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Explore different logging software options from paper logs to advanced tools like DX Labs Suite. Learn about features, benefits, and how to maximize your logging experience. Discover the power of DX Labs Suite and its free tools for tracking awards, working dynamically with other tools, and more. Get insights on installation, usage, troubleshooting, and optimizing your logging setup. Join the logging software community for a seamless experience in managing your amateur radio operations.
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Logging Softwarewhich one is right for You… A Presentation bySteveKG5VK
There are a lot of choices • From napkins to Spiral bound note books • And even more than a few Software styles • A few that I have used are…. • The ARRL Log Book, yes a paper log • Writelog, DX4Windows (DX4Win), Even rolled my own once using Dbase
Today I use something that may interests you, if you have some of the following needs… • Ability to Track awards or DXCC entities • Ability to work Dynamically with other tools (Such as DX cluster and Propagation forecasting tools) • I also want a tool set that can Alert me when needed DX is available
Let me tell you about the one tool that does a heck of a lot for meANDIt’s FREE !!! • It’s Called DX Labs Suite • Yes it is much more than just a simple logging Tool, but it can be that, if that is all you want
Some may say it is Complicated… • My response is then use just the tools from it you want and make it as easy as you desire • But you may miss out on a lot of powerful tools, if you don’t at least try more than just the Logging portion
So what is in this Suite… • Commander – Rig control software • DX Keeper – Logging • DX View – Beam Headings, Rotor Control and so much more • Path Finder – Helps you determine best QSL Routes • Prop View – Propagation Forecasting • Spot Collector – A DX Cluster Tool set • Win Warbler – Digital Modes (RTTY,CW etc)
It is very important to follow a few simple rules when downloading… • If you have ever installed it, don’t do a reinstall • Download the update • Again just follow the guidelines on the website, Yes READ the Instructions for once !!! • Run into problems there is an abundance of help on line and you can just email me KG5VK@ARRL.NET
So where do we start… • We start by visiting http://DXlabsuite.com
Everything with DXLabSuite starts with… • The Launcher…
Let’s take a look at my computer screen with DxLabsuite…. • I use Two monitors and DXLabsuite works well with One or Two monitors • I recommend using two or more monitors in your shack, but I am a visual type person (Photographer, although Retired)
Lets focus on One Tool at a time… • Remember I said it all starts with Launcher….
DxKeeper has more data than I need for every QSO so I use a smaller window of it called Capture
Spot Collector – or How I knew Armenia was on 40m Heck it now shows he is on 160mBUT I have no antenna there, yet
More details on what it does for me • When I add a QSO in DXKeeper (The Log) • DXlabs uploads the QSO to LOTW and to ClubLog • It updates my DXCC Totals • It will track live progress of CQ Marathon and many other awards
When Spot collector announces DX • Once I click on that spot….. • A double click moves the rig to that freq and mode • A single click will allow me to see the details of my needs for that DX, in DXView • I can use PropView to determine if the path is viable from my location
Garbage in and Garbage out • DXLabs helps me keep my records accurate • Once I get credit for working a station or Receive a QSL card, I update DXKeeper and it updates the Awards tracking automatically • If I mark a QSO that I have received a Card, it will automatically tell me to send the card to the ARRL, if it is a new one for my DXCC award
And there is so much more… • Spot Collector can be configured to get spots from up to Four different sources… • It can be Filtered in many different ways…
I get spots from Four sources • VE7CC User Software (More filtering tools) • ViewProp software not aligned with DXlab but same name • My Local CW Skimmer connected to my Radio Pan Adapter • K 1 T T T cluster via Telnet
Zoomed in a Tad and hey look…One is highlighted in RED !!! Hmm, I am not hearing him, maybe he gave up already
Adding a SQL filter expression avoids lots of email for countries I don’t need
A few comments from the Help Desk ‘aka DXLabs support Forum’ • DXLabs is composed of several interacting components. They are a large set of knowledge. I suggest you start here with this information:http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxlabwiki/GettingStartedStart at the top and work your way down. Spend some time first understanding what each component does, decide what you want to do first and then look at the details for making each piece do what you want. Take it in small bites, Trying to make all the DXLabs applications work on the first day will lead to frustration. Welcome aboard,Dave w6de