Logging & Other Related Ham Radio Software · with Digital like RTTY) and most commonly of course...

Logging & Other Related Ham Radio Software

Overview of Selected Electronic Logging & Ham Radio Logging Related Software and why you should use them

Lucas Ford, W6AER [email protected]

No need to stress about links & tech heavy content. This PowerPoint is on the NCDXC Website as well as my personal one.

WWW.NCDXC.ORG WWW.W6AER.COMClick “Elmer Project” Click “Downloads”

Lucas Ford - W6AER 2

http://www.ncdxc.org/http://www.w6aer.com/

I am always trying to improve content so if something is not clear and/or you have a

question please let me know!

You can also email me later at: [email protected]

What will be covered Today:

• PART 1: Why you should ditch your paper logs OR Start Logging

• PART 2: Overview of selected Logging Software

No particular order or preference• Comparison chart of ease of use, features, etc.• No one shoe fits all solution!• Free vs. Paid• User data lockup software/services

• Software packages which Include

Logging Software (Software Suites)

• PART 3: Additional Software for Awards, Etc.

• Other places to find more information


PART 1: Why Log at all?


FACT: No longer required by the FCC in ham radio (Minor exceptions on 60m & experimental bands/modes under certain circumstances)

It is generally agreed upon that a QUALIFIED QSO must have:

• Exchange of CALL SIGNS (This part is a must)• At least one other piece of info: This can be

Name, Grid, Report, or operating conditions like on Field Day or even your favorite color onkids day.

Some would argue CALL SIGN, SIGNAL REPORT, LOCATION (Ex. GRID) and 73

FACT: There is NO real rule other then call signs for legal ID per FCC Rules.If the above was REALLY True Contests and DX Expeditions break the above rule regularly.

What SHOULD be in a log?• Complete Call Sign – The Obvious

• Signal Report (RST) – I will talk more in a bit about this

• Mode – SSB (USB/LSB), CW, RTTY, JT65, FT8 etc. Also EME, SAT have fields usually

• Date & Time – Always UTC• NOT your local time!• Lots of ways to obtain this• Adding second Clock on computer• Some Software displays this for you

• Band/Frequency – Very important for countless reasons

• QTH – Grid (6m & Sat for sure), County, State, Country (DX)…You get the idea

• For Contests – Required info, such as QSO #, CQ Zone, Age, etc. Can be many things.


What Else Should I Consider Including

Optional but I recommend: (Some can be looked up later)

• Name – Not needed for awards but nice to have

• Address – For QSL Cards, no space in paper logs

• Power – For QRP Awards, less then 5W & Nice Reference

• Propagation – Some Track this also, Automatic in some software

• Club Membership Numbers – Ex. 10-10, FISTS, etc.

• IOTA (Islands on the Air) – If you apply for an award at some point

• Other info – Only limited by imagination when using electronic logging software


But you can do this with Pen and Paper…


FACT: Yes, You can also write a book with pen and paper. Would you?

Much of what would takes days to compile can be checked by computerized logging software in seconds!

Many can also pull detailed user info from the internet based on call sign. More on this later…

You can always import & export to ADIF file and even print if you reallyhate those tall green things outside (aka Trees)

Yet more reasons for Electronic Logging

• Track Accomplishment for things such as awards• DXCC, WAS, WAC, VUCC, CQ Awards, IOTA, etc.

• Field Day• Turn in to ARRL

• Contests• Check for Dupes (Duplicates), Score Calculation,

Simplify it!

• Or simply: Keep track of QSOs for future reference

• Electronic logs are easily searchable!

• Very easy to backup or even keep in the cloud• This is my Main Reason!

• Many other reasons!


How does it all work? Actually very simple!

• This part you likely got down already

• I personally log everything, not just on HF

QSO

• Use a logging program (or a suite) that fits your needs, you can use more then one!

Logging• Once Logged your

log data can be analyzed, sorted, etc.

• You can also fill in missing info at this point

• Don’t forget backup!

Data


A Quick Refresher on Reporting


But There are EXCEPTIONS!

• When using some of the newer Digital Modes such as JT65/9 or FT8 as well as EME work you use a DB Scale Not the “S-Scale”.

• Generally Reports are from 0 to -24 (or so) in JT65, other modes go positive as well Like JT9 and FT8. This is usually figured out by the software. Not much thinking required.

• Important not to log these modes as 599 or 59, they may get rejected.

• Other digital modes, as a rule of Thumb are using the 3 digit reporting. 599 or 5NN for CW…Which is “technically” a digital mode.

• Voice (often referred to as Phone) as in AM, FM, Digital VOICE modes (Not to be confused with Digital like RTTY) and most commonly of course SSB uses a 2 digit reporting system, such as 59 for a great report.


