[K3PZN-List] FD Log Proposal

Curt Milton wb8yyy at yahoo.com
Thu May 27 12:04:29 EDT 2010 

I really hope to see 20+ operators participating in our collective FD.  These folk will benefit if most of us use the same logging program, meaning they won't have to be retrained for our different stations.    Many of these folk have never used a sophisticated/useful logging package, so not having to learn N1MM + Writelog + TBD in the same weekend is a virtue.   This enough should make our case.  

As our opportunity is involve these 'new folk' amongst the rest of us - I propose we select N1MM, and also network as many stations as possible.  

I only choose this package because it keeps those 'most passionate' in their comfort zones!  I realize this is an inconvenience for Andy who has all his experience with Writelog, but he has expressed a willingness to bend to our collective wishes.  I can imagine some operators will graduate from GOTA and move to other stations during FD, so why retrain them in a different logging program.  

If any station captain wishes to opt out of our logging network, they can - but my hope is most of us use the same logging software.  This will encourage team-building - lest we become a gang merely sharing the same field for our operations at our own individual stations (then we might as well stay home where there is AC!).    

Let's see how many captains are willing to set up with N1MM - and go from there.  If both CW, SSB-20, digital and GOTA stations go this route - we are already half-way there!  Let's see if the rest of SSB and V/U can go this route ?  Remember it is about getting as many operators plugged into our operation as possible.  

73 Curt

----- Original Message ----
From: James Nitzberg <wx3b at yahoo.com>
To: Carroll County Amateur Radio Club <k3pzn-list at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thu, May 27, 2010 10:38:30 AM
Subject: Re: [K3PZN-List] FD Log Census

Hi Curt & CCARC field day fans,

My thoughts on logging software:

1.  A networked log would be fun to try, for those that WANT to.  For those that don't, that's ok too.

2.  The WY3P team has used N1MM, writelog, N3FJP, CT, Mac (OSX) loggers, and who knows what else.  NY3A and WX3B are heavily predisposed to N1MM.

3.  Writelog and N1MM are good with a networked log.  N1MM is the only one that I had success having a reliable network with, and it's FREE!

4.  Station captains are responsible for choosing, installing, training and dealing with their logs and logging software.

If Andy WO3L provides a networked log opportunity, he should specify what folks are going to load and assist in the networking for those that are interested.

5.  At the end of field day, everyone emails me a summary by band/mode of their QSO count, along with a Cabrillo of their log details.  I don't think that Cabrillo is required unless requested by the ARRL.

73!

Jim  WX3B

--- On Wed, 5/26/10, Curt Milton <wb8yyy at yahoo.com> wrote:

> From: Curt Milton <wb8yyy at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [K3PZN-List] FD Log Census
> To: "Carroll County Amateur Radio Club" <k3pzn-list at mailman.qth.net>
> Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 5:02 PM
> Eventually we will have to deal with
> this somewhat touchy subject.  I merely ask that we
> consider the opportunity to streamline our FD for benefit of
> all operators:  
> 
> Background:
> 
> I recognize in the world of high end contesting one's rig
> and log are essentially integrated with the operator - so
> just like knowing where the key controls are on the rig,
> many of us are also acclimated with each key feature in the
> log.  So some of us (even myself to a degree) will be
> opinionated!  
> 
> Reality: 
> 
> However we do it - software has to be installed onto 8-9
> PC's: 6-7 HF, 1 VHF/UHF and 1 GOTA.  Also the data needs to
> be compiled.  As each station will be manned by multiple
> operators - and some of these operators may operate more
> than one station - we should consider how we can be most
> effective as a team.  
> 
> 'Openess':  
> 
> FD is a chance to experience different rigs and operating
> conditions, so maybe we should be open to different log
> options?  OK I confess I do prefer the features in
> N1MM/Writelog and hope we use one of these.  
> 
> Assessment:  
> 
> Writelog - may require someone to install K3PZN's licensed
> software on 'all these machines' (except for a few cases
> where it already is installed).  *** I also learned the
> hard way that the bandmap timeout must be set BEFORE the
> program is launched.  
> 
> N1MM - each station captain can install it onto the PC
> being used (if it isn't already there).  I think this is a
> benefit of this choice, unless we find a lot of our PC's
> have Writelog already (which I doubt beyond the PC's already
> at K3PZN?).  
> 
> Those wishing to buy into a common log - and be networked -
> get the benefit of verifying the exchange when the station
> has been previously worked on a different band/mode at our
> FD !  Run stations especially will enjoy this feature. 
> (But don't misuse it - lest we log the same station
> incorrectly 9 times).  
> 
> I suggest that each station captain contribute their
> thoughts on this.  At CW#2 either Writelog or N1MM will
> work.  I expect a large number of operators at this
> station, so we'll have to do some training.  If we are
> common with CW#1 it will expand the available operators at
> each station - food for thought.  
> 
> Once we select our software - perhaps a basic training
> exercise should be considered for the June CCARC meeting. 
> 
> 
> Let's not go crazy over this - but accept the
> opportunity.  Even if most of us could use the same log
> software that could benefit our operation.  Plan B is to
> try to use the same log program at each type of station (CW,
> phone) but then we lose any benefit of networking.  Those
> with a strong opinion - speak first !  
> 
> 
> 
>       
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