| KB2POR |
Rating:      |
2003-03-21 | |
| Great product |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I've kept a handwritten log for a long time. It started to become embarrasing when I didn't know if I had worked a station before. I looked at a lot of logging programs and finally decided on ProLog2K. I've been extremely pleased with the ease of use and all the capabilities of the product. I'm finally using the interface to my radio which makes logging even easier. One of the best things about the product is their support. Ed & Jack have always been readily available with comprehensive answers any time I've had a question. I would reccomend to anyone!! |
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| AB8NI |
Rating:      |
2003-02-04 | |
| Best Yet |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I was more intimidated by some of the reviews than by PROLOG. I am not much of a writer, new to ham radio and new to computers. In the past 18 months that I have been a ham I have tried no less than 6 logging programs, pay for and shareware. By far PROLOG is the best yet and it's a keeper for me.
After reading all of the reviews posted here it seems that some of the mentiond problems or complaints have been fixed and I did not have them. Opening the package from Datamatrix that came within 4 days of ordering I found a CD, Diskette and a short note telling me to READ the help files. I HATE HELP FILES. But with a minamum of reading I went on to installation. The program loaded without a flaw and I went on to importing logs from 4 other programs. As expected, some tweeking had to be done but they all found there way into PROLOG without a problem. PLUG AND PLAY it is not as one should expect from any logging program. BUT, setup was a breeze using the help files and after a few minuts I was ready to log my first QSO. In the auto mode log entries are fast and easy.
After getting the feel of the program I went on to neat stuff like rig control. I have two rigs, a KNWD TS-2000 and a ICOM 775DSP. I started with the TS-2000 because no other program I have tried could get my ICOM to work without DAYS of tweeking. I checked the com port, told PROLOG the rig and it was done and working. Now on to the problem child, my ICOM. Com port, rig, that silly hex number and ....it worked. No whinning, tweeking, calling or Emails....it just worked. What they know that no one else knows about ICOM is a mystery to me but it worked first time.
On to the TNC and PACKET. A bit on me and mulipul windows.....I hate them worse than help files. I'm old, new and get confused EASY. I turned on the TNC function, entered the com port and let it fly. YEP it worked the first time and I had to open only one new window (if your a window freak you can open more). The windows can be moved around the screen and I found it a joy to use. It interfaced with both radios and works likes a charm.
PSK...I haven't gotten to trying it with Digipan yet and they do reommend using Mxw. For a change I am looking forward to trying something new with a logging program and not getting an ulcer wondering how I'm going to get it to work.
I hate to mention names of other programs but I guess it's ok. My program of choice HAS been LOG WINDOWS (WINDOW) but they are going through some problems and since converting to 32 bit, support has been hard to find. DX4win was over my head. I could not get Hamlogger to work like I wanted. I use WriteLog for contesting and you don't want to go there for "PLUG and PLAY" operation.
Did I say anything on the downside? It's hard to find but I will say that there QSL data base is lacking and I'm sorry I ordered it. I have always used the RAC QSL data base and it has been said they were stopping production. Since than it seems someone else has picked up the program and RAC is alive and well. I am using PROLOG with the RAC QSL data base and again it intergrates and works flawlessly.
Support from Datamatrix I can't comment on yet because I have not needed it. But I can say that I Emailed them and mentioned my dislike for "Help Files" and the same day I received an Email with a PDF file attached (117 pages) for my printing pleasure.
I do not have a way with words and my spelling is worse than my CW but for everyday logging and awards tracking you will have to look hard and long to find a better program than PROLOG. If you want plug and play stick with your paper log, there is no such logging program. For ease of use and set up I give it 2 thumbs up.
