[UK-CONTEST] SD Updated

[Paul O'Kane]

The latest version of SD offers several unique
features to give all contesters an even greater
competitive edge.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/522

RISETIME Command.
    In CW events, with rig-control enabled,
    the RISETIME command gives user-selectable
    values for your waveform rise and fall
    times - from 0.1 to 1 ms.  This helps to
    give a bit of breathing space from adjacent
    signals with excessive key clicks.

RBN Agitator.
    The Reverse Beacon Network spots you when
    youy call TEST or CQ. The only problem is
    that, once you have been spotted, it won't
    happen again until you change frequency.
    The RBNA command toggles your TX frequency
    up and down by 1 kHz whenever you hit the
    F1 key or press Enter in ESM mode.  Used in
    conjunction with a low RISETIME value, you
    are guaranteed a 1 kHz slot, or even more,
    all to yourself - and continuous RBN spots.

    Many SD users would like the option of
    anonymously feeding their own RBN spots
    into the cluster, but I'm not sure how
    to implement it - any hints appreciated.

F12 - Exchange Verification:
    When you're not certain you've copied the
    exchange, log the QSO with F12 instead
    of Enter.  SD does a QRZ.COM lookup to get
    the station's email address and instantly
    sends a message requesting confirmation.
    You'll only need to ask for a repeat when
    there is no QRZ.COM entry, otherwise you
    can make any necessary changes long after
    the contest. This feature is disabled for
    CQWW, as they don't cross-check any part
    of the exchange other than the callsigns.

    With just a few tweaks the RBN will soon
    record all exchanges and do away with the
    need to submit CW logs.  Simply combine
    the RBN files in a single database, then
    extract individual logs with a standard
    query.

CLEAR Command.
    The CLEAR command doubles your mic gain
    and compression settings to give greater
    intelligibility and higher average RF
    output power - with a guarantee of a
    clear channel. It's not always necessary
    so long as your QSO rate is greater than
    240 per hour, but is essential otherwise.

BUSTED Command.
    When activated, any callsign you spot
    will have one or more characters in the
    suffix changed at random.  It's good for
    catching those who don't verify spotted
    calls before logging them, and has the
    added benefit of lumbering the spotted
    station with lots of dupes.  For your
    protection, your callsign and IP address
    are encrypted.

Added Support for SB2R (Single-band, 2 radios).
    Lets you run on two frequencies on the
    same band, with interlocks to prevent
    simultaneous transmission (not permitted
    in the rules).  You'll need to source
    appropriate filters.

Today's Operating Tip - Omnidirectional Gain.
    Split the o/p from your rig to drive four
    amps feeding four separate mono-banders.
    Works just like a 4-square, except louder.
    There's no need to switch.  Back-to-front
    ratio doesn't matter when the only stations
    on your frequency are all calling you.

    Note: it's not cricket to use more than
    one amp in RoPoCo, CC, and other LP
    events.

    _______________________________________


As contesters at the leading edge of comms
technologies, we should be among the first
to adapt to modern  modes.  All technology
is good, and none of it is about to go away.
The idea that contest QSOs need amateur-band
RF only, or indeed any RF, is an old-fashioned
notion that has passed its sell-by date.

With this in mind, what features would you
like to see in the next update of SD?

73,
Paul EI5DI