[WT-support] Check Partial/N+1/Exchange Guessing questions

[Laurent HAAS - F6FVY]

Hi Doug

Douglas Maxwell a écrit :

> 1) If I use IOTA.SCP file, check partial and N+1 _only_ comes from this 
> file.

Correct. It is even the purpose of the SCP files.

> 2) If I use multiple appropriately named IOTA_XX_XX.SCP files for all 
> band/mode combinations, WinTest will select which file to use for CP and 
> N+1 dependant on current band/mode selection.

Correct.

> 3) If there is also an IOTA.DTB file, exchange guessing only comes from 
> this file.

Correct.

> 4) Only when a call exists in both SCP and DTB files will exchange 
> guessing work for that call.

No. The SCP and DTB can (are supposed to) have different callsigns. 
Actually, in a perfect world, every callsign included in an SCP file 
should be also included in the corresponding DTB file, with its 
exchange. The guessed exchange is taken from the DTB file only (and the 
log, of course).

> Do you intend to get rid of the .DTB format in the future? If so where 
> will exchange guessing come from? What will happen with the 'update 
> database' command?

We intend to modify the DTB file format _someday_ , to allow more data 
and quicker response time for large databases, and allow several 
"guesses" per callsign (required in some contests).

> What are the advantages of using SCP files instead of a complete, 
> augmented DTB file (i.e. using update database)? The latter seems the 
> only solution where contests require exchange guessing.

The purpose of the SCP is different from the DTB (database).

1/ For the SCP, think abt a compilation of all logs for a given contest 
and extraction of the most worked stations. BTW, this is what K5ZD does, 
even if, unfortunately, he gathers all data from different contests 
(CQWW, ARRL, CQWW WPX etc.) and modes, in a single file. So, there are 
chances that most of stations you will work for a given contest will be 
included in that file.

2/ For the DTB, think abt a callbook with *all* potential callsigns, and 
the exchange they would give you back, if you work them.

If you use only a fullfilled DTB file, the partial and N+1 checks will 
have no relevance. Fictionnal example : Imagine we have an ARRL DTB (DX 
side), will *all* the US and Canada callsigns, with their 
state/province, and *no* SCP file. The guessed exchange function would 
be great, *but* OTOH, with no SCP file, the Partial and N+1 checks would 
  always return many irrelevant callsigns (read : callsigns of stations 
who even neer get into a contest in their life !). This is why the SCP 
were introduced, and the band/mode adaptability too, to enhance 
relevance, assuming you have adapted data !

Of course, you can get rid of all these considerations (like most users 
do ;-) ), and only use a DTB file with "sufficient" data in it. You're 
just warned of its drawback.

73

Larry - F6FVY