Program Penguin je voľne šíriteľný (open source) softvér určený pre rádioamatérske súťaže (contest logging). Vznikol ako moderný nástupca staršieho programu TACLog, in order to ensure compatibility with current operating systems, greater flexibility and support for new functions.
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Basic features of Tučňák-a
Multiplatform and compatibility
Penguin beží nielen na Linuxe či Unix-systémoch, ale aj vo Windows (pôsobiac cez natívne portovanie) a dokonca na Android zariadeniach.Program podporuje viac súťažných logov súčasne, čo je užitočné pri práci na viacerých pásmach alebo staniciach v rámci tej istej súťaže.
Simple control and automation
Penguin strives for simple input QSO — you enter a call sign, a signal (report) and, if necessary, an exchange, and the system takes care of formatting. It supports the so-called ESM (Enter Sends Message), which means that when you press Enter, the corresponding macro command is automatically sent according to the context of the input fields. When entering the call sign, databases are also searched in the background (Callsign / Locator) and information is automatically added if it is available.
Data structure, databases and export formats
Penguin uses internal databases, such as the call sign / locator pair, database DXCC entity (cty.dat) and custom files like dozendw. Podporuje export súťažných logov do formátov EDI, ADIF and HTML. It also enables import of ADIF and processing of other external databases (e.g. VHF database DL8EBW).
Functions for competitive operation
Typical competitive features include:
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radio station control (rig control – SSB, CW)
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audio recording (eg WAV) with volume monitoring
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color world map with marked QSO locations
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network support: multiple instances of Tučňák (e.g. on multiple bands) can communicate with each other, share QSO information, or even spy on the inputs of other stations
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integration with the ON4KST chat system (sending skeds, interacting with the chat)
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rotator (antenna) control and distance azimuth calculations (if using rotctld or similar components)
Installation and support in distributions
In the openSUSE distribution, Penguin is available as part of the repository for the "hamradio" package. In Debian, Penguin is part of the packages related to the "Debian Hamradio Logging" collection, which makes it easy to integrate into the ham radio user environment.
The development of the program takes place continuously, while the author (his name is OK1ZIA) communicates with users, accepts suggestions, errors or additions.
User experience and keyboard shortcuts
Používateľ Florian Wolters vo svojom blogu uvádza, že považuje Tučňák za spoľahlivú voľbu pre Linux prostredie: podporuje ovládanie rádiostanice (s Hamlib), export logov do bežných formátov a flexibilné Settings. Spomína aj množstvo klávesových skratiek, ktoré zrýchľujú operácie v programe (napr. CTRL+W čistenie vstupov, CTRL+E prepnutie pásma, ESC návrat na riadok QSO).
Penguin strengths and challenges
Advantages of the Penguin
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Free, open source and active development
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Support for multiple operating systems
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Extensive competition-specific features (multiband, networking, rotator, exports)
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Good integration with databases and automatic data completion
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Community support and the ability to contribute or suggest improvements
Disadvantages / limitations
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Support for KV bands is more limited — the author states that he personally does not often compete on HF.
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The documentation isn't quite finished yet — some subpages in the wiki are marked as "work in progress".
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For new users, the number of features and options can be difficult to master at first
Conclusion
Tučnák is a flexible and freely available tool for radio amateurs who are dedicated to competitive operation, especially on VHF pásmach. Jeho multiplatformová povaha, Support sieťovej práce a široké možnosti konfigurácie ho robia hodnotným riešením pre stanice, ktoré chcú mať kvalitný logovací softvér bez nutnosti platenia licenčných poplatkov. Hoci má ešte rezervy v dokumentácii a čiastočne v podpore KV pásiem, jeho vývoj a užívateľská komunita dávajú dobrú perspektívu do budúcnosti. Viac informácií na https://tucnak.nagano.cz/wiki/Main_Page