Win-Test patrí medzi najdlhšie prevádzkované contestové denníky pre operačný systém Windows. Napísal ho Olivier Le Cam, F5MZN, autor staršieho francúzskeho programu Editest a tiež open source DX clustrového systému DXNet. Vývoj Win-Testu prebieha kontinuálne už od začiatku dvetisícich rokov, program prešiel viacerými hlavnými verziami a v súčasnosti je dostupná verzia 4. Výťažok z predaja licencií smeruje výhradne neziskovému združeniu RACK (Radio Amateur Club de Kourou), which uses it to support its own contest activities, especially activations FY5KE during international competitions.
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Overview of supported races
Win-Test supports more than a hundred international, national and VHF pretekov. Na strane KV ide napríklad o CQWW DX, CQWW WPX, ARRL DX, ARRL Sweepstakes, IARU HF, WAE DX, REF Championship, Russian DX, All Asian DX, OK/OM DX, Helvetia, HA DX, LZ DX, SP DX, YO DX, Stew Perry Topband Challenge, NAQP, NA Sprint, SARTG RTTY Championship, JARTS WW RTTY a mnohé ďalšie národné preteky vrátane oboch strán (domácej aj DX).
Na strane VHF a vyššie pásma program pokrýva napríklad CQWW VHF, IARU Region 1 VHF/UHF/50 MHz preteky, ARRL VHF preteky (January, June, September, August UHF), Helvetia VHF, NRAU Activity contest a rad generických európskych VHF pretekov s rôznymi typmi násobičov (gridové štvorce, 1 bod za spojenie).
Okrem pevne nadefinovaných pretekov Win-Test ponúka aj univerzálny režim HF DXpedícia (160 m to 6 m) and VHF+ DXpedition, which covers all common modes including RTTY, PSK, Hellschreiber a paketovej prevádzky.
Win-Test manages all the functions included in advanced mode SO2R rozhraní EZMaster (Ham Radio Solutions) a MK2R (Microham) len s jedným USB káblom.
Video: Win-Test in practice
Features and benefits of Win-Test
Win-Test is designed by contestmen for contestmen, which is evident in the feature set focused directly on speed and efficiency of operation during competitions. The program generates CW in the background, allowing the operator to type-ahead the call sign without additional hardware. RTTY mode is handled via an interface with the MMTTY program. An integrated voice keyer is included, and predefined windows can be freely resized and detached from the main window.
Network operation is possible via Ethernet and RS-232 serial ports, and both types of connection can be combined on the same computer. Log synchronization between stations is done on-the-fly, without the need for a central server. The program includes a continuous search for partial matches (Partial Check) and a check for new multipliers (N+1 Check), database-assisted automatic field completion and keyboard shortcuts based mainly on the CT program syntax. Also available are key remapping, real-time display of day and night boundaries (greyline) on a world map, graphic and text bandmaps and real-time comparison with target values (Objectives).
Win-Test supports a range of transceivers from Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, Elecraft, Ten-Tec and others, and allows you to connect a number of other peripherals via serial ports, parallel ports and USB. The program can also be connected to the HamCAP propagation prediction software. It is possible to easily negotiate skeds and pass mults between stations. The output is in Cabrillo, ADIF, text and CSV formats, the program also offers easy generation of a summary for sending to mailing lists and export of worked mults for post-run analysis. Multi-monitor mode is also supported, if the operating system allows it.
Practical experience with Win-Test
Many operators have been using Win-Test for a long time. According to their experience, the program has proven its versatility and reliability, including trouble-free work in a network with multiple computers, while the network operation itself is simple. For example, OK1KVK successfully won the CQ WW DX RTTY and SSB leagues with it. They also highlight the extensive online documentation for the program, which is understandable even with limited knowledge of English thanks to screenshots.
The program's controls and structure are reminiscent of the classic CT-test from K1EA, which was originally written for DOS - this heritage in the form of quick keyboard shortcuts will be appreciated especially by operators with previous experience with similar programs. Although Win-Test is a universal logbook, according to user experience, it is most popular with those who are mainly involved in shortwave racing, as its depth of functions stands out there.
Price and license
Win-Test is distributed directly by the authors as shareware. The trial version can be used for a two-week period; only this trial version, not the full paid version, can be copied and freely distributed. After the trial period, a license fee must be paid for further use, after which the user receives a registration key enabling full use of the program. Updates are free for at least one year from the payment of the license fee. Each registration key is unique and strictly personal; use of shareware is permitted only on one computer at a time, however, in multi-operator races it is permitted to use Win-Test on one computer per station, with a separate registration key required for each computer.
The license price is listed in various sources as approximately EUR 45 to 50. The program is written in C++ and does not require high hardware requirements - according to the manufacturer, a Pentium III processor with a frequency of 500 MHz and 64 MB of RAM is sufficient, while all 32-bit versions of Windows from Windows 2000 onwards are supported. Win-Test does not require any special hardware other than a regular CW interface to be able to generate smooth and fast CW even while entering a call sign.
Summary
Over more than two decades of existence, Win-Test has built a reputation as a reliable and deeply refined contest diary, which is still actively developed by its original author F5MZN. The combination of extensive race support, robust network architecture, advanced SO2R functionality and low hardware requirements makes it a choice that maintains its place next to younger competing solutions. Those who decide to invest in a license will receive a program proven by many years of operation in the most demanding international races. Current information, a trial version and documentation can be found at win-test.com.