Logging
From Contesting
Reproduced from Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Contest logging software refers to specialized computer software programs designed for use by competitors in amateur radio contesting. Most contest logging software is written by individual programmers who are active radio contesters.
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Purpose
The primary purpose of contest logging software is to record the details of two-way radio contacts made during amateur radio contests. At a minimum, these details include the time, band or frequency of operation, the call sign of the other station, and the received "exchange" data. This log data is recorded in a Binary file or ASCII format. Most contest logging software packages will also compute a running score for the contest during operation and will help track which multipliers have been "worked" and which have not. Typical contest logging software includes features for post-contest processing of the log to prepare it for submission to the contest sponsor. There is great variation in the features offered and their specific implementation, which can lead to passionate debates among the supporters of specific software packages.
Common features
There are a lot of contest logging programs to choose from. Some of the key features to look for:
Operating system support - some logging software only works on the older DoS operating system, some on Windows and some on Linux or other operating systems. Some contesters dedicate older computers specifically to running their favorite contest logging software.
Contest support - many of the contest logging programs support just about every contest out there while some only support the major contests.
Interfacing to and controlling external devices - this can include controlling the frequency of a radio, sending CW over a serial, parallel or USB port, interfacing with sound cards used for the transmission and reception of digital modes such as RTTY, interfacing to DXcluster packet spotting systems, or controlling antenna or amplifier hardware.
Single operator two radios (SO2R) and multi-operator support - some programs only support basic single operator modes, some support more complex modes
Mode of operation - the first generation of contest software was very function key oriented. Different sequences of function key presses are used depending whether you are running stations or searching and pouncing or repeating an exchange. More modern contest software is "stateful" - based on where in the sequence of contest exchange steps you are at, the software is smart enough to know what should be sent. For example, with a blank entry field, hitting "enter" calls CQ. With a call entered in the call sign field, hitting "enter" sends that call plus the contest exchange. Hitting enter with a both a call and the exchange entered will send "TU QRZ?"
A related market exists for software designed to analyze, convert, or manipulate log data recorded during radio contests.
Available software packages
The following contest logging software packages are widely used and available. Some are offered for sale, and others are available without charge under various software licenses.
Contesting logging software
'Free'
- N1MM Logger
- CT by K1EA
- SD by EI5DI
- TLF by PA0R Linux Based
- VHFTEST by WG3E
- VHFCONT by KC6TEU
- LY2CG
- TR4W by UA4WLI TR for Windows
- CQ/X by NO5W GPS enabled mobile contesting software
- GenLog by W3KM
- RUMPed by DL2RUM Contest Logging Software for Mac
'Commercial'
- N3FJP Log
- TR Log by N6TR DOS Based
- Win-Test by F5MZN
- WriteLog by W5XD
- NA by K8CC DOS Based
- MobileLog by NØHR PocketPC/Windows Mobile PDA
Post-contest log analysis and conversion software
Submitting a Log
Every contest requires the operator to submit a log. Of course some contests are restricted to specific countries (like Sweepstakes, MARAC etc) or restricted to Regions, like the Region Field Day.
The contest rules will generally specify the type of log they would like submitted, and all wil accept e-mail contest operator logs.
By far the most popular contest logging file format is known as Cabrillo. The Cabrillo file is a basic ASCII text file, column delimited with a striking parallel with COBOL data files. The Cabrillo format was workshopped by a group of contesters in the town of Cabrillo, California. There are a plethora of Cabrillo file manipulation tools available to the average operator and to the Contest organisers.
Indeed, you can even manipulate Cabrillo files yourself, using a spreadsheet, and even using the spreadsheet to export a Cabrillo file (ensure you set column widths to match). Of course all word processors can also edit Cabrillo files.
Other contest log submissions can request spreadsheet, eg TT80m.
A sample cabrillo format log is shown at right .
References
- Allison, George K5IJ (1985). "The Super Duper--Part 1". QST. Sep. 1985, p. 27.
- Allison, George K5IJ (1985). "The Super Duper--Part 2". QST. Nov. 1985, p. 44.
- Newstead, Richard G3CWI (2001). "Contest Software Reviewed". Retrieved Dec. 7, 2005.
