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Re: [WriteLog] Writelog for general logging?

To: writelog@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Writelog for general logging?
From: Michael Armstrong <armstrmj@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:55:49 -0700
List-post: <writelog@contesting.com">mailto:writelog@contesting.com>
Well, to be totally honest guys, I normally export my writelog contents at the end of that particular contest and import it to my normal daily logging program...... From there I do the LOTW thing because it does what I mentioned earlier and flags the QSOs for LOTW sent or not. So I tell the "daily" logging program to export the LOTW qsos that haven't been flagged as sent and then tell it to flag them as sent at the same time.

So that keeps me up to date with LOTW without having to use date ranges and the like. It IS a really good point, given the recent LOTW issues with delayed processing after major contests, that there should be a facility that flags LOTW sent (or something of that nature) in writelog so that ENTIRE logs aren't uploaded again and again and again. However, I am not really sure that is a truly valid issue since a contest log, for any particular contest, should contain only those qsos from that particular contest only, right? If so, then uploading a contest log to LOTW should only contain the qsos from that ONE contest. So no issue........

Unless I am missing something here...... or is it that the "subject line" above is the operative point..... Someone is trying to use writelog for general logging chores. I don't think I would recommend that, personally, because so many features, in the generic logging software, are missing in writelog..... which is the way it should be to speed up the program and not have all those unnecessary functions hogging memory during a contest.

Hope that wasn't too long. BTW, I am switching from Logger 32 (a VERY good logging program) to a commercial one that I paid for recently. The commercial one has some features I find particularly useful and they aren't likely to be written into Logger32 any time soon because, quite frankly, they wouldn't be of interest to the vast majority of hams..... just me.... LOL. Anyway, I find the LOTW export functions and the importing of logs from Writelog into Logger 32 to be flawless..... In case anyone was wondering what I was using and how easy/difficult it was to switch between the two programs (Logger 32 and Writelog).

Mike AB7ZU

On 2/28/2013 8:20 AM, Jay WS7I wrote:
Well I just log my own callsign at the time I send to LOTW. So I just use writelog's find call and select the dates in between.

Jay WS7I

On 2/27/2013 6:28 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

I agree this is a cumbersome process and would hope a fix could be
provided so WL can export the date ranges itself rather than have to
produce the entire adif and then hone it down further outside of WL.

It could be something as simple as storing the date/time of the last
exported QSO in each log and then not exporting anything prior to
that unless the user confirmed an "override":  "You have already
signed the QSOs before YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM for LotW.  Are you sure?"
(for "General DXCC Tracking Log")  or "You have already signed this
log.  Are you sure?" (for a specific contest log).

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2/27/2013 9:14 PM, Gary AL9A wrote:
Frank,

Yes, I've seen that work around mentioned on the reflectors before.  It
will work, provided the pilot is as conscientious as you and makes note
of the start and end dates to be uploaded each time.  I agree this is a
cumbersome process and would hope a fix could be provided so WL can
export the date ranges itself rather than have to produce the entire
adif and then hone it down further outside of WL.  Many opportunities
for something to go wrong or for inexperienced/lazy pilots to just
upload the whole shooting match each time!

73,
Gary AL9A


----- Original Message ----- From: "Frank Fallon" <n2ff@optonline.net>
To: <writelog@contesting.com>
Sent: February 27, 2013 3:12 PM
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Writelog for general logging?


Good point, Gary.

 But there is another alternative which avoids downloading another
logging program.  It's a little bit more cumbersome, but I solve the
problem by having Writelog export my general DX log as an ADIF file to
a folder I named "LOTW" and then I call up TQSL and ask it to sign the
entire file. At a point in the process I then have the ability to
specify start and end dates.  Using that feature enables me to send a
much smaller file.  Yes, it takes more time but avoids using another
logging program.  Yes, It certain would be great if the date range
features was directly available in Writelog.  (hint hint nudge nudge).

Frank...N2FF....


On 2/5/2013 5:02 AM, Gary AL9A wrote:
There is a problem with using the both the DXpedition mode and
General DXCC tracking log keeper and exporting to LOTW from these
modules. Whenever you do a File/Export/Trusted QSL file... you are
exporting the ENTIRE log to LOTW, not just the latest QSOs. Unlike a
true general logger, WriteLog's various modules lack the ability to
select just some QSOs in the log by specifying a range of dates to be
included in the upload.  This is not a problem for uploading a
contest log as you do want to upload the entire record. But...

If your log is small this is not a big problem.  However, if your log
contains thousands of QSOs you are needlessly uploading thousands of
duplicate transactions to LOTW with each update. This is an enormous
waste of LOTW computer resources and needlessly causes delays for the
entire LOTW community.  A far better approach would be to find a good
general purpose logger, either a freebee from the internet, or a low
cost product that offers the features necessary to control which of
your log records are going to be uploaded to LOTW.  The DXLabs suite
at http://www.dxlabsuite.com/ comes to mind as it is a powerful
package that is free for the asking.

If you have need of a general logger and want to use one of the
WriteLog modules fine.  Just be a considerate amateur and don't
utilize the LOTW upload directly from these modules. Instead find
another way to create a tq8 file that contains only the few new QSOs
that you need to upload.

73,
Gary AL9A



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_______________________________________________
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/writelog
WriteLog on the web:  http://www.writelog.com/

_______________________________________________
WriteLog mailing list
WriteLog@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/writelog
WriteLog on the web:  http://www.writelog.com/

_______________________________________________
WriteLog mailing list
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/writelog
WriteLog on the web:  http://www.writelog.com/

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