[WriteLog] Curious?? (long)

[WA9ALS - John]

(I'm sending this to the reflector in case there are other friendly
undecided lurkers out there like Jerry.  Hey, my post below might be long,
but at least it didn't come with a virus!)

Jerry, I'll take a stab at this challenging question because your post
reminds me of where I was 2-3 yrs ago, and because I want to encourage you
to try WriteLog.

Many would agree that WriteLog is the top contesting software, and I think
ALL would agree that it is one of the top 2-3.  WriteLog is the only Windows
contesting program of its kind, and it's not really "plagued" with any issue
at this time, IMHO.  WriteLog can do anything you could imagine at this
time, and many more things that you can't imagine at this time, based on
your post.  Due to its power, there is a learning curve - However, that's no
reason not to jump in as a relative beginner!

As I've found with most ham reflectors, the chatter concentrates on
"problems" as perceived by the readership - Many, many times these problems
end up being op error and/or related to equipment and configurations etc.
Newcomers can sometimes get the opinion that the focus of the discussion is
trash, be it software or a particular rig!  We even have a certain
reflectorite right now that is almost incapable of saying anything positive
about much of anything or anyone, and many have blocked him from their email
program!  He attacks the authors and program with insulting remarks, but
notice that he continues to use the program "because he doesn't have the
time to write anything better".  (Oops, sorry...)  Don't let these posts
fool you - WriteLog is excellent!!  Remember the majority are [relatively]
silent.

You mentioned several other programs, including MMTTY, Digipan, and DX4WIN.
Even if you do not set out initially to do so, you will very soon want to
interface your rig if the 930 will allow it - That will be true no matter
which contesting program you choose.  Certain aspects of rig control
(reading/controlling frequency) and rig interfacing (PTT, CW, FSK, AFSK
including PSK) will be common to the programs you mentioned - They all allow
some of these functions.

Several programs have some "overlap" - If you are primarily a DXer or
ragchewer, DX4WIN is a premo logging program firstly.  If you only make an
occasional few contest QSOs, it has some functions that help you with that.
It allows rig control/interfacing and has some soundcard functions to allow
transmitting limited modes for the casual digital mode op that wants to ONLY
use his logging program.  However, if you end up focusing on contesting, you
want a program that is firstly a contesting program (WriteLog), although
some also use WriteLog as their general logger.  Many of us like to do both,
and we use both DX4WIN and WriteLog - It's simple to export logs from
WriteLog to ADIF format and into DX4WIN after a contest!

WriteLog will certainly do about anything - SSB contests with voice keyer
functions, CW, RTTY (FSK and AFSK), PSK31, and also function in an SO2+R
configuration (2 or more radios!).  This makes it great to "grow into" -
I've used it almost exclusively for RTTY contests until recently when I
started using it for CW too.

Here's some direct responses to your post:

> Will Writelog work all modes via soundcard or does it just support
> other softwares that do that?

Yes, all modes via soundcard.  And note that's -1- soundcard (almost any
Windows soundcard) that can be used with 2 radios, 1 on each channel!  The
reason that you're getting confused about MMTTY etc is that Wayne has
graciously allowed WriteLog to work with other "modems" - Besides using the
WinRtty/Rttyrite soundcard system in WriteLog, it also allows you to use
existing modems you might have like PK-232, KAM, DXP38 and others.  It also
lets you use one of 2 other software/soundcard programs - RITTY/K6STI or
MMTTY.  We all have certain preferences and biases regarding which of these
combinations works best for us under certain conditons.  Many of us have
found MMTTY to be desirable in some situations - Since it's so good and the
most recently accomodated by WriteLog, there has been a lot of discussion
about it on the reflector.  Thus, although WL will allow you to use
MMTTY/soundcard as your RTTY modem, it's not necessary to do so - The
built-in WinRtty/soundcard modem is excellent - just ask Don (AA5AU) who has
won more contests than I have hair on my head using the WinRTTY modem of WL!

> Does it run clean CW without the use of an interface and will it allow
> me to use my key?

Yes - I was pleased recently when I first started using WL for CW - It was
perfect.  After making the cables I already had for interfacing RTTY and a
couple of years of experience under my belt with the program, it was trivial
to hook up for CW!  Simply getting in a CW contest with WL allowed me the
pleasure of some DX last weekend that I thought I'd never hear, e.g.
Vietnam.  I've been missing a lot by mostly staying out of CW contests!

> From what I'm reading here,  Writelog seems plagued with software
> conflicts.  Is that the case or is there just a large learning curve
> associated with its use?  Is this a beginners software or a beginners
> nightmare?

I've touched on this already - Don't let being a beginner scare you off!
The sooner you jump in, the sooner you will be moving up the learning curve!
You can start simply without all the interfacing and then grow into using
more functions as you learn.  You will have some of the same overall issues
and learning curve with any powerful logging and/or contesting program.  The
www.k9jy.com web site is a great place for beginners to start, and many on
the reflector will be glad to help you.

> I don't expect you to be all that candid on the reflector...

Oh, we're pretty candid!  heh heh

> ( not the  place for you to trash and bash anyway ) - No, but that hasn't
stopped a certain individual's bashing...  Oops, there I go again!  Bashing,
insulting comments aren't appropriate on reflectors in general, but we all
discuss what we're being challenged with or express our "wish list" for what
we perceive as possible future improvements.

> Otherwise,  I would really appreciate any help as I am really confused
> and concerned after reading some of the threads here.

Although it can be helpful to some extent, jumping into a reflector and
reading along is a difficult way to get an idea about something like this.
It might be your only option, but if at all possible, the best way to
understand the desirability of WriteLog is to see it in action at someone's
station!  With a little effort, you can probably find someone close enough
to arrange a demonstation session - preferably during a contest that the
demonstrator's not entering seriously so he can talk and show you around the
program.

This is no doubt the longest post I have made on this reflector - I hope it
targets Jerry and more.  Now I'll hit the SEND button and wait to see
whether I'm anywhere close or need to suit up!  73 - John
------------------------------------------------------------
John - WA9ALS - VP5RY

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