> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-admin@contesting.com
> [mailto:writelog-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of WA9ALS - John
> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 04:24
> To: Jerry Ford; WriteLog@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Curious?? (long)
>
>
> (I'm sending this to the reflector in case there are other friendly
> undecided lurkers out there like Jerry. Hey, my post below might be long,
> but at least it didn't come with a virus!)
>
> Jerry, I'll take a stab at this challenging question because your post
> reminds me of where I was 2-3 yrs ago, and because I want to encourage you
> to try WriteLog.
>
> Many would agree that WriteLog is the top contesting software, and I think
> ALL would agree that it is one of the top 2-3. WriteLog is the
> only Windows
> contesting program of its kind, and it's not really "plagued"
> with any issue
Both true, let me add my vote. I used to use TRLOG but they never came
through on the promise to make a windows version. Now I am glad that they
did not. WriteLog is great with windows and even though it has some issues,
there is no other. The biggest problem is not the program when it supports a
contest. The biggest issue is that there are many contests (mostly small and
not that well attended) that are not supported. TRLOG is easier to set up
for them or configs already exist. OTOH it is often worth it to use WriteLog
anyway, choosing the closest supported contest and perhaps you get the
logging and mult and dup checking done and only need to score manually.
Remember, you do not have to score for most, if you can produce a cabrillo
or adif that is often enough.
> at this time, IMHO. WriteLog can do anything you could imagine at this
> time, and many more things that you can't imagine at this time, based on
> your post. Due to its power, there is a learning curve -
> However, that's no
> reason not to jump in as a relative beginner!
>
> As I've found with most ham reflectors, the chatter concentrates on
> "problems" as perceived by the readership - Many, many times
> these problems
> end up being op error and/or related to equipment and configurations etc.
> Newcomers can sometimes get the opinion that the focus of the
> discussion is
> trash, be it software or a particular rig! We even have a certain
> reflectorite right now that is almost incapable of saying
> anything positive
> about much of anything or anyone, and many have blocked him from
> their email
> program! He attacks the authors and program with insulting remarks, but
> notice that he continues to use the program "because he doesn't have the
> time to write anything better". (Oops, sorry...) Don't let these posts
> fool you - WriteLog is excellent!! Remember the majority are [relatively]
> silent.
>
> You mentioned several other programs, including MMTTY, Digipan,
> and DX4WIN.
> Even if you do not set out initially to do so, you will very soon want to
> interface your rig if the 930 will allow it - That will be true no matter
> which contesting program you choose. Certain aspects of rig control
> (reading/controlling frequency) and rig interfacing (PTT, CW, FSK, AFSK
> including PSK) will be common to the programs you mentioned -
> They all allow
> some of these functions.
>
> Several programs have some "overlap" - If you are primarily a DXer or
> ragchewer, DX4WIN is a premo logging program firstly. If you only make an
> occasional few contest QSOs, it has some functions that help you
> with that.
> It allows rig control/interfacing and has some soundcard
> functions to allow
> transmitting limited modes for the casual digital mode op that
> wants to ONLY
> use his logging program. However, if you end up focusing on
> contesting, you
> want a program that is firstly a contesting program (WriteLog), although
> some also use WriteLog as their general logger. Many of us like
> to do both,
> and we use both DX4WIN and WriteLog - It's simple to export logs from
> WriteLog to ADIF format and into DX4WIN after a contest!
>
I have to disagree here. I think Logic is by far the better general logging
program except that it has a very high learning cure if you want to
customize it. The nice thing is that you can customize it doing almost
anything allowed by the FoxPro language. It also has good integration with
DXTELNET.
> WriteLog will certainly do about anything - SSB contests with voice keyer
> functions, CW, RTTY (FSK and AFSK), PSK31, and also function in an SO2+R
> configuration (2 or more radios!). This makes it great to "grow into" -
> I've used it almost exclusively for RTTY contests until recently when I
> started using it for CW too.
>
> Here's some direct responses to your post:
>
> > Will Writelog work all modes via soundcard or does it just support
> > other softwares that do that?
