"Alternative mode" is a little kinder to those of us who have over 30 years
of contesting experience under our belts and can even run at 200+ an hour in
contests with more challenging exchanges using CT format. For example, 59(9)
2578 EU114 in the upcoming IOTA Contest. G3SJJ
Op at GU8D EU114 IOTA Contest (1996 to 2005).
Five times winner RSGB AFS CW Contest.
Team member Lichfield ARC, leading UK contest group.
Winner of numerous other contests.
Member First Class CW Operators Club
Team member GB5HQ IARU Contest 2003-5
Chairman RSGB HF Contests Committee for 1994-2000
-----Original Message-----
From: writelog-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:writelog-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Eric Hilding
Sent: 11 July 2005 09:12
To: writelog@contesting.com
Cc: k5dj@writelog.com
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] WL S&P plus Run modes?
Dennis, K5YA, wrote:
> Recently there has been another series of emails, asking for Run mode,
> and a separate S&P mode to be included in Writelog.
Being a participant rather than a spectator in this issue, I'd like to
suggest the term "Advanced CW Mode" (or something similar) to encompass a
number of these related highly desired functionalities in WL...perhaps
controlled on/off by one line in the .ini file like:
AdvancedCWMode = on (or yes)
This should quench the fears of those who want to keep things status quo if
desired. Other requested features can also be similarly turned on/off by
inserting lines in the .ini like:
StartSendingCWAtCharacter = 4 (or 5, etc.)
... although the most whiz-bang arrangement would be a separate "Advanced
CW Mode" dialog box available from a pull-down menu with simple checkboxes,
radio buttons & fields, etc.
> Along with adding a S&P Mode, that operates with the Enter key, as the
> existing Run mode does in the "Enter sends exch/QRZ", WL needs to
> minimize the key strokes required for the CW contest operator.
>
> "Enter sends exch/QRZ" has the following problems:
>
> 1. After a call is entered, and the exchange is sent using "enter", the
> cursor needs to move to the next field that an entry will be made in.
> Or, it needs to be made an option, for those who prefer to keep the
> cursor in the call field in case a correction needs to be made. I
> prefer to move automatically to the next field, instead of hitting the
> space bar several thousand times during a contest.
My suggestion piggy-backs on the previous request to widen the "Free Form"
field, as this is an extremely important option for those who prefer to NOT
deal with any separate fields other than one Callsign field and one
Exchange line (which can also be used for call corrections without having
to screw around with tabbing around the screen).
In a WL "Advanced CW Mode" configuration turned ON, the "Tab" key *could*
be used as an instant toggle between S&P and Run modes (just as in
TR). One of the highly efficient functions in TR is that if you are in S&P
mode, all you have to do is press the space bar or Enter key and YOUR call
gets sent. If you are in Run (a/k/a CQ) mode, pressing ENTER sends
CQ. Very, very efficient.
IMHO, entries in the .ini file (or special ACM - Advanced CW Mode) could
also establish the desired "behavior" of the 'send QRZ message' DEPENDING
UPON whether you are in Run or S&P mode):
ACMSPModeQRZSend = Shift+F10 (Sends the contents of Shift+F10 in S&P
Mode)
ACMRunModeQRZSend = F10 (Sends the contents of F10 in Run Mode) ... or
F3
... or whatever
> 3. I keep my fingers on the keyboard as much as possible during
> running. I use a keyboard with a Mouse wheel to tune the receiver for
> off frequency callers.
In TR, with Kenwood Radios, while in Run (CQ) mode, I can tune the RIT with
the Left & Right SHIFT keys on the keyboard, and also with my feet via an
X-Keys PS/2 or USB version Footswitch (it has 3 pedals). Anything that
helps reduce the need to remove fingers and hands from the keyboard is
efficiency-in-action. By mistake I discovered that the same Left-Right
SHIFT keys will tune the regular TXRX Main VFO (not RIT) when in S&P mode,
which is absolutely fantastic!!! Adding these types of abililties
(although it might require a key other than SHIFT in WL), could also be
controlled via an ACM dialog box (preferred) or lines in the .ini file like:
ACMTuneRITWithShiftKeyInRunMode = yes
ACMTuneVFOWithShiftKeyInSPMode = yes
> There needs to be a way to return the receiver
> to the CQ frequency when the next CQ is iniatated. I do it now by
> hitting the F12 key (return to 0.0 KHz). We need a % command to place
> in the CQ message to do this automatically.
Dennis has hit the nail on the head with this one too...it's a desperately
needed function (especially for high-rate RUN stations).
Before folks scream "leave things the way they are", I suggest ALL the
enhancements we have been discussing should be left "OFF" in a basic WL
installation, and available as options to be turned "ON" by Advanced CW
Operators.
Tnx & 73...
Rick, K6VVA
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