I think it’s time we had a forum for everyone writing software for SOTA. There’s myself, Alain F6ENO, Stuart G0LGS, Mario DC7CCC, Andrew K1YMI, Rick M0RCP and I’m sure there are many more authors I’ve forgotten. Also there are those who are producing data files such as Martyn M1MAJ and his KML files for Google Earth etc.
One of the aims of such a forum is to ensure none of us is wasting our time writing software that already exists. This is especially so when there are so many other things to do! Plus all the usual benefits of discussing bugs, features and their solutions.
I’m not sure where to host this either. I don’t think SOTAWATCH is the right place simply as the subject matter will not be of interest to many. I don’t want to use Yahoo! Groups as both the web and email interface to it comes complete with a bucket of fail. I can run a majordomo mailing list if needed. So suggestions welcome in this thread.
If you want to take part then send an email to mm0fmf_sota AT intermoose.com saying the email address you would want to use.
The data standards are important and need general agreement between the users (CSV, ADIF, text file, different databases etc.). Otherwise it is probably better that there is some divergency or even competition between the different software tools and methods. IMHO/IANAL
I like the idea of a Forum where we can share thoughts / ideas / code etc.
Several of the web sites that I (and Matt M3WDS) run use the PHP-Fusion CMS which has a Forum system built in, and so I could host such a Forum.
As an example of how it might look I have created a sample Forum on my APRS2SOTA Information site, for the moment I have made the forum publicly visible (but not editable) and posted a sample message with the code from one of the functions in my SOTA CSV Editor shown. The URL to the Forum is:
www.sotaspots.co.uk/forum/index.php
If there is sufficient interest then I can set this up properly and create a proper named forum and accounts for those that want to join in.
In reply to All:
Hi,
Well I’ve not published it, but I have written SOTAID4
This is a package that takes the output from Logger32 and others.
Press a button and the SOTA required .CSV file is created for upload and viewing.
Create a Worked Prefix list (associations), View them. Print them.
Create a unique list, View them. Print them.
It will also produce calls list, names list, .CSV’s , .ADI’s
Filtered by date, and field requirements.
Plus quite a few other functions. It was written for own use, now I’m retired I like to keep my hand in at programming.
Outputs can change date style, freq digits, time style. Variable seperators.
Selection by date, operator or mode.
Currently allows selection of SOTA field from User_1 through3 QTH, Comment, Notes or IOTA. Depends which field you store your SOTA info in. Been waiting to trial with other logging programs.
Earlier versions produced graphs of daily and monthly SOTA activity.
Development sort of idle at the moment but with 2012 just started, I’ll probably start making some mods very soon.
I have been converting it from VB6 to VB Studio.
I would welcome joining a group for further development. Glad to have a say should it be useful.
Well thats just a brief overview.
Regards
73 de Kevin G0NUP
Stewart G0LGS has kindly offered to host a forum and so I have asked him to set this up and add the interested parties to it. I leave Stewart to do this when he has time and we can see how things develop.
Stewart G0LGS has kindly offered to host a forum and so I have asked
him to set this up and add the interested parties to it. I leave
Stewart to do this when he has time and we can see how things develop.
I am in the process of creating and configuring accounts for most of those that expressed an interest to Andy in joining in. (I am missing one email address).
When this is done each of you should receive an email from the site with a link to follow, which when opened will send you further email with a password. You can then login to the site and change your password to one of your own choosing and make other changes to your accounts.
If you have any problems with the login or do not receive an email within 24 hours then please use the ‘Contact Me’ page on the site at www.sotaspots.co.uk to let me know.
Sorry Joerg, I missed this message. I can’t see any mail from you. I’ll ask Stewart to add you now in case he doesn’t see this for a while. Also I’m going to grub about in junk mail folders to see if I can find any trace of your mails.
I recall that Brian ADD sent me a mail which not arrived. I’m not running a spam filter for this adress, also not my provider. A bit mysterious. Is a part of my callsign something that can bring a spam filter wherever to the scene?
Just received an account for APRS2SOTA from Stewart, thanks.
Normally you send myself or Stewart G0LGS a mail and Stewart adds you on. I’ve been very busy these last 2 weeks and haven’t checked the website that hosts the forum so I’m not sure if there are any recent developments. Remiss of me, but not enough hours in the day
Send me a mail (mm0fmf_sota AT intermoose.com) and I’ll ask Stewart to add you or you can email Stewart (stewart.g0lgs AT g0lgs.co.uk) directly.
It is limited to very basic functionality but I still would appreciate any feedback on the app.
Before writing it, I was not aware of this thread. What the app basically does is it parses spots from the web-page which is not a really good practice.
My question is, is there an direct way to access SOTAwatch spot and also is there a way to send out spots via sotawatch.org besides by logging on and filling out the form (also not via SMS/APRS)? This may be implemented easily with an http client but it is not a nice way to go.
It would be great if sotawatch.org could provide a simple web-service to send and receive spots. Are there any plans to implement this in the future?
