 5 features/characteristics of a possible initial MLC.  Please 
note I am not trying to rank these 5 at this stage - this is not 
required - rather we are prioritising these things against the other 
features that are derived from the original list.   I have re-worded 
some of the points where the discussions we have had clarified 
different items from the original list.

You will see I have tried to categorise the top 5 by 4 essential areas 
of discussion too as I have read them.   I have allowed ourselves one 
initial "bell & whistle" feature at this stage.   Each of these 
contains a certain amount of detail based on the discussions we have 
had.   I felt I had to bulk some related items together given that 
there are just a certain number (>5) features that all contest loggers 
need!   The remainder of the items from the original list I posted are 
listed again in no order of importance for reference afterwards.   I 
hope I have managed to achieve a very difficult task at least to some 
extent.


***   Please consider this initial attempt at a consensus and if you 
can give it some support at this early stage, please either post a 
simple note to that effect to this list or direct to Don or via myself 
if you prefer.   ***

(I have copied this to Don explicitly for those that want to reply 
direct and can't recall his address)


As we continue discussions on the MLC list, I will occasionally report 
back here for those not ardently following or subscribed to the other 
list.

Thanks & 73,
Jonathan G0DVJ
--


Top 5 :  (in categories but NO order of importance)  - 1st draft:
---------

SETUP:
- Easy but flexible configurable set-up for any contest requirements no 
matter what the exchange required and the scoring schemes defined.   
Full support for all popular national and international contests in the 
calendar (or the ability for users to set up such flexibility), HF, VHF 
and UHF contests all supported.

ENTRY/EDITING OF QSOs:
- Fast entry of required contest logging fields through a 
"bullet-proof" data entry routine.  Auto insertion of relevant data 
from radio connection (such as Band/Mode) but also enabling other radio 
communication features as and when.  Auto suggested data insertion 
(zones, area codes, reports, locators etc. as appropriate).  Entry 
includes the important aspect of editing a QSO easily and quickly.

CHECKING & INFO FOR OPERATORS:
- Real-time checking (preferably as callsign characters are typed 
without touching other keys/buttons) of DUPLICATES, but also 
country/band/locator/other multiplier analysis, beam headings, 
potential multiplier status ) plus re-scoring in real-time & continuous 
summary of scoring per band/mode/multipliers/etc.

INTERFACES & STANDARDS:
- Use of all existing "standard" file formats used by other similar 
software such as:
	-  Partial matches to the standard callsign contest databases produced 
by K5ZD,
	-  Use of standard CTY country prefix files
	-  optional Cabrillo log entry file generation
	-  ADIF generation for integration with MacLoggerDX and other loggers 
for your main station log

INITIAL BELL & WHISTLE:
- A contest CW memory keyer


Other outside top 5:  (not in any order).
--------------------------

- A facility to connect to a public/private DX cluster (either on the 
net or via RF/TNC) which highlights spots which are potential 
multipliers.

- SO2R support for 2 radio operation

- Inbuilt contest voice "keyer" for CQ parrot calling.

- Multi-operator support for logging and statistical analysis of rates 
and mults etc.

- Rendezvous support for Multi-multi operation over ethernet or airport 
networks.

-  Integration with Apple's iChat for IM chat between operators in 
multi-multi situations, spotting stations etc.