Ham Logging Programs - PowerPoint

							Ham Logging Programs
  A Brief Orientation For
        Beginners

       John MacFarlane
       VE7AXU / VA7PX
           April 2009
         Why Keep A Log?
• Hams are no longer required to keep a log
• Its useful to keep a list of the details of
  contacts
• For tracking awards progress, contests, for
  good memories
• To solve RFI complaint cases
• Submitting QSLs
         What’s Available?
• There are many logging software
  packages available (some cost $ and
  others are free) We’ll look at these:
  – ACLog ($)
  – MixW ($)
  – DX Labs Suite (free)
  – N1MM (free)
  – Ham Radio Deluxe (free)
      ACLog by N3FJP.com
• A suite of contest log applications and a
  general logging application.
• Amateur Contact Log is the general
  program – the suite also contains
  dedicated packages for individual contests
  and other functions.
      ACLog by N3FJP.com
PROS                   CONS
• Easy to use and      • Costs $49 but can be
  install                purchased in
• Can be downloaded      individual modules as
  from the web           low as $6
• There is a users’-   • Seperate software for
  reflector              modes required
• Rig CAT control
  supported
                  MixW
• A versatile combination logging,
  contesting, digital software package
• Interface can be user-configured to a
  limited extent
• Can export logs to other logging software
  via “bridging” programs
• Uploads to eQSL and LOTW
MixW
                     MixW
• CAT system incorporated
• Digital modes supported
• - simultaneous receiving of up to 10 stations in
  separate RX windows.
  - regular and contest modes.
  - search and statistics.
  - more then 140 macros.
  - simple scripting language support.
  - scanning frequencies and bands.
  - auto CQ function.
          MixW Pros & Cons
PROS                     CONS
• Can be “tested” free   • Costs US$50
  for 30 days            • Documentation is
• There is a users’-       complex and
  reflector                sometimes difficult to
• Rig CAT control          locate
  supported              • Fewer modes
• Widely used              supported than HRD
• Licence supports two   • Website not well
  callsigns                supported
                   DX Labs Suite
• Suite includes logging, spotting, radio control & digital radio software
• The DXLab Launcher automates the installation of new DXLab
  applications and the upgrading of already-installed DXLab
  applications.
• records and manages QSOs
• extracts name, address, and location information from callbook
  CDROMs
• tracks progress towards DXing awards (DXCC, Challenge, VUCC,
  TopList, Marathon, WAS, WAC, WAZ, WPX, IOTA, Counties,
  Maidenhead Fields, Maidenhead Squares)
• prints QSL cards and QSL Labels, addresses envelopes, and prints
  address labels
• uploads QSOs to eQSL.cc and LotW and downloads QSLs from
  eQSL.cc and LotW, and automatically updates your log to reflect
  confirmations
• identifies QSLs required for DXCC submission, and generates
  required documentation
       DX Labs Pros & Cons
PROS                        CONS
• Free                      • Beginners might be
• Many hams use it and        tempted to try too
  there is a reflector        many features at
  group                       once
• It is updated regularly   • Documentation is
• Rig CAT control             complex
  supported
               N1MM
• Designed for both logging and contest
  operation
• RTTY support using MMTTY
• Other digital modes like PSK31 and
  PSK63 support using the MMVARI engine
• Automatic CW generation, CW sending
  from the keyboard
         N1MM Pros & Cons
PROS                       CONS
• Its free                 • It can be intimidating
• Many hams use it and       to configure
  there is a reflector     • Documentation is
  group                      complex
• It’s a popular contest
  software
    HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe)
• Suite of free Windows programs (also
  works on a Mac)
• Provides computer control for commonly
  used transceivers and receivers
• mapping, satellite tracking and the digital
  mode program Digital Master 780
  (DM780)
• HRD is free for Radio Amateurs
         HRD Pros & Cons
PROS                     CONS
• Its free               • Can be intimidating to
• Many hams use it and     configure fully
  there is a reflector   • Documentation is
  group                    large
 When I Choose Am I Stuck?
• No! You can run more than one package –
  sometimes simultaneously with “bridge”
  software
• You can transfer the main part of the log in
  a special format (.adi) from log to log
• This is also useful for making a backup
• So if you start a log you usually aren’t
  “stuck” if you change your mind later on
Moving Data Between Logs
Which One Should I Choose?
• There is no easy solution, so ask other
  hams and take a plunge.
• Why not start with the free ones?
• Ask lots of questions, download the free or
  trial software and try them out
                        Summary
1. I use several of these programs, sometimes simultaneously, for
   different purposes. They are all good but inevitably you will end
   up preferring one or more them over the others.

2. Start simple and gradually invoke the more advanced features
   later on as you grow curious and more adventurous.

3. In any case keep your log backed up in a safe place because the
   software and/or the hardware will eventually fail. I’ve experienced
   both!

4. Use the built-in Logbook of the World (LOTW) or the e-QSL tools
   to confirm your contacts.

5. Get on the air and record your activity!