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Reviews For: Ham Radio Deluxe

Category: Ham Logging Software

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Review Summary For : Ham Radio Deluxe
Reviews: 451MSRP: 99.95
Description:
Control software for a variety of radios.

Note: Product reviews contained here cover both previous Freeware versions of this product by Simon Brown HB9DRV and current paid license versions owned by HRD Software LLC. The Freeware version rights were sold to HRD in fall of 2011.

New reviews should focus only on HRD's paid license versions.

Product is in production
More Info: https://www.HamRadioDeluxe.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
154514.3
KK4JW Rating: 2021-10-22
It's the ONE tool that's made ham radio easier for me! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Like many others, I was hesitant about "paying" such a premium price for this software. Let me tell you though, $99 (sometimes less during a sale) is a bargain for such an integrated software suite that has taken my experience to a whole new level. First, the software itself has just been phenomenal. It does a LOT of stuff. A LOT. More than you'll probably ever need honestly. The logging software is great - and while not as simple as N3FJP - it is still my favorite. HRD rig control also functions flawlessly with my Yaesu FT991A, as it did with my IC7300. The rig control basically controls every aspect of your radio from the PC, and when working a contest, is a Godsend.

I also want to touch on HRD DM780 for a second, or "DigitalMaster" as it's aptly named. DM780 will run (easily) most all of the popular digital modes that are out today except for FT8. RTTY? PSK31? Olivia? CW? No sweat. There's a TON of digital modes that DM780 supports. Even SSTV!

Those are just a couple of the nice features of HRD, but you really want to know what's the cat's meow? The technical service! More than once I've needed to contact support - and when I did - they're always there to help with excellent advice and instruction. Remember when I said HRD does a lot of stuff? That leaves a lot of room for operator error and it's super easy to not have something "checked" or configured just right. That's where these folks come in. A quick email results in normally same day assistance from people who normally know exactly what's going on and can fix ya right up!

Need a software package that does it all? Do you want to take your experience to the next level? Invest in this software right now - you'll be glad you did.
WA1PGB Rating: 2021-10-20
Extraordinary, exemplary technical service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been an avid user of Ham Radio Deluxe since 2015 and have happily paid the yearly subscription fees to have access to the company's extraordinary technical support service. On the few occasions that I have had some difficulty understanding how to best configure certain aspects of the different sections of the software, I have consistently found that the HRD Operator's Users manual and WIKI support websites have more than adequately instructed me in how to answer any questions, clarify the software's possibilities and solve any problems I had been having. These WIKI's are brilliantly written, and frequently delve deeply into the more esoteric finer points of the multileveled structures of this complex software's remarkable capacities and abilities. I encourage everyone to explore this amazing resource.

In the few cases where I needed further clarity, or was confused about specific configuration options, or how to derive the best performance from the software, I have applied for technical assistance tickets to arrange for a technician to enter my computer and personally help me out with hands on involvement. These sessions with the tech support team have been amazing experiences. Tim (KB3NPH), Senior Support Technician has always devoted himself to understand the issues I was having and to not only solve problems and set things up correctly, but also to bring me through what I needed to truly understand what it was I had been missing or doing incorrectly, and then teach and train me in the ways the software worked best, and, equally important, learn why certain choices were preferred and superior in order to meet my own specific expectations for the best uses of the software for my own personal needs.

Recently, Tim realized it would be best if Mike (WA1PIE - Co founder and CEO) was brought in to help me sort out a complicated series of problems I was having with the Logbook integration with the ARRL Logbook of the World devision due to my convoluted and often conflicting entries I had programed into the configuration of multiple different locations in the My Station section of the Logbook software fields.

I cannot adequately relate what an enlightening experience this tech support experience was for me. with both Tim and Mike on line and inside my MacBook computer (running a Parallels virtual machine) for more than three and a half hours. With Mike in Australia (between near midnight and 4:00 am), me in California and Tim in Florida, we dove into, analyzed and then edited the more than 6000 entries in my logbook, and as if it were brain surgery, Mike masterfully discovered, diagnosed, and then specifically corrected the errors I had made, while all the time carefully mentoring and training me to perform some of his diagnostic magic on the daunting ADIF text document that underlies the Logbook data. I was led on a most amazing journey, not least because of the palpable mastery Mike has of the software and the joy he obviously felt when working with me to assure I understood what he was doing so would be able to continue the process of editing iand configuring the software if problems should ever arise again.

I feel it is incumbent on me to let our Ham community know of the consistently superlative quality of service that the entire Ham Radio Deluxe staff and technical support team have provided to me over the years, and the personal attention they have always demonstrated in the time I have been using the HRD software.

Ham Radio Deluxe has become indispensable to me, and is now a large part of the joy and fulfillment I experience when operating my station. The company's technical service is a stellar example of what is now so rare, and yet remains so sorely needed in our dehumanized world - a caring, interested and dedicated customer service that reflects the humanity, creativity and mutual respect that had always exemplified the best of what Amateur Radio is able to bring into our lives.
W6RMC Rating: 2021-05-10
Great Upgrade Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It is a little overkill for what I use it for. But it is an impressive piece of software. The most recent update included support for my new FTDX-10.

I used WIN-EQF for a very long time (15 years or so) before it became an orphan and stopped working correctly.

I used several trials before reading about HRD. I used the free version for a while and quickly upgraded to the full version. I'm glad I did.

