[TenTec] Advantages of computer control for s DX'er - N9DG's VHF+ lineup

[Bill Tippett]

         Lee, most of the examples you cited are DX-ing,
and mainly Packet-assisted DX-ing at that, not contesting.
We don't need to start a discussion on Packet DX-ing, but
I want to focus on the question in your original post which
was contesting.

         The NCJ Sprint is the ultimate example of agile
contesting, and is considered by many to be the most
challenging contest in existence.  Here's the QSY rule:

Special QSY Rule: If any station solicits a call (by sending CQ, QRZ?, 
"going up 5 kHz," or any other means of soliciting a response, including 
completion of a QSO where the frequency was inherited), they are permitted 
to work only one station in response to that solicitation. They must 
thereafter move at least 1 kHz before calling another station, or at least 
5 kHz before soliciting other calls. Once a station is required to QSY, 
that station is not allowed to make another QSO on the vacated frequency 
until or unless at least one subsequent QSO is made on a new frequency.

Top stations have achieved 400 CW QSO's in this 4 hour
contest, which does not allow running on one frequency.
I can't begin to imagine doing this contest only from
only a computer display with a mouse and keyboard.  I
think I would need an extra set of hands to try to
simultaneously tune the VFO (2 if SO2R) and enter
data into the logging routine, all on the same computer.

         Your examples of quick band changes are already
done with band decoders driven by the radio.  Note that
Orion can assign a different antenna for 10 bands.  That
plus quick-tune amplifiers like Alpha allow instant QSY
without the need for any computer interface.  Your
example of RFGAIN/AGC Threshold integration WAS a
good one...until Ten-Tec integrated it all into the RFGAIN
control.  Again, why mess with a mouse and slider when
a simple knob twist will do what you need?

         In my opinion, the most frequently used controls,
such as VFO, BW, AF/RF Gain will always be directly
accessible from the radio.  This is also why such functions
as driving a car, flying a plane, etc will always be optimized
for human interface, which a computer interface cannot do
(unless you replicate knobs, joysticks, foot pedals, etc...
which are simply replicating the human interface model
that has been time-tested).

         Many of the things you cited are certainly nice,
but why use a mouse/slider to change DSP BW when
it is an instantly accessible knob?  If a frequently used
control is too difficult to access (such as Orion's AGC
was PRIOR to 1.372), that just indicates the manufacturer
has more homework to do.  Band-aid fixes via computer
interfaces are not a substitute for good human ergonomic
controls.

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV