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write your own review of the DXLab by AA6YQ.
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KG6TT
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 2, 2008 10:07
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Amazing. Best for my needs.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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[Attempting the impossible... a review of the DXLabs Suite of tools from AA6YQ]
It is 6am here and I'm warming up the shack for the morning's DX 'chase'... Now considering the current lack of sunspots... perhaps 'chase' isn't the correct word here... more like 'detection' I would think! Anyway, the perfect tool set to help me become a better 'DX Detective' is really how I see the DXLabs Suite from AA6YQ.
Before DXLabs I had investigated a number of logging applications. Of my earlier investigations I eventually picked N3FJP's ACLog (worthy of its own positive review)and used it for roughly three years. Towards the end of that period I found myself wishing for logging options that were just not there... and doubtfully ever would be. Thus I began once again looking for a change that brought me to AA6YQ's software.
I had actually looked at DX Labs Suite a few years earlier and passed it over... thinking it was overly complex to install, update, configure,.... just use. The install and update issues were probably valid at that time (tremendous improvements since then), the configure and use issues were more my own. Frankly back then I simply didn't know all the possible ways logging software might enhance my DXing experience... and was just looking for an electronic version of a paper logbook. After a few years of simple electronic logging I began to consider the 'what ifs'. This led me to once again try out the DXLabs Suite of tools.
First of all, AA6YQ didn't just write a single logging program, but instead wrote an integrated group of applications that a user could use selectively... install all or just a few... and even run one of more depending on what they were doing. Each of these integrated applications are 'aware' of each other's presence automatically linking info about what you are doing to one another.
Launcher: Used to install, update, launch, as well as monitor the status of the other applications. It is used to set up global configuration information and even save and later re-call by name virtually all configurations from all applications. This made it easy for more than operator to use the same computer yet have their own log and personal settings. Launcher is a mature and dependable tool.
CI-V Commander: Used to connect the application suite to your rig or rigs (in my case) and it does so nicely. My three transceivers, a Ten-Tec Orion, Ten-Tec Pegasus, and a Kenwood TS-570, are all click-button selectable. Once your rig is selected you have a local frequency display; indications of modes; splits; numerous programmable memories; and an extremely useful Bandspread window. The real power is in how this application is linked to the yet two other tools: SpotCollector and WinWarbler. Before I move on to those tools I have an important point to share regarding Dave's (AA6YQ) commitment to his users and to making DXLabs the best set of tools possible. Simply stated, Dave is there for you. It seems no matter how inane a question might eventually be, Dave is quick to respond with the answers you need and never in a condescending manner (thank you). And unlike most developers he is quite amazingly open to suggestions! Not everything of course, but I have been amazed at what Dave has done to add features or abilities that others have suggested... even me. For example, one of my early on disappointments had to do with linking Commander to my Ten-Tec Pegasus. It was simply a no-go. Frankly I was prepared for this as the Pegasus has a unique approach to exchanging information with an external logging program... rather than use a com port and a control language (which in the Pegasus' case are already used to link it to the GUI application for the transceiver itself), it writes to and reads from a couple of 'status' files in a specific folder on your hard drive. I wrote Dave about adding the Pegasus to Commander's list of transceivers including what I knew about how the Pegasus used control files. At this point I expected what I had heard from other developers... 'not enough call for this rig', but instead Dave wrote me for a bit more information and then before I knew it he sent me a custom version of Commander with selectable features for the Pegasus. After a couple more communications and beta tests on this new feature Dave released a new version of Commander to everyone. Now I can use Commander with my N4PY controlled Pegasus or even a N4PY controlled Orion. Something other loggers can't do or can't do as easily.
DXView: When I first started using DXLabs I wondered why DXView was not simply an extension of DXKeeper. Eventually I understood the wisdom of their functional separation. DXView provides the optional information that you will want when actually on the air hunting a particular station, but not needed or shown in a different manner when you are later doing functions related to what you already have in your log... like QSLing, Award chasing, etc. DXView, on the other hand, shares its info with SpotCollector and WinWarbler providing details regarding the station you are considering (when looking at items in SpotCollector) or actually communicating with (when using WinWarbler)... all activities you would be involved in before you actually entered the QSO into DXKeeper.
