Re: Tlf support for the ARRL Sweepstakes
Tnx Nate and Bob for the test reports... Gives me something to chew at before
the CW portion. Unfortunately I will have to use CT as an operator of CT9L
(Madeira), but I will take a copy of tlf with me to show it off....
Rein PA0RCT
On Monday 28 October 2002 07:11, Bob Nielsen wrote:
> On Sun, Oct 27, 2002 at 06:56:05PM -0600, Nate Bargmann wrote:
> > * Bob Nielsen <nielsen@oz.net> [2002 Oct 27 15:54 -0600]:
> > > On Fri, Oct 25, 2002 at 03:03:21PM +0200, Rein wrote:
> > >
> > > I haven't been checking the email much since the CQWW started, so am
> > > still using 0.8.2 (with the new ctydb.dat file Jaime mentioned).
> >
> > I used the 0.8.4 release for my short CQWW log (111 Qs--short operating
> > time) using the ctydb.dat released with 0.8.2 (I forgot about Jaime's
> > update).
> >
> > > It is working quite nicely in CQWW, but here are a few observations:
> > >
> > > Own country shows up in log as two points (should be zero). Contacts
> > > are sometimes still needed for multiplier(s). I'll edit the log before
> > > creating the Cabrillo file.
This has been repaired in 0.8.5, to be released today.
> >
> > I also reported this in private email to Rein. I also noticed a few
> > warts with some Canadian callsigns and the displayed zone. For example,
> > CK6SV showed in the exchange field as 5). I believe this is related to
> > the ctydb.dat format of:
> >
> > CK6(5)[9]
>
> I noticed this also.
>
> > I think this is related to another wart which is that TLF expects a two
> > digit zone. At one point I typed "4" in the exchange and it showed it
> > as a new zone even though I had already worked zone 04 on the same band.
> > I also noticed the same problem with VO2WL which showed 2) for the
> > exchange.
In the source I found a remark "to be fixed" :-)
> >
> > > A few countries require four characters to identify (VP2E, VP2M, PY0F,
> > > etc.) TLF doesn't recognize these. I edited the log to add them (no
> > > space is left between prefix and zone columns in log file).
> > >
> > > I had a few problems with entries in ctydb.dat not being recognized by
> > > TLF (TO5A, for example).
> >
> > I see ctydb.dat is using full calls there, TO4T, TO5G, and TO9T are
> > listed so TLF just displayed Not Found when presented TO5A.
>
> The later ctydb.dat has TO5A.
>
> > I found that NP2B was scored as KP4 even though NP2 is listed under U.S.
> > Virgin Islands in ctydb.dat. Hmmmm...
0.8.5 scores it as KP2.. with 3 points
Probably because I added the new cty.dat to version 0.8.2
> >
> > Along the same lines there was a W???/TI8 that was interpreted as USA
> > so I needed to reverse that. Unfortunately, I didn't work him so I
> > can't recall the actual call.
>
> I had to do that in another contest, but that is the only way any of
> the programs can recognize the location, AFAIK.
>
> > Also, with regard to USA and Canada defaulting to one zone, there is
> > probably some way that based on call area the zone could be assumed.
> > Are there call areas that are in two zones? I haven't invetigated this
> > further.
>
> VE2 and some of the W4 states (I heard a lot of W7 stations giving zone
> 4, so maybe one of those states also). UA9 and 0 both span two zones.
>
> > > To change zone entry required (after tab to the field): backspace,
> > > insert information, enter, backspace, insert information, enter.
> >
> > Hmmm, I didn't notice this although I did notice that after using the
> > space bar to jump from the call to the exchange field I had to hit
> > <Enter> twice to log the QSO.
>
This is because of a request I got to make SSB work the same as CW...
> Yes. I didn't try the space bar, but used the tab key to switch
> between fields.
>
> > > After editing an entry with ":edit", the old information still shows
> > > up in the display (not a big deal).
> >
> > I believe the manual also states that the score isn't recalculated upon
> > return from :edit. I'm sure this will be added in the future.
> >
> > > All in all, I am quite satisfied. Thanks.
> >
> > Same here. I am very satisfied with the work Rein has done. SS was
> > added at my request and I've worked over TLF a bit testing this contest.
> > I need to go through the sections file and check over the section list
> > as I did find an IK that was a new one!
> >
> > Being able to use my Linux box for logging and duping is something I've
> > waited a long time for. Rein is definitely on the right track.
>
> I definitely agree. I hope to get cw keying set up in time to get used
> to it before the CW CQWW.
>
> I had problems getting the DX cluster stuff to work (I run DXSpider on
> the same computer as TLF). I didn't spend much time on it, but
> couldn't get it to work with either the tee method or using TLF's
> telnet ability. I had it working with an earlier version, so I
> probably did something wrong this time. That serves me right for not
> really checking everything out before the contest.
>
> The only other contest program I have used is QRPDUPE, and I like TLF
> much better.
>
> 73, Bob
Reply to: