[UK-CONTEST] Software Poll

Sat Nov 3 17:01:14 EST 2007

Interesting Dave. I was a bit concerned about N1MM resynching last 
weekend but it came through fine. The setup here wasn't big multi-op as 
we only had 2 computers but one was switched off for a while and on 
re-booting the resynch was visible and automatic as I could see the log 
updating. Both machines ended up the same Q numbers and score. A far cry 
from NA/CT days!! Saving to 3.5" (whatever happened to metric?) disk, 
renaming, copying, reloading etc!!

What I seem to detect is that most of those who went from CT/NA to 
Writelog probably went on to N1MM, where as many people who have stuck 
with CT and wish to upgrade have moved to WT because of its basic 
similarity to CT.

I used WT last year for a while so that I was familiar with it for CQWW 
CW at G5W, and will be re-learning it again over the next 3 weeks for 
this year's operation but having gone the WL to N1MM route I just didn't 
feel comfortable with what sometimes appeared as "old technology!"

I am pleased to hear the support has improved. At one stage I notified 
them of 4 bugs with Winkey and all four were ignored. I suspected they 
just didn't understand what the problem was. Again on updates I find the 
Download Updates area of the N1MM website very easy to understand. clear 
indication of what had changed when. Hopefully also there is a decent 
manual and Help file now. I seem to recall you had to rely on Wikipedia 
last year. N1MM has excellent and clear Help files.

Steve GW4BLE mentioned about WL upgrades. Bin there Steve! I got the 
impression that the guy just didn't want to be bothered by his customers 
and if you weren't a US diddly mode person you just weren't anything!

The only two weak areas of N1MM I have detected are firstly Mults Worked 
id in IOTA. NA and WL were the best for that. CQWW mult id in N1MM is 
superb. Secondly, error correction in the older CT/NA format, hence WT, 
was easier since you just scrolled up where as in N1MM you Cntrl A/Q to 
scroll. Not quite so intuitive when the log window is positioned 
elsewhere. Other than those I find N1MM easy going and easy to use.

Callum has just reminded me. DVK recording in N1MM is excellent and 
easy, and unlike WT, doesn't transmit when you are re-recording a message!

Can't say about QSLs as (a) I can't hack them and (b) thankfully John 
G3LZQ handles all the G*8D ones.

It is all very subjective though. One person's viande is another 
person's poisson. Each has his own gout.

Chris G3SJJ

Dave Sharred wrote:
> 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
>
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