Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Logging Software


Below is a list (not complete, I'm sure) of some of the logging software available. As you can imagine, with computers, logging can be made easier for those who wish to use it. If you make a lot of contacts, and you want to document those contacts, logging software can assist you in that endeavor.

eHam.net has review of 27 logging programs at: http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27,
where they provide a listing of the various programs, any reviews they have received from users, a numerical rating, and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

Gene, ae5ft, came away from Green Country Hamfest with two copies of "MicroLog" last March. He was a MicroLog user before, so he jumped at the chance to buy the program and callbook for $10 from Jerry, wa0h, http://www.wa0h.com,. As it turns out Gene won one of the hourly drawings and...guess what the prize was...yep, a MicroLog CD, just like the one he had just paid $10 for.

Gene says that the MicroLog software has some shortcomings, but overall, works fine. The real-time only logging feature uses the call book data base. He says the built in maps are great. Other features include band plans, prints QSL cards and/or labels, grid square, CQ Zones, DX country lists. It also has import/export functions. But best of all is the callbook information. Gene says, "If I buy a copy from Jerry at every Green Country Hamfest, then I have up-to-date callbook every year for $10."

Thanks for the great information Gene!

Here's that list of some of the software available.


Microlog--http://www.wa0h.com--$12 (includes callbooks)
Ham Radio Deluxe--http://ham-radio-deluxe.com/--free
Amateur Contact Log--http://www.n3fjp.com--$19
Logger32--http://www.logger32.net--$49
Winlog32--http://winlog32.co.uk--free
DX 4 Win--http://www.dx4win.com--$90
Shortwave Log-http://shortwavelog.com--free (I think)
Log Window--http://www.scoincsoftware.com--$4.96 per yr.
DXKeeper--http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxkeeper--free
XMLog--http://www.xmlog.com--freeware
Klog--http://www.kreso.com/klog--free
59+Log--http://hamradio.idealog.net--Shareware $25
CQLog--http://www.cqlog.com--$39
AALog--http://wareseeker.com/free-rz4ag-analog/--free
DXbase2007--http://www.dxbase.com--$99
DXtremeStationLog--http://www.dxtreme.com--$89
Easylog--http://www.easylog.com/world.htm--$89
B-log--http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=10531
SwissLog--http://www.icap.ch/--free

On-Line Logging

ae5ft, Gene
, also has contributed this information on two Online Logging systems:
The first is:

eQSL - available at:
http://www.eqsl.org

"This is a free log online. I used this as my very first log file when first licensed. You can enter contacts online and they are stored for you. Others can add their contacts on their log and when the two match, you have a "verified" contact. You can take this as far as you want. The site offers its own set of eQSL awards. You can design on online qsl card that is sent electronically when someone logs a contact with you."

"Currently the OMISS net recognizes the eQSL confirmation for their awards and CQ allows the use of eQSL for their awards, too."

"No fabulous features other than the electronic contact verification and automatic logging of awards."

"Well worth checking out."

The second is:

The Logbook of the World: http://www.arrl.org/lotw/

"The Logbook of the World is supported by the ARRL and is much more formal than eQSL. You must sign up and your call certified to enter your logging information. Not useful for single contact logging, but really good for uploading bulk files or contest files. When two stations have matching information, a QSL is logged and verified. These are used to confirm contacts for WAS and other ARRL awards. This logbook is used worldwide and is well recognized and supported by the DX community.

Everone should be a member if doing any work on HF or for anyone working gridsquares or DX activity.

73, Gene"

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks all for the information. I have been cautious to jump on a particular log program so far. I am probably in a unique situation that I am rarely using the same computer when I am working HF. So I have been doing paper logs since I made General a year or 2 ago. For contesting logging the N3FJP log software works quite well. I have also used the 3905 Century Club logger for that particular net. Eventually I should digitize all of my logs. Thanks again all. KC5EQJ