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Reviews For: EasyLog

Category: Ham Logging Software

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Review Summary For : EasyLog
Reviews: 10MSRP: 89.54
Description:
Advanced logging software for Radio Amateurs
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.easylog.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00104.6
WA1GS Rating: 2010-12-24
excellent program &support Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I tried various logging programs and finally chose EasyLog.I find EasyLog to be the easiest to learn to use.It is very intuitive and provides me with all the functions I need and then some! The tech support provided by Jim Sims(W5RYA)is outstanding! He is the North America distributor of the program. I was having some initial problems with the installation. Jim and I exchanged emails to try to resolve the problem. After a few emails with still no resolution, Jim took it upon himself to telephone me and walk me thru the steps to discover what I was doing wrong. Needless to say, after that phone call the program was up and running. Where else can you get tech support like that!! Get the program, you will not be disappointed.
RFDANNY Rating: 2008-07-28
I'm Done Time Owned: more than 12 months.
An expensive mistake. This software frequently locks up my Windows XP machine when all other programs run fine. With a little more refinement, this program could one day be the cream of the crop. The current features and instability problems should cause you to pass for now. If it didn't lock up, I would have given it a "4". Try Logger32 for free...it's the current #1 package.
KZ5I Rating: 2008-03-26
Easy and Powerful Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just started using Easy Log and for me it is a new experience. Having always been a person that likes to write on a log book this software actually makes me WANT to use my laptop for all my logging.

A great program !
IK2DZN Rating: 2007-08-16
# 1 Logging Software Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using EASYLOG for the last 15 years following all updates in the meantime.

The software is stable and simple, very intuitive yet complete. It's more than a simple logging software: it's an outstandig radio utility suite. In my opinion awards tracking and cluster info are the best I have seen around. Looking forward to testing LOTW integration...

The developers listen to clients and this is another great thing. Please, continue this way.
KI4MFH Rating: 2006-04-21
Best Logging Program Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used EasyLog 5.0 for over 6 months now, and want to pass along my experiences with this program.

First, I hesitate to call it a "logging" program, as if goes far beyond the typical logger. I have tried many different programs - shareware as well as commercial, and this is the best by far.

It is the additional features, such as Internet and Radio DX Clusters (4), CW and Voice Keyers, internal PSK-31 support and rig control that sets EasyLog apart from other programs.

For DXers, the "Running Window" is tops. This window is integrated with the DX Clusters, allowing you to transfer information from a cluster report directly into the Running Window. From the Running Window you can then transfer the information directly to the radio, automatically setting the band and frequency. Basically point and shoot DX.

You can also enter a call directly in the Running Window and the particulars for the operator are displayed: country, name and QTH. It also displays prior QSOs for the call.

Awards Program Management is also integrated into the Running Window. When a call is entered, the status for the country is displayed: never worked, worked or confirmed. The default Running Window tracks DXCC, WAZ, WPX and WAC information.

EasyLog has a QSL module that allows you to create templates for printing either directly to the QSL card, or to labels.

As expected of a commercial program, there is a robust set of back-up and restore tools as well.

Rig Control via RS-232 is simple, and allows software control of band, mode and frequency, as well as split frequency operations.

Support is always a key issue when buying a commercial software package. Support for EasyLog is great. Emails are answered within 1 day or so and actually provide useful solutions. Updates are free and you receive email notification when a new module is available from their website.

Is EasyLog perfect? No, as can be expected. The software is in a constant state of update based upon customer recommendations, which is good!

If I had to identify one shortcoming it would be the set length of data fields. It would be nice to be able to modify the length of stored strings of data.

Overall, when compared to other packages - freeware as well as commercial, EasyLog is tops. Be aware, there is a learning curve as the program performs a large number of different operations. Overall, familiarization with the software comes quickly and it becomes a pleasure to use.

I mainly chase DX, so that is my primary area of concern. The features offered to the DXer are beyond compare. From a voice announcing the call signs of new DX, to transferring the data to the Running Window then the rig can be done in a few seconds. An important consideration for the DX stations drawing a large pile-up.



W4TME Rating: 2006-04-14
It IS one of the Best! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have to disagree with the anonymous (no name or call provided) posting by SMHAM and say that EL5 IS one of the very best loggers. Loggers are like gloves; they all cover your hand, but some feel much better than others. EL5 is one that wears like fine Italian leather!

I have been using EL5 over the past year or so and the current 5.1.x version of EL5 works great and the updates that come out several times a year shows that they are dedicated to making EL5 even better. I have tried a ALL of the Windows logging programs; free and must pay before you use, and I can say for certain that EL5 is one of the two best "designed for Windows (not a DOS port)" applications I have used. The logging form is intuitive and the "running" mode feature is great for contests or those "mini" pileups that can occur when 6 meters opens up in summer. There are capabilities to list satellite as well as HF QSOs. In addition there is support for tons of different log books so you can organize your operating activities as you wish. Of course, there is integration with logbooks so you can populate your QSOs with name and QTH data.

