[UK-CONTEST] IOTA mult-checking, etc

[Chris Tran]

Hello all

I don't know of *any* contest logging software that currently handles the 
IOTA mult checking particularly well.  For example, Writelog tells you if 
the typed-in IOTA reference is a new mult, but the 'Show Multipliers' window 
is dismal - 10 tiny boxes beside the IOTA ref which change to yellow when 
worked - you have to count across 80 SSB, 80 CW, 40 SSB, etc - useless 
because Mult moving decisions have to be made in seconds - while the QSO is 
actually in progress.

WinTest - excellent software which we used in IOTA this year - the 
networking seems to have been fixed, only had one glitch - vaguely like CT 
but colourful and with lots of sophisticated features - but - does not 
handle IOTA Mults well either - it produces a large list of worked mults 
which you have to scroll up/down to find the needed info. Again too slow to 
deliver the info.

DX Cluster - I wish Chris G3SJJ would stop telling us what we can or cannot 
discuss here on this reflector. I subscribe to the school of thought that 
the DX Cluster has 'de-skilled' our contesting (and DXing) to a noticeable 
degree - it's use should be discouraged at every opportunity. Sadly the 
trend seems to be in the opposite direction - I guess because contest 
organisers are unable or unwilling to disqualify those who claim to be 
Unassisted but use the DX Cluster ?

It's worth remembering that many Single-op stations now use a computer 
network - either for separate PCs for some forms of SO2R, or to have a 
'live' backup PC online for the whole contest. Networking is an essential 
feature of any contest logging software.

73
Chris
GM3WOJ