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

Wed, 7 Jan 2004 11:43:03 -0600

Ed,

I, too, feel qualified to make my comments, being first licensed in 1960. I also
recently retired, from 30 years of flying. I have been with DXbase since
its 1st DOS version. Maybe that gives me an unfair advantage.

73,
Jim - K9DD

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Senior" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 10:23 PM
Subject: Re: [DXBase] Wish List for DX BASE 2005 - VERY LONG!

> 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" <[email protected]>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > 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" <[email protected]>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > 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
> >
>
>
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