A BIT more about Digital…

• Modes like JT65/9 and FT8 can be auto logged by use of software like JTAlert. If using the HRD Digital Suite (as well as some others) these also auto log your QSOs, leaving you with only having to log Phone and CW manually if you so choose.

• You can obtain JTAlert from: http://hamapps.com/ if you are using the above modes. It integrates well into MOST modern logbooks. I highly recommend this!


http://hamapps.com/

Cabrillo Format

• If you apply for awards, upload your logs to some websites (Like ClubLog) or participate in contests, this is the format you will need to save or export your logs to.

• Version and some of the formatting depends on what it is used for.

• You can find info on this here: http://wwrof.org/cabrillo/

• This topic can be a presentation by itself,

but very important to know about it.

• Most software out there can EXPORT to

this format (See image), so on the end

of the day, it does not matter much

what software you pick.


http://wwrof.org/cabrillo/

PART 2: Let’s windows shop & see what is out there!


No particular order!

• There is a lot of software out there. The ones I picked are for reasons of variety and/or because I have used them. Ratings are only for ones I have used. It would be unfair to rate others.

• If software was left out, does not mean it is not good or not recommended. (Trying not to get hate mail)

• Not going to cover all in detail…impossible in an hour! Each can be it’s own presentation and often is. But will provide links, resources in case one grabs your attention.

• I will also let you in on what I currently use and why but it is all just a personal preference.


AC Log /

Very easy to use, well supported and can be networked. Support for some contests. 30 Day Trial. FREE to Try but $24.99 to buy

AC Log /

Has a very nice Field Day specific module but documentation seems lacking. Does award tracking for many of the common awards.

Super Simple and WORKS! Online documentation available. Lots of updates, great and customizable interface, SO2R Support. For those on

a budget the price is right: FREE

It incudes a lot of nice extras (Small Suite) and there are many users worldwide! This is one of the more popular options out there.

Can also be integrated into other software. Example: SmartSDR on the Flex Radio can show spots on the waterfall from the DX Cluster.

Very compact, clean and flexible software. Awards support and features

Added all the time! Beautifully designed and is actually FREE!

Shows all essential info in a small windows, can be optimized

To fit end user needs nicely. One of the easiest to read.

DX Lab Suite / DX Keeper

Very easy to use and to understand compact windows…You can install just the components you want from a central “Launcher”. Including

Commander, DXView, DX Keeper, Pathfinder, PropView, SpotCollectorand WinWarbler (For use in Digital).


And here is the whole Suite! Cost: FREE, Performance: Super!


The main logger screen can be adjusted to fit many needs,

including contest mode. Highly Configurable and very clean interface.

/ HRD Logbook

Highly configurable, many tabs and integrates seamlessly into the suite

The suite includes Digital modes, Satellite Tracking, Rotor Control & other features

/ HRD Logbook

Awards area is very easy to use and updates as you log

Free Trial, then PAID with RENEWALS. Old version 5.x is FREE but lacking now.

/ HRD Logbook


MacLogger DX

Easily the best solution current for the MacIntosh, also one of the most visually pleasing, Cost: PAID


Logger32 by K4CY

One of the most used loggers “at one time” I am toldOffers many features beyond just keeping your logs. Price: FREE

Selected Logging Software Comparison


Software Package My Rating

Online Rating Cost Ease of Use for Logging

Ease of Setup for Logging

Comments

ACLog 5 4.8 $24.99 4 4 Great for simple logging and also for FD

DX Labs 5 4.6 (Suite) FREE 5 4 Super product especially for the price

Ham Radio Deluxe 4.5 4.3 (Suite) V.5 FREEV.6+ $99.95

5 5

45 (Access)3 (SQL Version)

Overall the best PC Solutions, worth setting up SQL.

Log4OM 5 4.9 FREE 5 5 Simple, lean and just works

N1MM 4.5 4.7 FREE 5 4 One of the best for FD or for contesting

Logger32 4.5 4.7 FREE 4 4 Well established but not updated lately

Mac LoggerDX 5 4.8/3.7 (HD) $95/$39 (HD) 5 5 The #1 pick for Mac users

Note about accuracy of ratings


SoftwarePackage

My Rating

Online Rating

Cost Ease of Use for Logging

Ease of Setup for Logging

Comments

ACLog 5 4.8 $24.99 4 4 Great for simple logging and also for FD

DX Labs 5 4.6 (Suite) FREE 5 4 Super product especially for the price

Ham Radio Deluxe

4.5 4.3 (Suite) V.5 FREEV.6+ $99.95

5 5

45 (Access)3 (SQL Version)

Overall the best PC Solutions, worth setting up SQL.

Log4OM 5 4.9 FREE 5 5 Simple, lean and just works

N1MM 4.5 4.7 FREE 5 4 One of the best for FD or for contesting

Logger32 4.5 4.7 FREE 4 4 Well established but not updated lately

Mac LoggerDX 5 4.8/3.7 (HD)

$95/$39(HD)

5 5 The #1 pick for Mac users

Be aware of politics and bias in reviews!

