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write your own review of the Ham Radio Deluxe.
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N7HHC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 8, 2009 07:35
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Fantastic Program
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a fantastic piece of software in my opinion, and I find it odd that anyone would rate it less than a solid "5".
I have used previous versions but just switched over to the latest Beta version and I am blown away with everything this program will do. No, it is not Plug and Play down to everything you may want to do, but very close. No, there is no step-by-step manual describing every function of this amazing software. You need to explore and try things by yourself, and in the process you may even learn a few things. Everyday, while exploring this software, I find yet another "tweak" or customization feature I was unaware of.
Things to remember while evaluating:
1. This is a Beta version and you may find a couple bugs which will be fixed if you report them properly. As I understand it that is why they release a Beta version of any software.
2. QRZ is not part of this program and they are the ones that keep changing access to their data base. HRD is not the only software having trouble keeping up with QRZ's recent changes.
3. For this quality piece of software to be released for FREE is amazing in itself.
While I will never use every feature available in this software, I don't use every feature available on my micro-wave oven either. But, the features are there for those that want to use them.
Simon Brown is a hero in my eyes for this FREE contribution to the ham community, and deserves a fair test and trial of this software before rating it anything less than a "5".
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NT2F
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 6, 2009 19:28
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Deserves a 5
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Having read some of the recent less-than-enthusiastic reviews I wanted to answer some of the issues from my perspective.
HRD is indeed a moderately complex and very sophisticated package. But it is something that you can grow into easily if you spend the time. If you do not have reasonable knowledge of windows software or are unwilling to spend the time learning then you will find yourself way down at the bottom of the learning curve. You have to bring your own skill set to the table. I do not see that the HRD technical forums have the responsibility to educate the casual user that is unwilling to educate themself. The truth is the state of the art in programming has not really progressed very much in 40+ years and people still have to spend time learning this stuff. There is no short cut.
That said, HRD does require some setup. HRD does require some effort. HRD does require some learning. It is an integrated software package (Radio Control, Logbook, Digital Modes, SSTV, Rotor Control, Satellite Tracking). I use only what I personally need - the Logbook and Digital Modes.
Current version does not track awards. Upcoming revs are expected to address this. I use HRD Utilities by WD5EAE (also free) to interface with LOTW and eQSL. If you are not using LOTW or eQSL because these are technical challenges to you then HRD is not for you. There are still programs out there that run on MS DOS or pen and paper still work.
The documentation is not neophyte friendly. Nobody makes money on documentation – not even Microsoft. Think about all those “XXX for Dummies” books. They would not be necessary if MS wrote their documentation to address the lowest common denominator. The HRD documentation covers the basics – it gets you started. The rest is up to you.
I must admit my own learning curve has been quite steep – but my friends – it has been worth it. It has been worth the hours I put in to figure it out. It has been worth the frustrations I have encountered because of my own shortcomings.
This is not the perfect product, but by far it is the best out there for what it does. It has a very impressive user interface and is rich in features.
I am not affiliated with HRD in any way, shape or form (per new FTC disclosure guidelines for bloggers, etc) – just an humble user. Why give it a 5 when it is not perfect? Because this is a GREAT product free or not. And will only get better.
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NS5U
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Rating: 2/5
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Oct 6, 2009 13:26
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Just too much here
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Simon Brown has created an incredible piece of work. The fact that it is offered freely to the ham community is laudable but may very well be at the root of the software's many problems. Mr Brown's presence on multiple forums indicates a man of character and intellect. I wish I possessed a fraction of his abilities.
Having installed HRD several times over the years and given it an opportunity I always end up removing it for the same reasons. It is overly complex. There are many known issues. The primary issue for my use is the complexity. I just want to use the software not make a hobby of configuring it.
Now I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer and there are legions of satisfied users, so my issues shouldn't prevent someone else from installing the program(s) and exploring the possibilites. The cost is reasonable(free)but you are encouraged to donate to the cause.
This is a commendable approach. I usually pay for what I find useful just as I am subscribed to this site but if I had paid to be so dissappointed with the results of experimenting with HRD I would certainly feel shortchanged.
I hope HRD develops into a stable and more refined product which I can find useful and with a reliable income stream to support development it could happen more quickly.
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KC2RGW
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 6, 2009 10:53
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Amazing body of work and the customer svc is outstanding!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This package is a stunning body of work. It blows my mind that anyone can put this much time into a single project. The integration of the full suite is the best part of it.
For those who can't comprehend the details, QRZ is not part of HRD. When the QRZ site API changes at its owner's whim (which has been frequently as of late), all applications written to use it have to be changed and re-released. This is not a 'bug' with the client application.
The best part of HRD is that when the user decides it is too horrible to bear using, they can get a full refund...
Hams are the worst consumer market there is. I used to wonder why so many vendors are distant and bitter...after a few years in the hobby it all makes sense now.