Some of the absolute best features revolve around the integration with DX clusters. You can define up to four DX cluster sources (both TNC and Internet based) and the spotting capabilities and integration with your rig makes zeroing in on that rare DX station a breeze. The other great feature is the award tracking capabilities. You can easily see what you have worked and find QSOs that you need to use for an award submittal. There are also lots of "plug-ins" for many different awards and the capability to add more.

All of the basic database functions, such as indexing, searching, data imports and exports work great. You have the ability to import and export data in standard ADIF 2.0 format so migrating from one logging program to the other is simple.

There are also some very rich capabilities for QSL management. There is a free form QSL card designer that lets you create your own unique QSL card with QSO information included. Just print as many as you need. Selecting QSOs from the logbook for QSL printing is easy and there are facilities for exporting QSO data to LotW and e-QSL too.

Also the support you get from the EL5 Yahoo discussion group and the great developers in Italy is top notch.

Now, you don't have to take my word for it, you can down load a FULLY functional version (no crippleware) to evaluate for yourself.

-Tim (W4TME)
SMHAM Rating: 2006-03-10
Not the very best but close Time Owned: N.A.
No, EasyLog is not "Simply the Best". I have tried almost every logging software available over more than two decades. There is only one piece of software that comes close to ´absolutely perfect´ when you only consider what the software can do and not how it does it, that is DXBase.

EasyLog lacks full IOTA-support in every respect, DXBase has it.

EasyLog lacks support for all available CDROM callboks, DxBase has it.

DXBase lacks support for the major QSL manager lists, DXBase has it.

No other software available can generate reports on your log like DXBase.

However, DXBase is certainly not for the beginner. The database is not hidden. You enter your QSOs directly in the database, not through an entry form. This is most confusing for everyone but the most experienced users. There are some bugs in every release due to the complexity of the software.

If you are a non-native English speaker who can´t excel in English and fully understand advanced database topics in the manual, DXBase is not for you.

Easylog is the second best logging software on the market today. One of my friends, who are not completely fluent in English, use it. I have used the software extensively helping him out. The different language versions, among them Swedish, is of course a big plus for those non-fluent in English. DXBase is only available in English.

The features of EasyLog comes very close to DXBase. It is not a big issue if you don't belong to the serious award hunters, use all kinds of callbook CDROMs etc.

The only big disadvantage in my opinion is the lack of support for the W6GO QSL manager list.
It is probably the most accurate source of QSL manager information today. You can get weekly updates by e-mail. I really appreciate the support for this database in DXBase. My friend miss it in EasyLog as well. Maybe a future feature in EasyLog?

The EasyLog support is much better than for DXBase. You have to download things and change database entries yourself in DXBase. Not so with Easylog. Again, DXBase demands a professional user, EasyLog does not.

If you are a non-native English speaker with less than expert computer knowledge, go for EasyLog.

If you are completely fluent in English and an expert user who can live with a not-so-perfect support, go for DXBase.

Whichever you choose, you will not regret it. They are both excellent pieces of software. Just remember: "There ain't no such thing as the perfect software"
SM0IMJ Rating: 2005-07-20
New improved release Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hi,
EasyLog is continuosly beeing improved.
Over tha last year, a number of features has been added.
The integration between log, DX-cluster, rig control, award checking, etc. is just great.
I have been testing a lot of different logging SW, but this one still hold the top rank in my list.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by SM0IMJ on 2004-11-05

Hi all,
I have tested a whole bunch of different logging/cluster software, both "freeware" and "payware".
EasyLog has completed the task to join log, DX cluster and radio control into a simple to use and stable package. With the additional features included, it's simply the best.

I also know that the development team behind EasyLog is working on the next release.
With the stable and feature rich starting point in version 5.0.0.11, the next version will probably be a real killer.
WB4M Rating: 2004-08-15
Great program Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been evaluating the trial version (v5, not the "lite" version) for about a month now, using it daily. I have found it to be a very colorful, extensive logging program, well described by GI4XFN. Since he gave such a nice review, I won't repeat his comments.
I find it very comparable to DX4WIN in almost every respect.
I'll give you my main dislike: the main one Not having an available HELP file from the main screen. (at least not in the trial version) The HELP files are all .pdf files, you have to go "outside" of the program to read them, or at least print them as a manual does not come with the program.
As for cost, it is a bit cheaper than DX4WIN, but I must admit there are a lot of FREE programs available.
Like other comparable programs EL takes care of logging, QSL'ing, Award tracking, DX spots, etc.. a great program that should meet anyone's needs. My ADIF file imported perfectly into EasyLog.
GI4XFN Rating: 2004-03-27
Full Review Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I find this logging software to be easy to use as well as rich in features. I enjoy it very

much. I also want to make this review a little more oriented to the features of the

software than most of the reviews I have read here. I will apologize in advance for this

review being long, but there are many features that I want to cover. I will not cover

everything, but you can see the complete, illustrated features list on the web at

www.easylog.com.

