WriteLog User Comments
John Devoldere, ON4UN
"I made the first contest (non RTTY) with WriteLog, and it is
FANTASTIC. It is such an improvement for me over CT.... I really love
it, and from now on anyone who operates from here will HAVE to use this
program! I will twist their arms..
The program never crashed, and I never had ANY problem. Made just
under 4,000 Q's in 41 hours as single op, good for just under 8 Mi
points, single op assisted.
I may have to come back on you for one or two very minor improvement
suggestions, but they are very minimal! Congrats, and keep on the good
work.
I will shortly publish a thorough review in our national magazine
about WriteLog etc...
BTW I love the new RTTY tuning indicator. I think I actually
suggested you made one like the (spectral display) as soon as I saw the
one you had made for PSK. Superb!"
"I just received V10.9 a few days before the SS contest. No
problems with installing over V9. For the soundcard receive, I just ran
a cable from the PK-232 to the soundcard so that the audio was in
series.
I wanted to see how good the CW Reader would work in a contest. So to
have a benchmark I started WriteLog and the CW Reader. Then in a small
terminal program I started the PK-232 in CW Mode. This way I could see
the two CW readers at the same time.
What I found was that WriteLog's CW Reader was one (1) character
behind the PK232 putting the characters on the screen. No big deal, but
while copying in my head and watching the screen, there is a delay.
After about 1/2 hour of working stations, I found that both readers
were copying exactly the same. That is perfect. So I closed the PK-232
screen and continued to use the WriteLog CW Reader.
It did an outstanding job! Even on the very weak signals on 15 and
20, it copied perfectly. I went down to 80 meters and still with all the
noise, there was no problem. Now, I am using a TS-850S with a 400hz
filter so that helps, and there was time that QRM came right on top of
someone and wiped out the copy. But it wiped out the copy in my head
too!
I made a little over 200 q's. Almost all of them were clickable.
Callsign and exchange. The only problem I had with the exchange was the
section, since it was the last part of the exchange, extra characters
were added at the end once they stopped sending. Guess they need a
CR/LF. HI HI."
Jay Townsend, WS7I
"Now that RTTY contests and contesting have grown, grown, and grown, you need a
Windows 95/98 tool to win. In the decade of the Mouse, WriteLog is that tool."
Ric Plummer, KV1W
"And most importantly, was the addition of WriteLog. As the first, and I think
only, prime time Windows contest logger, it's performance was outstanding. It has all the
functionality and performance required for a serious Multi-Multi AND it's a real Windows
application, making use of the networking, sound and serial I/O of the operating system.
As such, you can have other tools present as well, such as GeoClock and Microsoft
Scheduler, for band opening reminders etc. In addition, for those who are regular Windows
users, the program "feels" correct in all regards.
In the heavy run periods, the interaction is such that high rates flow easily, even
while including notes and gab messages and in search and pounce the spot window and/or
band map are easily navigated with the mouse or track ball. The search and pounce memories
made it easy to come back later to the pileups rather than waste time.
The bottom line:
As we emerge from the "battle" , 3200 Q’s and 6.5M points later, the
universal view was that WriteLog is an EXCELLENT product and IT IS OUR LOGGER here at KV1W
Multi/Multi. Not only that, but it seems that most, if not all, of the team will be
incorporating it into their home stations as well."
Randy Thompson, K5ZD
"I started using WriteLog so I could join in RTTY contests. But once I saw what
all it could do, I now use it for everything. Over 2000 QSOs in WPX CW, over 2300 QSOs in
IARU (CW only), and over 1300 QSOs in Sweepstakes CW. All without a hitch. My favorite
advantage of WriteLog is the ability to run other programs, such as GeoClock, at the same
time."
"I used Writelog for the first time in the CQWW RTTY 1998... My only regret is I
didn't use it in battle sooner. It was truly amazing how Writelog pulled callsigns out of
the weak signal gibberish that printed, by comparing it with the super-check partial file
on the fly. All this on a Pentium-60! Other features like the band map definitely
contributed to my score. Writelog ran flawlessly for the whole contest period! No crashes,
timeouts or errors."
Jose Albuquerque, CT1AOZ
"I can't be indifferent about the good results I have, running WRITELOG in CW,
SSB, and RTTY. I always alert the guys for the EXCELLENT program we have.
I had experience with other contest programs (DOS PROGRAMS), and for a long time I
decided to select WRITELOG for my only all mode ssb-cw-rtty ) program. We need only one
program to run all contests and no more confusion with wrong key strokes as we did before
when we change from one program ( CW-SSB ) to another (RTTY).
I normally have 9 windows open in a 17'' monitor with a complete online information
(this is a windows program) and we can take all the benefits that Bill Gates give us from
Win95/98 ( hi ) .
You guys need to see to believe. Its very difficult to give you in a few words all the
excellent performance of this true windows program.
