[WriteLog] Automatically avoid calling DUPE stations

Bob Helms af5z@inetport.com
Thu, 21 Dec 2000 19:55:08 -0600


The online help file gives an example using %B within a function
key message to control what happens when the callsign in the CALL
field is a duplicate QSO.

When in search & pounce mode, I avoid accidentally calling a station
that is a dupe by programming my callsign into a function key
message buffer like this:

	%B%BAF5Z 

I make sure there is a space after the last letter of my call so
that if I choose to hit the function key more than once, it calls
the station multiple times with a space between each call.

If I fill in the CALL field in the QSO ENTRY window, then when the
above function key is struck, the screen indicates if the station
is a DUPE, NEW STATION or MULT.  If the call is a dupe, NOTHING
IS SENT!  All other situations result in my callsign being sent.

The down side of this is I can't send my call if the call is
a DUPE.  To work around this, I program a second function key
without the "%B%B" characters so that my call will always be sent.

A beneficial side effect of this is the call is added to the BANDMAP
window.  See my second post about - "Single keystroke additions to 
BANDMAP".

-	-

When tuning during a contest, I fill in the callsign field as soon 
as I can and hit:

	-	SPACE or TAB if the station is in QSO and I'm not
		ready to call.

	-	The function key with the %B%BAF5Z if the time is
		right to call (he's listening).

This technique relieves me of watching the screen for the DUPE
warning and then deciding if I should call the station.  I can
blindly call (or attempt) to call as soon as I fill in the full
callsign without looking at the screen.

-	-

This is likely obvious to many but I hope the idea helps someone.

Merry Christmas,

Bob Helms, AF5Z
af5z@inetport.com


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