| former_WA6L_JG |
Rating:  |
2008-01-23 | |
| Unbelievable Support! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
The support for this product exceeds anything I have seen for any software on any platform.
Most recently, I purchased a used TS-60 with the optional RS-232 interface. I thought that the existing driver for the TS-50 would work with MacLoggerDX. It didn't.
I emailed Don and within 12 hours he had written a driver for the TS-60 and posted it to the web site. This is absolutely stunning.
The longer I use this software, the better I like it. More than any rig or any accessory, it is the cornerstone of my station. Logging is just the tip of the iceberg as I use it for contesting, award tracking, and QSL'ing.
If you are a Windows user, it would be worth buying a Mac just to use this software. It is that good. |
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| 2E0PIE |
Rating: |
2007-11-26 | |
| Terrific |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I've been using Macs for nearly 20 years and I didn't plan to change just to get free Windows logging software. MacLoggerDX was the obvious choice when I got my licence and it's been in use in this shack for nearly a year. I like the interface, the features and the flexibility, but most of all I like the rapid response to problems of its developer, Don Aggro. No matter how dim my question, or how how badly I have screwed some procedure, he's always there to reply crisply and effectively within a few minutes. I'm not sure if there's one Don or a whole bunch of them. It doesn't matter; for the modest outlay, this is superb software. On the few occasions it hasn't worked - operator error, inevitably - I've felt bereft. In short, a terrific product and customer service way beyond the norms. |
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| HI8HA |
Rating: |
2007-11-02 | |
| great product with all the information a ham may need. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
My english is not as good as I would like it to be, in order to say all the good things there are to be said about the MacLoggerDX. In the almost two years that I have used it, not once have I had any problems with it, and the times when I have fouled up things, Don's response has been practically immediate, very courteous and accurate.
Since using MacLoggerDX, I had no further use for a prefix, a map, and QRZ links that I was always referring to. A click to look up button gave me all the needed information. All the information imaginable a ham may need or want is contained in the program.
All that I can say is, if you have a Mac, get it, if you don't, get one, so that you too can use this unsurpassable program. |
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| KC2MJT |
Rating: |
2007-10-03 | |
| Buy It! |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
MacLoggerDX has been in my shack in daily use for over 6 months. Although my QSO count isn't stellar, I use the software during casual QSOs and occasionally in the heat of a CW sprint. I find the package feature reach, stable and intuitive to navigate e.g. a clean interface with fields logically grouped and sequenced. The software permits customization of features such as ordering the fields in the log book. Data entry is easy, and like any mouse driven environment, your speed of use will increase if you learn to use the tab key and keyboard shortcuts.
I haven’t had much use for customer support as I found the online manual sufficient to either answer my questions or get me so close that with a little experimentation ( ‘poke & hope’ ) I could figure it out. This streak ended one day as I searched my online callsign provider from within MacLoggerDX. MacLoggerDX threw an error message at me and stared back; that blank stare you get when all the fields go blank and the error message means nothing to you. I suspected a problem with my online provider, but being the typical end user my first contact was the company responsible for the software I was using at the time of the problem. To my surprise on a Friday night, I got a response within an hour or two of my email. Not only did I get direct contact with the developer, he worked me through the problem even though both he and I knew the ultimate resolution would come from my third party callsign provider. Don Agro, the developer of MacLoggerDX, asked the right questions to guide me down the path of enlightenment. Don helped me ‘learn’ a little about how his software works, and in doing so he helped me resolve my own problem. This was all accomplished without condescending mightier than thou techno babble and defensive posturing occasionally found from software developers both small and large. Don takes pride in his work and I believe he is genuinely happy to help his customer base. Needless to say, I have nothing but kind words for Dog Park Software; the company and individual.
I’ve played with other logging packages for both Windows and Linux. In my opinion, MacLoggerDX is the most flexible and feature rich package available on the market for the price. The laundry list of features is long, from rig interfacing ( I haven't used yet), award tracking, eQSL/LOTW submissions if that’s your bag, and a built in Telog screen for use with your favorite DX spot. The dynamic map is an added bonus that I find particularly attractive. The map displays the location at the other end of the QSO on a well crafted digital image of the world – this of course all assumes the other op is sitting at his QTH.
Although I haven’t ‘tested’ all of MacLoggerDXs features, I can say for my day-to-day use the software exceeds my expectations. I surmise from the reviews of others they too find the software easy to use and stable. It would be nice to dynamically resize the display fonts and window dimensions from within the package without going through the OS. It might be in there, I'll have to look for it. Needless to say, there were small data entry details that took a bit of use to get comfortable with, but it only takes a day or two of casual use before it becomes second nature.
Recommendation: Buy It.