For a few years Writelog has the responsibility of my success in contests in CW, PHONE,
and RTTY. I haven't experienced any crash with it. Even with a mains fault I haven't lost
any QSOs. It backs up every contact and you will be advised to save it soon as you open it
again...
You donīt need anymore an expensive TNC to run RTTY. Writelog has an excellent way to
operate seriously (I repeat) seriously the RTTY mode (AFSK or FSK)."
Philippe Nouchi, F6IFY
"I do not have a "big gun" station, so I particularly appreciate all the
S&P facilities of Writelog, even with two radios. The RTTY decoding with the sound
card is amazing. You decode two signals with only one sound card and IT WORKS perfectly,
better than my old PK232MBX (which is also supported). Two radio RTTY contesting with only
one PC!!!
All features I need for CW contest are also well implemented. But my head in place of
the sound card. :)
During the battle, when run is possible for me, I use the "hit just enter"
feature. But you can configure it as you like (or you use to with other software). It is
definitively my contest logging program at F6IFY."
Dick Stevens, N1RCT
"I think I own every piece of RTTY contesting software and keep up with all
improvements .. but the one I have used for the past year is Writelog by W5XD on a K5/100.
I have a small home station with limited antennas and must move fast to get a
competitive score. Today, that means two rigs and Writelog does it best. Two rigs on only
one computer means no finicky networking needed. I prefer my PK 900's with twin scopes and
Writelog handles them fine. I use a programmable keyboard plus a keyboard macro utility
for fast responses and Writelog allows them both. The Bandmap on the Hunt&Pounce radio
saves much time spent in identifying a station on a band tune-thru. The Bandmap also show
holes where a new station is sure to turn up soon or I can switch and start CQing there.
On-the-fly corrections to the log is very easy so I must no longer fill up a notebook with
scribblings on fixes to be made after the test. The newest "Super Check Partial"
with the WS7I database is a miracle in pulling out callsigns from weak stations. The
"One-Transmitter" lockout is a lifesaver when I accidently try to work two
stations at once. The supported dual rig control keeps the band log straight. The accurate
rate monitors and auto-score box is a motivator .. The bad news? I am so used to Writelog
features that I pass up unsupported tests now ..."
Tariq Janjua, AP2TJ
"I am a neophyte in the world of contesting, having entered the game just over a
year ago. Going by what I had read in various DX reflector I ordered CT as my contest
logger. I found the command set & general setup so intimidating (I am into computers
since 1982) and the DOS environment so restrictive that it lies here unused. While whining
about CT's complexity and user unfriendliness on a contesting reflector I was introduced
to Writelog by someone and have never looked back since. The 32-bit version really makes
it the "Ne Plus Ultra" for today's contesting needs and using the sound card as
a DVK/RTTY modem is a great money saving idea.
Other than the software, what impresses me most is the speed and quality of support
provided. Be it a new TNC driver (in my case the SCS PTC-II), help with setting up for a
contest or whatever, the WL team is there to help and fast, usually within a day (the TNC
driver took slightly more than a day - hi).
I cannot recommend WL highly enough. It has performed flawlessly in all contests I have
entered and greatly reduced my workload, taking care of the nitty gritty while I go for
the numbers. For me it is 'Contesting with cruise control'."
"I have been using Writelog software since the fall of 1997 mostly for RTTY
contesting. The software performs flawlessly. Never had an error period. The only errors
we experience are operator errors, and they are easily corrected on the fly, while
maintaining rate.
Over the last year, there have been some very useful and substantial updates to the
program. I have felt that these weren't mere enhancements to the program; but rather,
additions of very useful features that has enhanced the functionality of the program
tremendously. I don't think there is any other program that gives you as much bang for the
buck as Writelog does."
"Working with two radios on a single computer with WriteLog in a rtty contest is
intuitive. Each radio decodes in its own window. The user simply has to click on the
callsign he wants to work and the software automatically changes to the proper window and
radio. With WriteLog, there is no need to mess with two keyboards and two mice.
I have been using WriteLog in rtty contests since the 1997 Dayton hamfest. WriteLog has
operated beautifully in all the rtty contests I have competed in, without any major
problems. It is obvious to me that the WriteLog developers put much time into testing the
software prior to each release.
I have upgraded the software before each major contest and during my pre-contest
testing, I have never found any show stopper problems. As a serious rtty contest operator,
WriteLog provides the dependability and ease of use I need."
"When it comes to contesting, I am a single operator, single station "little
pistol". I've previously been using two separate (very nice) DOS programs for CW and
RTTY contests (Honest, I have a microphone somewhere...I think). Then I heard about
Writelog, a single program that can be used for phone, CW and RTTY contests (this is nice
because if you have learned one, you have learned them all)! Additionally, it allows you
to use your sound card as a voice keyer, RTTY decoder and RTTY tuning indicator -- a
really slick piece of programming. On top of all that it is a Windows program (and like it
or not, we are in a Windows world).
