Sweepstakes is coming up!!!

[K3STX]

In a post related to W3SY being in QST for his Sweepstakes talents, and the ensuing shriek that Steve, N8CPA, let out in anticipation of Sweepstakes, I wonder if people would like to share any thoughts about what they are planning to do/how they plan to modify their stations for Sweepstakes in November.

I am getting together with a friend, W2CDO, at his place and we are doing Multi-Single. But he is currently only a wire antenna guy (half-squares), so for the contest we purchased/are putting up a tribander on a 40 foot mast, a relatively low fan-dipole for 20/40/80, and adding many more radials to his 80 meter inv. L. We are borrowing a KW amp. This should be some of the most fun I have ever had hamming. Just preparing for it is exciting (what a geek).

paul

[w5alt]

I'm planning on working as much 30, 17 and 12 meter DX as possible, since no one will want a QSO with YV or CP during Sweepstakes. (Not sure which place I'll be.) Bummer ... I sure miss being around for Sweepstakes!

73,
Walt, W5ALT

[w4rot]

I'll be there..man
May not be a big player...but I love this contest stuff.
Good luck to ya,
w4rot

[KF0RT]

Count me in too. Back in the pre-OF days, a gang of us used to work Field Day and CQWWDX as a group and SS as individuals, often using someone else's station for SS. I got one guy his WAS in one weekend doing this.

What is everyone using for contest logging software?

73, Rob (KFØRT)

[K3STX]

I am very very happy with N1MM for contest logging/keying. It is free and works great.

paul

[N8CPA]

I started using a shareware version by WR9R, then I discovered N3FJP. I like his stuff so much I bought his license. One of the features I like about his SS logger is a pull up map. If the YL comes into the shack and asks how I'm doing, I show her the map. It's easier than explaining, and I can instantly switch back to log the next Q without interrupting my run.

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Sep. 15 2004,12:16)]I started using a shareware version by WR9R, then I discovered N3FJP. #I like his stuff so much I bought his license. #One of the features I like about his SS logger is a pull up map. #If the YL comes into the shack and asks how I'm doing, I show her the map. #It's easier than explaining, and I can instantly switch back to log the next Q without interrupting my run.
I'll have to look at N3FJP's contest stuff. I'm using his ACLog for general logging. Really hate it, but it's the best I've found so far, overall. (And it is worth the $19.)

Any professional programmers out there wanna start a SourceForge project? I'm still looking for (and willing to pay $$$ for) a good logging program. I get the impression that most of these programs were written as part of a CS101 course. Or ported from DOS.

Uh, no intentions of starting a flame war... I've looked at 6-7 "top rated" logging programs now and they all fall short of what I was hoping to find. Only one I really liked was SQUIRL, which is a Field Day logger and wouldn't work for general use.

73, Rob (KFØRT)

For logging.

Most of the guys who are 'into it' use either

CT (freeware, bulletproof, quite supported) but it's DOS. They HAVE a windows version. This is about the oldest most well known professional grade logging program there is. VERY LARGE userbase!

Writelog... NOT free/shareware. Very popular. Handles most ANY contest/QSO party. Windows based. reasonably intuitive to use. Fairly Bulletproof. Decently supported. Large userbase.

N1MM - VERY POWERFUL, WELL SUPPORTED, FREEWARE! Windows based. Designed - fromthe ground up - to support everything froma simple casual operator to a VERY complex multi-transmitter, multi-operator networked contest station. Very professoinally done.

Decently sized (and growing) user base. Well supported. Handles almost all the contest/QSOparties. Flexible program.

NA and TRLOG. .Both excellent programs and decent user base. Supported.

I have CT, WRITELOG, N1MM and have used N3FJP, WR9R.

For SERIOUS contesting you'll find MOST using CT, WRITELOG, N1MM, NA, or TRLOG. These packages were designed and written FOR contesters BY contesters and are not 'CS101' outputs in any way, shape, or form. All they do are contest logging/log production for entries.

