Rudi Venter ZS6DX [email protected]

Before I start on this issue's subject I would like to thank everyone who has written to me with suggestions, comments and encouragement after the first column was published. Your comments are always appreciated !.

I also had feedback from Nico - ZS4NS, the writer of the SARL HF Contest logging program I described last time, he is working on a VHF/UHF version for the SARL VHF/UHF contest, thanks Nico, we are looking forward to using it in the next contest !.

I will be discussing some more logging programs this month, the first one is Logger, a Windows (any version) based logging program for general use. This is a free program that can be downloaded from the internet from the following address : www.qsl.net/zs6dx/downloads.html , it has lots of powerful features useful to the DX'er.

The second program SDX, is also a general logging program, again public domain (Free) with lots of useful features for the DX'er. This program can also be downloaded from my web-page www.qsl.net/zs6dx/downloads.html . This is a DOS based program but it will also run on a Windows (Any version) system.

The third program we look at in this issue is a QSL card generator/printer that allows you to print you own QSL cards for all the contacts you have logged in your computer logging program. This program can also be downloaded from the above mentioned page and will run on any windows based system.

One of the requirements I have for all logging programs that I use it that it must be able to export and import data in a standard form. This allow you to change between different programs and try new ones without having to re-enter all your QSO information, an important option if you have thousands of contacts in your logbook !

Various import/export formats are available but I have found ADIF (Amateur Data Interchange Format) to be the most popular and single most supported format. This format is also used by a lot of other, non-logging software packages, like Digipan (a PSK31 package) and QSL Maker, to import date from a logbook.

All the programs I describe support ADIF format as well as their own internal formats.

Logger is quite a large program (The basic program without any data takes about 14MB on your hard-drive) but it contains many powerful features.

It is a very user friendly program that you can use without spending a lot of time reading obscure help files or manuals.

Data entry (to log new QSO's) can be real-time, so you can log contacts as you make them) or you can enter contacts after you have made the in an easy and fast manner.

Figure 1. Logger main screen

Figure 1 shows the main Logger screen and most of the main functions are visible. The screen is divided into 4 main windows, the top one shows the last couple of calls that were logged and can be scrolled up or down. You can also perform a search for a call or pre-fix in this window. If you click on a contact in this windows all the contacts you have had with this station in the past is displayed in a second window. In a third window your contact statistics for that particular pre-fix is displayed so you can see at a glance on which bands/modes you have worked this DXCC entity and which band/modes are needed. VERY useful !. The fourth window is the one you use to log a new contact, as soon as you have entered the prefix you can obtain data on status of the entity as far as your DXCC is concerned, beam headings for short and long path as well as distance.

This comprehensive program also contains a build-in PSK31 program, a DX-cluster/packer cluster program, a DX-telnet program, a rotor control program to allow you to swing your beam in the right direction once you have entered the pre-fix, and a radio control program to control your radio. This last option supports most popular radios. It even contains a digital voice keyer using a sound card, no more shouting "CQ CONTEST" for hours into the mike !

If you have one of the international call CD's Logger will also use this to give you information on the call sign you have just entered into the program. This allows you to greet a person by name even if you have never worked him or her before !.

Logger must be one of the most complete logging programs that you can find and the price is also right, even with our weak Rand FREE is still cheap !

Logger will keep track of your DXCC totals, WAZ (Worked All Zone) and WAS (Worked All States) status as well as keeping track of IOTA (Islands On The Air) totals per band/mode. Logger can print QSL labels or you can export your QSO information to QSL printing programs like QSL Maker.

I have been using this program for a couple of years now and I must say I am very happy with it. The only time I use another program is when I compete in a competition. Then, depending on the contest, it is easier to use a program that was written for that contest, start with a new log book and after the contest you can then import the data into Logger to keep your complete logbook up to date.

One of the programs (actually they are a set of programs) I use for contests are SD (for general contest including CQWW), SDI for IOTA contest and SDV for VHF/UHF contests. SDX is also a program in this family useful for Dx'pedition and general logging of DX. The SD family will run on any PC or laptop that can run DOS or any version of windows so it can be used with an old (cheap) laptop when you are in the "bush".

Apart from all the normal features that keep track of DXCC, WAZ and WAS statistics as you log the contacts it also incorporates a CW keyer that allow you to send a contest style CW report via the PC keyboard including the call sign you have just entered.

Once you have finished the contest you can generate the contest entry paperwork with very little effort. You can also export the data in ADIF format to QSL Maker or to your main logging program.

Figure 2. SDX main screen

Figure 2 shows the main logging and statistics screen from the SDX program, it is not as complicated as Logger but VERY easy and powerful to use.

Figure 3. SDX report generation and export screen.

In Figure 3 you can see the utility screen from SDX (actually it is from a program called SDXcheck that comes with SDX) that allows you to generate Dupe Sheets and contest entry files as well as export data in ADIF or Text format (Text format is useful if you want to import the data into word processors or other databases)

Lastly we have QSL Maker. This is also a public domain program that can be used to print (on a bubble-jet or Laser printer) custom made QSL cards that are quick and cheap to produce. By importing data in the ADIF format from you favorite logging program you can print QSL cards that already have all the QSO information filled in, all you have to do is sign or stamp the card !. It looks very professional and produces cards hat anyone can read !.

The program comes complete with a couple of sample cards that you can use or modify or you can design your own. With this feature you can afford to print cards for all occasions, for example you can print cards with /QRP or /mm added to you call sign or custom cards for special event stations or contests.

The cards can be printed 4 or a normal A4 page that allows you to cut the cards (use 160gm card) into the right size (90mm high by 140mm wide)

Figure 4. QSL maker main screen showing a sample ZS6DX card.

I still have a few other logging programs that I will cover in future but I will leave that for a later date. Next issue I want to discuss some of the programs that have caused a digital revolution in amateur radio making use of the sound card in your PC.

So, till next time please keep the comments and suggestions coming,

See you on the bands,

73, Rudi de ZS6DX