[CQ-Contest] windows-based contest programs: a question..

[kd4d at comcast.net]

Hi Kelly and everyone else:

The new computers run DOS just fine.  There are two gotchas, though.
(Maybe 2.5!).

1.  The new computers do not support ISA slots, so there is no way to
plug in a DVP card.  TR has limited support for older sound cards, but
it doesn't work with a lot of newer hardware.  So, if you want to
stay DOS-based, an external voice keyer is required.

2.  Newer computers are starting to omit the "legacy" interfaces
(serial and parallel ports).  This is becoming more common on laptops.
For desktops, there are workable PCI-based serial and parallel cards
that work fine under DOS (see for instance www.byterunner.com).
Options for laptops are becoming limited.  I haven't researched
it lately, but DOS drivers were available a few years ago.  Now, if
I could just solve the RF problems... :-)

2.25  There aren't DOS drivers for all of the built-in ethernet ports,
so multiple computer setups will have to be careful in hardware
selection or use serial port networking.  TR-Log doesn't support
ethernet networking anyway...

2.5  If you use the internet to get packet spots, you may need
a Linux or Windows box hanging around to do that. 

So, we've got a few years yet for the DOS loggers.  :-)  So far,
I don't see anything in the newer loggers that I think will
increase my scores.  I am certainly watching N1MM with great
interest however.

73,

Mark, KD4D


> VE4XT wrote:
> --
> I think it's wise to start stockpiling working DOS machines.
> 
> There's enough crap on the operating table and enough stuff to do with two
> hands without having to fight with a friggin' mouse.
> 
> Hopefully the Windows-based logger architects will wake up soon.
> 
> 73, kelly
> ve4xt
> ----
> 
> Have to strongly disagree with you Kelly.  I use Writelog and my
> mouse sits over on the side of the desk the entire contest without
> being used at all....as does my keyer.   Writelog now has a fantastic
> internal program to reassign anything on your keyboard 
> for one touch shortcuts that have enabled me to do away
> with the mouse entirely, even when dealing with bandmaps.
> 
> And the recent WL improvements with voice keying have been
> impressive as well (all my humble opinion obviously.)
> 
> I know it's tough to give up the ole favorite DOS contest
> programs....but the future is clearly not black screen based.
> 
> The future is a multiple screen, multiple windows (and
> maybe multiple computer) operating environment
> that puts the power of your computers and radios
> to work in a contest.
> 
> Years ago, I remember thinking that we were hurting our
> contest hobby by the use of computer generated CW.
> Got over that one pretty fast.....
> 
> 73 Jamie NS3T
> 
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