N3FJP is a contest logger with a twist in that it does other things too. It IS a good program but not 'specifically and completely contest ONLY Oriented' That is the reason I segregate it from the 'contest only' loggers like CT, N1MM, WL, TRLOG, NA.

I've seen them all.. and owned/used ALL but TRLOG and NA.

Happy contesting!

73
k3FT

Looking forward to SS!! YEHAHHHHHHHHHH~

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (K3FT @ Sep. 15 2004,16:15)]For logging.

Most of the guys who are 'into it' use either
Many thanks, FT. I'll look at these.

It seems a little odd to me that logging programs seem to be broken into contest, DX or general purpose categories. DX and contest use is mostly just a special case of a general use logger. From the sounds of it, the N1MM software may be what I'm looking for.

When scouting the eHam reviews (I think there are 70-some loggers listed), I was avoiding anything that looked like it was specifically designed for contests or DX.

Thanks again -- I'm off to load the N1MM stuff. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73, Rob (KFØRT)

[k0ews]

I like N3FJP for this particular contest, and I also have his package deal. That being said, I also do like N1MM. For me, it does take a bit of tinkering to get the program set up just right, but when it's all done, it's really quite an impressive program. I used it in the NAQP RTTY and it was effortless, once it was set up; all that and it's free.
I do enjoy the CW Sweepstakes. I used to enjoy the phone one even more; until I got into CW contesing; comparing the two, I would much rather CW contest than phone; I can use my 250 Hz filter, and my voice doesn't get worn out. That being said, both the N3FJP and the N1MM have really slick utilities for .wav files for voice keying, and if you have a soundcard interface, you can voicekey your way through phone sweepstakes rather easily. That also requires a bit of care in the setup, however. Contest season is coming and I'm looking forward to it!

[K3STX]

Rob,

N1MM is really for contests. It is not a trivial matter to write an application that does with these contest applications can do. N1MM can do basic logging, but is it not good for it, no awards stuff, etc. But what it CAN do is find DX spots, put them on a "bandmap" (like an old AM radio slide dial) and you click on them and BOOM you are there. It will even call the station for you. You can have entire contest exchanges by simply hitting the "ENTER" button, none of this "F1" F3" nonsense. It checks DUPES, gives beam headings, tracks multipliers, has callsign checking, gives QSO rates, supports SO2R/multi-multi, etc... It is big-time. If they put the "casual stuff" in you would lose the beauty of the application. As it is there are more than 5 active windows when you simply open it up to control your rig!!

But it is free, as Chuck stated is free, has great support, but is not as popular as WriteLog (but if you know how to use it (and it really is easy) who cares if it is not #1.

paul

[KF0RT]

More looking... and not much luck.

I'm seeing software that might be fine for contest work, but isn't the "killer app" that I'm looking for. Professional? Most of this doesn't meet Windows UI specs.

I'm really pretty surprised. Where is the $199 commercial program that does it all, does it right and doesn't look like a DOS re-hash?

To be sure, I'm not bashing the programs that are out there and work well. I'm just surprised that there isn't a single program that "does it all" and is programmed to modern specifications. From what I'm seeing, a piece from this program and a piece from that and you do have it all. FJP handles some award stuff pretty well. N1MM does contest stuff well (amazing level of work there!). Nobody that I can tell handles general logging well.

Again, no "killer app."

I better shut up before I get myself in trouble. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73, Rob (KFØRT)

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (K3STX @ Sep. 15 2004,21:32)]Rob,

N1MM is really for contests. It is not a trivial matter to write an application that does with these contest applications can do. N1MM can do basic logging, but is it not good for it, no awards stuff, etc. But what it CAN do is find DX spots, put them on a "bandmap" (like an old AM radio slide dial) and you click on them and BOOM you are there. It will even call the station for you. #You can have entire contest exchanges by simply hitting the "ENTER" button, none of this "F1" F3" nonsense. It checks DUPES, gives beam headings, tracks multipliers, has callsign checking, gives QSO rates, supports SO2R/multi-multi, etc... It is big-time. If they put the "casual stuff" in you would lose the beauty of the application. As it is there are more than 5 active windows when you simply open it up to control your rig!!

