[PaQSO] Networking M/M

Fri, 26 Sep 2003 09:35:46 -0400

I pretty much understand how the programs assign numbers but I still don't
know why they aren't set up to "grab and hold onto" a serial number as soon
as the first piece of data is typed into any one of the data entry fields.
The major change would be that each pc on the network would have to "report
in" when that first piece of data is entered and cause all other pc's to be
updated with the next available number.

I believe there are so few contests that require a serial number that the
programmers feel it just isn't worth the time to fix this issue. 

Interesting topic, and certainly one that is relevant to the PaQP if you're
anticipating working M/M.

We're almost there!

Bob, N3FR/port WAR 

Bob Crossland
Sr. Product Manager
TelCove
121 Champion Way
Canonsburg, PA  15317
(724) 743-9576
[email protected]
http://www.telcove.com

-----Original Message-----
From: J. P. Fox, III (home) [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 8:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [PaQSO] Networking M/M

Jay,
That's pretty much how it happens. One computer assigns the numbers, and
all show the same number until one station reports in, and then they are
all updated simultaneously. *Except* if you are in the middle of entering
data.
When it comes to sequential serial numbers, the problem with M/M logging
isn't the computer speed. It's the care that the operator must take to be
accurate. Quality control. Even logging on two old 5 MHz IBM XT's with
peer-to-peer serial networking, the computers are faster than the operators.
Picture this simplest M/M scenario: There are two operators, say Abe and
Bob, each in their own world, radios on, headphones on, and they are
simultaneously working and looking only at their computer screen to give
out that all important serial number. Just as Abe and Bob give out the
number, Abe hits the 'enter' button on his keyboard, and <flash!> one
millisecond later, Bob's screen is updated just before Bob hit the 'enter'
button. Now Bob has a problem. He has spoken one number to an operator who
may have already left the frequency, and his computer now shows another
number entirely. Bob is upset. Abe is happy for the moment...   ...until it
happens to him. I hope you get to experience it. A faster computer is does
not cure this problem.
And actually, I hope all the Single Ops out there get to experience it at
least once in their lives.  Contesting M/M is FUN!!! When there is a
problem, there are many minds and hands to solve it.
It's a good thing.
73,
JP
N3GWR

ps. the solution: it is quickly learned to hit the 'enter' key before you
speak the number. It's not foolproof! It's part skill, part teamwork.

>I have a question (suggestion?) for this thread.
>
>With networking as far as it is now, it seems to me that a master logging
>program could run on the fastest PC/laptop on the network, issue serial
>numbers
>to, and log QSO data from each operating position.  The PC running as a
>server
>could also double as an op position.  I have seen (played) several games on
>line and this seems to be their modus operandi.  I think it might be
>useful in
>this scenario.  Just my $0.02 worth.
>
>Jay - AA8QQ
>

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