| N5ZC |
Rating:      |
2020-05-23 | |
| Excellent all around |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Great software. Its very powerful and can do about anything you need it to do. Dave, AA6YQ the author, provides timely excellent support.
Rich - N5ZC |
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| KF7DS |
Rating:   |
2020-05-22 | |
| Works but Ancient Interface |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| DX Lab works very well relative to what it is supposed to do but the interface is 15 years behind the times, confusing and dated. When compared to Log4OM and HRD, using DX Labs is like wandering around a cave without a flashlight-obvious functions are buried in non- obvious places. Even N3JCP, with its ancient interface, is much easier to use. |
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| VK4MA |
Rating:     |
2020-05-22 | |
| Best after qso logbook I have used (ie Award Management)) |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have tried a few of the leading logbook programs - DXKeeper, Log4om vers 1 and 2 and also Logger 32.
Currently I use Log4om vers2 when actually making qsos but I still use Dxlab for everything related to Awards management.
When actually making qsos I find the Log4om user interface to be more user friendly than Dxlab and most importantly I can run Log4om on multiple computers with auto update of qso data across my computers. DXkeeper is basically a one computer at a time product unless you want to do daily adif export and imports between your computers which is very messy. I also do not like the multiple windows (programs) approach of DXlab as I often run remote and have limited screen real estate on my client tablet.
What DXlab does really well however is everything that happens after your qsos are done and logged - real time award progress, interfacing with LOTW and Eqsl, statistical analysis, bulk editing etc are just so much more user friendly than Log4om.
Support for both products is excellent and of course the price (free) is fantastic as well.
In short, if Dxkeeper supported multiple PC use and the DXview (separate application to Dxkeeper) was actually incorporated into DXkeeper itself, I would probably just use Dxkeeper and dispense with Log4om vers 2. If you do not mind the multiple applications approach to Dxlab and only run one PC then I think the Dxlab suite is still the best logging solution out there.
Cheers
Paul - vk4ma
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|
| F6DFZ |
Rating:      |
2020-05-10 | |
| Superb piece of software with great support |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This software is outstanding, free and with a great and permanent support from Dave.
Coming from the late WinEQF I was able to quickly master DXLAB and import all my QSO since I got my ticket in 1974 with comments, rigs, etc... without any issue.
As for all piece of software with important capabilities, you need to use your brain and read the great documentation.
I need to say that before leaving WinEQF I tested a few software but DXLAB was easily the best. |
|
| NJ5N |
Rating:      |
2020-05-10 | |
| Solid |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This software continues to be the best out there for my use and I have tried most. The features are great and the programs are rock solid.
Thanks for all the effort Dave.
Again this is the best logging software out there for my needs, I have tried most of the others for comparison.
Beyond all of the great features included in the program the main advantage is it just works, any problems are identified and addressed quickly.
The forum on iGroup has a tremendous following and where else can you discuss an issue and often have a response from the developer (Dave)
Thanks to Dave for all the hard work he does.
I have been using the DXLab suite for several years now and I am very satisfied with the performance as well as the support. In all the years I have used the software it has performed extremely well. Logging programs are like many things in that different ones will suite different people depending on their operating style and preferences. DXLab works great for me and is solid without lockups. If you should find it lacks a feature you want and there is enough demand Dave will review and try to accommodate.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by NJ5N on 2014-10-11
I have been using DXLab for several years now and it continues be a great program and does all I could ask.
Not only does the software provide all the features I need it is a rock solid program with great support from Dave (AA6YQ) and the Yahoo Group Forum.
----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by NJ5N on 2012-06-10
I have been using the DXLab Suite for some time now and continue to be impressed with how well it works and the features offered. Dave does a great job supporting the program and the entire group on Yahoo is very helpful.
Software is like a lot of things in that different users have different needs but this package meets all my needs and is rock solid.
Thanks Dave
73
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Earlier 5-star review posted by NJ5N on 2011-12-27
I have been using this software for a few years now and continue to be amazed how well it works. On the few occasions I have had a question either Dave or someone in the Yahoo group has answered the question almost immediately. I am not sure how Dave manages to continue making updates and adding features as it would seem to be a full time job. If you enjoy chasing DX or just looking for an excellent logging program, do yourself a favor and take the time to download and learn how to use this suite of programs they are really great.
Thanks to Dave AA6YQ
73
NJ5N
Chris |
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| KN3ILZ |
Rating:      |
2020-05-10 | |
| Excellent program |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Yes, the DXLabs suite does have a learning curve, but nothing says you have to learn every single application in the suite at the same time.
I started with DXKeeper as I wanted a local log program. Over the years (at least 8) I've discovered more features that make it easier to use.
As far as finding what you need for DXCC, along with other awards, there is a tab that lists all the awards, and with a click, you get a report showing what you have and what you need.
In other words, the program is well worth the learning curve, and if you still have questions, Dave (AA6YQ) is available via the support groups.io list and is willing to assist.
Finally, the support is second to none. There are regular updates that incorporate features and/or fixes as they come up.
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|
| KR6W |
Rating:      |
2020-05-09 | |
| Super Logical, Easy-to-Use, Incredible Software |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This remarkable suite of programs includes a vast array of basic and advanced features perfectly tailored for use by any ham, beginner through advanced. It is so well written that a total novice can easily make use of it's basic features without even being aware of its amazing depth. There are no unintended consequences of ignoring buttons and settings not yet understood. As interest or need arises, almost every feature a user could want turns out to be waiting on the sideline in those buttons to be discovered and included.
