[PaQSO] Multi-Multi Logging Tips

[Glenn O'Donnell, K3PP]

M/M networking can and does work in contests with serial numbers. The trick
indeed becomes the question of what to do about the numbers for each
operating position.  The best method is to track independent numbers for
each band (e.g., the 20m operator and the 15m operator can both send #25
because it's #25 for each position). Having a single series of numbers
shared across all positions does not work. Assigning blocks to each position
also has risks.  Even if you assign 1000 QSOs per position may not be
enough. It IS possible to exceed 1000 QSOs on 40m.  What happens when you
get to QSO number 1000 on 40m?  Jump to another block (i.e., QSO #7000)?

The better logging packages support this per-band numbering.  I know for
sure that NA and WriteLog do.  The PA QSO Party rules do not mandate fully
sequential numbering. We checked on this prior to our K3II and W3HA M/M ops
in past years and we got the green light to run serial numbers per band.

One possible tricky point is any situation where a band moves from one
position to another (e.g., 80m moves from position #1 to position #2).  If
this is not done carefully, the numbers can fall out of sync. This is
actually less of an issue when the positions are networked because the
positions should keep in sync throughout the contest. If they're not
networked, this gets ugly.

GL in the TEST!  My plans are unknown right now, but hopefully I'll get to
do something.  It's my FAVORITE weekend of the year!

VY 73 de Glenn K3PP

P.S. Just my $0.02 on the networking technologies ... Ethernet rules!  With
most computers now able to adequately support Ethernet and the equipment
available at Best Buy for $29.95, it's becoming a no-brainer.  QRM here has
never been an issue, even at high power

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim" <jss167@yahoo.com>
To: <paqso@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 9:49 AM
Subject: [PaQSO] Multi-Multi Logging Tips


> It is my understanding that you cannot network
> computers in the standard way you may be thinking.  My
> idea of networking means that you have multiple
> computers tied together and all QSO's appear on each
> computer's log.  Therefore, each computer will have an
> exact copy of the log and score in real time.  You
> can't do that here, because of the contest's use of
> serial numbers.  You can't have three people giving
> out the same contact number.  I have been in favor of
> eliminating the serial number so standard networking
> can be implemented, but no one has backed me up on it.
>
> The KA3JWE software at:
>
>  http://www.enter.net/~donster/page16.htm
>
> would be a good choice.  You give each computer a
> block of numbers.  You then merge the logs at the end.
>  If you read the software it says you can only merge 5
> logs, but that does not appear to be true.  You merge
> 5, then leave the program.  You reopen it and merge
> more logs into the master you just created.   This
> works as long as you don't duplicate serial numbers.
> This software is quite good and my favorite.  At the
> end your final score is known.
>
> This is not difficult, just read the directions and
> test it in advance.  It worked well last year under
> strenuous conditions for people who never used it and
> had a crash course before the test began.  Hope this
> helps.
>
> Jim
> N3PBH
>
>
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