[UK-CONTEST] Turbolog 4

[Cooper, Stewart]

I go through a phase every few months, where I promise myself I will replace Turbolog. I might give this Logger a go (as it's free and I agree with Ian's thoughts on support totally having been in that business myself). I have nearly always used different software for contesting and day-to-day logging. I started computer logging when I wrote my own software for a Vic20 back in the early 80's. I then wrote a logging program for the Mac. I started using Turbolog in 1994 and it was great. I'm still using it. I use a separate PC for contest logging and day-to-day logging having used (I think it was called ) MacLogger in the 80's and then CT from about 1993, and now WinTest (it's good and it's Windows - hard to imagine, but true). And then I have a laptop which I can take on GM4AFF/P expeds.
My problem comes from the fact that the logging tasks which I find onorous are not actually logging the calls, it's the crap that follows. I try to import all my contest logs into Turbolog on a regular basis. I haven't done this at all this year. Then I have to create a load script which I use to upload my calls to the on-line log on my web-site. My QSL manager uses this to update QSL records securely - it's a great (and perhaps unique?) system, and means we both have access to the same information at any time. And then the contest entries have to be exported in Cabrillo, or for 70MHz stuff, in the RSGB data format.
And then along came LOTW... And that requires yet another transfer of data. I have seriously considered moving my entire log onto a web application that actually resides on the web. I could then build in automatic ADIF export for LOTW, etc, etc. But then the web would let me down when it really mattered, as it always doesjhOASHJnc\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\....

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Ian White
G/GM3SEK
Sent: 25 August 2005 09:03
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Turbolog 4


Clive Whelan wrote:
>For the mainstream contest operator, who just wants a repository
>database for all QSOs( QSLs?-ugh), there is no reason NOT to use Logger
>32.
>
>To those who think there are no free lunches, tuck in!
>
>
It's not just about being free. Much more important, you may find that
the free software is BETTER than a paid-for product that is inadequately
supported.

I am willing to pay for good software, but have abandoned two commercial
logging products part-way through their licence terms because of poor
support and/or broken promises. I'm now using N1MM for both DXing and
contesting - not because it's free, but because it's better software
with a very active support team.


This raises a slightly separate point: should we be using different
software for contesting and for Monday-Friday DXing?

IMO there are a lot of advantages in using the contesting software the
whole week round. It saves having to learn a whole different set of
keystrokes, and reinforces the right set of snap reactions. Because you
can tweak the configuration at leisure, it also helps to avoid the
"Friday night config panic".

The downside is that contest software has little or no support for
QSLing and award tracking... but those are off-line activities that can
be done somewhere else, with different software.

Comments?


--
73 from Ian G/GM3SEK
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