VHF Test For Windows
Updated 01 Feb 2010
Yes, it's coming back. Not by popular demand but by the availablility of FREE development tools and my desire to exploit them for something I will use. VHF Test [for Windows] is currently being developed, hopefully for the January 2010 VHF Sweepstakes. You can follow things at my VHF Test development blog.
VHF Test is being developed to run on a netbook type computer, such as an Acer Aspire One. Initially it will use the free SQL Server Compact database and support single-op type categories. A switch to FREE SQL Server Express to support multi-user operations is a possibility. It is being developed using the FREE Visual C# 2008.
Below is a comparison of the features of the original VHF Test and what I intend to do now.
- Contests supported
- Working for ARRL VHF contests (not UHF or 10G) and much of Spring Sprints has been implemented.
- Bands supported
- I may not initially support 50 MHz through 24 GHz and light since right now this is for only my use
- Real-time display of band and total scores
- Mostly done for contests like the SS; showing rover bonus; mods required for CQ and 10-Ghz and it is
entirely possible 10-Ghz will never be supported
- Grid map
- Supported. VHF Test for Windows displays a real map via the Mapwindow mapping component.
- Bearing box
- Not done, but will likely be implemented; distance UOM probably not toggle but user setting.
- Generation of summary and dupe sheets
- Generating Cabrillo output for contests functioning at the moment.
- Automatic duping of call signs
- Implemented
- Partial call display
- Implemented in a somewhat different fashion, but implemented nonetheless; no immediate plans to support anything like CALLGRID
- Bandplan popup
- Not implemented, but probably will be in some fashion
- CW
- No plans to implement any CW sending fuctionality
- Scratchpad
- Implemented, although values are not persistant
- Rover ready
- Has to do it!
- LCD mode/mono detection
- Ancient technology
- Storage of all Spring Sprints in single log
- These are five contests run at different times and scores individually; each is stored separately.
- Dupe-proof editing program
- Editing will be integrated. Currently can delete a contact but not edit. Can reenter it but the
timestamping will be incorrect.
- Timestamped notes
- Implemented, but currently no way to view the entries
- Grid/band analysis report
- No plans to implement this; perhaps some sort of export to use other tools
- User GMT setting
- Implemented by tapping system UTC value
- Cabrillo output
- This is a preferred method of log submission and so is supported.
- Automatic logfile backup
- To be researched
- Date/time "bending" for old log entry
- No plans to implement at this time
- Bank of alarms
- Implemented
- Six-char grid support
- Not quite there yet
- ADIF output
- Not sure if this technology is used any more
- Read GPS receiver
- No immediate plans since I lost my GPS a few years ago