[UK-CONTEST] RSGB Cabrillo update/ Serial numbers

[Bob Henderson]

Chris Tran GM3WOJ wrote:

> Sorry to disagree with you, Tim, but this may not be correct.  For
example,
> both CT and WL do not support issuing serial numbers properly

Really?  I've used both and never seen this problem other than in multi
station set-ups.

> - in fact most contest
> software still seems to have a problem with serial numbers, especially if
> you are
> using more than 1 PC on a network, which you might wish to do for SO2R in
> some of the above
> contests, or in IOTA with its 'Multi-single' category.

As you point out most (maybe all) contest software seems to struggle with
serial numbers when using networked machines.  There are problems with the
dynamics of serial number allocation which are easy to understand:  Machine
A is on the run rig making Qs at 3 per minute when machine B rig calls a
multiplier.  At this point machine B lifts the next available serial number
and A continues running.  After several calls the mult does not respond to
machine B station.  The problem now is that the s/n is unused and the run
station is now probably 10 ahead. This clearly is a problem but it has
absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Cabrillo.

> I'm guessing that once the contest calendar is finalised, the HFCC  might
> approach some of the software writers and organise the creation of
'modules'
> for the
> specific RSGB contests - I don't think this is a big deal for the writers,
> if we take
> Writelog as an example it seems to support lots of 'smaller' contests.

I can't comment on other S/W but Writelog does supply a tool set and support
which will allow Visual C++ programmers to produce the appropriate modules
for RSGB contests.  Any good C++ folks out there with some time to spare?

>
> By the way, I still think Writelog is no good for high-rate CW contesting,
> because of the poor callsign/zone entry method, and the problem of not
being
> able
> to edit a callsign while it's being sent (apart from maybe the last 1 or 2
> letters) -
> I must be alone in this criticism ! (With good old CT, you can correct as
> much
> of the callsign as you like, if you can type fast enough)

An interesting one Chris.  I have never noticed this problem and I
frequently have 6 minute rates well above 300.  I suspect this might be due
to a difference in approach.  From what you say I guess you are a competent
typist, whereas I am a lifetime member of the hunt and peck school.  As a
result of my own ineptitude I have never tried to perform extensive edits on
a call after I have pressed the key to commence an exchange.  I am filled
with awe that such a thing might be possible though I'm less than sure it
really is necessary.  On the occasions I enter and therefore send a call
incorrectly I correct it while logging the exchange and Writelog
automatically sends the correction before my qso terminator.  From my
perspective this doesn't do much to depress my rate but maybe if I could
type I would think differently.

73

Bob 5B4AGN, P3F, G3ZEM