Logging Software which one is right for You

Logging Software which one is right for You… A Presentation by Steve KG 5 VK

There a lot of choices n n n From napkins to Spiral bound note books And even more than a few Software styles A few that I have used are…. The ARRL Log Book, yes a paper log Writelog, DX 4 Windows (DX 4 Win), Even rolled my own once using Dbase

Today I use something that may interests you, if you have some of the following needs… n n n Ability to Track awards or DXCC entities Ability to work Dynamically with other tools (Such as DX cluster and Propagation forecasting tools) I also want a tool set that can Alert me when needed DX is available

Let me tell you about the one tool that does a heck of a lot for me AND It’s FREE !!! n n It’s Called DX Labs Suite Yes it is much more than just a simple logging Tool, but it can be that, if that is all you want

Some may say it is Complicated… n n My response is then use just the tools from it you want and make it as easy as you desire But you may miss out on a lot of powerful tools, if you don’t at least try more than just the Logging portion

So what is in this Suite… n n n n Commander – Rig control software DX Keeper – Logging DX View – Beam Headings, Rotor Control and so much more Path Finder – Helps you determine best QSL Routes Prop View – Propagation Forecasting Spot Collector – A DX Cluster Tool set Win Warbler – Digital Modes (RTTY, CW etc)

It is very important to follow a few simple rules when downloading… n If you have ever installed it, don’t do a reinstall n Download the update n n Again just follow the guidelines on the website, Yes READ the Instructions for once !!! Run into problems there is an abundance of help on line and you can just email me KG 5 VK@ARRL. NET

So where do we start… n We start by visiting http: //DXlabsuite. com

Everything with DXLab. Suite starts with… n The Launcher…

Let’s take a look at my computer screen with Dx. Labsuite…. n n I use Two monitors and DXLabsuite works well with One or Two monitors I recommend using two or more monitors in your shack, but I am a visual type person (Photographer, although Retired)

My Left Monitor…

My Right Monitor…

Lets focus on One Tool at a time… n Remember I said it all starts with Launcher….

Dx. Keeper - The Logging tool…

Dx. Keeper has more data than I need for every QSO so I use a smaller window of it called Capture

DXView – small window very Powerful

Hey I need that one, do we have propagation…

Spot Collector – or How I knew Armenia was on 40 m Heck it now shows he is on 160 m BUT I have no antenna there, yet

More details on what it does for me n n When I add a QSO in DXKeeper (The Log) DXlabs uploads the QSO to LOTW and to Club. Log It updates my DXCC Totals It will track live progress of CQ Marathon and many other awards

When Spot collector announces DX n n Once I click on that spot…. . A double click moves the rig to that freq and mode A single click will allow me to see the details of my needs for that DX, in DXView I can use Prop. View to determine if the path is viable from my location

Garbage in and Garbage out n n n DXLabs helps me keep my records accurate Once I get credit for working a station or Receive a QSL card, I update DXKeeper and it updates the Awards tracking automatically If I mark a QSO that I have received a Card, it will automatically tell me to send the card to the ARRL, if it is a new one for my DXCC award

And there is so much more… n n Spot Collector can be configured to get spots from up to Four different sources… It can be Filtered in many different ways…

I get spots from Four sources n n VE 7 CC User Software (More filtering tools) View. Prop software not aligned with DXlab but same name My Local CW Skimmer connected to my Radio Pan Adapter K 1 T T T cluster via Telnet

Most of the filtering is turned OFF in this view

Zoomed in a Tad and hey look… One is highlighted in RED !!! Hmm, I am not hearing him, maybe he gave up already

Maybe we don’t have propagation

Configuration of Spot Sources

Email alarms of needed DX

Adding a SQL filter expression avoids lots of email for countries I don’t need

A few comments from the Help Desk ‘aka DXLabs support Forum’ n DXLabs is composed of several interacting components. They are a large set of knowledge. I suggest you start here with this information: http: //www. dxlabsuite. com/dxlabwiki/Getting. Started Start at the top and work your way down. Spend some time first understanding what each component does, decide what you want to do first and then look at the details for making each piece do what you want. Take it in small bites, Trying to make all the DXLabs applications work on the first day will lead to frustration. Welcome aboard, Dave w 6 de