[DXBase] Wish List for DX BASE 2005 - VERY LONG!

[Ed Senior]

Hi Jim -

IMHO, you should take Peter's concern about simplifying the DXBase interface
a bit more seriously.

Based on favorable reviews, I purchased DXBase 2001 a couple of years ago.
That turned out to be a mistake, based on my very basic logging needs.

After installing, it took me about two hours of very frustrating effort,
plus two support calls, just to enter my FIRST QSO!  (The main problem
was the log entry for "QSO #," which I interpreted literally.  I could not
make it be "1" for my first QSO, now matter what I tried.  On my second
support call, I was told that "QSO #" was an INTERNAL program parameter
that could neither be used nor controlled by the operator.  When I asked why
in that case it was DISPLAYED in the log--causing confusion and taking up
valuable screen space--I got no clear answer; it almost sounded like the
purpose was to harass newcomers to the program.  I also asked why the
default was to open every window, thus creating a confusing log jam on
screen--vs opening them as needed--and the answer I got sounded pretty
much the same.

After studying the application for a few days, I concluded that I could
probably slog through the learning curve well enough to do basic logging
with something on the order of 80 hours of study.  The problem there is that
80 hours is about my TOTAL ham radio time budget for an entire year.
I didn't feel like giving up ham radio for a year just to log electronic-
ally, so I just set DXBase aside and haven't used it again.  (BTW, if any-
one has suggestions for a MUCH more basic and user-friendly logging
program, I might try again.)

Re the little dig at the competence of  older operators, I'll admit to
having a few miles on the clock.  However, it is also true that I am an
Extra with 40+ years of operating experience, and a (recently retired)
RF systems design engineer with lots of letters after my name.  So I think
I have the competence to master the basics of DXBase; I just don't have
the patience.  And I'd rather spend my limited time on the air, not
slogging through software learning curves.

BTW, the newer computer-peripheral style radios don't scare me at all.
My companies made them.  But I also find it delightful to operate a high-
performance radio with clearly labeled controls and NO menus to slog
through--e.g., FT1000D.

73, Ed

>
> Message: 1
> From: "Jim Dawson" <k9dd@jasystems.com>
> To: <dxbase@mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [DXBase] Wish List for DX BASE 2005 - VERY LONG!
> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2004 21:25:07 -0600
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Peter Dougherty" <w2irt@nac.net>
> To: <dxbase@mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 7:21 PM
> Subject: [DXBase] Wish List for DX BASE 2005 - VERY LONG!
>
>
> > 16) A Data Entry window. DX Base is indeed the best logger there is on
the
> > market. However, its learning curve, especially for older operators, can
be
> > very intimidating. I would like to see an option that would bring up a
NEW
> > QSO dialog box that is easy for older operators to use in, for example,
a
> > club setting environment.
> >
>
> Do you also provide older, simpler radios for them to use?
>
>
> Jim - K9DD
>