KD4HXT Blog

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 I was starting to feel like it was getting a little outdated and my needs began to change.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:

• Basic Logging on All Data including Grids, 10-10, IOTA, Sats, etc.
• Interface to Rig
• Interface and graphic display of Packet Cluster
• Manage and Print QSL's
• Interface with LOTW
• Built in CW machine
• Ability to manage multiple sound cards
• Built in or interface to RTTY, PSK31, and SSTV

We looked at the following packages:

• Easy Log
• WinLog32
• NGenLog
• Logger 32
• Ham Radio Deluxe
• Mix-W
• DXLab
• ComCat
• Omni Rig
• 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.

It seems like I've been gone forever.  Several trips, relatives, and work have kept me away from the radio.  The lousy band conditions don't help.

We have had some interesting QSL's arrive in the mail.  The VP6DX QSL booklet is about the best I've ever seen.  Very well done with a ton of photos and information about the expedition to Ducie Island.  I think most DXers would agree that it was the best run operation ever.  This QSL just backs up the memories!  Well done!

Also received in the past week or so:
TX5C - 30 CW, 20 SSB.  Request sent in March.  Nice card for a big operation.
NS7P - 6 meter SSB - Direct
AE7V - 6 meter SSB - Direct
KD0CIU - 20 meter SSB - Direct with SASE
KI6HLB - 40 meter SSB - Direct with SASE

LOTW continues to bring in confirmations on a regular basis.

At the bottom of the cycle, what's not suppose to happen, happened!  20 Meters opened at 11pm at night!  The Flux was 71 and you're not usually able to work EU, AS, and VK all at the same time with a low loop antenna. but I did.  I don't think it was "F" layer propagation because the MUF was too low.  "E" layer maybe, but it would have to be a once in a lifetime opening. In a 30 minute period we worked BT, VK, XE, YT, and SM.  Talk about wide spaced DX in different directions. and all were very loud.  We had short skip too as I heard Larry, N7DD in Tucson, Arizona 20over talking to Europe and commenting on how these conditions so late at night don't even happen during solar max.

The longer I'm in this fantastic hobby, the more I need to learn.

I attended this 59th annual DX event in Visalia on Saturday.  One of the few advantages of living in Bakersfield is that it's about an hour south of the convention.  This was my second year to attend.  I invited new ham Jason - KI6OII and we spent the day. 

I'm pretty sure that Jason at 21 years old was the youngest in attendance.  I'm 48, and I felt young.  Our ham DX ranks are getting pretty old.  I'm concerned about our future.  I don't know why more young people fail to see the hobby as fun and interesting.  Jason is hooked.  He had a chance to operate the convention Special Event Station, K6V, and loved it.  I did too, managing to run a pileup for 45 minutes or so on Saturday evening.  Great fun using the K3 to an Alpha 9500 pumping out 1500 watts to the Big Step IR 36-foot boom at 85 feet high.  Great equipment!

Both of us managed to win nothing.  Maybe next year!

Today the ARRL delivered my Mixed DXCC certificate.  This was earned using just LOTW QSL cards.  I also received endorsement stickers for my Phone and 10-meter certificates.  I never before applied for the "mixed" certificates.  My original DXCC awards were issued in 1994.

As a budget conscious ham, LOTW has been a huge help.  While I have no problem with mailing QSL's, it can get expensive quickly.  Typically I send cards for new countries or bands and I always return cards that come direct or via the bureau.  Electronic QSL credits helps reduce costs but allow participation in a full range of ARRL awards.  I'm hoping to complete CW and RTTY DXCC soon.  I've also qualified for WAS from California and have applied for that certificate.  I'm very close to CW and RTTY WAS awards.  My hope is that CQ Magazine starts to except LOTW for awards.

If you've not yet tried LOTW, give it a shot.  Get you log on-line and help out hams all over with confirmations.

Thanks to Larry, KF6JOQ and a borrowed TS-430S, I'm on the air.  Worked a new country with it already - H44MS.  CW is a little tough going as no keyer, just a straight key and I really suck at that. (Learned iambic reversed as I never knew better)

A week ago my HF radio took me off the Air (HF,DC, Contest Wise) with a frozen VF shaft encoder.  It's been somewhat depressing and I feel out of touch.

The penetrating oil did not work.  It's stuck.  I have found a couple of repair possibilities, both on the East Coast.  The question is one of whether or not repair is worth it for the age of the radio.  I believe my limited funds should go for a new radio.  After 17 years, a lot of technology has come along that could greatly help my radio efforts.  So the process of research is underway.  I'm a Yaesu guy, so the FT-950 looks like the best fit.  It would replace the FT990, the IC-551 and Timewave DSP-9+, with one box.  I would also replace the old Pyramid power supply with a new switching supply.  I don't know how much selling the old gear would bring to offset the new investment.

In the meantime, KF6JOQ had offered me a TS-440 to use while I'm in between radios.  I'll pick it up later today, and I'm sure it will help my off the air blues.

Bummer dude!

After a nice day of casual DXing yesterday (and a few new ones on my DXCC totals) I was geared up for the WPX-SSB contest.  During the first contact at 0000 hours, the VFO Knob on my FT-990 froze.  It simply wold not turn at all.  At first I thought it was a set screw that might have come loose, but after removing the knob, i physically could not move the shaft.  I have a service manual for FT-990 and it's the rotary shaft encoder that froze up. 

I obviously was not going to be contesting this weekend. While I can use CAT control to change frequencies via computer, it's not real helpful in contests when you search and pounce.  I'm basically OFF-THE-AIR.

I've had the Ft-990 for 17 years.  It's been in for repair twice.  Always somewhat minor issues.  Last year I sent it to Brian Cambell, WA4GEG, in Tennessee.  He did a fantastic job repairing a dead audio circuit, and doing a touch up on alignment.  I wrote him with my issue and he replied promptly:

You may be able to loosen it back up with a little penetrating oil applied to the encoder shaft bushing (remove rubber tire from VFO knob, loosen the Allen set screw and remove the knob.) Apply a drop or two of penetrating oil to the encoder shaft busing area every hour or so for a 24 hour period if necessary (stand the radio on its rear panel -- front panel looking up.)

> Do you still work on 990's???

I stopped working on them due to the parts problem. And these days I have my hands full in supporting the 4 versions of the FT-1000 series rigs.

If you can't get the encoder shaft loosened up and working, you might check with Beltronics and see if they still have any FT-990 VFO shaft-encoders or the ability to modify the set for a different replacement encoder:

So we'll try the oil and see if it works today.  Otherwise, it may be time to find money for a new radio.  I have my eyes on the FT-950.

Oh, I hit the 15,000 logged QSO on the radio earlier in the day.

Back from Nashville after a week.  Hear TX5C on the air and managed to work them 30-meter CW and 20-meter phone in a couple of minutes.  New one for me.  Total now 215.  Info on the group at http://www.clipperton2008.org/index.html