But it is free, as Chuck stated is free, has great support, but is not as popular as WriteLog (but if you know how to use it (and it really is easy) who cares if it is not #1.

paul
Thanks paul. Got the N1MM software running here, and am learning.

You're right -- it's not trivial. In the back of my mind, I'm formulating what it would take, but I'm still surprised that there isn't a program out there that simply replaces the ARRL log book, and does it well.
That is, why couldn't the N1MM contest expertise be a part of a general logging program that also includes awards?

Why can't I have a good logging program and seamlessly switch to N1MM mode on contest weekends? Or to N3FPJ mode when I'm looking for South Dakota for WAS?

Seriously, I'm not slamming anyone. There are some great contest programs out there. But where is the program that simply replaces the ARRL logbook? I've searched and asked. Ain't seen it yet.

In 1979 I helped a friend (a little) build a little box we called Mickey Mux. It had 4 UARTS and a dedicated microprocessor for traffic flow. It was used to connect three RS-232 CRT terminals to one TRS-80 computer and was dedicated to Field Day logging. The TRS-80 logged everything to an 8" floppy disk and printed the logs as contacts were made, from three operator stations. We had our official logs and score before we left the site.

25 years later, and I can't buy a simple logging program that works well? Color me dissappointed. This is NOT magic.

73, Rob (KFØRT)

[K3STX]

Rob, I know for a FACT there are great logging programs for the kind of thing you want. I just use paper logs for my everyday Hamming, so don't use one. Look on eham.net for Product Reviews on Logging Software; there are dozens of packages avaialble with reviews for each. I know people use DX4WIN, that just sticks in my mind.

Running a contest is so completely different than simply logging it is not strange that the applications do not do it all. After all, Microsoft Word does not do spread sheets. You need Excel for that, and both of them are useful in your office! One could even argue that the logging aspect of the contest logging programs are really secondary to their true utility.

But check out EHam. I know what you want is out there and I suspect it is free. Remember, N1MM can log and be used for LOTW, just can't track awards.

paul

[KC7ATO]

I gave up on "Sweepstakes" but still buy a "Powerball" ticket once in a while. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[w3sy]

I use N3FJP's Windows-based logging software for Sweepstakes. Works like a champ.

[K7JBQ]

How about a "retro" category for paper logs and dupe sheets?

73,
Bill

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Sep. 17 2004,11:02)]I use N3FJP's Windows-based logging software for Sweepstakes. Works like a champ.
SY- Are you using his contest program, or his more general purpose ACLog program?

I've now come across a couple programs that might work for what I'm after (a little of everything!), but need to play a little more.

73, Rob (KFØRT)

[k0jjm]

Back to the original question: I am contemplating two options. One will be just work out of the home ham shack as in the past. No new mods since the system has not changed from last year. Only real change is I will HAVE TIME to do the contest! Option Two may involved turning the Sweeps into a late fall Field Day type contest by operating out in the middle of a 40 acre piece of land in the country. At least this time I don't anticipate 4 or 5 inches of rain flooding us out like happened on Field Day in June! Usually snow is not an issue in November but you never know...

[KF0RT]

Yeah, Back on topic! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Just got the October QST in the mail today and was reading over the SS rules. Part of the exchange is callsign and the "last two digits of the year in which it was first licensed."

Can anyone clarify the quoted part? I was first licensed in 1970, but got KFØRT this year. KFØRT was a "used" callsign (it was on sale), though -- someone had it before I did -- looks like it might have been first used in 1991.

So, 1970, 1991 or 2004. To the "letter" of the rules, I'm guessing 1991 is the correct answer.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

73, Rob (KFØRT)