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Reviews For: DXLab Suite by AA6YQ

Category: Ham Logging Software

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Review Summary For : DXLab Suite by AA6YQ
Reviews: 177MSRP: Free
Description:
Integrated suite of programs for logging and station management
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.dxlabsuite.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
141774.8
K2CD Rating: 2013-03-01
DXLab IS! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
DXLab IS!

nuff said.
NI0C Rating: 2013-01-30
Simply the best DX Software Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I used various versions of DXBase from a 1999 DOS version through the 2007 version. A few years ago, however, the software company changed hands, and promised updates have simply not materialized.

Meanwhile, Dave, AA6YQ, has continued to offer his suite of DXLab programs for free. I've been using it as my main logging application for a couple of years now, and have (somewhat reluctantly) abandoned DXBase. I use the following applications: Commander (for rig control); DXkeeper (for logging QSO's); and DXView (for displaying worked/confirmed/verified status of band entities, sunrise/sunset times, and much more).

At first, I approached each of these applications individually, but finally started using the Launcher module to control them and keep them updated. It all works splendidly, and helps make DX'ing a pleasure.

There are several other program modules that I have not yet integrated into my operations.

Dave is very patient in answering questions, and the Yahoo reflector is a good way to learn more about the programs. The software is continuously updated with improvements and corrections.
W7RJR Rating: 2012-11-07
Outstanding Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've tried many different logging programs. I even wrote my own once but nothing comes close to beating Dave's suite of logging applications. I absolutely love the ability to run all of these applications/windows over both of my monitors. The integration among them is superior.
Since Dave uses the solid microsoft database structure (.mdb) it's easy to formulate SQL queries, filter your log, do find and replace operations, etc. Commander works fine with my finnicky rigtalk interface.

The Yahoo group for DXlabs and run by Dave provides amazing timely support. I have only used DXLab suites for a few weeks so I have lots to learn and explore yet, but I am already sold on this being the BEST integrated logging system available today, free or otherwise. I applaud Dave for his contributions to the amateur radio community. Profit is not his motive. Thanks Dave and 73!
VA3BXG Rating: 2012-10-28
Best paid or free Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Was waiting for the 'other guys' to be released. And waited and waited so I tried Dx and got more functionality better support no excuses.

It does logging, upload to lotw, eqsl and tell if your partner is a member, spots, prints cards, labels, envolopes checks progress for rewards etc. etc etc

And then is the support... Answered with no gribing and with real want to help. No answer to small, or answered 1000 times before. It is still answered.

And all this is free
VK3AMA Rating: 2012-10-20
The Only Choice Time Owned: more than 12 months.
There is only one choice, I highly recommend the DXLab suite of programs. The support provided by the Author is "second to none". There is a very active support group, with most questions answered by the Author, often within minutes of the question being asked. Very extensive help files exist. Bugs are virtually non-existent and any that do surface are resolved, often, within 24 hours. The suite is very powerful and suits the needs of the DX power user, but is just as useful to the less experienced user using a subset of the features. There is no need to install the whole suite of programs, it is best to start slow and install the applications you need and add the others as you can gain experience. An important point, the code for DXLab is very robust, it doesn't rely on "eye candy" to wow the user at the expense of performance, introduced bugs or long-standing unresolved bugs. DXLab can be run on quite modest PC systems.
W3HI Rating: 2012-08-22
Elegant Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
If Dave has missed anything of consequence with this suite, I haven't found it!

My rating is overall "Outstanding" and I'm digging deep to find even minor complaints.

If anything, the suite may put off some because of its complexity. With a bit of concentration and study, that will be overcome as you tweak the configurations of each program element to personalize them to your individual needs.

DXlab is complete and professional software for general logging and can be used for contesting. If there is any logger out there, even in the 100-dollar range, that compares to DXlab, I haven't seen it. If you need a logger, rig controller, propagation forecaster, DX viewer/spotter, Lotw synchronizer, etc., etc., you MUST try AA6YQ's DXlab.
WD0BFO Rating: 2012-06-13
Nice suite Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The product works fine and where it does not Dave is VERY quick at getting it resolved (usually with training the user) I am glad I found the suite and switched over to it. Dave keep up the good work.
AD7KG Rating: 2012-06-12
Best for DXing Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've used a number of logging programs and most recently, a commercial program. It worked "OK", but it never really satisfied my expectations for commercial software.

