[UK-CONTEST] Contesting - What's the point?

[G3SJJ]

Yes but not SD on this Reflector!!

Yes, I am the same. I was reluctant to leave Turbolog for Logger32 for 
general logging but soon realised how good Logger32 was, despite a few 
shortcomings which I also ignore. Same when I decided to move from NA, 
sure it didn't score RSGB things and sure it didn't support IOTA 
initially, but I had been comfortable with it for several years and 
sticking a .log file into Excel to score it was no big deal. Writelog 
was a real challenge made more difficult by lack of support, the manual 
was good for finding out things it didn't tell you and then we had the 
big network problem at GU8D last year, only to find out the writer 
already new about it! I looked around and re-discovered N1MM. The team 
support for updates, corrections etc is fantastic and it certainly is so 
easy to use. I just love the challenge of learning ESM technique.

The main thing when choosing a logging program for me is will it do what 
I want it to do, rather than what the writer wants me to do! N1MM 
handles networking very efficiently and robustly, so taking last weekend 
for example. I had three choices 1) A multi-op entry with a new 
contester I am mentoring, 2) A single op serious entry or C) Make a few 
QSOs to try out the 40m phased array late on Sunday morning.  As it 
happens, the choice had to be C, but for A or B I would not have wanted 
to face the choice of a selecting a program which does support 
networking or switch to a program that doesn't support networking. That 
doesn't make sense.

Whilst we are making confessions, I have to say I have used the mouse a 
few times with N1MM, something I am very reluctant to do. Adjusting 
radio controls, using the keyboard and, in a CW contest, using the 
external keyer paddles is enough. I am still in the beginner stage with 
ESM so firstly the ability to see what the next F Key message will be by 
looking at the simulated F key pad on the screen really helps, and then 
if you have got out of sequence by sending say the exchange on the 
external keyer, you can grab the mouse and click on Log It, rather than 
sending the wrong message. Hopefully as I get more proficient I will be 
less reliant on the mouse and stuff back underneath the plinth were it 
belongs in a contest!

OK on the Star project. well I'm still almost (!) enjoying my retro 
days. The Drake R4B is stripped down, I just need to remember where the 
wires from the PTO and Xtal switch pack go, and then I will start 
re-assembling the front panel.

Chris G3SJJ


Bob Henderson wrote:

>Ah well Chris, I think every contest logger I've ever used deserves
>criticism for one shortcoming or another.  I find inertia to be the biggest
>problem.  I really need to work hard to switch from one logger to another.
>Consequently, shortcomings tend to be tolerated, even if I grumble about
>them occasionally ;-)
>
>BTW my home-built Star DSP tranceiver officially hit the airwaves last
>night.  I actually felt inspired to attach a microphone.  Don't tell anyone
>though.
>
>Bob, 5B4AGN
>
>  
>
>>Agreed Bob, but be careful never, ever, ever to criticise SD on this
>>Reflector!!!
>>
>>Mind you it does generate a big pile-up including GUs!!
>>
>>Chris G3SJJ
>>    
>>
>
>
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