[WriteLog] FCVK Tip #1 - .wav File Management & EnhancementSuggestions

[Eric Hilding <dx35@hilding.com>]

FCVK (Full Callsign Voice-Keying) Tip #1 - .wav File Management

If you are planning to use full callsign .wav files for contests other than 
the ARRL SS, I strongly recommend placing these in *separate* .wav file 
sub-directories for each contest...especially on slower computers.

The ideal system would be keep all "generic" .wav files (i.e., individual 
A-Z, 0-9 and SSB "Messages" F-Key stuff) in ONE sub-directory, and have a 
configuration selection option in WriteLog for sub-directory location of 
contest-specific full callsign .wav files.  One of my previous suggestions 
tied to all of this FCVK stuff was to also have WriteLog 
a-u-t-o-m-a-t-i-c-a-l-l-y create and append to a simple .txt file ANY 
callsigns for QSOs where a pre-recorded "FULL callsign.wav" file was not 
found.  This way, after the contest you end up with a "hit list" of NEW 
callsigns to record for next year's event and just add them to the existing 
ones.  Pretty simple, actually.

Hopefully Wayne can incorporate these minor tweaks because it will really 
save a lot of time over the long haul.

Since many callsigns found in the ARRL Phone SS will also end up in other 
"Domestic" contests, you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary/redundant 
recording by "Managing" fullcallsign.wav file names in FileMaker or another 
Database program.  Perhaps one of the programming Gurus could whip together 
a simple standalone .exe file to handle this specific task, since only 
several fields would be required (callsign, contest name/type, etc.).

One additional WL tweak which would be helpful is a "Hot Key" to instantly 
turn ON/OFF (toggle) full callsign.wav functionality if desired for any 
reason.  An Ultra whiz-bang enhancement would be for a colored light (i.e., 
circle, rectangle, whatever) to immediately display or flash on the screen 
within or just above the call entry window *IF* no pre-recorded full 
callsign.wav file were found, and *IF* one did not want to use individual 
A-Z/0-9 .wav file Robotic sounds so that a regular mike voice could be 
used.  This would be somewhat self-defeating in terms of full automation, 
however *could* be desirable to eliminate as much Robotic-ness as 
possible.  So another "Hot Key" ON/OFF toggle or "momentary switch" to 
ditch A-Z/0-9 .wav file use would provide another operational option.

IMHO, "Options" are good :-)  Of course, some will still not understand 
what this is all about, but that's OK.

73...

Rick, K6VVA



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