Some months ago, I began a search for a new logging program. I investigated a number of other packages, free and commercial. Quite by accident, I found a reference DXLab Suite. After reviewing the documentation and features, I installed the software and have never looked back.

Simply stated, the Suite went far beyond my expectations. It's much more than just a logging program. It provides tools to help the DXer get the most from the hobby. For me, it was almost as much fun to learn and use the software as it was breaking a pileup.

I've presented classes to members of my DX club in order to assist others gain the benefits of this software. The Suite can be customized, but I found that I could get up and running by going with the default options.

The program is supported by extensive online help and tutorials. The author, Dave, AA6YQ, frequents the support email list and even answers direct inquiries. He provides timely enhancements and updates to the program. Frankly, I'm not sure when the guy sleeps...

In summary, if you are a DXer, you should take a good look at DXLab Suite. True, it will cost you a personal investment of time, but the price of the software is hard to beat.

73,

Jed
AD7KG
Past President
Utah DX Association
K7NG Rating: 2012-06-11
The whole nine yards Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I am not really the complete 'computer controlled' operator. I like to turn a few knobs, and as a CW operator, I use my ear and my fingers on the paddle, rather than the display and keyboard for my operations. That said, I have gradually been integrating more and more computer control and interface into my station.

My gripes about various ham software applications is that they don't 'do everything', or if they supposedly do, you are limited to how the designer wants your station to be configured. Well, the DXLab Suite appears to have overcome that. I set up my CAT control, control of peripheral devices, spotting, logging, etc. just how they feel best to me, and just operate.

I use a LP-PAN and NaP3 for panoramic display and lots of other receiving functions, and hardware interface to my radio is via a USInstruments Navigator. I use WSPR, Multipsk, DReaM, Spectrum Lab, and many other radio-oriented software applications, and I have not run into any hardware or software incompatibilities with any DXLab modules yet.

I can 'point and click' bands and frequencies via NaP3, or keyboard frequencies, bands, memories, filters, etc. to DXLab Commander, or use the radio front panel, depending where I'm looking at the time, never a glitch. The Spotter window can move the radio, I can capture data from the radio AND the spot window to the logging application.

Do other software applications do this and more? ahhhh, maybe, maybe not. Do other applications do these functions exactly the way they are instinctive / intuitive to my feeble brain? Not that I've seen.

Dave AA6YQ seems to be around 24/7; when someone brings up a question, or a gripe, or what appears to be a bug, or a request for feature, there's Dave with a response. Sign up on the Yahoo group and see. Rapid and careful response every time. And it's all free. Can't beat it.
NQ4A Rating: 2012-06-09
A powerful Logging, QSL, Spotting, Propagation Station Program! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been licensed since 1964. I went from paper logs to computer logging and now to SDR Tranceivers and now the station is nearly all solid state including the linear. I am running a WIN7 Computer,64 Bit, Quad Core with 8 GB Ram.
With DX Lab, I can control everything and keep up with spots from multiple DX Cluster sites, manage QSL's, printing as well as printing the envelopes ! man how efficient is that! Not to mention all the LoTW Features. Amazing software.
I love the Prediction of propgation for a country, and the ability to op PSK, RTTY modes. I do miss being able to operate Olivia and the other digital modes. But Over all I give the DXLab a AAA++. I dropped another popular program (DX5) because it could not keep communication with my FLEX5000A Tranceiver. DXLab has solved that problem and simplified the overall operation of my ham station. Anyone looking for a super efficient logging, operating program with many many extras, don't waste any more time. Download the DXLab suite and be done with it. The support team and reflector is a leap ahead of other programs offered out there.

Where can I send a contribution to support and keep this program going?

Great Job to all involved in the development and thank you for all the hard work and production of such a powerful, efficient, and productive logging AAA++ Program.
73's God Bless America!
Jon Bennett NQ4A
Richmond, VA