DXView provides details such as (but not limited to): who they are, the distance and direction to the station, your status with that DX entity (never worked, worked, QSL, verified, etc)... you can even see them plotted on a world map (DX Atlas if you choose)... even see an enlarged map of the DX entity itself.
DXKeeper: An amazingly logbook all on its own. Some of the features: store, edit, sort, select, report, analyze, review, update, backup (manual or auto), create custom log views, automatically link to eQSL and LoTW, obtain QSL status, print out QSL details on labels... even multiple QSLs to a single station on a single label, print details on pre-printed QSL cards, even print out entire QSL cards on blank stock, print out address labels, keep track of what you have done, link to CDROM or Internet-based ham call directories, organize, analyze, and track for a wide assortment of awards, create custom sorts using standard SQL command structures, quickly see what you have accomplished and what you are after.
DXKeeper can expand out to consume a lot of screen space so one of its options is to activate a very compressed CAPTURE window that allows you to enter the essential QSO details while other applications are being viewed. The latest versions of WinWarbler (to be reviewed shortly) now incorporates virtually the same functionality of DXKeeper's Capture window so when WinWarbler is used you can keep DXKeeper minimized and won't need the Capture window at all.
Lastly, DXKeeper DOES incorporate selectable functions for easy participation in a number of DX Contests without having to use a separate contest logger. However, as a contester myself (NCCC) I do not believe Dave intended DXKeeper to replace all the functionality of a dedicated contest loggers like CT, WriteLog or N1MM Logger (to name just three) but instead intended DXKeeper's Contest mode for those DXKeeper Suite users who like to simply participate in a few popular contests for maybe up to perhaps a few hundred contacts, but really not intended for serious contesting where high scoring is paramount (my opinion).
SpotCollector: Redefines the entire concept of DX spots. Other DX spot programs show you what is out there right now... or during the last hour or so... they can even (in some cases) highlight those you had identified that you still needed (in a separate DX need list that you must manually keep current), they can even allow quick click-on-spot rig tuning, although they usually have trouble setting up split operation and each program has a select list of rigs that they can control.... and once they have rig control other applications you may want to run are typically locked out for performing their own rig updates or views. And of course I hadn't found a DX spot application that understood Pegasus speak.
SpotCollector seems to do all you would expect from a DX spot application but with one really cool added extra: it remembers! You can configure SpotCollector to maintain an actual database of incoming spots (spots from as many as six sources simultaneously)... for the day... for the week, month, what ever. Naturally, you can click-to-go on any spot listed and Commander takes your rig to that spot... including setting up splits if split details are in the actual spot (I still haven't figured out SpotCollector's magic pulling out those details so accurately). Spot Collector also lets you see your level of 'need' for a particular spot and unlike the other DX spot applications, SpotCollector obtains its 'need' list information from your main DXKeeper log... and you can even further sort the list of spots by bands, modes, time of day, whatever. SpotCollector also lets you see at a glance which stations being spotted use Log Book of the World for QSL reporting.
Having said all that, what is even cooler for me is how I can use Spot Collector to become a better DX Detective. I think of being a detective as being proactive rather than reactive. A proactive DXer is one that looks for the DX BEFORE it is spotted to the DX spot networks... a reactive DXer is one that waits for someone else to be there first and post the spot (or spots) and then they react. Reactive spotting is ok, I guess, if you have fantastic antennas and lots of power (and lots of patience and time), however, I don't do well in any of those departments so it is in my best interest to get to the DX before it becomes the latest spot.
Remember SpotCollector stores spots for later review and analysis! As we all know, except for events such as DXPeditions, most hams, even those in far off locations, have rather specific times that they operate and favorite bands and frequencies to boot. So if you are after a certain station and you have built up a spot list for say the past month or so, then you would ask SpotCollector to show you all the spots for that particular station. You would be surprised how quickly you can see operating patterns of time, mode, band, frequencies, who worked, and who actually spotted them. Using all this information you can compare it with important details available through PropView to determine when you might best be there 'first'. It works!
PathFinder: A simple but powerful little application that makes it far easier to to determine where to send the QSL too... including who the QSL manager is for that particular station. Yes, you can get all this information through your browser going to different Internet websites, but with PathFinder you have a mini-browser preloaded with all the key sites and linked to the other DXLabs suite applications thus minimizing keyboarding.
