Computer Logging Applications

[VK5PJ]

Thanks to all that have posted previously, I am making the leap to a computer log to enter all my old logbooks so I can search for past contacts, track my 6mx dxcc status (will I ever get there I wonder?) and to upload to LOTW and eQSL.

I have started to use the WIN-EQF software for this task as it offers a number of entry modes and a feature rich import export utility. While the interface is a port from a DOS era program it has translated reasonably well.

Have not tried HRD yet but may in the future. I have stayed away from it as I wanted some thing that had a small footprint I could run easily from a slow laptop or sneak onto the work PC to enter some log data

Any suggestions for a small footprint LOG program that handles LOTW exports and understands grid squares?

Regards,
Peter vk5pj/vk8zlx

[VK3ALB]

I believe LOTW and eQSL both accept ADIF log imports. That means you are free to use pretty much any logging program that you like as long as you can export your logs in one of those formats.

Choosing a logging program is much like choosing the right tool for the job and sometimes you need more than one tool. In my case the most important thing is ergonomics and the ability to adapt the program to MY way of operating not what the author thinks is the best way to operate.

In my opinion, if a program forces you to use a combination of keyboard and mouse and expects data to be entered in a certain sequence then it goes to the bottom of the list. I want to be able to control the sequence of data entry and do the whole thing from the keyboard. I want to tailor the data fields to get rid of useless (in my opinion) information. For example you don't need grid squares in the Oceania contest but you do for EME of field days.

Having said all that, if you're a contest operator you may think about choosing a more popular logging program just because everyone else is using it. In that way you will be assured that the contest exchange is streamlined because everyone needs to enter their data in the same order.

Based on those criteria I chose two logging programs that suit me best.

VQlog - loads of tailorable data fields, selectable sequence for data entry, keyboard only operation, rig control, rotator control, links to popular spotting sites as well as auto QRZ lookup, support for major contests and awards, grid square support, statistical analysis of logs, ADIF export, cabrillo import, bearing calculator, etc etc. You have to pay to register it but it cost less than a cheap Chinese handheld.

VKCL - tailored towards VK contests and major overseas contests, keyboard only operation, screen layout and data field sequence changes to suit contest, reasonably good take up in VK, can be set up to prepend (?) letters in a callsign (ie type in 5PJ and VK5PJ appears in the log), bearing & distance calculator, auto contest scoring, ADIF import/export and cabrillo export, network two or more instances of VKCL for contesting, on screen contact summary, real time statistical analysis of contacts, includes a very simple home logbook. Free!

Yes they both have some limitations and won't suit all operators but I'm happy with my choices.

Don't forget Adam offered to write a contest logging program that would be all things to all people (within reason). Here's an opportunity to get your ideas incorporated into a home grown logging program.

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=10691&p=25784&hilit=program#p25784

[VK3MEG]

I was lucky and changed to a logging program fairly early.
my main logger is hrd for the ease of use and the nice gui interface for rig control with my hf radio the ic 7200.
others i have considered are dxlabsuite which is a great full featured logger which has a lot of features and is very good with great support,and features and is free
http://www.dxlabsuite.com/
hrd is going to a model which they will charge for. I have got spasmodically got the cw decoder to work with hrd but still struggling with the other modes .

here is a list I found of other loggers.
http://ac6v.com/logging.htm
hrd is a great starting point I have tried several others but keep coming back to this one in contests I use vkcl logger then up load them to hrd.
also hrd has a great feature I love when you work a new contry you get a notification I have email to my phone black berry so I get it a minuite or so after. hrd also has the web interface which is pretty cool have a look at mine great fun.
http://www.hrdlog.net/ViewLogbook.aspx?user=VK3MEG

have fun
vk3meg
steve

[VK7XX]

for what it's worth, there is a new, free, logging program due for its first non-beta release in a few hours.

have a look at http://www.pisto.it/wordpress/log4om-en/

and the yahoo discussion group at

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Log4om_g4pop


73
John
VK7XX

[VK7XX]

for what it's worth, there is a new, free, logging program due for its first non-beta release in a few hours.

have a look at http://www.pisto.it/wordpress/log4om-en/

and the yahoo discussion group at

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Log4om_g4pop


73
John
VK7XX

Oh dear... I was led to believe that it was going to be a "full" release, but I see that they are still calling a "beta". Regardless, it is well worth the time to download and install & play with. The most recent release is 1.11.0.0 and available at the first link above.

73
John

[VK5PAS]

I am an Apple user and I am using MacLogger Dx (from Dog Park Software) as a logging program.
I find it to be an excellent program. EXCEPT when it comes to contesting. Although it supports Contest logging, it is tailored for the North American fellas. It does not really support any of the Australian contests, so I use Mike VK3AVV's contest logging program during the contests.
You can download an ADIF file from MacLogger DX into a program called Cab-converter.
Cab-converter is an Apple Macintosh based program that helps amateur radio contesters by converting a log from a radio contest into the Cabrillo file format which may be submitted to the contest sponsor. Cab-converter is freeware.
However, Cab-converter does not support many (if any) of the Australian contests.

[VK5STU]

for what it's worth, there is a new, free, logging program due for its first non-beta release in a few hours.

have a look at http://www.pisto.it/wordpress/log4om-en/

and the yahoo discussion group at

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Log4om_g4pop


73
John
VK7XX

Oh dear... I was led to believe that it was going to be a "full" release, but I see that they are still calling a "beta". Regardless, it is well worth the time to download and install & play with. The most recent release is 1.11.0.0 and available at the first link above.

73
John

I have been using this since it was released and have grown to really like it. Was using DXLabs before that. It has had a couple of revisions since October. It is simple, quick and does more than I'll ever need it to do.

Cheers,

Stu
VK5STU

[VK3FZ]

dxlab suite great and free heaps of support

[VK5KX]

Theo,
How goes your computer logging search, are you happy with HRD??

I tried all sorts of programs when I started, I eventually settled on SwissLog for my PC's, then I viewed MacLoggerDX when at another amateur's shack, within a week I had purchased an iMac and MacLoggerDX software, this is used as my main logger now and I kinda like it a lot

I also use VKCL for all contests on laptops, I then export the logs in AIDF format to MacLoggerDX.

Peter VK5KX

[VK5STU]

within a week I had purchased an iMac and MacLoggerDX software

Not all of us are as rich as you Pete

[VK3BQ]

he also makes a very neat ipad app (macloggerDX) that shares the database, so you can log portable/mobile and have it all in one place..

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/maclogg ... 08595?mt=8

[VK2ZQ]

I've used dxlabsuite for a number of years and found it to be the best of all
the ones I've tried,It's free and fantastic support.

Try as many as you can and go with what suits you best.

[VK2MUS]

As others have said, I think the HRD suite really comes in to it's own when you want to use it for a combination of the following:

Controlling a compatible transceiver
Logging
Satellites (including rotator/elevator control)
Packet

But I think it's worth it just for the logging.

its also excellent for those that have disabilites that make it hard to use the small knobs and press buttons on the modern radio's I use HRD as a rig control and an antishake software that is the same as antishake in the digital cameras to control the mouse movement the support programs that come with HRD are also excellent - logger , digital, satilite etc
I purchased the latest version however the free one will do just about everything

john