[ADXA] Logging programs

Tue Aug 13 16:50:36 EDT 2019

Hi Everyone,

I got to think more about logging programs and wanted to make a few more comments.  Before I was using DXLabs I was mainly a DX4WIN junkie.  Before DX4WIN, there was Logic (Hosenose), logger16 and 32, HRD, LogMaster Speaks ( I am dating myself here), etc.  There is nothing wrong with any of them per-say.  Some are better than others for DXing, IMHO.  Then there is comfort level for you to use and learn.  DX4WIN was great, the folks that produced it were nice to deal with and I would make it a point to see them at Dayton each year.  However it got a bit dated as I moved along my DXing path and I switch gears when I got interested in multiband DXCC.  

I also help a blind ham with his LOTW uploads and he uses FJP.  Since he learned that program before he went totally blind and the keyboard shortcuts, I told him to stick with it for obvious reasons.  So I am familiar with FJP as well.  More comments on FJP below.  

There is an old DXCC mantra is “Integrity” is everything!  Hummmmm, I forget who bash that into my mind, but they were right!  Thanks Rick 😊!!  Anyway without total accuracy you have only part of the Integrity equation.  

This is where DXLab really shines.  On import of ADIF files there are no less that 15 programs that have deviated from a standard ADIF!  Some of them are known contesting programs like Writelog which I continue to use over the years.  I can provide a complete list of programs and I am sure there are many more that have deviated from the standard ADIF logging file.  DXLab will has filters for most other nonstandard ADIFs including some loggers that are no longer supported or actively being supported (aka dead platform).  If you are starting fresh with computer logging, no biggie.  If you are going to be adding past QSOs or be typing them in manually, then this should be very important to you!  Take the time to do it right the first time, not redoing all this later!  It is all about Accuracy when it comes to DX logging.  Does your program use standard ADIF for exporting and importing ADIFs? 

The DXlab databases are nearly updated weekly.  For instance the databases I am referring to are DXCC, IOTA, USPA, LOTW, eQSL AG, and finally translation.  The databases I am concerned with the most being a DXer are DXCC and LOTW.  If one doesn’t know all the entities or country codes then the DXCC database is pretty important.  For instance, TO5M really goes under the FP prefix, the country code is 277.  The TO5 is under a sub prefix for that entity.  Many entities now have different sub prefixes and some programs might not allow them or allow a false country code/prefix.  TQSL will balk at these infractions as you do uploads.  My LOTW uploads are always clean using DXLab because the DXCC database is keep update matching what the ARRL defines for those.

I like to think logging software is like a CW paddle, there is no right or wrong one, just what is right for you!  A CW key or paddle can be a very personal thing, ditto for logging programs!  Speaking of which, how long did it take you to learn CW?  See what I mean, we want to learn these logging programs and willing to spend only a day or less in time, then move on.  You can’t learn CW in a few minutes and with most things that involve ham radio.  You will spend some time if it is worth doing.  Logging programs is much like Chevy vs Ford vs Mopar is another example.

Speaking of time, there is always a learning curve in ham radio.  One doesn’t have to understand what a diode does, but he is better off in the long run to know that theory.  I think we have got off on the wrong track thinking nothing is worth the effort these days in ham radio.  If you have worked them all, probably you time is better spent on new horizons or maybe a new antenna?  If you don’t have them all, maybe it is time to learn a new mode or software to make you a better DXer.  That is why were are all here, to be a better DXer, right?  Wanting to be better DXers we always want bigger and better Antennas.  Plus more POWER to feed into those antennas!  Those are tools we all want and use, but on software we rarely want to take any time to learn them.

Comparing these logging programs it is only fair to compare feature set against another’s feature set.  I cringe when I hear FJP being compared to the whole DXLab suite and then some will say the later too complex.  That isn’t a fair comparison to either program!  What is fair, to compare only DXLab’s DXkeeper logging program against FJP logging.  Then you have a basic feature set that is very similar to each other!  What will you find if you use both?  There is no real difference except one is FREE and kept very up to date!  Again there is NO difference to speak of when comparing apples to apples.  Both log the contact and are very simple designs.  You don’t compare a multi-element beam against a G5RV do you?

The DXlab suite was created because it is easy to focus on upgrades between its various programs.  If you don’t need to run a propagation program, you don’t have to use it.  Rarely is there a bug to content with In DXL or a broken program within the suite.  If it happens, then it is fixed ASAP.  The developer, AA6YQ Dave has an active interest in DXing so that is another reason it continues to be developed to this day!  As the program develops over time, it will have more features which can seem more complex,  but you don’t have to use them right off the bat.  However, they are there for you when you are ready and you don’t have to relearn the whole mess down the road.  Each program within the suite is very similar to each other!

IMHO, If one is going to spend the time to computer log, then at some point, there is the point of no return from your investment in time.  In other words, my last comfort zone was DX4WIN and to be honest, I didn’t want to relearn something new.  However at some point you might be wishing for Rig Control, maybe a auto upload to Club log, LOTW, and perhaps some database researches.  Another example, did you work an ATNO years ago and didn’t get the card?  Did you get the confirmation via Card or LOTW?  I can tell you what I am missing in less time that it took to write this.  

I hear you on spending more time on the air.  If one is willing to learn technology and wanting to be a better/more efficient DXer, than maybe you should want to try DXLab.  You can still be on the air while learning this bit of software kit.  If you have them all, too busy, or not a beginner all this probably DXL is not for you.  If you are a non DXer and wanting a pretty GUI, then you might be better off with another logging  platform.  When it comes to DXing I will take function over form any time.  It makes it sound like DXL is ugly and I don’t mean to make it sound like that.  In DXLab’s configurations there ware ways to make DXL suite look better.  Rarely are computers the same, some are using laptops and others desktops with huge monitors.  Really it boils down what you want and how you use the platform that has a rich feature set!

Support, again I can’t think of even a paid version that has better support than DXLab!  I have seen AA6YQ Dave, make phone calls and I’ve seen him answer questions in the DXLab forum while on vacation.  Most of the time your question is answered in hours not days.  Folks this is unheard of, did I mention it was Freeware!  

We inter into a new era in ham radio calling “No Elmering” required or wanted.  I don’t understand this as I was just Elmered to the other day by Rory K5CKS on a program called Grid Tracker.  Watching Grid Tracker I couldn’t help to wonder if this could attract younger hams.  It was certainly more entertaining than say JTAlert.   I use them both now, but JTAlert is better interoperability with DXLab than Grid Tracker.  However I don’t have much seat time with GT and at some point I may change my mind.  BTW, if you have not seen GT and it is more than just a grid tracking program.  If you want to see where your signal goes, who is talking to who, or where the DX entity is, then GT is the bees knees!  What a great way to learn propagation!  

Many, Many, Videos on YouTube if one is wanting to learn more about the above!  

73 de jay/w5jay..

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