Contest / Contact mode
It might be worth considering a contest or "I just want to make contacts" mode. Here's a possible implementation provided just for clarity to what I was thinking about: 1) Change the CQ Calls window into CQ Chats 2) Add a window for CQ Contests
3) If someone calls CQ in the CQ Contests window, you double click on it the same way as CQ Chats. In other words, the operator has to decide that he wants to connect.
4) An automated workflow for the contact proceeds just like WSJT except . . .
5) There's the opportunity to add tags such as <NAME> or <INFO>
6) Contact information goes in the Datastream as it does currently.
7) When the workflow is complete, a <DISC> is issued automatically.
Why?
Contests like Field Day
Maybe there are VarAC specific contests that get people to try the mode.
You just want to make a contact and not commit yourself to a 20 minute chat.
Maybe some stations that only beacon would find this interesting.
Downsides:
I'd hate to see VarAC become like RTTY where it becomes active only during contests. If it did, it would be difficult/impossible to chat during some contests. (Perhaps some number of slots could be reserved as chat only).
I just thought this would be worth discussing.
Mark KB0US
I had a thought that might be worth sharing. Something that might be possible with VarAC is to have a contest mode enabled only at certain times. For example, during the ARRL International Digital Contest.