>
> Yes, all modes via soundcard. And note that's -1- soundcard (almost any
> Windows soundcard) that can be used with 2 radios, 1 on each channel! The
> reason that you're getting confused about MMTTY etc is that Wayne has
> graciously allowed WriteLog to work with other "modems" - Besides
> using the
> WinRtty/Rttyrite soundcard system in WriteLog, it also allows you to use
> existing modems you might have like PK-232, KAM, DXP38 and
> others. It also
> lets you use one of 2 other software/soundcard programs - RITTY/K6STI or
> MMTTY. We all have certain preferences and biases regarding
> which of these
> combinations works best for us under certain conditons. Many of us have
> found MMTTY to be desirable in some situations - Since it's so
> good and the
> most recently accomodated by WriteLog, there has been a lot of discussion
> about it on the reflector. Thus, although WL will allow you to use
> MMTTY/soundcard as your RTTY modem, it's not necessary to do so - The
> built-in WinRtty/soundcard modem is excellent - just ask Don
> (AA5AU) who has
> won more contests than I have hair on my head using the WinRTTY
> modem of WL!
>
> > Does it run clean CW without the use of an interface and will it allow
> > me to use my key?
>
> Yes - I was pleased recently when I first started using WL for CW - It was
> perfect. After making the cables I already had for interfacing RTTY and a
> couple of years of experience under my belt with the program, it
> was trivial
> to hook up for CW! Simply getting in a CW contest with WL allowed me the
> pleasure of some DX last weekend that I thought I'd never hear, e.g.
> Vietnam. I've been missing a lot by mostly staying out of CW contests!
>
CW works very well. IT is BY FAR THE BEST windows CW keyer. Most others have
real problems producing good CW under windows and especially windows 2000
and xp and nt..
> > From what I'm reading here, Writelog seems plagued with software
> > conflicts. Is that the case or is there just a large learning curve
> > associated with its use? Is this a beginners software or a beginners
> > nightmare?
The only conflict I can think of is the lack of support for LPT. A port
driver for LPT would be a great addition. This is an issue only with NT,
2000 and XP versions.
There is a third party driver available but at 29 dollars that is a LOT to
ask one to pay on top of the cost of WriteLog itself.
>
> I've touched on this already - Don't let being a beginner scare you off!
> The sooner you jump in, the sooner you will be moving up the
> learning curve!
> You can start simply without all the interfacing and then grow into using
> more functions as you learn. You will have some of the same
> overall issues
> and learning curve with any powerful logging and/or contesting
> program. The
> www.k9jy.com web site is a great place for beginners to start, and many on
> the reflector will be glad to help you.
>
> > I don't expect you to be all that candid on the reflector...
>
> Oh, we're pretty candid! heh heh
>
> > ( not the place for you to trash and bash anyway ) - No, but
> that hasn't
> stopped a certain individual's bashing... Oops, there I go
> again! Bashing,
> insulting comments aren't appropriate on reflectors in general, but we all
> discuss what we're being challenged with or express our "wish
> list" for what
> we perceive as possible future improvements.
>
> > Otherwise, I would really appreciate any help as I am really confused
> > and concerned after reading some of the threads here.
>
> Although it can be helpful to some extent, jumping into a reflector and
> reading along is a difficult way to get an idea about something like this.
> It might be your only option, but if at all possible, the best way to
> understand the desirability of WriteLog is to see it in action at
> someone's
> station! With a little effort, you can probably find someone close enough
> to arrange a demonstation session - preferably during a contest that the
> demonstrator's not entering seriously so he can talk and show you
> around the
> program.
>
> This is no doubt the longest post I have made on this reflector -
> I hope it
> targets Jerry and more. Now I'll hit the SEND button and wait to see
> whether I'm anywhere close or need to suit up! 73 - John
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> John - WA9ALS - VP5RY
>
> VP5 photos: http://www.qsl.net/wa9als/vp5photos.htm
> email: wa9als@starband.net
> homepage: http://www.qsl.net/wa9als (New - NCJ article)
> logbook: http://www.qsl.net/wa9als/search.htm
>
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