[UK-CONTEST] Software Poll

[Dave Sharred]

Neil

I wasn't going to join the debate; but I too am a WT user and a DX4WIN user.

We chose the former due largely to the robustness of networking; and also
log resynchronisation if you down a networked PC. It seems to be one
programme that will support most of the big events; and fully support
networks, tunnels (for HQ stations in the IARU test for example), full rig
control, and cluster access. We (MD4K ) moved over to WT finally in July
2006; and love it. Oh, and the authors are very responsive to additional
feature requests.

DX4WIN - it supports many label sizes/sheets; and also has a custom feature.
Maybe that is what John was referring to; you could redefine a custom
"label" as a QSL card; I am sure ?  I don't do this, since my printer isn't
really up to the job (the sheet loader is not big enough for a decent batch
of cards), but do use labels extensively.    If you enter your contest logs
into groups (i.e. G3NKC is group 1, G3NKC/P is group 2);  then, if I
selected all QSO's with G3RIR; then It would print all QSO's with G3NKC on
one label (I think you can get 7 QSO's on a standard label; 21 to an A4
sheet);  and all G3NKC/P ones onto a separate label.   In the same way, our
MD4K cards are printed; only my groupings reflect 2 locations we have used
in IOM, with a suitably appended comment in the greetings message field.

Not so many programmes support such features so well, as far as I know.

73

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of G3RIR
Sent: 03 November 2007 13:56
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Software Poll


John et al,

SD and its derivatives are fine if you don't want networking. Ian's (GM3SEK)
point is that only one set of operating keys is the requirement. As I
operate from home in contests and casually and I also operate in contests
such as CQWW with my club where the need to network several radios/pcs is
essential. Hence N1MM.

I used to use DX4WIN but got sold on Logger32 as it is free and is superb in
most respects. However it isn't very good at being able to set local award
schemes. For example it can't handle the Commonwealth award scheme. Can
DX4WIN?

You seem to imply that DX4WIN can handle QSL printing direct to cards for
example. Have I understood correctly. Maybe I should review DX4WIN.

Neil, G3RIR

-----Original Message-----
From: johndunnington [mailto:johndunnington at johndunnington.karoo.co.uk]
Sent: 03 November 2007 13:37
To: G3RIR; uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] Software Poll


Neil G3RIR wrote:-
So the challenge is to find a contest program which is as good as N1MM for
contesting and as good as Logger32 for general station logging. I know there
are quite a few excellent programs in either category but I know of none
which can do both well.

Neil I can endorse your comments but with the following revision..I also use
both after doing the rounds..however I do use SDC as non better for RSGB
Contests when bonus QSO's are involved. Paul's attention to operator data
with minimum keystrokes is legend. QSL management is done using DX4WIN from
currently 10-callsigns. active in my portfolio and I hate generation of
duplicate QSL's on band or modes DX4WIN handles this aspect brilliantly plus
from one QSL card to several hundred print direct to card with no
intermediate messy labels.

Also consider how it handles DXCC (and other awards) which should form part
of the station set up if not used immediately in later life will save hours
of drudgery typing in data.

All good fun but at the end of the day working stations /having QSO's not
administration and station management is the name of the game. To strike a
happy medium is sometimes difficult.

My 10p's worth.

73

John G3LZQ

_______________________________________________
UK-Contest mailing list
UK-Contest at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest