[SFDXA] Comment - HRD and alternative

[Norman Alexander]

Although I have not tried HRD logging and radio control software I know it was 
very well liked by many users.  Just as DXBASE has it staunch supporters also.  
I have tried, DXBASE, and LOGGER 32 but never succeeded in mastering either.  I 
think most logging programs fine that the 'best one' is the one you know how to 
navigate through and make use of its features.  Given that experience often wins 
out over cost, features, and having to learn something new or different inspite 
of deficiencies.  


As and alternative to HRD, and DXBase both programs that have lost support of 
their authors and won't be free going forward, I would recommend DXLAB Suite of 
logging and tracking applications.  Like all things new or different from what 
you are use to, the learning curve may seem very steep. But besides being FREE, 
and supported almost beyond belief it is very flexible.  First it will import 
log files directly from DXBASE, and any file in ADIF format.  That makes that 
transition very easy.  It is modular in that it is composed of 8 modules 
performing different functions, log,spotting,radio control, status,QRZ info look 
up,and digital operation.  These can be activated as you need the feature.  The 
award tracking is very broad reaching for both US and other country awards. The 
LoTW and eQSL interface is very easy with just a couple of key strokes to upload 
data and update your log confirmation status. Also for those that like the HRD 
command interface, it can be linked to DXLAB as well.  And this is all free- so 
when you get tired of paying for renewals, or waiting for answers via phone, 
adopt DXLabSuite, join the reflector and become amazed as the rest of us have on 
the incredible response the author Dave AA6YQ will give on any issue or 
question.  Regular updates for new info, features, or fixes happen automatically 
again with a click of the mouse will cause those to happen.

The documentation is very thorough and easily reached online or use of the HELP 
buttons.  I realize this sounds like a commercial, but it is really meant to 
help those with DXBASE or other programs that do have costs or will cost make a 
well supported choice for an alternative.

 Regards,


Norm W4QN





________________________________
From: "Sebastian, W4AS" <w4as at bellsouth.net>
To: SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, February 17, 2012 12:00:16 PM
Subject: Re: [SFDXA] Speaking of HRD...

The price is actually $59.95, includes telephone and email support and 'free' 
upgrade to version 6 which is due out by Dayton.

The $49.95 price was a hamfest special deal.

Simon Brown (the original author), has been employed by an SDR company (RFSpace) 
for quite some time now, and he had pretty much abandoned HRD.  Rick mentioned 
to me that negotiations started at $200k (and went down from there).  I don't 
know where it ended but I'm sure it wasn't cheap.

If you think paying for HRD is an issue, you should see what happens every time 
QRZ.com changes something and you can longer 'scrape' the data from them in your 
logging program.  I'll bet QRZ will soon stop non-$ubscribers from automatically 
entering their data via logging programs.  They already have a limit on how many 
calls you can query in a day from their web site.

73 de Sebastian, W4AS



On Feb 17, 2012, at 9:47 AM, Bill wrote:

> 
> Speaking of HRD...
> 
> In Orlando, Rick Ruhl W4PC, of CSS Software had a booth for
> his ROC Software for Timewave Products. He is also a partner with Randy
> Gawtry, CEO of TimeWave, in the purchase of Ham Radio Deluxe(HRD). I
> think there is a third person as well but I forgot who.
> 
> The new price for HRD will be $49.95 for the version 5.1, but it will
> include the new Version 6 which will fix all the bugs you didn't know
> about. So the widely used software will go from Freeware to Payware.
> 
> I've been a buyer and user of Rick's software for many years upgrading
> regularly. I  know he will do a great job with it. But going from free
> to paid will be hard for some to handle. I will guess all the old
> versions will be available but I didn't ask.
> 
> Bill Marx W2CQ

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