73, de Dennis AB8NI |
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| AL7CM |
Rating:      |
2002-12-20 | |
| MixW2 interface is great |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Use MixW2 for a lot of PSK work - needed something that would do logging and handle my MixW2 while it was working PSK contacts. The interface between the programs works flawlessly. Tried others with little or no success. Smooth, easy to interface also with HamCall on the hard disk and control of the TS-850 rig. I have used it with both Win98 and XP pro without a hitch. Support is excellent even if its just a general question. He always gives a quick response. Well worth it. |
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| OE1002419 |
Rating:      |
2002-11-14 | |
| Great also for SWLs |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I used a DOS logging program for over 10 years. Using the Prolog Manager Database I came to the new Prolog2K logging software. I ordered it and now step one began:
How to transfer 12.000 logs from a DOS logbook without a ADIF export function ? This was the 1st time I contacted Ed ad Datamatrix and Jack Trampler (who is responsible for the Manager Database) helped me to tranfer all in an ADIF file they sent to me. Without any more costs.
I imported the log into Prolog2k and then step 2 was neceessary:
How to improve the program in a way that also SWLs can use it. Its necessary to put 2 or 3 stations in the same log page which had a contact with the DX station I want to log and send a QSL.
Ed made some improvements like searchable Axx fields and it worked great. Useful for a SWL but still some wished open. Ed was contacted and in a quick and effective way he made some changes to the program, send the Beta for testing and now:
Its nearly perfect ! At the beginning of my tests with Prolog2K I missed some graphic "toys" some logging programs have, they are nice to look at but not very useful.
I have never seen a program with such a lot of QSL and award tracking functions like Prolog2K. Sure its a program that needs some training to see what great function are implemented. After 3 months of use I can say: A great program. I have written about the graphic "toys" above: Yes it would be nice to see on a world map the QTH of the station I put in the log, but it's not a must, just a wish.
Together with the great Manager Database (you know there are only 2 like this, one of them is Prolog) and the IOTA and #1010 database a really perfect program I never will miss in future.
Especially I tested this program (together with Ed's and Jack's help) for using it as a SWL and it works. I DON'T know a better program like Prolog2K which is useful for SWLs and HAMs in the same way.
I really admire Eds customer support and his professional handling of my question and wishes. Sure some wishes will show up in future and I'm sure Ed will find a solution and try to add a feature if its useful.
For all future users of Prolog2K: Please read the manual. I thought also I don't need it. You and I need it to read it exactly; many questions I had at the beginning are simple and easy readable explained also for people like me (living in Vienna Austria and speaking German).
All in one: A perfect solution, but no toy. A professional logbook useable also for SWLs. Never seen a better one ! But unfortunatly I purchased the software not earlier.
Thanks to Ed an Jack for their great help !
OE1002419 SWL from Vienna - Austria
73 |
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| WO8USA |
Rating:      |
2002-11-03 | |
| Great, but still room for improvements |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Prolog 2K is my first logger. I also ordered the Icom interface from Ed when I got the software.
Its as easy as anything to log: type call, hit enter, then save. It works with RAC, QRZ so knowing who you are in QSO with is quick.
I break the loggin up into three phases: during a QSO, making QSL to send, and tracking QSLs.
Working the log as you are in QSO is simple and enahces the radio experience. This is great. My only complaint is that I cannot just press ONE BUTTON ON MY COMPUTER to SAVE a QSO--I have to use the mouse. SAVE should be a function ike other quick keys are.
The QSL phase can use some work. It is cumbersome to go through and select QSOs to QSL without messing something up orprinting the labels the wrong way. A Proview mode would be very helpful. Way too much attention is given to printing on dot matrix printers. Allowing more versatility in designing your own label (what fields and order YOU want on the label) and which label size would be great. Having only one format is really bad.
QSL tracking is great! THe matices and stats provided are more than adequate. The only thing which could be better is a world map display showing the map in terms of QSL status. This would be very complicated and not expected.
All in all, a great program; with some modern improvements for printing it'd be greater!
Chris wo8usa |
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| AD1Y |
Rating:      |
2002-10-31 | |
| Excellent program, outstanding support. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Excellent logger with all the features one could require.
Works flawlessly and intuitively, and has an extremely comprehensive QSL route database.
Ed is as good as it gets in supporting his product, and goes beyond expectations to make sure everything works as it should. He is extremely responsive to suggestions and incorporates them as appopriate. His customer support alone would rate Prolog 2K a "5".
