>Computer logging simply automates the record-keeping process, but does
not
>perform any "radioman-like" functions.
>73, de Hans, K0HB
I respectfully disagree.
Computerized logging may have started out "simply" automating record
keeping, but we all know it does much much more...
Let's make a small list...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic Date and Time logging - No more need to log this information
manually.
Computer to Radio Interface - Now we don't need to indicate which band
or frequency we are operating on...all done for us now.
Antennas Switching - Band change? No problem, let the software choose
the right antenna, no switching necessary.
Rotor Direction Control - Need to turn the antenna to work that needed
multiplier? No problem, the software knows just where to point my
antenna! How convenient.
Band Change Tracking - How many band changes have I made? No problem,
the computer recalls for me...it's OK to change for this one last
multiplier.
Packet Spot Integration - Oh my, JT1 was just spotted on my band. NO
problem, point and click and voila, I can work him quickly now!
Super Check Partial - What was his call, I didn't get the last letter.
Basically guessing the call for you....this one amazes me. How did we
ever allow this? I can't count the number of times this has saved me
from having to ask for a repeat to be sure I REALLY heard it correctly.
Multiplier Checklists - Do I need that Country or Zone? Let's see, the
computer remembers for me. Boy am I skilled operator!
Dupe Checklists - Did I work him before? No problem, my old buddy PC
remembers!
CW Interface to Radio - I love it...record it, confirm it and request
the next Q...all with a button press. What skill I have!
Voice Recorder Interface to Radio - Is my voice tired? No problem, the
computer will call CQ for me all night long, so I can basically fall
asleep at the keyboard until someone answers!
Multiplier Passing (for Multi operations) - Wow, we need that multiplier
for another band. Thanks Mr. PC, you helped our score again! You rock! I
am so skilled!
Scoring and Summaries - How are we doing? Oh, wow, we are way ahead of
last year's score. Thanks to Mr. PC!
Grey Line Charts & Propagation Reports - Where is the band open too now?
No need to use skill here, my trusted PC will tell me exactly when that
rare multipliers grey line falls! I am a skilled DX'er!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Shall I continue...I have lot's more "record keeping" examples!
What skimmer has done for us is opened our eyes to what ALL technology
has done to contesting. For that, we should be grateful. Now let's
properly categorize the technology so that the spirit of competition is
preserved for everyone involved...without leaving people out of the
game.
Or, perhaps we should try going back to operating a contest with NO
PACKET, NO PC, NO SO2R, just like Hans says... "A Boy and his radio".
See how you like contesting without all our "technological
achievements".
Strawmen, RedHerrings...LOL!
David ~ KY1V
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