| K4FX |
Rating:      |
2019-04-27 | |
| Excellent |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
This is an excellent logger. I have used a lot of them over the past 30 years or so of PC logging. There is no doubt this one is the top of the line. Many nice features, like the memories on the RCW. Very nice to have. The program comes in modules for spots, logs, radio control window. So you only have to open the logger if you just want to log say a single QSO. Or you just want to check the bands, open only the spots. Very convenient.
When I recently had to move 70K QSO's to a new logger when my old logger went by the wayside. I ended up with DXLab. There were a learning curve but after a month I feel extremely comfortable with the program, and I can see staying with this one long term. |
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| W6LAX |
Rating:      |
2019-02-02 | |
| It's the best - and I've tried many |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
You can use as many or as few of the modules as you need. I've found that each module integrates flawlessly with all the others as well as with my radios and SteppIR. There is a bit of a learning curve, so I suggest that you don't overwhelm yourself by throwing all the modules onto your monitor at once.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by W6LAX on 2016-02-27
Because they discontinued maintenance, I reluctantly gave-up my WinEQF after using it for two decades.
I proceeded to test-drive the well-known software bundles before settling on DXLabs, and am very pleased with my choice. As other reviewers have said, I would gladly pay $100 or more for what is currently a free bundle of software programs that manages many aspects of radio operation, digital modes, DX spotting, propagation prediction and logging.
The transition required a little while for me to become comfortable and to adjust everything to my liking. I would suggest that a new user take it slow and download one program at a time, become familiar with it and then download another to see how they integrate. I started with WinWarbler, several days later added DXKeeper, then SpotCollector, etc. When you are finished, you’ll find that everything seamlessly integrates. There are a couple of YouTube videos that you may find helpful.
There’s a lot to like with DXLabs, and as time passes I keep discovering more features. I find the band spread display to be particularly helpful; it tracks what stations are operating on what frequencies, and when you click on one of them it automatically changes your transceiver frequency and even tunes to the last reported split frequency. If you choose, it will automatically rotate your antenna to the correct beam heading. Then, with the click of your mouse you can view the QRZ.com home page of the station you’re working. If you subscribe to QRZ xml, all the operator’s information will automatically appear in your log. The click of a mouse takes you to a choice of ham-oriented world maps, or to Google Earth zeroed-in on the other station’s QTH.
I prefer using keyboard commands to a mouse, and DXLabs supplies a pretty complete set of keyboard shortcuts. Each program has its own “configure” button that lets us set-up that program to your own liking. Many hams do their logging directly on DXKeeper, but I’ve found that the WinWarbler works better for me because it lets me set-up macros for CW via WinKey (and other modes via Rigblaster), which are then automatically logged.
There is plenty of space on my monitor to display all the active pages as long as I minimize those that I only use occasionally. At first my monitor appeared cluttered and overwhelming, but it did not take long to learn exactly where to look for the information I need; after a few weeks it is second nature. The “Launcher” will initiate all your programs and place each window exactly where you left it during your last session, and it will shut everything down for you when you are finished. The Launcher also alerts you to program updates.
The ham community owes a big “thank you” to AA6YQ and the others who are volunteering their time and talent to provide this service.
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| W1SMC |
Rating:      |
2019-02-01 | |
| Sweet Software Suite |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
After my initial use of the DXLab Software Suite I decided after 3 months or so to give HRD a try and see which product I enjoyed using more. After a year of HRD and all it's quirks and repeat multiple minor issues I decided to go back to the DXLab suite.
I've been a software professional for over 40+ years, and have written more code than God ever intended for any human to write, so I think I have a decent handle on what good software is and is not. For what I paid for in HRD I was not impressed with all the repeat minor glitches as apposed to DXLab's free system that, to me, is much easier to use and has very powerful features that .... work .....
I run a Ten-Tec Orion 2 and Eagle and the DXLab software has no issues talking with the rigs at all.
The SpotCollector is awesome and has very powerful query features that make DXing very easy and simple.
A big thanks to David Bernstein for a great job. Please keep up the good work. |
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| K6MKF |
Rating:      |
2018-07-24 | |
| DXLab - The DXer's Swiss Army Knife! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
About a week ago I decided that I would give DXLab a thorough evaluation. Dave, AA6YQ, the author of DXLab has extensive documentation online and available for downloading as PDF files. I like the ability to search PDFs so that was my first choice. There is also an active and helpful DXLab group at groups.io. I found a lot of answers to my questions by searching the message at that group. Dave, AA6YQ, provides outstanding support directly to that email group.
I've implemented Commander for rig control of my Elecraft K3. I had a lot of learning to do with Spot Collector as it is not just a telnet connection to a DX Cluster but an accumulation database of DX spots. There's even a SQL facility to allow complex queries into the Spot Collector database. I also commissioned WinWarbler and ported most of my favorite band/mode macros over to it, and it works FB.
DXKeeper, the DXLab logging program, made my whole week. In the past, my attempts to keep my log, LotW, my DXCC account and Club Log coordinated and correct felt like a full-time job. DXKeeper provides powerful tools to help you reconcile your log file with your data in LotW and your DXCC account. After a few hours work, I am pleased to say that my log reports no discrepancies when compared to my LotW and DXCC data. Honestly, I never expected to see the day that would happen!
I've got more pieces of DXLab to commission here. For me there is a lot to learn, and I'm making good progress so far and I am impressed.
I've been DXing seriously for about 10 years now, and DXlab is the most powerful set of DXing tools I've ever seen in one package. It really is the DXer's Swiss Army Knife! |
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| WD4ELG |
Rating:      |
2018-07-05 | |
| Superb! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
DXLab consists of numerous discrete applications: a PSK31 module, a rig control module, a logging module, a spot module a map module, a log tracking module.
