| N8WXQ |
Rating:   |
2023-01-17 | |
| Was a great program but now many problems |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have used WriteLog since about the year 2000 and I have found it rather easy to use. I use one of the last version 11 releases with my IC-7600 and Pk232 without issues. I am not using version 12 because the CI -V did not function with the 7600. I think this has been fixed by a revision of the Icom firmware. Recently, I have tried to use Version 12.68H with an IC-705. CI-V works fine but CW keying does not work via the radio's USB port. WinKeyer does not work either. Other Hams have had similar experiences (E-Mail) Users of IC-7610, IC-7300 and IC-705 seem to have difficulties with CW and perhaps RTTY keying. So far no help from the author.
The help menu is now nearly useless as it is very out of date. There are significant differences between version 11 and 12 that are not addressed. I have been able to solve these same with ease or modest difficulty in other contest loggers.
I like this program but critical issues need resolution. |
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| N8VZ |
Rating:      |
2021-12-13 | |
| Latest Version Works Great! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I've used WriteLog on and off for at least 15 years. There was a period of time when some of the releases were a bit buggy, but the lastest one (12.61E) seems rock solid. It is lighter on resources and, in my opinion, is more user-friendly than N1MM. I don't particularly like the routine of paying $30.00 each year to continue getting upgrades. There's not any discount for current users, as is the case with most software. But, I find that when you get a solid release this is the best contesting program available. If you don't mind paying the price, I highly recommend it. |
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| SM0HRP |
Rating:      |
2017-09-07 | |
| Great for Flex with new super contest simulator!! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I have been testing SO2R with Flex-6700. I am amazed how well Writelog performs with my Flex. the new Contest Super Simulator is just awesome. Cannot find any better around. I have tested them all.
I believe Writelog deserves being looked into as a top notch contest logger for also Flex users. |
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| W4RS |
Rating:  |
2017-04-01 | |
| nothing but greif with ver 12.01 |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have used writelog in many contest, dx3r and dx2r. but they have been the older versions. it seems there are just to many problems in ver 12.01 for it to run . after a day of trying to get it to work, I have given up and gone back to the very old version, that does not look as pretty, but that works. many many problems in this, no support after a year, no free upgrades for their mistakes.and with the older ver's dx2r is number 8 in the world in the cqww ritty 2016. so we know how to use it.
jim, w4rs, du3jh.du3r. dx2r, dx3r |
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| K2OWR |
Rating:   |
2015-11-04 | |
| Had enough grief |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| After years and years of contesting with this, and every time I fire it up there's some new oddity. So many problems with the qso party module I couldn't take it anymore. When you need support you are warned that they have other lives and you may have to wait awhile for a response....seriously? Then when you reach them you need to be sure your version is not more than a year old or you have to pay $3o all over again. Thru the years I have paid for it several times and just got tired of the whole ordeal. I finally got pushed into using the same FREE software most of the contest community uses and found it to be incredible! |
|
| K6UFO |
Rating:      |
2012-01-12 | |
| Excellent! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been using Writelog for ten years, installing, updating and configuring Single Op, Multi Op, SO2R, CW, SSB and RTTY contest stations at three different locations. Writelog allows me to compete limited only by my own abilities, not limited by the software. It can appear complex - due to all the capabilities it needs to provide.
It can sometimes be confusing to get things set right - but this is the case with all Top Level contesting software. I appreciate that the authors limit releases to prevent the software from changing too wildly. Most questions can be answered by a careful review of the help files and email reflector. The authors provide support when they can, but it would cost a lot more to have instantaneous 24x7 support. The yearly upgrade cost is very reasonable. I have used other contesting software, and keep returning to Writelog with a sigh of relief.
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|
| WQ7X |
Rating:  |
2010-02-19 | |
| No support |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
No support at all. I have tried to install10.53 on my new computer and the program doesn't
recognize registration code any more. I'm being forced to purchase the new version of this software. I don't need new version. I paid for this 10.53 and that is what I need.
Of course W5XD can't provide registration code for 10.53. Why would I need new code??
I would have to assume that there is timing in the code. I have paid for the product that didn't specify any time limit. Bad business!!!!
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|
| K6RIM |
Rating:      |
2009-09-05 | |
| Powerful & Reliable |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Have been using Writelog for at least ten years, and I'm an extremely satisfied user. As with any powerful software, there is a learning curve.
Have read a few complaints that serial port generated CW can be choppy, but I have always generated CW in this manner without any problems whatsoever.
Periodic upgrades are available, and my experience is that the upgrade code is received promptly after e-mailing payment information to Ron, usually in less than 30 minutes!
Highly recommended!
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|
| former_WA6L_JG |
Rating:      |
2009-03-05 | |
| Solid, Dependable, and Bulletproof |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Contesting is a complicated business. You have to deal with different exchanges, duplicate detection, different logging format requirements, cabrillo file preparation, macros, scoring, QSO rates, and many other factors. Therefore it stands to reason that any software you buy to help you with these tasks will be complicated as well.
Writelog is no exception. You are not going to install it and start operating your first contest in an hour. It takes time to read through all the help files and get everything configured. I always find it amusing when Hams write a negative review of a product because it is "too complicated." What they mean to say is that they are too lazy or too dense to figure things out on their own.
In the almost three years that I have been using Writelog, I have found answers to every question I had (and there have been many) in the help files. If for some reason you can't find it or can't figure it out via the help files, there is an active and friendly forum available that will help you find the answer.
I have tried several different contesting loggers, and I keep coming back to Writelog. Yes, it has an incredible feature set. But so do many competing products. Yes, it is reliable, but ditto for the other loggers out there. In my mind, there are two things that separate Writelog from the others.
First is the networking capabilities. The networking was upgraded a year or two ago and it is now bulletproof. When running multi-multi, you have all the standard networking features including chat, instant log updates on all computers, and band listing for all rigs. It also has a lock-out feature, which you can set up to ensure that only one rig is transmitting at a time. That is very handy to ensure you are complying with all the rules in some contests.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, is the redundancy of the logging system. It is almost impossible to lose log entries.
When operating single-op, Writelog keeps QSO records in a temporary cache as well as in the log. So if there is a computer crash, you won't lose records since the last save. As you bring the computer back on line, it will recover the unsaved records and prompt you to put them back in the log.
The networking capability gives you even greater redundancy. If you are running multi-multi, there is a copy of the entire log on each computer. So you can literally take one computer, throw it in a lake, and you haven't lost a single QSO. Further, if you own two computers, you can have both of them running Writelog even if you are just a single op. That way your log is duplicated to the other computer automatically.
Writelog is serious software for serious contesters. I don't think you will find a better product out there at any cost.
Thanks and 73,
John, WA6L
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|
| VE2DC |
Rating:     |
2009-02-01 | |
| Works well but not so cheap. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
As somebody pointed out it is now only $30. But keep in mind, $30 only buys support for one year. I'm also a little miffed that those who paid $75 weren't given an extra years support!
Nonetheless, it works well. I particularly like the CW decoder as it provides back-up if you get distracted or if you are not quite sure you copied a call. Its the best CW decoder I've tried. The only negative is the bizarre, poorly documented, non-intuitive setup. The setup for serial ports is just plain wierd and harks back to days when only 4 COM ports were supported by Windows. Once you figure it out, however, the program is very reliable. |
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