de K8CC:
Concerning serial numbers in multi-computer NA networks, perhaps an
explanation about how the networking works will help to explain what was
seen during the IOTA contest.
When a QSO is logged, the information is is passed around from computer to
computer via COM ports. There are certain circumstances where NA does not
check the COM port for network data. This includes when most of the pop-up
windows are open, such as the notepad, multiplier (Alt-M), etc., but also
when you have moved back in the log to view or edit a prior QSO (i.e., the
cursor is not on the bottom line of the logging window). In this case, the
QSO data is not lost because NA's COM port handler is still receiving data
from the port and queueing it up in a buffer. The buffer is big enough to
hold 30 or so QSOs so you're not likely to lose anything while working for
a few moments in a pop-up window or going back to fix a QSO. However, if
you leave the computer in this condition and get up for a break, you're
likely to lose QSOs.
It should also be noted that there is no "reservation" of a QSO number.
The QSO number is not "assigned" to the QSO until the QSO is logged. Some
of us who operate the ARRL Section Sweepstakes multi-op here in the USA
have wished for the capability to reserve a QSO number on the "second" or
"mult" station. However, this creates a number of problems, most notably
what to do with the number if the QSO is not completed for some reason.
Some users simply log a dupe QSO, then go back and edit it with the
corrected data. G3SJJ's suggestion of using the number two QSOs ahead is
an even better idea. In either case, the bottom line is that there must be
coordination between the run and mult ops or run the risk of falling out of
sync.
73,
Dave/K8CC
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