[WriteLog] 1 pix > 1000 words

[K6VVA - KP2CW]

I've re-threaded my most recent post about SSB messages, and appreciated 
the responses.

Several previous direct emails about my overall "Crusade" for a higher 
percentage of NON-Robotic alternative voice-keying confirmed that there are 
indeed a few on the planet who have actually grasped the concept of what 
this is all about.

Suggestion:   Look at the following pix & then come back and "let's talk":

	http://www.k6vva.com/lcmcc

After returning from Visalia on Sunday, once again my voice went out due to 
a weird form of Laryngitis, which is what prompted the whole issue of going 
beyond-robotic-voice-keying when I couldn't speak for almost the whole 
month of December, and couldn't operate SSB in the 10m contest.  Had the SS 
been this coming weekend, I would be screwed.

As I've said before, this is NOT for everyone...it is:

1. For those who, for whatever reason (cold, flu, Laryngitis or whatever), 
still want to operate an SSB contest WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK, and yet do 
NOT want to sound like a #&^! "robot" with callsigns & serial numbers.

2. For those who want to bride the gap between #&^! "robotism" and fully 
automated voice-keying until the real whiz bang super-technology can be 
cost effectively implement in the Ham Contesting realm.

3. For those want to substantially reduce operator fatigue in SSB contests, 
while at-the-same-time improve efficiency...and NOT wear out their voices.

4. For those who recognize the benefits of pushing ONE Macro Button for a 
myriad of functions instead of "ALT + Somekey, CTRL + Somekey, etc.), and 
do NOT want to clog up your computer with TSR's or other WinDOZE 
Gremlins.  These Macros work completely INDEPENDENTLY.  On CW, specific CW 
messages can be programmed directly into the keys and NO software "message" 
spaces are needed.  Changing bands, changing rigs, etc. can all be done 
with ONE BUTTON...color coded for type of functionality.  The Macro keys 
can be instantly re-programmed.  Velcro'd at an angle above the keyboard, I 
can quickly substitute pre-programmed key strips for different contests in 
seconds.

4. For those who want to venture into the realm of more 
Automation-Automation-Automation in general.

Until you've been unable to speak and desire to work an SSB contest, what 
this is all about probably won't register with you.  That's OK.

I Beta Tested v1.0 (partial functionality) as KP2CW in the ARRL CW DX 
Contest.  Notwithstanding my "Operator QLF" since this was the 1st major 
contest I had done in 30 years, I could NOT have made the 4,600 QSOs I did 
without it, because I was in a fog most of the time due to sleep 
deprivation even before the contest started.

The need for separate keys for MORE than "10" SSB messages was born out of 
past experience in the SS ... and to do more "Automation" ... FD, SS, or 
whatever, MORE than "10" SSB message memories in WriteLog or any other 
Contest Logger are necessities.

But once again, one must be able to fully grasp what this is really all 
about...and the "WHY" of the need for individual exchange component 
messages like in SS:

1. Your Number?
2. Your Call?
3. Your Precedence?
4. Your Check?
5. Your Section?  (a/k/a "QTH")

Too many times a request may only need be made for ONE of these, and NOT 
the whole exchange.  One color-coded section with BOLD PRINT on the 
backlighted keys makes it simple-simple-simple.  No "memorizing" 
necessary...only a few "Test Drives" before you can "Rock 'n Roll".

But once again, this is NOT for everyone....only those who want to go 
"beyond...into the future", and NOT be screwed from working an SSB contest 
if you have no voice, and want to reduce the degree of "robotism" :-)

Perhaps the pix will help more to "catch the vision".

73...

Rick, K6VVA - KP2CW (Trustee)