Declutter and Streamline Contest Log
Posted: 18 Jan 2021, 00:42
I'm using Log4om v2.11.0.0 I'm an occasional contester and want to use Log4om for contests and don't want to move to a specialized contest logging program.
In a contest, one wants to avoid wasted time and the mental effort to perform task. The bottom line is that you want to be able to "move" quickly and not get mentally fatigued. In general, there is too much visual clutter in the Contest Log window and it takes too long and too much concentration to locate specific information or locate a particular "entry window" with a mouse especially when you are tired.
Specifically:
Hide the Radio, Antenna and Current Power entry boxes. Perhaps use dropdown menu or it can user disabled.
The location of WB (worked before) would be better immediately next to the call sign box.
Contest Received box is too small and buried in the middle.
QSO Enter button too small, too far away and too close to the Cancel button.
Get rid of PH CW Dig grid in lower right or make that a user option.
Currently you need to actually be within the actual contest time period to enable the contest mode. I would suggest eliminating that restriction.
Beam headings appear twice. I would eliminate one pair and keep the pair at the top.
In the big picture I would declutter the contest window as much as possible and group key items close to one another and minimize mouse move distance.
I'm sure there are users who have more contest experience than I have that can contribute some suggestions. This is not really about adding features but rather cleaning up and optimizing an existing capability of the program.
Ray Mikula
W9NZ
In a contest, one wants to avoid wasted time and the mental effort to perform task. The bottom line is that you want to be able to "move" quickly and not get mentally fatigued. In general, there is too much visual clutter in the Contest Log window and it takes too long and too much concentration to locate specific information or locate a particular "entry window" with a mouse especially when you are tired.
Specifically:
Hide the Radio, Antenna and Current Power entry boxes. Perhaps use dropdown menu or it can user disabled.
The location of WB (worked before) would be better immediately next to the call sign box.
Contest Received box is too small and buried in the middle.
QSO Enter button too small, too far away and too close to the Cancel button.
Get rid of PH CW Dig grid in lower right or make that a user option.
Currently you need to actually be within the actual contest time period to enable the contest mode. I would suggest eliminating that restriction.
Beam headings appear twice. I would eliminate one pair and keep the pair at the top.
In the big picture I would declutter the contest window as much as possible and group key items close to one another and minimize mouse move distance.
I'm sure there are users who have more contest experience than I have that can contribute some suggestions. This is not really about adding features but rather cleaning up and optimizing an existing capability of the program.
Ray Mikula
W9NZ