[ADXA] Logging Program Recommendations

Mon May 16 17:27:32 EDT 2022

I also give a thumbs up to DXKeeper, part of DXSuite. It has several
modules and a lot of capabilities, so it's best to stay focused on exactly
YOU want it to do initially. Currently I start up the main logging module
(DXKeeper), plus the rig control module (DXcommander). That one not because
I want to do rig control but because it sends the band/frequency/mode info
to the log.

It has a very plain looking user interface but there's a lot behind it.
It's great for Award Tracking including all kinds of DXing. It has a
rudimentary contest mode but that's not fast enough for serious contesting.
So I use N1MM+ for that and either use the real-time linking that Jay
mentioned or create an ADIF and upload it to DXKeeper after the contest.

For LoTW, it remembers the time and date of your last update. You do a
search of all QSOs since that date/time and then push a button to upload
the resultant subset. It of course remembers your password and will also
check for matches, new confirmations, etc.

Happy logging & 73-

Nick, WA5BDU

On Mon, May 16, 2022 at 2:24 PM jayw5jay <jayw5jay at cox.net> wrote:

> Hi Trent,
>
> I think contest  programs like N1MM and Writelog are too specialized for
> General logging. For one thing they have to keep up with all the contests,
> the algorithm for scoring and the constantly changing cty file, etc.
>
> However having said that, AA5AU used to tell people if they didn't need
> the award tracking they might be better to stay with the contest logging
> software of their choice. The reasoning was you would get used to it's
> feature set and be ready for contest season without another learning curve.
> That thought has some merit.
>
> Even though there are programs linking a contest programs like N1MM to
> DXLab, I find it just as easy to do simple adif file exports and imports.
>
> Recommending logging software is like recommending a car. What's right for
> one person is not good fit for another. That's why I always state what I'm
> using and why.  Then let the chips fall where they may. Even offer to help
> them if it's not software I'm currently using. Between the two of us we can
> usually get the job done.
>
> I still do AClog for other hams and one them is blind. That's all he ever
> knew before he went blind.  However I will usually check for fat finger
> mistakes and correct them with DXLab. Then I will upload his QSOs from
> there to LOTW.
>
> Started out with Log Master speaks in the late 90s. Then I moved over to
> Logger 16/32 and then DX4WIN for many years. Then finally moved over to
> DXLab because I could see the author's sticking around for a long time
> because of his love of DXing. In the past logging software authors averaged
> around 4 years or so?  Then they would get burned out and move on.
>
> 73 jay/w5jay..
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Trent Fleming <trent.fleming at gmail.com>
> Date: 5/16/22 12:03 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: Rory Bowers <k6cks01 at gmail.com>
> Cc: adxa <ADXA at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [ADXA] Logging Program Recommendations
>
> Well, I wanted to weigh in.  Early on in my automated logging, I used
> VQlog out of loyalty to Gabriel, who produces the great VHF and above
> openings maps.  It was great for basic logging and tracking, but he
> struggled with connectivity to LOTW and etc.  So I started looking around.
> I tried HRD, but because I don't have a ton of time for radio, I felt the
> learning curve was too steep.  So I've settled on DXlabs, and have decided
> that - for the price - it may be the best thing out there.  However, I keep
> going back to N1MM for contests, unless its one of the state or other
> contest that NF3JP supports - his software is nice also but the general log
> program wasn't robust enough.
>
> Finally, I wanted to say - as opposed to many of the ham message boards I
> read - how refreshing it is that everyone has shared opinions in such an
> open, positive way without trashing someone else's experience or opinion.
>
> Appreciate ya'll!
>
> 73,
> Trent
> N4DTF
> EM55
>
> On Sun, May 15, 2022 at 1:28 PM Rory Bowers <k6cks01 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Steve,
>> I am absolutely in love with Log4OM.  It gives me everything I need to
>> hunt DX and faithfully log with a minimum of user intervention.  I
>> currently log automatically to LOTW, QRZ and ClubLog.  Best of all it is
>> FREE.  Once you start using it I am sure you will feel like donating to the
>> cause.  It is very well supported and runs flawlessly.  I was a DX4Win user
>> for years and got tired of paying the annual subscriptions for something
>> that didn't do everything I want in a logging program. I am now super happy
>> I made the switch!
>> GL & 73,
>> Rory, K5CKS
>>
>> On Sun, May 15, 2022 at 1:18 PM Steven Rutledge <crownhaven at bellsouth.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Well, I have given up on DXBase.  Recurring problems on two programs on
>>> two computers.  I am unable to create an ADIF file on either of them to
>>> upload to LOTW.  After two weeks of struggling with the problem, I give
>>> up.  I'm looking for a program that provides a seamless upload to LOTW,
>>> it doesn't have to be automatic.  However, I would rather not have to
>>> hunt for files, make 10 keystrokes, etc.  Having a display available for
>>> DX stats and the ability of integrate Internet Cluster.  Something that
>>> doesn't require an intimate knowledge of Windows problems.
>>>
>>> Joel told me he is using DX4WIN.  DX Keeper is another one I'm familiar
>>> with.  Also HRD.  DXBase was a great program but there was no support.
>>> I think most of the ops still using it are probably IT specialists.
>>> :)))))
>>>
>>> I'm running Windows 10 home here.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions would be most appreciated.  BTW, DXAC has a Zoom meeting
>>> this afternoon.  It will be interesting.  I will report anything of
>>> interest.  DXAC has not been tasked with anything but the usual stuff
>>> keeps coming up and we are going to review/discuss it.  If there is
>>> anything you want ME to mention, please let me know.
>>>
>>>
>>> 73.
>>>
>>> Steve, 901-849-7449
>>>
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>
>
> --
> Trent Fleming
>
>
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>
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>
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