1 / 25

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

bevis
Download Presentation

Ham Logging Programs

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  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!

More Related