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|
| KC2PMX |
Rating: |
2007-04-30 | |
| Rock Solid Very Professional Fun to use |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| After using this program for 2 months I have to say it is a fantastic program that works smoothly and puts some fun into even basic logging. In 2 months even when running multiple tasks like DX clusters Logging and internet lookup it has never crashed. It is a very stable program with all the features you could want. Type in a callsign hit lookup and get all the information you need. Click the map panel & see where it is. No more pulling out maps to see where Palembang? is. Run the DX clusters to see if any rare DX station are on the air. Just click on the station and it will tune your radio there. Contest Helper is great to check for duplicate contacts without performing a search. Send out EQSL's or print our cards & labels. I'm leaving out a lot but don't want to go on forever. You will never find tech support and problem solving anywhere like you get from Don. He knows the program inside & out and is always fast to respond with an answer to every question. I emailed him on a Saturday expecting answer on Monday. I had an email 1/2 hour after I sent it! If you have a PC throw it out buy a Mac & get this program. If you have a Mac what are you waiting for. I saw one review that said this is unfinished software. I have to disagree. It works great as is and is constantly being improved and updated so it never gets old. |
|
| N8NOE |
Rating: |
2007-04-02 | |
| Exceptional!...... |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| The Best Mac Logging I have seen, with tons of features. Take a look at this, and judge for yourself! |
|
| NE1RD |
Rating: |
2007-02-28 | |
| Indispensable |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| MacLoggerDX was used on my recent DXpedition to Montserrat as my logging program, and to consolidate the logs from all seven team members. The program ran flawlessly while I ground through the pile-ups. At the end of each day, I imported logs from the other operators (one who also used MacLoggerDX, and the others who logged in their own PC-based programs) to help produce on-line searchable pages for the DXpedition web site. MacLoggerDX is rock-solid, elegant, versatile, and the cornerstone of the software suite I've developed to support my DXpeditions and DXpedition web sites. MacLoggerDX still remains one of the best investments I've made in the hobby. (-- Scott NE1RD/VP2MRD) |
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| NU4L |
Rating: |
2007-02-28 | |
| Exemplary Support |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Exemplary as in it should serve as a prime example for other software developers offering solutions to the market as to how to do excellent service. This definition does not do Don Agro's product justice as his service and support is far beyond this or anything else I've experienced since starting in the digital computing world around 1978.
There has not been one issue that I have encountered and requested help with that has not been met not only with the correct answer, but in an incredible short time frame. This man really knows his product inside and out, and then some. Also, whenever a suggestion has been made, it is incorporated into a new revision, sometimes within a day. That my friends is unheard of.
All products can be improved but when you see continual progress in response to user needs you certainly feel rewarded for giving your patronage to this company. And a super reasonable price for what you get to boot!
Additionally, there is an incredible community of users in the DogParkList where others share their experiences in resolving problems, or giving you ideas how to progress, as well as Don himself.
No, this program, its creator, his support, help, quick response time and service is beyond exemplary. Look at all the reviews and draw your own conclusions. |
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| DM1US |
Rating: |
2007-02-27 | |
| unfinished software |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
True, it has some nice features and it works well enough to be useful in our hobby. But then, there aren't any alternatives for the Macintosh, if you want a program with at least basic rig control.
Don's support has been highly praised. I found that his support is excellent close to the date of purchase. Now that it is months past, he doesn't respond to emails at all.
Here are some bugs:
In the memory panel, right side, the scan window, the highlighted frequency is always one slot behind the frequency shown on the rig. And it stays behind, even after you stop scanning.
In the schedule panel, bottom part, if you hit "now" and then "set radio", it won't set the highlighted frequency, rather some other frequency.
The AM-narrow and the CW-narrow option for the FT-840 are italicized although I have the corresponding filters installed. (This one, admittedly, is no big deal.)
On a small screen, like on the little MacBook, you can't see the bottom part of some panes, because there won't appear any scroll bar on the right side.
I know that even good programs need to be adapted and improved. But with MacLoggerDX I feel it is different: It is unfinished software.
73,
DM1US, N4SNW |
|
| G7VJR |
Rating: |
2006-10-03 | |
| Superb software, great support |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
MacLogger DX looks great but it also has a huge range of features, all carefully pulled together into a single package. Using MLDX is straightforward, and it is well adapted to deal with LoTW and eQSL, QRZ.com and other callsign services, as well as DX Clusters and popular awards. The world map is great, and there is also a clever 3D mode.
MLDX is also extremely well supported by Don Agro, whose efforts to improve the product and help users are tireless. He is working on Universal Binary versions, contest modes etc - and also develops MacDoppler, a very neat satellite package. I recently bought an FT-2000MP and, within days, Don had supplied a beta which works with the rig's CAT interface.
Highly recommended and extremely functional software - it makes DXing on a Mac anything but a compromise! |
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