The number of logs that can be kept in EasyLog 5.0 is limited only by the amount of

disk space available. You can have as many as five logs open at the same time. Switching

the active log between them is done by clicking on one of the five tabs at the right of the

log window of the main window. Adding a QSO to the active log is done by clicking on the

ADD button at the bottom of the log display. A window opens with the usual QSO information;

Date, Time, Call, Frequency, Mode, Name, QTH, etc. It also includes a place to add a QSL

manager call, Power and if the QSO was via satellite. The band plans for Regions 1, 2, and

3 are available to this window so that when you enter the frequency, it can automatically

fill in the band and mode. You can also directly access the log properties from the Add QSO

window. Rules may be set up to add the QSO to the QSL Buffer from which the contact

information may be printed on cards or labels by using the innovative QSL Wizard. You can

scan received QSL cards and attach an image of the card to the QSO in the log. The log

window color codes each log entry with white background for unconfirmed and green for

confirmed. A small window above the log automatically searches the QSL manager database and

shows the call if it is in the database. Updates for this database can be downloaded free

from the user-reserved area of www.easylog.com.

Above the log window on the left side is the Awards Window. This window shows the

award information for DXCC, WAC, WAZ, WPX and ITU Zone. Adjacent to this to the left is a

QRB window showing the distance to the station in Km and the beam azimuth angle for long and

short path to the station. Immediately to the right of this is the time and date window

that shows time and date for you, UTC, and the Station in the highlighted log entry. If

you have a call book CD, you can look up the highlighted call on it. You can look up the

history of QSOs for the highlighted log entry. You can also see prior data for the call as

you are entering the log entry during the contact. There is a memo dialog box for each QSO

so you can enter longer comments than the Notes field allows.

Award support is another excellent feature of EasyLog 5.0. Status for DXCC, WPX,

WAZ and WAC is updated when the contact is entered into the log and when received QSL cards

are recorded. EasyLog 5.0 has a highly accurate entity recognition scheme for determining

the DXCC entity from the call sign. In the rare case that it either can not identify or

misidentifies the DXCC entity, you have the ability to manually set the entity. Included is

tracking software for more than 100 additional custom awards as well as provisions for

tracking IOTA awards. Thirty of these custom awards can be installed to any given log. You

can also create your own custom award, if you wish. By clicking on the Awards button at the

bottom of the log window, a dialog box will open and you can review the status of any of the

installed awards. The window shows what has been worked, confirmed and credited. You can

print reports for each of these awards for showing the complete status, qualifying entities

that have not been worked, those worked but not confirmed, and those confirmed but not

credited.

The DX Cluster support allows simultaneous connection to two internet DX Clusters

and two packet radio clusters. Simultaneous or near simultaneous spots on multiple clusters

can be suppressed. Voice announcement of DX spots is available through the computer

speakers. The voice recorded for these spots are those of a native speaker of the language

installed for EasyLog 5.0. There is a new dockable DX alert window that receives the DX

spot information from the active open DX cluster.

Windows from which you may operate PSK31 and PSK63 are included as well as a

“Running” window. You will need to have the appropriate cabling for the PSK windows. The

Running window is for use in DXing or Contesting and is a streamlined method of logging a

rapid run of QSOs.

There is radio support for major manufacturers of Amateur Radio equipment. Cables

and interfaces are not supplied. There are two interfaces that can support a different

manufacturer’s radio on each interface.

There is a converter utility to allow importing of EasyLog 4 logs. It also allows

copying QSOs between EasyLog 5 files. There is also a bidirectional ADIF converter.

The new QSL Wizard is a utility that facilitates printing QSO information on labels

or directly on QSL cards. It includes also a visual designer for designing the output to

labels or cards customized to whatever label or cards you wish to use. A limited number of

these support files are included in the software.

Print Awards Utility – This utility will print the official forms for applications for DXCC,

WPX, WAZ, and WAC.

World maps – These maps have DXCC, IOTA, and worldwide locator grid presentations with the

award status shown on the maps along with sunrise, sunset and gray line.

Programmable Voice and CW keyers are included.

There is a Palm OS copy of EasyLog 5 included with the ability to electronically move the

QSO data from the Palm to EasyLog 5.

For the DXer who simply has to be up to date on the DX cluster spots, an interface to a GMS

cell phone is included.

A backup utility that supports hard drive, floppy, and CD ROM is included. For the hard

drive, a circular automated backup can be scheduled.

EasyLog is advanced logging software for Radio Amateurs. It is written by Microware

Software, s.n.c., a software company based in Italy. They have been writing logging

software since 1989 and have produced continuous and substantial improvements in each new

release. It is available in English, Italian, German, Swedish and Spanish. The manuals are

available in all these languages in .PDF format and can be printed. Technical support is

available in all five of these languages. Other languages are being worked on at this time.

73 GI4XFN