View Full Version : Logging Software
kd8apd
11-19-2005, 03:53 AM
What is the best, preferably free software to use for logging in Sweepstakes tomorrow? I have to admit, I forgot one of the most crucial elements http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I guess you did not read my response in your other posting yesterday --
Try N1MM at http://www.n1mm.com/
There is a pretty steep learning curve with this program and you need to pretty much be able to navigate through it in your sleep, because by the end of the contest, that is pretty much what you will be doing!
Good luck!
KC9ECI
11-19-2005, 12:18 PM
http://www.qsl.net/w3km/gen_log.htm
Is good, and it's free, but for me, the $6 to register N3FJP's program, is well worth it. http://n3fjp.com/SS.htm
kd8apd
11-19-2005, 02:46 PM
n0iu: cool it. I did read it, and I did look at it and decide there was a steep learning curve. What is your problem? If you want to start a fight with someone, do it elsewhere please. Don't take it out on the newbie.
Spend the 6 bucks on the N3FJP program. You won't regret it. VERY easy to use software.
Tom kcØw
Let's see...
You start out by saying, "I'm considering the use of a telnet link to spot contacts for tomorrow. #What is the deal with this? #I have no idea where to start."
I guess I have to ask you if you have to ask "What is the deal with this?" then why you would want to consider using a telnet link to spot contacts if you don't know anything about it or why you would want to use it? Then the day before the contest and you want to know the commands on how to use telnet for spotting.
Then less than 24 hours before the contest you realize that you need a logging program but the one I suggested was too difficult to learn in that short of a period of time because of the steep learning curve.
Peter, these are all very good questions, but I guess I am venting my frustrations because of your timing. Seriously, I commend you for wanting to jump into the contest and for asking lots of good questions, but even experienced contesters will take weeks or even months fine tuning their stations and software prior to a contest to be certain they are prepared. Serious contesters spend years working on refining their technique and equipment to give them that little bit of a competitive edge over everyone else.
Whatever logging program you chose, it is essential to know it cold and no matter what program that is, it will take more than a few hours to learn it. The same is true for using spotting networks.
Peter, you have told me to "cool it". Until or unless you "cool it" with the "I gotta have it right now" attitude, you are pretty likely to run into more people who are not shy about letting you know how they feel about this attitude. I don't want to start a fight with anyone, but you were woefully unprepared for this contest and all I did was point it out to you. I am sorry if you are offended by this, but if you are not willing to invest the time in learning the essentials, you will not be successful.
A very good starting place is Contesting.com at http://www.contesting.com/ Go there and devour the information you see. Read the articles. Explore the links. Check out the calendars and find a contest several months down the road that looks interesting to you. Read the rules and start putting together your plan now. This will give you plenty of time to try out several different logging programs and figure out how to incorporate spotting if that is still something you want to use.
Contesting can be frustrating, challenging and a whole lot of fun. I am by no means trying to discourage you in any way from participating, but if you go in unprepared, the one thing I can promise you is that it will not be fun!
I am trying to Elmer you Peter, not berate or belittle you... scout's honor!