The last upgrade gave me some problems. I couldn't get it configured correctly. I receive several suggestions via email with no success. An appointment was made for phone support which just ended. The problem was correctly quickly and I learned a bit too. Many thanks to Tim at HRD support for his quick action.

I highly recommend this product to everyone who asks.
VK4FACT Rating: 2021-03-16
awesome Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this software for about 3 months now and all i can say is i love it.Easy to use feature filled and more features getting added all the time.

It has a nice layout interconnects to google earth,has browser windows for such things as irlp nodes.

Very good piece of software and stable! i strongly recommend this...
AF5LA Rating: 2021-03-15
So many features in one product! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I had been using the old "free" version of Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) for about 8 years. About a year ago I decided to subscribe to the paid supported version, and I'm glad I did.

I had been limping along with an older radio communication protocol that partially matched my Icom 7100, but the new version supports my radio exactly.

Then I found features like integrated LOTW and eQSL uploads and downloads, FT8 automatic log entry into the Ham Radio Deluxe logbook and many other nice improvements that make the $99 subscription price well worth it.

Recently, though my LOTW download stopped working. Every time I tried it, my logbook would lockup and I had to kill it with Task Manger.

I reported the problem thru the HRD web support, and a tech responded by email the next morning. I tried his suggestions to no avail.

The tech scheduled an internet remote control session with me. Today, the tech called me and got on my computer to fix the problem. Turns out, I hadn't de-installed the old free version and I had pointed the new version to the old version logbook directory. This caused all manor of problems, so the tech decided to completely remove the old and new versions including several directories, registry settings, ODBC settings and communication settings! Whew, I was dizzy trying to keep track of it all!

He reinstalled the new version, got it setup with my radio, restored my logbook and made sure my SignaLink was interfaced properly.

He also tested the LOTW download and upload which worked correctly now.

This process took about an hour and a half, and the service is included with the $99 subscription fee.

I feel like the fee is very reasonable for all the features and support included, and I recommend this software without hesitation.
KD2OAM Rating: 2021-03-05
Great Customer Service on a Great Product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using HRD for almost 4 years now and it has been a fantastic piece of software. The icing on the cake is the tremendous support you receive while using this product. Several times now I have had to contact their tech service, with satisfied results each time. Two of the times I was the one that caused the issue and they still gladly worked with me to a satisfied resolution. They have even gone so far as to log into my computer and work through the issue while explaining the steps involved. HRD helps in a very timely manner to solve any problem expeditiously.

I enjoy using the rig control and the logging program as they are very robust and simple to configure to what I would like to see on my computer screen. The logging software works seamlessly with LOTW and QRZ once properly configured.

I would highly recommend the HRD software to anyone looking to have complete control of their amateur radio experience.
W8SBH Rating: 2020-11-23
Patience Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned it for about 4 years. I had no real issues with it until I went digital. Some of the issues were with the software being difficult for me to interpret especially because it has so many features. Another was due to my older laptop not having enough ummph to keep up with it. And lastly, my patience, or lack of it.
Having said all of that I used their help and spent quite a bit of time on the phone with them. They really were patient and finally got me going. Once all was straightened out it really is a great program. The integration of it with the logbook and qrz.com is especially good. It took a while but I am now happy that I have it and will continue to pay for the small yearly (voluntary) charge to have quick access to their techs. Oh, and it really works well with the IC-7300. Thanks Tim.
EA6Y Rating: 2020-09-19
A++ Support Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using HRD in my last 20 years and couple days ago after a PC crash i asked support them, really super fast and very profesional service .I really recommend that software that provide to a ham operator all that need in specially to make easy the automatic uploats to LoTW,Eqsl,HrdLog,Qrz

Very impressed with the human support!! great experice
N5RV Rating: 2020-08-02
Has been a Love-Hate Relationship Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used various versions of HRD for over a decade and for most of that time it has been a love-hate relationship. Meaning, I would get very upset with not being able to figure things out and not being able to maximize its use. Now, I actually love this software above all other all-in-ones for the fact that it is always there and with some extraordinary patience you can make it work just like you want it to. Now, I don't use the sat apps, but have in the past and felt they were quite good for the casual sat op, but it is really difficult to be a casual sat op, HIHI, so best to stick with the other more recommended dedicated sat apps. Just my opinion.

I enjoy HRD for the rig control and logging for m IC-7300, and its interface to my Winkeyer. I have played with DM780 for other digital modes and it is quite adequate and covers all the popular (except FTx and a few other modes), but also it is best to stick with the dedicated apps for those modes. The nice thing is that you can still use those dedicated apps and have them use HRD's rig control and logging features, which is great in my opinion.

I've watched other like apps come and go, and even HRD has hit a few bumpy roads along the way, but it is still here, strong as ever and ready to do what it is designed to do. Yes, I've hated HRD, but I always seem to go back to it because it has been more patient than me and stuck around. They also have great support and quick response when I've contacted them.

I'm a fan now!
K2KA Rating: 2020-06-05
Great program and support Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This program is the ultimate logging, rig control, digi mode software. Their tech support is fantastic. Especially Ferry PD9FER. Well worth the $99. Tech support $49 per year after.

June 5, 2020: DB was very slow and Tim KB3NPH recommended upgrading to SQL and Maria DB. I did so, it was easy and has now made my DB (22,568 Q's) very fast again. Before using Access it took sometimes a minute to pull up a call. Now in seconds. Thanks Tim, Great product, great support!