PropView: "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there... does it make a sound?".... or rather "if a DX station calls CQ and propagation simply doesn't exist can anyone hear it?". I have a friend who chases DX in an interesting manner.... every once and a while he looks at a spot list and sees a country that he wants... turns on his rig, amp, points his antenna, tunes to the frequency and then usually ends disappointed... turns it all off again. When we talk about his experience I ask him if he checked to see if there was a reasonable chance of propagation between his station and the one he was listening for (I didn't even bother suggesting that other locations might be far stronger to that DX even if propagation was possible)... my friend's response was that 'all that propagation stuff is too complicated...' I sigh and more on. Actually, although there are some pretty nifty propagation tools for ham radio operators these days, obtaining, installing, using, and interpreting the results in a timely manner is not always what time constrained hams are about. PropView places everything you need to know about the time of day (day, grayzone, night), and the actual propagation details between you and the DX (short or long path) for the entire 24-hour period. And as it is yet another integrated DXLabs Application it is fully integrated thus eliminating your need to set it up... just pop up its window and it already knows the station you are looking at (what's displayed in DXView or WinWarbler). You then optionally select one of several propagation models and then ask for short or longpath details. The resultant chart is easy to interpret letting you know if a path exists (the percentage of possibility that that path exists) and the time of day at that location... which is more important than you might first think, after all, how often are you up and on the air at 4am? ... or at 2pm on a Tuesday? PropView... never leave home without it!
WinWarbler: Back in my early PSK-31 days I investigated WinWarbler as a PSK application. I found it capable at that time but eventually settled on PSK-Deluxe. However, WinWarbler has 'come a long way' from those days of just a few years ago. Now sporting PSK-31/63, RTTY (with the very newest MMTTY engine), CW, and phone operations. But more than all that it has become the operator's control seat of the DXLabs Suite of tools. Not only does it perform admirably with the pre-mentioned operating modes but it also provides a single entry window for QSO details that are automatically relayed to DXView, PropView, Commander, and when you want to store the QSO in your log a single click to placing all the details in DXKeeper. You can even send out a DX spot for all those 'reactive' DXers who need your assistance.
WinWarbler has mode specific macros, full-band PSK decoding, integration to external terminal controllers (AEA, Timewave, Kantronics), integration to K1EL's WinKeyer and WinKeyerUSB, multiple sound cards, and more.
Clicking on a spot in SpotCollector actually pre-populates many of WinWarbler's inputs (callsign, frequency, split, etc.), switches WinWarbler to the appropriate mode and then passes the correct frequency, split, and mode details to Commander to get your transceiver where you want it. As with all DXLabs Suite applications, WinWarber has a myriad of its own configurations that allow for considerable detail in personal configuration and operation.
SUMMARY:
Oh me gosh! Helps screens, user documents galore, one of the most active and useful Yahoo Groups I have yet encountered, multiple websites setup to feed newest versions of each application and the databases such as the latest IOTA and LoTW information. My overall experience with Dave's DXLabs Suite of applications has truly been a 5 on a scale of 1-5. I can add no more than to say it is literally the first applications that I start up each day and they remain active until I shutdown that night... sometimes I never shut SpotCollector off for days on end. The software is stable and yet not static. It seems that just about weekly there are one or more updates to one or more of the applications. To us users this is also a painless experience as when we turn Launcher on each day we see a simple message that updates are available.... and just a couple clicks away.
So if you are ready to move away from a basic computer log book and a myriad of disparate 'other' tools to a fully well thought out and highly integrated set of ham ration DX applications... please give DXLabs a serious road test.
73,
Jerry, KG6TT
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AD0K
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 9, 2008 08:55
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Top Shelf Program
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been using this program since 2003. After searching multiple free and commercial electronic logging programs, I stumbled across DXKeeper. That program solved all my problems as it is optimized for DX. Then, I discovered the other programs related to it and downloaded them all. As others have observed, it is completely free, not even shareware.
The programs are easy to use and have more documentation than you can imagine. Those who say there is insufficient documentation have not looked. Additionally, a few questions to the Yahoo Group reflector will yield near-instant responses that are both informative and friendly. You will not regret using this program suite.
While DXKeeper (logging and QSL tracking) is my personal favorite, the other programs are excellent and solve many problems. Spotcollector should be used by everyone, even as a stand along program. It can log into 4 DX Clusters, an IRC chat and a local VHF Cluster to track DX Spots. You can filter the spots just about any way you want, including by band, mode, DXCC, specific callsign, or any combination of the above. It will even talk to you by announcing the DX Entity if you are watching the program at the time.
