Could signal reports be entered a la Fast Log Entry (FLE)?

There’s a great Windows-based app called Fast Log Entry (aka “FLE”) that makes the transcribing of paper logs to computer as fast as it could be. One slick innovation: shortcut entry of signal reports to the minimum digits necessary.

Example (CW):

  • Enter nothing and you get the default “599”
  • Enter “7” and you get “579”
  • Enter “43” and you get “439”
  • Enter “579” and you get “579”

Algorithm here: the middle digit (S or Strength) has highest priority, followed by the first digit (R or Readability) having second priority. So about 90% of the time the user just needs to enter one digit and press space to move to the next field. That other 10% of the time it takes only two digits to enter. That goes for both Sent and Received fields. Gives that 9 key and your pinkie a break!

Examples for SSB are similar, but here it’s the last digit (again the S) that is assumed as having priority:

  • Enter nothing and get “59” default
  • Enter “7” and get “57”
  • Enter “46” and get “46”

I’d love to see this (especially for CW mode), but acknowledge it may not be for everyone. So if implemented I’d also suggest a Logging Setting titled “Enable FLE mode for signal report entry” to enable/disable this feature.

Respectfully,
Jeff N0̸MII

Hat tip to FLE!

One more bit: I would defer the expansion of a shortcut entry until the record is entered in the log. In other words, if “7” is entered in the Sent field and the user presses space, the Sent field’s contents remains “7”. Then if the user uses a few times to move back around to the Sent field, only that one digit needs to be backspace deleted for editing purposes, rather than having to backspace all three “579”.

Once the entry is logged, that “7” would become “579” in the log. Later editing would of course bring “579” back for modification if needed.

Jeff,
The current auto-complete methods are explained here:

Alan

Okay — that does 80% of what I want. I can live with the occasional need to enter the whole thing if I want a 529. Thanks!

I really appreciate the effort—great program!

Jeff N0̸MII