[PaQSO] Multi-Multi Logging Tips

[Bob Crossland]

I hesitate to "morph" this topic from a networking issue to a serial number
issue but the two go hand in hand, so I'm posting this to ask the
question.....is there any contesting software that properly handles serial
numbers in a multi-multi setup?  

WA3SES and I once did a three county multi-multi operation, and
unfortunately, after about 50 q's, we had to remove the network due to RF
locking up the PC's.  What we can't recall is whether the serial number
distribution was an issue during those initial 50 q's.

Please note, I am for sure NOT a programmer, but it seems to make sense that
the program should simply "grab" a serial number once the first letter of a
call sign is entered into the call sign box, and hold onto that serial
number until all pertinent information is entered thus indicating a
successfully completed qso.  Sounds simple but I have a feeling it's not
that easy.   

Again, my question here is....does any of the current contest software
programs properly handle serial numbers in a multi-multi configuration real
time (don't have to merge logs after the contest)?

Thanks folks.

Bob, N3FR
 



-----Original Message-----
From: Jim [mailto:jss167@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 9:50 AM
To: paqso@mailman.qth.net
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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