[wt4hq] Win-Test at HQ Stations

[Mario Lorenz]

Ahoj Milan,

Am 03. Aug 2008, um 14:37:52 schrieb Milan Pelech:
> Hi all,
> 
> I wrote down this summary:
> -----------
> problem: relative low bandwidth in your internet access ?
> your answer: disable logsync or change internet service provider
Yes, and there is not much one can do about it that would make sense,
unfortunately.

> problem: late released HQ software version ?
> your answer: train on trial version and accept limitations (up to logged 
> 50qso and time restriction) or buy full version
How about 3) use last years version for training ? It has most of the
features, and last year we won using that version :) And again, compared
with simply the price of gas that many OMs drive to the stations, the
commercial version is cheap.

> problem: poor and distorted CW keying via LPT port when the logsync is
> activated and PC is connected in WT network ?
> your probably answer: buy lastest brand of new computer and Microkeyer for
> each workplace, or disable logsync

Actually, no.
The probable question would be more like "poor and distorted CW keying
via LPT when running on Win2000/XP on a not-very-top-of-the-line PC",
and the answer is either yours, (although I am not so sure if logsync off
always helps in this case), or b) Use Win98, which is better for this particular
case as it supports more direct hardware access. Surprised ?

Also I can offer option c):
go to www.k1el.com and buy a bunch of WinKey ICs ($9 each), add a couple
resistors, optocouplers and the like, on a raster PCB (or etch some
yourself)

> Do you really need WT for HQ activities ? NO. I neednt be a winner in any 
> rate.

Nobody is forcing you to use it.

> --------------------------------------------------
> What you can do for change this state to YES ?
> 
> problem: relative low bandwidth in your internet access ?
> answer: We will change source code and utilize data transfer through 
> WtTunnel software

You see, here is the problem: This involves much time. Very much
time. For what ? Only one contest. HQ is the only contest even allowing
this. It's really a ROI problem here.
(and I say it again - a better description of the network protocol,
especially the logsync, might enable to work around this by cleverly
set filters...)

> > Its easy: If you dont have IT specialists on your team: too bad. You can
> > always resort to paper logs. If you dont have a cook, well, you'll have
> > to operate hungry. Other sports have doctors and therapists on the
> > support staff... You can do without, but you will not be top class.
> 
> Generaly yes. It could be one of more opinion. BUT, be carefuly when you
> read my words. I have written: "I dont have a LOT OF IT specialist ...",
> NOT, "I have no IT specialist ....". Its big difference and your reply is
> big simlipfication.
> 
> The question is: How many IT specialists or WT network experienced people do
> you need for troublefree using WT network ?

That depends on the capabilities and the expertise of the IT
specialists. During preparation stage you can trade people for
time. (ok, admitted that would be easier if wt-HQ was available earlier).
During the contest this is more difficult.
Again, if you had medium- to high bandwith links, you can setup remote
control solutions like VNC, which means you can live with a central IT
guy "on call". You will in any case need someone to get the internet
connection going, but that would be true for any internetworking logging
system.
 
> After several e-mails from Larry, Mario and next IT professionals seems to
> me: I need one IT specialist per site/workplace. I am sorry. Its absolutely
> out of our current team possibilities. Maybe in time to come. Thats all.

Milan, I do not know your team. I just would ask you to do the following
experiment: From the last 5 people that joined your local club, and
that also did their ham license comparably recently (ie, are not
converts from other radio clubs), ask them who is an expert
for power amplifiers, and who knows PCs / IT.
I'll wager that there is more IT knowledge around you than you may
imagine. Sure, many of those people aren't great contesters (yet?). 
Neither am I.

73s,

Mario
-- 
Mario Lorenz                            Internet:    <ml at vdazone.org>
                                        Ham Radio:   DL5MLO at DB0ERF.#THR.DEU.EU
The deorbiting of MIR was brought to you by radio FFH and MIRcrosoft, your
specialist for controlled crashes!  (local radio station, on the very day)