Hello fellow contesters,
the last discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of DOS/Windows/UNIX
based computers for contest logging made me want to tell you about an
idea that I have in my mind for a little while now:
I am thinking of an (nearly) OS independant solution for contest logging.
It also includes ditrubuted computing and Client / Server based ideas.
I know that this is a big effort to realize it and so I would like
comments on the following ideas.
1. The database:
The idea is to set up a client / server database server. Using ODBC/JDBC
makes it independent from the front end, makes it easy to backup and easy
to access for multi/multi stations.
2. The "look and feel"
Using Tcl/Tk or Java (I am not that interested in Java, but just an idea)
would make it easy to set up different OS architectures.
3. The templates
I like the idea of NA's templates. But this template editor is not that
suitable, especially for european contests. But I know that is very hard
to code something that is adequate for all opportunities.
4. Use of existing data
Possibility to use the CT MASTER.DTA file fo example. By the way, does
anyone has any info on this special data format?
To be continued.....
Pros:
- Possibilty to bring the database server outside the RF "polluted" area
- Easy access to all data especially for Multi/Multi Setups
- Easy handling of the network (at least for experienced guys) not this serial
port daisy chain solutions
- Easy database backups, not nessesarly done be the ops (Masterconsole)
Cons:
- Not that easy to set up for a casual computer user
- CW sending cannot be realized OS and hardware independant
- You need computers with a good performance
As I mentioned above, this is just an an idea and of course there are many
things that won't be too easy to realize and perhaps I am totally wrong,
but anyway, I would like you to mail me (to the reflector board) any comments.
Best 73 / 55 de Markus DL5OBZ / K2XS
http://wg104a.wh.uni-stuttgart.de/markus/hamradio.html
e-mail: markus@wg104a.wh.uni-stuttgart.de
--
CQ-Contest on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/_cq-contest/
Administrative requests: cq-contest-REQUEST@contesting.com
|