[SFDXA] Comment - HRD and alternative

Fri Feb 17 16:30:53 EST 2012

DXBase has tremendous support and is still in use by top DXers. Former 
owner, current owner and also an active yahoo group keeps everyone 
happy. Updates to the current version are continual, and while a new 
version is coming for a while just about all users are pretty happy for 
over 20 years. It is a very robust logging program. Others have 
different features that is not to say it isn't well supported and 
enjoyed by many.

Just in case anyone thought there was no support for it. I am not 
looking to say this does this, or that does that, just dispelling the 
notion that it isn't supported.

Bill W2CQ

On 2/17/2012 12:44 PM, Norman Alexander wrote:
> 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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