It's nice to be able to change sizes, customize your screen by adding or deleting the
various "View" modules provided by Writelog and to be able to cut and paste,
export to other programs and to be able to run other applications simultaneously (like a
CD Callbook).
I've used this program in several CW and RTTY contests and it has performed flawlessly;
the only errors were made by me and the Writelog editing feature makes corrections a
breeze. I'm a very satisfied user of Writelog and have made it my exclusive contest
program - and it's just plain fun to use."
"In my opinion WriteLog is contemporary software using all Windows environment
advantages including multiwindow and multitasking. I am using it with Windows98 on a 150
MHz Pentium computer without any serious hang or crash for some months. Sorry, my poor
DX-70 does not permit me to use all WL possibilities but using it in some last RTTY
contest I double or triple my results...Also it is nice to use for other modes - I am
using it for DX'ing on RTTY and CW (including 50 mc). Now I am preparing WAV files and
will try to use it in some SSB contest. Like old timer on RTTY and a man for who
programming is not "la terra incognita" I can appreciate what hard work Wayne
and Ron make. I hope that in near future more and more hams will understand that using
Pentium computer with DOS software is break a butterfly on the wheel and WriteLog will
became Program Nr 1 in all HAM computers..."
Wayne Matlock, K7WM
"Many, many thanks for such an excellent software/contest program such as
Writelog/rttywrite. With everything else to worry about, its sure nice to be able to
operate an entire contest and everything on the computer work absolutely flawless. Not one
problem of any sort with the program. Am also impressed with all the "bells and
whistles" which make the program such a delight to operate and play with. (gives you
something to do when the bands slow down). "
Jerry Flanders, W4UK
"WL is the best program I have ever contested with. Sure is nice to have all the
multi-program Windows 95 features still working while contesting. Very smooth operation
both inside and outside WL... Best money I ever spent on the station."
"It is very difficult to convince someone to change software, if you are happy
with the software you have. The same with me, for some years and over 100 contests I used
DOS based programs, both for CW and RTTY. A year ago I bought new radio, FT-1000MP and
tried to connect my computer, software and new transceiver together. It was terrible:
IRQ's conflicts, also you had to remember stop TSR programs if you changed software into
another, etc.
After few weeks of hard work and all time problems with communicate FT-1000MP -
computer I grown up to look for modern programs, based on Win95.
First I bought logging software for Win95 and it was just what I needed. Within few
days I saw information about WriteLog and decided to buy it. And ... it was the most
splendid discovery of 1998 year. No problems with setup, radio and sound card. The
WriteLog works perfect in CW and RTTY contests, I love it's features: Bandmap, Search and
Pounce Memories, RTTY and my new favourite Two Radio Contesting. There are many options
you also will love in the WriteLog. There is also perfect SSB contesting based on sound
card - I use it for DXing and I bet, if you are SSB maniac, you will like this software,
too.
Writelog is very easy software to use, there is very prompt support of Ron K5DJ. You
can always count on him for help, and if you have any suggestion or ideas to add to
WriteLog Wayne and Ron will try do it as soon as possible."
"Just thought I'd give you a quick howdy and let you know that I now have WriteLog
V 9.20 fully operational and I absolutely love it!
I was anxious to try WriteLog in a live contest situation, so I decided to try to hook
it up for RTTY to my TS850S so I could enter the ARRL RTTY Roundup this past weekend. I
have never listened in on any RTTY contest before, let alone operated in one, so I had no
idea what to expect. I finished making the connections and programming the memories 10
minutes into the start of the contest. I set a goal of 200 Q's - which, frankly, I thought
was optimistic since I have virtually no experience on this mode and have never worked any
DX on RTTY.
WriteLog worked flawlessly and naturally from the git-go until the end of the contest.
I wound up with 600 Q's, 88 multipliers including all states but NV, VT, and ND and a
total score of 52712 . This was all running barefoot to a 3 el tribander at 40 feet + an
inverted V for 80M.
Needless to say, I am very impressed with WriteLog. The sound card with on-screen scope
tuning worked fantastic - I was able to tune stations in quickly and accurately. You were
right about the Wide Band copy - it copied stuff I couldn't imagine, off tuned and/or
rapid flutter - How'd you do that Wayne??? The ability to click on calls displayed in the
RittyRite window and transfer them to the Entry line worked slick. I especially liked the
color coding of the displayed callsigns which got me several new multipliers and was
superb for search and pounce mode. I was especially pleased with the smooth rig control
under WriteLog. I have struggled with CT for years and have never been happy with the
flaky behavior with my TS850S. WriteLog did everything first time, every time. I was
amazed how thoughtful the program handled the two split frequency buttons and also keyed
the transmitter - very nice!
Well, I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I am one happy customer. "