DXView is invaluable by keeping track of which entity the callsign belongs to, showing you quickly whether you have worked that entity before and whether you have confirmed them already.
This program connects to your rig pulling frequency, mode, and split information and putting it in your log. It also automatically connects to QRZ.com or a locally installed callbook CD to populate your log with names, QTHs, and other information like CQ and ITU zones. PropView predicts propagation between you and the contact or entity of interest. The suite will even automatically aim your beam to the contact.
Logbook of the World (LotW) and eQSL are fully supported with easy click uploading. If you have TQSL loaded, it will interface with it and make your LotW uploads nearly instantaneous. After a contest, it is possible to execute an upload of your entire log in seconds.
This is a program optimized for DX chasers, to include WAS, WAZ, and other such programs. It will, however, permit you to use it in contests. Having said that, it is NOT optimized for contests and the developer, Dave AA6YAQ, is unapologetic about that. If you want a contesting program, use WriteLog or N1MM. However, I use it for casual contesting quite successfully and it will create the necessary Cabrillo log submissions with a few key clicks.
This is a championship program with a solid developer who actually listens to users to constantly revise and update the program.
Go to http://dxlabsuite.com to find out more and download the programs. Need help, join the Yahoo group (see info at the website) and you will get more help than you can imagine Oh, yeah...did I forget to tell you that this amazing program is free. Really free. He does not even ask for donations.
73, Don AD0K
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AC0X
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 8, 2008 21:32
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This can't be free?..... Can it?
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The old "DX4" logging program was getting long in the tooth. LOTW was like choreographing a dance number at the Grammy’s. It didn't really interface well with other programs. Upgrades were mostly incremental, and increasingly rare.
Time to upgrade.
But to what?
I decide to try the DXLab Suite from AA6YQ. Hey, it's free.
But something’s wrong, it can't be free... can it?
It's got a fully featured rig control program, including a clickable band-map.
It's got a logging program that records almost every field you can think of for your logging. It allows you to report and filter on pretty much everything you can think of. And if your importing/exporting/reporting needs are completely nuts ("I need to set all stations from Cyprus in the year 1990 who was older than 55 on 80 meters that I contacted from my mother-in-law's house to say 'Munchausen' for QSL Card message"), it uses an industry-standard database format so you can use external programs to import, export, or modify whatever data you like.
It has a push-button update to both LOTW and EQSL
It keeps track of all your DXCC status info, and it has a click and turn your rotor interface to anywhere in the world (or let it figure it out by prefix)
It will show you where you're contacting in a number of different Internet maps.
It will look up a dozen different places for QSL info with just a button click.
It will show you propagation information for you to a DX location customized based on your transmitter power and antenna
It has a fully user customizable and filter-able cluster interface that lets you track multiple internet and DXCluster sites simultaneously, with click-to-set-frequency interaction with your radio.
It's got a CW/RTTY/PSK/Voice Keyer that not only does macros, not only does macros based on your log data (automatically send yours or the other stations call for example), but WILL SEND THE OTHER STATIONS CALL IN YOUR OWN VOICE with a button click.
It's got a level of customize-a-bility you'd expect only to find on the hundred-buck-or-so programs from the fellas at Hose-Base (or whatever they're called).
It actually “talks nice” to HRD/DM780, DXAtlas, MixW, and MultiPsk.
For cripessake it’ll control your SteppIR antenna!
It's got a developer who ACTIVELY works on updates and enhancements, PARTICIPATES REGULARLY on the programs reflector, and DOESN'T cop an attitude when you make an enhancement suggestion.
See why I say this program just CAN'T be free... or can it?
I'm thinking the author must have cut in the lunch line in first grade in a previous life or something and he's repaying some sort of Karmic Debt. There has to be SOME reason he'd do ALL this work on THIS MUCH OF A PROGRAM for NO money.
If I were you, I'd get myself a copy now before he gets smart and starts charging the Benjamin this software's worth ;)
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I2DMI
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 14, 2008 13:30
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A 360° software
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been using this big "Suite" since 2004 and I am very happy. A complete software for all needs!
