[TenTec] field day from hell

[Ken Brown]

Hi Jerry,

I use CT by K1EA Contest Logging Program when I operate in contests. I 
do not have to keep a paper log and a paper dupe sheet, and when the 
contest is over the score calculation and prepartation of the log for 
submission is much less work. I still have to copy the CW callsigns and 
other contest exchange information. Sending is mostly done using the 'F' 
keys on the computor with occasional fills and repeats from the keyer 
paddle. This is nearly the same as if I were using a memory keyer. The 
only significant difference is that when I have the other station's 
callsign typed into the computor I can sent that with a push of the "F4" 
key. There is still quite a bit of operator skill necessary to make the 
QSOs, and what is more important it is still a lot of fun, without the 
drugery of the paper log preparation after the contest.

As for having the computer do the CW copying, I have not seen a copying 
machine or program that could come close to the capability of a human 
processor for sorting out and copying a signal in a crowded contest 
pileup. Maybe someday the technology will evolve to that point (maybe it 
already has, and I'm just not aware of it). I agree that that would take 
the fun out of it. But then just because the technology exists, does not 
mean we have to use it. We could still do it the way that is most fun 
for us. For me using a computer to log does not detract form my 
enjoyment of CW contesting, in fact I believe that it enhances my 
enjoyment. I do not think that it detracts from the enjoyment of other 
operators who may choose to use a paper log, as it sounds virtually the 
same on the air. Maybe fewer mistakes and less sloppy sending. Is it an 
unfair advantage towards a high score? I don't know. Maybe there should 
be a separate catagory for paper loggers. The final score is not so 
important to me as the enjoyment of operating.

Ken N6KB

 Johnson, electrical engineer wrote:

>At that point, why not have the computer copy, then the operator can
>take a long siesta and wander back to see how the contest went. Where's
>the OPERATOR SKILL in that? Like a local no code Extra who claims 100
>countries on CW but can't copy CW in the real world. Just spent the
>right money on computer software and computer controlled radios.
>
>The local logging software produced by ISU students hasn't been nearly
>so sophisticated and often takes more time to log than to make the
>contact, sometimes two or three times longer to log than to make
>contests. I ran much better scores on paper logs in the past. Besides I
>don't copy to keyboard nearly as fast or accurately as to paper.
>
>73, Jerry, K0CQ
>
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