Hi Tim. I think I see your call just about every day on the DX-IS forum! Once upon a time, I also used DXBase. When I discovered DXLabs a number of years ago, I departed DXBase and started using DXLabs and have never looked back.
Now a word of caution... With your experience in DXBase, the learning curve may likely be less than someone else coming in "cold." There *is* a learning curve with DXLabs. The logging program is DXKeeper and it somewhat reminded me of DXBase when I first started using it. In fact, one of the major import options is to import your DXBase log. The author of DXLabs is Dave Bernstein, AA6YQ. He is something to behold. He seemingly never sleeps, runs a Yahoo forum (he and W3ZJ moderate the forum) and thinks there's no such thing as a dumb question. He is incredibly tolerant! My personal opinion is that everyone should read at least *some* of the documentation, but when he encounters the mindset of "...it's easier to come here and ask questions than it is to do research!..." he's far more tolerant than I think I would be! He is a "hand holder" of the first order. Unless you're downright rude or nasty, Dave will work closely with you (exchanging file data if necessary) to solve problems. Dave's recommendation is to pick up on piece of the DXLabs software (there are half a dozen applications, but they're nicely managed by the Lab Launcher) and gain proficiency with it, and then pick up the next one, etc. One of the main reasons I gravitated to it and stayed there is because of its querying capability. It's an Access database and, as such, you can write SQLs and scripts - you can filter your log by date, by zone, by mobile, by individual call, by DXCC entity, the list goes on. The awards is second to none - you can track DXCC, WPX, WAZ, the CQ DX Marathon, counties, IOTA - and for the ones you want to track that are somewhat obscure, there are a number of user-defined fields. Operation with both LotW and eQSL is virtually seamless - DXKeeper can "talk" to your TQSL for "signing" data to be uploaded, do the syncing, etc. A couple of mouse clicks (after you're set up, of course) and you're off and running. I have no affiliation with DXLabs other than as a satisfied customer. There can't be any fiduciary concerns as DXLabs is free! Oh yeah, if you like, you can print QSL labels, QSL cards, numerous reports, etc. The only potential negative? Dave has a very fundamental part of the coding that works as a contest mode - that's mainly so you can create a Cabrillo file. Dave makes no bones that he doesn't intend to "do contests." For those desiring a free program with excellent contesting capabilities, one need only turn to N1MM - also incredibly well supported by the author and a team of assisting programmers. There are some features of DXLabs I don't use. However, if you decide to go that route and are too shy to ask for help on the forum, I would be happy to help you in any way I can. As a basically casual contester but avid DXer (need 1 more to get on the Honor Roll) I use DXLabs mostly for tracking DXCC. But I have reasonably good experience with many facets of the software and would be happy to help, if necessary. Sincerely, Art - N4PJ On Wed, May 9, 2012 at 5:09 PM, KQ8M <[email protected]> wrote: > I have been using DXBase for many years and with its apparent demise I am > looking for another logging program. Preferably one that will read both > VFO's when split and log them as well as spot the QSX freq in the comment > section of the spot. I have looked at DXLabs, Ham Logger32. What are some > of > the other recommendations from you guys? Again preferably with what I said > above and also with the new LOTW application format. > > Thank you all. > > Tim Herrick, KQ8M > Charter Member North Coast Contesters > [email protected] > > AR-Cluster V6 kq8m.no-ip.org > User Ports: 23, 7373 with local skimmer, 7374 without local skimmer > Server Ports: V6 3607, V4 Active 3605, V4 Passive 3606 > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