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KE5GFJ
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Rating: 3/5
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Sep 6, 2009 10:11
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Has recurring bugs
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Used this program for about 4 years. In the last two years it has developed recurring problems with linking to www.QRZ.com. Seems as soon as they get it fixed, something else goes wrong. The developers have worked hard to develope a good program and are always updating and changing the program to make it "better". That is commendable, but that just may be the problem. Too many changes create more problems. It might be better to leave it alone and concentrate on keeping one version working. But you dare not complain about it on any of the forums or some of the "holier than thou - HRD hardliners" will jump down your throat! The program is still one of the best for the DX cluster and logging functions IF the QRZ link is working. For satellite tracking and CAT rig/rotor control, SatPC32 is much easier to setup and use. I would give HRD a 5 if they could keep the QRZ link working.
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W6GEE
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Rating: 2/5
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Jul 20, 2009 11:35
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Glizty but not great
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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After numerous attempts, I couldn't download the ADIF data file from my old logging program Log Window. The online forum was virtually useless as far as finding a solution.
The rig control portion of the HRD is interesting and fun to play around with, but really unnecessary nor practical for my normal operating modes.
I've gone with the newer version of Log Window because the instantaneous tech support is exceptional. I've also reverted to using Digipan as my PSK program and operating my rig manually for the most part. No bugs, glitches, or flakey tech support issues.
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ON7RU
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 13, 2009 09:16
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Free lunch but no dessert
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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A couple of days ago I heard on the local epeater a few hams talking about the new (pre)release of the HRD. V5
Heard only positive feedback and decided to give it try.
First of all congrats to Simon and his team, they did a great job. The hamcommunity should be gratefull to people who spend their time
and resources to write free software.
My findings about the application:
Pro's:
- Toys for boys, there's a lot to tweak or as thers said : eyeball candy
- Easy to link a callsign to a DXCC with country manager (ex K5D to desceo instead of USA)
- Importing a log is fast and correct.
- DX clusters are predefined and you're connected in a breeze.
- The "lookup" function is a good tool to find additional information about the heard/worked station.
- Readout of your radio's settings is great and works as described.
Room for improvement :
- Award tracking. If you track your IOTA's you should expect that you get a list with your worked stations and the IOTA referenceee, but you
have to add IOTA reference every time (even when you saved the layout---> bug?)
- US County, RDA, ... hunters you will be dissipointed there's no dropdownlist with available counties, nor tracking capabilities.
- You should see in a blink of an eye if you have worked/confirmed DXCC "X" on band or mode. It's not the case, specially when you're not connected to the internet.
Conclusion:
This is a great application with a lot of subapplications for the casual DXer, the radioamateur who wants to control his (tiny) radio with the PC and I'msure the digi-boys will love the DM780 tool.
Is DX'ing serious bussiness for you? You want to track band/modes, IOTA, US counties, RDA...then their
are better alternatives available.
I stick with logger32, but will check for future updates, HRD has potential.
Frank, ON7RU
http://www.on7ru.net
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W3TUA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2009 08:20
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Great Logging Program
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used HRD for many years. The frequency memories are my favorite feature when using it for SW monitoring. DM780 is really nice for digital modes and the PSK Superbrowser mode is a must for digital mode contesting.
My only gripe is BOZOS who give a low rating to the program based on the BETA version. It has bugs and is not a final release. How absurd.
I, too, would like to see LOTW and EQSL support for HRD. The workaround involves using Logger32 with UDP linker program that sends logbook info from Ham Radio Deluxe to Logger 32, which then, in turn, uploads to LOTW/EQSL.
Keep up the great work, Simon!
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G8JNJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2009 00:48
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HRD V5 (Beta) – Superb
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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What else can I say about this great programme ?
I loaded it up last night, it ran straight away with no problems.
It took a few minutes to familiarise myself with the new layout and features and import the log from the previous version.
What a huge amount of work undertaken by Simon and the rest of the HRD testers. I especially like the DX spots tuning scale, the audio recorder and monitor, the logbook features and the rest.
This integrated package is head and shoulders above other offerings – AND IT’S FREE !
How can you not like this ? Well done Simon
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WE1X
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 7, 2009 14:09
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Spot On
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've been using HRD/DM780 for past 18 months after being a loyal MixW user for many years and after exploring multiple free, shareware and priced software. The quality of HRD/DM780 v4 has been outstanding and rivals virtually any other product on the market. Given this is freeware done on Simon's time with donations from various fans I have to say I'm even more impressed.
v5 is a complete re-work of HRD with a number of "sub-applications" working seamlessly. What was released the other day is beta software with all the vagaries that entails. While many features don't work or work the way they should, no rational person can be surprised by this with beta version software. Given Simon and his band of testers have and continue to actively solicit feedback (including bugs), have posted a "to do list", and are providing responses to inquiries as fast as they can I have full confidence v5 beta will improve rather quickly. In other words, cut the guy some slack.
Harry WE1X
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