EXAMPLE: HRD has a 4.3 online rating due to some turmoil at the company in the past. They are under new management. Also people tend to pick on PAID software more! Yet it is one of the most widely used applications.

I actually use HRD due to integration and the optional SQL feature. I have 17K+ QSOs I need to cross reference at times!

This is only covering software I have experiencewith to comment on therefore give a rating.

Other Software you may want to check out:• SwissLog – FREE, Considered

software for the “sophisticated ham” (not my words)

• DX4WIN – FREE, Very Feature packed and supports many units

• Dxlog - $24, Contesting Features

• BBLogger – FREE, Full of Features

• Logic9 - $129, Upgrades Cheaper. Very fully developed product.

• MicroLog - $10, Basic Logging

• WriteLog - $30, Pretty Good, Contest Oriented.

• XMLog – FREE, Versatile

• For Reviews and to see what others have to say, checkout eham reviews:

http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27

FREE does NOT equate bad or no support. Many have this available and most are super products.

PAID usually have a trial. I would recommend this before purchase. Setup can be difficult on some, there may be a learning curve on some but at times you get what you pay for.


http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27

So how does the logger know who is who?


There are both free and paid subscription lookup services out there as well as CDs for working in the field or as a backup.

I personally use a combination of the two. Logging software is configured to pull data based on call sign info in system.

HamQTH is FREE, But well worth your while to go with something like QRZ (My main one). You can subscribe just to the XML Service.

PART 3: A Quick word about additional Software for Awards

• Awards Tracker

• FISTS Log Converter

• Ultimate AAC

Between the three software titles above you should be able to cover nearly all common awards available. Many are already built into the software I previously showed, but the above have advantages. All are FREE!


Award Tracker

• This is the all-in-one Swiss army knife solution! Easy to use, works with your electronic logging programs well.

• Even if your logging software already does this, likely THIS does it better.

• FREE and updates often

• You can get yours from: http://www2.w5djt.com/index.php/software


http://www2.w5djt.com/index.php/software

FISTS Log Converter

• Used to Apply for CW Awards, you can use your electronics logbook exported ADIF File to see what you might be able to apply for.

• Membership to FISTS is $10 per year FREE under 18 and over 80

• You Can obtain this software here: www.fists.co.uk/index.htm


http://www.fists.co.uk/index.htm

Ultimate AAC

• Covers 6 clubs and countless awards. Mainly EU based but one at least is based in Brazil. Some specialize in bands, modes, continents and so on…

• You can also apply for membership to the FREEClubs right from the startup screen

• You can obtain the software here: epc-mc.eu/index.php


http://epc-mc.eu/index.php

But the most Important thing to remember from all this:

BACKUP YOUR LOGS!

Where to Obtain the Software I covered:• AC Log / N3FJP: http://www.n3fjp.com

• N1MM Logger: https://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php

• Log4OM: http://www.log4om.com

• DX Lab: http://dxlabsuite.com

• Ham Radio Deluxe: http://www.hrdsoftwarellc.com

• Logger32: http://www.logger32.net

• MacLogger DX: https://dogparksoftware.com/MacLoggerDX.html


http://www.n3fjp.com/https://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.phphttp://www.log4om.com/http://dxlabsuite.com/http://www.hrdsoftwarellc.com/http://www.logger32.net/https://dogparksoftware.com/MacLoggerDX.html

Recommend Video Viewing:


N3FJP - Field Day Contest Log Quick Start:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJEIXuoKWqc

N1MM Contest Logger for the Beginner:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxHOCMAxyVQ

Ultimate AAC & DMC (Awards Software):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ7rafYDA2c

Log4OM Video Demo:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx2VVvVZWVc

Ham Radio Deluxe Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0E_tNgm0AA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJEIXuoKWqchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxHOCMAxyVQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ7rafYDA2chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx2VVvVZWVchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0E_tNgm0AA

Additional Info on the Web:

Again, eham Reviews is the best place to start:http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27

The official ARRL website on the topic:http://www.arrl.org/keeping-a-log

Read up on Ham Radio Deluxe Logbook features:https://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/features/logbook/

MariaDB (SQL) Logbook install for Ham Radio Deluxe:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7f-RZOnmDs


http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/27http://www.arrl.org/keeping-a-loghttps://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/features/logbook/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7f-RZOnmDs

DX Code of Conduct

• I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.

• I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.

• I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.

• I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.

• I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.

• I will always send my full call sign.

• I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.

• I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.

• I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.

• I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.

• When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.

• I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.

• I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect


Any Questions for me?

You can also email me:[email protected]


Logging & Other Related Ham Radio Software · with Digital like RTTY) and most commonly of course...

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Transcript of Logging & Other Related Ham Radio Software · with Digital like RTTY) and most commonly of course...