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Ham Logging Programs

Ham Logging Programs. A Brief Orientation For Beginners. John MacFarlane VE7AXU / VA7PX. April 2009. Why Keep A Log?. Hams are no longer required to keep a log Its useful to keep a list of the details of contacts For tracking awards progress, contests, for good memories

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Ham Logging Programs

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  1. Ham Logging Programs A Brief Orientation For Beginners John MacFarlane VE7AXU / VA7PX April 2009

  2. Why Keep A Log? • Hams are no longer required to keep a log • Its useful to keep a list of the details of contacts • For tracking awards progress, contests, for good memories • To solve RFI complaint cases • Submitting QSLs

  3. What’s Available? • There are many logging software packages available (some cost $ and others are free) We’ll look at these: • ACLog ($) • MixW ($) • DX Labs Suite (free) • N1MM (free) • Ham Radio Deluxe (free)

  4. ACLog by N3FJP.com • A suite of contest log applications and a general logging application. • Amateur Contact Log is the general program – the suite also contains dedicated packages for individual contests and other functions.

  5. PROS Easy to use and install Can be downloaded from the web There is a users’-reflector Rig CAT control supported CONS Costs $49 but can be purchased in individual modules as low as $6 Seperate software for modes required ACLog by N3FJP.com

  6. MixW • A versatile combination logging, contesting, digital software package • Interface can be user-configured to a limited extent • Can export logs to other logging software via “bridging” programs • Uploads to eQSL and LOTW

  7. MixW

  8. MixW • CAT system incorporated • Digital modes supported • - simultaneous receiving of up to 10 stations in separate RX windows. - regular and contest modes.- search and statistics.- more then 140 macros.- simple scripting language support.- scanning frequencies and bands.- auto CQ function. 

  9. PROS Can be “tested” free for 30 days There is a users’-reflector Rig CAT control supported Widely used Licence supports two callsigns CONS Costs US$50 Documentation is complex and sometimes difficult to locate Fewer modes supported than HRD Website not well supported MixW Pros & Cons

  10. DX Labs Suite • Suite includes logging, spotting, radio control & digital radio software • The DXLab Launcher automates the installation of new DXLab applications and the upgrading of already-installed DXLab applications. • records and manages QSOs • extracts name, address, and location information from callbook CDROMs • tracks progress towards DXing awards (DXCC, Challenge, VUCC, TopList, Marathon, WAS, WAC, WAZ, WPX, IOTA, Counties, Maidenhead Fields, Maidenhead Squares) • prints QSL cards and QSL Labels, addresses envelopes, and prints address labels • uploads QSOs to eQSL.cc and LotW and downloads QSLs from eQSL.cc and LotW, and automatically updates your log to reflect confirmations • identifies QSLs required for DXCC submission, and generates required documentation

  11. PROS Free Many hams use it and there is a reflector group It is updated regularly Rig CAT control supported CONS Beginners might be tempted to try too many features at once Documentation is complex DX Labs Pros & Cons

  12. N1MM • Designed for both logging and contest operation • RTTY support using MMTTY • Other digital modes like PSK31 and PSK63 support using the MMVARI engine • Automatic CW generation, CW sending from the keyboard

  13. PROS Its free Many hams use it and there is a reflector group It’s a popular contest software CONS It can be intimidating to configure Documentation is complex N1MM Pros & Cons

  14. HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) • Suite of free Windows programs (also works on a Mac) • Provides computer control for commonly used transceivers and receivers • mapping, satellite tracking and the digital mode program Digital Master 780 (DM780) • HRD is free for Radio Amateurs

  15. PROS Its free Many hams use it and there is a reflector group CONS Can be intimidating to configure fully Documentation is large HRD Pros & Cons

  16. When I Choose Am I Stuck? • No! You can run more than one package – sometimes simultaneously with “bridge” software • You can transfer the main part of the log in a special format (.adi) from log to log • This is also useful for making a backup • So if you start a log you usually aren’t “stuck” if you change your mind later on

  17. Moving Data Between Logs

  18. Which One Should I Choose? • There is no easy solution, so ask other hams and take a plunge. • Why not start with the free ones? • Ask lots of questions, download the free or trial software and try them out

  19. Summary • I use several of these programs, sometimes simultaneously, for different purposes. They are all good but inevitably you will end up preferring one or more them over the others. • Start simple and gradually invoke the more advanced features later on as you grow curious and more adventurous. • In any case keep your log backed up in a safe place because the software and/or the hardware will eventually fail. I’ve experienced both! • Use the built-in Logbook of the World (LOTW) or the e-QSL tools to confirm your contacts. • Get on the air and record your activity!

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