All the features are fully documented in what is literally the most superbly, accessibly written documentation I've ever seen. Like the software, it's sort of written in "layers" in the sense that a total novice can find sections targeted for "take you by the hand from step zero" material while an expert can find the finest detail explained in descriptions targeted for that. There are "a day in the life" flavored sections like "DXing with DXLab", "Operating RTTY", "Predicting Propagation" and many more to feature review sections like "Using Pathfinder for QSL Route Lookup". Other sections provide detailed item by item descriptions of each button and setting. One simply picks the desired "flavor" starting with the simple top level roadmap at "dxlabsuite.com" and goes from there. It's all carefully, comprehensively but simply written and easy to read. I don't know how anybody could fail to find anything quickly and easily.
And as if that weren't enough, every post at every level on any DXLab Suite subject is quickly and thoroughly addressed on the DXLab Suite group at "https://groups.io/g/DXLab" I have to say that as amazing as the software and it's documentation is, the support on this group is almost unbelievable. The developer of DXLab Suite, Dave Bernstein, states that every question, no matter how many times it's been asked or how obvious the answer is in the documentation will receive a patient response. And he's not kidding ! Dave himself is almost always first to respond - usually within an hour or less, often very late into the night. I've seen folks ask the same question several times in an hour and receive the same patient response. Over and over and over again ("No, the software is thoroughly checked before posting and contains absolutely no malware. Your AV software is producing a false positive. Please just create an exception in Windows Defender").
Dave has stated that there are no known bugs in either the software or its documentation. Flex Radio owners, just imagine that ! And again, he's not kidding. If a user does find a bug, I've seen Dave not only respond within an hour but respond with an updated version of the software with the bug fixed for you to try ! I literally don't know how the support could be better. By the developer himself no less. Not just "a" response, a response from the most competent, qualified person possible - the man who wrote it !
This review has already gone on too long and I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface. All I can say is if you have the slightest need or interested you should try it - it's free for goodness sakes ! Just don't pay attention to anything that looks confusing at first - it can ALL be totally ignored without harm. Play with it a bit, read the beautifully written "Getting Started" documentation at "https://www.dxlabsuite.com" and post questions as necessary at "https://groups.io/g/DXLab". I simply don't know how ham software, especially targeted for DX'ers but applicable to almost any ham, could be any better. |
|
| ON6AB |
Rating:  |
2020-05-09 | |
| illogical complexity |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I don't like this programm. (may I?)
The logic behind it is incompatible with the way my brain works. (It works perfectly with HRD, Logger32, VQLog, etc though.)
I'm completely lost in all windows, submenu's, links, it's possibilities and the lack of them.
Is there really no way to find out how many DXCC you've worked in eg OLIVIA? If there is, it's a twisted one. I fail to find it. (no use telling me, I don't care anymore)
Is there no way to add modes? Not a clue!
The problem with this soft is that you always think there IS a way but you don't find it because of it's complexity.
Using this "greyish" domino-programm is a hobby on it's own.
I'd rather spend my time on the bands...
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|
| AA7VA |
Rating:      |
2020-02-08 | |
| Incredible software |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
When I went back to the HF bands a few years ago, I tried many logging programs including HRD free, L4OM, etc for windows and a couple Linux ones as well. HRD is over priced for its reputation, and L4OM is nice as far as it goes, but lacks so many little things that DXLabs includes, and all the others (except N1MM for its specific niche) fall so far short they are not in the ballgame.
Yeh, I agree with some others that say it takes work to get it running the way you want it to, but that flexibility and customization is the main reason it is so incredible - you can make it work the way YOU want it too! Start with the basic logging part, then add others as you go, that makes it simple to follow the fantastic support Wiki and user posts, and if anything goes really wrong that those sources don't explain well enough, then the developer Dave or his sidekicks can fix you up, as happened when I lost my computer to the ugly HD crash and MB biting the dust gods. The support is unlike any other software I have ever had to need support for.
I called my review Incredible software for a reason - it is indeed incredible and vastly superior to any other I have looked at. |
|
| VK2CA |
Rating:      |
2020-01-23 | |
| All you could ask for for DXing...and FREE! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
***UPDATE***
Hi All
Well now over 10 years with this product - still FREE - and still fantastic. Written by a DXer for DXers! What more could you want?
Still VERY happy with DXLab and the support continues to be the best in the business. Thanks Dave!
cheers...Allan VK2CA
HiAll
Made the move from DXBase to DXLab and should have moved long ago (although DXBase was excellent). The interoperation between 7 programs is outstanding. Just sit back and wonder as the screens make sense of all the data you could ever want.
Spot Collector handles the clusters and then DXView shows exactly where they are coming from and going to with statistics laid on and all related in real time to your current log out of DXKeeper which in itself is a very powerful logbook application.
Tie all this in with Commander for rig control and WinWarbler for CW,PSK and RTTY again all intergrated with the whole suite and you have a program that is aimed squarely at the DXer and does not miss its mark!
Propview helps decide if you could actually make the contact and Pathfinder will help with the QSLing info if you do!
DXLauncer handles the starting/terminating of all programs at once, if you want, and also alerts you to each and every update that comes along. This is another area that DXLab shines - the support!
Dave will normally answer your queries within a day (normally quicker!) and is regularly updating all the apps with improvements etc. All the programs in this suite can be used as standalone apps so you can ease your way into the suite and automatically sense each other as you open each one.
I would highly recommend this suite to any DXer out there. I would recommend a large monitor because you are just going to want to have it all on screen at once :-)
Never thought I would find a program I wish I could pay for but this is FREE - Dave really deserves the kudos for this effort!
Cheers....Allan VK2CA |
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