Avoid Auto log of "I'm away" QSOs

Hi @Zeev Stadler 4X5ZS. I gave it some extra thoughts based on this thread

In the end, a QSO is QSO. Attended or un attended.

Our regulations requires us to log every QSO we make. Some FT8 programs like (JTDX) can make unattended QSOs and they are logging it all. Every winlink station maintain a log of incoming connection (even without SNR).

If a person chose to log all incoming connection to his stations - he has the freedom to do so and I don't think its the program responsibility to force any decision on the user.

Those who don't log every QSO are violating the very basic rule of logging all QSOs so I cant force this kind of behavior on the end user. If a user is so concern about logging, he has the freedom to turn it off and log manually those QSOs he want. Both options are on the table for the user to chose.

Bottom line (in my opinion) :

I leave my station open. you connect. I want to know that and log it. Its my choice. and its a legit choice for me to make.

Irad

@irad d

What am I missing?

Can you share your thoughts on the original post?

All this has been explained multiple times in this thread. I will make no more comments.

@wd4kav

Let me clarify the scenario:

• I'm away, my auto-logging is disabled and "I'm away" is enabled.

• Another HAM has enabled auto-logging.

• The other HAM calls me, receives my RST and the "I'm away" message

• The other HAM disconnects because I'm away

• VaraHF of the other HAM logs this connection

• The other HAM is "forced" to have a QSO with my station while I was away

If the other HAM has to disable auto-logging before every connection attempt, then IMO the feature is not very useful.

I agree that it's nice to get SNR reports from unattended stations. However, VarAC is for HF Chat, not a replacement for WSPR.

Do you have a suggestion for a VarAC behavior that will keep that SNR exchange for "I'm away" stations while preventing unattended QSO collection?

I'm sorry, but I don't see the problem here. All that needs to be done to solve this problem is to TURN OFF (UNcheck "auto log QSO"). The exchange of SNR is valuable information, and only takes one packet of information from each station. Just my opinion.

Currently, VaraAC allows for unattended QSO collection by running with an active "Auto log QSO" and inactive "I'm away". I suggest that

1. An "I'm away" station will not participate in the automatic SNR (RST) exchange.

2. The automatic QSO logging will be done only if both sides have sent RSTs and some other messages.

It seems to me reasonably aligned with HAM Radio conventions, and have no practical impact on attended communication.