[Dxbase] PJ and UA problem

Sat Sep 11 09:21:59 EDT 2010

The concept of a downloadable reference data file for prefixes could 
certainly be done, but the success of this approach would be dependent on a 
number of factors:
1. Time sensitivity ... user just works xyz station and discovers that the 
prefix selection is incorrect. Oh, and let's make it more interesting by 
saying he/she plans to submit this to ARRL at a hamfest tomorrow. What does 
user do.
2. Would user be able to make changes to prefix database without fear of 
the download file overwriting their changes. If changes are made, would 
user know what changed.
3. Callsign exceptions to the normal prefix selection. Zone exceptions, 
deleted vs not deleted.
4. Potential issues with cluster spots where incorrect prefix is selected 
if current logic is kept.
5. How would prefix data be maintained for QSOs... part of log or not part 
of log? At least one logging package out there does not keep the prefix as 
part of the QSO record. This is viewed by many of their users as a 
significant irritation. Personally, I wouldn't like it either.
6. Data corruption during download, download interruptions, version 
differences. Dumb users who won't recognize any of this or who just don't 
know how to download something.
Just some thoughts. I'm sure there may be other issues to reconcile in 
developing the plan. I'm not really asking for a response to the comments 
above, I just point them out as food for thought during the design of the 
changes that are planned.
Cheers Jack
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Neal Campbell" <nealk3nc at gmail.com>
To: "Bill Parry" <bparry at rgv.rr.com>
Cc: <dxbase at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Dxbase] PJ and UA problem
>I am working on an update function for dxb2007. I am considering making to
> be fed from my server so that all I would have to do in the future is 
> change
> a file and ask you to rerun the DXB update program. Is this satisfactory
> (having to have an internet connection when running the utility)?
>> I will make it so that if it finds the file that specifies the update in 
> the
> program folder, it will ask the user what he wants to do.
>> 73
> Neal Campbell
> Abroham Neal Software
> www.abrohamnealsoftware.com
> (540) 645 5394 NEW PHONE NUMBER
>> Amateur Radio: K3NC
> Blog: http://www.abrohamnealsoftware.com/blog/
> DXBase bug reports: email to cases at dxbase.fogbugz.com
> Abroham Neal forums: http:/www.abrohamnealsoftware.com/community/
>>>>>> On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 8:10 AM, Bill Parry <bparry at rgv.rr.com> wrote:
>>> I think one of the major drawbacks of DXBase has been the complexity of
>> keeping the files current with regard to the prefixes and countries.
>> Fortunately in the past we have had "sugar daddies" come up with ways of
>> doing this that wasn't too complicated. Currently we are going to have 
>> some
>> major changes in country status (PJ) and changes with Russian prefixes.
>> Hopefully we will have someone make an update that will make these 
>> changes
>> for us. (I am hoping that the new version of DXBase will have an easier 
>> way
>> of doing these updates.) The contesting programs (CT, Writelog, N1MM) 
>> use
>> an update file that you just download and install. I, of course, realize
>> that DXBase is a far more complicated system that takes into 
>> consideration
>> the "historical" data as well as the current country status. The accurate
>> identification of the station, both current and past, is a critical
>> function
>> of any logging program, especially a top of the line one like DXBase!
>>>> FYI, I like several other folks mentioned, use the QSLing function of
>> DXBase
>> all the time. With a lot of help I was able to get mine set up so that I
>> just put my blank cards into the printer and DXBase prints my cards in
>> alphabetical order. I wrap them up and send to the bureau. This is worth 
>> a
>> great deal to me. I wish the design part of this were a little easier to
>> use, but honestly I don't think that you can make it simple enough for 
>> me.
>> :-)
>>>> Bill W5VX
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