WriteLog and Telnet
The following is from a message by Jay Townsend, WS7I, dated 8/31/98, that appeared on
the WriteLog e-mail reflector :
For those users of packet and the Writelog program. The program now appears to be the
only contesting program that supports directed telnet access to the Packet Cluster systems
which may be on the Internet.
This should really help out for those running the correct catagory in a contest. In
most contests packet is used only by M/M or M/S stations. CQWW does have an Assisted Class
of Single Operator. Packet generally is NOT allowed in most contests. We did allow Packet
to be used in the WW RTTY WPX by all stations. There was a lot of discussion on this by
those of us who invented the contest. It was felt that packet is only marginally helpful
in a contest which has so many mults and so wouldn't disadvantage anyone.
Enough ranting on ethics. If you use packet then enter the correct class of operation.
Now to the actual function of it in Writelog. As you may know, I have one of the
longest running Packet cluster systems on the West Coast and it was the first in the
Pacific Northwest on line. I also have very good internet access to many of the systems
around the world.
I spent about 10 days doing some extensive testing on Writelog and the telnet feature.
As I generally have packet running 24 hours a day in the shack on my node it was quite
easy to see the advantages of the program.
One of the things that I initally thought was that you would have to be able to
seperate the spots by mode. I had looked at the way that WF1B does packet and it looked
like to me that all the SSB/CW, VHF, etc, would be confusing. Not true. The method to
employ packet is to telnet to a station that provides internet access.
I will give you one example. This example "usually" accepts a certain number
of telnet sessions. 206.104.42.245 is the IP number (IP=Internet Protocall) that is also
known as moe.wu3v.ampr.org and is the "Mega-Cluster" run by none other
than Jim, WU3V, who is also an active RTTY contester and user of Writelog (when he gets
on).
Right after I connect to MOE I do the following: SH/DX/50. This gets me the last 50
RTTY spots which generally have been put out with DX 14.088 WS7I RTTY so that in the
comment field RTTY shows up and we can search on it.
What I had thought was that its necessary for the program to search for this string in
spots. Not true.....
You then get the 50 spots and minimize the Packet screen (by clicking on the minus sign
in the top right hand of that screen).
Now anytime that WU3V sends a spot it will show up in your program. You (unknown and
not well thought out by me....previously) don't need to worry if its SSB. It will go way
up on the bandmap and you'll never see it in any case. As a networked M/S or M/M the spots
can be sent around the network by logging into packet on the network so that only one
needs to be on the internet.
Pretty slick. The only thing that may be needed is a way to keep the packet link open
in times of slow activity. Most of the telnet clients or ISP have about a 6-7 minute timer
that after inactivity of longer than that will log you off. The program could send a
"choke" message every five minutes or so to hold the telnet session. I am not
sure if WriteLog Does this or not.
I am now using packet on the internet and have the rttyrite screen up with the type
ahead down and the log basically put away for general DXing. It works extremely well.
I have also found the BandMap timing in the file writelog.ini (found in c:\windows) and
have set up the timing to suit myself.
You can also clear things out once in a while by clicking on band map.
The general nature of Writelog is sure nice. Having it active for SSB and CW is also a
real blast.
73 Jay WS7I
A bit more detail on connecting to WU3V from another message by Jay:
Connecting to Packet Telnet Via WU3V
1. Have an internet connection active.
2. Have WriteLog running.
3. Click Packet window under Tools
4. Click File,
5. Click Telnet
6. Type: moe.wu3v.net
7. Log In: Type: UR CALL
8. Password: Type: UR FIRST NAME
9. When you see all the A Thru Z letters look for DXC then press Enter..
You will get the mega cluster...
(When anyone connects: if it's the first time they will need to answer a few
questions..)
