[CQ-Contest] Flex Radio Question

[Jack Haverty.]

On Thu, May 8, 2014 at 9:49 AM, Ward Silver <hwardsil at gmail.com> wrote:

> My question is...what comes next?


Always happy to help stir...

I'd like to see a different app for each type of activity, with a user
interface designed specifically for that particular activity.   Software is
by its nature like that - use the same hardware with different software to
do different things.

For example, in contesting I use N1MM now as my primary user interface.
You can already use arrow keys instead of a knob for tuning to the "next"
signal.   Use a touchpanel instead of a mouse. Integrate the "bandmap" with
a panadapter and waterfall display for each signal, so you could see each
signal right now, as well as its recent history, and "rewind/playback" by a
single touch.   The software could automatically and continuously isolate
each separate signal (much as Skimmer already does), so that "tuning" would
be jumping from signal to signal rather than just changing frequency.
Make the various filters automatically engage to achieve maximum
copyability.  Have the software integrate the information from your contest
log, so that it knows what stations you've already worked, and which
unworked stations are worth more points for you right now.      Use a
database of "signatures" of stations you've worked in previous contests to
identify specific stations, without ever hearing their callsign.   Present
the information to the operator with an integrated view of all contest
bands at the same time, so that the information is available to quickly
decide where to focus your activity.

Most of this already exists, but not all in one place...

When the contest is over, switch to your DXing app, or EME app, or JT65
app, or ragchewing app, or ....

73,
/Jack de K3FIV