How do you log contests? Real time on computer or?

[k7mh]

As a single operator in a contest, how are you logging contest Q's? Do you log in real time, as you go, on computer or do you log on paper and enter the info to a logging program later as time permits, during dead hours or after the contest is over?
With computer logging, some new problems arise like...uhh..being able to type worth a dang (which I can't)! That inability can sure slow things down! I sure wouldn't want to enter a thousand or so Q's after the fact, but if I logged on computer in real time I sure would suffer in the QSO count! Perhaps you use a very streamlined logging program you could recommend. I have Logic6 I use for everyday logging but have not tried to use it seriously in a contest as yet. I will look into the specific contest forms it has but I am also interested in your opinions about this. Thanks.

[K9STH]

I have participated in many contests going the paper log / dupe sheet way. However, keeping up with the dupe sheets got to be a real "pain in the posterior" and after my wife wanted a new computer I moved the old one out to the main shack and went to computer logging for contests. The actual time to log a contact isn't any faster than when I was doing it the "hard way" (pun intended). But, the fact that any dupes are noted in microseconds saves me time, especially when in the "pursuit and pounce" mode.

When I am not contesting I keep the "olde fashioned" paper log.

Glen, K9STH

[WB2WIK]

If you are just fooling around, it really doesn't matter, does it?

But if you intend to enter the contest, then real-time logging with computer animation is the only thing that works. You can't log them on paper first and then go back and key everything into the computer, that's nuts. Here's why:

1. You lose the entire benefit of computer logging. The computer will track who you've worked and alert you to a "dupe" before you waste your time making the duplicate contact. The computer will fill in partial callsigns, based on a known and updated contester data base. The computer will tell you which way to turn your antenna, short path or long path, for any given station. The computer will continuously track your total score and advise you of your "rate."

2. You lose the benefit of any station automation. If your rig is computer-interface equipped and you use the right software, your logging program can automatically switch your rig to a new (needed) station's frequency once he's been "spotted" on the DX Cluster (assuming you have a DX cluster connection and are logged into it), saving tons of time tuning around. This is a point and click operation, and you're done. The computer can rotate your beam for you also, provided you have that interface set up and connected. The computer can do lots of stuff for you that it cannot do "later," because later it won't work.

Learn to type better. In reality, you don't need to type much to work a contest. Usually, it's typing the other station's callsign and possibly one or two other brief pieces of data (in some contests, it's "zero" other pieces of data, because the computer will fill in everything) and using the ENTER key, SPACE bar and F1-F12 function keys to do everything you can possibly do. When operating a contest, I don't have a pencil or paper anywhere near me. My scratchpad is the computer, and I set a window for that...

WB2WIK/6

[K3STX]

N1MM is a free logging program for contests. It is great, has a great manual you can download and learn all the stuff as needed.

Not only is the dupe check aspect nice, once you get decent at it, the contest experience is different than the paper-and-pencil route (which I did forever). ESPECIALLY on CW, where if you try to call a duplicate contact it can prevent you from calling the dupe even if you are too stupid to remember you worked them 22 seconds earlier.

But even without keying your rig via the computer (which is really really easy), you can easily see if it is a dupe or not. I am a horrible typist too and I have a horrible memory, and I find myself trying in a call, pushing the ENTER button (to send my call to them), and when my rig fails to send my call I look up and see the word DUPE in big red letters, so THAT is why it didn't let me call them.

It is great, and for FREE N1MM is the best deal out there. You can also send .wav files, so with a Soundcard you can have the computer call "CQ contest" for you on SSB while you run for a beer.

paul

[n0iu]

My vote is also for N1MM.

As to the greater issue going on here, I am pleased to no end to see questions like this after a contest. It means that you jumped in and gave it a try and for that I applaud you.

It is pretty much a given that there will be postings after every SSB contest about how contests are a waste of time or how the contest ruined someone's weekend.

You have been given a few suggestions for contesting programs. Only you can determine which one will work best for you.

Good luck in the next contest!

Scott NØIU

[NN3W]

N1MM or CT.

[wg7x]

Mike,

Computer logging is the only way to go.

I reccomend the N3FJP software, but everyone has their favourite.

I must argue with Steve, WB2WIK when he says:


Quote[/b] ]The computer will fill in partial callsigns, based on a known and updated contester data base.

