| N5NW |
Rating:    |
2000-11-21 | |
| Difficult to maintain |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I've owned the software for a while. Since I'm not very active, I haven't used a few of the features. Finally got the Internet spots to work over my home network. Overall, the program is quite nice, but I'm finding that modifying the database tables is quite challenging. No "download a new .CTY file" here -- you should be comfortable with modifying database tables in order to keep it current. I'm told that the 2001 version databases are compatible with MSAccess, but I'm not sure that will help. Mapping calls to countries, adding IOTA data, changing existing calls (like KG4 prefix to the continental US rather than Guantanamo Bay), etc., are all quite involved. Possible, but not simple. With an easier update process to the country files the program would be excellent, from basic logging up through the most complex station control. For basic, accurate logging though, this software is too difficult to maintain reliably. |
|
| W8ZF |
Rating:      |
2000-07-12 | |
| Feature-rich,ultra-reliable, well-supported! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've been using DXbase since version 1.0 (Jack and I wrote it!). I left Scientific Solutions about 3 years ago to spend more time with my family. I've not been very active the last few years so when the DX Ham bug bit again, I started looking at logging software. I wanted to start with a clean slate and compare the features, look-and-feel and interfaces of the various programs that are now available. Now, if anyone is going to be critical of logging programs (ESPECIALLY DXbase), it's going to be me. After talking to people locally and on the air, trying out demos and examining what I wanted to accomplish I have upgraded to DXbase 2001. Jack has continued with the sound foundation we started and has taken software for Hams to a new level. DXbase doesn't disappoint. It's fully compliant with the latest operating systems. It's rock-solid and ultra-reliable. It has features galore -- and they're easy and convenient to use. It is highly customizable yet you don't have to be an expert to use it. I recently operated a few hours in a contest and my 9-year-old daughter sat down to DXbase and logged my QSOs. Without ever seeing it or having logged before! I could go on and on about the impressive features, but you can see those on their web site. Preferences vary with indviduals but some facts don't. DXbase is one of the longest (if not THE longest) running logging programs around. There's a reason for that (hint: excellence in peformance, support and features)! DXbase's features are constantly imitated and cloned. DXbase was the first with true 32-bit design. It uses modern tools in its construction and operation (Microsoft Jet engine for the database). DXbase has continued to pioneer new features and continued to set the bar for other programs to shoot for. Do you want software from innovators or imitators? I know where I put MY money!
73, Dean W8ZF |
|
| N4CIW |
Rating:      |
2000-06-25 | |
| Quality & Professional |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| Quality & Professional: If this is what you want, this is THE application. Quality means the people behind the product listen actively to the customers and take their needs into consideration in an on-going basis. Professional means the people behind the product answer questions respectfully, timely, and competently. Labels, Reports, Award Totals are just a few clicks away. The Windows user interface is what I expect from Best-in-Class companies world-wide. Scientific Solutions delivers. The Help Desk and User Support are World-Class. Congratulations for an outstanding accomplishment! |
|
| W4GDG |
Rating:      |
2000-06-08 | |
| Simply Fantastic! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I almost had to write my own logging software because everything I looked at on the web was very "amateurish". But, after looking at DXbase, I was astonished to finally find something equal in quality to the other professional software I use. After using this for a few years, I can say without hesitation, it's absolutely fantistic. You owe it to yourself to check this out. |
|
| W4NU |
Rating:      |
2000-06-08 | |
| Excellent Logging Program |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been using DXBase since the DOS 2.0 version. It interfaces
well with my transceiver and VHF packet, and is perfect for a DXer
who has been at it for 40 years. It was hard to leave the DOS version,
but the internet interface added a new dimension, and was the
deciding factor.
I think DXBase 2001 is the best overall logging program out there.
