You may have noticed that my blog entries have slowed a little. I've been spending what little free time I have evaluating software for logging and rig control. It's been a real eye opener.
First, I've been very happy since 2004 using the N3FJP software 'ACLog". It's done a terrific job of logging QSO's, being a CW machine, Cluster browser, QSL generator, and rig control. Why change? I was starting to feel like it was getting a little outdated and my needs began to change. I also wanted better control of software features of my new FT-950 radio. We had to rely on other software for RTTY, PSK31 and SSTV when I wanted to use those modes. Scott had built a nice software package and I was using his contest software as well.
Earlier this year I switched to the N1MM Contest software package. It's been terrific and a real help in getting better scores in some contest effort. The fact that it interfaced so well with MMITY was a real plus and it worked great in the RTTY Roundup. That opened my eyes to taking a look at what was out there.
You should know that from 1993 through 2003 I used some old DOS programs. Hyperlog for general logging and CT for contesting. Both served me very well for over 10 years.
I'm going to attempt to report on what I've found and the the process I've been through to evaluate these logging programs. Some requirements:
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Basic Logging on All Data including Grids, 10-10, IOTA, Sats, etc.
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Interface to Rig
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Interface and graphic display of Packet Cluster
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Manage and Print QSL's
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Interface with LOTW
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Built in CW machine
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Ability to manage multiple sound cards
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Built in or interface to RTTY, PSK31, and SSTV
We looked at the following packages:
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Easy Log
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WinLog32
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NGenLog
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Logger 32
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Ham Radio Deluxe
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Mix-W
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DXLab
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ComCat
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Omni Rig
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Logic
We looked at the freeware, shareware and paid programs that had evaluation software available. As time permits, I'll go over each package and try to explain the strong points and weak points of each. At the end, I'll reveal my choice.