I don't disagree that the databases exist, I simply don't agree that it is the right thing to do in a contest. After all, the heart of the contest is testing your ability to copy a call sign and the excahange properly.

This is a preference only, because I don't use spotter network assistance either. If you allow the PC to fill in the blanks as Steve suggests, you should also ensure that you enter in the "assisted" class. To do otherwise is not right, and I'm fairly sure that Steve would agree, I just wanted to clarify that point. Having the data base available when operating in a casual mode is very helpful as are the other things such as the antenna aiming, rig interfaces, etc..

Well that's my soapbox for the evening!

73 all Gary, WG7X "SOAB"

[kf6rdn]

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Mar. 28 2006,11:32)]Usually, it's typing the other station's callsign and possibly one or two other brief pieces of data (in some contests, it's "zero" other
In a "data" RTTY, psk etc even that is sent by the other station. I click on call, the CAT picks up freq, time, increments serial if any, adds the requistite "59(9)" and yer done.

And I'm am totally NOT a serious contestor, but I AM a lazy one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[k7mh]

Thanks for all the input. I used to contest a fair amount and was serious. I did win a few contest awards some years ago. I Would like to get back into it. Perhaps it is not as difficult as it seems to computer log a contest. I am using CAT with Logic6 cw keying and all. I guess the thing is to just jump in and make as much a serious attempt as I can and see how it goes. _._

[cu2jt]

Once in the dawn of history, I designed my own logging program. The aim was to get a good contest logger which also put the contest QSO's in the ordinary log. So, the logger has two window panes: one for the day-to-day contacts and one for contests. All data is stored in a SQL Server Database and I have set it up for a daily backup to an external medium. I can import and export ADIF files as well as cabrillo logs, print QSL cards etc.

I have integrated PSK, RTTY and MFSK. In RTTY contests, it works pretty much like MixW, that is, I can click on data on the receive window and get the information in the logger. I would love to have the same feature for CW but have not been able to find an .OCX or ActiveX component with that function.

So, if anyone knows about a dll, ocx or activeX component that could be built into a Visual Basic program, I would be most grateful.

So, if anybody on the forum

[W1SMC]

I logged via pen and pencil for quite awhile. My handwriting however is very bad and sloppy as all hell.

Being a programmer for almost 30 years I decided to write my own logging software that I use.

I continue to update and enhance it too. Maybe someday I'll release it to the world. Once I'm satisfied with it. I pretty picky so it may be some time.

My think people should log via computer as it is cleaner and much more organized.

[AC0H]

If you're going to get serious about it you need to use a computer. You also need to decide what software you're going to use and practice with it long before the contest. Trying to learn the logging program while running in a contest is a huge waste of time.

I've used N1MM and N3FJP's software for contests and have to say I like N3FJP's better. Very simple to set up and use yet all the requisite "goodies" are there. Each individual contest has it's own program.

N1MM can be a little daunting to set up and configure the first few times you try it.

[kj3n]

Logging? We don't need no steenkin' logging! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

With any contest I bother to participate in, I'm logging on paper.

Since I never submit a log and only typically spend about 5-6 hours in the contest, I usually toss the paper out after a few days anyway.

I spent about 2 hours operating WPX and made a total of 9 contacts. Too many other obligations got in the way this weekend. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[K3UD]

More than several sharp pencils and custom made log and dupe sheets. When the ARRL stops accepting paper I probably stop getting seriously into contests. Anyone have a free logging program for the Macintosh?

73
George
K3UD

[K3STX]

George,

I think MacLogger DX is a decent logging program for Macs, but not specifically contesting. I went out and got an old 386 PC with Windows 98 for $50 for my contest computer. It works just fine.

paul

[KC7UP]

I used to use CT and liked it very much however when upgrading my computer system couple years ago I no longer could use it because of its DOS origin. I couldn't get the windows version to run either. I switched to N3FJP and never looked back.
Curt

[k7mh]

Quote[/b] ] More than several sharp pencils and custom made log and dupe sheets.

Memories are made of this! I used to have a JA dupe sheet I made I called the "JA Super Duper" I imagine it would be pretty outdated now! It sure was worth having back then in the 80's! Kudos to your custom approach!