[WriteLog] WL S&P plus Run modes?

[Eric Hilding]

Dennis, K5YA, wrote:

 > Recently there has been another series of emails, asking for Run mode,
 > and a separate S&P mode to be included in Writelog.

Being a participant rather than a spectator in this issue, I'd like to 
suggest the term "Advanced CW Mode" (or something similar) to encompass a 
number of these related highly desired functionalities in WL...perhaps 
controlled on/off by one line in the .ini file like:

	AdvancedCWMode = on (or yes)

This should quench the fears of those who want to keep things status quo if 
desired.  Other requested features can also be similarly turned on/off by 
inserting lines in the .ini like:

	StartSendingCWAtCharacter = 4    (or 5, etc.)

... although the most whiz-bang arrangement would be a separate "Advanced 
CW Mode" dialog box available from a pull-down menu with simple checkboxes, 
radio buttons & fields, etc.

 > Along with adding a S&P Mode, that operates with the Enter key, as the
 > existing Run mode does in the  "Enter sends exch/QRZ", WL needs to
 > minimize the key strokes required for the CW contest operator.
 >
 > "Enter sends exch/QRZ"  has the following problems:
 >
 > 1.  After a call is entered, and the exchange is sent using "enter", the
 > cursor needs to move to the next field that an entry will be made in.
 > Or, it needs to be made an option, for those who prefer to keep the
 > cursor in the call field in case a correction needs to be made.  I
 > prefer to move automatically to the next field, instead of hitting the
 > space bar several thousand times during a contest.

My suggestion piggy-backs on the previous request to widen the "Free Form" 
field, as this is an extremely important option for those who prefer to NOT 
deal with any separate fields other than one Callsign field and one 
Exchange line (which can also be used for call corrections without having 
to screw around with tabbing around the screen).

In a WL "Advanced CW Mode" configuration turned ON, the "Tab" key *could* 
be used as an instant toggle between S&P and Run modes (just as in 
TR).  One of the highly efficient functions in TR is that if you are in S&P 
mode, all you have to do is press the space bar or Enter key and YOUR call 
gets sent.  If you are in Run (a/k/a CQ) mode, pressing ENTER sends 
CQ.  Very, very efficient.

IMHO, entries in the .ini file (or special ACM - Advanced CW Mode) could 
also establish the desired "behavior" of the 'send QRZ message' DEPENDING 
UPON whether you are in Run or S&P mode):

	ACMSPModeQRZSend = Shift+F10  (Sends the contents of Shift+F10 in S&P Mode)

	ACMRunModeQRZSend = F10 (Sends the contents of F10 in Run Mode)  ... or F3 
... or whatever

 > 3.  I keep my fingers on the keyboard as much as possible during
 > running.  I use a keyboard with a Mouse wheel to tune the receiver for
 > off frequency callers.

In TR, with Kenwood Radios, while in Run (CQ) mode, I can tune the RIT with 
the Left & Right SHIFT keys on the keyboard, and also with my feet via an 
X-Keys PS/2 or USB version Footswitch (it has 3 pedals).  Anything that 
helps reduce the need to remove fingers and hands from the keyboard is 
efficiency-in-action.  By mistake I discovered that the same Left-Right 
SHIFT keys will tune the regular TXRX Main VFO (not RIT) when in S&P mode, 
which is absolutely fantastic!!!  Adding these types of abililties 
(although it might require a key other than SHIFT in WL), could also be 
controlled via an ACM dialog box (preferred) or lines in the .ini file like:

	ACMTuneRITWithShiftKeyInRunMode = yes

	ACMTuneVFOWithShiftKeyInSPMode = yes

 > There needs to be a way to return the receiver
 > to the CQ frequency when the next CQ is iniatated.  I do it now by
 > hitting  the F12 key (return to 0.0 KHz).  We need a % command to place
 > in the CQ message to do this automatically.

Dennis has hit the nail on the head with this one too...it's a desperately 
needed function (especially for high-rate RUN stations).

Before folks scream "leave things the way they are", I suggest ALL the 
enhancements we have been discussing should be left "OFF" in a basic WL 
installation, and available as options to be turned "ON" by Advanced CW 
Operators.

Tnx & 73...

Rick, K6VVA