Highest recommendation. |
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| WW9R |
Rating:      |
2002-10-25 | |
| Excellent Product |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This software is excellent. I ordered it via their web site. I received a confirmation email right away and a personal note. The software was at my door four days later. The installation was smooth and it worked the first time. Little things yes, but it is the little things that count.
I purchased a serial cable for my radio (Kenwood TS570D) and it talks directly with the software. No special interface is required. When the software in in "Automatic" mode, I simply enter the call sign and it does the rest. The time, date, name, QTH, QSL manager, band freq ect are all inserted for me. When I change freq or bands, the software is updated automaticly. I would highly recommend this software for anyone that wants to worry about rag chewwing or contesting and NOT about logging.
If ProLog2k was a movie, I would give it two thumbs up!
Pat Hoppe
WW9R |
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| ON4CLG |
Rating:      |
2002-10-15 | |
| Great program, one of the best that I've been tested |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Great program.
- Very professional user interface.
- Interface with rig is working perfect.
- Very fast QSO input.
- Works great with the dymo labelwriter
- Very good software support
- International vision: made not only for the US-HAM's
Keep on the good work.
73's
Marc
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|
| W6RKC |
Rating:      |
2002-09-23 | |
| Superb, powerful program |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I've purchased this program one week ago and I am sorry I waited until now to purchase it, I should have done it a long time ago. It is extremely easy to setup. I ran the CD/disc, imported 7001 qsos acquired from a variety of older contest/award logs, setup packet, my Omni VI and rotor and was ready to go in 10 minutes.
I played with it for a while and found Prolog2K almost exactly matched my DXCC records - 343 to my 345. I found 4W East Timor grouped with 4W deleted Yemen and TX0 Chesterfields in with the FM - Martinique records. A couple of keystokes and mouse clicks and everything was fine.
Mr. Ed Longhi, W5VP, has written a VERY powerful program. Printing and reading the manual is a must. Then you should read the manual, then read the manual and then read the manual again.
After reading and playing, I came up with a question and wish list item. A call to Ed was handled very courteously and professionally. Ed helped me with my question, then listened patiently as I described my wish list item, took some notes and said he would investigate the feasability of implementing this request. He took the time to follow up with 3 emails during the week advising me of the progress he was making in trying to add this feature. You truly could not ask for a more responsive display of customer service.
Since my award records are a combination of paper, contest logs and an old DOS based, pre Y2K program, I will be spending the next few weeks adding QSL records, etc. to the Proplog2K database. The logical layout, flexability and color coded imagry make award tracking very straightforward. Once all my existing records are entered, it seems like it will be a simple matter to keep up with new entries as the occur.
Again, my only regret is I did not purchase this program sooner.
Rick, W6RKC
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|
| KJ7WK |
Rating:      |
2002-08-27 | |
| A Powerful QSO Database |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Prolog 2K is the choice for me primarily because it has a terrific QSL Mgr. database, along with all of the bells and whistles which keep track of the standard award catagories like WAS, DXCC etc, etc. I use the 10-10 and VP databases extensively because much of my operating time is devoted to 10-10 International operations and contests.Once the 10-10 database is established, just entering a callsign in the Logging Program
automatically brings up all of the information concerning the operator including his/her 10-10 and vp #'s, and the program's access to the callbook CD ROM adds in all of the other pertinant information. Data can be printed out for QSL activities. It handles both single and multiple contacts for any given print operation.
The multiple logbook system allows for an easy to set up/use logger which automatically eliminates dupes. The automatic rig control feature provides the ability to switch from one band to another instantly with a click of the mouse, so going from say, 10M to 40M takes only about 5 seconds including tuning up and antenna switching with my auto tuner and antenna selector. Finally the logger allows you to print out any number of award or other database information including grouping tags on each contact for the eventual accumulation for a special printout based on certain features of the QSO.
The Tech support from Ed Longhi,W5VP is above reproach. I've used it many times. |
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