Now, it is a different animal from CT and TRLog, and cannot really be
compared with them. I have tried many, and still come back to DX-
Base.
|
|
| KG8DH |
Rating:      |
2000-06-07 | |
| Best one out there |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been a dxbase user since the dos version 3.1 I was reluctant to upgrade to the windows version because I was so pleased with the dos version. Late last year, I finally upgraded to dxbase 2000. I am extremely happy I did. All the information is contained in one file which makes backups easier. I upgraded to 2001 when I purchased it at Dayton this year. It is even better than 2000. I have tried the demo versions of some of the other loggers out there, and there is nothing close to dxbase in my opinion.
|
|
| N9AZZ |
Rating:      |
2000-06-06 | |
| Great stuff, full featured |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I have been using DX Base since 1998. I have found it to be a full featured, and well written piece of software. I have upgraded to both the 2000 version, as well as the 2001 version. Each upgrade has netted advanced features, not just a bunch of fixes for problems associated with earlier versions as with some other software packages. The program has excellent support. Via either direct E mail to the author, or from a mail reflector used by the programs many users. The program is a complete one-stop package. It can be used for every aspect of dxing. It keeps complete statistical data on all the popular awards. You can at a glance watch a DX spot come from either the packet network, or the Internet, or both, and know whether you need that country, on a particular band, or mode. And if that station has been worked before, when and where you worked him, and whether your QSL card has been answered. Also it’s a point and click world, after working a station listed on one of the clusters, a simple click on the entry and it will log the station, filling in the frequency and mode obtained from your radio. The day and date from the computer. as well as zones, prefix, and many other data entries from its internal databases. With the new DXCC entities popping up, adding a new one, or changing data from an old one is a snap. The internal databases for this data are easily added onto, or changed. And when it’s time to send out QSL, an advanced label printing routine exists. It is truly a dream to use. I have only touched on a few of the programs features, there are many more. I would recommend this package to any Dxer who wants the best. |
|
| AK4Z |
Rating:      |
2000-06-05 | |
| Excellent Full Featured Logging Program That Just Gets Better |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I recently upgraded to DXbase 2001. I have used DXbase for several years and it continues to get better with each release. The latest version added a feature I really wanted - rotator control. I use a Yaesu rotator (other brands are supported). My computer is an older 200 Mhz machine with Windows 98 and this software has worked flawlessly. I have found lots of help and tips by subscribing to the dxbase reflector. The technical support has been terrific too. I have always been able to get responsive answers to my questions. Suggestions for new features are well received and often implemented. You will be hard pressed to find any better logging software on the market. |
|
| LA7QI |
Rating:      |
2000-06-04 | |
| All you need for logging and tracking clusters |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Having been user of DXbase since early days starting with DXbase 97, this fullblood windows logging program is covering all your needs. It performs great with internet clusters concurrently with your local VHF-packet cluster. Updating DXCC is an very ease task, takes only minutes to complete the ARRL forms. All you need in the QSO-log is there, a user friendly manager database, it is running fast, and storing all in an access database, meaning only one file to back up. It is stable, and you never accidently loose any QSO that is not updated. The QSL card and label designing is a great performer, letting you design easily your own cards or labels to your needs an national sizes available. Go ahead and give it a try yourself. |
|
| N4CC |
Rating:      |
2000-06-04 | |
| THE ULTIMATE LOGGER |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've been a user of DXBase since its earliest DOS based version. The new Windows based version 2001 is quite sophisticated in its capabilities yet it is straightforward to learn and has excellent help facilities if desired. Appearance on screen can be customized -- both in configuration and color. Dockable windows make for a neat screen with all the information you want available to you at a glance. Features -- wow -- too many to put in a review. The awards tracking is great with very fast access to screens which show DXCC totals, WAZ totals, WAS totals, IOTA totals, etc. It has a built in package of reports or you can completely customize a report. The program interfaces well with radios, VHF packet cluster, internet clusters, AND will even ROTATE your antenna (assuming you have a rotator that is capable) with the new rotator interface. Want to send CW with your keyboard? It will do it.
The DXCC summary is the best I've seen in a logging program. You can see a summary by band, by mode, by worked, by not-worked, by worked but not confirmed, by confirmed...tremendously flexible.
The QSL label program that is included allows you to use prescribed labels or COMPLETELY design your own. It will also let you fill things in the way YOU want to see them... If you want to put A-1 instead of CW on your QSL, you can do it. If you want 20 meters instead of 14 mhz, it will do it. If you want 14,195 on the label it will deliver that as well. Want to print more than one color...no problem. Flexibility is virtually unlimited.
The best thing about DXBase 2001 (or any version) is the support from the staff at Scientific Solutions. They listen to suggestions and try to incorporate the most popular ones in new versions, AND the cost to upgrade is very reasonable. DXBase is one of my favorite things in the hamshack. I could go on...but my opinion is that you shouldn't miss the chance to own the best! |
|