I have been using the software from Dave/AA6YQ for more than a decade. This guy is simply amazing, what he has done with this package and the improvements he has made.
Tonight, I set up the large spectrum view/spotter combo for my 7300. INCREDIBLE! Dave has been highly responsive and supportive. He develops software for his day job, so he knows how to do this right.
Just give it a try if you haven't already.
Best part - IT IS FREE! There is a dedicated group for support if needed, and Dave has written a very extensive and easy-to-comprehend user guide.
Well done, Dave. |
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| OD5YA |
Rating:      |
2018-01-09 | |
| Solid performer. Savvy developer |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| All components of dxlab suite are solidly designed to withstand all kind of manipulation from user without breaking up. But what really distinguishes dxlab is the fast response of its creator, dave.i have NEVER posted a question to him without receiving THE answer in record time. Even when it is midnight in the us, i still get his answer. Lately dave developed a waterfall spectrum disply for the sdr icoms. I had a tech problem while intalling it on my pc.Dave,not only solved the problem, but also followed up with me with new custom made releases of the app. Guys, look for the human team behind the app and not anything else. Dxlab is an efficient human supported svelt app. Not a dx suite only. |
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| W0CP |
Rating:      |
2017-11-19 | |
| The One that Grows With You |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I can't say enough good about this fantastic suite of programs. Some of the amazing features I use regularly are lotw and club log integration, special callsign notifications, email DX alerts, SQL filtering of spots, propagation predictions and on and on. There is so much here, it can be intimidating. Just start with one, like logging or spotting and build out from there as you get comfortable. Give it time, it will grow on you and with you. |
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| WA8Y |
Rating:      |
2016-09-23 | |
| Best of it's kind |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
To follow up on my previous review, I explain how to find AB1OC's review of Dave's (AA6YQ's) excellent Suite of Apps.
Go to DXLabSuite.com.
There, below the map, are 11 tabs, the 10th tab is labeled Documentation. Click Documentation and near the lower left corner of that page is a link titled "Articles and Presentations". Click it.
At the top of that page is a link to AB1OC's Slide Show titled:
"An Introduction to DXLab Suite by Fred AB1OC.
Sincerely, Steven WA8Y |
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| N9LJX |
Rating:      |
2016-09-23 | |
| Best I have seen |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been a user of DXLab Suite for many years. I started computer logging back in the early 1990s and have been following the progression ever since. Each software has its strengths and weaknesses and each user must evaluate those based on their individual needs. There are many good logging programs, but none that fits my needs as well as DXLab Suites.
The interface is clean, simple, and highly customizable. Yes, it lacks the eye candy that other products may give you, but to me that is a perk. I can show as much or as little as I want in the main log page display. And when using the 'Capture' window along with DXView, which shows me the award status for the station, I don't need to have the log page in view.
The Launcher app allows for a simplified way to start/stop multiple applications, configure the applications based on different needs by use of 'Work Spaces', and allows for a centralized tool to check for application updates.
I truly appreciate the multiple, integrated, modular application design. I don't always need to have the propagation prediction tool running, or the Digital application, or even the call lookup. I can save screen space by either shutting them down or minimizing their windows. And by having SpotCollector as a separate module I can easily have it running watching for needed stations on different bands/modes while running a contest as a SO entry. So when P52NK comes up on 30m during CQWW I will be able to be notified while not getting spots for contest bands.
The Reports are saved in either HTML or text files. Again, to me this is a feature as I am able to easily integrate my needs/standings to other applications such as web pages. But the Realtime Award Tracking will show you, in the application, your status for many major awards.
There is an option that allows 'running' stations (config/General/Run-Mode) where you just enter a valid call and it logs it and sets you ready for next call. even if not connected to a rig you can set the mode/freq defaults for the current session. While that option may seem 'buried' it is well documented and I was able to track it down without ever even knowing about in a few minutes.
As others have said, the application is very mature and contains many features that many users will never use. AA6YQ does an excellent job, however, of trying to maintain a balance between perceived complexity and ease of use when implementing new feature/functionality.
For me it is Bravo to AA6YQ for a superb product, top notch support, and for being just an all around good guy. While seemingly constantly addressing user questions or upgrading the applications he can still be found on the bands working DX. |
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| SM7IUN |
Rating:      |
2016-09-23 | |
| Best software suite around, and free |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Having returned to ham radio after over two decades of QRT I had the luxuy of a "fresh start" so I could shop around for the best PC software unrestricted by legacy data or habit.
After trying all the free I could find and a few paid ones I found DXLab to best suit my needs.
Although it works "straight out of the box" its rich featurs set makes for a slight learning curve compared to a "simple logger" where you just enter data and click.
The UI graphics may not look like the latest Android release but its purposeful and the underlying software is world class.
It is a complete ham radio desktop solution and works well for both casual traffic, dxing and contest.
I love how the dx spotter, viewer, logger and keyer/digimode engine are integrated.
The keyer supports contesting with macros and I recently had a great experience doing several hundred QSO in the YO DX contest.
It's modular design lets you to organize your desktop space based on situational needs.
The keyer/digimode module supports all the major modes (SSB, CW, PSK, RTTY) natively but also interfaces to other engines if you prefer.
I have successfully integrated it with GRITTY, Fldigi and WSJT-X. A particularly valuable feature for us europeans is that WinKey driver supports international morse code characters, a feature shared with few softwares.
The author is AA6YQ, one of the brains behind LOTW and several other major software innovations.
The software is supported through an email reflector where the author himself participates on a daily basis which is great.
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