All my logs (I2DMI - K2DMI - T88RY) are loaded in DXKeeper and managed with it.
Suggested at 100%.
73 Frank
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K0VH
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 1, 2008 17:22
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Easy to use freeware for ICOM & other HF rigs
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have owned the original ICOM746 since '98 & always wanted to have computer control using the CIV interface. I finally had a couple open days during this Christmas break and ordered a $12 PC USB to CIV interface from eBay Valley Enterprises, then got the DXLab control software. Wow, I had the rig under PC control using the Commander window in 10 minutes! I had not intended to do PSK31 and RTTY using its Winwarbler/MTTY but took the next step and downloaded that SW as well (I have used Digipan PSK31 on occasion for many years on both my 746 and the IC703 QRP rig, but this WinWarbler SW is better in almost all respects: 3 RCV windows, very intuitive). On a hunch I gave my first RTTY DX call w/o any real testing and worked a HK in S America. Then to top it off using the Phone option I stored some CQ and 59 MN standard contest reports in .wav files and that appears easy to use as well.
I also loaded the DX logging SW as well, and it offers spotting, propagation & maps/rotor control that I have not even tried. Lots more to learn but on first blush this is very good quality SW.
Don't be intimidated that you need to pre-download the DXLauncher SW; it's all automatic & no problems using Win XP. There may be other as-good or better SW out there but no complaints for free user ware in our hobby (now lets just heat up ol' Sol so we can get more open freqs beyond 20-40).
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N8TDL
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 8, 2007 16:40
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GREAT PROGRAM !!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Great program and is updated all the time !
The best part is It's free !!
so long Dxbase
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SM4PEL
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 31, 2007 15:41
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What took me so long?
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have tried most of the logging software, from free ware to many $ programs.
Last 5 years i have been using Dxbase, which i still think is a good software. I heard about dxlab and tried it , and never look back.
What a software!!!! Much better than the $100 programs. I just don´t understand how Dave can make a software like this for free?!!!!!!
This is top notch folks.... Today you can´t find anything better, and the support is incredible ..This guy never sleep.
Thanks Dave!
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KA6BPT
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Rating: 1/5
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Aug 31, 2007 11:56
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too complex
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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To complex and not enough documentation. Could not log QSO's and no documentation on how to. I will be switching back to Ham Radio Deluxe Logbook right away!
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N3GNW
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 16, 2007 19:36
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It ROCKS!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I usually don't write a review until I've used something for at least 6 months, often longer. I've got to make an exception for DXLabSuite.
I've used another logging program for years (with regular upgrades) and over the past month or so have come to realize I want more from my logging software. I looked at quite a few - including one that's extremely popular in one club I belong to - and as with my original search couldn't find anything I felt comfortable with, primarily with data entry. I narrowed my search to programs rated 5 here and this was one of them. As soon as started fiddling with it I realized I found what I was looking for.
My old program does just about everything DXLabSuite does but the separate windows makes accessing all the different info a piece of cake. QSL printing is smooth. Its award tracking features will mean less manual paperwork. Entering a bunch of QSLs I received from the bureau was easier than ever. And spots are announced verbally!
Dave welcomed me to DXLab on the Yahoo groups support site (never had a SPAM problem from it so don't worry and sign up) and quickly answered my first question.
The only thing I haven't tried is importing a log from my contesting program (N1MM Free Contest Logger).
I have nothing against my old program. Its still supported and updated. But it was starting to limit me a bit.
Dave, I've taken my hat off for Tom N1MM for his contest logger. Now I take it off again for you! Thanks for the great program!
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KI4ROV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 22, 2007 11:56
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Product & Support - Both Great!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently downloaded my first application of Commander from the DXLab website using the Launcher Dave provides. This process went very smoothly and without a hitch. The Commander works as advertised. I did have a problem though, but this was not the application's fault. It had to do with me using the wrong type serial cable between my TS-2000 and my computer. Kenwood only likes "straight" type RS-232C cables. I was up at 2:00 in the morning trying to figure out what the problem was and even at that hour I received a response from Dave via email helping me troubleshoot. He happened to be up when I sent my description of the problem to his email address. After some more email exchanges he called me at home and we were able to isaolate it to the cable. I have not had this kind of support from anyother supplier. If his products are as good as his service one can't ask for more than that! I plan to try some more of his applications.
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