[WriteLog] Field Day Software Solutions

[Frank Grossman (WB2BXO)]

Yes, I know it's a bit early to think about FD when the temps hover around freezing, but all of us who use logging software know the value of advance planning.  :)

Our club began using logging software on FD three years ago, and vastly improved its results.  A club member wrote an excellent logging database that interfaces with a Web browser, so we could use any computer, as long as it had a network card and a Web browser installed. This year, some of us would like to improve the club's learning experience by exposing members to other contest logging solutions, such as Writelog.

Three questions:

For simplicity, can we avoid networking our operating positions as long as each stations remains on its assigned bands?  i.e  station A;  160-40, Station B; 20-10; Station C; VHF/UHF; Station D; GOTA (different callsign for GOTA),

Second, QSO reporting requirements seem simple, i.e. "a list of stations worked by band/mode during the Field Day period (dupe sheet or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode)," per the 2003 rules.  So, it seems like we would have little problem creating our entry from four or five separate log files after FD.

Third:  Would we introduce any problems if the operator in charge of each station chose to use his or her own favorite logging software, so long as each provides the FD Chairperson with the required alphanumeric list in ASCII format?

As I see it, all we lose by running stand-alone computers, provided each station remains on its assigned bands, is the ability to get a running score for the whole operation in real time.

Thanks for the help!

73,
Frank
WB2BXO